People Notice: Acts 4:13-21

May 30, 2026

What do people notice about your life? In this message, Adam Woods walks through Acts 4:13-21 and shows how Peter and John stood out, not because they were impressive on paper, but because they had clearly been with Jesus. Their courage, their words, and their refusal to stay silent made one thing obvious: Jesus had changed them.

In this message, Adam explains that the real problem is not simply a lack of Bible knowledge or better behavior. The deeper issue is that many people know about Jesus without actually being with Jesus. That is why this sermon speaks to real life so clearly. It helps the person who feels nervous about standing for what is right, the student who wants to live differently at school, the parent trying to lead their family with faith, and the spiritually curious person asking what genuine life change actually looks like. It also answers questions people really ask, like “how do I live boldly for Jesus,” “why does faith change the way a person talks,” and “what does the Bible say about courage and witness.”

In Acts 4:13, the religious leaders “were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus” (NIV). Adam shows that people who are with Jesus act differently and speak differently. Courage grows. Words change. A life filled with Jesus starts to overflow in everyday conversations, choices, and relationships. The biblical answer this message offers is simple and practical: if you want a changed life, start by being with Jesus through prayer, Scripture, obedience, worship, and life with His people.

In this message from The Crossing in Milton, DE, Adam Woods invites not-yet-believers to explore Jesus seriously and take a real next step toward repentance and baptism into Christ. He also challenges believers to spend intentional time with Jesus this week and let that relationship shape how they act, speak, and love others in public and private.

In “People Notice,” Adam Woods teaches at The Crossing in Milton, DE that Acts 4:13-21 shows how ordinary people become noticeably different when they have been with Jesus. Peter and John were unschooled, ordinary men, yet their courage before the religious leaders made it clear that Jesus had changed them. The sermon argues that true discipleship is more than knowing facts about Jesus; it is living in close relationship with Him so that your actions, words, and witness reflect His presence.

In this sermon, Adam Woods explains that Acts 4:13 shows how ordinary men looked different because Jesus had changed them. Their courage and clarity made it obvious they had been with Him, which is the main point The Crossing highlights from this passage.

Adam Woods uses Acts 4:13-21 to show that courage, kindness, truth-telling, and natural conversations about Jesus flow out of a heart filled with Him. When you spend time with Jesus, people notice in two big ways: how you act and how you speak. 

In this message, Adam Woods points out that Peter used to be afraid and even denied Jesus, but after the resurrection and the Holy Spirit, he became bold. The Crossing shows that their refusal to stop talking about Jesus, even when ordered to be silent, is an example of doing the right thing no matter what.

The sermon uses a sponge illustration to show that whatever fills you comes out of you. Adam Woods explains that when Jesus fills your life, your words become more loving, honest, encouraging, and you naturally talk about what He has done, just like Peter and John in Acts 4:19-20.

God does not just want people to know facts about Jesus. Adam teaches that Peter and John were noticed because they had been with Jesus through relationship, prayer, obedience, and communion with Him, and that is what leads to real life change.