Bonds of Steel

“You can’t have revival without love.”

With those powerful words, guest speaker and longtime friend of The Roads Church, Lee Grady, set the tone for his message Bonds of Steel. Drawing from the life of the Apostle Paul, Lee reminds us that God’s Kingdom advances not only through miracles, healings, and signs but also through strong, Spirit-formed relationships.

In Acts 16, Paul meets Timothy, a young believer who becomes his companion in ministry. Later, Luke joins the team, and the language in Acts shifts from “they” to “we,” signaling the power of fellowship. These bonds of steel—relationships forged in Christ—became the foundation for spreading the gospel. Paul’s mentorship of Timothy, his friendship with Barnabas, and his partnership with Luke illustrate that no one fulfills their calling alone.

Lee challenges us to embrace the same model today. Every believer needs a Paul (mentor), a Barnabas (friend), and a Timothy (disciple). Yet many Christians shy away from relationships because of hurt, offense, or past wounds. Through Scripture, including Acts 2:42 and 2 Timothy 3:1–5, we are reminded that God heals our brokenness so that we can walk in love, forgiveness, and unity.

This message calls us to more than Sunday attendance. It’s an invitation to open our homes, share meals, pray together, and intentionally invest in others. Real revival is sustained when God’s people love one another with bonds that cannot be broken.

If you’ve struggled with loneliness, disconnection, or church hurt, Bonds of Steel will encourage you to let God heal your heart and draw you into deeper fellowship with His family. Revival isn’t just power—it’s love lived out in community.

Key Scriptures: Acts 16, Acts 2:42, 2 Timothy 3:1–5