Miracles

Why Miracles

We believe that God works miracles today by the power of the Holy Spirit to bless people and advance his kingdom. In 2023, we are believing God for miracles that will testify to his power and create new opportunities for the gospel to advance. The sermon series will focus on the 7 miracles John recounts as signs pointing people to faith in Jesus as the Son of God.

Introduction

Matthew 28:16–20, Jeremiah 32:27, Luke 18:27

“‘[. . . ] John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’ So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.’” — Acts 1:5–8 Acts 1:6–11 is often referred to as the thesis statement of Acts, setting the stage for the rest of the book. The themes found in this passage continue throughout the rest of Acts—the Holy Spirit will empower, lead, and guide God’s people as they advance his kingdom. In Matthew 28, Jesus gives his disciples the Great Commission to “go make disciples of all nations,” but in Acts 1:8 he gives them the power necessary to fulfill such a mission. Throughout the Old Testament, the Spirit of God would come upon people for a specific time to do miraculous things and then depart from them. But after the miracle of Christ’s resurrection in the New Testament, the Spirit was given to remain with God’s people. He was sent to stay with us. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, Jesus gives his disciples the supernatural power to be his witnesses and live a life that honors God. The stories we see throughout Acts are marked by the miraculous. Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines a miracle as a “divine intervention in human affairs.” God is still intervening, even today. He still loves to cause a miracle to testify to the truthfulness of the gospel. He demonstrates his power to show his love to his people, through his people, and for the world. The miraculous is always tied to the mission in Acts 1—that we would be witnesses of God, his goodness, and his power. God performs miracles so that we can know God and let him be known. Reflect: 1. Has there been a time when God divinely intervened in your life? 2. Set aside time to pray and thank God for his power and goodness. Faith Step: Write down some practical ways that you can be a witness in your everyday life. Pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for stepping into our broken world to change our circumstances for good. Your Word is full of miracles that display your love, power, and goodness. I pray that you would open my heart to truly believe you can do all things. You are the Almighty, kind and worthy of praise, and I am ready to see you at work in my life and through my life this week. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Day 1

Isaiah 52:7, Romans 10:14–17, Acts 2:9–41, Exodus 4:10–12

“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?’ But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: ‘Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words.’” — Acts 2:1–8, 14 In Jewish tradition, the Feast of Pentecost was a time to thank God for the firstfruits of the wheat harvest. In Acts 2, the disciples celebrate a different kind of harvest at Pentecost: a harvest of people who respond to the gospel. Jesus tells the disciples in Acts 1 that they will be his witnesses to the ends of the earth, and then in Acts 2, he gives them the power of the Holy Spirit, a gift necessary to fulfill that calling. The Holy Spirit is the gift of God himself, dwelling within believers and empowering us not only to live a Christian life but also to be conduits for miracles. Each sign and wonder that the Holy Spirit does through believers points us back to the miracle of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. But let’s rewind to the Great Commission. Jesus gives his followers the command to go and make disciples of all nations. That may sound impossible, but here’s where we rely on God’s power with faith and obedience. The Holy Spirit empowers us to do what we cannot. On the day of Pentecost, the disciples receive this incredible gift. What we see at the beginning of Acts 2 is a miracle. The Holy Spirit falls on the disciples and they begin speaking in new tongues—new languages—in such a way that everyone hears the gospel. The crowds are amazed as each person hears “the mighty works of God” (Acts 2:11) spoken in their native tongue. More people begin to gather and, even as some skeptics doubt what’s happening, God gives Peter the ability to preach effectively, and through preaching, 3,000 people repent and accept the gospel! This same gift—the indwelling and empowering of the Spirit—is available for us today. But this gift isn’t just for us. It’s so the world would know the one true God. He gives us the ability to share his gospel with accuracy and boldness. The call of the Great Commission may make us feel ill-equipped or unqualified, but God doesn’t give us his mission without the Helper, the Holy Spirit. Through this gift, God can use us in miraculous ways to advance his kingdom. Reflect: 1. Have you ever had a personal encounter with the Holy Spirit? When was the last time God filled you afresh with his Spirit? 2. How does depending on the gift of the Holy Spirit change the way you think about sharing the gospel? Faith Step: Have an intentional gospel conversation with someone and trust the Holy Spirit to help you speak with boldness and clarity. Pray: God, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit. I welcome him into my life by faith and with expectation. Thank you for the power to live a fruitful Christian life with boldness and sincerity. I receive your call to take the gospel to my neighbors and the nations. I know that you are with me. Show me how to live a missional life so others would know the grace and goodness of your gospel. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Day 2

Luke 5:17–26, James 5:14–15, Jeremiah 17:14

“Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, ‘Look at us.’ And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, ‘I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!’ And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.” — Acts 3:1–10 When we read passages like this in scripture, it’s easy to identify with the disciples, but how does the story change if we read it from the perspective of the beggar? For years, he had been carried by other people to the temple gate to ask for money. Since he couldn’t work, that was his only way of sustaining himself. The law at the time forbade anyone who was “unclean” from fully entering into the temple. He couldn’t go beyond the gate. Imagine what your view of God might be if that was your reality. Does God really exist? Does he see me? Does he care about me? Could he even change my circumstance if he wanted to? For the lame man, each day was the same as the day before. But in one encounter, everything changed. “Look at us,” the beggar hears as Peter and John engage him in conversation. He likely assumes that they are about to give him some money, but little does he know, he’s about to get something so much better. Peter tells him, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” (Acts 3:6) Through God’s intervention, he is healed! But this moment of the miraculous does far more than just heal his body. His physical healing gives him the ability to leap and praise and go further into the temple than he could before. More than that, it reveals to him and to others that God is not only powerful, but he’s also good. He doesn’t forget about his children. He steps into our reality to bring heaven to earth. Those who recognize the beggar and see the miracle are filled with wonder and amazement, and that’s just the beginning. This encounter opens the door for Peter to preach to a much larger audience, and through that ministry, Acts 4:4 tells us that over 5,000 people come to believe. As we see in this story, the outcome of the miraculous is always God’s revelation of himself so that the world might know who he is. Reflect: 1. Recall a time in your life when you or someone you know was miraculously healed. 2. What reservations could be keeping you from praying for someone’s physical healing? Faith Step: Write the names of people you know that are in need of physical healing and pray for them. If God leads you, call them and pray with them over the phone. Pray: Lord, I trust you as my healer. You are good and able to heal my sickness, pain, brokenness, and hurt. Open my eyes to see the people around me who need you. I ask that you would give me faith to pray boldly for their healing. I pray that you would be glorified and that the world might see your goodness and power. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Day 3

Luke 12:22–31, Exodus 16:4–16, Philippians 4:18–19, 2 Corinthians 9:6–8

“Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” — Acts 4:32–37 Miracles of provision are all throughout the pages of scripture, from manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16:15) to the coin in the mouth of a fish (Matthew 17:27). In fact, Jesus taught us to pray and depend on God to meet our daily needs (Luke 11:3). When we really believe that God is our provider, it becomes easier to hold our resources with open hands. As we grow as believers, our understanding of possessions changes. Instead of seeing what we have as things that we earned or deserved, we begin to see that God has graciously given us possessions and resources to steward. He meets our needs so that we can be a blessing and meet the needs of others. What I have been given by God isn’t only for me but for the good of my brothers and sisters around me, the family of God. In a family, everything more or less belongs to everyone. Sure, you may not share your toothbrush or socks, but it’s rare that one sibling owns the couch and another owns the chair or that the parents tell their kids to ask before using the dining table. The family has those things “in common,” much like the believers in Acts 4. The miracle in this passage, that there “was not a needy person among them” (Acts 4:34), seems rather unremarkable. There’s no rush of wind, no angels, no shaking meeting place, but in a sense, that’s what makes it so extraordinary. This generosity makes them stand out against the culture around them—in a city where providing for others wasn’t the norm, their generosity is a powerful demonstration of Christ’s supernatural love and provision. Each of us can evoke an environment like this when we live a Spirit-filled life. An outcome of the grace of God being “upon you” (Acts 4:33) is radical generosity. God will supernaturally provide for us to meet our needs, the needs of others, and to advance his kingdom. Reflect: 1. Has there ever been a time that God has provided supernaturally for you? What was that experience? 2. How differently would you live if you had absolute confidence that God would provide everything you need? Faith Step: Do you know someone who is currently in a difficult situation and is in need? Ask God how you can be part of his supernatural provision for that person. Pray: Jesus, you are the greatest provision of all time: a Savior when we were helpless to save ourselves. Strengthen my trust in you to provide in every area of my life. You give me blessings so that I can be a blessing to others and show them your grace. I pray that your glory would be revealed as you bring miraculous provision to me and through me. Amen.

Day 4

Acts 9:10–19, Acts 16:6–10, Psalm 119:105, Proverbs 3:5–6

“Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.’ This is a desert place. And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. And the Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go over and join this chariot.’ So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ And he said, ‘How can I, unless someone guides me?’ And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. And the eunuch said to Philip, ‘About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?’ Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, ‘See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?’ And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.” — Acts 8:26–31, 34–39 In Acts 8, God uses Philip to perform miracles and preach in Samaria (verses 4–25). Signs, wonders, and the gospel lead many people to repentance, and it’s clear that God is moving in significant and powerful ways. After such a fruitful time of ministry, you would think that he would guide Philip to a larger city or bigger group of people, but that’s not what happens. God guides Philip down a road that is isolated and rarely traveled. As we learn in verse 26, Gaza was a desert place. Philip comes out of a powerful time in Samaria and is sent on his next mission on an unpopular road towards an unpopular place. It doesn’t seem to make sense, but God’s guidance surpasses human logic. When Philip decides to follow his lead, God guides his path beyond anything he could have planned on his own. Most people make big and small decisions every day. What would it look like if you asked the eternal God what his plans for your life are? Where might he send you? Who might you meet, and what might he accomplish through you? In this story, God guides Philip away from the crowds to reach the one. Not only does he encounter a high ranking court official on this desert road but God gives him the wisdom to explain the scriptures. God—the all knowing Alpha and Omega—gives us guidance to be effective witnesses in the places he sends us. The Ethiopian court official, a person of influence, was reached by an unlikely person in an unlikely place. In fact, history suggests that he took this encounter back home, impacting his city and nation with the gospel. God’s plan for our lives goes beyond any plan we could make for ourselves. When we let him lead us, he brings us into situations we wouldn’t have expected in order to accomplish his purposes here on earth. Through the miracle of guidance, God gives us direction and the words to say when we need them. Reflect: 1. Recall a time in your life when God guided you in a decision. 2. What is an area in your life or current situation that is in need of God’s guidance? Faith Step: Spend time in prayer and ask God if there is a specific place he is leading you to share the gospel with others. Pray: Heavenly Father, you are the Alpha and the Omega, the eternal God who planned history before it began and knows all my days before they happen. Give me guidance and confidence to walk in your will and accomplish your purposes for my life. Help me to hear your voice and obey. Thank you for your grace when I stumble and for your word that lights my path. Guide me as I go through this life and live for you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Day 5

Exodus 14:13–22, Psalm 150, Colossians 3:16, Psalm 28

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, ‘Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.’ And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ And they said, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.’ And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.” — Acts 16:25–32 Paul and Silas are imprisoned for ministering in Philippi. They are beaten and held captive in a prison cell, their legs fastened to the floors, surrounded by other prisoners. With no windows to the outside, the inner cell where they were being kept was dark even during the day, so as midnight drew near all they could hear was the sound of chains and shackles. For many Christians around the world today, religious persecution and imprisonment is a very real threat. Others might not experience physical imprisonment, but an emotional or mental one. We all go through desperate times that we can’t overcome on our own. But in these dark times, God meets us with the miraculous. When Paul and Silas choose to trust God in the midst of their circumstance, the prisoners’ chains come undone, but that’s not all that happens. Through this miracle, the jailer is also set free. After witnessing this miracle and seeing the prisoners still in their cells, the jailer asks, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” He had seen the power and love of God firsthand. This miracle made an eternal impact in the life of the jailer and his family. It opened the door for the entire household to receive the gift of salvation. God has the power to set us free both physically and spiritually. What’s amazing is that, as we continue reading the story, we see the Holy Spirit divinely orchestrates for Paul and Silas to be released the next morning. Even in the most impossible situations, God does not forget about us. As Paul and Silas trust God, not only does he deliver them from prison but he also uses them to proclaim the gospel to an entire household. Reflect: 1. Think of a time when God rescued you from a dark and desperate situation. Spend time in worship thanking God for his deliverance. 2. Is there an area of your life where you find it difficult to trust God? Pray that he would build your faith to see a breakthrough. Faith Step: In this passage, Paul and Silas worship and pray. Spend time in worship and prayer as you intercede for someone you know who is going through a desperate situation. Pray: God, there is nothing too difficult for you. I pray that those in dark situations would experience your complete deliverance. I pray that they would be rescued from whatever is imprisoning them and that the world would see you, the great rescuer, through their testimonies. I accept the freedom that Christ has won, and I believe that you can bring freedom in the spiritual and the natural here on earth. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Conclusion

Numbers 21:6–9, Psalm 91:13–15, Daniel 6:1–22

“After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta. The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold. When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, ‘No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.’ He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god. Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days. It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him, healed him. And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured.” — Acts 29:1–9 As this week of prayer and fasting comes to an end, we’ve surveyed several miracles in the book of Acts. They serve not as spectacles but as a means of accomplishing the mission of God: for us to know him and make him known. But when you live as a follower of Jesus on mission with God, you will naturally attract opposition. The miracle of God’s protection gives us comfort and confidence to live on mission. We read in Acts 28 that while Paul is heading to Rome, he’s shipwrecked on the island of Malta. He’s bitten by a viper but miraculously survives. Just like every miracle has shown us, God is intentional. There’s a purpose underlying each miracle he performs. God protects Paul, but that’s just the start of what he does in Malta. Paul goes on to heal Publius’ father, then people from across the entire island, showing the power of God and preaching the gospel. This “divine intervention in human affairs” goes far beyond protecting Paul from a snake bite. It extends to the healing of many to the glory of God. Paul then continues on to Rome, trusting in God’s protection and preaching the gospel with boldness and without hindrance. When we live as followers of Jesus, we attract opposition, but we also invite God’s protection. God protects us from the schemes of the enemy in the same way he protected Paul from the viper’s venom. He is with us so that we can continue to live for him—to know God and make him known. Reflect: 1. With thanksgiving, reflect on a time when God protected you from a harmful situation. 2. Are there areas in your life where you are believing God for a miracle? Take time and thank God for his love and power. Faith Step: As we move from this week of prayer and fasting, expect God’s divine intervention in your life as you live to know God and make him known to others. Pray: God, thank you for intervening in this world with your miraculous power. Thank you for the gift and empowering of your Holy Spirit. You are the mighty healer, provider, guide, deliverer, and protector that I need. You show your love to me through miracles—open my eyes that I would see your hand move. Give me boldness to be your witness in this world and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you for being with me as I live on mission with you. In Jesus’ name, amen.