Special Miracles!
In this sermon outline we highlight three statements that I empathize in my teaching and preaching on evangelism. The first is, ‘ The supreme task of the Church is the evangelization of the World’. The second is that we have the ability because ‘ The Church is the most powerful force on the earth’. Third is that ‘ The miracle ministry of Jesus Christ is still God’s indispensable method for world evangelism today’. The Work of Evangelism is great but the Church of Jesus Christ is still the greatest power on earth today because the Church possesses the Lord Jesus. His Spirit lives in the Church. Then God can still confirm His Word with’ Signs following’.
Act 19:11 And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:
Act 19:12 So that from his body were brought unto the sick
handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from
them, and the evil spirits went out of them. .
I. During the ministry of the Early Church the Word of God was spread all over the known world.
Acts 19:10 And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. .
A. How did they reach the known world is such a short time?
1 The had no TV.
2. No radio.
3. No airplanes, trains or cars.
B. Yet without all these means that we have today, printing etc. they reached the known world.
Acts 19:11 And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:
12 So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.
1. God used the Aprons and Hankies of Paul as a point of contact of faith in Paul’s ministry. He also used the shadow of Peter as a point of contact of faith.
2. God can take simple things. He is looking for people to go share their testimony.
3. The early church was scattered everywhere and God used this as they shared the Gospel with the power of the Holy Spirit.
a. You and I can do the same thing. God can still do miracles.
b. We have seen God do miracles of healing in many lands and in every case it resulted in people believing on the Lord.
II. God has always worked special miracles.
Act 5:12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and
wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with
one accord in Solomon’s porch.
Act 5:13 And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the
people magnified them.
A. It resulted in many being saved.)
Act 5:14 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes
both of men and women.).
Act 5:15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets,
and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the
shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.
Act 5:16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about
unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were
vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.
B. Signs and Wonders followed the early church and many believed.
1. Remember Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
2. Remember Peter in jail, Paul in jail, and Paul with snakebite on the island.
3. For 40 years the Children of Israel were led by signs and wonders.
III. Who will He do this through?
Mark 9:23 (KJV) Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
Acts 10:34 (KJV) Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
A. STEPHEN; this next verse almost sound like Jesus.
Act 6:8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and
miracles among the people. Act 6:10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. Act 6:15 And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him,
saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.
B. Stephen is also acting like Jesus when He hung on the cross.
Act 7:59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord
Jesus, receive my spirit. Act 7:60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
C. I believe Stephen must have seen Jesus stand to receive him. Perhaps with a “Welcome Home’.
Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of
the throne of God.
IV. God wants to work through each one of us.
A. The greatest miracle, sign and wonder is when a person comes to Christ and is born again.
B. He wants us to pray and believe His Word. He still answers prayer today.
Nothing is impossible for the Lord. (Mat 17:20 KJV) And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
I like the words to this song.
‘Only Believe’
Lord, only believe, only believe
All things are possible
If you’ll only believe
only believe, yes only believe
All things are possible
If you’ll only believe
I met God one morning my soul feeling bad
Heart heavy laden
Well he lifted all my burdens,
All things are possible
If you’ll only believe
I believe, yes! I believe,
All things are possible
If you’ll only believe
For more help and info go to: www.tonyabram.com.