Miracles and Authority in the Name of Jesus
Summary
### Summary
Tonight, we gathered to celebrate the power and presence of Jesus Christ. I shared my journey from Brazil, where I was born and raised, and how my family has been deeply involved in missionary work. My mother, an American, was called to Brazil at a young age, and my father, from Chile, joined her in this mission. Together, they laid the foundation for a vibrant apostolic community in Brazil. I recounted my own calling to ministry at the age of eight and how I started my first church in Campinas at 14, despite the challenges and skepticism I faced.
We delved into the Book of Acts, focusing on the power and authority in the name of Jesus. The scripture from Acts 4:7-12 reminds us that there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. This powerful truth has been the cornerstone of our ministry in Brazil, where we have witnessed countless miracles and transformations.
I shared several testimonies of God's miraculous interventions, including the story of a hitman who was converted and became a preacher after experiencing the power of Jesus during a prayer meeting. Another testimony highlighted how God protected our church from a violent attack by sending angelic soldiers to guard us. These stories underscore the importance of prayer and the undeniable power in the name of Jesus.
We also discussed the spiritual warfare we face, particularly in Brazil, where Catholicism and devil worship often intertwine. Despite these challenges, our faith in Jesus has led to significant growth and revival. Our church has expanded to 281 works across 15 states, and we continue to see God's hand at work.
As we concluded, I invited those in need of a miracle to come forward, emphasizing that Jesus is still in the business of healing and delivering. We prayed together, believing that God would move mightily in our midst.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Jesus' Name: The name of Jesus holds unparalleled power and authority. Acts 4:12 reminds us that salvation is found in no other name. This truth is not just theological but practical, as we have witnessed countless miracles and transformations by invoking His name. Whether facing physical ailments, spiritual battles, or life's challenges, calling on Jesus brings deliverance and healing. [04:54]
2. The Importance of Prayer: Prayer is the lifeline of a believer and the church. It is through fervent prayer that we experience the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Our testimonies from Brazil, including the miraculous conversion of a hitman, highlight that prayer can change the course of events and bring about divine intervention. [11:29]
3. Spiritual Warfare is Real: In Brazil, we face a unique blend of Catholicism and devil worship, which presents significant spiritual challenges. However, the power of Jesus is greater than any force of darkness. We must be vigilant and equipped with prayer and the Word of God to stand against these spiritual battles. [20:41]
4. Miracles Still Happen: God is still in the business of performing miracles. From healing terminal illnesses to protecting His people from harm, the testimonies shared tonight affirm that Jesus is alive and active. Believers must have faith and be open to receiving God's miraculous touch in their lives. [23:48]
5. Unity and Revival: The growth and revival in our church in Brazil are a testament to the power of unity and collective faith. Despite the challenges, our community has thrived because we stand together in prayer and worship. This unity is crucial for experiencing God's full blessing and seeing His kingdom expand. [45:51]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:23] - Honoring the Hosts
[02:18] - Feeling Jesus' Presence
[03:10] - The Power of the Holy Ghost
[04:16] - Scripture Reading: Acts 4:7-12
[06:14] - Personal Testimony: Family Background
[08:54] - Early Ministry and Calling
[09:43] - Starting the Church in Campinas
[11:29] - The Power of Prayer
[13:25] - Miraculous Growth and Challenges
[15:17] - Encounter with a Hitman
[18:39] - Church Expansion and Revival
[20:41] - Spiritual Warfare in Brazil
[23:48] - Personal Healing Testimony
[30:35] - The Power of Jesus Over Depression
[33:44] - Starting a Daughter Work
[35:57] - Divine Protection During Attack
[40:44] - Continued Growth and Revival
[45:51] - Prophetic Word for the Church
[46:52] - Call to Prayer and Miracles
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Acts 4:7-12 (ESV): "And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, 'By what power or by what name did you do this?' Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, 'Rulers of the people and elders, if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Acts 4:12 say about the name of Jesus and its significance for salvation?
2. How did the speaker describe the power of prayer in his ministry in Brazil? ([11:29])
3. What miraculous event involving a hitman was shared in the sermon, and what was the outcome? ([17:30])
4. What challenges did the speaker mention about spiritual warfare in Brazil, and how did they overcome them? ([20:41])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the name of Jesus emphasized as having unparalleled power and authority in Acts 4:12? How does this align with the speaker's experiences in Brazil?
2. How does the speaker's testimony about the hitman illustrate the transformative power of Jesus' name? ([17:30])
3. What role does prayer play in combating spiritual warfare, according to the speaker's experiences in Brazil? ([20:41])
4. How does the growth and revival of the church in Brazil reflect the importance of unity and collective faith? ([45:51])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced the power of Jesus' name in your life. How did it impact you, and how can you share this testimony with others?
2. The speaker emphasized the importance of prayer in experiencing God's power. How can you incorporate more fervent prayer into your daily routine? ([11:29])
3. Spiritual warfare is a reality in many parts of the world. What are some ways you can equip yourself with prayer and the Word of God to stand against spiritual battles in your own life? ([20:41])
4. The speaker shared a testimony of miraculous healing from cancer. Do you believe that miracles still happen today? How can you cultivate a faith that is open to receiving God's miraculous touch? ([23:48])
5. Unity and collective faith were crucial for the growth and revival of the church in Brazil. How can you contribute to fostering unity and collective faith in your own church community? ([45:51])
6. The speaker's church faced significant opposition but continued to thrive. How can you remain steadfast in your faith and mission despite challenges and opposition?
7. The speaker invited those in need of a miracle to come forward for prayer. Is there a specific area in your life where you need a miracle? How can your small group support you in prayer for this need? ([46:52])
Devotional
Day 1: The Unparalleled Power of Jesus' Name
The name of Jesus holds unparalleled power and authority. Acts 4:12 reminds us that salvation is found in no other name. This truth is not just theological but practical, as we have witnessed countless miracles and transformations by invoking His name. Whether facing physical ailments, spiritual battles, or life's challenges, calling on Jesus brings deliverance and healing. The testimonies shared from Brazil, including the miraculous conversion of a hitman, highlight the transformative power of Jesus' name. When we call upon Jesus, we are not just speaking words; we are invoking the very presence and power of God. [04:54]
Acts 4:12 (ESV): "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
Reflection: Think of a specific challenge you are currently facing. How can you intentionally call upon the name of Jesus in this situation today?
Day 2: The Lifeline of Prayer
Prayer is the lifeline of a believer and the church. It is through fervent prayer that we experience the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. The testimonies from Brazil, including the miraculous conversion of a hitman, highlight that prayer can change the course of events and bring about divine intervention. Prayer is not just a ritual but a powerful means of communication with God. It is through prayer that we align ourselves with God's will and invite His power into our lives. [11:29]
James 5:16b (ESV): "The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: Reflect on your current prayer life. What steps can you take to make your prayers more fervent and aligned with God's will?
Day 3: The Reality of Spiritual Warfare
In Brazil, there is a unique blend of Catholicism and devil worship, which presents significant spiritual challenges. However, the power of Jesus is greater than any force of darkness. We must be vigilant and equipped with prayer and the Word of God to stand against these spiritual battles. Spiritual warfare is real, and believers must be prepared to face it with the full armor of God. The testimonies of divine protection and miraculous interventions in Brazil serve as a reminder of the power of Jesus over any spiritual opposition. [20:41]
Ephesians 6:12 (ESV): "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you sense spiritual opposition. How can you equip yourself with God's Word and prayer to stand firm in this battle?
Day 4: The Continuation of Miracles
God is still in the business of performing miracles. From healing terminal illnesses to protecting His people from harm, the testimonies shared affirm that Jesus is alive and active. Believers must have faith and be open to receiving God's miraculous touch in their lives. The stories of miraculous healings and divine protection in Brazil are a testament to the fact that miracles did not cease with the early church. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and His power is still at work in the world. [23:48]
Hebrews 13:8 (ESV): "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you need a miracle. How can you increase your faith and openness to God's miraculous intervention today?
Day 5: The Power of Unity and Revival
The growth and revival in the church in Brazil are a testament to the power of unity and collective faith. Despite the challenges, the community has thrived because they stand together in prayer and worship. This unity is crucial for experiencing God's full blessing and seeing His kingdom expand. The expansion of the church to 281 works across 15 states in Brazil highlights the importance of unity and collective effort in advancing God's kingdom. [45:51]
Psalm 133:1 (ESV): "Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!"
Reflection: Reflect on your role in your church community. How can you contribute to the unity and collective faith of your congregation to foster growth and revival?
Quotes
1. "You know, you can tell when miracles are going to happen if there's prayer rooms in the church, if people are praying. Amen. And when I walked in that prayer room, I could feel the power of the Holy Ghost. I could feel the power of Jesus. Amen. I want to say thank you, Pastor Taylor, for having a special service Monday night. This was the only free night that I had this trip." [02:18] (29 seconds)
2. "If you don't have the Holy Ghost, tonight it will be a good night for God to fill you with the Holy Ghost. It's the greatest experience you can ever feel. So, amen. Praise God." [03:10] (12 seconds)
3. "I hope when we leave this place tonight, that people can look at us, and they can feel that we have been with Jesus, and they can feel that we have been with Jesus. Hallelujah." [04:54] (11 seconds)
4. "If you want to see revival in Huntsville, we need to learn how to pray. We need to learn how to touch God. Prayer brings miracles. Prayer brings anointing. Prayer brings a move of the Holy Ghost." [11:29] (18 seconds)
5. "Greater is he that is in you that he that is in the world. Somebody shout hallelujah. Somebody praise him right now. Somebody clap your hands and magnify the name of Jesus. Well, I feel the Holy ghost." [13:25] (20 seconds)
6. "When God begins to move, the devil gets mad. He doesn't like prayer meetings. He doesn't like worship. He doesn't like when the church begins to praise God and we begin to worship God and God began to save people." [14:21] (14 seconds)
7. "There's power in prayer. There's power in the name of Jesus. Amen. Amen. Amen. We were praying. We did not know what was going on. But all in the midst, while we were praying, all of a sudden, this man stands up and he opened his sweater. And he pulls a big machete knife. And he started walking toward me. And the only thing that I could say was, Jesus. Jesus. There's power in the name of Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Hallelujah." [15:55] (32 seconds)
8. "The name of Jesus will break depression. Oh, come on, I feel the Holy Ghost right now. Hallelujah. I said the name of Jesus will break the chains of depression. Hallelujah. People that can't sleep without taking pills to go to bed. Let me tell you, the name of Jesus will turn their lives around. The name of Jesus will turn situations around. There's still power in the name of Jesus." [30:35] (35 seconds)
9. "When Jesus steps in, the devil has to step out. Said when Jesus steps in, well somebody need to get a hold of that right now. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah." [41:26] (56 seconds)
10. "The Holy Ghost just spoke to me to tell this church tonight there's going to be an outpouring of His Spirit in this place. God is going to send people from different nationalities to this church. So y'all just be ready. God's going to send brown people like Brother Alviar, whites, blacks, and Filipinos, and God's going to send people from every nationality around this. This is going to be a lighthouse to Huntsville." [45:51] (42 seconds)