Unlocking Miracles: Faith and Willingness to Serve

In our time together, we explored the profound role of miracles in the early church, as depicted in Acts 19, and the reasons why we might not witness such miracles today. The early church was marked by extraordinary acts of God, performed through individuals like Paul, whose ministry in Ephesus was accompanied by powerful miracles. These acts were not just for the establishment of the church but served as a testament to the living power of Jesus Christ. Today, we often question why such miracles seem scarce, and it's easy to attribute this to a change in God's methods. However, the real issue may lie within us, as God is still seeking individuals through whom He can manifest His power.

The heart of the matter is faith and the willingness to be used by God. Throughout history, God has sought people whose hearts are perfect toward Him, as seen in the stories of Moses, David, and Paul. These individuals, despite their perceived inadequacies, were used mightily by God because they did not seek glory for themselves but for God alone. The miracles associated with them were not due to their own power but because they were vessels through which God's power could flow.

We also discussed the concept of releasing faith. In the Bible, people often set a specific point or condition for releasing their faith, such as touching Jesus' garment or being in Peter's shadow. This act of faith was the catalyst for miracles. Today, we can learn from this by setting a point of faith in our own lives, trusting that God will act when we release our faith.

In conclusion, the scarcity of miracles today is not due to a lack of God's willingness but rather our readiness to be used by Him. We must examine our hearts, remove any barriers, and be open channels for God's power. As we do so, we can expect to see God move in mighty ways, demonstrating His love and power to a skeptical world.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Miracles in the Early Church: Miracles were a significant part of the early church's ministry, serving as a testament to the power of the risen Christ. Today, the lack of miracles is not due to God's unwillingness but our readiness to be used by Him. We must examine our hearts and be open to His power. [05:19]
• 2. God Seeks Willing Vessels: Throughout history, God has sought individuals whose hearts are perfect toward Him. Despite their inadequacies, people like Moses, David, and Paul were used mightily because they did not seek glory for themselves but for God alone. [07:19]
• 3. Releasing Faith: Miracles often occurred when individuals set a specific point for releasing their faith, such as touching Jesus' garment. Today, we can learn from this by setting a point of faith in our own lives, trusting that God will act when we release our faith. [22:09]
• 4. Barriers to Being Used by God: Our attitudes and self-reliance can disqualify us from being used by God. When we think we have something to offer God based on our abilities, we hinder His work. True service requires humility and a focus on God's glory. [14:54]
• 5. Faith Overcomes Natural Laws: Faith is not blind but sees beyond the natural laws to the spiritual laws that govern our universe. By releasing our faith, we allow God to incorporate higher laws that can overcome the natural, demonstrating His power. [46:08]
  ** [46:08]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:46] - Worship and Prayer
• [01:23] - Church Announcements
• [02:12] - Introduction to Acts 19
• [03:09] - Miracles in Ephesus
• [04:21] - The Need for Miracles Today
• [05:19] - God's Unchanging Power
• [06:25] - God Seeks Willing Vessels
• [07:36] - Disqualifications for Service
• [08:32] - God Uses the Unlikely
• [10:11] - Who Am I? Attitude of Humility
• [12:16] - Treasure in Earthen Vessels
• [13:34] - Paul's Secret to Ministry
• [15:28] - The Danger of Self-Glory
• [18:31] - Releasing Faith for Miracles
• [22:09] - Setting a Point for Faith
• [25:25] - Anointing and Healing
• [32:28] - Faith and Modern Healers
• [40:14] - Activating Faith Today
• [46:08] - Faith and Natural Laws
• [47:27] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

1. Acts 19:11-12 - "And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: 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."
2. 2 Chronicles 16:9 - "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him."
3. Mark 5:27-29 - "When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague."

1. What role did miracles play in the early church according to Acts 19:11-12? How were they manifested through Paul? [02:29]
2. How does 2 Chronicles 16:9 describe God's search for individuals to work through? What qualities is He looking for? [07:19]
3. In Mark 5:27-29, what was the woman's act of faith, and what was the result of her action? How does this relate to the concept of releasing faith? [19:49]

1. Why might the scarcity of miracles today be attributed to our readiness rather than God's willingness, as suggested in the sermon? [05:19]
2. How does the sermon explain the importance of setting a specific point for releasing faith, and how does this relate to the examples given in the Bible? [22:09]
3. What are some barriers mentioned in the sermon that might prevent individuals from being used by God for His purposes? [14:54]

1. Reflect on your own life. Are there any barriers or attitudes that might be preventing you from being used by God? How can you address these barriers? [14:54]
2. The sermon suggests setting a specific point for releasing faith. Can you identify a situation in your life where you need to release your faith? What would that look like practically? [22:09]
3. Consider the examples of Moses, David, and Paul. How can you cultivate a heart that is "perfect toward Him" as described in 2 Chronicles 16:9? [07:19]
4. The sermon mentions the danger of self-reliance and seeking glory for oneself. How can you ensure that your actions and service are focused on glorifying God rather than yourself? [15:28]
5. Think about a time when you experienced a "miracle" or a significant answer to prayer. What was your point of faith in that situation, and how did it impact your relationship with God? [22:09]
6. How can you encourage others in your community to release their faith and trust in God's power? What role can you play in supporting their faith journey? [32:44]
7. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being open channels for God's power. What steps can you take this week to become more open and receptive to God's work in your life? [49:53]