Do You Believe in Miracles?
Acts 3
3 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.
6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
11 While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. 12 When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. 14 You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. 16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.
17 “Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. 18 But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretoldthrough all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer.19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20 and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. 21 Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. 22 For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. 23 Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.’
24 “Indeed, beginning with Samuel, all the prophets who have spoken have foretold these days. 25 And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.’ 26 When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”
This Sunday’s service can be viewed on our Facebook page @ Sunday, September 3, 2023
Do You Believe in Miracles?
We have a fascination with the miraculous! I realize when I watch movies, or read books, I am always hoping when the main characters are in a tight spot, that something phenomenal will happen, the day will be saved, a miracle will occur, and everyone can all go home happy. Are you like this too? If I could go back to a time and place, it would be during the time when Jesus walked our earth, and witnessed the miracles that He performed. There were a lot of people who followed Him around too, just to see what would happen when He showed up! And, the sad reality was, there were people that were only around for the show, and not Him. They wanted what He could do, and not who He was.
The Apostles were able to see Jesus up close, and also learned from Him. They had a front row seat to everything. I am sure they all had lots of follow-up conversations after each miraculous encounter, or just shook their heads in amazement. When the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost, the followers of Jesus were filled, and empowered. They kept on doing what Jesus did- noticing people, caring for them, sharing what they had, and even at times, being able to share healing, In Jesus' Name. They were not able to do this on their own accord- it was through the power of the Name of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit at work in them.
Miracles are a tough topic though because we usually want them when we are desperate, hurting, and need help. There are times when we ask and plead to God for His healing, His intervention, and it hasn't come, which leaves us wondering and disappointed. This tests our theology, our belief and trust in God, and will grow us closer to Him as we wait on Him, or it can also push us from Him. Like I said, a tough topic.
There are the times when something has happened, and it defies all logic, not making any human sense, and all we can say is, "It was a miracle."
This week, we will dive into Acts 3, the first healing after the Ascension that is noted, and what follows. I hope that you will also begin to expect, notice and watch for the ways Jesus is working His Resurrection power in your life, showing you ways He is at work, and maybe look back at times miracles have happened, and maybe in unexpected ways, big and small. Let's be praying together as well, for the things in our lives that we are waiting on God for, In Jesus Name, trusting Him for His care and provision.
See you Sunday!
Pastor Kari