Acts 5:12-16 - God Still Works Miracles

Acts 5:12-16

God Still Works Miracles

Introduction: Groundhog Day is a popular American tradition observed in the United States and Canada on February 2.

It derives from the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if a groundhog emerging from its burrow on this day sees its shadow due to clear weather, it will retreat to its den and winter will persist for six more weeks; but if it does not see its shadow because of cloudiness, spring will arrive early.

Groundhog Day is ONLY a superstition; but, there was another moment in history when a shadow made a difference; and it’s in the text for today. It is what’s called a MIRACLE.

A MIRACLE is defined as an unusual event that manifests God's direct intervention on the world.

The word “miracle” comes from a Latin term meaning “object of wonder.” Miracles are events that both defied human logic and also revealed God’s glorious wonder; quite literally, miracles are wonderful.

The New Testament reminds us that Christ and his Apostles (through the power of the Holy Spirit) offered not merely “signs” of God’s power, but what were described repeatedly as “signs and wonders”

Miracles still occur today. Some are big, some small; many are seen, many more are hidden. The question is not whether or not God still performs miracles but whether or not your heart is open enough to receive them.

You might want a miracle, but you don’t need one. God determines our wants and needs not on the persuasiveness of our argument but within the context of his will. It’s fine to pray for a miracle — you might just get it. It’s equally important, though, to trust in God’s love even if a miracle isn’t in the cards for you, today.

“Biblical Superpowers: Miracles in Acts of the Apostles” by Mark Hart (April 13, 2016).

The purpose of this message is not to ARGUE that God still works miracles, but to AFFIRM that God still works miracles.

The Message in the Miracles (12)

sign ⇔ (miracle) n. — a marvelous event manifesting a supernatural act of a divine agent; often with an emphasis on communicating a message.

wonder (miracle) n. — a marvelous event manifesting a supernatural act of a divine agent; often deviating from the normal course (or laws) of nature.

(v.12) - “all the believers used to meet TOGETHER”-

unanimously ⇔ of one (mind) adv. — without dissent; single-mindedly.

with one mind/[one] purpose/[one] impulse/unity

Arndt, William et al. A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature 2000 : 706. Print.

(13-14) The Miracle of More

(13) - to dare v. — to be courageous/bold enough to try or do something.

There were some who were not courageous or bold enough to do be a part of this new sect; they seemed to be fearful...

(14) Nevertheless, NIV - (adverb) in spite of that...

(14) More & More - men/women - believed in the LORD & were ADDED to their NUMBER/FELLOWSHIP!

Soanes, Catherine, and Angus Stevenson, eds. Concise Oxford English dictionary 2004 : n. pag. Print.

The Magnitude of the Miracle (15-16)

(15) As a result… (insomuch, KJV- adverb) - for this reason

Because so many believed, there BELIEF/faith IGNITED their BEHAVIOR to bring those in need to Peter...

Peter’s shadow - shade cast by an object with clearly perceived boundaries...

There was light because there was a shadow...

(16) to be healed ⇔ be treated (state) v. — to be or become healed, conceived of as being provided care that improves one’s situation.

crowds came from all around

they brought the SICK, those tormented by EVIL SPIRITS

THEY WERE ALL HEALED!!