Evangelism the Powerful Way

Evangelism the Powerful Way

“And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.”

(Acts 8:6-7)

When the crowds of Samaria heard what Deacon Philip was preaching and saw the miracles that he did, they paid close attention to him and believed the preaching that he gave.  Men, women and even a sorcerer named Simon were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 8:12-16).  Philip was able to conduct evangelism the powerful way; through the operation of the power gifts. 

Miracles cause unbelievers to believe when they see the amazing works of God.  When Jesus performed his first miracle at the wedding of Cana of Galilee.  He not only turned the “water into wine” but the hearts of men toward God.  “...And manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.”  (John 2:11)

When Jesus raised the Widow’s son from the dead the people “…glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, that God hath visited his people.  And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.”  (Luke 7:16, 17)

In Acts 13:11-12, Paul performs a miracle on Elymas, the sorcerer.  He is struck blind.  When that happened “...the deputy...believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.” 

In the healing of the lame man in Acts 3, we see that all of Jerusalem was in an uproar.  The Jewish leaders took measures to stop the Christian Church.

“And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.”  (Acts 4:14)

“...They conferred among themselves, saying, What shall we do to these men?  For that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.”  (Acts 4:15-16) 

These leaders were concerned about the preaching of the name of Jesus, but more than that, they were concerned about the “miracle.”  It was likely the miracle and not the message that upset these leaders.  They knew that they could deny the message, but they could not deny the miracle.  The miracle proved that a powerful God was at work. 

Nicodemus said to Jesus one night, “Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.”

(John 3:2)

“Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:”  (Acts 2:22)

The imprisoned John the Baptist sent his disciples to Jesus with a question:  “…Art thou he that should come? Or look we for another? " (Luke 7:19)  Jesus did not answer them but continued to heal the sick and cast out devils.   

Finally he said,  “…Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.”  (Luke 7:22) 

Jesus did not send a message of rebuke back to John the Baptist.  He did not give a theological or logical explanation of his presence on the earth.  Instead, He gave them a power demonstration through healing and deliverance.

Paul said, “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.”  (1 Corinthians 2:4)

It is not uncommon today to see believers rushing about following signs, miracles and wonders.  However, the Bible specifically tells us that “these signs shall follow them that believe...” (Mark 16:17) A quick review of the list of things that believers will do in Mark 16:16-18 allows us to know that the working of miracles was not for the Apostles alone.  These signs will confirm that the gospel message we preach is real, powerful, and that the Lord Jesus is in our midst.  You will notice that every one of these signs was operating in the church in the Book of Acts. 

“And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.”  (Mark 16:20)

The world is still waiting for us to take our place as believers and perform the acts that God has ordained for us to do.  “For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.”  (Romans 8:19)

When we think of miracles we often think of the “supernatural” and the “natural” realm.  “Natural” means “normal” and “supernatural” means “super-natural.”  It goes beyond the normal.  A “Miracle” is when God does something that goes beyond the natural realm.  It is a supernatural act.  In the days of Jesus and then in the early church, miracles were a way of life.

The writer of Hebrews tells us that salvation came to many through signs, wonders, and the operation of the gifts of the Spirit.

“How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will.”  (Hebrews 2: 3-4)

God backs up those who preach the Gospel with His power and authority.  He confirms the message preached through signs, miracles, and wonders.  He proves that He is the mighty God!

Rahab confessed to the spies,  “For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt;...And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you:  for the Lord your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.”  (Joshua 2:10-11)

In Acts 4, after Peter and John were harassed by the Jewish leaders for the miracle done to the lame man, and the preaching of the name of Jesus, they went to pray.  Their prayer went something like this:  “God give us boldness to preach your Word.  Stretch out your hand to do more signs, wonders, healings, and miracles in the name of Jesus.” 

As a result of their prayer meeting, the place was shaken, and “…with great power gave the apostles witness...”  (Acts 4:33) All preaching should be accompanied with “great power!” 

Have you ever wondered how an instantaneous revival can take place?  If we could get a miracle happening in the church, people from all around would rush to see it, and receive their own miracle.

Since Jesus is the “same yesterday, and today, and for ever”  (Hebrews 13:8), we should not be surprised to see miracles today.  In fact, we should expect miracles to happen!  Even Saul of Tarsus was converted as a result of a supernatural experience on the Road to Damascus. 

The “Working of Miracles” is the power gift that  “works miracles.”  The working of the miracle is used to show God’s power.  Miracles involving healing are usually a result of the “Gifts of Healing.”  “Working of Miracles” allow us to exercise miracle power.  “Miracle” comes from the Greek word “dunamis.”  This means “dynamite.”

“...But the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.”  (Daniel 11:32)