The Power Gift of Miracles
Explore this week’s message, devotional reflections, Scripture readings, and discussion questions as we conclude the Returning in Power series and examine how God demonstrates His authority, power, and love through the gift of miracles.
Message Summary
Pastor Ben concludes the Returning in Power series by exploring the spiritual gift of miracles through Acts 16:16–24. In this message, we examine how God uses miracles to glorify His name, demonstrate His authority, and draw people toward salvation. Through Paul’s encounter with a demon-possessed slave girl in Philippi, we are reminded that the church is called to operate in the power of the Holy Spirit and boldly trust God to move in extraordinary ways.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather together in this small group, we come before You with open hearts and minds. We ask that You would fill us with Your Holy Spirit and help us to be receptive to what You want to teach us today. Lord, we pray that You would speak to each of us individually and collectively as we discuss Your Word. Help us to grow in our understanding of Your gifts and Your power, and show us how we can be used by You in our daily lives. We surrender our preconceived notions and ask that You would reveal new truths to us. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What’s the most unusual or unexpected place you’ve ever encountered something that reminded you of God’s presence or power?
Key Scriptures
Scriptures:
Acts 16:16–24
Romans 12:6–8
1 Corinthians 12:7
Questions
- What stood out to you most from Pastor Ben’s message about the gift of miracles?
- Why do you think the demonic spirit speaking through the slave girl was problematic, even though what she said was technically true?
- How do you think miracles today might look different from biblical times, yet serve the same purposes?
- Pastor Ben mentioned that ‘playing it as usual is not going to work’ for the church today. What do you think he meant by this?
- What are some ways that counterfeit spirituality tries to mimic God’s power in our culture today?
- How can we discern between genuine miracles from God and counterfeit supernatural experiences?
- What fears or hesitations might people have about asking for or operating in the gift of miracles?
- How do the three purposes of miracles (glorify God, declare who’s in charge, save souls) help us understand when and why God might work miraculously?
Life Application
This week, spend time in prayer asking God to show you if He wants to use you in supernatural ways. Whether or not you feel called to the gift of miracles specifically, look for opportunities to step out in faith and trust God in situations that might seem beyond your natural abilities. Pay attention to moments where God might want to demonstrate His power through you to reach others with His love.
Key Takeaways
- Miracles glorify God, demonstrate His authority, and point people toward salvation.
- The spiritual gifts are given for the common good and the strengthening of the church.
- God still works powerfully through ordinary believers who are willing to step out in faith.
- The church must offer authentic spiritual power in a world searching for supernatural experiences.
- Spiritual gifts work together to help people encounter the truth and power of Jesus Christ.
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for this time of fellowship and discussion about Your amazing power and gifts. We are in awe of who You are and what You can do through ordinary people like us. Help us to leave this place with greater faith and boldness to step into whatever gifts You have for us. We pray that You would use our church and our individual lives to demonstrate Your power in ways that draw people to You. May we never be satisfied with ‘playing it as usual’ but always be open to how You want to move supernaturally through us. Protect us from counterfeit spirituality and help us to always point people to the true source of power – You, Jesus. We commit to being available for Your use this week. In Your mighty name we pray, Amen.
5-Day Devotional Guide
Day 1: When People Seek the Supernatural
Devotional
We live in a fascinating time. People everywhere are searching for something beyond the material world – something supernatural, something real. They’re looking in crystals, meditation apps, astrology, and countless other places. But here’s the beautiful truth: what they’re really seeking can only be found in Jesus Christ. God has always been in the miracle business. He parts seas, heals the sick, and transforms hearts. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available today through His church. When we operate in the gifts of the Spirit, including the gift of miracles, we offer a hungry world exactly what it’s been searching for. The question isn’t whether God still performs miracles – He absolutely does. The question is whether we’re willing to be vessels through which His power flows. When we step out in faith and allow God to work through us, we become living testimonies that point others to the One who can truly satisfy their deepest longings.
Bible Verse
‘Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. For the Lord Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth.’ – Psalm 47:1-2
Reflection Question
What supernatural experiences are people in your life seeking, and how might God want to use you to point them toward His authentic power?
Quote
People are more open to supernaturalism than ever before, looking for answers beyond the material. And if they can’t find it inside of the church, they will go elsewhere.
Prayer
Lord, help me recognize the spiritual hunger around me and be willing to step out in faith so others can encounter Your real power. Use me as a vessel for Your glory.
Day 2: God’s Power on Display
Devotional
When Paul encountered the demon-possessed slave girl in Philippi, he didn’t ignore the spiritual battle happening around him. For days, this girl followed them, creating confusion about the gospel message. Finally, Paul had enough. In the name of Jesus Christ, he commanded the spirit to leave – and it did immediately. This wasn’t just about helping one girl; it was about demonstrating that Jesus has authority over every spiritual force. When God’s power is displayed through miracles, it settles the question of who’s really in charge. It cuts through confusion and makes His supremacy undeniable. Sometimes we need these divine power encounters to break through the noise and deception that surrounds people’s hearts. When someone witnesses an authentic miracle, it creates an undeniable moment where they must acknowledge God’s reality. These demonstrations of power aren’t for show – they’re strategic moves in the spiritual battle for souls.
Bible Verse
‘As she kept this up for many days, Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her.’ – Acts 16:18
Reflection Question
When have you witnessed or experienced God’s power in a way that left no doubt about His authority over every situation?
Quote
It’s what happens when there’s a power encounter and God shows himself to be God.
Prayer
Father, give me boldness to confront spiritual opposition in Your name and trust in Your authority over every force that opposes Your kingdom.
Day 3: Breaking Through to Breakthrough
Devotional
After Paul cast out the demon, the girl’s owners were furious – their source of income was gone. They dragged Paul and Silas before the authorities, who had them beaten and thrown into prison. But God wasn’t finished with this story. At midnight, while Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns, an earthquake shook the prison, opening every door and loosening every chain. The jailer, thinking all prisoners had escaped, was about to take his own life when Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” In that moment of crisis, the jailer’s heart was completely open. He fell trembling before Paul and Silas and asked the most important question anyone can ask: “What must I do to be saved?” Sometimes God allows us to go through difficult circumstances because He’s setting up something greater. The miracle wasn’t just the earthquake – it was a heart being prepared for salvation. When we trust God through our trials, we position ourselves to be part of His miraculous work in others’ lives.
Bible Verse
‘The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”‘ – Acts 16:29
Reflection Question
How might God be using a current challenge in your life to position you for a breakthrough in someone else’s spiritual journey?
Quote
That’s why we need the gift of miracles. That’s why we need the gift of miracles in the church across the west, across the United States of America. We need this gift because it’s the gift that will compel people to say, sirs, what must I do to be saved?
Prayer
Lord, help me trust You through difficult seasons, knowing You’re working all things together for Your glory and others’ salvation.
Day 4: Stepping Out in Faith
Devotional
Those who operate in the gift of miracles share certain characteristics: they consistently find themselves in situations where God demonstrates His power, they maintain sensitivity to His leading, and they’re willing to risk their reputation by stepping out in faith. They’re not concerned about putting their neck on the line for God’s glory. This kind of faith isn’t reckless – it’s responsive. It comes from spending time with God and learning to recognize His voice and timing. When you’re sensitive to what God wants to do in a given situation, you’ll find yourself positioned to be part of His miraculous work. The beautiful thing about spiritual gifts is that they’re not just for a select few. God distributes His gifts throughout the body of Christ according to His will. If you find yourself repeatedly in situations where God’s power is needed, if you sense His leading in unusual circumstances, He might be calling you to step out in faith and trust Him for the impossible.
Bible Verse
‘He subdued nations under us, peoples under our feet. He chose our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom he loved.’ – Psalm 47:3-4
Reflection Question
In what areas of your life is God inviting you to step out in greater faith and trust Him for His miraculous intervention?
Quote
You’re not concerned or scared with putting your neck on the line for the glory of God. You step out in a deep, deep faith so that God can be glorified.
Prayer
God, increase my sensitivity to Your leading and give me courage to step out in faith when You call me to trust You for the impossible.
Day 5: The Church Needs All the Gifts
Devotional
The gift of miracles doesn’t operate in isolation – it works alongside all the other spiritual gifts to build up the church and reach the world. We need the love gifts that demonstrate God’s heart, the word gifts that communicate His truth, and the power gifts that display His authority. Together, they create a complete picture of who God is. In our current spiritual climate, playing it safe isn’t enough. People need to see authentic demonstrations of God’s love and power. They need to witness something that can only be explained by His intervention. When the church operates in all its gifts, including miracles, it becomes irresistible to a world searching for real answers. The goal isn’t to create a spectacle – it’s to create encounters with the living God that transform lives. When people see genuine miracles, they don’t just witness power; they encounter the God who loves them enough to break into their circumstances and demonstrate His reality. This is how hearts are opened and souls are saved.
Bible Verse
‘God has gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet. Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises.’ – Psalm 47:5-6
Reflection Question
How can you better support and encourage the use of all spiritual gifts in your church community to reach those who desperately need to encounter God?
Quote
We need this gift in the church like we need all the gifts we’ve talked about since January. The love gifts, the word gifts, the power gifts. We need them all.
Prayer
Father, help our church operate in all the gifts You’ve given us, creating an environment where people can encounter Your authentic power and love.
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