‘God of Miracles – Part 5’ – 8.25.2024

August 25, 2024
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HELPING PEOPLE TAKE STEPS TOWARD JESUS

 

14 You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. Psalm 77:14 NIV

 

Through divine actions, the God of wonders reveals His character, His purposes, and His power on earth. 

 

WHAT IS A MIRACLE?

  • A miracle is an unusual manifestation of God’s power in which He intervenes in human affairs.

 

Luke Chapter 5 is full of miracles.

  • The miraculous catch of fish.
  • The disciples leave everything and follow Jesus.
  • Jesus heals a man with leprosy.

 

Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man

17 One day while Jesus was teaching, some Pharisees and teachers of religious law were sitting nearby. (It seemed that these men showed up from every village in all Galilee and Judea, as well as from Jerusalem.) And the Lord’s healing power was strongly with Jesus. 18 Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a sleeping mat. They tried to take him inside to Jesus, 19 but they couldn’t reach him because of the crowd. So they went up to the roof and took off some tiles. Then they lowered the sick man on his mat down into the crowd, right in front of Jesus.20 Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.” 21 But the Pharisees and teachers of religious law said to themselves, “Who does he think he is? That’s blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!” 22 Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you question this in your hearts? 23 Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’? 24 So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” 25 And immediately, as everyone watched, the man jumped up, picked up his mat, and went home praising God. 26 Everyone was gripped with great wonder and awe, and they praised God, exclaiming, “We have seen amazing things today!”  Luke 5:17-26 NLT

 

  • When Jesus is invited, it draws a crowd.
  • Where Jesus is invited, there is freedom.

 

17 For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

2 Corinthians 3:17 NLT

 

  • When Jesus is the focus lives will be changed.

 

18 Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a sleeping mat. They tried to take him inside to Jesus, 19 but they couldn’t reach him because of the crowd. So they went up to the roof and took off some tiles. Then they lowered the sick man on his mat down into the crowd, right in front of Jesus.20 Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.” Luke 5:18-20 NLT

 

  • What are you willing to go through for people to meet and experience Jesus? 

 

“They need be strong, for the burden is heavy; they need be resolute, for the work will try their faith; they need be prayerful, for otherwise they labor in vain; they must be believing, or they will be utterly useless.”  Charles Spurgeon

 

  • There is something lacking in faith if it can never be seen.

 

14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:14-16 NLT

 

  • What do your children see you doing?
  • What do your friends see you doing?

 

ONLY GOD CAN FORGIVE SINS.

21 But the Pharisees and teachers of religious law said to themselves, “Who does he think he is? That’s blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!” Luke 5:21 NLT

 

  • That is a correct assumption, that is scriptural.
  • They were wrong about it being blasphemy.

 

22 Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you question this in your hearts? 23 Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’? 24 So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” 25 And immediately, as everyone watched, the man jumped up, picked up his mat, and went home praising God. 26 Everyone was gripped with great wonder and awe, and they praised God, exclaiming, “We have seen amazing things today!”   Luke 5:22-26 NLT

 

  • Obviously, it is easier to say your sins are forgiven, because there is no evidence they are forgiven.
  • Jesus did what was harder to reveal the power of God has no limits.
  • Jesus knew the man’s greatest need.
  • Jesus knows our greatest need.

 

Next steps for me today…

  • To share my testimony of what God has done in my life.
  • To discover my spiritual gifts and serve others. 
  • To take a step of faith today.

 

Next Steps

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