Week #27 — THEY TURNED TO THE LORD
In this week’s sermon, we heard the miraculous story of Esther. No, not the woman from the Bible, but the one from Kora Farms in Gulu, Uganda. She became sick and died. After three days, the people called in a local pastor to conduct her funeral. Once gathered, the pastor felt led to pray for the exit of demonic spirits and for Esther’s return. As he prayed, she began to breathe. But, did it really happen? It seems unbelievable, but no one in the village disputes it, and many claim to have witnessed it.
The book of Acts is God’s preserved highlight reel of the Church’s first 30 years. In it, we see miracles everywhere. Why? Well, just like in the rest of the Bible, ours is a miracle-working God. He parted the Red Sea, rained down manna from heaven, healed the sick, raised the dead, and commanded the wind and waves. In Acts 9:32-43, through the ministry of Peter, our Lord heals a lame man and raises a dead woman. And what happens next? The people respond in faith.
We have the same God, and he still performs miracles. In fact, the greatest miracle of all—for which he gets all the glory—is the one he does the most: resurrecting dead people to new life in Christ.
In Christ,
Pastor Ken
Week #27 — Questions
- Peter heals Aeneas after eight years of paralysis (v32-35). What does this miracle reveal about the continuing authority and power of Jesus working through his apostles?
- In Joppa, Peter raises Tabitha (also called Dorcas) from the dead (v36-41). Read Mark 5:35-43. How does this miracle echo the works of Jesus himself? What might Luke want us to see from this echo?
- Luke describes Tabitha as “full of good works and acts of charity” (v36). Why do you think he highlights her generosity and service before describing the miracle? Does this mean she somehow deserved the miracle?
- Who do you know today that, if they died, you would testify to their acts of love and service just like the people did about Dorcas? What might God be calling you to do in your life that would make others testify to your acts of love and service someday?
- Peter prays before raising Tabitha (v40). How does this shape our understanding of asking God to work miraculously today? What role should prayer play when we face situations that seem impossible?
- After both miracles, many people turn to the Lord (v35 and v42). What does this indicate is the true purpose or goal of the miracles? How should we respond when we see God clearly at work—whether in healing, provision, or changed lives?
- Even if the apostles are gone, and the ultimate purpose of miracles is to bring people to faith, can we still prayerfully and expectantly ask for healing today?
- Physical healings are remarkable, but Luke shows the greater miracle is people turning to Christ. How can keeping this perspective reshape our prayers, priorities, and expectations of what God is doing in the world?