The Believers Authority

                                         

                                         THE BELIEVERS’ AUTHORITY

Matthew 28:18-20  Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore [you] go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

•• In the famous Great Commission, we see an impartation of authority from Jesus Christ to believers in Him. In some of His final words to His disciples before He ascended back to heaven, Jesus sends them forth into the world to preach, teach, baptize, and otherwise minister on His behalf — in essence, to teach the world "everything" (vs. 20) that Jesus had entrusted to His chosen disciples. The parallel Great Commission in Mark's Gospel (see next) confirms this transfer of heavenly authority to believers on earth.

Mark 16:15-20  [Jesus] said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.

•• Here again, the Great Commission sender is Jesus. Those who are sent forth to minister in all the world are His disciples — "those who believe" (vs. 17). And we are not sent powerless. No! If we believe Jesus and His promises, we will heal the sick, speak in new tongues, cast out demons, and much more as we bring the Gospel to the far corners of the earth. How? Because Jesus, who has "all authority in heaven and on earth" (Matt. 28:18) has given us this commission and the authority to fulfill it — even with the confirmation of supernatural signs.

•• Unfortunately, in too many churches today the saints are not taught that they, not just the pastor, are called and empowered to do the work of the ministry. The antidote for this is for believers to see in Scripture that Jesus has given all of us the power and authority to accomplish His work on earth, consistent with His unique callings and the spiritual enablements given to each one of us.

Luke 9:1-2; 10:19  When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick... [and to 72 others He said, 10:19] I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

•• Not just to His apostles, but to a larger group of His followers (10:17) Jesus gave power and authority to proclaim the kingdom, to heal the sick, to cast out demons, and to overcome all the power of the enemy! And we have just seen (above) Jesus giving that same power and authority to believers to further the Great Commission in "all the world".That includes you and me!

John 14:12  Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

•• What works had Jesus been doing? Healing the sick, raising the dead, cleansing the lepers, casting out devils, proclaiming the kingdom of God, and more. Who else can do these works, and "even greater"? — the answer: "whoevever believes in [Jesus]". Not just His twelve apostles, not just pastors and church leaders, but whoever believes in Him! You can share the Gospel, confirmed with powerful signs, because Jesus has delegated this authority to believers. And the believer's authority is not restricted by our own natural limitations. Remember, it is God's authority given through Jesus to us.

Mark 13:34, KJV  For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.

•• In the context above, Jesus was speaking to His disciples about the time between His first and second coming. He said He was going to "leave his house" — that is, return to heaven. And He gave to each of His servants on earth work to do and the authority to get it done. For this entire Church Age, Jesus has given spiritual authority to His servants on earth.

1 Corinthians 2:4-5  My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.

•• The apostle Paul refused to depend on his natural abilities (as prodigious as those were!). Let this be a lesson to us. Instead, he intended that people's faith would rest, not on his human wisdom, but on a Gospel preached with a confirming "demonstration of the Spirit's power". Let's see now the source of that Holy Ghost power that Jesus has promised to us.

Acts 1:5, 8  For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit... [8] you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

•• We have seen that Jesus willingly gives authority to us, His followers. And the power to wield that authority effectively comes in the promised baptism with the Holy Spirit. That is where believers "will receive power" to fulfill the Lord's work on earth. The early Church needed to be filled with the Spirit, and so do we today.

•• Now let's look at some encouraging biblical examples of Christ's authority working effectively in the lives of believers.

1) Leading a soul to Jesus — John 4:28-30, 39  Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” They came out of the town and made their way toward him... [39] Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.”

•• This Samaritan woman was herself a brand-new believer. But there was already within her as a believer the ability to say to her townspeople, "Come and see. Could this be the Messiah?" And they did come and hear Jesus speak, and many became believers in Christ, in great measure "because of the woman's testimony". This woman, not knowing theology, simply shared what faith she had, and souls were gathered to Jesus. If she could do this, so can we. Why? Because Jesus Christ has given us power from God and the authority to minister for Him with that delegated power here on earth.

2) Leading someone into the baptism with the Holy Spirit — Acts 9:10, 17  In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” ... [17] Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord — Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here — has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

•• Ananias was simply "a disciple", a "devout man" (Acts 22:12, KJV), a believer in Jesus. Yet the Lord used him to heal Saul's blindness and to minister the baptism with the Holy Spirit to Saul (who later became the apostle Paul).

3) Cast out devils — Mark 16:17  And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils.

•• "I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy" (Luke 10:19). Jesus confirmed this promise in the Great Commission: "These signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons" (Mark 16:17).

4) Healing the sick — Mark 16:17-18, KJV  And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name ... [18] they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

•• It is the privilege of all believers ("them that believe") to lay hands on the sick and see them healed.the sick. Among them might very well be some with the Holy Spirit-given "gifts of healing" (1 Corinthians 12:9).

5) Have prayers answered — James 5:13a, 16b  Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray... [16b] The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

•• Remember, believers have authority given by Jesus, the possessor of all authority in heaven and on earth. This applies to our prayer lives as well, where we find that the prayer of "a righteous man" is powerful and effective. Be confident as you pray, come boldly to His throne of grace in your times of need (Hebrews 4:16).

6) Manifesting gifts of the Holy Spirit — Acts 21:8-9  ...we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied. [Amplified: "who had the gift of prophecy"]

•• Four young ladies, each of whom had the gift of prophecy. This is consistent with Peter's great Pentecost sermon where, quoting the prophet Joel, he says, "...I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy..." (Acts 2:17).

-Not just pastors and five-fold ministers, but the members of the church  and laity broadly — born-again Christians, aware of the authority Jesus has given believers, and finding the source of spiritual power in the baptism with the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 7:19-20  Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t wedrive it out?” He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

•• Many Christians, like those disciples, may be thinking, "Why couldn't we...?" And Jesus replies quite simply that's it's a matter of faith.

• Do you believe that Jesus has given authority to His servants? (Mark 13:34)

• Do you believe that He gives us a large measure of divine power in the baptism with the Holy Spirit? (Acts 1:5, 8)

• Do you believe that, as you go forth with the Good News, He will confirm the word with supernatural signs? (Mark 16:20)

• Do you believe that those with faith in Jesus will do His works and "even greater"? (John 14:12)

•• Jesus told his doubting disciples that, if they had faith, they could "move mountains", and nothing would be impossible for them.

•• How can this be? Simply because our resurrected Savior, who possesses all authority in heaven and on earth (Matt. 28:18-20) has chosen to impart authority to His servants, so that we might go forth in power to expand the kingdom of God on this earth. And you are one of those servants that our Lord has called and empowered to be effective ambassadors for Christ to this lost world.

Jesus did not leave behind a powerless church when He ascended back to heaven. To the contrary, He imparted divine authority to those who follow Him, along with Holy Spirit power to accomplish great works embedded in righteousness for Him on this earth.

FREEDOM FROM DEMONIC CAPTIVITY

Demon bondage can be brought about when an individual is possessed, oppressed, or is in rebellion towards God (sins of the flesh). It takes God's discernment to determine which of these is producing the bondage in an individual's life.

The Bible makes it clear that there are demons, or evil spirits, in the world that interfere in people's lives (Ephesians 6:11-19). Evil forces, or powers, influence and control the minds of individuals, bring sickness and cause undesirable behavior, inability to function normally, and even suicide. As a result of these forces, people can become a danger to themselves as well as others.

What Scripture Says

"There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee" (Deuteronomy 18:10-13).

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this world, against wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:12).

"... there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.... And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out,t hey went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters" (Matthew 8:28b, 32).

"There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them with which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one" (Acts 5:16).

"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God" (Galatians 5:19-21).

Indications of Demon Activity

The following areas may help you to recognize your need for being released from demonic oppression, possession or bondages of the flesh (sin):

1. Compulsion to abuse animals or people;
2. Sexual perversion and immorality (homosexuality, molestation,etc.);
3. A compulsion to abuse your body (drugs, alcohol, gluttony, abuse or misuse of other substances, etc.);
4. Seeking spiritual knowledge through Eastern religions and other counterfeit religious groups (TM, Yoga, humanism, etc.);
5. Involvement in occult practices (fortune-telling, Satanism, etc.);
6. Mental distress or oppression (anxiety, fear, anger, disorientation, etc.);
7. Psychological disorders (split and multiple personalities, paranoia, etc.);
8. Physical disorders may be demon caused (Matthew 9:32, 33);
9. Lack of freedom or joy in the Lord (spiritual bondage);
10. Inability or constant refusal to repent of sin, though you know you are sinning (rebellion).

See Bible passages under References/Homework and in a Bible dictionary and concordance for examples of the above. If you are having difficulty in discerning your problem, please seek help from a local pastor, elder or Christian counselors who will help you to discern your need and can counsel and pray with you.

What Is God's Answer?

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. To preach the acceptable year of the Lord" (Luke 4:18, 19).

This prophecy concerning the Messiah was fulfilled in Christ, and the authority noted herein has been passed on to Christians (Mark 16:17).

Jesus came to free those under demon bondage. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:13). The term "saved" or "salvation" includes your spiritual, physical and mental health.

You need to pray sincerely to the Lord that He will forgive your sin, cleanse you, be your Saviour and Lord and baptize (fill) you with the Holy Spirit (I John 1:8, 9; John 1:12; Luke 11:13; Acts 1:8). The Holy Spirit will give you the power to overcome demon bondage, activity and influence. You will be free. You can experience an abundant, full, meaningful life with the joy and purpose God desires for you (John 10:10).

If You Can't Pray In Victory

First, you need to be sure your problem is not a fleshly, willful one on your part. Take a bold, fearless inventory of yourself. You must choose whom you will serve; self and fleshly desire, Satan or God? Repent of all sinful desires. Renounce sin and sinfulness and its ingrained habits. Commit yourself to Christ with determination and resolve. After you have repented and asked for forgiveness, accept God's assurance that you are a child of God and have been forgiven.

If you need further help, the elders of the church can pray and minister to you (James 5:14,15).

How You Can Stay Free

You cannot reckon an evil spirit dead nor crucify an evil spirit. Neither can you cast out the flesh. You must crucify the flesh (Galatians 2:20) and its desires and cast out evil spirits (James 4:7). When demons or evil spirits are cast out, you need something to replace them, lest they return (Matthew 12:43-48).

You can be assured of victory over demons if you have received Jesus as Saviour and Lord (John 1:12), and have received the baptism with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). The Holy Spirit guides you into truth, empowers you, and intercedes for you. He also gives you spiritual gifts, such as discerning of spirits, for your welfare and that of others (I Corinthians 12; Mark 16:9-20).

As you receive God's nature, the traits of your fleshly nature (such as irresponsible behavior, pride, and lack of love) will be replaced by the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22,23).

Your greatest need is to continually study God's Word. Meditate upon the Bible day and night (Joshua 1:8) to put on the whole armor of God that you might be able to effectively overcome the forces of evil (Ephesians 6:10-18). Jesus answered Satan with the Word of God (Luke 4:1-13). You can do the same. Pray withoutc easing (I Thessalonians 5:17) and get into a local church fellowship for further ministry (Hebrews 10:25).

As You Pray

Consistently honor God with thanksgiving and praise. As you give Him first place in your thoughts and actions, Satan and his demons will have no place in your life.

LANGUAGE OF THE SPIRIT BY APOSTLE JONAS CLARK

LANGUAGE OF ANGELS

 “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:1-4).

Speaking in other tongues had never happened before and couldn’t because the day of Pentecost could not fully come until after the resurrection of Christ. This is one of the greatest events in history. It’s the day the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Church. It was also the fulfillment of Christ’s promise, “For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence” (Acts 1:5). How do we know people were baptized with the Holy Spirit? They began to speak with other tongues (Acts 2:4; 10:46; 19:6 ).

What is speaking in other tongues? The Apostle Paul had much to say about speaking in tongues. He taught speaking in tongues was:

TALKING WITH GOD

“For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.” (1 Corinthians 14:2)

EDIFYING YOURSELF

“He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself… “(1 Corinthians 14:4)

YOUR-SPIRIT PRAYING

“For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. “ (1 Corinthians 14:14)

LANGUAGE OF ANGELS

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels…” (1 Corinthians 13:1)

The tongue is used for speaking. Without a tongue you would be mute and unable to form words. The baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues is a supernatural event that connects your tongue to your spirit.

All language is an assembly of words that form communication. Praying in other tongues is such a language. Speaking in an unknown tongue is your spirit having a direct conversation with God. Scripture declares, “For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people” (Isaiah 28:11).

NO RESPECTER OF PERSONS

There was a certain man named Cornelius. The Bible says he was a praying man that loved God and gave much alms to help the poor. The Holy Spirit sent Peter to minister to him and his household. When Peter arrived, he declared, “Of a truth, I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him” (Acts 10:34-35). As Peter ministered the Word to the people, something amazing happened. Scripture says,

"While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days” (Acts 10:43-48).

GIFTED PRAYER

Something similar happened in the Apostle Paul’s ministry when he found certain Disciples at Ephesus. After meeting them he asked them a very important question, “Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost” (Acts 19:2).

This meeting was twenty years after the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was poured out on those gathered in the Upper Room.

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:1-4)

Those meeting with the Apostle Paul had not heard about the gift of the Holy Spirit, they were only baptized in water. Then Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Ghost came on them, and they spoke with other tongues and prophesied” (Acts 19:6).

Praying in other tongues is a spiritual language and the highest form of communication available to you. It won’t help you renew your mind, but it will help you pray effectively. When you pray in an unknown tongue your spirit, not your mind, speaks directly with the Holy Spirit. Learn to take full advantage of this marvelous gift.

GATHERING THE REMNANT 2017

Remnant 7.0 Conference Back to Acts 1:8

 

SPIRIT OF LIFE CHURCH - HALLANDALE BEACH, FL 
BACK TO ACTS 1:8
REMNANT 7.0 CONFERENCE 

Hearing - Anointing - Identity - Purpose - Healing - Refreshing - Impartation - New Friends - Spiritual Strength

We live in a time of religious corruption, demonic deception, moral compromise, occult mysticism, and the rise of erotic paganism.

Compromise is sweeping our nation as some ministry leaders refuse to use words like sin, hell, blood, and repent. A watered down gospel will never change the world, only create a vacuum in the hearts of men for something different.

Some have exchanged the ministry of the Holy Spirit and his nine gifts with celebrity Christianity and soulish entertainment. Some churches even look like night clubs rather than houses of prayer. When was the last time you saw the Holy Spirit on television, heard about him on the radio, or experienced his presence in church?

To reach this generation requires the power of the Holy Spirit, not social media marketing strategies or demographic studies. We still need to confess our sins, renew our minds with the Word of God, and be baptized by the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues.

Nevertheless, our mandate remains the same. “Go ye into all the world and make disciples of all nations.” To accomplish this goal requires the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “And you shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come on you” (Acts 1:8). Yes, everything that can be shaken is being shaken, but the power of the Holy Spirit and the word of God is unstoppable.

All of this means the war is on. The good news is we win!

Exciting times are approaching. As already said, everything that can be shaken is being shaken. As the Remnant gathers this year, we can expect the Holy Spirit to equip and empower us for victory. A new season has arrived. 

Make plans early. Great people like you are coming from all around the world this year. Come and meet those of like precious faith. It’s time to get Back to Acts! 

Your partner,

Apostle Jonas Clark

TESTIMONIES OF CHANGED LIVES

"Now I know why the Holy Ghost impressed upon me to travel half way around the world to attend this conference. The praise and worship was anointed, the preaching was with power, and the presence of the Holy Spirit was strong.  I was strengthened, equipped, and empowered to go back to my region and advance the Kingdom of God.  Knowing that we are not alone in what God has called us to do has helped me so much… and I am grateful to have been able to connect with you and your ministry team."Sandy, New Zealand

 

"Apostle Jonas and the team get it!" Louise, New York

 

"I came to the conference looking for refreshing. In my city, there are no churches who believe in spiritual warfare, prophetic or apostolic ministry. It's spiritually dry where I live. At your conference, I found people who believed just like me. What I liked was that the leaders were transparent and real. They were really interested in me. I needed to experience this level of fellowship."Carla, Indiana

 

"I read one of Jonas Clark's books, and I liked what I learned about overcoming Jezebel, religion, and witchcraft. I desired more, and I wanted him to lay hands on me for impartation and activation. So I decided to go to one of his meetings. What struck me was the excellence and hospitality of his ministry team. Spiritually and naturally, everything was in line, and I was not disappointed." Fred, North Carolina

 

"These folks know how to flow in the anointing. We were really frustrated and wanted just to quit the ministry. Now my wife and I feel refreshed and ready to get back on the front lines." Franklin, South Carolina

 

"The Holy Ghost showed my wife and me that we needed to connect with the Global Cause Network and to sow into the ministry work you are doing in Central America.  I could hear the heart of God every time one of your leaders spoke of the school that is being built for the children in Central America and the impact that the apostolic is having in the lives of the Christian leaders there.  We are blessed to be Champion Partners with your ministry and know that our seed is going into good ground and is being used to expand the Kingdom of God in the nations." P. Smith, New York

 

Calling all Women of Destiny! 

We launch the Remnant Gathering with a special women's conference "Women of Destiny," Thursday, Nov, 9th 2017, 10 am to 4 pm, including a special luncheon.

 

REMNANT GATHERING WITH EIGHT POWERFUL GENERAL SESSIONS
Thursday Women of Destiny Conference and Luncheon 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
General Session Thursday – 7:30 pm: 

General Session  Friday – 10:00 am: 

General Session Friday – 1:30 pm: 

*Breakout Sessions*  
TITLES: ( *Discerning Demonic Spirits* | *Advancing Kingdom Culture* | *High Level Prophetic Ministry* )

General Session Friday – 7:30 pm: 

General Session  Saturday – 10:00 am: 

General Session Saturday – 1:30 pm: 

General Session Saturday – 7:30 pm: 

General Session  Sunday – 10:00 am:

 

SPECIAL RECEPTION AND FELLOWSHIP
Champion Partners are invited to a special reception and fellowship with Apostle Jonas on Saturday, November 11th in the Ocean Breeze room. 

 

 

NOVEMBER 9TH - 12TH IN BEAUTIFUL HALLANDALE BEACH, FL
For more information, call 1-800-943-6490 or +1 954-456-4420 

 

 

REGISTER FOR CONFERENCE NOW

Local Attractions: Sunshine, white sand beaches, deep sea fishing, reef diving, golfing, Fairmont Turnberry, Miami Seaquarium, Jungle Island, Las Olas, Saw Grass Mall, River Walk, 
Jungle Queen, Wannado City for Kids, Everglades, and alligators.Nearby Hotels and Information 

UNUSUAL MIRACLES

“Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.” (Acts 19:11-12)

I love the expression ”unusual miracles”. I’ve personally seen firsthand the extraordinary impact signs and wonders make as they accompany the preaching of the Word of God. Do we truly understand what Kingdom Advancement implies? The Apostle Paul did… and if we are to become ministry leaders who do the unusual in the eyes of the world, we will need to put on a lot more courage and tenacity.

In the city of Ephesus, a shift in the Spiritual Realm was occurring. The Kingdom of God; which is the government of heaven, was gaining influence over all areas of life from the religious practices to the daily routine. Beliefs were changing and faith was being engaged in unusual ways as people stepped into the supernatural, as if unleashed from natural law. Jesus said when you abide in My Word, you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free (Jn. 8:31-32). The Apostle Paul; like Jesus, was pulling them into revelation rather than letting them stay bound to natural limits.

Whom the Son sets free is free indeed (Jn. 8:36). Freedom implies the ability to move, without hindrance or limitation and it brings fresh perspective on the future. Unusual miracles change the way you think about your reality, limitations and possibilities.

Conflict with Darkness:

The immediate result of the Apostle Paul’s experience however, was that evil spirits were driven out into the open. Conflict is first and foremost a spiritual battle that makes every leader do an inventory of their gifts and training. Are they equipped to handle the battle? Their experience and character set the standard for how they will address visible opposition in the spiritual realm. Perhaps most important is a person’s awareness of spiritual authority. Some do well, some flounder, but every leader must get their skills sharpened by their identity in Christ and their experiences in the field.

“Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call upon the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches. Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?” Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, over powered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.” (Acts 19:13-16)

This account is like a backhanded compliment. In effect Satan’s agents were saying, ‘This preacher is achieving something’. Yet, the victories of our advancement must be maintained and enforced by radical followers who know who they are and what they carry. These sons of Sceva were trying to be helpful without the tools or experience.

Paul’s preaching was breaking through and crushing the occult practices in the city of Ephesus. What also seemed to be happening was that many people became very nervous about the incredible beating those without spiritual authority had just experienced. Believe me when I say the word gets out. But God will get the last word, if we are truly doing unusual miracles by His hand.

“This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified, And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver.” (Acts 19:17-19)

Even in the church world today, we see a lot of folks having one foot in the Kingdom of God and the other in the enemy’s camp. These folks need to see the reality of these kingdoms in conflict. When the Apostle Paul preached, the believers brought the books and tools of their witchcraft and burned them publicly. What an impact that would make on a region. The value of the books was fifty thousand pieces of silver. Each silver coin was a day’s wage… this is estimated at $2,500,000 in today’s market.

Unusual Miracles are only unusual in the sense that they reveal an extraordinary shift from the natural limitations we consider normal. When we begin to see through the eyes of faith, what seems common will change and the impossible will become ordinary.