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Have you ever followed what God asked of you and still felt like nothing changed? This message explores what happens when we obey God, even when there are no results in sight. • Elijah's servant kept searching when nothing showed up.• Naaman nearly missed his miracle because the method felt beneath him.• The Sons of Sceva tried to fake spiritual authority and got exposed.Obedience does more than keep us from sin. It leads us into the kind of breakthrough we cannot manufacture on our own. Watch now and be encouraged to trust the process even when it doesn't make sense.-----------------------------------------------------Today's Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49460766Stay Updated on our Campus: https://linktr.ee/nlcsearcyOnline Giving: http://newlifechurch.tv/givingMailing Address: 2851 West Beebe-Capps Expy, Searcy, AR 72143For more information on our campus, email us at searcy@newlifechurch.tv or visit newlifechurch.tv. You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram @nlcsearcy!#sermon #church #christianity
Join us for this week's sermon!Whether you're seeking hope, direction, or a deeper connection with God, this message is for you. Each week, we open God's Word together to find truth, encouragement, and strength for the journey.
Send us a textActs 19:11-20And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them. Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. And this became known to all the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled. Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.Support the show
Message by Fred Hartsook, recorded live July 20, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Ann Hinz.Beware the MagiciansBeware the Jesus magicians - beware becoming one who proclaims but does not have faith - to be a church even the demons know and respect.When have you seen someone mistake religious language for real faith?Do I know Jesus personally, or am I leaning on someone else's faith (parents, pastor, tradition)?Are there areas of your life where you've been trying to “use” God rather than follow Him?What would true repentance look like for you this week?Acts 19:11-201 God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, 12 so that when the handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were brought to the sick, their diseases left them, and the evil spirits came out of them. 13 Then some itinerant Jewish exorcists tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” 14 Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. 15 But the evil spirit said to them in reply, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?” 16 Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered them all, and so overpowered them that they fled out of the house naked and wounded. 17 When this became known to all residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks, everyone was awestruck, and the name of the Lord Jesus was praised. 18 Also many of those who became believers confessed and disclosed their practices. 19 A number of those who practiced magic collected their books and burned them publicly; when the value of these books was calculated, it was found to come to fifty thousand silver coins. 20 So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.
When seven sons of a Jewish priest try to mimic Paul's miracles by invoking Jesus' name without faith, they face the wrath of a demon who knows Jesus and Paul but dismisses them, leaving the entire city of Ephesus shaken by the power of the true gospel.In Ephesus, Paul teaches about the Holy Spirit and performs miracles, but the seven sons of Sceva, seeking their own fame, attempt to cast out a demon in the name of "the Jesus whom Paul preaches"—only to be violently overpowered by the demon, exposing their lack of true faith and authority. This terrifying event strengthens the believers' trust in Paul's teaching and the power of Jesus, spreading fear and reverence throughout the city.Today's Bible verse is John 14:13, from the King James Version.Download the Pray.com app for more Christian content including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Pray.com is the digital destination for faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Reformed Brotherhood | Sound Doctrine, Systematic Theology, and Brotherly Love
In this episode of the Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse and Tony delve into the topic of demons and spiritual warfare, exploring what the Bible teaches about these spiritual entities and their activity in the world. The conversation begins with an examination of Job 1, where Satan appears in the heavenly court to accuse Job, demonstrating how God's sovereignty encompasses even the actions of the devil and his demons. The discussion emphasizes that while demons are real and dangerous, they operate under the ultimate authority of God, who uses even their actions to fulfill His purposes. The hosts also discuss the role of Christ's death and resurrection in fundamentally altering the influence and power of Satan and his demons. Drawing from Revelation 20, they explain how Christ's victory has “bound” Satan, limiting his ability to deceive the nations and opening the way for the Gospel to spread to all people. This pivotal event in redemptive history marks a shift in the spiritual realm, giving Christians the confidence to stand firm against spiritual opposition, knowing that the ultimate victory has already been won in Christ. Additionally, Jesse and Tony reflect on various Biblical accounts of demonic activity, such as the demoniac at Gennesaret and the failed exorcism by the seven sons of Sceva in Acts 19. These stories highlight the power of Jesus' name, the reality of spiritual warfare, and the dangers of invoking Christ's authority without true faith. The episode concludes with a call to Christians to prepare for spiritual battles through Scripture, prayer, and reliance on the power of Christ. Key Points: The Sovereignty of God Over Demons: The story of Job reveals that even Satan's actions are under God's control, serving His divine purposes. The Binding of Satan: Revelation 20 teaches that Christ's death and resurrection have limited Satan's ability to deceive the nations, enabling the spread of the Gospel. Biblical Accounts of Demonic Activity: Stories like the demoniac at Gennesaret and the seven sons of Sceva illustrate the power and authority of Christ over demons. Practical Lessons for Christians: Believers are called to stand firm in faith, armed with Scripture, and confident in Christ's ultimate victory over evil forces. Questions for Reflection: How does Job 1 demonstrate God's sovereignty over Satan and his actions? What does Revelation 20 teach us about the impact of Christ's resurrection on Satan's power? Why is it important for Christians to rely on true faith and not superficial invocations of Jesus' name in spiritual battles? How can Biblical accounts of demonic activity help us better understand the nature of spiritual warfare today? What practical steps can Christians take to prepare for spiritual opposition?
Acts 19:8-20 English Standard Version8 And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. 9 But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. 10 This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.The Sons of Sceva11 And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them. 13 Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” 14 Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. 15 But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” 16 And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17 And this became known to all the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled. 18 Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. 19 And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.English Standard Version (ESV)The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Deuteronomy 24 verses 1-4 speak of the divorce laws for the Israelites. Divorce was permitted on the grounds of a groom finding in his betrothed some evidence of indecency. The Septuagint Greek version uses the word “pornea” to describe this situation. This word speaks of all kinds of perversions as well as unfaithfulness prior to marriage. When the accused woman was sent away with an annulment of the marriage she was forbidden to remarry. This prohibition also meant that her former husband was not allowed to take her again as a wife. Divorce was to regulate behaviour within the nation of Israel. The Lord Jesus Christ reveals this point to us in Matthew 19 verses 3-9. Divorce is abhorrent to the Lord GOD Almighty as Malachi 2 verses 13-16. Shows. Verses 5-22 speak of several miscellaneous laws. Verse 5 tells of a married man being exempted from warfare for one year after his marriage. Verse 6 is about care and compassion for the poor. Verse 7 prescribes death to be the penalty for kidnapping. Verses 8-9 instruct Israel to faithfully follow the Levitical rules relating to leprosy. Verses 10-15 speak of fair dealing among members of God's people. Every member of Israel were to show care and compassion – ie love for one's neighbour. The day labourer was to receive his wages on the same day as the work had been done. Verse 16 teaches the principle that we alone are answerable for our own sins. Ezekiel 18 clearly elaborates that principle. Verses 17-18 speak of the dispensing of justice to be free from bias and to be carried out with integrity. Verses 19-22 tells of the love of the widows and the fatherless children in a generosity of spirit that is seen in their harvesting practices: not stripping their fruit trees. Psalm 68 verses 1-6 and James 1verses 27 reinforce the message of the love and care to be shown to widows, and fatherless children. In so acting the Israelites were imitating their Heavenly Father. Verse 22 of Deuteronomy 24 states the premise for why they must behave as the LORD commanded. The people of the LORD were responding to the redeeming love that underlies their deliverance from Egypt. The entire chapter 4 of the Song of Solomon concerns the bridegroom's words to his beloved spouse. Verses 1-5 present a cascade of magnificent metaphors in which the groom describes the alluring beauty of his bride. In verses 6-7 he claims to be intoxicated by her love and his passionate desires for her love. Verse 8 expresses his desire to take her to the places where the wild scenery of the natural world causes romantic minds to become elevated in their feelings. Verses 9-15 present sparkling images of his intense desire to be with his captivating companion. The song closes in verse 16 with a wish for the fragrant north wind to stir up the aromatic fragrances of Solomon's spice garden. All of this speaks of the intense love of the groom for his bride, ie the Lord Jesus Christ's love of us. Acts 18 tells of Paul's arrival in Corinth. He chooses to live with Priscilla and Aquila, who had recently arrived in Corinth because the Emperor Claudius had expelled all the Jews from Rome, accusing them of being troublesome. Paul lodges with Priscilla and Aquila because they, like himself, are tent makers. This fine couple are mentioned 6 times in the New Testament, and 3 times Aquila's name is given first, and 3 times Priscilla's is mentioned first. This shows that they are partners who work together in everything – including the teaching of the gospel to private individuals. Some scholars believe that the letter to the Hebrews may have been written by Priscilla. Paul teaches in the synagogue at Corinth every sabbath day – that Jesus is the Christ (Israel's long promised Messiah). When the Apostle is fiercely opposed by the Jews Paul shakes the dust from his clothes as the Lord Jesus Christ had commanded in Matthew 10. Paul hires the house owned by Titus Justus, who accepts the gospel and lives next door to the synagogue. From this house Paul continues his preaching. This preaching results in the conversion to the Lord Jesus Christ of Crispus, who is the ruler of the synagogue, and many others including Crispus' family accept Christ. The atmosphere around the preaching is obviously tense and Paul becomes fearful and the Lord Jesus Christ appears in a night and says: “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people” (Vv9-10 ESV). For eighteen months the preaching continues successfully. During the Consulship of Gallio the Jews make a united attack on Paul bringing him before Gallio. Gallio summarily dismisses their claims and drives them from his presence. The Jews take out their frustration and anger on Sosthenes, the then newest ruler of the synagogue. This avails nothing as we see in 1 Corinthians 1verse 1. Sosthenes accepts the gospel and becomes a baptised believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. After this Paul shaves his hair in Cenchrea and sails from Ephesus to Antioch in Syria to complete his Nazarite vow. After spending time with the brethren in Syria Paul resumes his preaching in Galatia. The chapter concludes with the conversion of Apollos, an eloquent Alexandrian Jew – who had known only the baptism and preaching of John the Baptist. Priscilla and Aquila instruct him in the gospel and baptise him into the Lord Jesus Christ. It becomes obvious from this chapter that any who have not been baptised without a complete understanding of the gospel require to be baptised into the “whole counsel of God”: Acts 20verses 18-27. Acts In Acts 19 Apollos comes to Corinth (this was obviously very shortly after his conversion to Christ). Paul arrives in Ephesus and finds there disciples who had only known the baptism and teaching of John the Baptist. Those disciples, 12 in all, are likewise taught the full truth about the salvation in Christ Jesus and are baptised into that understanding. For three months Paul boldly speaks in the synagogue, until sustained resistance from Jewish foes causes Paul to seek other rooms for preaching. The Apostle hires the rooms of a local philosopher – one Tyrannus. Preaching from Tyrannus' rooms continues for two years so that all who live in the province of Asia hear the gospel. God through Paul supports the preaching by many miracles. Seven sons of an itinerant Jew by the name of Sceva attempt an exorcism on a man who attacks and wounds them – the sons of Sceva flee naked from the house where the attempted exorcism had occurred. God by that means shows Sceva's sons to be frauds. The testimony to the gospel causes many practicers of the dark arts (or magic) to forsake their craft and burn their books to the value of approximately $10,000,000. The chapter next says that craftsmen led by Demetrius, a silversmith himself, cause a riot – believing that Paul's preaching is endangering the sale of the miniature figurines of Diana (also known as Artemis) of the Ephesians. Some of Paul's companions are dragged into the arena by men wanting revenge. Paul attempts to go and answer them but is prevented from doing so by his friends. The riotous crowd take out their anger on a Jew named Alexander. The town clerk dismisses the rioters and disperses the crowd. The town clerk says that Rome may very well want to investigate the cause of the riot. Penned by Warwick Rosser and his team, produced by Christadelphianvideo.org
교회의 사역목표 (1): 말씀에 사로잡혀 Engaged with the Words of God 사도행전 시리즈 53 2025-05-04 주일 예배 설교 사도행전 (Acts) 19:11-20 [새번역/ESV] 11 하나님께서 바울의 손을 빌어서 비상한 기적들을 행하셨다. And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 심지어 사람들이, 바울이 몸에 지니고 있는 손수건이나 두르고 있는 앞치마를 그에게서 가져다가, 앓는 사람 위에 얹기만 해도 병이 물러가고, 악한 귀신이 쫓겨 나갔다. so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them. 13 그런데 귀신 축출가로 행세하며 떠돌아다니는 몇몇 유대 사람조차도 "바울이 전파하는 예수를 힘입어서 내가 너희에게 명령한다" 하고 말하면서, 악귀 들린 사람들에게 주 예수의 이름을 이용하여 귀신을 내쫓으려고 시도하였다. Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” 14 스게와라는 유대인 제사장의 일곱 아들도 이런 일을 하였는데, Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. 15 귀신이 그들에게 "나는 예수도 알고, 바울도 알지만, 당신들은 도대체 누구요?" 하고 말하였다. But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” 16 그리고서 악귀 들린 사람이 그들에게 달려들어, 그들을 짓눌러 이기니, 그들은 몸에 상처를 입고서, 벗은 몸으로 그 집에서 도망하였다. And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17 이 일이 에베소에 사는 모든 유대 사람과 그리스 사람에게 알려지니, 그들은 모두 두려워하고, 주 예수의 이름을 찬양하였다. And this became known to all the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled. 18 그리고 신도가 된 많은 사람이 와서, 자기들이 한 일을 자백하고 공개하였다. Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. 19 또 마술을 부리던 많은 사람이 그들의 책을 모아서, 모든 사람 앞에서 불살랐다. 책값을 계산하여 보니, 은돈 오만 닢에 맞먹었다. And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 이렇게 하여 주님의 말씀이 능력 있게 퍼져 나가고, 점점 힘을 떨쳤다. So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.
God was doing extraordinary miracles through Paul. But when the Seven Sons of Sceva tried to mimic Paul's authority, a demon possessed man overpowered them and wounded them. In response to this power encounter, many people of Ephesus confessed and divulged their practices and burned their books of magic. Scripture References: Acts 19:11-20, James 2:19, 1 Peter 5:8, 1 John 5:19, Matthew 7:21-23, Ephesians 5:11Pastor: Daniel Hendrickson
In this sermon, we dive into the powerful story of the seven sons of Sceva in Acts 19, exploring how fear can overpower our lives when we fail to recognize our true identity and authority in Christ. Fear thrives in the absence of truth, and when we lack a solid foundation in God's Word, we distort reality and live in fear instead of faith. True spiritual authority comes from submission to God, not manipulation or control. By embracing our identity in Christ, surrendering our fears, and walking confidently in His power, we can overcome fear and live in freedom, knowing we are defined by His victory, not our past failures.
And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. (Acts 3:16, KJV). Today, I want to encourage you to use the name of Jesus to overcome the enemy and to see miracles. Jesus has given you His name as a weapon to bring victory in your life and ministry. When you use His name, you are invoking all that Jesus is, all that He has done, and all that He can do. When you speak the name, it releases the power of all of His redemptive work of forgiveness, healing, and victory over the devil. It's not enough to know the name of Jesus, you must use that name in faith. Miracles happen through "His name through faith in His name." You can activate miracles now by using the name of Jesus! Audio Notes: USE THE NAME OF JESUS READING: Acts 3:1-8 Main Thought: Use the name of Jesus to overcome the devil and all of his plans and operations. “Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.” (Acts 3:6-7, KJV) Use the Name of Jesus to Preach the Gospel And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. (Mark 16:15-18, KJV). The Name of Jesus is the Name Above Every Name “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11, KJV) Use the Name of Jesus to Do His Works “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. “If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. (John 14:12-14, NKJV). Use the Name of Jesus by Faith “And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.” (Acts 3:16, KJV) And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. (Acts 19:14-16, KJV). CONCLUSION: Use the name of Jesus to win the lost, heal the sick, and cast out devils. Use the name of Jesus to move Satan out of your path. You have a job to do, and you have been given the equipment to get it done! More Videos>>> BSOM211: Boldness to Use the Name of Jesus [Audio]
Join us today as we discuss how you can't be a Christian without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, Baptism, and the funny story of the unbelieving sons of Sceva.
"Whoever is not against us is for us" is a very hard saying: it seems to conflict with another, similar statement in the Gospels (Luke 11:2); it is hard to reconcile with the sons of Sceva in Acts 19; it is complicated by Jesus' teachings about judging by fruits in Matthew 7; it is hard to know what "being against" even means. Zack reads these difficulties as an invitation away from systematic theology and towards increasing dependence on God's Holy Spirit. Moreover, he draws out important principles here with which we should reckon. Works, while not the basis of our salvation, reveal Christ-in-us. Our moment of hyper-Protestantism and church decline demands increasing ecumenism. Finally, perhaps most importantly, we must remain open to the new -- to God's surprising, scandalous work outside our own walls.
Daily Voice Devotional with Niyi AdekunleSaturday 22nd MarchThe Right of Use: Power of Attorney 6As we continue our discussion on the right of use—the power of attorney we have in Christ to fully represent Him on earth. Understanding this right in Christ is key to walking in the authority He has given us.The Old Testament gives us a type or shadow of the right of use of God's authority. For example, when sending Moses, God turned Moses' rod to His rod of power but Moses had to believe that the rod will do what God had said it would do and when he did, miracles happened. The same principle applies to us, no matter the right of use that we have in Christ, if we don't believe it, we won't walk in it.In His prayers for His disciples just before going to the cross, He said over and over again that they shared in His ability and authority and could therefore represent HimJohn 17:8 MKJV, For I have given to them the Words which You gave Me, and they have received them and have known surely that I came out from You. And they have believed that You sent Me. John 17:14 MKJV, I have given them Your Word… John 17: 22 MKJV, And I have given them the glory which You have given Me…. Everything the Father gave Jesus; He gave to us. His Word, His authority, and His glory have been imparted to us but without faith it won't work. This is the greatest barrier to operating in our God-given authority. The sons of Sceva, thought they had the right of use to the name of Jesus – they were disappointed and disgraced because they really didn't believe in it.My prayer that you will develop your faith in your right to use the authority you have in Christ and fully representing Him on earth as He intended.God bless you, enjoy your day
Acts 18:18-19:34 As Paul and others continued to travel, ministering to many throughout the Mediterranean area, they found various groups who were following an incomplete or false gospel. Some like Apollos knew only some of the story. He was preaching only about repentance, until they taught him about faith in Jesus. The sons of Sceva tried to cast out demons without knowing Jesus and ended up being assaulted. Some had mixed in the beliefs of other gods, ending up with a false gospel. As Paul exhorted, we must declare the whole Gospel of God, grounded in Jesus. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE
|| ABOUT THIS MESSAGE || Yesterday morning, Pastor Emmanuel explained the dangers of using spiritual gifts for selfish ambitions, as shown by the seven sons of Sceva. While Paul experiences the miraculous power of God, the seven sons try to leverage the name of Jesus for their own gain, only to be humiliated and hurt by a demon. Through this message, we learned that true spiritual authority comes not from human effort or skill, but from being genuinely transformed by God and remaining in His presence. Relying on our ego and self-sufficiency will ultimately lead to failure, while surrendering to God through repentance unlocks true freedom.|| ABOUT BEACH CHURCH || We exist to reach, raise up, and release followers of Jesus who change the world. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone is welcome to learn about a relationship with God, whether you're curious or confident in your faith.|| GET CONNECTED || Here at Beach, we are most passionate about seeing people come into a relationship with Jesus! Head over to our website to get connected https://www.beachchurchjax.com/im-new|| FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA ||@beachchurchjax|| SCRIPTURE REFERENCES || Acts 19:11-20
Monday, 17 February 2025 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' Matthew 7:22 “Many, they will say to Me in that ‘the day,' “Lord, Lord, not the ‘Your name' we prophesied, and the ‘Your name' we ejected demons, and the ‘Your name' we performed many miracles?” (CG). In the previous verse, Jesus noted that not everyone who would say to Him, “Lord, Lord,” would enter into the kingdom of the heavens. Now, He continues with, “Many, they will say to Me in that ‘the day.'” The use of the demonstrative pronoun and a subsequent definite article is not always translated. Most translations just say, “in that day.” However, the two together provide an emphasis that should not always be ignored. In this case, some literal translations include both. The BLB, for example, says, “in that the day.” The LET goes a little too far towards the hills of Kentucky and says, “in that there day.” In setting the words “the day” off with apostrophes, the sense is more readily understandable. There is a specific day that is coming when people will stand before the Lord and be judged. It is at that time that they will say, “Lord, Lord, not the ‘Your name' we prophesied.” Again, the literal translation shows a specificity that is lacking in English. Using the word “in” gets the point across, but the statement is an assertion that these people used Jesus' name when they prophesied. It isn't just that they prophesied in His name, but that His name was the subject of their proclamation. With that, He continues with, “and the ‘Your name' we ejected demons.” Again, the ejection of the demons wasn't so much in the name of Jesus, as if they had a part in the process. It is the use of the name itself that caused demons to be ejected. As this is so, it signifies that a power rests in His name that extends beyond this realm, even if His deity was not yet understood. At a minimum, people would be thinking, “God has endowed this person with such spiritual power that even the proclamation of His name has power over the demons.” This is similar to the thought seen in Acts 8 – “But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, 10 to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” 11 And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time.” Acts. 8:9-11 These people didn't claim Simon was God. Rather, they acknowledged him to be the great power of God. This is probably in line with what the people listening to Jesus must have thought concerning His words. Next, Jesus says, “and the ‘Your name' we performed many miracles?” Again, the name itself is what carries the weight and authority of the action. The thing is, that in order to use a name to effect a change in another, one would think that there would be a conviction within the person stating the name that it was not only capable of conveying power but also it would be worthy of respect. Such, however, is not necessarily true – “Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, ‘We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.' 14 Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. 15 And the evil spirit answered and said, ‘Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?' 16 Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17 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.” Acts 19:13-17 Not all who proclaim the name of Jesus are sincere, even when they understand the power the name wields. Life application: In the church today, there are lots of people, heaps of them, who claim to do the miraculous in Jesus' name. They claim prophetic visions and divine engagements with angels and even the Lord Himself. This has now been going on for over two thousand years. How many of them do you believe? The Bible is written. What more do you expect from the Lord? Of what purpose is it that people claim to do these things? Paul says that we live by faith, not by sight. If we have sight, faith is excluded. Jesus said as much to Thomas. Has one supposed prophecy or miracle over the past two thousand years since the Bible was completed added anything of value to the church? Be careful what you believe. If someone is sick, pray for the Lord's healing. If someone needs a job, pray that the Lord will provide it. But don't go looking for miracle workers. The true miracle worker is in heaven, and He will work out His miracles in a manner that will meet His purposes. Have faith in that. It is sufficient. Glorious God Almighty, when we call on the name of Jesus, the greatest miracle of our lives comes about. We are saved by His precious blood. What more could we ever ask for? Thank You for Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Acts 19:1-41 NIVWhile Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John's baptism,” they replied. Paul said, “John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all. Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord. God did extraordinary miracles through Paul so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them. Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power. After all this had happened, Paul decided to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must visit Rome also.” He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed in the province of Asia a little longer. About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way. A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in a lot of business for the craftsmen there. He called them together, along with the workers in related trades, and said: “You know, my friends, that we receive a good income from this business. And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that gods made by human hands are no gods at all. There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited; and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty.” When they heard this, they were furious and began shouting: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” Soon the whole city was in an uproar. The people seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul's traveling companions from Macedonia, and all of them rushed into the theater together. Paul wanted to appear before the crowd, but the disciples would not let him. Even some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, sent him a message begging him not to venture into the theater. The assembly was in confusion: Some were shouting one thing, some another.
Welcome back to the pod! Today we're covering Acts 19, so open your Bibles. Here's the question we'll answer: What Is the Right Response to Sin?--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Q. What Is the Right Response to Sin?We all sin; it's our response to sin that matters mostSee 10 Sinful Responses to SinMinimizing Sin: “It's no big deal.”Rationalizing Sin: “He deserved it.”Blame-Shifting: “She made me.”Codifying Sin: “It's a condition, not a sin.”Worldly Grief: “Sorry I got caught.”Today in our text (Acts 19) we're going to see two groups of peopleWho were confronted with their sin problem and had a choice to make One group is an example of what to doThe other group, what NOT to doThe context for the chapter is one particular sin: sorceryBut the lessons apply to everyone, everywhereThe Set UpActs 19:11-12 (NLT) 11 God gave Paul the power to perform unusual miracles. 12 When handkerchiefs or aprons that had merely touched his skin were placed on sick people, they were healed of their diseases, and evil spirits were expelled.We're in Ephesus, a renowned center of occult practices in the ancient Greco-Roman world.To the secular world, miracles look like magicWe saw this with Peter and his shadow (Acts 5), Philip and Simon Magus (Acts 8) The point: Jesus>magic (understatement)Acts 19 (NLT) 13 A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their incantation, saying, “I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!” Note: they weren't followers of Jesus, but they were using his name as an incantation.Reminiscent of the "Ephesian Letters" (Greek: Ἐφέσια γράμματα, Ephesia grammata) – a set of words or symbols believed in antiquity to possess magical power. These were often inscribed on amulets, statues, or other objects. The exact content of the Ephesian Letters is debated, but ancient sources suggest they were a group of six mystical words: Askion, Kataskion, Lix, Tetrax, Damnameneus, AisiaThese words were considered meaningless in everyday language but were thought to hold esoteric significance, potentially tied to ancient rituals or the invocation of supernatural powers. Some scholars believe they were connected to the worship of Artemis of Ephesus, the city's patron goddess.These Jewish exorcists were using Jesus' name like it was one of these six mystical words.Acts 19:14-16 (NLT) 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this. 15 But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?” 16 Then the man with the evil...
Welcome back to the pod! Today we're covering Acts 19, so open your Bibles. Here's the question we'll answer: What Is the Right Response to Sin?--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Q. What Is the Right Response to Sin?We all sin; it's our response to sin that matters mostSee 10 Sinful Responses to SinMinimizing Sin: “It's no big deal.”Rationalizing Sin: “He deserved it.”Blame-Shifting: “She made me.”Codifying Sin: “It's a condition, not a sin.”Worldly Grief: “Sorry I got caught.”Today in our text (Acts 19) we're going to see two groups of peopleWho were confronted with their sin problem and had a choice to make One group is an example of what to doThe other group, what NOT to doThe context for the chapter is one particular sin: sorceryBut the lessons apply to everyone, everywhereThe Set UpActs 19:11-12 (NLT) 11 God gave Paul the power to perform unusual miracles. 12 When handkerchiefs or aprons that had merely touched his skin were placed on sick people, they were healed of their diseases, and evil spirits were expelled.We're in Ephesus, a renowned center of occult practices in the ancient Greco-Roman world.To the secular world, miracles look like magicWe saw this with Peter and his shadow (Acts 5), Philip and Simon Magus (Acts 8) The point: Jesus>magic (understatement)Acts 19 (NLT) 13 A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their incantation, saying, “I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!” Note: they weren't followers of Jesus, but they were using his name as an incantation.Reminiscent of the "Ephesian Letters" (Greek: Ἐφέσια γράμματα, Ephesia grammata) – a set of words or symbols believed in antiquity to possess magical power. These were often inscribed on amulets, statues, or other objects. The exact content of the Ephesian Letters is debated, but ancient sources suggest they were a group of six mystical words: Askion, Kataskion, Lix, Tetrax, Damnameneus, AisiaThese words were considered meaningless in everyday language but were thought to hold esoteric significance, potentially tied to ancient rituals or the invocation of supernatural powers. Some scholars believe they were connected to the worship of Artemis of Ephesus, the city's patron goddess.These Jewish exorcists were using Jesus' name like it was one of these six mystical words.Acts 19:14-16 (NLT) 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this. 15 But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?” 16 Then the man with the evil...
Send us a textWhat happens when you face the ultimate test of faith and come back stronger? Join me on this heartfelt journey as I return to podcasting after a year away, marked by the profound loss of my mother. I've found solace in my new home in North Carolina and am excited to share my plans for our weekly exploration of the book of Revelation. This episode is more than just an update—it's a call to prayer for our nation and a reminder of the ever-present challenge of staying vigilant in our faith against the formidable adversary we face.We navigate the intricate theme of "Compromise, the Ultimate Gateway Drug" through the cautionary stories found in Acts 19 and Revelation 2. Drawing lessons from the seven sons of Sceva and the church in Pergamos, this discussion illuminates the subtle dangers of small compromises. From indulging in secular distractions to the risks of idol worship and immorality, I stress the necessity of prioritizing spiritual commitments. As we hold firm, rewards await us—symbolized by the hidden manna and the white stone with a new name, promising spiritual nourishment and divine recognition.Inspired by a moving message from Joel C. Rosenberg, I explore the struggles of compromise in our spiritual lives, touching on real-life issues like social media distractions and personal battles. This is a heartfelt invitation to return to Jesus, embrace repentance and forgiveness, and nurture a close relationship with Him. Whether you're rekindling your faith or just beginning your spiritual journey, you're encouraged to seek a supportive church community and delve into the themes of Jesus' life, sacrifice, and imminent return. Let's grow together in faith, navigating life's messes with Jesus by our side. Support the show
“Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. And this became known to all the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled. Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver (several million dollars).” - Acts 19:13-19 ESV
Scripture Reading: Acts 19:10–41 11 God was performing extraordinary miracles by Paul's hands, 12 so that when even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his body were brought to the sick, their diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them. 13 But some itinerant Jewish exorcists tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were possessed by evil spirits, saying, “I sternly warn you by Jesus whom Paul preaches.” 14 (Now seven sons of a man named Sceva, a Jewish high priest, were doing this.) 15 But the evil spirit replied to them, “I know about Jesus and I am acquainted with Paul, but who are you?” 16 Then the man who was possessed by the evil spirit jumped on them and beat them all into submission. He prevailed against them so that they fled from that house naked and wounded. 17 This became known to all who lived in Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks; fear came over them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was praised. 18 Many of those who had believed came forward, confessing and making their deeds known. 19 Large numbers of those who had practiced magic collected their books and burned them up in the presence of everyone. When the value of the books was added up, it was found to total 50,000 silver coins. 20 In this way the word of the Lord continued to grow in power and to prevail. 21 Now after all these things had taken place, Paul resolved to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. He said, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” 22 So after sending two of his assistants, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, he himself stayed on for a while in the province of Asia. 23 At that time a great disturbance took place concerning the Way. 24 For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought a great deal of business to the craftsmen. 25 He gathered these together, along with the workmen in similar trades, and said, “Men, you know that our prosperity comes from this business. 26 And you see and hear that this Paul has persuaded and turned away a large crowd, not only in Ephesus but in practically all of the province of Asia, by saying that gods made by hands are not gods at all. 27 There is danger not only that this business of ours will come into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be regarded as nothing, and she whom all the province of Asia and the world worship will suffer the loss of her greatness.” 28 When they heard this they became enraged and began to shout, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 The city was filled with the uproar, and the crowd rushed to the theater together, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, the Macedonians who were Paul's traveling companions. 30 But when Paul wanted to enter the public assembly, the disciples would not let him. 31 Even some of the provincial authorities who were his friends sent a message to him, urging him not to venture into the theater. 32 So then some were shouting one thing, some another, for the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had met together. 33 Some of the crowd concluded it was about Alexander because the Jews had pushed him to the front. Alexander, gesturing with his hand, was wanting to make a defense before the public assembly. 34 But when they recognized that he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” for about two hours. 35 After the city secretary quieted the crowd, he said, “Men of Ephesus, what person is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is the keeper of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image that fell from heaven? 36 So because these facts are indisputable, you must keep quiet and not do anything reckless. 37 For you have brought these men here who are neither temple robbers nor blasphemers of our goddess. 38 If then Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a complaint against someone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls; let them bring charges against one another there. 39 But if you want anything in addition, it will have to be settled in a legal assembly. 40 For we are in danger of being charged with rioting today, since there is no cause we can give to explain this disorderly gathering.” 41 After he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.OutlineJesus is King not MagicAn anti-magic apologeticA brief primer on exorcismsSceva and his sonsThe reverse exorcismJesus and Paul are well known in the unseen realmPaul is recognized; Jesus is glorifiedMagic books are destroyedPaul's Focus Turns to RomeA Great Disturbance Concerning the WayNo reason to lie about itThe cult of ArtemisIdols of ArtemisDemetrius and the silversmithsThe Artemis templeThe accusation: challenging the goddess and the templeThe riot (or assembly?)Paul wishes to defend himselfThe Jews get blamedThe city clerk to the rescue
Send us a textUncover the mysterious and transformative events of Acts chapter 19 with us, as we explore how the power of the Holy Spirit ignited change across Asia. Imagine encountering a faith so profound that it alters economies and challenges cultural norms. This episode promises insights into the bold and daring acts of Paul, as he navigates through Ephesus, spreading the word of the Lord and encountering both great support and fierce opposition. Discover how twelve men in Ephesus, initially unaware of the Holy Spirit, were transformed into prophetic voices, and how Paul's teachings led to miraculous occurrences and a profound spiritual awakening.As we narrate the gripping account of the seven sons of Sceva and the miraculous healing episodes, witness the fear and reverence that swept through Ephesus. The economic impact of renouncing old practices in favor of Christianity brings about a tense confrontation between the silversmith Demetrius and the followers of Jesus. Listen to the chaos that ensues in the theater, where the Ephesians' loyalty to the goddess Artemis is fervently defended. Through these captivating stories, we reflect on the cultural and economic upheaval in Ephesus and the unwavering courage of Paul and his companions. Join us for a deeper understanding of this pivotal chapter in early Christian history.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe
Sunday Morning Message: Acts 19:13-20
When seven sons of a Jewish priest try to mimic Paul's miracles by invoking Jesus' name without faith, they face the wrath of a demon who knows Jesus and Paul but dismisses them, leaving the entire city of Ephesus shaken by the power of the true gospel.In Ephesus, Paul teaches about the Holy Spirit and performs miracles, but the seven sons of Sceva, seeking their own fame, attempt to cast out a demon in the name of "the Jesus whom Paul preaches"—only to be violently overpowered by the demon, exposing their lack of true faith and authority. This terrifying event strengthens the believers' trust in Paul's teaching and the power of Jesus, spreading fear and reverence throughout the city.Today's Bible verse is John 14:13, from the King James Version.Download the Pray.com app for more Christian content including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Pray.com is the digital destination for faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Seven Sons of Sceva • Sunday Service Website: www.PastorTodd.org To Give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give The story of the seven sons of Sceva is a powerful reminder of the authority we have in Christ and the importance of having a genuine relationship with Him. This account, found in Acts 19, offers believers several lessons about spiritual authority, the dangers of imitation without faith, and the power that resides in the name of Jesus when used properly. The Story: Acts 19:11-20 (NKJV) Acts 19:11-12 (NKJV) “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.” Commentary: Paul's ministry in Ephesus was marked by extraordinary miracles, as God moved mightily through him. The emphasis here is that these miracles were God's work through Paul—an important distinction. It's a reminder that miraculous works flow from God's authority, not human effort. It's also a testament to the power of God's Spirit working through a yielded vessel.* Acts 19:13 (NKJV) “Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, ‘We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.'” Commentary: These Jewish exorcists, including the seven sons of Sceva, saw the power displayed through Paul's ministry and thought they could imitate it without truly knowing Jesus. They used Jesus' name like a magic formula, unaware that spiritual authority cannot be borrowed or mimicked. This serves as a warning against using the name of Jesus superficially or without a true connection to Him.* Acts 19:14-16 (NKJV) “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, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.” The evil spirit recognized the authority of Jesus and the legitimacy of Paul's ministry, but the sons of Sceva had no real relationship with Christ. As a result, they were overpowered by the very force they sought to command. This demonstrates that the spiritual realm recognizes true authority, and without a genuine relationship with Christ, we lack the power to stand against evil. It also highlights the danger of engaging in spiritual matters without being properly equipped or covered by the blood of Jesus.* What Can We Learn as Believers? 1. Authority Comes From Christ Matthew 28:18 (NKJV) “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.'” 2. A Genuine Relationship with Christ is Essential John 15:5 (NKJV) “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” 3. Demons Recognize True Authority James 2:19 (NKJV) “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!” 4. Imitation Without Relationship Leads to Defeat Ephesians 6:10-11 (NKJV) “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” 5. Spiritual Authority Requires Submission to God James 4:7 (NKJV) “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” 6. True Power is Found in the Name of Jesus Philippians 2:9-10 (NKJV) “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth.” 7. Fear of the Lord and Revival Follow True Power Acts 19:17-18 (NKJV) “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.” 8. God's Power Cannot be Manipulated Acts 8:18-20 (NKJV) “And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, ‘Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.' But Peter said to him, ‘Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!'” The story of the seven sons of Sceva teaches us that spiritual authority comes from a genuine relationship with Jesus, not from imitation or superficial use of His name. As believers, we must be rooted in Christ, submitted to His authority, and clothed in the armor of God to stand against the enemy. We cannot wield spiritual power without true faith and alignment with God's will. The authority we carry in Christ is real and powerful, but it is only effective when we operate within the bounds of our relationship with Him and in submission to His Spirit.
Acts 19:1-22 - Sons of Sceva Acts 19:1-22 Christ Church Kingwood October 20, 2024 Preacher: Cary Apel
'This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord. God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to those who were ill, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them. Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, ‘In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.' Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, ‘Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?' Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honour. Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. A number who had practised sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power. After all this had happened, Paul decided to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. ‘After I have been there,' he said, ‘I must visit Rome also.' He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed in the province of Asia a little longer.' (Acts 19.10-22, NIV)
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In Episode 159 of "The Conquer Addiction Podcast," Ken Pounders continues the conversation on overcoming addiction by exploring the crucial aspect of identity in Christ. Building on previous discussions, he unpacks how recognizing and accepting one's new identity can dismantle the chains of addiction, sin, and shame. Using the compelling biblical account of the seven sons of Sceva, he underscores the importance of genuine relationship with Christ for accessing true spiritual authority and power. Listeners are invited to embrace their divine purpose and are guided through a heartfelt prayer of surrender, offering a path to lasting freedom and transformation. Website: https://omainc.org Email: OMADirector2017@gmail.com or priorityev@mac.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/165704310121828/ Website: https://priorityev.info Instagram: instagram.com/bro_ken Outreach Ministries of Alabama, Inc., PO Box 98 Valhermoso Springs, AL 35775 Phone: 256-778-8096
In today's message, we talked about how God performed extraordinary miracles through Paul, particularly in Ephesus, where many were healed and freed from evil spirits. The narrative highlights the failure of the seven sons of Sceva, who attempted to exorcise demons without a genuine relationship with Jesus, leading to their humiliation and the magnification of Christ's power. As the Gospel spread, it threatened local idolatry, prompting a riot incited by silversmith Demetrius, but order was eventually restored. The speaker emphasizes the importance of genuine faith, recognizance of spiritual warfare, the necessity of confession and repentance, awareness of materialism, and the support of a community in our spiritual journeys.
THE UNSEEN Identity & Authority 9.1.24 One of the enemy's primary tactics in your life is for you to forget or fail to know your true identity in Christ. In the moment we take on a false identity, we immediately forfeit the victory and power that has been given to us. Luke 9:1-2 When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. Luke 10:17-19 17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” 18 He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 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. Where does our authority come from? · It comes from the finished work of Christ · It comes as we align ourselves with His will Acts 19:11-16 11 God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them. 13 Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. 15 One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” 16 Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. Matthew 28:18-20 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 1. We must walk in our identity 2. We must operate in our authority 3. We must exercise our power
Drop us a text message to say hi and let us know what you think of the show.In which John and David discuss the encounter between the demonized man and the seven sons of Sceva in Acts 19. They explore the significance of knowing Jesus and the dangers of engaging with the supernatural world based on ego and human effort. They also highlight the contrast between the prevailing Word of God and the powerlessness of demonic forces. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the importance of magnifying Jesus and the impact of the gospel in the region.Episode 196 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 104If you want to get in touch about something in the podcast you can reach out on podcast@twotexts.com or by liking and following the Two Texts podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love it if you left a review or comment where you're listening from – and if you really enjoyed it, why not share it with a friend?Music by Woodford Music (c) 2021________Help us keep Two Texts free for everyone by becoming a supporter of the show John and David want to ensure that Two Texts always remains free content for everyone. We don't want to create a paywall or have premium content that would exclude others. However, Two Texts costs us around £60 per month (US$75; CAD$100) to make. If you'd like to support the show with even just a small monthly donation it would help ensure we can continue to produce the content that you love. Thank you so much.Support the Show.
Drop us a text message to say hi and let us know what you think of the show.In which David and John discuss the importance of the supernatural and the power of the Holy Spirit in the early church. They reflect on the extraordinary miracles performed by Paul and the significance of the embodied nature of early Christianity. They also explore the dangers of separating knowledge and power, emphasizing the need for a holistic understanding of word and spirit. The story of the Seven Sons of Sceva serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of a genuine relationship with Jesus and the surrender to the power of the Spirit.Episode 158 of the Two Texts Podcast | Disruptive Presence 103If you want to get in touch about something in the podcast you can reach out on podcast@twotexts.com or by liking and following the Two Texts podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love it if you left a review or comment where you're listening from – and if you really enjoyed it, why not share it with a friend?Music by Woodford Music (c) 2021________Help us keep Two Texts free for everyone by becoming a supporter of the show John and David want to ensure that Two Texts always remains free content for everyone. We don't want to create a paywall or have premium content that would exclude others. However, Two Texts costs us around £60 per month (US$75; CAD$100) to make. If you'd like to support the show with even just a small monthly donation it would help ensure we can continue to produce the content that you love. Thank you so much.Support the Show.
2:24 - How does John 21:21-22 relate to people who never heard the Gospel? / 11:26 - Why did Chuck Smith omit the word 'Last' in 1 Corinthians 15:52 / 21:56 - What are the Old Testament references to the Second Coming? / 24:28 - Where do Dinosaurs fit in the Biblical timeline? / 29:58 - Church Discipline, and turning someone over to their sins. / 40:57 - Does the remnant survive the Tribulation, and not get a heavenly body? / 46:51 - 2 Chronicles 22:2, why are there translation differences? / 50:57 - The seven sons of Sceva, and other topics.
Why does the Bible praise the exorcist in Mark 9 but not the sons of Sceva in Acts 19 when both spoke in Jesus' name? What does it even mean to do something in Jesus' name? Which Scriptures are comforting to someone weighed down in a trial? This week, Pastor Jeff and Jordan dispel superstitions about our faith and encourage faithfulness to Christ. — This episode of The Beyond Sunday Podcast expands upon the sermon “When the Struggle Is Prolonged | Acts 19:1–41.” In this sermon series, we will follow the journeys of the Apostle Paul and his companions as they trust and follow Jesus to new places and new challenges. — Submit a question: bit.ly/BeyondSundayQuestions VBS: https://onrealm.org/FirstBaptistBG/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=NjcyZmM2YzgtYzI0Mi00NjRiLTk4MTktYjEzZDAxNjc1OWYz God's Promises While We Wait: https://s3.amazonaws.com/media.cloversites.com/6f/6f5609b5-c221-4e9f-a0e7-59f46f374008/documents/God_s_Promises_While_We_Wait.pdf
Send us a Text Message.Welcome back to the Tat2d Preacher Podcast. In Episode 44, we delve deep into the realm of the occult through the lens of the New Testament and early church history. We'll explore the pervasive nature of magic, witchcraft, and supernatural phenomena in the first century and examine how the early Christians and biblical texts addressed these dark practices. From examining the intriguing cases of Simon the Sorcerer and the Sons of Sceva, to understanding the sharp condemnations from early church fathers like Augustine and Tertullian, this episode offers a comprehensive view on the conflict between divine power and the occult. Discover the stark differences and the real dangers involved in spiritual warfare. Don't miss out on this intense exploration! Subscribe now and leave a review to support the channel!02:06 Exploring the Occult in the New Testament03:07 Cultural Context of Magic in the First Century09:34 Jesus and Perceptions of Magic18:22 New Testament Verses on the Occult22:19 Paul's Encounters with Magicians23:54 The Slave Girl with a Spirit of Divination25:57 The Sons of Sceva and Spiritual Warfare29:04 Paul's Teachings on Witchcraft30:22 Revelation's Warnings Against Witchcraft33:43 Early Church Fathers on the Occult39:43 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsLet's Connect!Logos Bible Discount: https://partners.faithlife.com/click.track?CID=438160&AFID=562100https://www.thetat2dpreacher.com/bio.site/thetat2dpreacherhttps://www.instagram.com/thetat2dpre...https://www.tiktok.com/@thetat2dpreacherpatreon.com/TheTat2dPreacher
In this episode, hosts Wayne Heins and Jeremy Griffin delve into Acts chapter 19, specifically focusing on the story of the seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish high priest. They explore the layers of this biblical narrative, discussing the importance of maintaining a focus on Christ and intentional worship. The hosts emphasize that worship is not just about singing choruses, but about forming a deep spiritual connection with the Father. They also touch on the extraordinary miracles performed by Paul, including the healing power of handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched his skin. The hosts express skepticism towards the practice of selling "anointed" items, drawing parallels to the misguided actions of the seven sons of Sceva. The discussion then moves to the significance of the seven sons' attempt to invoke the name of Jesus without a genuine relationship with Him. The hosts compare this to modern-day instances of celebrities professing faith for personal gain, rather than a true encounter with Christ. They also highlight the powerful example of repentance shown by the believers in Ephesus, who burned their books of magic arts, signaling a turning away from the occult. Throughout the episode, the hosts stress the importance of having an authentic personal experience with God, rather than simply imitating others. They caution against falling back into old ways and emphasize God's continuous pursuit of His children to restore them to the right path. The episode concludes with a prayer for clarity, understanding, and continued guidance from the Holy Spirit as listeners explore the profound truths of the Scriptures. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/reduxchurch/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/reduxchurch/support
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Acts 19:13-16 — Many in the modern church are like the seven sons of Sceva who know of Christianity, but they are not truly regenerate. As Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches in this sermon on the Sons of Sceva from Acts 19:13–16, they have yet to give up their worldly ways and believe in the truth of the gospel. Many associate themselves with the church for social or financial gain. They are self-deceived hypocrites who try to use Christianity for worldly gain and pleasures. Many of these people are simply humanists or socialists who use Christianity as a platform for their ideologies. This kind of association for gain has been prevalent whenever Christianity is viewed as socially expedient. But this has the terrible effect of creating false believers who have never truly believed in the gospel of Jesus Christ or repented of their sins. This is why there are so many Christians who resemble the world more than Christ. The answer to this is a call to true faith in the only gospel that can save. It is a call for all to turn from their sins and hypocrisy and be born again to a new life in Christ. The church must be clear that to be a Christian one must have been regenerated and given a new nature that comes from the work of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 19:13-16 — Many in the modern church are like the seven sons of Sceva who know of Christianity, but they are not truly regenerate. As Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches in this sermon on the Sons of Sceva from Acts 19:13–16, they have yet to give up their worldly ways and believe in the truth of the gospel. Many associate themselves with the church for social or financial gain. They are self-deceived hypocrites who try to use Christianity for worldly gain and pleasures. Many of these people are simply humanists or socialists who use Christianity as a platform for their ideologies. This kind of association for gain has been prevalent whenever Christianity is viewed as socially expedient. But this has the terrible effect of creating false believers who have never truly believed in the gospel of Jesus Christ or repented of their sins. This is why there are so many Christians who resemble the world more than Christ. The answer to this is a call to true faith in the only gospel that can save. It is a call for all to turn from their sins and hypocrisy and be born again to a new life in Christ. The church must be clear that to be a Christian one must have been regenerated and given a new nature that comes from the work of the Holy Spirit. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29
Luke 1:13-20 We live in a day and age where there are many things that come against us. However, just like the seven sons of Sceva we might go after strongholds thinking we have the authority only to realise that we don't. The only way to become a generation that walks in releasing the power of God is to remember the following: We can't get authority from God if we don't have intimacy with God. We need a generation who know how to linger in the presence of God.3. Vision will come when we stand in the presence of God. Our identity and our authority should be the result of our intimacy with the Lord whereas our doubts and fears will be a manifestation of our distance from Him. So wherever you are today on your journey, press into His presence and ask the Lord to teach you how to spend time with Him!Application: Do you find yourself rushing out of the presence of God? When was the last time you sat and lingered in His presence?Prayer: Father, teach me how to sit with you. I long to be beside you and I'm sorry for the letting life's distractions get in the way of intimacy with you. Give me eyes to see and ears to hear your still small voice, and help me draw closer to you daily!