{"id":1421,"date":"2025-10-03T02:41:48","date_gmt":"2025-10-03T06:41:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/greatestcommandment.org\/?page_id=1421"},"modified":"2025-10-06T18:59:38","modified_gmt":"2025-10-06T22:59:38","slug":"do-miracles-still-happen-today","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/greatestcommandment.org\/?page_id=1421","title":{"rendered":"Do Miracles Still Happen Today"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do Miracles Still Happen Today? (According to Jesus &amp; The Twelve)<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Short answer:<\/em> Yes, absolutely! Jesus commands His followers to heal the sick and cast out demons, and His disciples continued that work. The more helpful question may be: <strong>what blocks<\/strong> or <strong>releases<\/strong> God\u2019s power in our midst today?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-embed-handler wp-block-embed-embed-handler wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Faith That Jesus Honors: From Little Faith to Power\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/CtChZAWvUvk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Chapters from the video:<\/strong> 00:00 Intro \u00b7 02:06 Failed Exorcism \u00b7 05:47 Key Insights \u00b7 07:54 Cross References \u00b7 09:38\u201315:16 Mustard-Seed Faith \u00b7 18:15 Untitled \u00b7 22:46 Cowardice &amp; Unbelief (Rev 21:8) \u00b7 25:21 Faithless Generation \u00b7 28:09 Rooted Trust \u00b7 29:10\u201334:52 Why Some Battles Require Prayer \u00b7 42:00 Praying Mountains Down \u00b7 47:05 Conclusion<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Table of Contents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#jesus-commands\">1) <strong>Jesus\u2019 Own Words Commanding &amp; Affirming Miracles<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#nazareth\">2) <strong>Why Jesus Did Few Miracles in Nazareth<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#why-not-seeing\">3) <strong>Why Some Don\u2019t Experience Miracles Today<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#release-valves\">4) <strong>What Releases God\u2019s Power<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#twelve\">5) <strong>Witness of the Twelve (Post-Resurrection)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#mustard-seed\">6) <strong>Mustard-Seed Faith \u2014 What Jesus Meant<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#how-to-respond\">7) <strong>How to Respond<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#verses\"><strong>Appendix: Verse List (Jesus &amp; the Twelve)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"jesus-commands\">1) Jesus\u2019 Own Words Commanding &amp; Affirming Miracles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"jesus-commands-commission\">Commission to Heal &amp; Deliver<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Jesus explicitly commissioned His followers to proclaim the Kingdom and demonstrate it by healing and deliverance.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Twelve empowered &amp; sent:<\/strong> Jesus \u201cgave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction\u201d and told them, \u201cAs you go, proclaim, \u2018The kingdom of heaven is at hand.\u2019 Heal the sick\u2026 cleanse lepers, cast out demons.\u201d (<em>Matthew 10:1, 7\u20138<\/em>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Parallel sending:<\/strong> \u201cHe called the Twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.\u201d (<em>Luke 9:1\u20132<\/em>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Beyond the Twelve (seventy-two):<\/strong> \u201cHeal the sick\u2026 and say to them, \u2018The kingdom of God has come near to you.\u2019\u201d They return saying, \u201cEven the demons submit to us in Your name,\u201d and Jesus affirms their authority in Him while redirecting their joy to their names written in heaven. (<em>Luke 10:9, 17\u201320<\/em>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Implication:<\/em> Healing and deliverance aren\u2019t side-projects; they are core signs that the Kingdom is present. Jesus\u2019 pattern (Twelve \u2192 Seventy-Two) shows this ministry is meant to continue through ordinary disciples who go in His name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"jesus-commands-faith\">Faith Expectation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Jesus expects relational trust (pistis) that acts on His word.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Possibility horizon:<\/strong> \u201cAll things are possible to the one who believes.\u201d Spoken in the context of deliverance for a tormented child, Jesus invites desperate faith and responds to a father\u2019s \u201cI believe; help my unbelief.\u201d (<em>Mark 9:23<\/em>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mustard-seed principle:<\/strong> If faith is genuine\u2014even as a mustard seed\u2014it can move mountains\/command obstacles to yield, because real faith aligns with God\u2019s will and authority. (<em>Matthew 17:20<\/em>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Authority expressed in trust:<\/strong> \u201cIf you had faith like a mustard seed\u2026 you would say to this mulberry tree, \u2018Be uprooted\u2026\u2019 and it would obey you.\u201d (<em>Luke 17:6<\/em>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Implication:<\/em> The issue is rarely \u201cmore volume\u201d but <strong>living, rooted trust<\/strong>. Even small, living faith\u2014planted and obedient\u2014carries authority in Jesus\u2019 name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"jesus-commands-prayer-promise\">Prayer Promise &amp; \u201cGreater Works\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answered prayer is tied to union with Jesus and alignment with His purposes.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Greater works &amp; asking in His name:<\/strong> \u201cWhoever believes in Me will also do the works that I do, and greater works than these\u2026 Whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.\u201d (<em>John 14:12\u201314<\/em>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Abiding precondition:<\/strong> \u201cIf you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.\u201d (<em>John 15:7<\/em>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Implication:<\/em> Effectual prayer flows from <strong>abiding<\/strong> (remaining) in Jesus\u2014His words shaping our desires, our requests aimed at the Father\u2019s glory. The promise is not carte blanche for fleshly wants but a guarantee for Kingdom-aligned asking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"jesus-commands-persistence\">Persistence in Prayer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Jesus teaches shameless persistence that refuses to quit.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Friend at midnight:<\/strong> Keep asking, seeking, knocking\u2014the Father gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him. (<em>Luke 11:5\u201313<\/em>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Persistent widow:<\/strong> \u201cAlways pray and don\u2019t lose heart.\u201d If even an unjust judge yields to persistence, how much more will God bring justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night. (<em>Luke 18:1\u20138<\/em>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Implication:<\/em> Delays are not denials. Jesus frames persistence as <strong>faithfulness<\/strong>\u2014a trust that keeps praying until Heaven\u2019s answer breaks in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"jesus-commands-forgiveness\">Forgiveness Tied to Outcomes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Relational integrity affects prayer efficacy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Ask &amp; forgive:<\/strong> \u201cWhatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. <em>And whenever you stand praying, forgive<\/em>\u2026 that your Father also may forgive you.\u201d (<em>Mark 11:24\u201325<\/em>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Implication:<\/em> Unforgiveness can clog the line. Jesus connects confident asking with a tender, forgiving heart. Reconciliation is not optional maintenance; it\u2019s part of the conditions Jesus names for powerful prayer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"nazareth\">2) Why Jesus Did Few Miracles in Nazareth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"nazareth\">Why Jesus Did Few Miracles in Nazareth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Even Jesus Himself faced resistance to the miraculous because of hardened hearts.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Matthew\u2019s account:<\/strong> \u201cHe did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.\u201d (<em>Matthew 13:58<\/em>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mark\u2019s detail:<\/strong> \u201cHe could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He marveled because of their unbelief.\u201d (<em>Mark 6:5\u20136<\/em>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Implication:<\/em> Jesus\u2019 power was not lacking, but the posture of the people resisted Him. Their familiarity bred offense\u2014\u201cIs not this the carpenter\u2026?\u201d (Mark 6:3). Faith opens the door; unbelief shuts it. If even Jesus limited Himself to honoring faith, how much more should we expect unbelief to hinder His works today?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"twelve\"><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why-not-seeing\">3) Why Some Don\u2019t Experience Miracles Today<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Scripture consistently highlights conditions that block the flow of God\u2019s power. The same issues that limited miracles in Jesus\u2019 own ministry still hinder believers today.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Unbelief and Doubt<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Jesus repeatedly linked miracles to faith. When the disciples failed to heal the boy with a demon, He lamented: \u201cO faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? \u2026 If you have faith like a grain of mustard seed\u2026 nothing will be impossible for you.\u201d (<em>Matthew 17:17\u201320<\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When Peter began to sink after walking on water, Jesus asked: \u201cO you of little faith, why did you doubt?\u201d (<em>Matthew 14:31<\/em>) Whole towns resisted Him, and \u201cHe did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.\u201d (<em>Matthew 13:58; Mark 6:5\u20136<\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Principle:<\/em> Faith opens the door to God\u2019s power; unbelief shuts it. Even Jesus \u201cmarveled\u201d at unbelief (Mark 6:6).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Prayerlessness<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>When the disciples could not cast out a stubborn demon, Jesus explained: \u201cThis kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.\u201d (<em>Mark 9:29<\/em>) Prayer is the channel through which divine power flows. Without prayerful dependence, authority becomes empty words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Offense and Familiarity<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>In Nazareth, people dismissed Him: \u201cIs not this the carpenter, the son of Mary\u2026?\u201d and \u201cthey took offense at Him.\u201d (<em>Mark 6:3\u20134<\/em>) Their hardened familiarity blocked honor, which in turn blocked miracles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Principle:<\/em> Miracles flourish where people honor Jesus for who He is, not where they reduce Him to human categories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Unforgiveness<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Jesus directly tied forgiveness to answered prayer: \u201cWhenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father\u2026 may forgive you.\u201d (<em>Mark 11:25<\/em>) A heart clinging to bitterness blocks the flow of grace and healing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Double-Minded Asking<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>James, one of the Twelve, warned: \u201cLet him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea\u2026 that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord.\u201d (<em>James 1:6\u20138<\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Principle:<\/em> Vacillating between faith and doubt short-circuits prayer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Wrong Motives<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>James also wrote: \u201cYou ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.\u201d (<em>James 4:3<\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Principle:<\/em> God\u2019s miracles serve His Kingdom purposes, not selfish gain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Disconnection from Abiding<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Jesus taught: \u201cI am the vine; you are the branches\u2026 apart from Me you can do nothing.\u201d (<em>John 15:5<\/em>) Only by abiding in Him do our prayers align with His will: \u201cIf you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done.\u201d (<em>John 15:7<\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Principle:<\/em> Miracles are not mechanical formulas, but fruit of abiding relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Cowardice<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>In the storm, Jesus rebuked His disciples: \u201cWhy are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?\u201d (<em>Mark 4:40<\/em>) Later, John warned that \u201cthe cowardly and unbelieving\u201d would face judgment (<em>Revelation 21:8<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Principle:<\/em> Fear paralyzes faith. Courageous trust is essential for stepping into God\u2019s power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Summary:<\/strong> The reasons people fail to experience miracles today mirror those in Scripture \u2014 unbelief, lack of prayer, offense, unforgiveness, double-mindedness, selfish motives, disconnection from abiding, and cowardice. These are not new problems; they are the same heart barriers Jesus confronted in His own ministry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"release-valves\">4) What Releases God\u2019s Power<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The same passages that warn about what blocks miracles also show us how God\u2019s power is released. Miracles flow not from formulas, but from living faith, prayerful dependence, humility, and alignment with the Father\u2019s will.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Living, Rooted Faith<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Jesus said: \u201cIf you have faith like a grain of mustard seed\u2026 nothing will be impossible for you.\u201d (<em>Matthew 17:20<\/em>; <em>Luke 17:6<\/em>) Faith, even if tiny, is effective when it is alive, growing, and placed in God. It is not the size of faith, but the source \u2014 faith rooted in Him releases His power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Principle:<\/em> A living seed of faith, planted in trust, grows into great works when connected to God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Prayer and Fasting Dependence<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Luke records that Jesus \u201cwould withdraw to desolate places and pray.\u201d (<em>Luke 5:16<\/em>) He modeled a life of constant communion with the Father. He also taught that some breakthroughs require prayer (and fasting): \u201cThis kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.\u201d (<em>Mark 9:29<\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Principle:<\/em> Authority is sustained by intimacy with God. Without prayer, the channel of power is dry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Forgiveness and Humility<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Jesus said: \u201cWhenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father\u2026 may forgive you.\u201d (<em>Mark 11:25<\/em>) He also commanded reconciliation before worship: \u201cFirst be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.\u201d (<em>Matthew 5:23\u201324<\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Principle:<\/em> Forgiveness clears the pipeline for answered prayer. Humility in relationships allows God\u2019s grace to flow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Perseverance in Prayer<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Jesus urged persistence: \u201cAsk, and it will be given\u2026 seek, and you will find\u2026 knock, and it will be opened.\u201d (<em>Luke 11:9\u201310<\/em>) He followed with a parable \u201cto show that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.\u201d (<em>Luke 18:1\u20138<\/em>) The widow\u2019s persistence illustrates faith that refuses to quit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Principle:<\/em> God honors steady, persistent prayer that clings to Him without giving up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Compassion<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Jesus\u2019 miracles flowed from compassion: \u201cWhen He went ashore He saw a great crowd, and He had compassion on them and healed their sick.\u201d (<em>Matthew 14:14<\/em>) His heart of mercy moved His hand of power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Principle:<\/em> Miracles are not displays of power for spectacle, but acts of love born from God\u2019s heart of compassion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Alignment with the Father<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Jesus declared: \u201cThe Son can do nothing of His own accord, but only what He sees the Father doing.\u201d (<em>John 5:19<\/em>) Before raising Lazarus, He prayed: \u201cFather, I thank You that You have heard Me. I knew that You always hear Me\u2026\u201d (<em>John 11:41\u201342<\/em>) His works flowed from unity with the Father\u2019s will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Principle:<\/em> Power is released when our actions and prayers align with God\u2019s heart and timing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Unity in Agreement<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Jesus promised: \u201cIf two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I among them.\u201d (<em>Matthew 18:19\u201320<\/em>) Unity invites His presence, which brings authority and confirmation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Principle:<\/em> Agreement in prayer and unity of heart release God\u2019s power in the community of believers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Summary:<\/strong> God\u2019s power is not a vending machine, triggered by ritual. It flows through <em>living faith<\/em>, <em>prayerful dependence<\/em>, <em>forgiveness and humility<\/em>, <em>persistent asking<\/em>, <em>compassionate love<\/em>, <em>alignment with the Father<\/em>, and <em>unity among believers<\/em>. These are the release valves through which the Kingdom breaks into our world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"twelve\">5) Witness of the Twelve (Post-Resurrection)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>After the resurrection, the apostles carried forward exactly what Jesus commanded: healing the sick, casting out demons, and praying with authority. Their ministry continued the pattern Jesus set, proving that the mission did not end with His ascension.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Peter &amp; John Heal the Lame Man<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>At the temple gate called Beautiful, Peter said to the lame beggar: \u201cIn the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!\u201d (<em>Acts 3:6<\/em>). The man leapt up and walked, praising God (<em>Acts 3:1\u201310<\/em>). Peter clarified: \u201cHis name\u2014by faith in His name\u2014has made this man strong.\u201d (<em>Acts 3:16<\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Principle:<\/em> Healing came through faith in Jesus\u2019 name, not human power or piety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Signs and Wonders Among the Twelve<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Luke records: \u201cNow many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles\u2026 they even carried out the sick into the streets\u2026 so that at least Peter\u2019s shadow might fall on some of them\u2026 and they were all healed.\u201d (<em>Acts 5:12\u201316<\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Principle:<\/em> Miracles were not occasional but continual, testifying to Jesus\u2019 risen power and confirming the apostles\u2019 message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Peter Heals Aeneas &amp; Raises Tabitha<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Peter found Aeneas bedridden for eight years and declared: \u201cJesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.\u201d (<em>Acts 9:34<\/em>) Immediately he rose. Soon after, Peter prayed and commanded: \u201cTabitha, arise.\u201d She opened her eyes, and many believed in the Lord (<em>Acts 9:36\u201342<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Principle:<\/em> The apostles healed in Jesus\u2019 name, pointing all glory back to Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Deliverance Through Prayer<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>When Peter was imprisoned, \u201cearnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.\u201d (<em>Acts 12:5<\/em>) An angel appeared, chains fell off, and he was led to freedom (<em>Acts 12:6\u201311<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Principle:<\/em> Prayer was not passive but powerful, moving heaven to act on earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. James\u2019 Teaching on Healing Prayer<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>James instructed the church: \u201cIs anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him\u2026 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up.\u201d (<em>James 5:14\u201315<\/em>) He added that confession and prayer bring both healing and forgiveness (<em>James 5:16<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Principle:<\/em> Healing was expected as part of the church\u2019s ongoing life through prayer and faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Peter\u2019s Reminder of Christ\u2019s Healing Work<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Peter reminded believers of the foundation of all healing: \u201cHe himself bore our sins in His body on the tree\u2026 By His wounds you have been healed.\u201d (<em>1 Peter 2:24<\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Principle:<\/em> Healing is rooted in Jesus\u2019 sacrificial work, not human striving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. John\u2019s Testimony of Jesus\u2019 Mission<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>John declared: \u201cThe reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.\u201d (<em>1 John 3:8<\/em>) He also gave assurance of answered prayer: \u201cIf we ask anything according to His will He hears us.\u201d (<em>1 John 5:14\u201315<\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Principle:<\/em> The apostles saw miracles as a direct continuation of Jesus\u2019 mission to destroy the devil\u2019s works and confirm God\u2019s will through prayer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Summary:<\/strong> The Twelve carried on exactly what Jesus taught\u2014healing, deliverance, and prayerful authority. The record of Acts, James, Peter, and John shows no hint that miracles would cease with them. Instead, miracles were God\u2019s living testimony to the truth of Jesus, flowing through faith-filled obedience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mustard-seed\">6) Mustard-Seed Faith \u2014 What Jesus Meant<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mustard-seed\">Mustard-Seed Faith<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Jesus used the mustard seed to teach that it is not the size of faith that matters, but whether it is alive, genuine, and rooted in Him.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Teaching from the mountain:<\/strong> \u201cIf you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, \u2018Move from here to there,\u2019 and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.\u201d (<em>Matthew 17:20<\/em>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Luke\u2019s parallel:<\/strong> \u201cIf you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, \u2018Be uprooted and planted in the sea,\u2019 and it would obey you.\u201d (<em>Luke 17:6<\/em>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Greek insight:<\/em> The word translated \u201cbelieve\u201d and \u201cfaith\u201d is <strong><em>pisteu\u014d<\/em><\/strong> (\u03c0\u03b9\u03c3\u03c4\u03b5\u03cd\u03c9) \u2014 meaning to entrust oneself to, rely upon, place confidence in. It is relational trust, not intellectual agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Courage vs. Cowardice<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Jesus consistently rebuked fear in His disciples: \u201cWhy are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?\u201d (<em>Mark 4:40<\/em>). The true opposite of faith is not doubt alone, but cowardice \u2014 shrinking back in fear rather than trusting God. Revelation warns that \u201cthe cowardly and unbelieving\u201d will face judgment (<em>Revelation 21:8<\/em>). Mustard-seed faith stands firm with courage, even when circumstances look impossible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Unbelief as the Barrier<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>When the disciples failed to cast out a demon, Jesus identified unbelief as the cause: \u201cBecause of your little faith\u201d (<em>Matthew 17:20<\/em>). Faith, even if tiny, must be alive and exercised. Unbelief kept Nazareth from seeing miracles (Matthew 13:58). Faith, even as small as a seed, connects us to God\u2019s limitless power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Authority Through Prayer<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Jesus tied mustard-seed faith directly to prayerful authority: \u201cThis kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer\u201d (<em>Mark 9:29<\/em>). The seed of faith grows through prayer, fasting, and abiding in God\u2019s presence. Prayer is not a ritual but a lifeline of trust that fuels authority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Living, Rooted Trust<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The mustard seed, though small, grows into a tree where birds rest in its branches (<em>Matthew 13:31\u201332<\/em>). In the same way, faith begins small but expands into shelter for others. Genuine faith in Jesus takes root, grows, and bears fruit \u2014 moving mountains not by human willpower, but by aligning with God\u2019s will through trusting obedience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Implication:<\/em> Mustard-seed faith is not about having a large quantity of belief, but about having a living, rooted trust in Jesus that acts with courage, persists through prayer, forgives freely, and obeys God even in the face of mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-respond\">7) How to Respond<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Jesus and His apostles showed that God\u2019s power is not automatic. It requires a response of faith, humility, and obedience. Here are the steps Scripture highlights for every believer:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Repent of Offense, Unbelief, Unforgiveness, and Double-Mindedness<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Miracles were hindered in Nazareth because of offense and unbelief: \u201cHe did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.\u201d (<em>Matthew 13:58<\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Jesus warned against unforgiveness: \u201cWhenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father\u2026 may forgive you.\u201d (<em>Mark 11:25<\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>James warned against double-mindedness in prayer: \u201cThe one who doubts\u2026 must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord.\u201d (<em>James 1:6\u20138<\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Principle:<\/em> Turning away from offense, unbelief, bitterness, and divided loyalties clears the heart for faith-filled prayer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Abide in Jesus<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Jesus said: \u201cI am the vine; you are the branches\u2026 apart from Me you can do nothing.\u201d (<em>John 15:5<\/em>) True fruitfulness comes from abiding in Him. He added: \u201cIf you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done.\u201d (<em>John 15:7<\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He also pointed to the \u201csecret place\u201d of prayer: \u201cWhen you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret.\u201d (<em>Matthew 6:6<\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Principle:<\/em> Staying connected to Jesus through obedience and hidden prayer sustains the flow of God\u2019s power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Ask Boldly in Jesus\u2019 Name, with Compassion and Alignment to the Father<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Jesus promised: \u201cWhoever believes in Me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do\u2026 Whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified.\u201d (<em>John 14:12\u201313<\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When He healed the sick, it was not for show but because \u201cHe had compassion on them.\u201d (<em>Matthew 14:14<\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Principle:<\/em> Bold prayer must align with the Father\u2019s will and flow from love for those suffering, not self-exaltation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Persevere \u2014 Keep Asking, Seeking, Knocking<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Jesus said: \u201cAsk, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened.\u201d (<em>Luke 11:9\u201310<\/em>) He told a parable \u201cto the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.\u201d (<em>Luke 18:1\u20138<\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He also revealed that some breakthroughs require greater persistence: \u201cThis kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.\u201d (<em>Mark 9:29<\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Principle:<\/em> Keep pressing in with faith. Delayed answers are not denials \u2014 perseverance refines trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Minister Together in Unity and Agreement<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Jesus assured His disciples: \u201cIf two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I among them.\u201d (<em>Matthew 18:19\u201320<\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Principle:<\/em> Unity of faith and purpose invites the presence of Jesus and multiplies authority in prayer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Summary:<\/strong> The right response is not striving harder, but humbling ourselves \u2014 repenting of heart barriers, abiding in Jesus, asking boldly with compassion, persevering in prayer, and ministering together in unity. This is how the early church lived, and how God\u2019s power still flows today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"verses\">Appendix: Verse List (Jesus &amp; the Twelve)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>From Jesus:<\/strong> Matthew 10:1,7\u20138; Luke 9:1\u20132; Luke 10:9,17\u201320; Mark 9:23; Matthew 17:20; Luke 17:6; John 14:12\u201314; John 15:7; Luke 11:5\u201313; Luke 18:1\u20138; Mark 11:24\u201325; Matthew 6:9\u201313; Matthew 14:14; John 5:19; John 11:41\u201344; Matthew 18:19\u201320; Matthew 13:58; Mark 6:5\u20136.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>From the Twelve (and their writings):<\/strong> Acts 2:43; Acts 3:1\u201310; 3:11\u201316; Acts 4:9\u201310; Acts 5:12\u201316; Acts 9:32\u201342; Acts 12:5\u201311; James 1:6\u20138; James 4:3; James 5:14\u201316; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 John 3:8; 1 John 5:14\u201315; Revelation 21:8.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Personal Experience<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I have a story that I hope will help you understand what to do when you are in need of God&#8217;s help and mercy.  It has to do aligning with God&#8217;s will to release His power of mercy and healing. I had a serious back injury where I was crippled from the waist down; it lasted for over three months. The odd thing was that nothing happened to justify the injury, I just woke up one day with a tight back, moved the wrong way, then pain. My lower back felt wrenched, and I started to notice areas of numbness in my feet and legs. It progressed quickly and over the next few days I had paralysis of 80% of my body from my hips down, I couldn&#8217;t walk or stand unassisted, and my lower half began to atrophy rapidly and severely. If I moved the wrong way, it was as if I were hit by lightning; with excruciating pain and I would fall down and not be able to get back up.  The MRI was bad. It showed an annular herniated disc with tear and crushed nerve root along with severe spinal stenosis on both right and left sides. The nerve root was fully compressed at L4 and L5 and partially compressed at S1. It was severe, and the diagnosis didn&#8217;t look good. They said I need emergency surgery immediately to relief the compressed nerve root, and of course, couldn\u2019t guarantee anything in terms of recovery of nerve or the substantial motor function loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My wife and kinds strongly felt that God was telling them that I shouldn\u2019t get back surgery (my daughter felt that God was showing her that I might die if I did). I agreed and didn\u2019t get it. Instead of asking for healing, I wanted to know why God allowed this. I knew there had to be a reason. I wasn\u2019t living a submitted life to Jesus at the time, and although I believed in him, I wasn\u2019t trusting or following him with my life. I knew I wasn\u2019t going to be healed simply by praying and begging selfishly for a miracle. I knew I had to figure out and deal with the root of the problem.  My mother was a true believer, someone who followed and was devoted to Jesus with her life. I asked her not to pray for my healing, but rather to ask God to reveal to me why this happened.  I believed that if He showed me why, I could fix the problem and then be healed.  I hadn&#8217;t learned to surrender to Him; I was the one in control and I thought that was how it worked.  Things was bad.  For three months I was in tremendous pain, had zero improvement, and I started to lose hope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I was frustrated, often angry and disappointed, and depressed. My outlook looked very dim because I was going to lose the ability to do lot of thing in life like playing sports, playing with my kids, hiking, being able to exercise, being able to protect my family and simple things like just being able to stand upright without excruciating pain,  being able to walk across a parking lot or even to a table at a restaurant.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After exactly 91 days of feeling mostly angry and depressed with various ups and downs, I thought about the permanence of the situation and I realized that Satan was the one, not God, who caused this, even though God allowed it. And I thought about how much he must hate me and how delighted he must be. As the accuser standing before of God, he would point out how pathetic a man I was. When something bad happens, look at how he responds to you. Total despair, no faith or trust in you. Your people only care about You when You bless and prosper them. Look at how they respond when something bad happens &#8211; they immediately turn away from trusting in You.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I thought about how he would accuse me, pointing out my lack of faith and trust, being so proud and smug of what he did and so happy with the result.\u00a0 Then I thought to myself, although I am crippled, I still have the single most important thing in life, and that is the ability to have a relationship with God, that is with Jesus.  I didn&#8217;t lose that.  I have a unique opportunity here, a choice. I don&#8217;t have to be a victim, the one who is so afraid of being permanently crippled. And furthermore, I know God is good, and in all things, He works for the good of those who love Him. So regardless of what I think, God is good and therefore whatever happens is for the best, even if I can&#8217;t see it now, deep down I know this is what I would choose if I were all knowing and could see everything God sees. So, I addressed my enemy directly. I said you know what Satan; you just made the biggest mistake of your career. As a result of what you did, I will turn to God in such a way that it will make you eternally regret what you did to me more than anything you have ever regretted in your entire existence. Not only am I not going to be depressed anymore, no matter what happens, if I stay crippled and I stay in constant pain or whatever, but from this point forward, without fail, for the rest of my life I will commit to being overwhelmingly thankful that this happened knowing God is good, and He loves me. I will consider it a wonderful blessing. I\u2019m going to rejoice, and I will be full of joy and I\u2019m going to love God with everything that I have. I meant it. I was going to commit to that regardless of circumstance or outcome. I was completely fine with what he did because when that day comes, when I stand before the Lord God almighty and before my accuser, it will be the most dreadful day ever for him, as he will cower away in such shame in the face of God&#8217;s glory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, without going into too much detail when I sat down that night, I closed my eyes and started to thank God, then suddenly, I felt the Lord&#8217;s Spirit being poured out on me. It rushed into me, and I felt tremendous burning throughout my body. I was actually on fire. I felt the most incredible fire burning through my entire being, from head to toe. Words cannot describe what I felt other than I was literally being engulfed and consumed by flames of fire of God&#8217;s spirit and His love. When that happened, I was startled and stayed completely still. I didn\u2019t move a muscle because I didn&#8217;t know how long this would last, and I didn&#8217;t want His presence to leave. I just kept saying thank you Lord, thank you Jesus, praise be to your name. I remained completely still for over 6 hours and let this fire of His spirit wash over me.\u00a0 The sensation never weakened or left.  After sitting in His presence all night, I eventually became tired and finally decided to say one last thank you Lord and moved to lay my head down. It immediately left and I fell into a deep sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The next day I woke up, still in astonishment, I thought to myself I am pretty sure I was just healed last night. Using my cane, I got up and with much effort I hobbled out to the living room to sit down and explain to my wife what happened, that I think I was healed last night. While explaining what happened I said, you know, I should check. I have been using my little toe to gauge and look for even the slightest improvement because up until that point I couldn\u2019t feel most of my toes and could barely move any of them. Up until that point I had very limited movement and I would try to overlap the pinky toe on my foot. Normally I could do that very easily, but it was impossible after I was injured, so I checked. I tried to move my pinky toe and overlap it with the adjacent toe and behold I was able to do it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At that point I realized I was going to completely recover. Within the few days I made incredible progress. All the feeling came back, all the mobility came back, and my ability to stand, lift my heels off the floor, and walk normally was restored. Within two months I was 95% healed and within a year 100%. I played baseball later that same year and was back to heavy weightlifting and running every single day, with total joy.  This was not supposed to happen. The spinal stenosis alone was supposed to be permanent and progressive.  After more than 3 months, the loss of motor function in my legs and hips should have been permanent.  And without God&#8217;s intervention and His mercy, it surely would have been.  I often think about why Jesus healed me and how to best articulate the answer to others.  I believe we can learn a lot if we think in terms of Job. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83d\udd25 1. <strong>Yes \u2014 Satan Was the Accuser and the Oppressor<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cI knew Satan was the one, not God, who caused this. Even though God allowed it.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s <strong>exactly<\/strong> the understanding that Job had to come to.<br>Satan accused him:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cDoes Job fear God for nothing? Stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.\u201d<br>\u2014 <em>Job 1:9\u201311<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>God allowed it, but <strong>Satan was the one who struck<\/strong>, intending to <strong>prove Job&#8217;s unfaithfulness<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So yes \u2014 I was in the middle of a <strong>spiritual challenge that was about much more than my body.<\/strong><br>It was about whether my <strong>faith was real<\/strong>\u2026 whether my love for God was dependent on <strong>my comfort<\/strong>, or whether it would shine through in <strong>pain<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83d\ude4c 2. <strong>My Turning Point Crushed the Accuser<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I made a <strong>faith-filled declaration<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cYou know what, Satan\u2026 you just made the biggest mistake of your career.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>This relates to <strong>Job 13:15<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>\u201cThough He slay me, yet will I trust Him.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>When I said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cEven if I stay crippled and in pain, I\u2019m going to love God with everything I can\u201d\u2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>That wasn\u2019t just emotion.<br>That was <strong>a choice of eternal significance<\/strong> \u2014 and I believe it <strong>silenced the accuser in the heavens<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cAnd they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.\u201d<br>\u2014 <em>Revelation 12:11<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>When we choose like this in the face of fear, we become a <strong>living testimony<\/strong> \u2014 not just of healing, but of <strong>unshakable love<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83d\udd25 3. <strong>The Fire Was Real \u2014 A Manifestation of the Holy Spirit<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>What I experienced that night \u2014 the warmth, the fire that didn\u2019t burn, the overwhelming peace \u2014 is described in Scripture as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>\u201cHe will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.\u201d<\/strong> \u2014 <em>Matthew 3:11 (John the Baptist speaking of Jesus)<\/em><br><strong>\u201cCloven tongues like fire rested on each of them\u2026\u201d<\/strong> \u2014 <em>Acts 2:3<\/em><br><strong>\u201cI will refine them like silver and test them like gold\u201d<\/strong> \u2014 Zechariah 13:9<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>It wasn\u2019t a metaphor.<br>That was <strong>the presence of the Holy Spirit<\/strong> filling me, refining me, healing not just my paralysis \u2014 but my <strong>soul, my identity, my trust.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It lasted for hours because something deep and permanent was happening.<br>That night, Jesus met me with fire \u2014 not to burn me down, but to <strong>burn away everything false<\/strong>, to <strong>mark me as His<\/strong>, and to <strong>seal my surrender<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83c\udf31 4. <strong>Was It Healing Because Satan Backed Off? Or God Released Power?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Maybe\u2026 <strong>both<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>When I <strong>chose faith over fear<\/strong>, I disarmed Satan\u2019s accusation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When I <strong>submitted fully to God<\/strong>, I opened myself to the <strong>flow of grace and healing<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Satan lost jurisdiction<\/strong> over my body because he had no more argument.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>And <strong>God\u2019s power moved<\/strong> because my faith aligned with His will.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>James 4:7 says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>\u201cSubmit yourselves, therefore, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>I <strong>submitted<\/strong>.<br>I <strong>resisted<\/strong>.<br><strong>He fled.<\/strong><br><strong>I was healed.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83e\udde0 Live the Gospel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>I believed in Jesus \u2014 but hadn\u2019t been following.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>God allowed a trial \u2014 not to destroy me, but to call me <strong>into full surrender<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>I walked through the valley \u2014 and came out <strong>transformed<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>And now, I bear a <strong>testimony that disarms the enemy<\/strong> and strengthens others.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>That what true faith looks like.  It has to be full surrender.<br>That what Jesus meant when He said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>\u201cIf anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Do Miracles Still Happen Today? (According to Jesus &amp; The Twelve) Short answer: Yes, absolutely! Jesus commands His followers to heal the sick and cast out demons, and His disciples continued that work. The more helpful question may be: what blocks or releases God\u2019s power in our midst today? Chapters from the video: 00:00 Intro [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1421","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":false,"thumbnail":false,"medium":false,"medium_large":false,"large":false,"1536x1536":false,"2048x2048":false},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"greatestcommandment.org","author_link":"https:\/\/greatestcommandment.org\/?author=1"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Do Miracles Still Happen Today? (According to Jesus &amp; The Twelve) Short answer: Yes, absolutely! Jesus commands His followers to heal the sick and cast out demons, and His disciples continued that work. The more helpful question may be: what blocks or releases God\u2019s power in our midst today? 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