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A Sermon by Dr. Bob Griffin, Teaching Elder at Sovereign Grace Church
I. POWER OF GOD OVER DREAD
A. FREEDOM FROM PERSECUTION
>>1. NEW PEACE
Acts 9:31a So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had rest
(also Acts 10:37; 13:31; 28:31 II Cor 5:20)
>>2. NEW STRENGTH
Acts 9:31b and was being strengthened.
B. FREEDOM TO GROW
>>1. NEW POWER
Acts 9:31c And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the holy Spirit,
(also Jn 14:16)
>>2. NEW CHURCHES
Acts 9:31d it multiplied.
(also 2:47; 6:7; 12:24; 16:5; 19:20; 28:30-31)
II. POWER OF GOD OVER DISEASE
A. FREEDOM FROM BONDAGE
>>1. NEW PATTERN
Acts 9:32-33 Now as Peter went from place to place among believers, he also came down to the saints living in Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, bedridden for eight years, who was paralyzed.
(also Acts 5:16)
>>2. NEW HEALING
Acts 9:34a And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.”
(also Mk 2:10-12)
B. FREEDOM TO BELIEVE
>>1. NEW MIRACLE
Acts 9:34b-35a Immediately he rose, and all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him,
>>2. NEW REVIVAL
Acts 9:35b and they turned to the Lord.
(also I Pet 4:11)
III. POWER OF GOD OVER DEATH
A. FREEDOM OF MINISTRY
>>1. NEW SORROW
Acts 9:36-37 Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.
>>2. NEW APPEAL
Acts 9:38-39 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping, modeling tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them.
(also Jn 11; II Chron 2:16; Jonah 1:3)
B. FREEDOM FROM THE LAW
>>1. NEW LIFE
Acts 9:40-41 But Peter put them all outside and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.
(also Mk 5:38-42)
>>2. NEW LIFESTYLE
Acts 9:42-43 And it became known all over Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. And he lodged in Joppa for some time with one Simon, a tanner.