Prof Felix Aromo Ilesanmi Library

Text: ACTS 1:1-11
Memory Verse: 2 Peter 1:16  For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

An Adventist family was re-roofing its house in Ile-Ife but could not finish before Sabbath. There was heavy cloud. They prayed Ps 46 and slept. The house was miraculously isolated from the heavy rain in the town that night!

Our focus in this study is that God can change, alter, suspend or do anything to the human, natural and fundamental laws for the sake of His children who are working out His purpose. Didn’t a virgin conceive and deliver against all known biological laws? Didn’t the sun stop movement for Joshua to defeat the enemies of Israel? How did Elijah travel to heaven or what mode was used by Enoch to be with God? With God, nothing shall be impossible all laws, rules and regulations notwithstanding. Imagine the Israelis crossing both the Red Sea and River Jordan on dry land! The natural flow of water was suspended in each case until God’s children fully passed through. Imagine the heap of water that refused to find its level on each occasion. God knows us by name and cares for every thread of hair on our heads. He is not just the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He is my Lord and my God.

1.      Briefly share with the class members one striking issue from today’s text e.g. Jesus who is reputed as doing and teaching (v.1); The many infallible proofs of Jesus’ resurrection (v.3 and 1 Cor. 15:6); His open ascension while people watched (v.9) and His promised return (v.11).

i.           Any other religious leader ascended to heaven?
ii.         Elijah was taken up with a chariot of fire (2 Kg. 2:11-14)
iii.       Enoch walked with God and God took him (Gen. 5:22-24; Heb. 11:5)
iv.       How do you see the phrase, “he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.” v.9
v.         Note: God do interfere with laws when His children are DOING HIS WILL and DESIRE TO GIVE ALL THE GLORY TO GOD.

i.           Gravitational law at the ascension (Acts 1:9)
ii.         Law of reproduction at the conception of Jesus by the virgin Mary (Is 7:14; Mt 1:18)
iii.       Archimedes Law of Floatation and Upthrust when Jesus and Peter walked on water (Mt 14:25)
iv.       Law of creation of matter when Jesus fed multitudes, turned water to wine and Widow’s food multiplied (Mt 14:15; Jn 5:6; Jn 2:9; 2Ki 4:5)
v.         Laws of motion when Jesus stopped waves/storms by simple command (Mt 8:26)
vi.       Laws of fishing when Jesus led Peter to catch many fishes towards mid-day (Lk 5:6)
vii.     Laws of life and death upon resurrection and raising dead Lazarus and a widow’s son (Lk 24:6; 7:11, Jn 11:1-44)
viii.   Law of speech when Balaam’s donkey talked (Num 22:28)
ix.       Law on Menopause broken by Zacharias/Elizabeth and Abraham/Sarah (Lk 1:5-7,13; Rm 4:18-21)
x.         Seasonal laws when Elijah suspended rainy seasons in Israel for 3½ years (Jm 5:17)
xi.       Psychiatric laws when Jesus delivered demon possessed individuals (Lk 4:35)
xii.     Laws of creation at His several healings (Mt 8:3,14; 9:2)
xiii.   Laws of flowing fluid when Red Sea/Jordan was divided (Ex 14:21, 2Kg 2:8,14)
xiv.   Laws of days and nights when Joshua stayed the sun and moon (Jos 10:12) etc.

i.           Admission or promotion testimonies
ii.         Supernatural healing from what would have been deadly situations
iii.       Supernatural provision etc.
iv.       Supernatural change in weather

i.           The angelic announcement will be fulfilled v.11
ii.         We shall also break the laws then for we shall rise and be caught up to meet Him in the air!!!  (1Thess 4:17)

Before any miracle, there is always a pre-miracle experience. Each miracle shows the Divine hand in human affairs. The Master of the Universe can choose what to do under every circumstance. He can do or undo to make His will come to pass upon His trusting child. Ours is to obey His is to do and He has no limitation whatsoever. Amen

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