JUNE 14, 2026 SERMON NOTES

Dr. Ronny Raines, Senior Pastor

Acts: Evidence of a Mighty Move of God

Acts 19:11-20

11 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.

What's the Evidence of a Mighty Move of God? 

I. Religious People are Converted (Acts 19:1-7)

II. God's Word is Proclaimed (Acts 19:8-10)

III. Divine Power is Displayed (Acts 19:11-12)

IV. Spiritual Imposters are Exposed (Acts 19:13-16) 

V. Genuine Repentance is Witnessed (Acts 19:17-20) 

Let Me Finish with Three Appeals: 

1. Jesus Wants to Use You.

2. Jesus Wants You to Fall in Love with Him.

3. Jesus Wants All of You. 

JUNE 14, 2026 STUDY GUIDE

Acts: Evidence of a Mighty Move of God

Acts 19:11-20

When was the last time you witnessed a mighty move of God? 

• People were saved

• Believers confessed sin

• Relationships were restored 

• Lives were surrendered

• Churches were united 

As you study God's Word, it's inspiring to look for evidence. Mighty movements of God always bear evidence. You know when God moves. How do you know that Zacchaeus (Luke 19) and Paul (Acts 9) were saved? How do you know that the early church was healthy and united (Acts 2)? How do you know that Joseph forgave his brothers (Genesis 50)? Each biblical story reveals solid evidence. 

Now is a good time for your group to read Acts 19. It's a healthy discipline to read the Bible. God's Word is foundational to disciple-making. As you and your group finish reading this chapter, here's a key question to ponder. 

What's the evidence of a mighty move of God? 

1. Religious People are Converted (Acts 19:1-7). Paul's missionary travels led him to Ephesus. He loved that city. Paul found unsaved religious people. As expected, he asked them great questions and shared the gospel. What happened to those twelve men (Acts 19:5-7)? What is the gospel? How is a person saved, meaning he/she is no longer dead in sin but is alive with Christ?

2. God's Word is Proclaimed (Acts 19:8-10). Paul was a servant of the Word. In many places, he preached and taught the Scriptures. Paul was a disciplined man. Idleness wasn't an option. He labored day and night for the gospel. How do you see the Bible being proclaimed today? Reflecting on the last 200 years (revivals, awakenings, movements), can you recall any mighty movements of God (Welsh Revival, Jesus Movement, New York City Revival)?   

3. Divine Power is Displayed (Acts 19:11-12). Paul saw God perform miraculous events. This section of Scripture has been denied by liberal theologians and misused by televangelists. Being faithful to the text, here are two truths to apply. Nothing is impossible with God. If God can use a handkerchief or an apron, He can use you. How have you seen God's power on display lately?                     

4. Spiritual Impostors are Exposed (Acts 19:13-16). Paul reverenced the name of Jesus, and he encountered spiritual warfare firsthand (impostors). Paul's language was intense. A battle took place. It was clear that a winner emerged. The name of Jesus is to be adored and respected, and God's people should never trivialize spiritual warfare. Are you standing in awe of Jesus?       

5. Genuine Repentance is Witnessed (Acts 19:17-20). Paul witnessed a mighty move of God, and he saw the Lord change the lives of people. News spread about the battle. Sin was confessed. Jesus was exalted. Bold decisions were made. God's people aren't to play with sin; they're to confess and repent of it (1 John 1:9). Is the Holy Spirit leading you to confess and repent of any sin?

As you and your group pray together, here are several specific requests to bring before the Lord: 

• Salvation: Share the first names of people who need to be saved, believing God moves when His people pray    

• Bible: Ask the Lord to give you a hunger for biblical truth, realizing God's Word is essential for kingdom advancement    

• Power: Believe that the Lord can do all things, positioning you to see His grace on display      

• Warfare: Prepare your soul for an attack from the enemy, knowing your victory is in Jesus  

• Repentance: Turn from any sin as the Holy Spirit convicts, leading to a life of spiritual freedom 

A mighty movement of God is needed today. Is a move of God needed in your life, marriage, or family? Is a "fresh wind" of the Lord needed in your church? Are revival and spiritual awakening needed in the USA and the world? As the Lord did it before, He can do it again!

Thank you for opening God's Word this week. You're blessed to study the Bible and fellowship with other believers. FBC Clarksville is thankful for your connection and involvement. May you rejoice in the beauty, importance, and relevance of the Lord's church!     

You're being prayed for! 

Grace and Peace!  

View all of the "Acts" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/acts. 

GROWTH GROUPS

NEW Growth Groups are available, and we’d love for you to get connected! Check out all of the new 2026 Growth Groups and sign up today at fbct.org/growthgroups.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

SAVE THE DATE: June 15-19 | 9:00am-12noon

• WHO: Entering Kindergarten to Completed 5th Grade
  Preschool VBS is available for Volunteer children who are PreK and younger.

• WHAT: A 5-day intensive Biblical learning experience for kids that is also FUN for kids & teachers alike! Our kids kick-off the day with Worship Rally, then rotate through Bible study, Rec., Missions, Snacks, Crafts & MORE!

• WHEN: June 15-19 | 9am-12noon

• COST: FREE

Get Involved: Interested in joining the team as a leader or volunteer?

Email vbs@fbct.org for more information.
Volunteer Early to reserve your VBS shirt.
Click HERE to Register to Volunteer. 

FIRST STEPS CLASS

UPCOMING CLASS: Wednesday, September 9, 2026

DINNER: 4:30-5:40PM FELLOWSHIP HALL

CLASS: 6:00PM Grace BUILDING, 3rd Floor Steeple Landing

Our First Steps class is designed for new members and guests. We invite you to join our Senior Pastor, Dr. Ronny Raines, and our ministry team for our next membership class. We'll treat you to a delicious meal in the Laida Fellowship Hall, and then help you discover how God wants to use you at First Baptist Church. As you attend the class, we'll cover the following subjects:

• A personal relationship with Jesus Christ

• Meaning of church membership

• Biblical baptism

• The Lord's Supper

• The church's beliefs and vision

• Opportunities to give

• Ways to serve in the church

• Ministries at First Baptist Church 

• Meet our ministry team

• Time for Q&A

• Tour our church facilities

We hope you'll join us for our next First Steps class. You can register by filling out the online form at fbct.org/firststeps or by contacting Dana in the pastor's office at 931.245.0000 or dana.abee@fbct.org.

FIRST BAPTIST MUSIC

Check out all of the First Baptist Worship Team videos from our online worship services at fbct.org/music.

THE VOICE - MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

Stay up to date with all that is going with our monthly newsletter, the Voice! Visit fbct.org/voice!

MEMBERSHIP AND GIVING TOOLS

Fellowship, Worship and Discipleship are fundamental to an obedient life in Christ. First Baptist Church maintains several tools to help us stay connected, share and offer the sacrifice of praise, and grow together. Scroll to the bottom of the home page at fbct.org and click on "app" to see options for adding these tools to your phone or other device. You can use these tools to stay connected to your discipleship group, contact the church, watch past worship services and sermons, as well as support the FBC financially as the Lord directs for you and your family. There are even instructions for how to access these tools using your web browser.

Using these apps, updating your profile information to share with the church is easy. When changes occur in your family life such as a move to a new home, change in email address, etc. you can update your information to be sure that our communication with you is efficient. You can even add a picture to make it easier for your church family to put a name with a face!

Information about any groups that might be of interest to you, such as Connect Groups, teams, committees, etc will be available as well.  Group Leaders can use the tools to take attendance online and access other features.  You can contact the church through the app, read messages from group members/leaders and browse the church directory.

Check out fbct.org/app  for instructions on how to get the app and reach the membership and giving website.

LOVE the time of worship through song today? You can follow us on Spotify and listen to our playlist each week! Follow us on Spotify “First Clarksville” and sing along!