A Miraculous Earthquake
By Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Rains | September 19, 2025
Turn to Acts 16:25-40. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed. Let’s pray: Father, thank You for the miracle of salvation in this text. Touch hearts, bring the lost to You, and help me preach. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
On September 19, 2025, Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Rains delivered a powerful sermon titled "A Miraculous Earthquake" at Mission Baptist Church in Cincinnati, OH, preaching from Acts 16:25-40. Reflecting on nearly 50 years of ministry, Pastor Rains shared the story of Paul and Silas, who, despite being beaten and imprisoned for their faith, prayed and praised God at midnight. This led to a miraculous earthquake and the salvation of a jailer and his household. Pastor Rains emphasized the power of prayer and praise in the darkest moments, urging believers to trust in Jesus’ name for salvation and to share the gospel boldly, even in the face of persecution.
A Midnight Prayer Meeting
Pastor Rains highlighted the remarkable faith of Paul and Silas, who, despite being beaten and bound in stocks, chose to worship: “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them” (Acts 16:25, KJV). He noted their supernatural strength to worship in pain, teaching that God enables believers to praise Him in any circumstance. Pastor Rains shared how their prayers and songs not only reached God but also edified other prisoners, emphasizing that worship is about our connection with God, not our surroundings (Psalm 42:8, His song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life). He urged parents and believers to model this faith, ensuring young people hear and see godly worship to guide them toward salvation.
A Mighty Earthquake
The sermon’s turning point came with God’s response: “And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed” (Acts 16:26, KJV). Pastor Rains described this as a localized miracle, affecting only the prison, showing God’s personal intervention. He emphasized that Paul and Silas weren’t praying for an earthquake but for God’s will, teaching that miracles often come unexpectedly through faithful prayer. Referencing 1 Corinthians 3:6-8, I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase, he encouraged steadfast prayer and praise, trusting God to move in His timing, even when the world opposes us.
A Man Delivered from Death Row
The earthquake led to the jailer’s salvation, who, fearing the prisoners’ escape, nearly took his life until Paul shouted, “Do thyself no harm: for we are all here” (Acts 16:28, KJV). The jailer asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30, KJV), and received the answer: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:31, KJV). Pastor Rains stressed that salvation is not earned but received through faith in Jesus (Acts 4:12, Neither is there salvation in any other). He shared how the jailer’s household was saved and baptized, urging believers to confess Christ unashamedly (Matthew 10:32, Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father) and to share the gospel with family and friends, ensuring no one is left without hope.
Watch the full sermon online at mbccincy or visit Mission Baptist Church in Cincinnati, OH, to experience the power of God’s Word in community.
