A Miraculous Whipping
By Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Rains | September 26, 2025
Turn to Acts 19:11-20. And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul, so that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them. Let’s pray: Father, thank You for allowing us to be saved and know we’re going to heaven. Touch hearts, bring the lost to You, and help me preach. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
On September 26, 2025, Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Rains delivered a compelling sermon titled "A Miraculous Whipping" at Mission Baptist Church in Cincinnati, OH, preaching from Acts 19:11-20. Reflecting on nearly 50 years of ministry, Pastor Rains shared the story of God’s power through Paul, contrasted with the failure of seven vagabond Jews who attempted to mimic his miracles. When these false exorcists invoked Jesus’ name without faith, they faced a demonic backlash, leading to a revival where believers burned their occult books. Pastor Rains urged the congregation to discern true ministers, recognize Satan’s deceptive power, and live out their faith boldly to glorify God.
The Profession of Seven Jews
Pastor Rains described the seven vagabond Jews, self-proclaimed exorcists who profited by deceiving people: “Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth” (Acts 19:13, KJV). Observing Paul’s genuine miracles, they tried to replicate his success for profit, but lacked true faith. Pastor Rains warned of false prophets, citing Matthew 7:15, Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, and emphasized the need to study Scripture (2 Timothy 2:15, Study to shew thyself approved unto God) to discern true ministers, marked by God-given authority and love for others.
The Power of Satan Demonstrated
The sermon’s turning point came when the evil spirit rebuked the false exorcists: “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?” (Acts 19:15, KJV). The demon-possessed man, empowered by Satan, overpowered them, leaving them naked and wounded (Acts 19:16, KJV). Pastor Rains highlighted Satan’s supernatural power, referencing Mark 9:20, where a demon caused a boy to harm himself. He warned that Satan has no allies, turning even against those who serve him, and urged believers to avoid demonic influences like drugs or ungodly media, which open doors to spiritual destruction. Only Christ’s power can deliver.
The Praise of Saved People
The miraculous whipping led to a revival: “And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified” (Acts 19:17, KJV). Believers confessed their faith, burned occult books worth 50,000 pieces of silver, and praised God. Pastor Rains encouraged believers to confess Christ openly (Matthew 10:32, Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father) and to rid their lives of ungodly influences—books, music, or media—that invite demonic activity. He shared a story of a converted musician who destroyed a guitar tied to his sinful past, illustrating the need for decisive action to live for Christ.
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.
