A Miracle for a Certain Damsel
By Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Rains | September 7, 2025
Turn to Acts 16:16-24. And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us… Paul being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. Let’s pray: Father, thank You for Your blessings today. Touch hearts, bring the lost into Your family, and help me preach. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
On September 7, 2025, Senior Pastor Bill Rains delivers a stirring sermon titled "A Miracle for a Certain Damsel" at Mission Baptist Church, preaching from Acts 16:16-24. Celebrating his 74th birthday, Pastor Rains reflects on nearly 50 years of ministry, sharing a message about a demon-possessed damsel in Philippi who mocked Paul and Silas. Despite her truthful words—These men are the servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation—her demonic influence led to mockery. After many days, Paul, grieved, cast out the spirit in Jesus’ name, delivering her. Her masters, enraged at losing their profits, had Paul and Silas beaten and imprisoned. Pastor Rains, referencing his son Tim’s stand against working Sundays, urges parents to guide children away from worldly influences like Taylor Swift and toward God. He emphasizes resisting demonic forces, trusting Jesus’ power, and persevering despite persecution, promising that God’s miracles continue.
A Career in Divination
Pastor Rains highlights the damsel’s tragic career in divination, enslaved by a demonic spirit and exploited for profit. He wonders about her upbringing, questioning if her parents prayed or taught her about God, noting young lives are impressionable. Citing his own youthful mistakes due to bad influences, he warns parents to steer children toward godly friends, not worldly figures like Taylor Swift, who promote idolatry. The damsel’s mockery reflects a society enslaved to materialism (Matthew 6:20, lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven). Pastor Rains urges believers to protect young souls from Satan’s grip by sowing seeds of righteousness, ensuring they avoid the path of spiritual destruction.
A Command in Jesus’ Name
The turning point comes when Paul commands the spirit to leave in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 16:18), delivering the damsel instantly. Pastor Rains notes Paul’s grief over many days, waiting for God’s timing, teaching that God works on His schedule, not ours. Believers must keep praying and preaching, as Paul and Silas did, despite mockery (1 Corinthians 3:6-8, I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase). The name of Jesus holds unique power (Acts 4:12, Neither is there salvation in any other), offering hope to change lives trapped by demonic oppression. Pastor Rains encourages steadfast faith, trusting Jesus to deliver in His perfect time.
Christians Imprisoned
Finally, Pastor Rains addresses the cost of doing good, as Paul and Silas were beaten and imprisoned for their miracle (Acts 16:23, they cast them into prison). He shares a story of his son Tim refusing a job promotion requiring Sunday work, citing Psalm 75:6-7, promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west… but from God. Pastor Rains stood firm, ensuring Tim prioritized church, and the employer honored their stance. He warns that standing for God may bring persecution, but it opens doors for more miracles. Believers must remain faithful, knowing God’s victories follow setbacks, and continue sowing seeds for salvation despite opposition.
