When the church began on the day of Pentecost it was accompanied by miracles. Miracles flowed from the apostles and from those who followed them.
The first church was a church of miracles. Without miracles we simply have religion.
Christianity is not religion. It is life. It is the life of Jesus lived through us, and that life is a miracle working life. “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever!”
Christianity is a miracle faith. Only the true power of God will satisfy the hunger in men’s hearts. Men settle for religion and ritual but they seek life. They seek their true identity. They seek power. They know it is possible, but they seldom see it or experience it.
The Bible is a book of miracles. Beginning with Creation and throughout the Old and New Testaments we find God working miracles in the history of nations and in the lives of individuals. A miracle is God’s love touching man’s need. Jesus becoming a man and dying for the sins of the world is the ultimate miracle that demonstrates God’s love for us.
The purpose of miracles is to separate men from dead religion and bring them into relationship with the living God. Man was created with ‘supernatural’ ability. It was natural ability before the fall. It was the ability to think God’s thoughts, speak God’s words and do God’s works. It was dominion over God’s creation. It was intimate communion with God.
The ‘New Creation’ man has been restored to his rightful place and is called upon to ‘reign in life.’ (Rom. 5:17) Jesus declared that we would do greater works. (John 14:12)
If we would hear Him, believe Him, speak His Word, pray to Him and live by Him, we will walk in His power and purpose. He wants to touch the world through us!
—-
“If we come to Him like the first disciples came to Him; If we hear what they heard; If we believe what they believed; If we call on Him as they called on Him; If we pray as they prayed, and if we act as they acted, WE WILL RECEIVE WHAT THEY RECEIVED and we will DO what they did!” (adapted from T.L. Osborn)
Barry Bennett
Lively Hope 