Want to See the Return of 1st-Century Caliber Miracles and Ministry Effectiveness?

If, as Martin Luther penned in the classic hymn A Mighty Fortress Is Our God and many Christians believe, “the Spirit and the gifts are ours” (verse 4, line 2), why don’t we see 1st-century caliber miracles and ministry effectiveness today?  By caliber, I mean: the quality and quantity of signs, wonders, and miracles as depicted in the four Gospels and the book of Acts.

 

Let’s explore three key reasons why God may not be confirming the preaching, teaching, and practice of his Word today—at least here in America—with the same stamp of 1st-century caliber manifestations (see Acts 14:3; Mark 16:20; Heb. 2:4).

 

#1 – The Sovereignty and Will of God: God is sovereign over all things including how and when what we call the “miraculous” does or does not occur. We humans cannot control or command these confirmatory manifestations to occur. Even Jesus didn’t heal everyone all the time and said He could only do what He “saw” the Father doing (John 5:19-20).

 

#2 – Unbelief/Lack of faith: Lack of faith, both doctrinally (cessation theology) and/or functionally (disparity of practice compared to the normative faith depicted in the New Testament), exists in most American churches today. Even Jesus “could not do any miracles there” and only “a few sick people” were healed because of unbelief (Matt. 13:57-58; Mark 6:5).

#3 – Our Watered-Down, Dumbed-Down, and Led-Astray Messages: Once again, the purpose for 1st-century caliber signs, “And He [Jesus] was amazed at their lack of faith” (Mark 6:6).

wonders, and miracles was to confirm/authenticate the correct message being given, by anyone, about the Lord Jesus Christ, his teachings, his kingdom, the full kingdom-salvation gospel, and soon-coming, soon-expected eschatological events—as they were guided “into all truth” and told about “what is yet to come” by the Holy Spirit (John 16:13). Sad to say, however, the messages being presented in most American churches today are not consistent or in harmony enough with the Holy-Spirit-guided messages and expectations of the 1st century.

 

Therefore, why should we expect God to confirm our modern-day diluted, devalued, and diminished messages and reductionist practices of the faith with the same caliber of divine manifestations?

 

The fact is, our modern-day versions of the Christian faith pale-in-comparison with our 1st-century model and its message. But many of us like and are comfortable with our modern-day versions.

 

In my opinion, we need to get our theology and philosophy of ministry better straightened out.

But what do you think?

 

Moreover, what do you think needs to be done if we truly do want to see the return of 1st-century caliber miracles and ministry effectiveness in our lives and midst?