Miracles and Our Witness预览

Miracles for Multitudes

Christ’s followers went forth and preached everywhere. The Lord was with them, confirming His Word with miraculous signs. The disciples were messengers with evidence. They were preachers with power— full of God, full of faith, full of the Holy Ghost. They were witnesses for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Some modern theologians argue that one can believe in the Lord and be saved, but then they teach against the supernatural. Some even deny that miracles can be experienced today. It is one thing to say, “I am a theologian.” It is another thing to say, “I am Christ’s witness.”

Unbelieving religious leaders, during the epoch of the early church were frustrated and even infuriated upon learning that Paul or Peter had come to their area. When they arrived, the public outcry was that these men had turned the world upside-down (Acts 17:6). It was not intended as a compliment.

Wherever messengers of the early church declared the gospel, Christ confirmed their message with miraculous signs and wonders. Whether it was Peter in Jerusalem (Acts 5:14–16), Philip in Samaria (Acts 8:5–8), or Paul on the pagan island of Malta (Acts 28:1–9), the same results were experienced: They proclaimed the gospel, as Christ had commanded His disciples to do. Miracles gave proof of what they taught, and multitudes believed and were added to the Church.

When we arrived in a certain nation, some Protestant missionaries from the United States, oblivious to God’s miracle ministry abroad, began a campaign to influence national pastors against us. They contended: “This man Osborn will bring division and confusion. It would be better if he had never come.” They went from pastor to pastor and church to church, attempting to prevent our great public campaign from taking place. A few were influenced to stay away from our evangelistic meetings because of their accusations. However, most of the national churches enthusiastically participated with us, and their churches overflowed with hundreds of new converts. Many miracles, signs, and wonders gave proof of the gospel that we preached. Thousands of people accepted Christ as their Savior.

God, examine my heart. Help me to not only believe in You but to enthusiastically support others in proclaiming Christ as our Savior and Healer.