Day 315

Day 315

Pray (ACts)

Read - Acts 5v12-16

Message - Scott Woodburn
It is a tremendous tragedy in our day when men make careers out of false signs and wonders. One summer long ago, news came from Florida that a revival was breaking out. The meetings were shown every single day on the God channel and out of curiosity I tuned in. The revivalist claimed that he was able to heal every disease. Individuals were brought up onto the stage and  the revivalist would punch them and kick them "healing" them as he went. On other occasions he would look into the camera and declare that someone had been raised from the dead in Kentucky at the sound of his voice. What did I make of it? I believed it to be fraudulent nonsense.

Whenever these men arise claiming to move in power, remind yourself that there are no more Apostles in our day and age. The ministry of the Apostles was foundational (Ephesians 2v20). You do not build foundations several times. Equally those who falsely claim miracles today simply do not compare to what we find in Acts.

In this great book the Apostles are regularly performing signs and wonders (v12). These gifts are given to them by God Himself to authenticate their message. Paul reminds the Corinthians that he was no fraud and that the signs of a true apostle were done in their midst (2 Corinthians 12v12). So these Apostles are ministering among the people in Solomon's Portico (v12b). They are walking where Jesus walked and doing mighty deeds in His name. Some Christians kept their distance from the Apostles (v13a), perhaps out of fear as they remembered Ananias and Sapphira or perhaps out of timidity. Regardless the Lord continued to save many non-believers and add them to the church (v14).

Amazingly even those who fell under Peter's shadow were healed (v15) and there wasn't a single person sent away disappointed. An American "miracle worker" proclaimed last year that he had bound Covid19. Sadly his words have proved false. When the true Apostles were active all the sick were healed and every demon was driven out (v16).

My brothers and sisters read these verses for your encouragement. Have you ever wondered if you have believed properly? Have you ever questioned why Christianity is the true faith and not some of the other religions? Luke gives us our history in the book of Acts. Christ has sent forward His Apostles with the Gospel and the ability to do signs and wonders. We should not marvel that the Gospel left Jerusalem and spread throughout the world. It is authentic. It is true. It is of God and it should be believed. May our timidity flee and may our boldness increase, for the ministry of the Prophets and Apostles has laid the foundations and Christ, the cornerstone, continues to build His church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.

Pray (acTS)

Sing

WSC
Q82 Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God? No mere man since the fall is able in this life perfectly to keep the commandments of God, but doth daily break them in thought, word, and deed.
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