Miracles are a retelling in small letters of the very same story which is written across the whole world in letters too large for some of us to see.
- C. S. Lewis
Modern charismatics, such as myself, often claim access to most if not all the gifts of the Spirit, particularly healing the sick. Yet on closer examination such assertions are problematic at best.
Scripture makes clear that miraculous signs and wonders are the right, if not responsibility, of all believers regardless of place and time. Yet the ability to fully walk in the fruit, much less the gifts of the Spirit such as healing the sick, is challenging on several levels.
Scripture reveals the demonstration of the miraculous has always accompanied the presence of God. In the New Testament, the Gospels and Book of Acts are replete with unusual and exciting signs and wonders designed to draw attention and point the way to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Designed to captivate the attention and imagination, not to mention hopes and fears of mortal man, demonstrating the reality and authority of our Creator and Savior through power evangelism and discipleship is instrumental in attaining the greatest quality and quantity of conversions.
Such Divine intervention does not come without cost. Power brokers don't lightly relinquish control. By nature, the fallen agencies and administrations of men and angels in rebellion to God are hostile to any authentic advancement of Christianity. These quickly move against individuals and organizations upsetting the "wisdom from below" now permeating culture's relentless decent into destruction being choreographed by "the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world."
Should the hindrance(s) to the genuine gift of healing the sick be discovered and overcome, once more restoring full and unrestricted access to the miraculous, Quantum Christianity suggests the following strategy:
- Thorough and private testing as to the availability and extent of such power.
- Comprehensive evaluation as to previous, current and future impediments.
- Exploration into the availability and access to other gifts of the Spirit.
- Review of Biblical doctrines and philosophy, practice and materials.
- Development of strategic deployment into Churchianity and society at large.
- Identification of likely response and resistance from sacred and secular communities.
- Fasting and prayer for God's continual presence and power, provision and protection.
- Seeking greater revelation regarding the true nature and implications of authentic large scale revival.
- Creation of friendly yet responsible ministry and management objectives.
- Counting of possible costs associate with all the above.
The sheer number of NT Scriptures dealing with both the miracles and the message of the gospel so attest to the emphasis of both I strongly suspect they are two sides of the same "Kingdom" coin. Just as the authentic fruit and gifts of the Holy Spirit may be all but inseparable, so too the message of the gospel and demonstration of the power of the Spirit. An interplay visible in various ways and levels throughout the NT:
- "Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:17-20 NKJV
- " And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 KJV2000
- “Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you. But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power. What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?” 1 Corinthians 4:18-21 NKJV
Imagine for a moment having the power to routinely and miraculously heal the sick. Having witnessed illness and disease, pain and even the specter of death conquered by the Spirit of life, would we or those so touched ever be the same? Tasting and participating with “the power of the age to come” would we continue to use our blessed hands as means to personal pleasure and gain or as vehicles of the power and presence of God? Would we risk such virtue and anointing by dabbling in besetting sins or doubtful habits ever again? Would such holy hands be lifted in praise and worship or continue to hang down in weakness and doubt?
And what of our eyes? Would we set our affections on things of earth or eternity? Would we continue to avert our gaze or engage the encompassing need around us? Would we spend hundreds if not thousands of hours before the TV or pouring over the word of God? What of our minds? Would we value and seek the wisdom from below or above? Would we finally comprehend Scripture’s context and content or remain mired in faulty narratives and ambiguity? What ongoing and escalating answers to prayer would clear consciences produce?
What might fully holy hearts accomplish? Imagine being filled with fullness rather than longing. Feasting on hope rather than sorrow, faith rather than fear, love rather than anger. How much sweeter the fruit of the Spirit than that of the flesh, glory than lust! How holy rather than idle our conversation. Blessing rather than cursing, instructing rather than deceiving, encouraging rather than devouring. With the arrival and arising of such faith, command might well replace complaint.
Let us study to show ourselves approved, learning to know God's will and diligently seek His face until it's recognized in our lives. Let us learn the art of intercession, praying without ceasing for a return of the power of God so vital in carrying out the Great Commission entrusted to the Church.
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