Spiritual food with Jess

THE books of Acts & The Modern day Church

The book of Acts is one amazing book sharing the most incredible stories of the power and workings of the Holy Spirit. God poured out His Spirit on the Apostles on the day of Pentecost - and then on many others. We see there were incredible miracles, signs and wonders performed.

God did extraordinary miracles through Paul so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, their illnesses were cured, and the evil spirits left them.

Acts 19:11-12 NIV

As we move through time and look at where the Church is today, we don't see so much of what took place in the book of Acts.

I have often questioned God 'why'? Why, generally, today, are we not walking in the same authority and power that the Apostles did? It's the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the grave that lives in us, which is also the same Spirit that He breathed on the Apostles.

(And with that, He breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.

John 20:22 NIV)

Below are just a few verses from the book of Acts that speak about the miracles performed through the disciples:

A prison gate was miraculously opened (Acts 12:10). Paul blinded Elymus (13:11-12). Paul performed miracles in Iconium (14:3,4). At Lystra, Paul healed a crippled man (14:8-18). Paul healed a woman possessed by an evil spirit (16:18). The miraculous earthquake unloosed all the chains and doors in the Philippian prison (16:26).

In Ephesus, twelve men spoke in tongues and prophesied (19:6). Paul performed other miracles in Ephesus (19:11,12). In Troas, Paul raised Eutychus from the dead (20:8-12). Paul was not affected by the viper at Melita (28:3-6). Paul also healed those on the island who were diseased (28:8-9).

So why don't we see all these things happening today?

My view is that the modern-day Church is preaching a watered-down version of the Gospel, preaching Jesus as the ticket to heaven and love but leaving it at that. Some things to consider: Do you know the gift (including any spiritual gifts) God has placed on your life; do you know what God has called you to? When was the last time you heard deliverance preached? Have you seen people set free from demonic activity or being healed? Have you experienced people moving in the prophetic gift?

What is God saying through the prophets?

People are more excited and scream louder at a football game than sharing and proclaiming the good news.

In many cases, the power of God has been quenched, maybe because some are afraid to pursue and step out in the Spirit of God. Others may be afraid of the 'things of God'. Still, others want to control what happens rather than allow God to move as He decides. We can trust God in these things because He is good and only has good things for us.

Still, others say miracles and wonders were only for the Apostles, while the scripture clearly states otherwise. In fact, we need to see those suffering made whole (being healed), set free and finding the peace of God.

Christians all have the same Bible - Catholic, Anglican, Uniting, Baptist, and Pentecostal. Still, we as humans tend to pick and choose what we accept and proclaim of the word of God.

I'll finish with this verse:

As you go, proclaim this message: 'The kingdom of heaven has come near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.

Matthew 10:7-8 NIV

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