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* The book of Acts shows what happened after the resurrection, a model for us. ** In this chart, the commands preach, teach, and proclaim are considered the same. *** No record in Acts, but there have been instances since then.
Of the eleven actions above, seven are clearly supernatural. Even the other four are supernaturally enabled.
The question may arise: Why were not supernatural actions and signs mentioned in the classic Great Commission passage of Matthew 28? It may be the same reason each of the four gospels does not repeat everything contained in the other gospels. But if God says something once, that is enough! Proof of the validity of the supernatural signs to follow the proclamation of the gospel is contained in the book of Acts and in the history of the church up to and including today. See Chapter 7 for examples of physical healing in church history.
In the book of Acts, it is recorded:
So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders (14:3, emphasis supplied).
We are to proclaim the gospel, or good news, and the signs and wonders confirm the message of His grace. That is the purpose of themto confirm. It confirmed them then, and it confirms them now. If anything, hearts in the world today are colder and in more unbelief than they were in the first century, and there are many times more people in unbelief. As mentioned, God’s supernatural power is needed today more than ever before. He is just waiting for His people to get on fire, believe Him, and do what He commanded. Then, just watch Him work.
By the way, you do not have to be an evangelist speaking to great crowds to be used by God in this way. It can be in a one-on-one situation.
For example, if you encounter a person with a sickness, and you sense the Lord leading, you can step out boldly in faith and say, “Would you like for Jesus to heal you?” If they say yes, place your hand on their head or shoulder and pray the prayer of faith, thanking the Lord for loving and healing that person. Don’t pray the faith-destroying prayer, “Lord, if it be thy will…” (see Chapter 7). As did Jesus and the disciples, pronounce them healed. Thank the Lord right then. Yes, so you are out there on a faith limb, but you are just where the Lord wants you! The devil is telling you that you are a fool and will be embarrassed. But you remember the Word, and stand on it: “They will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” Jesus will meet you at your point of faith, and that person will be healed, as God confirms “the message of His grace.” God does not lie.
Sid Roth, founder of Messianic Vision, who sees many healings and miracles, says: If God sent you a telegram to witness to or pray for a specific person, you would swallow your fears and pride and do it. What if every time you saw a sick person you would consider that as God’s telegram to you? What if you began to pray for large numbers of sick nonbelievers? What would happen?
First, you would be shocked at the nonbelievers’ openness to your prayers. Second, you would see a greater percentage of instant healings. And third, you
would begin to lead them to the Messiah.
What if they are not healed? That’s not your problem. You are not the healer. You are God’s messenger boy (or girl). Just make yourself available.
Yes, sometimes a person may not get healed. I have had that happen. The reason is a mystery known only to God. Our job is to be obedient and do our part. The rest is up to God. We must not let our pride or fear of embarrassment stop us and quench the Spirit. Pride and fear are not of God.
In some cases there may not be an instant healing, but the healing process may begin and you will never know the results. The Lord may use that delay time to teach and deal with the person. I recently went next door where a new home was under construction. The bricklayers were there, and I noticed that the bricklaying supervisor, a large black man, used a walking cane. After striking up a conversation about their trade and
complimenting their work, I asked him about the problem, and he described a lifelong problem with both hips. I asked if he would like for me to ask Jesus to heal him and he said yes. I stood behind him and laid a hand on each hip and prayed for his healing, quoting the Word, while his workers looked on in amazement. So far, I am not aware of any healing, but I believe the encounter was a divine appointment. I did what I felt led to do, and the results are up to God.
Once I was at a concert and a featured singer suddenly developed a migraine headache and was about to cancel her performance. I felt led to go backstage and ask, “Would you like for Jesus to heal you?” Though surprised, she said yes. I laid a hand on her head and
spoke God’s healing word to her, just as Peter spoke to the lame man. Her headache suddenly disappeared. She was elated, giving credit to the Lord, and was able to perform. Yes, I was apprehensive when I did this because I am human, but I did it by faith, and God honored my faith and His Word.
Believe, receive, act, bring deliverance to the captives, exert authority over the enemy, and confer blessings upon God’s people.