SIGNS AND WONDERS

We are hearing much about signs and wonders lately in the area of supernatural appearances of gold flecks on hands or clothing, oil or blood spots on peoples hands, gold fillings in teeth etc. I have looked into scripture to see what I could find about this topic, and found more than I expected. In (Dan 4:2-3) we read "I want you all to know about the miraculous signs and wonders the Most High God has performed for me. How great are His signs, how powerful are His wonders! His Kingdom will last forever, His rule through all generations". These words were part of a message from King Nebuchadnezzar to the people of his kingdom. Then in (Heb 2:4) we read "And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever He chose". Actually we find many places in the NT where God performed miracles and supernatural signs in the ministry of Jesus and His followers.

It is important to point out that God always had a purpose or reason behind every miracle that He performed by His supernatural power. It is also important to point out that not all supernatural signs are necessarily caused by God. In the book of Exodus we see where both Moses and Pharaoh's magicians were able to perform miracles. In various NT passages we see miraculous signs and wonders performed by Jesus and His followers, as well as by Satan's followers. So we see there have always been a mixture of genuine supernatural signs, and at the same time there could be counterfeit miracles and signs! This is still the case today, and a brief study of church history will reveal that most revivals of God's power were accompanied by a corresponding move of satanic signs and wonders. Therefore we need to be cautious and ask God for discernment to know the difference between the real and the counterfeit. God has never been in the business of entertaining Christians! Much of what we see in church circles today is more "entertainment" than it is ministry. Paul warns us in (2 Cor 11:12-15) to expect false prophets and "deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ". Satan can come as an "angel of light" to deceive believers and keep them from enjoying the genuine miracles and signs and wonders sent from God to edify the Body of Christ! So let's pray and trust the Holy Spirit to keep us from being deceived in these matters! Paul gives a good word of advice in (Gal 5:16) "So I say let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature graves"!!

Sincerely submitted.

Gramp