Ministry and evangelism can be difficult in a country like America that holds a western worldview. The reason why is because people’s skepticism and unbelief concerning “the unseen” and “the miraculous” can limit church growth. God has bestowed on His people authority and power to see souls saved and do amazing things for His glory; however, what the Lord is able to do is often dependent on people’s faith; including the faith of believers (cf. Romans 12:6).
For example, one time a message was delivered to Jesus that a young girl had died. When He arrived at her house, there were many people gathered around mourning her loss. But Jesus told them not to cry, for she was only sleeping; and that if they would only believe she would be made well. However, they ridiculed Him. Jesus then had everyone put outside the house, except those who had faith. The only ones allowed inside were Peter, James, John and the girl’s father and mother. Jesus then took the girl by the hand and told her to rise, and she came back to life (Lk 8:49-55).
Christians who are influenced by a western worldview are often blinded to the potential of the Holy Spirit working in and through them in powerful and miraculous ways. Some of them know what the Bible teaches, but they don’t want to acknowledge it, for it doesn’t fit their own worldview; or perhaps they’re afraid of being ridiculed. Thus, many believers are unplugged from a major sector of God’s work within the world, which is His demonstration of signs and wonders.
I want to briefly share an observation by Dr. Wagner who, along with his wife Doris, served as missionaries in Bolivia from 1956-1971. Since serving in Bolivia, Dr. Wagner has traveled to numerous other parts of the world. From churches located in Third World countries, he has observed a very important principle that results in exponential church growth, and the principle is this: “A demonstration of God’s presence through the manifestation of signs and wonders.”(1)
Dr. Wagner says, “Worldwide there is a remarkably close relationship between growth of the churches today and the healing ministry.” He continues to add, “When the gospel first penetrates a region, if we don’t go in with an understanding and use of the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit, we just don’t make much headway.”(2)
In our message this morning, I am going to have us look at “the relevance of wonders” in ministry and evangelism, and provide a biblical perspective on why we need to be backing up the proclamation of the gospel with a demonstration of signs and wonders. Now, keep in mind that our worldview will determine our level of openness to this message; so, I want to encourage you to have a receptive heart. Let’s get started by viewing the founding of the New Testament church in Acts 2:40-47!
Signs, Wonders and Church Growth (Acts 2:40-47)
40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
In verse 40, we can observe a proclamation of the gospel; and this leads me to point out how the gospel is of utmost importance in seeing the lost come to saving faith in Christ; and the gospel should be our number one resource when it comes to church growth. We see in verse 41 that, as a result of preaching of the gospel, about three thousand people were saved and added to the church in one day! Down in verse 47, we read that the Lord added to the church “daily,” and this daily addition of new believers occurred soon after something that took place in verse 43. In verse 43, we read, “Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.” Something that seems to have resulted in rapid church growth in the start of the New Testament church was the proclamation the gospel accompanied by signs and wonders.
Now, let’s not forget how this passage is giving us just a glimpse of the events that surrounded Pentecost. Verses 40-47 are actually preceded by a large demonstration of signs and wonders, as the Holy Spirit fell on the disciples who were gathered in the upper room. In Acts 2:4, we read how they “began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Now, there were people from every nation gathered in Jerusalem that day (Acts 2:9-11), and we read in Acts 2:6-7 how they were “confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language” and “they were all amazed and marveled.” This entire passage hinges around a proclamation of the gospel and a demonstration of signs and wonders! They went hand-in-hand. So, let’s now look at Matthew 4:23-25, and see how Jesus used the preaching of the gospel along with signs and wonders.
Jesus Used Proclamation and Demonstration (Matthew 4:23-25)
23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. 24 Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them. 25 Great multitudes followed Him – from Galilee, and from Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan.
As we strive to become Christ-like in all we do, it’s important to model our ministry efforts after the example of Jesus. We read that Jesus taught and preached in the synagogues and He healed diseases. You see, throughout the gospels, there is a clear pattern of ministry repeated wherever Jesus went. First, there is proclamation. Jesus preached repentance and the good news of the kingdom. Secondly, there is demonstration. He cast out demons, healed the sick, and raised the dead – which proved that the kingdom was present and that Jesus was the Anointed One.(3) Jesus utilized both the “proclamation” of the gospel and a “demonstration” of signs and wonders in His ministry.
According to verse 25, what happened as a result of preaching the gospel and demonstrating signs and wonders? It states, “Great multitudes followed Him – from Galilee, and from Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan.” The result was that people followed Jesus; meaning, they came to know and believe in Him! When we preach the gospel, which is proclamation, and allow the Holy Spirit to work through us to perform God’s miracles, which is demonstration, then people will come to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. And when an entire body of believers begins to operate with this principle it will result in exponential church growth!
Now, I feel like I must point out that “signs and wonders do not save [people]; only Jesus and His substitutionary work on the cross saves.”(4) “The Bible does not teach that evangelism apart from signs and wonders is invalid, or that the addition of signs and wonders somehow changes the gospel message. The heart and soul of the gospel is proclamation of the gospel.”(5) “Many people come to Christ after hearing a simple presentation of the gospel with little other explanation or demonstration . . . [However], preaching and demonstrating are not mutually exclusive activities; they work together, reinforcing each other.”(6)
The proclamation of the gospel and the demonstration of the kingdom, mentioned in verse 23, were so important in Jesus’ ministry that Matthew felt the need to reemphasize it later on. In Matthew 9:35, he stated, “Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.” This is how Jesus did ministry, and we’re going to come to see that we too are expected to do ministry the same way – to proclaim the gospel and show forth signs and wonders! But before we go any further, let’s look at Luke 7:19-22, and see why demonstration is necessary and when it’s to be used.
Demonstration is Proof of the Kingdom (Luke 7:19-22)
19 And John, calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to Jesus, saying, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” 20 When the men had come to Him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to You, saying, ‘Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?’” 21 And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight. 22 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them.”
As John the Baptist lay in prison, he must have been having some serious doubts. So, he relayed a question to Jesus through two of his own disciples. John wanted to know if He was the Messiah or not. Jesus responded to this question by immediately demonstrating signs and wonders through healing sicknesses and casting out evil spirits. He then had word of his deeds sent back to John. So, why did Jesus respond in this manner? In Matthew 3:2, John had earlier declared, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” The “Coming One” would bring with Him the power of the kingdom; and Jesus knew that a demonstration would reveal that the kingdom had arrived.
The Greek word for “kingdom” in John’s statement is basileia. “In the New Testament, the Greek word basileia means ‘kingship’ or ‘royal rule.’ It is normally translated as ‘kingdom.’ It implies exercise of kingly rule or reign, rather than simply a geographic realm over which a king rules . . . When Jesus said that the kingdom or rulership of God had come in Him; He meant that God had come to claim what was rightfully His. The future age, the kingdom of God, [had] invaded the preset age.”(7) In Matthew 12:28, Jesus stated, “But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you.” The use of signs and wonders enables the world to see that the power of Christ, which is the power of the kingdom, is not just a myth, but a reality!
John the Baptist was looking for the Messiah, and his act of searching revealed that he had an open and receptive heart. He was already prepared for the arrival of the kingdom and the Lord’s miracles. Jesus, therefore, did not hesitate to reveal His lordship by demonstrating miracles. Signs and wonders are beneficial in bringing into the kingdom those whose hearts are truly and sincerely open and seeking. Now, demonstrating seems to imply “proving,” but nothing will be shown to those who demand proof.
For example, the Pharisees once tested Jesus by asking Him for a sign, and Jesus replied, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign” (Matthew 12:39a). His decision on whether or not to reveal a sign was dependent on a persons’ heart. The Pharisees were hard-hearted, and would likely not have believed in a sign such as healing or casting out a demon. They had probably witnessed sorcerers and spiritists who could apparently heal and control spirits; therefore, they would have just reasoned away His miracles. Since their hearts were hard, Jesus informed them, “No sign will be given . . . except the sign of the prophet Jonah” (Matthew 12:39).
Jesus did not deny the Pharisees a sign altogether. They would indeed behold a sign – the sign of the prophet Jonah, in which Jesus referred to His resurrection. The only sign that could have truly had an impact on their hearts was Jesus coming back from the dead after three days. The sign of the resurrection is extremely powerful in exacting heart-change! It is the primary sign and the one we should always be declaring, as it’s the heart of the gospel.
For those whose hearts are hardened, there is no point in attempting to prove the kingdom of God by demonstrating a sign, for their lack of faith prohibits the work of the Holy Spirit. In such cases we must present the simple gospel message of the Lord’s death, burial and resurrection. If people are unwilling to accept and believe in the resurrection, then they are unwilling to believe anything! Signs and wonders work in the hearts of those who are open and seeking the kingdom of God, and they become a reassuring proof of the kingdom; and the Holy Spirit can lead us in identifying those individuals who are open. Let’s now turn to Mark 16:14-20 and see what Jesus expects from us!
Jesus’ Disciples Proclaim and Demonstrate (Mark 16:14-20)
14 Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. 15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” 19 So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs.
Jesus proclaimed the gospel and demonstrated signs and wonders, and He gave His disciples the ability to do the same. We see here that He commanded them to preach the gospel (vv. 15, 20), which is proclamation, and to perform signs (vv. 17-18, 20), which is demonstration. The reason why they were able to accomplish what Jesus told them can be found in Matthew’s version of the Great Commission. According to Matthew, Jesus declared, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore . . .” (Matthew 28:18-19). The Greek word used in this passage for authority, which is exousia, denotes power which was divinely given by Jesus. Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit the disciples received the authority of Christ, which is the authority of the Father.(8)
When Jesus commanded His disciples to proclaim and demonstrate, they were able to fulfill His instructions because He gave them His authority! Let’s take a moment to consider a few other references to the power and authority that Jesus bestowed on His disciples. In Matthew chapter 10, we read, “And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease . . . Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:1, 8). In Luke 10:19, Jesus said, “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,” and in John 14:12, He said, “He who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.”
When Jesus left the earth and ascended into heaven, He bestowed on His disciples His own authority to demonstrate signs and wonders (Acts 1:8-9). This same authority is available to Jesus’ disciples today. So, who are His disciples today? Well, in John 8:31, Jesus said, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.” This means that those who are saved by the blood of the Lamb and who abide in Christ are considered to be His disciples. Therefore, the baton of proclamation and demonstration has been passed to us! Christians today are His disciples!
However, there are many people who say that signs and wonders no longer occur, holding to the idea of cessation. Cessation is the belief that the gifts of the Holy Spirit ceased with the death of the Apostles, and that they were utilized only in the early church.(9) Cessationists believe that the miraculous gifts were given only for the foundation of the church, during the time between the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, and the fulfillment of God’s purposes in history, usually identified as either the completion of the last book of the New Testament or the death of the last apostle.(10)
If a person believes that signs and wonders have ceased, then certain spiritual practices must cease as well, such as praying for the sick. When prayer is offered for the sick, it is done with the expectation that God will intervene miraculously to heal the individual. If someone believes that miracles no longer occur, then prayer for the sick is offered in vain; yet James commands believers to intercede for the sick (James 5:14-15).
Proponents of cessation “point out that men like Origen, Chrysostom, and Augustine explained the lack of miracles and tongues in their day by reasoning that these things had ceased with the Apostolic age.”(11) However, commentator Jefferis Peterson states, “While it is true that Augustine originally considered miracles to have ceased, he changed his mind later in life under the influence of the North African revival. Book 22, Chapter 8, of the City of God, is devoted to the accounts of miracles that he had seen or verified.”(12) In his very own words, Augustine says this: “It is sometimes objected that the miracles, which Christians claimed to have occurred, no longer happen . . . The truth is, that even today miracles are being wrought in the name of Christ.”(13)
An entire doctrine of cessation of the gifts has been developed and based on the opinion of some of the early church fathers; however, these opinions cannot be supported with biblical evidence.(14) The Bible states that the miraculous gifs of the Holy Spirit will not cease until the end comes. We read in 1 Corinthians 13:10, “But when the end comes, these special gifts will all disappear” (NLT). Cessationists interpret “the end” as being the end of the apostolic era; but “the end” is THE END. Signs and wonders are not to cease among God’s people until the end comes and Jesus Christ returns.
Time of Reflection
So, from what we’ve seen in the Scripture, evangelism is most effective whenever the proclamation of the gospel is accompanied by a demonstration of signs and wonders. Many churches today are asking, “Why is our church not growing?” and “Why do we seem so ineffective in ministry?” One answer is that we are relying too much on human reasoning and man’s methods for church growth, instead of walking in the power and authority of the Holy Spirit and His anointing.
If we wish to fully carry out the Great Commission, then we cannot not pick and choose what we’re going to obey. Jesus not only told us to proclaim the gospel (Mark 16:15), but He commanded us to demonstrate the rule and reign of the kingdom through signs and wonders (Mark 16:17-18, 20). I want to leave us with Mark 16:20, which says this: “And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked with them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs.”
If you have been in church for any length of time, then you have probably heard about the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is the sign of the prophet Jonah. Maybe you haven’t witnessed a sign such as healing, but you have been made aware of the miracle of the resurrection. Perhaps, the Lord is using this particular sign right now to speak to your heart about how Jesus died for your sins on the cross, and how He overcame sin and death when He rose again.
If you are here this morning and the Holy Spirit is speaking to you about confessing Jesus as Savior and Lord, then you are – right now in this very moment – seeking the kingdom. The Lord is trying to show you that the kingdom is at hand, and that all you have to do is reach out and take it. Jesus said in Matthew 11:12, “From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it” (NIV). Those who are forceful and determined will lay hold of the kingdom and eternal life! If you will believe in the resurrection; believe that Jesus conquered sin and death on your behalf; and confess Him as Savior and Lord (Romans 10:9-10); then you will be able to reach out and lay hold of the kingdom!
NOTES
(1) Global Harvest Ministries: http://www.globalharvest.org/index.asp?action=peter (Accessed October 2005); Dr. Wagner’s real name is “C. Peter Wagner.”
(2) John Wimber, Power Evangelism (London, England: Hodder and Stoughton, 1992), p. 80.
(3) Ibid., p. 86.
(4) Ibid., p. 78.
(5) Ibid., p. 79.
(6) Ibid., p. 79.
(7) Ibid., p. 33.
(8) Ibid., p. 87.
(9) “Cessationism,” Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cessationism (Accessed March 26, 2010).
(10) Ibid.
(11) Jefferis Kent Peterson, “Cessation of the Gifts of the Spirit in the Church”: http://www.scholarscorner.com/Critical/Cessation.html (Accessed October 2005).
(12) Ibid.
(13) Wimber, p. 220.
(14) Ibid., pp. 247-251.
