The Relevance Of Wonders

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.