Many people ask why there aren’t miracles like there were in the early church. Some explain it by saying that the gifts ceased with the last Apostle’s death. Others claim there are no signs and wonders because the church lacks the faith the early church possessed. We could speculate until Jesus returns, but I believe that God can do signs and wonders when He wants to. Our job is to seek Jesus and leave the rest up to God.
ACTS 5:12
“At the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were taking place among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s portico.”
Bolster the Testimony
There were a lot of miracles in the early days of the church. Signs and wonders follow the apostles through their ministry, starting with the poor man at the temple entrance. Peter prayed for Dorcas, and she was revived. Paul cast out the demon in the little girl in Philippi. We could go on and on, but God often used these to bolster the testimony of the young church. Skeptical Jews and clueless pagans were blown away by the work done through the Apostles. Some people wanted to pay them for these powers.
It’s crucial that Christians don’t seek signs and wonders. I’ve seen ministries advertise the miracles that were performed at their gatherings. The danger of this is that you develop disciples who think God is a magic wand at their disposal. They start dancing around like the prophets of Baal, trying to get God to move on their behalf. This isn’t what God intended when He blessed us with the Gifts of the Spirit.
Signs and Wonders
Signs and wonders should be the manifestation of the work the Holy Spirit is doing in a church. They should surprise the intercessor along with the recipient. The Spirit brings unity to the Body of Christ. We should all be in one accord. Maybe there aren’t more signs and wonders because there is more division than unity. As we seek first the kingdom of God, the unity will increase. Let’s take our eyes off the flashy things and do the hard work of glorifying God.