A Nugget from New Life Network
Scripture for the Day (December 21, 2017)
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: (1 Corinthians 2:4)
The Apostle Paul was the original missionary to the Gentiles (that’s most of us). You could say he was one of the founders of the modern Christian church. This man was previously a persecutor of the followers of Jesus but he had a supernatural encounter with the resurrected Jesus on the Damascus road and was never the same.
Paul described himself in 2 Corinthians 10 as weak and unimpressive in appearance, and his speech as contemptible or the least esteemed of all. In other words, in the natural Paul was not much to look at and was not much to listen to. But, what he did have was the supernatural power of God. He was birthed in the supernatural and he walked in the supernatural. And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them. (Acts 19:11-12)
The Book of Acts outlines the birth of the Church. Paul was not the only person that walked and operated in this supernatural power. Peter healed the lame man at the Gate called Beautiful. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God: (Acts 3:6-9)
Stephen and Philip also did great miracles and wonders. And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. (Acts 6:8) But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. (Acts 8:12-13)
The supernatural was a critical part of the early church and it is still a part of the church today in certain places. One of our modern day missionaries to Africa, who has seen many miracles in that country, was asked why we see more miracles in places like Africa than we do in the United States. What did she think the secret was? This was her response. “You have to get low”.
Have we gotten too impressed with ourselves in the organized church in the United States? Getting low to me means we need to be willing to go where He says go and do what He says do. Getting low to me means not relying on our eloquent sermons and fancy technology but relying on the power of God. Getting low to me means we need to decrease so He can increase (John 3:30).
Pray for the Church in the United States to get low!!! We need the miracles of God flowing in America!!!
