They were convinced by the power of miraculous signs and wonders and by the power of God’s Spirit. In this way, I have fully presented the Good News of Christ from Jerusalem all the way to Illyricum. [Romans 15.19]
Paul gives a clue here what fully presenting the Good News looks like: it looks like miraculous signs and wonders and... the power of God’s Spirit as was demonstrated by none other than Christ Himself.
While committed Christians today are quick to present the message of Christ, few present the methods of Christ! That is, miraculous signs and wonders and... the power of God’s Spirit.
The ineffectiveness of the Church today in presenting the fullness of the Good News in undoubtedly seen in the ineffectiveness of the Church today!
However, I do not for a moment believe that, once the Church operates in the full power of the Holy Spirit, there will be sweeping revival. I believe that the Church's return to the miraculous will be responsible for a surge in persecution just as it did with Jesus! Yes, true believers will grow, but marginal believers will blend into the crowds shouting "Crucify him!" There will be a division of sheep and goats as there must necessarily be.
In a world where everything has an explanation and there are consequently few real miracles, it is obvious there must be a change in the present Church's methods to match those of Jesus.
Father, may Christ be seen in Your Church today. May there be a full return to Christ-likeness among believers - a complete Good News package in message and method!
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