Why did the Gospel message impact so many so quickly in the first three centuries?
Dr. Stephen Elliott in his article entitled, “Signs and Wonders in Evangelism,” emphasizes miracles. “Whenever and wherever the Gospel message is substantiated by God’s miraculous activities, the church almost inevitably experiences dramatic conversion growth.”
Stephen’s appeal is for Christians to place a higher emphasis on the person and work of the Spirit. “We speak much of God the Father and God the Son, but rarely do we even talk about the Holy Spirit. Jesus told His disciples not to undertake the Great Commission until they were filled with the Holy Spirit’s presence and power.” [1] We cannot do miracles, but God the Holy Spirit can. Therefore, let us pray for the Holy Spirit to have freedom to work in and through us.
When God showed up in power on Mount Carmel, the people of God fell to their faces and cried out “The Lord, He is God, The Lord, He is God.” [2]
Below are Biblical examples of the power miracles to influence people to believe in God:
After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, the concluding statement in the biblical narrative is, “many … put their faith in Him.” [3]
“By the power of signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the Gospel of Christ.” [4]
“Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst.” [5]
“And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them, and confirmed the word by the signs that followed.” [6]
“Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be done by their hands.” [7]
“God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will.” [8]
“And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people.” [9]
“The crowds with one accord were giving attention to what was said by Philip, as they heard and saw the signs which he was performing.” [10]
So vital is faith in Christ to be eternally saved that God the Holy Spirit is willing and has done miracles to help yield results whenever and wherever the Gospel is preached.
Early Church Christians prayed to God: “Extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” [11]
[1] seedbed.com/signs-and-wonders-in-evangelism
[2] 1 Kings 18:39
[3] John 11:45
[4] Romans 15:19
[5] Acts 2:22
[6] Mark 16:20
[7] Acts 14:3
[8] Hebrews 2:4
[9] Acts 6:8
[10] Acts 8:6
[11] Acts 4:30
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