Miracles, Healing, and the Church (Time to raise the dead)

John 14:12-14
Amplified Bible (AMP)
12 I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these, because I go to the Father.
 13 And I will do [I Myself will grant] whatever you ask in My Name  [presenting all that I AM], so that the Father may be glorified and extolled in (through) the Son.
 14[Yes] I will grant [I Myself will do for you] whatever you shall ask in My Name presenting all that I AM].


Much speculation and controversy has resulted from the verses above. There are various individuals and denominations that believe that the power of miracles, healing, and raising the dead- died with the disciples and apostles. Could this really be the case?

Many theologians say that the reason for the miracles of Jesus Christ, His disciples, and apostles, were to give legitimacy to Jesus Christ’s ministry, as well as the foundation of His Church. The teachings of Jesus Christ essentially turned the religious world on its ear; therefore it only makes sense that Jesus would have to break out the “big guns” to back up His claim that He was indeed the Son of God. Not only that, but He had to empower his followers to carry on the pivotal work of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.


While this sounds all well and good, the act of believing that miracles and wonders died with the original disciples and apostles, I believe, is the mentality that has basically neutered today’s church. For I’m taken back to John 14 verse 12 that states “if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do…”. Now I think Jesus could have made the distinction that only the disciples/apostles had this anointing if He wanted to…but He didn’t. My point can be further supported in Acts 8 where Philip the deacon (not the apostle) did great miracles and wonders (verse 6). You can also read another amazing miracle involving ‘Philip the Deacon’ in verses 26-40.


My fear is that today’s church has become a flaccid spiritual entity whose rigid foundation begins and ends with the brick-n-mortar. “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:” (2 Timothy 3:5)…This seems to sum up the majority of today’s churches. From what we have seen recently, the best thing the church can accomplish these days is putting on a mediocre potluck...or perhaps a nice Super bowl party in the sanctuary? I wonder if this is the type of assembly/church Jesus envisioned in Matthew 16:18? I wonder if today’s church has thrown out the elements of miracles, teaching, and restoration in exchange for edifices of stone and mammon?


Now it’s your turn…


What is your opinion of Miracles and Healing: Do they exist today? If so, in what form?


What do you see as the main problem in Today's Church?

Does this reflect Today's Church?