Wonders and Miracles

"And the Word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of priest were obedient to the faith. And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people." Acts 6:7-8

When we prioritize the preaching and teaching of the Word of God, God multiplies disciples. People come to know Christ through the preaching and teaching of the Word of God and not by any other means. Miracles validate the message of the Word of God.

Wonders and miracles are the result of the power of the Holy Spirit working through the gifts that He has given to each person on an individual basis. Stephen was, first of all, a man full of faith and power; great wonders and miracles were performed by him because he was faithful to obey the Word of God and to preach and teach the Word of God. The Holy Spirit gave him these gifts. Stephen was just as powerful as a preacher and teacher of the Word of God as the miracles and wonders were that the Holy Spirit worked through him: "..and they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spoke" (Acts 6:10).

In order for wonders and miracles to be of the Holy Spirit and not some demonic influence, the man being used must be a man who is committed to the Word of God and faithfully preaching and teaching the Word of God. He is himself filled with the Holy Spirit because He believes the Word of God.

You can know whether a wonder or miracle is of God based upon the doctrine of the one who performed the wonder or miracle. Don't be fooled by the "prophets" who are "releasing" or "imparting" the power of God but are not preaching and teaching the Word of God. These people are liars. Only the Holy Spirit "imparts" or "releases" as He wills. The Holy Spirit can use you to pray for others to receive the gifts that He has already decided to give them, but do not mistake the Work of the Spirit for the work of man - that a man has the power to "impart" or "release" the Spirit of the Living God who is so large and so huge that He "moved" upon the face of the deep" (over the whole universe.. Gen. 1). Man wasn't there to "impart" or "release" the Spirit of God in the beginning. The Spirit of God didn't need man's help then, and He doesn't need man's help today.

Stick with the Word of God, make your priority to see the Word of God increase, lead people to Christ, and let miracles and wonders follow the preaching and teaching of the Word of God.