A Needed Voice from the Past

2735Lately, I have been reading a book entitled “The Ministry of Healing” by A.J. Gordon (1836-1895). Written in the middle to last quarter of the 1800’s, the Baptist preach’s work stand along side that of A.B. Simpson and Andrew Murray, in revealing the ongoing ministry of Christ our Healer.  In a chapter entitled “The Testimony of the Church” Gordon proves that the ministry of miracles did not die out at the death of the original apostles, nor did it end at the completion of the cannon of scripture. Although at times, forgotten or neglected, church history is filled with God’s miraculous power, up unto our present age. Commenting on the fundamental need for the power of God to be on display in the church, Gordon reveals it takes men of faith. Below is an excerpt of his conclusion.

“It is not geography or chronology that determines the boundary lines of the supernatural. It is apostolic men that make and apostolic age, not a certain date of Anno Domini. We are forever thinking to turn back the shadow certain degrees upon the dial, to bring again the age of miracles, forgetting that He who is “without variableness or the shadow of turning” has said, “if thou canst believe”–not if thou wast born in Palestine and within the early limits of the first Christian century–“all things are possible to him that believeth”(Mark 9:23). When by the stress of violent persecution or by the sore discipline of reproach and rejection by the world the old faith is revived, then we catch a glimpse once more of the apostolic age.”

It would appear we are on the verse of walking again in Christ’s apostolic power. Around the world, where persecution is seeking to extinguish the lives of the saints, God’s power is seen in and through the infirmities and weakness of our brethren. In America the tide of favor the church has enjoyed, to our own detriment, is ending. Perhaps for the first time followers of Christ, in these United States, will have to choose faith in Christ for all things needed and nothing else.

Related imageRemember He will never leave us or forsake us. He always provides what is needed through the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus. He will do the providing exceedingly and abundantly, beyond what we can ask or think, through His power in and through us. Remember this is His power (dunamis in the Greek), which means not of this world. Let me know what you think, leave a comment, let’s reason together–Mike

About Michael J Erdel

Mike is a pastor with The Assembly of God Fellowship. He is the lead pastor at Encounter Church in Fostoria Ohio. His desire is to encourage the Church of Jesus Christ, and declare God's hope through His Son Jesus, to a world which is long on excuses and short on hope. Mike has experienced the truth that when we kneel before Christ, surrendering to Him as Savior and LORD, being led and empowered by His Spirit. To Jesus Christ be all glory and honor.
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