SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23
Acts 8:5-24
1 John 4:1

Without Christ,
life is a hopeless end.

HOW TO TEST A MIRACLE

Not all “miracles” are the Holy Spirit’s work. Sorcerers, false prophets, faith healers, etc can perform counterfeit miracles. We must be discerning. Read 1 John 4:1 which sounds a warning.

(1) Is the healer “of the Holy Spirit”? Of what spirit is the faith healer? Does he deny any of the basic fundamental truths of the Christian faith? By the tree we know the fruit. A corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit (Matt 7:18). If the tree is corrupt the fruit must be corrupt. Using this principle we ask, “What sort of miracles and healings are those claimed by Bible-denying, doctrine-denying Modernists, Liberals, New Evangelicals, Charismatics, Catholics?”

(2) Are organic diseases being healed? Our Lord and the Apostles healed every form of organic disease (Matt 11:5). The healing was complete, instantaneous and spectacular. Today’s healings are vague, non-verifiable and subjective. Authentic healing of proven organic disease is not seen, although unsubstantiated claims abound. One of Singapore’s leading Charismatics wasted no time with his Charismatic faith healers when he discovered he had cancer but went straight for surgical removal!

(3) Is the healing undeniable? The cures wrought by our Lord and the Apostles were arresting and astonishing. They were beyond doubt, completely undeniable. Peter healed a man lame from birth. All those who frequented the Temple know the man and no one could deny the miracle. The authorities were angered by the event. They hated the Apostles but they had to admit that something supernatural had happened.

Modern day miracle workers and faith healers claim that there is a return of the signs and wonders of Pentecost and Holy Spirit outpouring. Charismatic fervour carries the day with exulting crowds, clapping, singing, shouting, overflowing with tongues.

THOUGHT: Are my hobbies dedicated and sanctified to the Lord?
PRAYER: Lord, please keep my hobbies in Thy will and control.