Lately I have been thinking a lot about why the Christians of today are not like the early Christians who we read about in the New Testament. They could speak in tongues, they could heal, and drive out demons, they prophesied, etc. Why cannot all Christians do it today? Why do so few have these gifts of the Spirit?
1 Corinthians 12:8-11 (NIV): “8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”
Firstly the Bible said it will happen: 1 Corinthians 13:8-9 (NIV): “8 … But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part,”
But I was not happy with this answer alone, and then one day I read on Elize’s blog about the book: The Hea.venly Ma.n by Bro.ther Yu.n and Pa.ul Hat.taway. Elize mentioned that it explained to her why miracles are so few in the Western world today. Now that intrigued me. I wanted to know the answer to that question too! So eventually I found the book online and I got it this last Monday.
I read through it in 2 days, I couldn’t put it down and I must say: I’m ashamed! I thought I was a Christian, but I’m falling short. I remembered that Cur.ry Bla.ke mentioned that the definition of a Christian is someone whose life is like Jesus Christ’s life. Well to be honest, mine cannot be compared to Jesus’ life and that’s why I feel ashamed. But I definitely got some answers to my questions, and it has inspired me…
For those who know nothing about the book: it’s the real life story of Bro.ther Yu.n, how he became a Christian and how he preached the Gospel in China, how he had to flee the authorities, and how he was persecuted for his faith. It also describes wonderful miracles that happened and how on fire they are for preaching the Gospel to others.
What was amazing to me is the faith they have. They had nothing and had to trust in God for everything. That’s one reason so many miracles happened. They rarely had Bibles so they had to memorized complete books of the Bible and they sang a lot of songs. They praised and worshipped a lot, and they meditated on scriptures a lot. God spoke to them a lot in visions and dreams. Most experienced miraculous healings themselves or witnessed miraculous healings. They shared the message of Jesus Christ and his salvation with everyone and immediately. Another thing that really struck me was the message of love and forgiveness. Bro.ther Yu.n could so easily forgive and love others even if they prosecuted him and almost killed him. There was also no selfishness in them. Very often they gave away their only possessions to others, even their food, when they themselves were hungry.
Bro.ther Yu.n says in this book that when he eventually got to the West he was stunned that so many churches were “spiritually asleep.” He says that many meetings were “cold and lacked the fire and presence of God”. He was amazed to see that many Christians had “a lot of possessions and lived in a backslidden state.” That “they have silver and gold, but don’t rise up and walk in Jesus’ name.” He says: “Not only is knowledge of God’s word missing, but obedience to that Word. There is not much action taking place.” So I guess it’s no surprise that we rarely come accross someone that operates in the gifts of the Spirit…
I realized that I still have a lot to learn. I feel so selfish for wishing for a baby, when there are so many more important matters that need attention. I feel like a spoilt brat – we are so blessed, and I take it all for granted and then I dare complain about the one thing that doesn’t go according to my plan! On Tuesday, when I went to the Feeding Scheme, I realized that even those people are so blessed, because they are getting so much more to eat than those that I read about in the book, and they are getting it for free, 5 days a week!
I learnt that the fact that I have my own Bible and have had it since I was a young child is such a blessing! Bro.ther Yu.n prayed for a Bible for more than 4 months before he got one, and that was a miracle in itself. And he not only prayed but also fasted for it! That convicted me for being impatient! I was wondering how long it was going to take before God will heal Shumi, my mom and us. How long it will take before I get my miracle baby…
One good thing is that I feel a lot more grateful and at peace. I find that I trust God more and more. I’m not so worried about Why God? Or, when God? I want to learn even more, there is still a lot I need to learn, and I think part of it has to be on the Holy Spirit. I also need to do more – especially for others. I must definitely share the Gospel more…
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