Oct/98
People are usually careful when they have a responsibility to teach a class, but many times people teach things which they are really unaware of. For instance, comments like: "God only did that in the first century but not today." What did we teach those who were listening? The flavor of our comments will instruct those who listen. We might question the modern usage of tongues today, but what does the scripture say?
Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. (1Co.14:39)
Anytime we say, "God doesn’t do that anymore", we are sowing the seeds of doubt. If we start limiting God’s willingness to intervene in areas that effect us, without the support of the scriptures, people will decide for themselves what else God does not do. In this way Satan will use the limits we have placed on God to teach others to trust in God for less then we did. An example of this is healing:
Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. (Ja.5:14-15)
When we have a serious pain or a lump do we call the elders first? No, we go to the doctor first; then if he cannot help us or says that we are going to die soon, we might call the elders to pray. We come to God only when everything humanly possible fails. God is not bothered by the legitamate concerns and cares of his children. His children need to know that God loves them as much as He loved His people of the Bible times. When a viper fastened itself on Paul’s hand, he did not die even though the inhabitants of Malta thought he would. Is that for us today as well? You might be inclined to say "No" and teach your children "No" as well. But when they are bitten by a watermoccasin far from help, will they be able to overcome the doubt you have planted and have the faith to turn to God in their time of need?
And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well." Mk.16:17-18
I believe these are for us; yet we must be sure to teach others the difference between a legitimate need and a test. None the less, I always teach that "God is the same yesterday, today and forever, and what he did yesterday for his children, he can do today for you, his child." Why should we help Satan teach others doubt, instead may we teach others to trust in God to do more that we can ever imagine:
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Eph.3:20-21)
Our focus should always be on what God can do:
I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. (Jn.14:12-14)
Therefore let us always teach others that our God is the God of the impossible, for if three Hebrews were taught some of the things we tend to teach, the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego might have had a different ending.