Question 73 – Why aren't there as many miracles in the church as there were at its beginning?
The Bible shows us that the early church was accompanied by many signs of God's power and miracles. People were healed, freed from demonic bondage, and more. When reading these parts of the Bible, we must inevitably ask ourselves — is this a part of Christianity that we could (or should) be experiencing even in the 21st century? Many churches and theologians claim that this is not the case. According to them, these miracles were relevant to their time because it was necessary for the church to establish and root itself in those conditions. Later, all of this was no longer needed. However, I believe this view does not rely on biblical teaching — the teachings clearly state that the disciples of the Lord Jesus should be accompanied by miracles. These theological conclusions are often founded on the fact that Christians simply do not often see such happenings around them or that God does not act through them in this way.
However, this opinion is fundamentally refuted by thousands of testimonies from many God-fearing men and women from around the world through whom God acts miraculously in various ways! Missionaries bring testimonies of great divine miracles from Africa, the Middle East, South America, or even China. Even in Europe, there are many faithful servants of God through whom God acts in this way. Personally, I have met quite a number of people who have experienced God's power personally, have been freed from drugs, alcoholism, or healed from cancer.
I have some experiences with God's power myself. However, it is an undeniable (and I add, sad) reality that at least here in Europe, this power and supernatural spiritual gifts are quite scarce. Why?
A previously mentioned Christian from the Chinese underground (secret) church, who was tortured, imprisoned, and persecuted many times, experienced and witnessed countless miracles in his service and recognized that God is alive even in the 21st century. After his escape to the West, he reflects on the church in China like this:
"In the years I served God in China, I was privileged to see many instances of God's power operating through His church. I have witnessed countless people dramatically healed from illnesses, including cancer and leprosy. Once during a meeting when the power of God was present, a nearby mental hospital brought about a dozen of their patients, and all of them were completely healed after coming into contact with Jesus Christ. Their sanity was restored and they were subsequently discharged from the hospital. " [7]
About his great disappointment in contact with the Western church, he writes the following words:
"Before I first traveled to the West in 1997, I had absolutely no idea that so many churches were spiritually asleep. I presumed the Western church was strong and vibrant because it had brought the gospel to my country with such incredible faith and tenacity. Many missionaries were a powerful example to us by laying down their lives for the sake of Jesus. On occasions I've struggled while speaking in Western churches. There seems to be something missing that leaves me feeling terrible inside. Some meetings are cold and lack the fire and presence of God that we have in China. In the West many Christians have an abundance of material possessions, yet they live in a backslidden state. They have silver and gold, but they don't rise up and walk in Jesus' name. In China we have few possessions to hold us down, so there's nothing preventing us from serving the Lord. The Chinese church is like Peter at the Beautiful Gate. When he saw the crippled beggar, he said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk" (Acts 3:6).... Multitudes of church members in the West are satisfied with giving their minimum to God instead of their maximum." [7]
These words are confirmed by other missionaries who have similar experiences from their countries. And not only them. I confess that many "Western" Christians are aware of this lukewarm state. I don't rely on God as much because I have almost everything I can think of! We live in a society of relatively stable certainties (although this advantage may soon disappear...)! Yes, I thank God for that. I am grateful for all his blessings. However, I realize that this comfort does not motivate me to great spiritual achievements. In China and other places, it's often the opposite — people are not suffocated by wealth and the achievements of modern society. Their lives are often at risk, and they don't know if they will have something to eat tomorrow. They are, in some way, pushed by circumstances to trust God and walk in His strength. However, it is true that their dedication is often purer than ours. Yun adds:
"Many Christians have also asked me why miracles and signs and wonders are so prevalent in China, but not so evident in the West. In the West you have so much. You have insurance for everything. In a way, you don't need God. When my father was dying of stomach cancer, we sold everything we had to try to cure him. When everything was gone we had no hope but God. We turned to him in desperation and saw him mercifully answer our prayers and heal my father. We reasoned that if God could do that then he could do anything, so our faith grew and we've seen many miracles. Every house church pastor in China is ready to lay down his life for the gospel. When we live this way, we'll see God do great things by his grace. " [7]
Often, we do not want to obey God in this way because it is uncomfortable for us, and we would have to deny ourselves, which is in stark contrast to the focus of our society that emphasizes individualism and selfishness. We have plenty of knowledge. Many Christians know the Bible very well. But it often ends there.
If we want to see God act, we must not only learn God's word but also obey it and do what God tells us to do. I do not say this from the position of someone surrounded by miracles and perfectly obedient to God. On the contrary, I realize that I am far from achieving such perfection.
Summation
God has been acting miraculously throughout the history of His church. However, He often demonstrates His power through those who are completely devoted to Him and sincerely desire to serve Him. Christianity in the developed world has a massive handicap – its comfort and selfish approach mean there are genuinely devoted Christians fewer than in other parts of the world.