Signs and Wonders: The Kingdom of God in Our Midst
Dr. Valson Abraham
Terrorism…nuclear war…social and cultural decay…political corruption…attacks upon the family…persecution…
At this time in history, it is difficult not to be afraid at the growing list of terrible threats against civilization itself. The world seems to be going mad. More and more people worry that we are headed for chaos, leading to economic collapse or the deaths of millions. Clearly, if the world continues on its present course, we all face disaster. As Christians, how do we live in a mad world?
The person who has staked his life upon Jesus Christ knows that world history ultimately has a different outcome. What is the basis of our hope? The resurrection of Jesus Christ.
When He walked this earth, Jesus also faced tribulation. He preached the emergence of a new kingdom of God that would last forever. He announced, “The kingdom of God is in the midst of you” (Luke 17:21). He demonstrated the character of the new kingdom with signs and wonders. He cast out demons. He healed the sick. He raised the dead. He transformed lives.
All these were beginning signs of a new order. “Greater things than I have done, you will do,” He promised His followers in John 14. Not everyone accepted His claims. His opponents killed Him, thinking that would end it all. Devastated at His death, His disciples hid in an upper room. But Jesus rose again. His disciples saw Him, and in a new way, they saw the power and authority of His Word. Filled with the Holy Spirit, they became bold and fearless, casting out demons, healing the sick and raising the dead. Once cowards in hiding, they were now ready to face death itself for the sake of the gospel.
Their message miraculously transformed lives. Even the most hopeless of sinners became saints. And so it has been to the present day. As in Jesus’ day, signs and wonders are very much a part of our evangelists’ ministry. Wherever they go, our evangelists experience the power of the Holy Spirit upon them as they reach out in Jesus’ Name to heal the sick and cast out demons. As the apostles preached 2000 years ago, our evangelists proclaim a new order that will ultimately transform our world of death into the full revelation of the Kingdom of God on earth.
All over India, people see these signs and wonders as strong evidence that Jesus Christ is greater than any religion. They see in these signs strong evidence that Jesus Christ is the only One who can bring them peace, provide hope in the midst of despair and enable them to walk, in Habakkuk’s words, “with hinds’ feet on high places.” (Habakkuk 3:19)
As happened during Jesus’ earthly ministry, those invested in the status quo violently object to the gospel. In fear, they lash out at those who work miracles in Jesus’ Name. They fear the power of transformed lives. But in the end, Jesus has the last word. Sometimes, even the greatest enemies of the gospel, like the Apostle Paul, become the greatest spokesmen for the Good News.
In these days of peril, let us rejoice that Resurrection power of Jesus will one day cause all things to become new. In the meantime, let each of us make sure that we do our part to take the gospel to all peoples in India and elsewhere. This is the major precondition that must take place before the full revelation of the Kingdom of God.
We can have no greater impact for the gospel than if we daily submit our own lives to Christ and experience the transformation that comes from the Holy Spirit’s renewal of our minds. The world cannot reproduce this wonder of transformation. The transformed life is the greatest sign of Christ’s power and of His impending Second Coming.
Let us be living examples of His resurrection power and let Him work His wonders through us to transform a dying world.
Father God, help us to live resurrection lives so that we may give evidence of your transforming power. In Jesus’ Name.
