Once upon a time, there were numerous miraculous events in the church in China. Many senior Christians initially believed in the Lord because of miracles that happened to themselves or their loved ones. However, around the turn of the century, these miracles began decreasing significantly. Alongside the spread and popularization of theological education, many Christians shifted from valuing and pursuing miracles to disregarding or even disliking them.
Having served in a city church in Northeast China for many years, Rev. Li Tao (pseudonym) believed that just as countless signs and miracles occurred in the apostolic age, today's church should also experience many signs and wonders. In his view, there are five characteristics of true signs and wonders.
Miracles were a widespread phenomenon in the apostolic age, evident throughout the book of Acts. Pastor Li said, "However, many people believe that the abundance of miracles in the early church was an exception in Christian history. Therefore, many think that miracles are outdated or have ceased." He mentioned that when someone falls ill, they believe in seeking medical help rather than praying in the church.
Miracles are evidence of God fulfilling His promises, he added. In the Old Testament, especially in the prophetic books, God foretold many things that would happen in the future, and the miracles in the apostolic age fulfilled these prophecies.
Li said that when Jesus sent out the disciples to preach, they performed many miracles. It's important to note that the Lord's promise of miracles accompanying all who believe in Him doesn't have an expiration date; it's perpetually valid.
Third, signs and wonders are a means for God to prove Himself. In the process of spreading the gospel, numerous miracles accompany it, proving that God is real and that Jesus Christ is the Messiah. This method of knowing God through miracles is simpler and more direct compared to other ways, leaving even the most rational and knowledgeable speechless.
Miracles are essential to opening the door for the gospel. Pastor Li continued, citing the example of Apostle Paul's successful missionary journeys to many places but a failed attempt in Athens. One significant reason for this failure was the lack of the Holy Spirit's intervention and the absence of accompanying miracles. Miracles have a greater impact on unbelievers than on believers, especially in difficult areas, as they can pave the way toward the gospel.
Contemporary society similarly needs miracles. Li said, "We must believe in the promise of Jesus Christ. He said that those who believe will have miracles accompanying them."
He admitted that many times people refrain from doing many things, such as laying hands in prayer, because deep down, they don't truly believe that miracles can happen. However, he encouraged having faith and doing it anyway.
Once, a woman contacted Pastor Li Tao because her daughter was participating in a gathering at Pastor Li's church. During the event, this Christian woman prayed for a sick individual by laying hands, and the person experienced genuine healing. In a conversation over the phone, she expressed a desire to leave her current church because it discouraged members from laying hands in prayer for others, a practice she believed in wholeheartedly.
Pastor Li stated that many pastors in churches don't allow believers to lay hands in prayer for others, but in his church, it's permitted. He frequently encourages members to pray for others because there are too many people and situations in need of prayer, and the pastor can't handle it all alone.
- Translated by Abigail Wu
曾几何时，在中国教会也曾经是有非常多的神迹奇事的。许多比较年长的基督徒当初都是因为发生在自己或者亲人身上的神迹奇事而信了主。但是大概在世纪之交前后这段时间，神迹奇事开始不断减少再减少。再加上随着神学教育的推广和普及，很多基督徒从重视和追求神迹奇事到轻视甚至反感神迹奇事。
李涛牧师在东北一所城市教会服事多年，他认为使徒时代教会发生了无数的神迹奇事，今天的教会中也一样要有许多的神迹奇事。他分享了神迹奇事的5个特征。
神迹奇事是使徒时代普遍发生的现象，贯穿在整本使徒行传里面。李涛牧师说：“但是很多人认为在使徒时代的教会里面有很多的神迹奇事在基督教历史当中是一个特例。所以，很多人认为神迹奇事已经过时了，已经结束了。” 他说，一个人生病的话，他们认为要去医院看病，而不是去教会祷告。
神迹奇事是主兑现祂的应许的证明。在旧约圣书尤其是先知书当中，上帝预言了许多未来将要发生的事情，而使徒时代的神迹奇事正是这些预言的成就。
他继续说，耶稣在差派门徒出去传道的时候，门徒们也行了许多的神迹奇事。要知道的是，主应许必定会有神迹奇事随着一切相信祂的人，并没有规定任何期限，永远都是有效的。
神迹奇事是上帝证明祂自己的途径。在传福音的过程当中会伴随着很多的神迹奇事，而这些会证明上帝是真神，也会证明耶稣基督就是弥赛亚。这个相比起其他的人们认识上帝的方式，更加简单、直接，会让再理性和知识的人变得哑口无言。
神迹奇事是打开福音之门的要素。李牧师继续说，使徒保罗去了很多地方传道，这其中绝大多数地方都是成功的，可是他在雅典的传道却失败了，究其原因，很重要的一个原因那就是缺乏圣灵的介入，没有神迹奇事的伴随。因为神迹奇事对于未信者所产生的功效要比对基督徒产生的功效更高，尤其是在艰难的地方能打开福音的大门。
神迹奇事是当今社会同样的需要。李涛牧师说：“我们必须要相信耶稣基督的应许。他说信的人，必定会有神迹随着他们。”
他坦言，很多时候，我们之所以不敢做很多的事情，比如按手祷告，是因为我们从心里其实不太相信神迹会发生，但是我们只管带着信心去做。
有一次，一个姊妹给李涛牧师打电话，她女儿在李涛牧师教会聚会。这个姐妹给病人按手祷告，然后病人真的就好了。在电话里面，这位姊妹说她想离开这所教会，因为她委身的教会不允许信徒给别人按手祷告。
李涛牧师说很多教会的牧者是不允许信徒给别人按手祷告的，但是他的教会是许可。并且他常常鼓励信徒为了别人祷告，因为需要祷告的人和事情实在太多了，牧师忙不过来。
使徒时代的健康教会: 神用神迹打开福音的门
Once upon a time, there were numerous miraculous events in the church in China. Many senior Christians initially believed in the Lord because of miracles that happened to themselves or their loved ones. However, around the turn of the century, these miracles began decreasing significantly. Alongside the spread and popularization of theological education, many Christians shifted from valuing and pursuing miracles to disregarding or even disliking them.
Having served in a city church in Northeast China for many years, Rev. Li Tao (pseudonym) believed that just as countless signs and miracles occurred in the apostolic age, today's church should also experience many signs and wonders. In his view, there are five characteristics of true signs and wonders.
Miracles were a widespread phenomenon in the apostolic age, evident throughout the book of Acts. Pastor Li said, "However, many people believe that the abundance of miracles in the early church was an exception in Christian history. Therefore, many think that miracles are outdated or have ceased." He mentioned that when someone falls ill, they believe in seeking medical help rather than praying in the church.
Miracles are evidence of God fulfilling His promises, he added. In the Old Testament, especially in the prophetic books, God foretold many things that would happen in the future, and the miracles in the apostolic age fulfilled these prophecies.
Li said that when Jesus sent out the disciples to preach, they performed many miracles. It's important to note that the Lord's promise of miracles accompanying all who believe in Him doesn't have an expiration date; it's perpetually valid.
Third, signs and wonders are a means for God to prove Himself. In the process of spreading the gospel, numerous miracles accompany it, proving that God is real and that Jesus Christ is the Messiah. This method of knowing God through miracles is simpler and more direct compared to other ways, leaving even the most rational and knowledgeable speechless.
Miracles are essential to opening the door for the gospel. Pastor Li continued, citing the example of Apostle Paul's successful missionary journeys to many places but a failed attempt in Athens. One significant reason for this failure was the lack of the Holy Spirit's intervention and the absence of accompanying miracles. Miracles have a greater impact on unbelievers than on believers, especially in difficult areas, as they can pave the way toward the gospel.
Contemporary society similarly needs miracles. Li said, "We must believe in the promise of Jesus Christ. He said that those who believe will have miracles accompanying them."
He admitted that many times people refrain from doing many things, such as laying hands in prayer, because deep down, they don't truly believe that miracles can happen. However, he encouraged having faith and doing it anyway.
Once, a woman contacted Pastor Li Tao because her daughter was participating in a gathering at Pastor Li's church. During the event, this Christian woman prayed for a sick individual by laying hands, and the person experienced genuine healing. In a conversation over the phone, she expressed a desire to leave her current church because it discouraged members from laying hands in prayer for others, a practice she believed in wholeheartedly.
Pastor Li stated that many pastors in churches don't allow believers to lay hands in prayer for others, but in his church, it's permitted. He frequently encourages members to pray for others because there are too many people and situations in need of prayer, and the pastor can't handle it all alone.
- Translated by Abigail Wu
Back to the Early Church: God Still Opens Door for the Gospel Through Miracles
