(Mike and Leslie’s Web Page)

(So you don’t misunderstand where we are coming from in the following text - We believe miracles, healings, prophecies, word of knowledge, etc. are suppose to be part of the Christian experience.)

Are miracles (signs following) proof that God is backing, authoring, anointing, or having anything to do with a ministry?

In 2 Cor. 12:12 Paul said, “The signs (attesting miracles) of a true apostle … signs, wonders, and miracles.”

Considering this scripture, are we to assume that signs, wonders, miracles, or even changed lives, are God’s stamp of approval on a ministry?

We’ve all known of those calling themselves pastors, prophets, or whatever, that weren’t. Some could say, “The love of God was so evident”, insinuating that the action generating that love was “of God”.” Some could say, “Look at the fruit; it will prove God’s authorship or stamp of approval.”

Several examples:

1) In the early seventies, a number of us went to a meeting in Seattle where Marjo was speaking. (I may have his name misspelled.) Marjo’s purpose was to mock Christianity. He was raised by a dad active in the Pentecostal healing/miracle ministry. Marjo confessed he (Marjo) was a wolf in sheep’s clothing. He openly said he had followed in his dad’s footsteps by holding his own healing/miracle services, but wasn’t EVER saved and walking with God. He liked the income these meetings generated. He talked of the gullible Christians that believed him and were healed or received a miracle in the meetings he was holding. (Someone rightly pointed out that it isn’t always the vessel; it is often the faith of the person being prayed for, or God just honoring someone’s prayer.)

2) While a pastor, I granted a request of a “prophetess” from Broken Arrow OK to come and minister in my church. It was a major mistake as she was far from being a prophetess. She preached that the women should leave their husbands so the woman could have a life/ministry in Jesus. She openly said men were a hindrance to a woman’s spiritual life. During the service she “got in the flesh” by demonstrating overt anger at someone. Nevertheless, during a time of her praying for the sick (something we did successfully at most every service) healing miracles happened.

3) There was a donkey speaking in the Old Testament. Does that make the donkey “of God”?

4) In the early seventies, Jim Jones was heard daily in the Seattle area on the radio. One of our church brothers (Tim T. – now deceased in South America) left the local church to follow Jim Jones. Jim Jones was amazing as he had an apparent “word of knowledge” FLOWING from him. He could tell you what was in your cupboards at home and who your family members were, by name, and tell you of your problems. Did this miracle ability prove God’s stamp of approval? We all know the eventual fruit of his deception.

Is a prophecy confirming what a church or individual believes necessarily from God? We’ve all seen prophecies confirming deception. What if the prophet(ess) has miracles following? Does it now become a conformation of God in the prophet or ministry? What if MANY say to the prophet(ess), “Your word ministered to me greatly.”, or, “Brother/sister your ministry bears witness to me as being from God.” Does the ministry become “proved” by such a multitude of confirmers?

Remember the scripture, “Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” And another, “And then shall that Wicked be revealed, … Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders.” Can this apply to my question here?

Scripture tells us to have several other prophets judge the utterances of a prophet. What if they all confirm the word spoken? Does it give God’s stamp of approval if that happens? Consider this - What if all the prophets present are of the same deception or doctrinal bent?

Matthew 7:22-23 “Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'”

Many people saying someone or something is of God, does not mean God has His stamp of approval on that person or ministry. Miracles, signs, wonders, and healings do not in themselves indicate that God has anointed the person or ministry. Good feelings and wonderful exciting events are not in themselves indicators of God being in the ministry or “minister.”

(So you don’t misunderstand where we are coming from in this text - We believe miracles, healings, prophecies, word of knowledge, etc. are suppose to be part of the Christian experience.)

As someone has said, “When you look to the church, you will be discouraged. When you look to Jesus, you will be encouraged.”