A church Historian, Roland Bainton, wrote a classic book called "The Travail of Religious Liberty." In it he tells how an American doctor, Victor Heiser, served as the health officer for Manila in the Philippines during a cholera epidemic. News came "of a miracle in the bay, for a fisherman had observed upon the surface of the water a black streak in the form of a cross and the water was sweet. The people had been needing water, and thought this was a sign and solution for their need.

The fisherman summoned a minister, who confirmed the miracle. The people then paddled out with bottles and drank of what they felt was holy liquid. Further investigation revealed the black streak, in the form of a cross on the water, to be a result of a break in the sewer. The doctor then appealed to the militia to suppress what they first thought was a miracle. He was told that a riot might be expected..."

This shows us things are not always as they may appear to our natural eyes. Many today seek after signs and wonders. The Bible says "signs follow believers" and yet, we see believers following after signs instead. Many things which may appear to be a sign from God have nothing to do with the work of God. Satan himself can appear as an angel of light and in the last days, we know there will be many false signs and wonders.

We have seen or read recently of many things which people thought were miracles or signs, but they did not point to or glorify the Savior. A sign or wonder always points to God, and brings glory to the Lord. In the above example, we see a need of the people. In their haste, they partook of water which could cause great bodily harm, thinking it was the result of a miracle. Today, people have needs in their lives and search for the answer. Many are given words of men that do not agree with the words of the Lord. In their haste also, they obey the commands of men, instead of searching the Scriptures to see what "thus sayeth the Lord." God has living water, but many today drink at dead cisterns which cannot give them life, as Jesus intends.

Just because something may look good, or words may seem to be words of God, we must search the Scriptures and see if they be of God or man. Many words spoken by men, including lies of Satan, are recorded in God's Word and all Scripture was given for our understanding. Job called his accusers "forgers of lies" and all physicians of no value. They failed to recognize the divine dealings of God, character of Job, and work of Satan in Job's life.

Gamaliel, a Pharisee, and Doctor of the Law, stood up to speak of Paul and other Apostles, saying "refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. (Acts 5: 3-39) This statement made of the work of Paul has not always been true in every case but is true of Paul, as shown in God's Word. We know the power was of the Lord.

There are many false religions and cults in the world which have succeeded for years, and still continue. To say that "all that is not of God will fail" has not always been the case in this world now. The growth of some of the large cult religions has been tremendous, and some may not come to naught until Babylon and the false religious system is destroyed by the Lord. Many will be deceived in the last days and follow new age doctrine and religions. The old saying, '"you can't always judge a book by its cover" is so true, and we must seek to have spiritual perception. We see the work of many missionaries and men and women of God cut short, due to persecution or death. Gamaliel was correct in that God backed the work of the Apostles with true signs and wonders. In their case, He spoke the truth, and was speaking specifically of these servants of God, but not of all men in general.

God inspired the Apostles and worked wonders through the founders of Christianity, who were rejected men. Many followers of Christ were despised. Only though God's help, inspiration, were they able to be victorious, work miracles, and see Christianity stand.

As we seek the Lord for his godly wisdom and discernment, He will lead and guide us into all truths. We see his truths in His Holy Word pointing us in the right direction and also can observe wonders around us of our Creator, who makes all things new. We must be as the Bereans and be noble minded with a desire to search the Scriptures and see if the things we hear be true. God will reveal His truths and leads in the straight and narrow way. Look to God's Word each day, for in it we find a roadmap with signs being fulfilled, pointing toward our soon coming King. Keep pressing on each day in faith, for we know up ahead are the lights of home!

Blessings In Christ,
Jo Ann Kelly © 2006
J. P.'s Inspirations
http://www.my.homewithgod.com/jpinspirations/