Jack Deere is the author of "Surprised By The Power Of The Spirit." In this book he shares his personal account of discovering God's power to heal and speak to people today.
This book has been one of the most influential books I have ever read. You have to understand Pastor Deere's background to appreciate it's signifigance. A professor at Dallas Seminary and pastor of a growing church; Deere was a noted theologian, and strict cessationist (believed that miraculous gifts had ceased). God began His work in Jack's heart when he called a favorite author to come and speak at a Bible conference.
It was during this conversation that Deere began to understand that his favorite author did not think along the same lines. This man wanted to teach and preach about Christ's authority over temptation, sin, demons, and disease. Deere's response to the first 3 was acceptable but he had serious problems with the last subject. He then questioned the author about Christ's authority over disease. God used this conversation to bring him to the realization that most of his arguments about miraculous gifts were based upon the silence of scripture rather than what scripture taught. Then began months of intense study to see what God's Word had to say about these things.
When the conference came around Jack's theology started to shift. He no longer viewed things such as healing and miracles in the same light. However, what he was about to experience would truly change his life. To make a long story short, on the last night of the conference, after Dr. White spoke on Christ's authority over disease an invitation was given for people to come forward for healing (spiritual, physical, emotional, etc.). The response was overwhelming. About a 1/3 of the 300 people came forward for prayer. These requests for prayer were random, but what amazed Jack was how many people came forward who were hurting. He said, "It seemed like people were hurting all around me. I was perplexed and mildly repulsed."
Now you might take issue with his last statement but if you haven't experienced true brokenness in the church you will not understand. The good news is that for these people who came forward God began doing a mighty work in their life. What followed was the beginning of a new kind of ministry in Jack's church to pray for the needs of people. They began to see emotional barriers lifted, physical sickness taken away. The first documented case of healing in his church was the removal of an aneurysm.
I'm sharing this with you today to ask the following question: Are we quenching the power of the Holy Spirit in our church or are we allowing the Holy Spirit to quench our thirst for Him? The Bible clearly teaches us in 1 Thessalonians 5:19, "Do not quench the Spirit." We quench the Holy Spirit's work through sin and unbelief. In other words, if there is sin in our life we quench the Spirit's ability to work in us until we agree with His convicting power that we are wrong and repent. But there is another sense of quenching the Spirit where we fail to believe His ability to work in our lives. If we do not believe He has the power to heal - He cannot heal. If we do not believe that He has the power to deliver - He cannot deliver. The Bible says of the children of Israel that they limited God. How often have we limited God in what He wanted to do because we lived in unbelief.
Jesus said of the Holy Spirit: "Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." - John 4:14. When we are saved God's Spirit is placed within us. His Spirit wants to be that fountain that springs up to bring refreshment in our lives. When you and I believe that He is able to work (in whatever area He chooses) He then floods our lives with His power and presence.
I wonder how many people have walked away from the healing, deliverance, and power that God is offering because they did not believe He was able. Sure there are plenty of people who believe that God is able to heal - they just don't believe that He will heal them. We must allow our church gatherings to become a time for God to work in the lives of everyone present. If we in the church do not believe, how can we expect a non-believing world to come to faith?
I, like Jack Deere, have been surprised by the power of the Spirit. If there is one area of my Christian life that has seen tremendous growth it's the area of the work of the Holy Spirit. God still heals, He continues to give discernment, there is still power over demons, prophetic words are still uttered, and tongues have not ceased. Scripture does not teach that the gifts of the Spirit are no longer available. I have been on the other side of the fence - I have uttered the arguments against - not anymore. What I have experience and learned through study over the last few years has changed me. I have seen what God is capable of doing in the lives of those who believe He is able. God's Word tell us that when we come to Him we must believe that He exists AND that He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
What are your needs today? In what area do you need to see God do something radical? Is it physical healing? Is it deliverance from addiction? Do you need salvation? My word to you is: BELIEVE. Faith is the key that unlocks the door for God to work in your life. Believe even if it goes against your own theology. Believe even if it goes against what someone has told you. God has not changed, only our faith in Him. Take the first step today. Believe and watch what God can do.
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