S
SophieT
Guest
It depends on what you mean by "greater."
who knows what he meant.
obviously, the understanding of what Jesus said is flawed
It depends on what you mean by "greater."
Very simply, because of "UNBELIEF" (through an evil heart of unbelief).
Psalm 78v41: "Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel." (with Heb chapters 3 & 4, esp. 3v12,13,19)
The early Church "BELIEVED" that they would do the same works as the Lord Jesus, just as He said they would if they "BELIEVED," and were "OBEDIENT." Acts 2v40-47 (esp. v43), 5v1-16 (esp. 15), 9v36-43, Rom 15v18-21, 2Cor 12v12 etc...
The last century certainly saw the fulfilment of this Scripture through such ministries as Smith Wigglesworth...
And indeed, John 14v12-14 will have further fulfilment through the Two Witnesses (and other Holy Spirit empowered Christians) during the Great Tribulation! Rev 11v3-6, Dan 11v32,33.
Bill Johnson at Bethel Redding claims gold dust falls from the ceiling at their meetings; angel feathers and glory clouds also appear. This is probably greater than anything Wigglesworth did. Oh, and Todd Bentley kicked an elderly woman in the face because the Spirit told him to. Nowhere to go but up.
I think the op might have forgotten that it is God by His Spirit who performs what a human being cannot do
no one can do greater works than Christ...not one of us can provide salvation; the understanding of what Jesus said is not in actually outperforming Him
it is understood by most that Jesus meant quantity and not quality. another understanding is that He meant the gospel going into the whole world where He was in one area
I think the op might have forgotten that it is God by His Spirit who performs what a human being cannot do
no one can do greater works than Christ...not one of us can provide salvation; the understanding of what Jesus said is not in actually outperforming Him
it is understood by most that Jesus meant quantity and not quality. another understanding is that He meant the gospel going into the whole world where He was in one area
I believe there can arise a problem with seeking to outperform in that it may give rise to pride , insecurity or both. However Jesus calls to come to him for rest in Matthew 11:28-30.
no disagreement on that from me
IMO, the interpretation that we shall do actual physical deeds greater (that is with regards to walking on water etc) is wrong as it would be utterly impossible to outperform Jesus Christ, King of Kings and Lord of Lords
get serious people!
It isn't a matter of outperforming, we are told to perform according to our instructions and it can lead us to even better things. How many of us respond to insults to us with love and doing good for those who insult us? How many of us choose a simple home so we have money to feed the hungry in our town?I agree. We cannot outperform the Lord Jesus. In regards to miracles done in his name, Jesus is still doing the miracle.
Also see Acts 3:12-13.
Hi Blik.There is much written to say that works don't count because we are saved by faith not works, but the Lord says: John 14:21 He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.
I feel my point is slightly different than what your post addresses. To me, it's not about a need to outperform anyone... It's about "What is available?" and "Am I actually trying to achieve it?". Jesus seems to be setting the bar of possibility really high. Doctrines that I hear from pulpits (& people) seem to be setting that bar MUCH lower. It seems detestable to me to disregard what Jesus said, just because it doesn't seem possible to our natural understanding, and then replace it with the doctrines of man.Hello @KelbyofGod , I don’t think it is necessary to seek to outperform the apostles. Just serve the Lord Jesus in all you do. If God desires to do a miracle through you or me, he can certainly do that.
Thats the first time I've heard the idea of the two witnesses acting on their own will. It's an interesting concept that I will likely ponder.I think the term "greater works" can be taken in different ways and all hold true I think.
The Lord Jesus did His works as His Father directed Him, He did not act on His own will, whereas the two witnesses do act on their own will. John 5v19.
I feel my point is slightly different than what your post addresses. To me, it's not about a need to outperform anyone... It's about "What is available?" and "Am I actually trying to achieve it?". Jesus seems to be setting the bar of possibility really high. Doctrines that I hear from pulpits (& people) seem to be setting that bar MUCH lower. It seems detestable to me to disregard what Jesus said, just because it doesn't seem possible to our natural understanding, and then replace it with the doctrines of man.
Further on that line of thinking is... Do people realize that if they secretly think it's impossible (and therefore evil) to do anything of biblical scale then they'll almost assuredly reject anyone who (even at God's direct command) DOES do one of those miracles you mentioned?
If I sound annoyed it's not intended towards you. This topic is important to me because it seems that recently God has been answering prayers quickly and with manifestation of power. Perhaps that's being done off to the side right now, but how do you think people will react when they start hearing about miracles? Most church goers usually say "Boy, that would be cool. I'd be rejoicing!" But is that REALLY how they'd react if they think it's wrong or self-serving to seek God for miracle-working power?
Thanks for your reply.
Love in Jesus,
Kelby
Still i like the scriptures that says all are thoughts will be establish if we put him first.It certainly isn’t wrong to pray for a miracle. There is nothing is impossible with God. The way I see it is God does miracles according to his will. We can always pray. Ultimately it is up to the Lord whether he will do a miracle or not. In suffering and trials and pain, the light of the Lord can shine bright through his people.
Don't forget... If it is Jesus that is working through the people, then "greater works" are certainly possible.I agree. We cannot outperform the Lord Jesus. In regards to miracles done in his name, Jesus is still doing the miracle.
Also see Acts 3:12-13.
@jb I tell you of a truth, If you ask (sincerely, correctly) he will indeed answer you.As for what constitutes greater works, I'll ask this... If you've ever asked God something and he's answered you... Have you actually ASKED God what a greater work would be? If we can't rely on our own understanding in general, this definitely seems like an area we should be turning to God to ask for clear understanding.
Love in Jesus,
Kelby
Don't forget... If it is Jesus that is working through the people, then "greater works" are certainly possible.
Love in Jesus,
Kelby
Please don't get upset with me being for being candid:Depending on how you view it I suppose. I was coming from the stand point that people cannot do miracles on their own power. Considering Jesus is doing the miracles, a person cannot take credit for the miracles by saying they’re outperforming Jesus.
This is the perspective I was coming from.
I believe Jesus can and still does miracles in the world.
Please don't get upset with me being for being candid:
Even though you believe God can and does do miracles, I'm guessing that you personally haven't figured out how (or when, or why, or for whom) to get miracles to function in YOUR life or ministry. Am I correct in that assumption?
Love in Jesus,
Kelby