These Things I Do, You Also Will Do, And Greater!

"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; AND GREATER works than these he will do, because I go to My Father." (John 14:12)

Greater works than Jesus did? Jesus healed the sick, cast out demonic strongholds, fed thousands from an amount that could only feed a few and caused a gold coin to be found in a fish's mouth to pay a tax debt. All obviously supernatural events. Each act amazed those who experienced them; amazed them because they could never have imagined those things within themselves. They had neither the insight, inspiration or power to bring those things to pass. Through the washing of His blood that takes away our sins and the new birth and infilling of the Holy Spirit, the inspiration comes along with the empowerment to do the things Jesus did! We also will cast out devils, lay hands on the sick for recovery and be protected from danger, all in the name of Jesus Christ.

But, He said GREATER WORKS than these miraculous acts will the believer do! 

"Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name? And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness' "(Matthew 7:22,23)  The miraculous and helpful acts Jesus did were a sign to mankind that the Kingdom of Heaven had come to men. Those acts continue to this day because the Father wants creation to know that He is! Jesus clearly says that men can do supernatural things in His name yet still be practicing lawlessness. Lawlessness persists only where willing obedience is absent. Jesus willingly obeyed His Father to the death and is now glorified and at the right hand of the Father.

Jesus never knew them because they would not pay the price to be as close to Him as He is to the Father. The GREATER WORKS are those things that we are called to do that separate us from the carnal, lawless direction of our soul; to be one with the Father and the Son who are one.

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses (those folks who did it His way!), let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us (Jesus, as the head of all things to the church, sets the race), looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God".
(Hebrews 12:1,2)

These Signs Follow Those Who Believe!

These Signs Follow Those Who Believe!      Mark 16:17,18

"And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; THEY WILL TAKE UP SERPENTS; AND IF THEY DRINK ANYTHING DEADLY, IT WILL BY NO MEANS HURT THEM; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."  In context, the serpent would be in your hands. I have never done that. I am unaware that I have ever drunk anything deadly. I would say few of you have, either.

A few weeks back, I was painting around the outside of a house. I noticed a number of bees were gathering around the untreated wood on the house, relatively close to me. I was not scared but concerned of their activity. It was at that time the Holy Spirit quickened me to this portion of scripture- even if your encounter is not taking up a serpent or drinking anything deadly, the supernatural protection of God can still be with you.  Having been familiar with this portion of scripture, I confessed it, thanked God for it in the name of Jesus Christ. We finished the job without a bee sting although they were present throughout.

Late summer mowing can be a dusty experience. I was about to start mowing- dreading the dust that would undoubtedly enter my sinuses. Again, the Holy Spirit quickened me to this scripture reference. I confessed it, thanked God for it in the name of Jesus Christ. I completed the mowing, dust everywhere. There was no sniffling. Just one sneeze. No runny nose after. No allergic response.

We have a little dog living in the house. As you know, they go just about anywhere they please, even up on the bed. They like to be with you as much as possible. Prior to entering into God's salvation, I would experience a significant allergic response with that much dog where I rest. I am applying the revealed truth. Much better.

This portion of scripture describes supernatural protection and deliverance- for you and for others. These should be signs to you in your personal relationship with God. These signs will show a lost soul that the God we speak of is real!