Introduction

Good day to all! I will be expounding on the third chapter of the Book of Acts. As I delve into it, a slight hesitation arises, for my discourse is bound to offend, beginning with Peter himself. When I was newly converted, I did not quite grasp the nuances, and I perceived Peter to have delivered a grandiloquent speech, resulting in the miracle of a man, lame from birth, rising to walk. It seemed Peter had accomplished a monumental feat. In truth, Jesus performed more healings of the congenitally blind and lame than Peter. Jesus spoke virtually nothing, whereas Peter expounded at length.

In my early days of faith, I thought Peter’s explanations were quite sound, but with time, my perspective shifted. The reason being, performing miracles is of a lower order. Jesus seldom elucidated such self-evident matters, yet Peter elaborated extensively. As my faith deepened, I perceived Peter as rather loquacious, yet his explanations were not easily comprehensible. I understood each word Peter uttered, yet together they lacked coherence. And after all his expounding, Peter continued to preach about Jesus, sin, and the remission thereof. Thus, one must ponder diligently. From a hierarchical standpoint, a simple comparison reveals the distinct levels of Jesus and Peter.

The theme of this chapter is “signs and wonders following.” Do not be misled, thinking that being filled with the Holy Spirit is some grand achievement. Being filled with the Holy Spirit is merely a beginning. After being filled, signs and wonders will follow, which is but an elementary level. What then constitutes a higher level? It is to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, to follow God, to willingly lay down one’s life for God, to serve Him with joy, to walk in His will, and to know God fully in one’s understanding! The Apostle Paul’s level was to know God fully in his understanding, and to have complete confidence in his intellect. This is the theological framework of the Apostle Paul. Luke, in his writing, meticulously recorded Peter’s words, deliberately portraying Peter’s current level in vivid detail. Understand that it is quite normal for signs and wonders to follow after one is filled with the Holy Spirit.

Power Inevitably Follows Being Filled with the Holy Spirit

Some become elated upon receiving power, praying for the sick to be healed, and believing they have performed a great miracle. At such times, one must not assume spiritual superiority. It is akin to a plain girl marrying, causing an earthquake! Do not believe you have attained a high level of spirituality simply because you have performed a miracle and received power.

I prefer to view matters holistically, examining how Jesus saw them, what the prophets of old declared, and how the Apostle Paul expounded them. I gradually came to comprehend and discern the pattern: being filled with the Holy Spirit inevitably leads to receiving power, and subsequently, bearing witness for the Lord Jesus. But what is the extent of that level? Being filled with the Holy Spirit inevitably leads to receiving power; these are the words of Jesus, and we must return to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me.” (Acts 1:4)

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (Acts 1:8)

The filling of the Holy Spirit in these two passages connotes witnessing—bearing witness that Jesus Christ is Lord. After witnessing that Jesus Christ is Lord, one must diligently heed the teachings of Jesus Christ. Peter, having followed Jesus for many years, did not grasp the essence. Had Peter truly grasped the essence, he would not have spoken as he did. I am rather discerning. If you were to come to me, and I were to pose several questions, you would likely be unable to answer and would resort to speaking nonsense. For I can discern who possesses clarity of thought and who is speaking without reflection, and I cannot resist correcting them. Therefore, one must train oneself to be coherent in all pronouncements and avoid speaking impulsively.

In the past, being my subordinate had its advantages, yet it was not easy. If someone were to write many pages of text, and I could not discern the key points within ten minutes, I would simply say, “What are you saying? I cannot understand!” I am aware that if what you write is unclear, you will be unable to articulate it clearly even when you present it to me. Some store their work on the computer, yet their minds remain blank. Consequently, when questioned, they must pause to access their computer. I wonder, should not the plan reside in one’s mind? Why must one seek it in the computer? Speaking without thinking is a detrimental habit. As my subordinate, if an individual were to engage in such frivolous talk, they would not pass muster with me. Thus, in discussing the Holy Spirit descending and inevitably leading to power, we must recognize that this is merely a beginning; it is the work of God. The work of God may seem to have little connection to you; it is God’s doing.

Signs and Wonders Following

After receiving power, signs and wonders follow, and this, too, is a very rudimentary stage. In reality, God’s purpose is not to perform miracles! I often speak of the ecclesiology, for God’s plan is the church. Before the foundation of the world, God established a plan to reveal His wisdom and power through the church. Because the church is the body of Jesus Christ, and the new heaven and new earth will be the church of Jesus Christ, the bride of Jesus Christ—I will explain this logic to you in detail at a later opportunity. Since God’s plan is the church, and the church is a group perfectly united with Jesus Christ and God, each person in the church is precious in God’s eyes; there is no refuse. This is why many who bring trash into the church and try to pass themselves off as genuine members are severely disciplined by God, and God will personally curse these individuals.

Some become excited at the occurrence of signs and wonders. I, too, have performed many miracles in my life, yet I am not excited in the least. For they attest to the Word of God! That is to say, we must possess a correct understanding of how to view and interpret these signs and wonders. Therefore, many brothers and sisters are deluded by miracles, as if the presence of signs and wonders makes them extraordinary.

A pastor with signs and wonders following has many related videos on YouTube; yet, the pastor himself turned to multi-level marketing. There are many pastors who engage in multi-level marketing, and their aim is not to build the church, but to make a living. One should not be excited about the presence of signs and wonders, for Jesus has already told you this; what is there to be excited about? Do not think highly of yourself, for it is all God’s doing. It is merely that God has used you as an instrument to perform a miracle. Do not think of yourself as extraordinary; know that you are far from it.

Signs and wonders attest to the Word of God. If one cannot articulate the Word of God as clearly as the Apostle Paul, it is of no use. Do not believe that performing miracles is related to one’s spiritual level; one can perform many miracles without a high spiritual level. The history of the charismatic movement over the past few decades has taught us a valuable lesson regarding the matter of signs and wonders following. I know a pastor who was quite effective in evangelism, healing the sick, and casting out demons. However, he came to realize that casting out demons and performing miracles were of little use because they lacked the Word. We must understand that miracles are not the goal; building God’s church is the goal.

Recently, someone asked me about a pastor who was preaching the gospel in Africa, with millions listening to him. The pastor did not say much, simply proclaiming that Jesus Christ is Lord, somewhat like Peter. The Bible is clear; 《Galatians》, 《1 Corinthians》, 《2 Corinthians》, 《Ephesians》, and 《Romans》 are all written clearly; yet, some do not read the Bible diligently, but instead spend much effort studying Peter. Many later emulate Peter, regarding him as a textbook case for study. Long ago, I had some confusion regarding Peter’s teachings. As I built the church, a clear understanding began to emerge: signs and wonders following are meant to tell us that the gospel we preach is a powerful gospel.

But what exactly is the gospel? I must tell you that this gospel is not merely about the forgiveness of sins, but about restoring the glorious image of God that we had when we were first created. Jesus Christ wants to remold us, allowing us to become individuals who possess the glorious image of God. Examine the image you present; does it resemble a demon or Jesus? Signs and wonders following are not the purpose of Jesus Christ; the true purpose of Jesus Christ is to restore us to the glorious image we had when God created us. This is salvation! It is certainly not merely about the forgiveness of sins and going to heaven after death; everything has been misunderstood.

How to View and Interpret Signs and Wonders

We must establish a systematic concept of how to view signs and wonders. Let us consider what signs and wonders can accomplish. The Israelites who left Egypt personally witnessed the ten plagues God inflicted upon the Egyptians, crossed the Red Sea as if on dry ground, and ate manna in the wilderness. As a group unprecedented in history, they witnessed numerous miracles; yet, in the end, it was of little use.

Some time ago, a sister said that she had not experienced as many miracles as I had, which puzzled me. When I was casting out the demon from her, the demon screamed and howled in her, which she personally witnessed. Another individual, whose neck was immobile, was loosened after my prayer. Yet, three days later, she told me that she had not experienced God. The human mind is truly strange; how can one forget so quickly?

How to view and interpret signs and wonders is crucial. I have performed many miracles, but I do not attach too much importance to them. If I were to recount all the miracles I have performed, it would take a long time. If you ask me to explain, I will tell you to love God well. Chinese Mingding Destiny does not care how many demons have been cast out or whether people’s illnesses have been cured. In fact, experiencing illness for a period may be beneficial, for many do not desire to repent or love God when they are ill. If they were not ill, to what extent would they love the world? Those who witnessed Moses performing miracles perished in the wilderness, becoming a generation that God loathed.

Jesus performed far more miracles than Peter; yet, people still crucified Jesus, precisely because the framework of thought in their minds could not be reconciled with what Jesus taught. Performing a miracle is nothing extraordinary; but if one loves God to the point of madness, the angels in heaven will applaud. Actually, Jesus offers the best explanation of how to view and interpret signs and wonders.

Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. (Luke 10:17-19)

I have little interest in seeing visions; my sole interest is to love the Lord my God well. If you are like me, a person who loves the Lord well, my heart will melt for you; I have finally found a treasure. Although I also experience speaking with demons when casting them out, many become excited and ask numerous questions as a result. But I am too lazy to explain these things; Jesus also did not care much about it.

Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20)

Our names should be written in the Book of Life. If everyone can grasp this key point, then listen carefully to what Jesus says. Peter spoke at length, and while it sounds reasonable, if you were to ask him, he might know what he is saying, but he would not know how to do it. There are many such people among us, who talk the talk but do not walk the walk. Once, one of our sisters received a new person and spoke eloquently for two hours about Chinese Mingding Destiny. As a result, the other person could not bear it. Feeling embarrassed to interrupt, the person could only ask if she was hungry. Our sister did not react and said she was not hungry, continuing to talk. After a while, the new person could not help but remind her that it was time to eat. Our sister still felt that she had not said enough and repeatedly said that she was not hungry, planning to continue speaking.

The new person could no longer bear it, saying, Teacher, you are not hungry, but the listener is! Later, she sent the recording to me. She had been talking for hours, regardless of whether others could understand or not, piecing things together without knowing what she was talking about. This is why I often ask everyone to write a draft before making a phone call, to think about what the goal of the call is, what problems need to be solved, and what to say. Do not start by rambling on about a lot of useless things; we cannot ruin the reputation of Chinese Mingding Destiny in this way.

In any case, everyone must return to the teachings of Jesus Christ. If you look at Peter's teachings from the perspective of Jesus' teachings, you will find that Peter's level is far below that of the Lord Jesus. A few days ago, Peter was still excited because he gave a sermon, and as a result, 5,000 people believed. The church instantly had 5,000 members, and he began to feel elated, but he forgot to ask if this was what the Lord Jesus wanted.

At this time, what should one do? Get up in the evening and pray, wearing out the knees. Or perform a miracle, feeling that you have done well. But if there is no shepherding, it is all useless! Peter was still sharing everything in common, and everyone was eating together happily, but that is not shepherding. So how should we view miracles? We must learn lessons from Jesus Christ, Moses, and the Apostle Paul. Then, compare it with what Peter said, and you will probably know what level it is. That is what I want to say. Next, let us look at what the Apostle Paul said.

And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. (1 Corinthians 2:4-5)

Our faith is not built on persuasive words of wisdom, but on the demonstration of the power of the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul later spoke about dealing with the flesh, completely dismantling the worldly value system within us, and how to be a disciple of the Lord Jesus. The main line is very clear. Although Peter's epistles are not easy to read and do not have many stories, they are well-written. So how should brothers and sisters view and interpret miracles? Although I place miracles at a very low level, everyone should not think that they are not important because they are low.

If a person does not know what 1 is, it is impossible to learn addition. The matter is simple, but it is very important! Being filled with the Holy Spirit is only the beginning. Miracles are a key component of our entire belief system, and the most basic levels are very low. Being filled with the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues are very low levels; it is a very small gift, but it is very important. If there are no miracles, then there is no point in discussing what follows. If you do not know what 1 is, then there is no point in discussing calculus.

What is Peter explaining?

Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon’s, greatly amazed. (Acts 3:11)

We must know that the Lord Jesus has risen from the dead, and the Holy Spirit He promised has descended upon us. Miracles should accompany us and confirm the word preached by our Lord Jesus. The word preached by the Lord Jesus is to let everyone know that God's plan is to build His glorious church. Everyone is willing to come with me to love the Lord our God with all your heart, soul, and strength, and to build God's glorious church with us. Brothers and sisters should begin to learn to use fewer unnecessary words and explain things clearly. I am also learning. Do not think that I talk too much nonsense; it is all to explain things clearly.

And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. “Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers. (Acts 3:16-17)

In fact, this sentence has produced many corruptions in history to this day. Because you see that the man who was lame from birth can get up and walk, it is the faith given by Him. Some people are entangled in this, wondering what to do if God has not given them faith. I used to talk about the faith given by God, but later I found that this statement seems incorrect. In fact, faith is our responsibility, and signs and wonders will accompany those who believe. After being filled with the Holy Spirit, the Lord Jesus did not say that it was the faith given by God. This is Peter's invention; everyone must not explain themselves into confusion.

But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, (Acts 3:18-20)

This sentence sounds confusing. If my subordinates wrote this, I would definitely ask them to rewrite it. Luke repeats what Peter said here. In fact, no matter which language or from which angle, you cannot see God's plan.

whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. (Acts 3:21)

Do not think that I have not read it carefully. I have read what Peter said more times than what the Apostle Paul said. Later, I also found that it is not easy for people to understand the Book of James; many people have not understood it.

Yes, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those who follow, as many as have spoken, have also foretold these days. You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’ To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.” (Acts 3:24-26)

How did Peter know that they were the sons of the prophets? Were not the sons of the prophets he spoke of the ones who crucified Jesus? The level is still only repentance, leaving the level of sin. That is why the church established by Peter always stayed at that level and could never reach the level achieved by the teachings of the Apostle Paul. Although the Apostle Paul did not follow Jesus, he completely inherited the teachings of Jesus Christ.

So everyone must begin to understand that it is a deadly thing to start talking nonsense when the mind is not clear, which is to explain blindly. There is neither a church view nor God's plan, and God's teachings are directly reduced to such a low level as the forgiveness of sins. He does not know that the accompanying miracles are only the beginning. What should one do after repentance? Is there any concept of paying the price? Chinese Mingding Destiny is not a theology of grace, but a theology of dedicating one's life to God. We do not have eating, drinking, and playing; we only have paying the price. The price I have paid is not one that ordinary people can afford. My colleagues say that it is too intense to be with me; many people cannot do as much physical labor as I do. I pay more than ordinary people, whether it is shepherding, serving, or healing and casting out demons.

Because I deeply know God's will and also understand the teachings of Jesus Christ very well, I do not want a comfortable life, but a life of paying the price. Because I see that God's people have no grass to eat, see that the spiritual state of this generation is very desolate, and see that God's will has not yet been fulfilled by far, I secretly shed tears in my heart. Seeing that God's people are still living in a state of ignorance, and a large group of people are still so considerate of the flesh, I often feel uncomfortable. Many people do not have the concept of paying the price, shepherding, and building a victorious church, and many people do not even have the concept of victory. Chinese Mingding Destiny is a church that pays the price, a victorious church, a victorious theology, and it is living out the image of Jesus Christ while one is alive! It is not about being saved, having sins forgiven, and going to heaven after death.

There is nothing in what Peter said that can be seen as God's will, even if he healed a man who was lame from birth, who got up and walked. When we hear that we should learn to dedicate our lives to God, from now on, we must begin to love the Lord your God with all our heart, soul, and mind. As for those who choose not to take this path, if they become lame again in a few days, it has nothing to do with me. Chinese Mingding Destiny will never lower God's standards.

Jesus' Attitude Toward Miracles

What does it mean to cast out a demon from a person who is possessed? It is just such a simple thing. We must have our names recorded in heaven, which is to be a disciple of the Lord and to dedicate our lives to God. We must walk the path that Jesus walked. This is a very clear instruction that Jesus gave us. If you want to love God, keep and follow His words, and dedicate your life to God, without leaving even a bit of land for yourself. That is Jesus' attitude, and what Paul inherited was the attitude of Jesus Christ.

But Peter forgot. People who did not study well from childhood are probably in this situation. Many years after Jesus ascended to heaven, Peter still could not write or read the Bible. If what you say is not systematic and unclear, it can only let you go home and figure it out. What Jesus wants is not believers. Do not rejoice because 5,000 or 3,000 people believe in the Lord, but rejoice because a disciple has come. If there are two disciples, or 120 disciples, it is even more joyful. Brothers and sisters, we must know how high God's requirements are for us!

Miracles Accompanying Confirm the Word We Preach

Miracles accompanying confirm the word we preach. Once we see it, we exclaim, If we do not dedicate our lives to such a God, to whom else should we dedicate them? We must love God well, and love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength. To love God is to offer ourselves to God. This is the word we preach. What we pursue is not a comfortable life, but an exceeding and eternal weight of glory. This is the gospel of Jesus Christ preached by the Apostle Paul. For people like us, if we cannot live out the image of Jesus Christ, it is truly unforgivable by God.

We must all begin to learn to imitate God and imitate Jesus. Even if we walk the road of the cross and completely dedicate our lives to God, we must obtain an exceeding and eternal weight of glory. I speak a bit harshly. Those who can hear, those who have ears, should listen. We should listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying to us, listen to what God is saying to us, and walk this path full of God's glory!

May God bless everyone!
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