Surprised by the Power of the Spirit

1. A Single Phone Call Can Change Your Life's Direction

In my most undisciplined fantasies I would never have dreamed that a single phone call would alter the course of my life—and not just my life, but a number of others in my circle.

Unexpected catalysts. Life-changing moments often come unexpectedly. For Jack Deere, a respected theologian and pastor, it was a phone call from Dr. John White that initiated a profound shift in his beliefs about God's supernatural work. This conversation challenged Deere's cessationist views - the belief that miraculous gifts of the Spirit had ceased after the apostolic age.

Challenging core beliefs. The phone call led Deere to question his long-held theological positions. He was forced to confront the possibility that God might still be actively performing miracles and healings in the present day. This realization was both unsettling and exciting, as it opened up new dimensions of faith and practice.

Ripple effects. The impact of this single conversation extended beyond Deere's personal beliefs. It affected his ministry, his relationships, and ultimately led to significant changes in his career and life direction. This illustrates how a seemingly small event can have far-reaching consequences in one's spiritual journey.

2. God Still Performs Miracles and Healings Today

I am convinced that he is just as willing as he was in the first century to touch both our spirits and our bodies. I think it is the church that has changed, not God.

Continuity of God's nature. Deere argues that God's character and willingness to perform miracles have not changed since biblical times. The apparent absence of miracles in some churches is not due to God's withdrawal but rather to the church's lack of expectation and faith.

Evidence of modern miracles. Throughout the book, Deere presents numerous accounts of contemporary healings and supernatural occurrences. These range from physical healings to prophetic revelations, demonstrating that God's miraculous power is still active today.

Challenging cessationism. Deere systematically dismantles the theological arguments for cessationism, showing that there is no clear biblical teaching that miraculous gifts would cease after the apostolic age. He argues that the rejection of modern miracles often stems from lack of experience rather than sound scriptural interpretation.

3. Our Theology Often Stems from Experience, Not Scripture

I believed it because I hadn't seen any miracles, and I needed a biblical justification for my lack of experience.

Experience shapes interpretation. Deere candidly admits that his previous rejection of miraculous gifts was primarily based on his lack of experience with them, not on biblical evidence. This realization highlights how personal experiences (or lack thereof) can significantly influence theological positions.

Circular reasoning. Many believers unknowingly fall into a circular pattern: they don't expect miracles because they haven't seen them, and they don't see miracles because they don't expect them. Breaking this cycle requires a willingness to re-examine scripture without preconceived notions.

Importance of self-reflection. Deere's journey underscores the need for believers to critically examine the foundations of their beliefs. Are they truly based on scripture, or are they more influenced by tradition, culture, or personal experience?

4. The Purpose of Miracles: Glorifying God and Building Faith

God heals out of compassion and mercy.

Multiple purposes. Deere outlines several reasons why God performs miracles:

• To demonstrate His compassion and love
• To glorify Himself and His Son, Jesus Christ
• To respond to faith
• To lead people to repentance
• To open doors for evangelism
• To remove hindrances to ministry
• To teach about His nature and kingdom

Not just for authentication. Contrary to cessationist arguments, Deere contends that miracles were not primarily meant to authenticate the apostles or Scripture. Instead, they serve ongoing purposes in the life of the church and individual believers.

Faith and miracles. While God sometimes performs miracles in response to faith, Deere cautions against a formulaic approach. He emphasizes that God's sovereignty always takes precedence, and that sometimes God chooses not to heal for His own purposes.

5. Spiritual Gifts Are for All Believers, Not Just a Select Few

God gave spiritual gifts to strengthen the church.

Widespread distribution. Deere argues that the New Testament presents spiritual gifts as being widely distributed throughout the church, not limited to apostles or a select few. This includes both miraculous and non-miraculous gifts.

Ongoing necessity. The purpose of spiritual gifts - to strengthen and edify the church - remains relevant today. Deere contends that the church needs these gifts just as much now as it did in the first century.

Varying intensities. Deere distinguishes between the apostolic ministry of "signs and wonders" and the more common gifts of healing or prophecy given to ordinary believers. This helps explain the apparent discrepancy between New Testament miracles and contemporary experiences.

6. Developing Passion for God Is Essential for Spiritual Growth

Spiritual maturity is not possessing vast quantities of Bible knowledge or possessing the most powerful spiritual gifts. Carnal people can have both of these things. Spiritual maturity is sharing the affections of God and discerning his voice.

Beyond knowledge. Deere emphasizes that true spiritual maturity is not measured by biblical knowledge or even the possession of spiritual gifts. Instead, it's characterized by a deep, passionate love for God and sensitivity to His voice.

Cultivating passion. Practical steps for developing passion for God include:

• Regular, intentional time in prayer and Scripture meditation
• Confessing and repenting of sin to maintain intimacy with God
• Asking God to grant a greater love for Jesus
• Pursuing God's presence, not just knowledge about Him

Transformative love. A passionate love for God naturally leads to obedience and a desire to please Him. This love becomes the driving force behind spiritual growth and effective ministry.

7. Hearing God's Voice: A Critical Aspect of Modern Christianity

God does indeed speak apart from the Bible, though never in contradiction to it. And he speaks to all of his children, not just to specially gifted prophetic people.

Beyond Scripture. While affirming the supreme authority of Scripture, Deere argues that God continues to speak to believers through various means, including impressions, dreams, visions, and prophetic words.

Discernment required. Hearing God's voice requires discernment and practice. Deere acknowledges the potential for abuse but provides biblical guidelines for testing and verifying supposed revelations from God.

Practical implications. Accepting that God still speaks today has profound implications for:

• Decision-making and guidance
• Pastoral care and counseling
• Evangelism and ministry
• Personal spiritual growth

8. Embracing the Supernatural Requires Humility and Openness

Too much of the church has more confidence in Satan's ability to deceive us than in Jesus Christ's ability to lead us.

Overcoming fear. Many Christians resist the supernatural out of fear of deception or error. Deere encourages believers to trust in God's ability to lead and protect His children, rather than focusing on potential dangers.

Humility in interpretation. Deere's journey highlights the importance of holding theological positions with humility. He encourages readers to be open to new understanding of Scripture, even if it challenges long-held beliefs.

Balancing discernment and openness. While advocating for openness to the supernatural, Deere also emphasizes the need for biblical discernment. He provides guidelines for evaluating claimed supernatural experiences and teachings.

Last updated: December 2, 2024