Today's Passage - John 14:11-12

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english John 14: 11-12   "...I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing.  He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father."   Jesus said, "Anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing.  He will do even greater things than these." Jesus did not mean that we are mightier than He, but the power we have comes from the Holy Spirit as recorded in Acts 1:8, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you."  Even when Jesus was on earth, His power was manifested as He was filled with the Holy Spirit.   So why did Jesus say that His believers will do greater things than He? First, it was because after Jesus' resurrection, the Holy Spirit had greater authority on earth.  The Holy Spirit also worked on those in the Old Testament, but that was only localized and temporary.  In the New Testament through the work of Jesus on the cross, He had overcome the power of Satan. Even though Satan is still working diligently, but he is like a caged animal.  From this stand point, the work of the Holy Spirit is much more powerful than that in the days of Jesus.  This is not to under value the work of Jesus, but because of the salvation accomplished by Jesus, the Holy Spirit can, therefore, work freely on earth.   Second, it is also recorded, "Anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing."  Essentially, our Lord had been carrying out two missions: to spread the work of God's kingdom, and to heal the sick. When Jesus sent His disciples away, He also instructed them to carry on the same ministries.  It is apparent that God also wants us to carry out the same missions on earth as He will perform greater things through us.   With regard to the spreading of God's kingdom, indeed the gospel has been spread much further today than in the days of Jesus.  Jesus footsteps were only limited to the regions of Judea and Samaria, but the gospel has now spread to every corner of the earth through translated languages, mass media and also internet.   In healing the sick, God has raised up evangelistic healers in different places and through these healings, God's word has been reaffirmed. In addition, He has also raised up prayer warriors praying for the sick.  Healing is no longer the privilege of a few, but this has become part of the ministry in today's believers. Brothers and sisters, do you recognize our Lord's desire in this end time? God's kingdom is no longer propagated by full time ministers, but manifested through the daily livings of all believers instead. Are you prepared to be used by our Lord?                          Pray with Pastor Tong           Dear Lord, we thank you for you have chosen us to be your witnesses in this age. Fill us with your Holy Spirit so that we may become your vessels and accomplish greater things for you in this end time.  With thanks we pray, in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!