God Is Not Powerful In Us, Because We Believe That His Power Died Out After The Original Apostles Died?

 God Is Not Powerful In Us, Because We Believe That His Power Died Out After The Original Apostles Died. This is amazing to me for many reasons.
   First of all, the Bible says that God doesn't change. Throughout the Bible, we see a powerful God doing awesome acts, yet we think that this God is taking a break or doesn't show Himself as powerful anymore.
   We see miracles happen, yet we say that they are counterfeit miracles, because those who perform them aren't perfect in their doctrine, like we are. So we say that they are just counterfeit, or even from the devil. Couldn't that be dangerous to do? What if it really God who did the miracle? That would be a serious sin, and also presumptions on our parts to attribute a possible miracle to the devil.
   Why is the devil so powerful in doing miracles, yet miracles are not relegated to God? I think the reasons are simple. First of all, unless we are humble people, should God do a miracle in our midst, we would be tempted to take pride and glory in the miracle as if somehow we are credited for doing the miracle. But I think there is another reason. I think it is simply unbelief. We really don't expect God to do the miraculous in our midst because that would take faith. Most of us do not have that kind of faith unless we are really open to God and believe that He is who He says He is, and that we have truly been entrusted with the Gospel. We think of the Gospel as some kind of formula to escape hell, and we miss the whole point of salvation which is to be reconciled to God, and to have a personal relationship with Him. Plus, there are other churches, many of who we have differences in doctrines, which experience the supernatural , yet I think we are jealous, because the supernatural isn't happening to us.
  Yes, the devil can do counterfeit miracles. But why would the devil do miracles, yet God doesn't do miracles? It would seem like God would be doing miracles, and the devil would be doing counterfeits, and God would be teaching His church how to be discerning so the body of Christ could determine the difference between God's working and Satan's workings.
   Many believe that the miraculous powers of God died out after the last Apostle died. But the Bible tells us that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead also resides in us! Is God taking a break? Are miracles too hard for Him? I think you know the answer.
   Certainly, our focus should always be on the Cross. We focus on the risen Christ seated at the Father's right hand. He is not taking a break! He is actively working through the church today. If God were to do the supernatural in your midst, what would you do? Would you be ready to handle being in a situation like that? Or would you want to rename it to something else to fit your correct theology?
   There are ways to sin against the Holy Spirit. One of them is by grieving Him, and the other is by quenching Him. Are we careful to allow Him to work in our midst, or do we have Him in a box, shaped by our theology which is based upon our interpretation of current events taking place in the 'church' today? What do you think?

David Wilkerson's Powerful Prayer at Age 12

   I don't know how many of you have ever read 'The Cross and the Switchblade' by David Wilkerson, but he gives an account of how God impressed on his heart to 'go help the boys in the inner city of NYC'. Through a few difficulties, he obeyed and many gangsters came to Christ and were changed forever. I would highly recommend reading this book. Another good one which ties in is 'Run, Baby Run' by Nicky Cruz, a former gangster who had a radical conversion while sitting in a meeting led by David Wilkerson.
   I want to write though about an incident in 'The Cross and the Switchblade' which probably was one of the greatest encouragements to David to live a life of faith in a God who does the impossible.
   When David was 12, his grandfather challenged him to pray believing God would answer. David didn't really understand what the point was until one day he was faced with a choice. It was a matter of life and death for his father.
   David's father had been ill with a chronic intestinal problems for many years. On his way home from school, David heard ambulances and when he got closer to his house, he realized that is where they were headed. He could hear the screams of his father even from far away.
  David got home. He was not allowed in the bedroom where his dad was. His mom came out and David asked her if his dad were going to die. She replied that the doctors give him about two more hours. The sheets and bedding were saturated with blood.
   David remembered what his grandfather told him about prayer. "David, do you dare to pray for help when you are in trouble?"" David, the day you learn to be publicly specific in your prayers, is the day you will learn power." David's grandfather was a man of prayer. What would David do? Would he believe God would heal his dad if he prayed? What if nothing happened? David chose not to pray. At least not out loud. He ran away to the basement and shut himself up in the coal bin. He prayed loud prayers which he felt made up for the lack of faith he had. What David didn't realize was that there were pipes throughout the house from this coal bin. Everyone in the house heard his prayers.
   David's dad called for David. David was brought into the room. David's dad asked David's mom to read a passage from Matthew 21:22 and she read it. Faith welled up in David and he went over to his father and laid his hands on his forehead. "Jesus, I believe what You said. Make Daddy well" David prayed. It was amazing what happened next.
   The doctor came in and analyzed David's dad. He said, "Kenneth, how do you feel?" "I feel like strength is welling up in me" replied David's father. Kenneth Wilkerson was completely healed that day. The doctor was completely amazed. And David no longer doubted God's promises anymore.
    For more works of God in David Wilkerson's life, please read, 'The Cross and the Switchblade' which you can purchase on amazon.com. For an audio version of the book, go to  Christianaudio.com