The Enemy's influence on Christendom

Acts 14:16
16
In the past, he let all nations go their own way.

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The book of Acts is always a struggle for me. It seems choppy and something like an arguement to maintain a defense.

The idea that Paul performed miracles troubles me. It is not at all how I understand the faith ministry. 

The Great Commission began with the anointment of the disciples, it is called Pentecost. The reason for that anointment was so the disciples could share the good news with the Jews. The holy fire came upon the disciples they went forward doing wonders and miracles to show that God worked through them. Paul was of the faith ministry. At no point in time did Paul receive anointing. His baptism in the Holy Spirit was one of faith. His is the faith Ministry. This is why I really struggle with parts of the New Testament that make account of Paul performing miracles and wonders. Yes, he was a temple jew prior to being saved. No, that does not make him a miracle worker.

For the Gentiles who walk in their transgressions the Holy Spirit works through us by the kingdom which is upon us. The power of the Holy Spirit that comes through believers that are reformed Jews or are Gentiles, is in the form of gifts, and fruits of the Holy Spirit. The fruits are well-known and the gifts themselves are also well-known. But I contest that there has never been a healing done by a Gentile; including Paul, Timothy, and Barnabas. If there was a healing miracle done through a Gentile, then they would still be doing it today. And we all know, that there is none.

Since the great commission ended there has been no driving out of demons, no healings, and no raising of the dead. The Holy Spirit works through believers in selfless ways. What comes through us is holy. As we are not holy. We are not righteous people. By grace, holiness comes through us in ways that show righteousness is the Father's alone.

So has the enemy used organized religion to mimic pagan beliefs of the past, when the Lord let all nations go there own way? Yes. Do the ministries of penance, faith healings, prophets and disciples, all create consequence to empower the house they describe? Yes.

The enemy took the principles of faith and of reconcilliation; and returned power to himself, through deception and influence. Mankind serves the will of the master of this world, and the churches that claim the truth, never sought it out. Instead they celebrate their greatness, claiming it in the Lord's name. All the while; denying the sacrifice made to bring each of them an opportunity to have a personal relationship with the Father through belief in that sacrifice.

Holy scripture ended with Micah. The New Testament is relevant for sharing the gospel of truth. But the Holy Spirit baptism is a faith baptism. Like the thief on the cross who repented in belief, his faith is the baptism, the yoke that is light. Love the Father, love one another, deny self in order to have holiness work acts through you. *Do these things because you believe the Son of God died to remove the cost of sin on your conscience, so that you can love freely, without gainful intent.* This is how you honor the Father's will, belief in His Son. Do not rely on man or house for salvation.