Glory to God or Glory to the Doctrine

[OneAccord]

One of the biggest mistakes I have ever seen ministers, churches and/or organizations make is when they imply "miracles" somehow validate their ministry or doctrine. I'm reminded of men like A. A. Allen who built great ministries and promoted themselves through the purported miracles that took place in their ministries. Miracles, according to Jesus, validates one thing: Truth. Now, we often say "truth" and "doctrine" are one and the same. But thats not necessarily the case. Doctrine is, or at least is suppose to be, the vehicle thru which truth is conveyed.

In Mark 16, Jesus said certain signs will follow them that believe (truth). The narravtive goes on to say that the Word was confirmed by signs "following the believers". Miracles confirm, not a ministry, church or organization, but rather the Word of God. Miracles do not vindicate who is right or who is wrong. Miracles vindicate the Word. It proves the authenticity of the truth being spoken- no matter who is speaking that truth. A preacher may be preaching the truth regarding faith- God honors that preaching because in that area, the speaker is speaking truth. He may be "off" on other doctrinal areas, but when truth is spoken, God honors truth. Miracles do not necessarily "OPs" are correct in all areas of doctrine any more than a non OP is proven correct by the occurence of miracles in their services. God honors faith- whether that faith is exhibited by a conservative OP, or by a liberal trinitarian.

We would do well to remember Peters words in Acts 3:12: "Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why LOOK YE SO EARNESTLY ON US, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?" The lame man walked, not by Peter, but through and by the Name of Jesus. Peter preached truth in Acts 2, and God confirmed that truth in Acts 3. And that truth isn't found only in 2:38. That is but a portion of the truth. I believe we fail to see great miracles in our midst because we attempt to share God's glory by implying OUR doctrine or OUR organization produced the miracle. This wan't the case with Peter. In Acts 3 he was clear as to Who perfoms the miraclous- Jesus. Gos doesn't heal to prove "us" ...He does so to prove HIM.