In this section we will discuss the second evidence that helps us to identify supernatural manifestations that are not the work of the Holy Spirit, which are signs that do not confirm the word of God. And so, clear evidence that supernatural signs manifested through a ministry are the work of demonic spirits is when those signs are performed in the absence of the word of God being proclaimed.
Mark 16:19-20 “So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. (20) And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.”
In the above passage of scripture, our Lord had just finished admonishing the disciples to go into the entire world and preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15). The scripture goes on to say that when we obey and preach the gospel, that Jesus works with us by confirming His word with accompanying signs. This passage of scripture is speaking primarily of our preaching the gospel to the unsaved, and the Lord allowing signs and wonders, i.e. healings for example, to take place among them so that they can believe the gospel and thus be saved. Nevertheless the principle of the Lord confirming His word, also pertains to signs and wonders that are manifested in the church. In other words, when His word is taught in the church, very often the Lord will confirm that word through the manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit. The apostle Paul confirms the truth to us that God supplies His Spirit to us and works miracles among us by the hearing of faith (Galatians 3:5). The hearing of faith spoken of by Paul, would be the word of God that is preached in the church, for faith comes by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). And so, churches that teach the word of God can expect the Lord to confirm His word through the manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit. What is unscriptural however, is when churches and ministers teach very little if any of the word of God, and yet still experience supernatural manifestations in their meetings. Those supernatural manifestations would be of questionable origin to say the least.
Michael E.B. Maher
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