Greater Works

John 14:11–13 “Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

Deep admiration and respect for pastor Dean Robinson

Bishop McDonald

Bro Marcus - YP

Greater Works - This church still standing firm on apostolic truth 50 years from now. Answer the question right- Who do you say “I am”

Introdiction and Cultural Context

Jesus has been attempting to comfort his disciples, for they were distressed and dispirited at the announcement that he was going away from them. He had promised that he was going to prepare a home for them in heaven and that he was going to return for them so that they could be with him. Then, after dealing with a question raised by Philip, he added solemnly, but obviously also to provide comfort, “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.”

Greater works than Jesus’ works! That is the promise. But when we think of it the promise seems unrealistic, if not totally incredible. Jesus had healed the sick, calmed the troubled sea of Galilee, fed thousands with a few small loaves of bread and several fishes, raised the dead. These were great works, probably the greatest miracles we can imagine! We cannot do them. But if that is the case, how could Jesus have said what he did say?

Tension in the text:

If the works of Jesus included his miracles, his teaching, even his entire ministry, how can it be said that the works of his disciples would be greater than his?

John 14:12 (John): 14:12 “The one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.” Very likely Jesus gave this promise specifically to his disciples concerning evangelism—“bearing much fruit” (see 15:7–8). There are two parts to the greater works:

There would be a greater number of converts, and there would be a greater scope to the converts.

Jesus performed some truly impressive miracles during his earthly ministry; his disciples would perform even greater ones after his resurrection. Furthermore, the disciples, working in the power of the Holy Spirit that would be sent to them after Jesus went to the Father, would carry the gospel of God’s kingdom out of Palestine and into the whole world and thus to the Gentiles

The disciples, carried out ministry that was greater geographically, in terms of numbers of people reached and long-lasting effect.

a. The works I do he will do: Jesus did not expect the disciples to dismantle after His departure, but to carry on the work in even greater magnitude.

b. Greater works than these he will do: This promise seems impossible; And after Peter’s first sermon there were more converted than are recorded during Jesus’ entire ministry.

i. Jesus will leave behind a victorious, working church, not a cowering one.

How did it happen in NT?

Luke and Acts Illustration

The works founded upon the “going” of Jesus to the Father (14:12) can, therefore, only involve the post-resurrection mission of the church. To gain some insight in this matter we turn briefly to Luke. In writing the introduction to his exciting Book of Acts, in which he details the powerful works involving the early Christians, Luke also reminds us of a similar crucial perspective. In the introduction to Acts he asserted that the “former book,” namely, the Gospel of Luke, detailed “all that Jesus began to do and teach” until his exaltation to heaven (Acts 1:1–2).

The implication of the statement in Acts is not that Jesus ceased to work at that point but that Luke’s second volume implied that Jesus continued to work through the early Christians.

Accordingly, when Peter heals Aeneus, Peter says, “Jesus Christ heals you” (Acts 9:34).

Moreover, when the pre-Christian Saul/Paul is on the way to persecute the Christians in Damascus and he is struck blind, he hears the voice saying, “Why do you persecute me?” When he asks who the voice is, the reply comes, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” Saul was in fact persecuting Christians, but the voice identified the persecuted one as Jesus (Acts 9:1–5).

The conclusion can only be that for Luke, Jesus was still active in mission; but although he was with God, he was now working in and through the church.

Illustration- Judges 7:3 20 thousand out of 30 thousand returned home for fear. 2/3 in battle are struggling with fear.

Doctrine of cessation

Is cessationism biblical? What is a cessationist?

Cessationism is the view that the “miracle gifts” of tongues and healing have ceased—that the end of the apostolic age brought about a cessation of the miracles associated with that age.

While God can and still does perform miracles today, the Holy Spirit no longer uses individuals to perform miraculous signs. The biblical record shows that miracles occurred during particular periods for the specific purpose of authenticating a new message from God. Moses was enabled to perform miracles to authenticate his ministry before Pharaoh (Exodus 4:1-8).

Elijah was given miracles to authenticate his ministry before Ahab (1 Kings 17:1; 18:24).

The apostles were given miracles to authenticate their ministry before Israel (Acts 4:10, 16). Jesus’ ministry was also marked by miracles, which the Apostle John calls “signs” (John 2:11). John’s point is that the miracles were proofs of the authenticity of Jesus’ message.

Contrary to what the cessationisis try to prove, Miracles Never Ceased:

The History of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit to Today

History reveals that the gifts of the Holy Spirit never ceased, but are active and necessary for your life today!

In the apostle Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, he lists a catalog of supernatural gifts given by God to believers. “Now there are a variety of gifts, but the same Spirit,” Paul advises. Wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment and tongues are activated and given to individuals by the Spirit’s choosing (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). Known as the “charismatic gifts” (charis is the Greek word for grace, denoting power), certain traditions often claim they were in use for a short period after Christ’s resurrection for the building of the early Church, but died out shortly thereafter. Still, other modern Christian traditions claim these gifts as supernatural endowments of power very much in effect today and useful for holy living and evangelism. Evidence from the Bible and history support the latter: The gifts of the Holy Spirit never ceased, but are active and necessary for Christians today.

The Gifts in the Early Church Evidence from the early Church, nearly 100 years after the resurrection of Christ, suggests the gifts were still in operation after the death of the last apostle. The Gospel of Mark features a second ending in chapter 16 from verses 9-20 (Most Bibles note this in the commentary). Here, Jesus mentions signs that will follow believers. “In My name,” Jesus said, “[believers] will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes in their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover“ (Mark 16:17-18). What is most intriguing about this second ending is that scholars admit it was not part of Mark’s original manuscript (Many Bibles also note this in commentary), but was added by the early Church around or after 130 AD.  If the charismatic gifts had ceased, why did the early Church include this second ending that so obviously attests to charismatic signs following believers? I believe they were still seen as necessary in the life of the Church!

Early Church Fathers History indicates that when Christians in the early Church prayed, they expected the Holy Spirit would manifest with powerful signs. This was also assumed during baptisms. These Christians came to depend upon the experience that when a convert was baptized, he or she might rise up out of the baptismal water and begin to prophesy, speak in tongues, see a vision, or be delivered of demons.

Tertullian (ca. 160–255 AD), one of the great defenders of orthodox Christianity, addressed his baptismal candidates to expect the gifts. He would proclaim, “When you come up from the most sacred bath of the new birth, when you spread out your hands … ask your Father, ask your Lord, for the special gift of his inheritance, the distribution of the charisms.” Other Church fathers likewise professed charismatic experiences.

Justin Martyr (ca. 100–165) and Origen of Alexandria (ca. 185–254) spoke about exorcisms.

Clement of Alexandria (ca. 215) believed that a “perfect man” is characterized by his reception of the gifts of 1 Corinthians 12. Thus, more than 100 years after the crucifixion of Christ, and well after the death of the last apostle, the charismatic gifts of the Holy Spirit were still in operation.

Throughout History After the legalization of Christianity by Constantine in 313 A.D. (which itself was influenced by a vision!), the Church had lost much of its fervency and the gifts were not as expected.

Be that as it may, Egyptian monk Pachomius (ca. 346) is said to have spoken in the tongues of angels. Major church father, theologian, and bishop, Augustine (ca. 354-430) initially advised Christians not to expect miracles. After several undeniable wonders in and around his churches, however, he revised his position, concluding that it wasn’t that miracles ceased, the Church had just stopped talking about them. Eastern churches are reported to have continued practicing the gifts of the Spirit in monasteries throughout the Middle Ages. Records exist from this period of those testifying to speaking in unknown tongues, experiencing a baptism of the Holy Spirit (distinct from water baptism), and receiving the gifts by the laying on of hands. By 1100 A.D., a phenomenon called “the Royal Touch” (a belief that the monarchy had power to heal) occurred. At this time, a type of tuberculosis was manifested through boils on a person’s body and the monarchy began holding healing services, touching sufferers while making the sign of the cross over them. In the thirteenth century, King Edward I reportedly blessed more than 1700 people in one year and many testimonies of healing were recorded. Similarly, other monarchs such as King Henry I, King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I claimed many healings. Though somewhat controversial in their day, even in these royal services, God was exalted as healer and the monarch merely the mediator.

Modern History It should be admitted that, for a number of reasons, instances of the gifts did decline over the years. Still, it ought to be obvious that they remained active throughout history, even if isolated to smaller groups. An early Methodist preacher, Thomas Walsh, recorded in his diary in 1750, “The Lord gave me a language I knew not of, raising my soul to him in a wondrous manner.” And by the nineteenth century, a shift began taking place. Revivals emerged throughout the nations accompanied with a renewal of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  Revivalist and founder of Methodism, John Wesley, reported the gifts upon some of his fellow Methodists. A subsequent experience to salvation, the “baptism of the Holy Spirit,” was described as having feelings of supernatural power. By the early twentieth century, the influence was growing, and with the 1906 Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles, the gifts could no longer be ignored. Speaking in tongues and divine healing were paramount in the revivals, once again seen as tools for the furtherance of the gospel and holy living. Testimonies carried the phenomenon across the globe. By the 1970s, nearly every mainline denomination within Christianity was impacted. Some Catholics, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Methodists, Baptists, and so on, testified to receiving a baptism of the Holy Spirit, followed with gifts such as speaking in tongues and a renewed focus on Scripture and Jesus! Later, modern revivals surfaced, accompanied with similar wonders. Some recent revivals have claimed more than 100,000 converts and thousands upon thousands of missionaries dispatched around the world. Certainly, the charismatic gifts of the Holy Spirit as described by the apostle Paul never ceased, but remain as vital in today’s Church as in the early Church, for the spreading of the gospel.

What about us? God has not left you powerless! Jesus said, “I will not leave you comfortless or orphaned …. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you” (John 14:18; 26). Salvation ensures your reconciliation and eternity with God the Father, but subsequent power from the Holy Spirit is available to you, just as it was throughout history, to help you spread the Good News of Jesus and live a life pleasing to Him. Your struggles, strongholds, fears, or whatever it is that holds you back, can be overcome with the help of supernatural gifts given by the Holy Spirit for your benefit. I am a witness

At age 10, when I asked the Spirit to baptize me with His fullness, I received a private prayer language (unknown tongues) and a boldness I never had before. The gifts of the Holy Spirit empower me every day to overcome hurts and fears from the past and continue in victorious living for Jesus. Embark upon a study of the promise of the Holy Spirit throughout the New Testament. John 14:15-31; Acts 1-2; 1 Corinthians 12-14 are great places to begin. If you desire more from God, pray and stay persistent. The Lord is faithful to those who ask and expect more!

Revival overseas reports of 30k people receive ing the Holy Ghost.

Everyday is a miracle,

I prophecy Greater works in New Jersey, New York City, The North East Region

We rise tonight like Davids in the face of Giants of opposition and Brothers of unbelief to declare. Who is this uncirmumcised Phillistines that come to defy th armies of the living God.

Preach the Necessity of Faith and greater works. Dont come foe prayer, come to be healed. Pray believing in the name!!!

In these passages of Scripture, there are three principles given that if you will apply them, you will experience and perform Greater Works

Now there are those who abuse the practice of Greater works. But I am not here to preach about the misuse of practice but to empower some young people with the doctrine of GREATER WORKS.

Greater Works

John 14:8–14

8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.

9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?

10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.

12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

Application (feisty)

Here is a Key: the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

The words I speak are not my words but God’ s words. My words mean nothing, His words are spirit and they are life, He speaks the things which are not as though they were. H has the Power of “Let” on his word! You can’t take my word to the bank but You can sand on His word. The worlds were framed by the word of GoD. Jesus was the word made flesh.

The works that I do are not my works but the Father that dwells in me, He does the work.

And maybe the reason why you don’t see more miracles is because you mis-handled the blessing

Stop robbing God of His Honor and His Glory.

God gets credit, God gets the Glory

And somebody here might be delinquent on some back credit that belongs to God. You need to stand up on your feet and give God some praise for His goodness. I don't deserve his blessings I can’t sit her and not praise you. When I think of the Goodness of Jesus!!!!!

Revelation of APOSTOLIC DOCTRINE -(Revelation of the mighty God in Christ, Salvation)

9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?

Phillip was with Jesus for at least three years at this point. Yet he did not have the revelation of who Jesus was. Think about it, night and day, dead raised to life, multitudes fed, Storm calmed.

It is possible for us to be in church, conferences, service after service and still not have a revelation of who Jesus is.

Here it is: make some notes

A Revelation of Apostolic doctrine must Precede Apostolic Manifestation

My people are destroyed for a lack of Knowledge. Hosea 4:6

If we are going to have apostolic demonstration ( power of God in proof form), We must get back to loving truth. You gotta love Apostolic Truth. Buy the truth and sell it not!

We need a revival of Apostolic Doctrine.

Walking home from church- The conversations and discussions were about doctrine, apologetics, debating and defending the oneness of God. Salvation, baptism in Jesus name. Talking bible. Practicing, operating, witnessing, walk into stores and just ask for stuff and got it.

God give us a fresh appreciation for this revelation of truth.

Phillip Do you Believe that “I AM”?

Jesus is the Father, Jesus is the Son Jesus is the Holy Ghost.

Notice in Matthew 16:13-18 After Peter expressed this powerful revelation of who Jesus is; Jesus released another revelation of Apostolic authority (whatsoever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven. Gates of Hell shall not prevail against the church)

Anyone who comes to you with the teaching of cessation, check their doctrine. They are not apostolic and they are bound by a spirit of deception.

Reverence for Apostolic Discipline (If ye love me keep my commandments)

There must be first a revelation of apostolic doctrine and not only doctrine but also apostolic discipline.

Seven words,

John 14:15 (KJV 1900): 15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

Apostolic Discipline - Holiness

Hebrews 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

1 Corinthians 6:16And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

Psalm 24:3Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?

4He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

Greater Works ( Multi- Generational)

There are greater moves of the spirit in our day because the bible prophesied it!

Acts 2:17

16But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

17And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

18And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

Being Apostolic is Both Old and Young- Inclusive of all generations

Peter gives an explanation of what Greater Works would look like. He says it is the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy about the last chapter of history. Let's read now verses 16 and 17.

This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 'And in the last days it shall be, God declares,that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,

1 and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, (prophetic voice, evangelistic voice, voice of compromise) 2 and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. (you can decide what category you fit in)

What happened at Pentecost, with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, was the opening of a new chapter of history. (Greater Works)

But there is very specific focus on old and young in this Last day congregation.

Notice that verse 17 says, "Your young men will see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams." Neither will be left out.

When the Spirit comes, he draws together in ministry.

Sons and daughters will prophesy (v. 17) and servants will prophesy (v. 18).

The Spirit will draw:

men and women together in ministry,

he will draw low and upper class together in ministry (servants),

and he will draw old and young together in ministry (v. 17).

The Spirit comes upon all, gives gifts to all

But The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to  profit withal. (1 Corinthians 12:7;

As every man  hath received the gift, even so minster the same one to another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God 1 Peter 4:10),

The Spirit of God empowers all for witness and ministry. It is not of the Spirit when old or young withdraw from the other or from the ministry.

Unity Relationship - Generational Prejudice

God can and wants to use every generation for ushering unprecedented revival. We often time think of unity within the scope of each generation or beween nationalities or ethnic groups but Unity spans also across generations. In other words within the scope of similar cultures  and churches while one generation is battling on the front of racial unity. Another younger generation may not be facing that challenge. They have grown up in a world where they are not being discriminated by their color of skin or ethnicity but there is generational prejudices within the church family.

Paul said to Peter you are racist and a hypoctrite because you sit with certain brethren when you are alone with them but change seats when others are around. (Racical prjudice)

Later Paul also said to timothy let no man despise thy youth (Generational prejudice)

Regardless of your age you are able to place your life in the hands of God and allow Him to work.

Luke 24:44-53 Then openend their understanding that they might understand the scriptures…endued with power from on high. Obedience to the revelation will result in the endument of power.

John 14:8-14 Through the revelation of the doctrine that we will have deeper manifestations of God’s Spirit.

Acts19:1-6 when you get the doctrine right you get the experience right!

Believe- Revelation of Jesus

Believe- Greater works

Discipline of Prayer and consecration and a Hunger for God's Glory

This kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

Moses says show me your Glory (Hunger) Revelation > (Lord says many want to see my glory without the discipline of living Holy.) Without holiness no man shall see the Lord!

Anyone who preaches a message of cessation, check their standards of holiness, check their prayer life.

Can’t indulge and consume pop culture and expect to do greater works.

Dad’s prayer life- Surprise vacation, wasnt much of a surprise. Dad was awake in the prayeroom

Dad used in the gifts - Sis Colleen Healed from cancer

Hey cessation it’s, that just happened.

Radical- APOSTOLIC DEMONSTRATION/ Manifestation

Apostolic Doctrine

Apostolic Discipline

Apostolic Demonstration

Acts 2:38 – Kingdom Citizens

Dominion, Restoration, Authority

Signs, wonders, miracles

Working with them

Confirming the word

A Manifestation of the Supernatural

John 14:21He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

Manifest: To exhibit, to show, to inform, to prove, to show plainly, to make evident.

Here is how you Activate Greater Works- As you Go, Signs will follow

Again in Mark 16:15-20 Go teach and these signs shall follow them that received the Revelation, to those who believe! In my name they shall cast out devils…Confirming the word with signs and wonders.

Mark 16:20 And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

(When we preach His word and give Him the credit)

When someone is baptized - Give God the Credit.

NOW ITS UP TO US- GREATER WORKS

Jesus could have healed the lame man at the temple gate. But he said I’m leaving this one for you boys.

For years they passed them man at the gate.

Acts 3:2 declares to us that he was laid there daily.

Acts 4:22 reveals the mans age to be over 40 years old

The disciples at least passed him once a week on the sabbath day.

Something happened after they received the Holy Ghost they refused to pass the lame man at the temple on their way to church without proving the power of God.

How did they perform the miracle?

Acts 3:16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

We walk by faith! Little girl and her dad driving in the storm.

Nothing like the Holy Ghost. It’s great to be healed but even greater to receive the Holy Ghost!

Authority in the name

Faith Builders (Beware lest You forget!!!)

Rochelle- When she got to ER tests showed signs of a stoke. When she was admitted in ICU there was no evidence. What the devil meant for evil God meant for Good.

Sis McCalla no sign of aneurism right before surgery.

If you knew the things that were sent to kill you. But Tell Hell it didn’t work! I am authorized to do greater works.

Demon possessed

Holy Ghost

You shall receive Power!

Mormon Woman who came for prayer

42And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

43And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.   Acts 2:42

And they

If you are sick

Just Last Week

Last week a trinitarian lady who joins our zoom midweek bible study from the Bronx had a dream. The next morning, she called one of our sisters who was on vacation in Arizona. They started praying together over the phone. Karen received the Holy Ghost. We have the recording!

This morning I received a text from our sister on vacation in Arizona. Karen is wants to be baptized during the week next week. Im gonna keep my car gassed up. We ‘re going to make the time. Greater Works!!!

The Greatest miracle is the Holy Ghost.

(If we are going to survive the evil of the day we need to have faith in the Holy Ghost)

Holy Ghost Lifestyle

Holy Ghost Demonstration

Greater works.

Feona healed from double systemic Stoke

Mario Santana’s mom healed from deafness

Fasting the last three days for me to align with God. In sync with the moving of His Spirit.