↑ Mission trip to Canada: Where crowds gather, there thrives Svein-Magne Pedersen.

The key to success in missionary work is that it must happen “by word and deed, by the power of signs and wonders.” Without it, we lack something essential!

Unfortunately, mission has consisted far too much of words, words, and an incredible amount of words. It didn't resemble Jesus. Researchers have discovered that two-thirds of everything Jesus did in his three-year mission was to heal, perform wonders and signs, and cast out evil spirits. That’s why he was successful in his mission. People believed in him “when they saw the signs he did” (John 2:23). Here is Jesus’ description of his mission:

“See, I cast out evil spirits and heal the sick today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will be finished.”

Luke 13:32

On the third day, he rose from the dead, and the gospel was complete. Miracles every day! It resembles our everyday life in Jesus Heals Ministries!

The world will not be won by sermons

Who would buy a car without first trying it? If it’s better than the old one, there might be a purchase. People want to know if the new outlook on life is better than what they have. The best way to find out is to see if it WORKS. Many are searching for good health and a better life. What can Jesus offer? At Sunday school and confirmation, we heard about Jesus the healer. “Let us see and experience power and healing! Do you have anything to offer us?” the world cries out to us. And then we continue just organizing one conference after another, preaching and preaching – without producing results.

↑ Mission trip to Canada: The Sikhs were very interested in hearing the gospel preached.

If the world could be won just because of good sermons, it would have happened long ago! People attend meeting after meeting after meeting after meeting – and hear thousands of words – without a demonstration of the power of the gospel. Are there realities behind the thousand words? Does it work? Sometimes it works well. We hear about scattered miracles. But Jesus wants many more miracles and LESS preaching. In many places, preachers line up to speak at meetings. While in other places, there is a great shortage of preachers. Not to mention missions among unreached peoples!

“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages. He taught in their synagogues and preached the gospel of the kingdom, and he healed EVERY sickness and EVERY ailment.”

Matthew 9:35

Healing was central to his mission – and not something “on the side” – as it often is today. There are very few preachers today who are like Jesus in their mission.

“The Nazareth Syndrome”

Jesus was dissatisfied with his meeting campaign in his hometown of Nazareth. They did not accept him there. They closed the door of faith to him. They knew his family and his past as a carpenter – and now he had become a well-known rabbi! It was too much for them. The village beast struck out in criticism and anger. “He thinks he is more important than us!” I call this the “Nazareth Syndrome.” This attitude stifled the healing power and grace in Jesus.

“And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick and healed them. And he marveled at their unbelief.”

Mark 6:5–6

“He could not.” The power of unbelief stifled the healing power in Jesus’ life. We would have been elated if “a few sick” were healed at our meetings, but that was not Jesus! He wanted much more, for “he felt deep compassion” for the sick (Matthew 14:14). He was full of love for the needy. They did not accept him in his hometown of Nazareth. It is the same today. They were simply rude and did not honor him as a preacher. Jesus stated:

“No prophet is accepted in his own hometown.”

Mark 4:24

Healing preachers are certainly not always welcomed in churches around. The topic is too controversial, and criticism from church members can arise. All for the sake of peace. Evangelical truths are withheld due to fear of man! And people continue to fill themselves with words, words, words, and more words – from preachers who prefer words and theories, interpretations more than what Paul promoted. He stood for a ministry with “word and DEED, by the power of the Spirit.” “Thus, I have FULLY preached the gospel of Christ from Jerusalem and all the way to Illyricum.” (Romans 15:18–19)

Paul was not satisfied with theories, but a preaching that led to demonstration of God’s power:

“My speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. So that your faith should not be founded on human wisdom, but on the power of God.”

1 Corinthians 2:4–5