Six people killed! er, raised from the dead!

We are somewhat callous to the first part of that "headline." In these days, we easily believe it. But we are pretty much incredulous of the second part.

Yet, that's what I read happened in St. Augustine's church in Hippo. Six people were raised from the dead, as reported in City of God by Augustine, according to John Wesley in the book, The Holy Spirit and Power.

And this was long after the death of all the Apostles. And long after the completion of the New Testament.

So, why don't we see that today?

We do read reports of such from time to time. But how many of us have actually witnessed it?

I'd love to hear from you if you have.

And I'll rephrase the question. Why don't we see more of that today? Do we lack faith?

Jesus questioned whether or not He would find faith on the earth when He returned.

And that may be pretty soon.

We know faith is a gift of the Holy Spirit. And faithfulness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.Maybe that's it--do we really welcome the Holy Spirit--receive Him and all His works, His gifts, His desires--as totally welcome in our hearts? And in our writing? Or do we just use Jesus as a fire escape and do the minimum to stay in fellowship with Him?

It may also be that we are in a time where the whole church has a problem. There is a church that Jesus wants to spit out of His mouth, it's so lukewarm. Oy. Could that be us?

Yes or no, this is worth a try: Let's all pray for Him to (continually) fill us and use us.

Maybe we'll even see people raised from the dead. Along with a lot of other things.

Habakkuk 3:2 (New International Version)

LORD, I have heard of your fame;
I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD.
Renew them in our day,
in our time make them known;
in wrath remember mercy.

In the mighty name of our King of Kings and Lord of Lords, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.