"Miraculous healing was just to authenticate the gospel—once the Bible was written, miracles stopped."
How it sounds in your head: You've heard this in Bible studies—signs and wonders were credentials for apostles, not everyday Christian experience. The completed Scripture replaced the need for supernatural confirmation. Expecting miracles now seems biblically naive.
"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father."
-- John 14:12Source: Cessationist theology that makes God's power dispensational rather than relational and covenantal.
It provides a tidy theological explanation for why you don't see many miracles in your church experience. It makes powerlessness seem like maturity rather than deficiency.
Ananias was an ordinary disciple, not an apostle, not famous—just a believer. God sent him to Saul (who was BLIND from Jesus' appearance). Ananias laid hands on him, scales fell from Saul's eyes IMMEDIATELY, he received sight and was filled with the Holy Spirit. Regular believer, extraordinary miracle.
I REFUSE the lie that miracles were only for authentication. IT IS WRITTEN: He who BELIEVES in Me will do the works I do and GREATER works—not apostles only, BELIEVERS. Jesus didn't put an expiration date on His power. IT IS WRITTEN: These signs will follow those who believe—present tense, ongoing promise. Ananias wasn't an apostle but healed Saul's blindness IMMEDIATELY. I am a believer connected to the Vine, and greater works are my inheritance NOW.
The Father didn't give you a Book to replace His presence and power—He gave you His SPIRIT. He's running toward you with the same miracle-working power He gave ordinary believers like Ananias, because you're His daughter and His nature doesn't change with publishing schedules.