Manifestations of Spiritual Gifts
I have recently been involved in a "study" (it seemed more a debate and I withdrew for the moment) regarding the gifts/sign-gifts of the Apostles and how they may or may not be valid today. Since withdrawing from that study, I have found much support in scripture to the validity of "miracles" today. Just this morning in 1 Cor where Paul discussed his "thorn" spoke of God's will to heal or not. My understanding has been that healing, along with other signs and gifts is still valid today, but, as with anything of God, is according to his will, and not only of our faith. Paul had faith, to the degree that God took him to the third heaven. Some have tried to pursuade me that all signs, miracles, etc., ended with the apostles.
My request to any who read this is, how are we to respond to those who have been taught and attempt to adhere to these teachings? I say attempt because of the double-speak I experienced, while putting forth scripture to validate that God can, will, and does desire to give healing (other than spiritual via salvation) to some for the purpose of demonstrating his power to the end of the age. I know He has healed today because He has healed or "delivered" me from many affictions, as well as others who have testified. It is on that basis that I stand firm.
miracles
Dear Seeker:
Welcome! May you be enlighten on your journey with the Lord's truth and love.
The Bible tells us that God's ways are past finding out, they are so far beyond us that we cannot discover them. Of course, not everything God does is past finding out -- he reveals many things to us in creation and in Scripture. But a miracle is something that God does that is contrary to normal expectations and workings. Miracles can even contradict things like the laws of physics. These are things that really are "past finding out." But science is designed to discover only those things that are consistent with the way the universe normally works. People and science are simply unequipped to investigate or even to understand the secrets works of God.
The signs and miracles cannot end with the apostles - people need them today for their journey to the truth. Grant it, some never experience a down right miracle but have been given God's grace to enlighten and teach them (which I feel is a big miracle in itself). All types of miracles all around us. Healings of body, faith conversions, healings in relationships, finances... all these are God's gift of miracles. Prayer is the strongest miracle or gift we have. It is our direct communication with our God and he always answers each one. Sometimes, the outcome is not what we want but when time passes and you reflect on it, you will see that His "no" was indeed for your good and was an answer or your miracle.
People need to open their eyes and especially their hearts and mind to what is around them, what their journey has been and if you have your faith, you see that he lead you right where you should be, namely, looking to serve and know Him better and bringing others to Him.
May all be blessed on their journey with many miracles!
Yours in Christ,
Maria