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.
Healing vs Miracles
Dear Seeker of Truth,
I too am new to this forum, and feel that the good Lord led me here to learn and ask questions without fear of being put down for lack of understanding. In my journey thus far, I have been blessed with what I call a "child-like" faith that has remained with me from the first moment I ask the Lord to be my Savior.
I believe God can and will do whatever He needs to do in a person's life and it will be to His Glory always. I am often give "cause to pause" when I hear or read the perspectives of others in search of the truth. I have recently read that if we do not receive healing, prosperity, etc., it is because we don't have enough faith, or we don't believe it was meant for us, or we are just lacking in belief, period. I have a problem with those thoughts because I feel faith grows as we live, pray, learn, and understand. I feel healing, miracles, and all blessings are God's demonstration of His immutable and inerrant word, to those who both believe in Jesus, and to those who still need Him but have been led astray and require "signs".
I have received much healing and/or deliverance in my life. I have been able to look at my life and see God's hand on me as far back as I can remember. Currently, I am dealing with physical limitations but fully believe they will be whatever God so desires for me. I believe He could and would make me whole, and will if it will bring glory to Him. I have so much to learn, am very excited as I study, exlpore, investigate, and anticipate!
I would greatly encourage you to keep seeking the Bible for the truth that will set you free. I pray the Holy Spirit would fill you with light and truth, and keep you safe from the deceiver and twister of the scriptures. There is a good reference for information on the 'cult' religions, includes Mormans, Jehovah's Witnesses, 7th Day Adventists, and several others, called "The Kingdom of the Cults". There are also many references online thru encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com.
I have found many good resources online, and am so glad they are there as I can't always get out to the library and such. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts, and I look forward to hearing more from you! God Bless you.
For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. Ps 96:4