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sam444
I appreciate your input.
posted by
calmcantey75
on August 27, 2008 at 3:23 PM
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I live my faith! I could never presume what works for me would work for someone else. sam
posted by
sam444
on August 27, 2008 at 1:13 PM
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mousehop
I know of many Christians (myself included) who have been greatly disappointed and of course are tempted feel betrayed by God because he seemingly did not come through on His word. They prayed to God and believed Him for healing and it did not happen. My wife had this experience with her mother, for example. The only thing we can do is continue to have faith in Him, because in my heart I truly believe that the fault does not lie with God, it's just that I don't know everything there is to know. So I try to keep believing and keep learning, and not allow anger to take root in my heart.
Thanks for your thoughts.
posted by
calmcantey75
on August 27, 2008 at 11:35 AM
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Well-stated
This is an excellent piece, but perhaps a dangerous one. Aside from the inherent conflict shown by Ariala's comment and your response, there is also the clear expectation of the appearance of miracles as a necessary result of faith. Such a conclusion is certainly supported by scripture. David Hume aside (he argued that miracles are impossible by definition), it was my expectation of miracles that drove my analysis of religion. I was not seeking miracles; I simple expected that they would occur in the normal course of events, as stated in the Bible. When they didn't, I had to wonder why.
I hope your journey through this challenge is less traumatic than mine.
posted by
mousehop
on August 27, 2008 at 9:47 AM
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I failed to add
believers should NOT seek signs and wonders. Any believer would be adulterous if they were to do so. Believers should seek the sincere milk of the Word of God, and His fellowship through other believers and in prayer.
posted by
calmcantey75
on August 26, 2008 at 5:55 PM
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Ari
I agree with a significant portion of your comment because it is indeed the greatest miracle to change a human heart and cause them to see and believe the truth, and be born again. In that you and I are in iron clad agreement.
I think you and I have a fine doctrinal difference and I have always known this. Our difference is, and correct me if I am amiss, is I believe God confirms His Word to unbelievers in miracles that are along the lines of miraculous, or "divine" healings and resurrections from the dead. Demonstrations of His power in order to confirm his word and enable us to be effective "fishers of men." I do not believe Satan has the ability to counterfeit these types of "signs and wonders", but definantly will deceive with certain "signs and wonders." Satan is the spirit of death and could not heal sickness and raise from physical death even if he wanted to ( and since he has a God complex Im sure he would love to in some instances), otherwise his kingdom would be divided against itself and Jesus said this is not so.
I believe you have much skepticism concerning divine healings and things of the like, or the whole "charismatic" movement as it is referred to. I understand and respect your convictions. The bottom line is we both agree that Jesus is resurrected Son of God and that makes us eternal bother and sister. That is the cornerstone.
I greatly appreciate you speaking your heart.
posted by
calmcantey75
on August 26, 2008 at 5:52 PM
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I respectfully disagree with you...Jesus said that it is an adulterous
generation that seeks for signs. Jesus added that he gave the sign of Jonah. In the last days, Satan will counterfeit miracles. People want visual proof of signs, wonders and miracles, because they will not practice faith. It is by faith (trusting in the Word) and not by sight (miracles) that we are to walk. A relationship with Jesus should not depend on a "what's in it for me?" temporal miracle, but rather, a changed life of God living in us -- that, my friend, is the TRUE miracle, in my opinion.
Those who seek miracles will get them very soon when Satan will deceive the whole world with signs and wonders, claiming to be from God all the while going against the very Word of God that so many are throwing away.
posted by
Ariala
on August 26, 2008 at 5:29 PM
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