Even atheists have experienced cancer going into remission and even received a "cancer free" bill of health, only to have the cancer return. I think that sometimes things are just life. Life happens. Miracles are one of the most misunderstood things in Christendom and Pentecost has really worked a number on the theology of miracles. Most people fail to realize that miracles are rare... that's why they are miracles. People also fail to realize that God doesn't perform miracles because we want him to or because it would relieve us of pain or hardship. Miracles, biblically speaking, always serve a purpose. If one studies the Bible and performs a comparative study of Israel's history they will discover that miracles generally take place during times of great revival in the wake of a message from God. This has often served to validate the message. Then one will see that after that message was given miraculous happenings appeared to become few and far between... sometimes appearing to cease entirely. We see miracles in the wake of Moses' delivering the Law and liberating the children of Israel... then in the time of Judges miracles became rather sparse. Then we see a revival of miracles during the time of the prophets, especially in the wake of the ministries of Elijah and Elisha. Then we see miracles wane again. Then we see an increase of miracles in the wake of Christ's ministry and the ministry of the church, then miracles waned again. Subsequently we've seen miraculous outbreaks of miracles scattered here and there in revivals where God was speaking in moving. Miracles are about the message, will, and plan of God. It's not about us. It's not about our comfort, health, or desires. It's entirely based upon his grace and God's ultimate plan.
That's my take. God bless.
I problems with your post, but miracles and healing is two separate things. Healing has not diminished nor is it just for a purpose as you described. Jesus bore stripes for our sickness and disease so that we wouldn't have to, but just as salvation you are going to have to believe it and receive it.
I believe in healings (and miracles) and have witnessed both. However, so many "normal" occurrences are attributed to healings (and miracles) that it gives far too much ammo to critics and far worse, a reason for those who are sitting on the fence regarding a relationship with God, a reason to turn away.
"I had this horrible cold! I prayed and prayed for a healing, and after 5 or 6 days God answered! My cold slowly went away!"
An atheist posted a YouTube video where he asked several (I believe 20) questions. The main one, and title of the video, was "Why doesn't God heal an amputee?". I think it is a FAIR question consider how the vast majority of claimed healings deal with things that cannot be easily verified on the spot.
I have a personal story relating to this topic. I have to decide if I want to post it or not. If I do I will come back later and tell you guys. It is very interesting to me.
I believe in healings (and miracles) and have witnessed both. However, so many "normal" occurrences are attributed to healings (and miracles) that it gives far too much ammo to critics and far worse, a reason for those who are sitting on the fence regarding a relationship with God, a reason to turn away.
"I had this horrible cold! I prayed and prayed for a healing, and after 5 or 6 days God answered! My cold slowly went away!"
An atheist posted a YouTube video where he asked several (I believe 20) questions. The main one, and title of the video, was "Why doesn't God heal an amputee?". I think it is a FAIR question consider how the vast majority of claimed healings deal with things that cannot be easily verified on the spot.
How can you tell the real thing from a natural or medical healing?
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
I believe in healings (and miracles) and have witnessed both. However, so many "normal" occurrences are attributed to healings (and miracles) that it gives far too much ammo to critics and far worse, a reason for those who are sitting on the fence regarding a relationship with God, a reason to turn away.
"I had this horrible cold! I prayed and prayed for a healing, and after 5 or 6 days God answered! My cold slowly went away!"
An atheist posted a YouTube video where he asked several (I believe 20) questions. The main one, and title of the video, was "Why doesn't God heal an amputee?". I think it is a FAIR question consider how the vast majority of claimed healings deal with things that cannot be easily verified on the spot.
I agree.
Real healings do happen. I have witnessed a few that were on-the-spot, miraculous, undeniable (verified by doctors) healings.
I also believe in giving God thanks in ALL things. There are some things that God hard-wired into our bodies during creation. Ways that he designed our bodies to heal themselves (like the cold you mentioned). I thank God for that, because it was part of his design. But I don't claim it as a miraculous healing.
I think too often we claim things like that as "healing" because it bothers us that there aren't more real "healings" going on.
Sometimes we also have a natural desire to be comforted and strengthened by the knowledge that God is in control and is taking care of us. Our faith reaches for that comfort when there is something scary or beyond our control happens to us, and so we may claim healing when it really was just normal.
I do know several people who claimed healing and lived several years, only to be stricken with something similar several years later. Not the same thing, but something similar. The doctors said they couldn't believe they had lived so long. God gave them and/or their loved ones time for something special and then took them home, where they are truly whole forever.
Chances are they see it as a statement "of faith" and "claiming their healing". I don't ascribe to those tactics personally, in fact it smacks of forcing the hand of God (as if we could).
However, when someone is hurting we should work within their mindset to provide comfort. I try to speak positive to these people, yet do not make any claims that may later be proven as nothing other than false hopes.
The woman with the issue of blood said to herself, "If I can touch the hem of his garment, I believe I will be made whole." Jesus replied, "Your faith has made you whole." That's a set-up for false hope, as she claimed her miracle in advance. What you say with your mouth is powerful in the Spiritual realm.
Sometimes we also have a natural desire to be comforted and strengthened by the knowledge that God is in control and is taking care of us. Our faith reaches for that comfort when there is something scary or beyond our control happens to us, and so we may claim healing when it really was just normal.
I do know several people who claimed healing and lived several years, only to be stricken with something similar several years later. Not the same thing, but something similar. The doctors said they couldn't believe they had lived so long. God gave them and/or their loved ones time for something special and then took them home, where they are truly whole forever.
Amen. Sort of like Hezekiah who pleaded with God for more years, and God listened -- granted him 15 years more.
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