does God still performs miracles today?

[TheNewMan]

For we know in part

Not that the Scriptures, the rule and measure of knowledge, and from whence spiritual knowledge is derived, are imperfect; so that there is need of unwritten traditions, and of enthusiastic revelations and inspirations, to inform of things otherwise unknown; for though they were at sundry times, and in divers manners delivered, yet now they contain a complete system of divine truths, to which nothing is to be added, and from which nothing is to be taken away; or that only a part of the saints know the things of God; for though there is a difference between them, some have more knowledge than others, yet all have some, all are taught of God, and know him, and have that anointing which teacheth all things; wherefore the sense also is not, that only a part of truth, and not the whole, is known; for the Spirit of God leads into all truth; the whole counsel of God is made known in the Scriptures, and by the ministers of the word; though, to this sense the Arabic version inclines, rendering it, "some part of doctrine we know"; and so in ( 1 Corinthians 13:12 ) "some part of knowledge I know"; as also the Syriac version, which renders it (lylq ygo Nm) , "a little from much we know"; but the true meaning is, that though the rule of knowledge is perfect, and all the saints have knowledge, and every truth of the Gospel is known; yet by those that know most, it is known but imperfectly: the truth itself may be most clearly discerned, as it is revealed in the word; yet the manner of it, how it is, may not be known; and many difficulties may attend it, and objections be raised to it, which are not easily solved; as in the doctrines of the Trinity, predestination, the union of the two natures in Christ, the resurrection of the dead

Obviously not all disciples and followers of Christ had full knowledge of the truths of God, because they had to be taught by the things which people like Paul wrote. Apparently the Corinthians didn't know the truth about spiritual gifts, or else why would Paul teach these things to them? No, they did not have all knowledge.

and we prophesy in part;

the word of prophecy, as it sure, it is also perfect, to which we do well to take heed; and though all do not prophesy, yet all that do, and that prophesy aright, that is, explain the word of God aright, these preach the Gospel fully, declare the whole counsel of God, and keep back nothing profit able to the saints; yet still their prophesying or explaining the prophecies of the Old Testament, or the mysteries of the Gospel, is but imperfect at best in the present state of things.

No dispute with that. And yet those things had to be taught and distributed. They were obviously not automatically known by all saints.

1 Corinthians 13:10

But when that which is perfect is come

When perfect knowledge of God, of Christ, and of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven shall take place; which will not in this life, but in that which is to come. So the Jews say ^F18 that at the resurrection, upon the reunion of the soul and body,

``the children of men shall attain to (hmylv hed) , "perfect knowledge";''

which is what the apostle refers to here:

The Jews have no authority to determine truth. God alone has authority to determine truth. We listen to God, not man. Also, it cannot be discussing the resurrection because, as I have said, faith and hope will not abide after the resurrection, and the passage says that faith, hope, and love will abide after that which is perfect has come (because they will outlast spiritual gifts).

and then that which is in part, shall be done away:

the imperfection of knowledge shall be removed; the imperfect manner of communicating knowledge, and of receiving and acquiring it, will cease: thus the apostle explains what he means by the cessation and failing of knowledge, and prophecy; not that knowledge itself will be no more, and a state of ignorance and darkness succeed; but imperfect knowledge will vanish away, or rather will be perfected, or be swallowed up in perfect knowledge; the imperfection of it will disappear; and it will be no more taught and received in part; the whole of truth will be clearly known.

The imperfection of knowledge was that not all saints had the opportunity to call upon the knowledge of God. Think, if the revelations of God had not been compiled and recorded, copied, and distributed, the ONLY way man could know what God wanted Him to do, or even to know ANYTHING about God, would be if God spoke to them through someone who ALREADY had the gifts. The gifts were only given to those who believed. So if someone had no knowledge of Christ, and there was no one around him who believed in God, there would be no way for him to know the knowledge of God. So you see that it was necessary for the knowledge of God to be recorded and brought together so that anyone who seeks the word of God can find it. And also, the knowledge mentioned is not knowledge in the sense of knowing anything in general, but revealed knowledge from God. Once revealed, if recorded, there is no need to reveal it again.

^{We will know all things just as I’m known when we are face to face with God!}

We can know all things that pertain to life and godliness here on earth, without coming face to face with God (2 Peter 1:3).

¹² For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

It doesn't say we shall see God face to face, simply that our knowledge will no longer be dim, but clear.

[nebula]

How did God speak to Abraham, Moses, Elijah, Peter, Philip, Paul, etc.?

Or when Jesus said:

13 "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth ; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak ; and He will disclose to you what is to come. 14 "He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. 15 "All things that the Father has are Mine ; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you. (John 16)

Do you not think the Spirit speaks to you?

He spoke to them directly. Irrelevant. He didn't have a written word to speak to them with. Also, that verse is addressed specifically to Jesus's eleven apostles (Judas had left to go betray Jesus in John 13:30, and from then on Jesus is addressing His apostles, until Chatper 17), no one else. But yes, I do think that the Spirit talks to me through the word He has revealed to me, which contains all that pertains to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3)

Are you saying the Lordc an only speak through Scripture verses to tell people to go minister to someone specific, like He did with Peter (to go to Cornelius' home) and Philip (telling him to approach the eunuch's chariot)?

You do not believe the Lord directs people this way anymore?

Has he ever pointed out to you a specific sin you haven't dealt with yet that needs to be dealt with?

Yep, His commandments convict me every time I read them, if I am not living right. James 1:25 - "But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does."

All I have to do is look into the perfect law of liberty to see if I am doing right. I also pray to God for wisdom (James 1:5), asking Him that He would humble my heart and show me what His word truly says.

What I mean is something like this.

One of the men leading a Bible study I'm going to know shared about one time his children had a party and one of his sons did something he wasn't supposed to. This man became angry and harshly rebuked his son in front of his friends, including calling him an demeaning term. As he walked back up the stairs, the Holy Spirit spoke to him, "Go back down there - you were wrong!"

So he went back down and said to them all his need to apologize to them for saying what he did in front of them rather than speaking to his son privately and for the words he used, and then he asked his son for his forgiveness. The son responded something like, "Yeah Dad, whatever."

He found out later than night after he had walked back upstairs, one of the friends (who had a verbally abusive father) turned to the son and said, "Can your dad get any cooler than that?"

Has the Lord ever convicted you like that?

Great, but has he told you what you need to do specifically to add these things? Has He congratulated you for making the correct choice from time to time, or has He rebuked you for making the wrong choice from time to time so that you can follow this command more efficiently?

Let's see.

Faith - "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God." - Romans 10:17

Virtue - The definition of virtue is: "moral excellence; goodness; righteousness." "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness," - 2 Timothy 3:16.

Knowledge - "how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)"

Self-control - "Abstain from every form of evil." - 1 Thessalonians 5:22. "make no provision for the flesh" - Romans 13:14.

Perseverance - Prayer helps. (Ephesians 6:18-19)

Godliness - Godliness is a result of persevering in self-control, having put in virtue and knowledge.

Brotherly Kindness - Galatians 6:10.

Love - 1 John 4:19-21.

I fail to see how you can determine anything specific that needs to be dealt with.

[nebula]

Has He told you how to love someone specifically that you were specifically having a hard time showing love to?

Perhaps. But it's my duty to look, not God's.

Are you saying the Spirit does not guide you?

Thank you for showing me how well you can polish your halo.

Now please tell me about the nitty gritty of your life. I would appreciate hearing details of how you faced a specific situation and specifically applied your principles into the situation and specifically had your solution and specifically got through it.

Polishing my halo? No. I am simply telling you how God has blessed me, because I have correctly interpreted His will about love and self-control and righteous, and things such as that. I also did not say that I had confidence that I interpret all Scripture correctly, only in regards to salvation.

"because I have correctly interpreted His will" comes across as very puffed up in yourself.

Like - Yes! My mind is awesome!!!! I am the interpretation king!

Nitty gritty? Well, from the ages of 9 to 18, I was addicted to pornography. It ruined my entire spiritual life. In fact, it made every act I did basically worthless, because I was not acting with true love and faith toward God, so I was not saved, no matter how much I read the Bible each day, or how many people I told about Christ, or how many people I persuaded to be baptized.

Then I went to college and, through the influences of good Christians there, I was edified to be more obedient to God. I read verses like 1 Corinthians 10:13 which says that God always provides a way of escape from temptation. That is God speaking to me, telling me how I can refrain from sinning. So from then on, confessing my transgressions to my brethren and praying that I might be healed of my spiritual infirmities (James 5:16), I would recite in my mind encouraging Scriptures that helped me realize the possibility of avoiding sin, and the benefits of doing so. Hope that was clear.

Not quite. You discovered the possibility and benefits, but I'm not hearing you testify of actual deliverance.

[nebula]

No, my experience tells me that people have been interpreting the Bible wrong.

You see, Paul never said "the completed Word of God". People who did not want to believe in the miraculous found a way to interpret Paul's words that way.

I have shown you many reasons as to why that is the correct interpretation.

And I disagree with how you have stringed verses together.

The only reason you've given to me to deny that it is the right interpretation is by saying "that is not the right interpretation." Please show me the right interpretation.

It's funny to me listening to you.

People have prophesied over me (the revealing the secrets of my heart kind), and I have seen prophetic visions to give to others - and you want me to believe in your grandiose ability to interpret Scripture that prophecies have ceased?

A woman in a prayer meeting I attended was healed of AIDS - doctor confirmed - and you want to convince me that because of your interpretation it didn't happen that way?

I was delivered instantly from the desire to commit suicide (a desire I struggled with every day for about 25 years), and you claim miracles don't happen? I have been walking free from that cloud for almost 5 years with no sign of it's return, and you want to tell me it was something natural?

Tell me why I should bother talking to you anymore? Seriously - why?

[Believer112]

Out of curiosity -- how many passages of the Bible can you claim that miracles have ceased? I would think if its a very strong doctrine there should be dozens of scriptures that one can use to defend the argument.

I have been seeking God in this George:

Ps 23 leads us into green pastures...

why would Christ lead us into signs and wonders as evidences of Him ... when He warns us here of the days we are in-

2 Thess 2:9-12

9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

NKJV

I do not need miracle to know they are and He is able to do anything! I also know He warns of this reality-

1 Cor 1:22-25

2 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

NKJV

Then seeking after Christ both wisdom and signs are possible but Christ to be sought not the sign nor the wisdom... Love Steven

Steven, signs are not for believers, they are for non believers.

Mark 16:

¹⁷ And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; ¹⁸ they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”

If what we see or the doctrine we believe in causes unbelief, how can we receive? If we don’t believe it’s God’s will which causes doubt, how can we receive? If we don’t see or hear it in God’s word will affect our faith. Jesus healed out of compassion and Peter acts 4:9 did it for a good deed.

MATTHEW 21:22

22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

MARK 9:23

23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

MARK 11:23­–24

23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

James talks about wisdom but says the same thing as Jesus when it comes to doubt and believing.

⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. ⁶ But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷ That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.

The bible doesn't give too much information on the spiritual realm so it's not clear how satan interfere's with our prayers but there is a part we have to play.

[OneLight]

Does God still speak to your heart?

Yes, through His written word. Ephesians 3:20 says that there is a power that works in us. Romans 1:16 identifies that power as the gospel of Christ.

Did God speak to Adam?

[George]

Out of curiosity -- how many passages of the Bible can you claim that miracles have ceased? I would think if its a very strong doctrine there should be dozens of scriptures that one can use to defend the argument.

That's a very, very dangerous belief to have. In fact, it's completely wrong. If God tells us something one time, is He lying because He tells us one time? Is He not serious about what He says because He says it one time? Is it just a suggestion, not a command, if He only says it one time? My friend, I would encourage you to take every single word of God seriously.

I merely pointing out perhaps you're misinterpreting the passage. Perhaps it's supposed to be interpreted a different way -- such as when that which is perfect has come -- is when the Lord returns and we have incorruptible bodies. Or that which is perfect is come is referring to the "New Jerusalem". You see -- you're basing your theology on a verse that doesn't have a qualifier that says -- that which is perfect is come -- is the Bible itself.

Let's play a hypothetical situation. Let's suppose it's the Bible for a moment. When did the miracles stop? Did it stop after Revelation was written? Or when each of the churches had made a complete copy of the cannon? Or perhaps it was the council of Nicea when they determined (or attempted to determine) what was in Cannon? Or perhaps it was when the common man had access of the Scripture after the printing press? Or maybe it ended when each nation had the Bible translated into their own language?

Do you see any possible problems with basing your entire premise on this passage? That which "is perfect has come" may not necessarily mean the Bible.

Your brother in the Lord with much agape love,

George

[George]

Out of curiosity -- how many passages of the Bible can you claim that miracles have ceased? I would think if its a very strong doctrine there should be dozens of scriptures that one can use to defend the argument.

I have been seeking God in this George:

Ps 23 leads us into green pastures...

why would Christ lead us into signs and wonders as evidences of Him ... when He warns us here of the days we are in-

2 Thess 2:9-12

9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

NKJV

I do not need miracle to know they are and He is able to do anything! I also know He warns of this reality-

1 Cor 1:22-25

2 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

NKJV

Then seeking after Christ both wisdom and signs are possible but Christ to be sought not the sign nor the wisdom... Love Steven

Shalom Steven,

We are not to SEEK signs as the Scripture says -- but SIGNS should FOLLOW them that believe!

I'm not sure if you know this, but my daughter was born blind in Jerusalem 8 years ago. When we found out we were devastated. I honestly didn't know what to do -- we were in the midst of complete chaos in Jerusalem at the time.

These are the different events that had taken place the first 6 months I arrived in Israel.

* I was nearly on a bus bombing -- but the Lord prompted me not to get on the #14 bus -- and instead take the #18 bus behind it, which didn't make sense since it was actually taking me out of the way. But the #14 bus blew up less than 200 meters in front of me.

* We couldn't find a place to live, and finally moved into an apt 2 weeks before my daughter was born. She was born on our kitchen floor with the assistance of a midwife, since the Israeli government was on strike. With government controlled health insurance and we couldn't get our health care coverage squared away.

* The new notebook computer that I used to update Worthy -- the hard drive failed. (The computer was less than 3 months old)

* A major earthquake had hit.

* There was a major problem on the Worthy Boards at the time.

* There was a flash flood outside my apt in Dec.

and finally my daughter was born blind! In a nutshell, my first few months in Israel was the hardest months of ministry ever!

When I found out my daughter was blind, all I could do was to fast and pray. I prayed and fasted for days [not sure how many days -- my wife thinks 11 or 12 but honestly I wasn't counting because I was focused on getting an answer from God.] After a period of days where I was praying and fasting -- I looked at my daughter and smiled -- and then she smiled -- then I bopped my head left -- she turned left -- I bopped my head right -- she turned right! Do you know my daughter sees today -- SHE's NOT BLIND!

If that's not a miracle, I don't know what else to call it! And if you deny that it's a miracle from God -- then you're taking away the glory that should be rightfully HIS!

Your brother in the Lord with much agape love,

George

[~candice~]

Out of curiosity -- how many passages of the Bible can you claim that miracles have ceased? I would think if its a very strong doctrine there should be dozens of scriptures that one can use to defend the argument.

I have been seeking God in this George:

Ps 23 leads us into green pastures...

why would Christ lead us into signs and wonders as evidences of Him ... when He warns us here of the days we are in-

2 Thess 2:9-12

9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

NKJV

I do not need miracle to know they are and He is able to do anything! I also know He warns of this reality-

1 Cor 1:22-25

2 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

NKJV

Then seeking after Christ both wisdom and signs are possible but Christ to be sought not the sign nor the wisdom... Love Steven

My two cents...

The enemy will come with lying wonders. Lying!

See, the enemy only tries to counterfeit the real thing. He wouldn't bother trying t counterfeit miracles if there was not a legitimate miracle / sign etc to copy. The enemy doesn't counterfeit unicorns. The reason why fake miracles / signs are deceptive is because there are REAL signs and miracles going on at the same time.

[enoob57]

Out of curiosity -- how many passages of the Bible can you claim that miracles have ceased? I would think if its a very strong doctrine there should be dozens of scriptures that one can use to defend the argument.

I have been seeking God in this George:

Ps 23 leads us into green pastures...

why would Christ lead us into signs and wonders as evidences of Him ... when He warns us here of the days we are in-

2 Thess 2:9-12

9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

NKJV

I do not need miracle to know they are and He is able to do anything! I also know He warns of this reality-

1 Cor 1:22-25

2 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

NKJV

Then seeking after Christ both wisdom and signs are possible but Christ to be sought not the sign nor the wisdom... Love Steven

Shalom Steven,

We are not to SEEK signs as the Scripture says -- but SIGNS should FOLLOW them that believe!

I'm not sure if you know this, but my daughter was born blind in Jerusalem 8 years ago. When we found out we were devastated. I honestly didn't know what to do -- we were in the midst of complete chaos in Jerusalem at the time.

These are the different events that had taken place the first 6 months I arrived in Israel.

* I was nearly on a bus bombing -- but the Lord prompted me not to get on the #14 bus -- and instead take the #18 bus behind it, which didn't make sense since it was actually taking me out of the way. But the #14 bus blew up less than 200 meters in front of me.

* We couldn't find a place to live, and finally moved into an apt 2 weeks before my daughter was born. She was born on our kitchen floor with the assistance of a midwife, since the Israeli government was on strike. With government controlled health insurance and we couldn't get our health care coverage squared away.

* The new notebook computer that I used to update Worthy -- the hard drive failed. (The computer was less than 3 months old)

* A major earthquake had hit.

* There was a major problem on the Worthy Boards at the time.

* There was a flash flood outside my apt in Dec.

and finally my daughter was born blind! In a nutshell, my first few months in Israel was the hardest months of ministry ever!

When I found out my daughter was blind, all I could do was to fast and pray. I prayed and fasted for days [not sure how many days -- my wife thinks 11 or 12 but honestly I wasn't counting because I was focused on getting an answer from God.] After a period of days where I was praying and fasting -- I looked at my daughter and smiled -- and then she smiled -- then I bopped my head left -- she turned left -- I bopped my head right -- she turned right! Do you know my daughter sees today -- SHE's NOT BLIND!

If that's not a miracle, I don't know what else to call it! And if you deny that it's a miracle from God -- then you're taking away the glory that should be rightfully HIS!

Your brother in the Lord with much agape love,

George

It is a good witness George and am thankful to you for giving it! My heart is rejoicing in the eyes of your daughter and for bus 18... I burn in my heart for our Lord and in this place I sense His pleasure... I watch the miracle of His movement within the collective of this place from around the world... God's life through your life to the lives of here and there of everywhere Jn 15:5 Love Steven