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Post by christisking on Apr 18, 2006 22:35:38 GMT -5
Just because you haven't seen them doesn't mean that they don't happen and happen regularly. It is mostly in the western church that we don't see such things. Signs and wonders, healing, dead raising's, dreams and visions are common place in other parts of the world - China for one. 80 million Chinese Christians (or 80%) claim to have come to Christ after hearing the gospel followed by sings and wonders - mostly miraculous healing and dead raising. These things frequently happen in Africa, Vietnam, India, Asia, South America and many other places around the world. Do some study on the church in these places. You might just change you mind. Patrick www.obeyjesus.net
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Post by josh on Apr 18, 2006 22:42:53 GMT -5
Often the experiences of Acts reveal a transitional event rather than advocate doctrinal truth. The apostles in their epistles explain the doctrinal truths that are intended to be normative for God's people today. Luke's purpose in Acts is more to provide a bridge for understanding these changes than to provide a basis for universal doctrinal truth. Bro, honestly, how did you come to this conclusion? That is a common view point in theological circles, since the Book of Acts is a history book, recording the Acts of the early church, while the epistles are written to correct error, and teach in doctrine. As for signs and wonders, the biggest wonder still occurs in preaching, and that wonder is "Why would God use us?" and "Why would God save us?" I think the major problem with many of those in evangelism, is that they seek after signs and wonders, but like Jeus said only a wicked generation seeks a sign. God is Sovereign, if He wants signs and wonders, then He will do it, nothing we do can command that. But if He chooses not to then we should be content.
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Post by christisking on Apr 18, 2006 23:10:23 GMT -5
This is true - just don't despise them when He does decide to do them. Patrick www.obeyjesus.net
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Post by josh on Apr 18, 2006 23:13:18 GMT -5
This is true - just don't despise them when He does decide to do them. Patrick www.obeyjesus.netIf they are from Him then we don't despise them, but no matter what sign or wonder occurs we are to test it via the Word of God to establish if it is of God or not.
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Post by christisking on Apr 19, 2006 22:03:21 GMT -5
Amen! We are in agreement - any reason via the Word of God to despise the vision written in the original post. Patrick www.obeyjesus.net
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Post by biblethumper on Apr 23, 2006 11:02:37 GMT -5
Pat's Vision was definately of the Lord, 100%.
Those of the Spirit know the things freely given by the Spirit.
Thank you, Pat.
I freely accept and receive this as from God, as it's totally Biblical and your own words show a strong Biblical Lifestyle.
Amen.
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