Why Was Faith Necessary For Jesus To Do Miracles
God has unlimited power, but it pleases him to exercise his power in response to our faith. Jesus did not force divine blessings on people who openly rejected him. He often performed miracles for those who already believed, and sometimes his miracles led to faith in those who did not previously believe . But Jesus would not perform miracles simply for his own personal benefit.
Beginning Of The Christian Church
At the beginning of the New Testament period there was a distinct leading up to the establishment of the Christian church. It coincided with great signs and wonders particularly the healing of the sick and the raising up of dead people in order to validate the Messiahship of Jesus as the Son of God. His resurrection from the dead and ascension were the climax of a life in the power of God, so that all could see and know that He was the promised Messiah.
Peter reminded Israel of the divine aspects of Jesus life: Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs which God did through Him in your midst. He also referred to the great significance of Jesus crucifixion, Him, being delivered by the carefully planned intention and foreknowledge of God . The miracles done by Jesus was Gods way of proving that Jesus is the Messiah and Saviour of Israel and the whole world.
In a time of great persecution against the early Christian church the apostles prayed that the Lord would enable them to do healings, and signs and wonders in the Name of Jesus . These confirmative signs were part of their ministry . There are indications that power to do these special signs was also given to other believers during this time. The Lord Jesus said:
Let us consider these five special signs and miracles:
Building Of The New Jerusalem
Near the time of the coming of Jesus Christ, the faithful Saints will build a righteous city, a city of God, called the New Jerusalem. Jesus Christ Himself will rule there. The Lord said the city will be built in the state of Missouri in the United States .
These are only a few of the signs that the Lord has given us. The scriptures describe many more.
-
What evidence do you see that the signs are being fulfilled?
Also Check: How Many Times Bible Says Fear Not
Bible Verses About Signs And Wonders
Bible verses related to Signs And Wonders from the King James Version by Relevance
Topics and verses are auto-generated from user searches. If a verse or topic does not belong, please contact us. Some scripture references/categories courtesy of Open Bible .info under CC BY 3.0
Search the King James Version for more references about Signs And Wonders…
Does A Lack Of A Miracle Indicate That I Didnt Have Enough Faith
No. Sometimes Jesus heals people on the basis of their faith , sometimes he heals people despite them having no faith , and sometimes extremely faithful people are not healed and continue in their suffering. Paul the Apostle experienced that God, in his sovereignty, allows brokenness to remain in our lives. After praying three times that he would be healed from his thorn in the flesh, Paul writes:
But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
I remember when one of my good friends was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer when we were 18 years old. We prayed and prayed for healing, but we did so knowing that God would heal his body either here-and-now or at his resurrection when Christ returns. Ethan ended up passing away. He more than anyone of us understood that if God healed him of his cancer now, that was only a temporary healing he would certainly die later on anyway. Permanent healing only happens at the Second Coming of Jesus. Even Jesus, whom we claim to follow, was not healed from his wounds until after he died.
Read Also: What Does The Bible Say About Mental Abuse
Bible Verses About Helping The Poor
Poverty is complex and ever-changing, but how does God command us to help those in poverty? First of all, the Bible calls us to give generously and open wide your hand to your brother. He wants us to be kind and have a joyful heart while giving, whether thats through a one-time commitment or sponsoring a child. Ultimately, the important part is that we act out of an overflow of blessing in our own lives!
Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. James 1:27
Luke 12:32-34Fear not, little flock, for it is your Fathers good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Proverbs 29:7A righteous man knows the rights of the poor a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.
Deuteronomy 15:11For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.
Proverbs 3:27-28Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,when it is in your power to do it.Do not say to your neighbor, Go, and come again,tomorrow I will give itwhen you have it with you.
Doesnt Scripture Promise That Miraculous Signs Will Follow Those Who Believe
The Various Gifts of the Holy Spirit Question 14
There are a number of people who assume that miraculous signs will follow those who believe in Jesus Christ. One argument for the sign of miracles to continue in the church is a passage at the end of the gospel of Mark. It reads as follows.
The one who believes and is baptized will be saved but the one who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: by using my name they will cast out demons they will speak in new tongues they will pick up snakes in their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover .
This passage promises believers in Jesus Christ will do the following five things: they will cast out demons, speak with new tongues, pick up snakes without being harmed, not be harmed by drinking poison, lay hands on the sick and heal them.
Recommended Reading: Scripture On Defending Yourself
Bible Verses About Defending The Rights Of The Poor
Its clear in the Bible that one aspect of poverty is the oppression that vulnerable communities face. Time and time again, God demonstrates his justice, commanding his people to defend the oppressed. The Bible calls us to speak up. This is why FH engages leaders in the community and uses advocacy as an avenue for change. We walk with public servants in order to speak into legislation, policies, systems, and attitudes that impact global poverty. Through these relationships and influence, we seek justice and renewal in vulnerable communities. We wont stop until Gods purpose shines bright in each person we serve.
Learn to do right seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless plead the case of the widow.Isaiah 1:17
Proverbs 31:8-9Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Proverbs 22:22-23Do not rob the poor, because he is poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate, for the Lord will plead their cause and rob of life those who rob them.
Jeremiah 22:3This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place.
Proverbs 21:13Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need.
Signs And Wonders Limited To The Apostolic Age
Let me begin with the view that says signs and wonders are limited to the age of the apostles. This doesn’t mean miracles don’t happen. It just means they are not the typical or normal way ministry is to be done. The healing ministry of Jesus and the apostles was unique. Signs and wonders were not done by Christians in general, but were the signs of the apostles, and when the apostles died out, the signs died out.
I’ll mention five pieces of evidence for this view.
1.1. The Special Ministry of the Apostles in Acts
In the book of Acts it looks like Luke, the author, means for us to see signs and wonders not as the common occurrence among Christians in general but as the special ministry of the apostolic group.
First of all, Luke reminds us that signs and wonders were important in the ministry of Jesus. Acts 2:22, “Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs which God did through him.”
Then, Luke shows us the importance of signs and wonders in the ministry of the apostles.
So it looks like Luke intends for us to see signs and wonders in the book of Acts as having a special role in the ministry of the apostles. This suggests that neither then nor today were signs and wonders intended to be a normal part of church ministry or evangelism. They were intended to vindicate the authority of the apostles once for all.
1.2. 2 Corinthians 12:12
1.3. Hebrews 2:4
1.4. The Uniqueness of Jesus’ Ministry
1.5. No Parallel in Church History
Recommended Reading: What Does The Bible Say About Abusive Marriages
Every Mountain And Island Moving Out Of Their Place
Following the previous sign, there is another sign. John gives an account of the sixth disastrous natural phenomenon, noting that every mountain and island was removed from its place . We see this prophesied in Nahum 1:5, Isaiah 34:4 and in Revelation 20:11. During this period, the entire unstable crust will begin to stir and shift. Ever since the Great Flood, the Earths crust has been highly unstable. One sign of the End Times will be the impacting asteroids, volcanic explosions and worldwide earthquakes. Great segments of It will begin to slip and slide over the Earths deep plastic mantle. Many believe that the phenomenon of the Earths shifting crust is being triggered under the judgment of the sixth seal.
Will We Be Healed If We Have Faith
Jesus taught that faith prompts God to respond to our need. Sometimes it is the faith of friends or family that God rewards. Occasionally, Gods healing work seems unrelated to anyones faith the only explanation is Gods sovereign choice. But Jesus never taught that faith automatically brings healing. Of Jesus 35 miracles recorded in the Gospels, no formula guaranteeing healing can be found.
That said, as we go about our daily lives, miracles are happening all around us in hospitals, schools, neighborhoods, and even in the workplace. We see the critically ill healed, at-risk students excel, addicts turn their lives around, and opportunities open up for those in the direst situations. If you experience a miracle in your life or you are blessed to witness something miraculous, let others know and be sure to give God the glory.
Don’t Miss: Bible Verses About Praying Without Ceasing
Signs And Wonders Shall Follow Them That Believe
There is a fad within Christendom that doesnt seem to want to go away. It is the fad of people always chasing after signs and wonders.
It is one thing for non-believers to be drawn by signs and wonders. That is their purpose. However, it is another thing when believers go chasing after the latest sign or wonder.
In Marks gospel chapter 16 it says,
These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. 18 They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it wont hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.
Notice that it says that miraculous signs will accompany those that have become believers in Jesus.
If this is supposed to be the way it happens then why in the heck do we have Christian people traveling all over the nation and even the world to experience a miracle service?
Could it be that we have the wrong perspective concerning signs and/or wonders? Could it be that we are wanting to be part of a miracle service rather than to do what it takes to be the conduit of miracle power?
Are we so event-centered that we dont even think that the miraculous can be a part of our Christian walk?
Have we segregated our Christian life to such a point that we only expect God to show up at a church service or event?
The Restoration Of The Gospel
The Lord said, âLight shall break forth among them that sit in darkness, and it shall be the fulness of my gospelâ . Prophets of old foretold the Restoration of the gospel. The Apostle John saw that the gospel would be restored by an angel . In fulfillment of this prophecy, the angel Moroni and other heavenly visitors brought the gospel of Jesus Christ to Joseph Smith.
You May Like: What Does The Bible Say About Cremation Vs Burial
Scriptures On Miracles Signs And Wonders
But I will make Pharaohs heart stubborn so I can multiply my miraculous signs and wonders in the land of Egypt.
Exodus 7:3 NLT
Has any other god dared to take a nation for himself out of another nation by means of trials, miraculous signs, wonders, war, a strong hand, a powerful arm, and terrifying acts? Yet that is what the Lord your God did for you in Egypt, right before your eyes.
Deuteronomy 4:34 NLT
You displayed miraculous signs and wonders against Pharaoh, his officials, and all his people, for you knew how arrogantly they were treating our ancestors. You have a glorious reputation that has never been forgotten.
Nehemiah 9:10 NLT
Moon Becoming As Blood
Many End Time theorists believe a celestial event, known as the Blood Moons or blood moon tetrad, coincide with periods of great change affecting not only Israel, but also the world. The three places in Scripture when the moon turns the color red is in Joel 2:31, Acts 2:20 which specifically quotes Joel and also Revelation 6:12. A lunar eclipse is the obscuring of the moons light, a reflection of the suns rays hitting it, due to the earth passing between it and the sun. A solar eclipse on the other hand is the obscuring of the suns light due to the moon passing between it and the earth. A tetrad is a series of four consecutive total eclipses of the lunar surface. Tetrads are very rare occurrences. While none of these occurred from 1582 to 1908, seventeen are to take place from 1909 to 2156.
Don’t Miss: Loneliness Bible Verses
The Purpose Of Signs And Wonders
Signs and wonders have a specific purpose in the advancement of the kingdom of God. Those who have believed already know that God is good and that He has an unfailing love for us. Those that do not think so have not experienced this great truth.
The purpose of these miraculous works is the supernatural physical expression of goodness and unfailing love to those unbelievers. Take a look at one of the signs and wonders Bible verses in the book of Acts
Acts 5:12-16 12 The apostles were performing many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers were meeting regularly at the Temple in the area known as Solomons Colonnade. 13 But no one else dared to join them, even though all the people had high regard for them. 14 Yet more and more people believed and were brought to the Lord crowds of both men and women. 15 As a result of the apostles work, sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that Peters shadow might fall across some of them as he went by. 16 Crowds came from the villages around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those possessed by evil spirits, and they were all healed.
Notice that the first thing the passage says is that the apostles were doing signs and wonders among the people.
Now at first glance, we might assume that they were doing these signs and wonders among the believers. However, verse 13 clearly states that the believers that were associated with them did not dare to join them.
+ Scriptures On Miracles Signs And Wonders
Scriptures-on-miracles-signs-and-wonders
1.Acts 3:16
And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
2. Mark 16:17
And these signs shall follow them that believe In my name shall they cast out devils they shall speak with new tongues
3.Acts 19:11
And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul
4.Hebrews 2:4
God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
5. Acts 8:6
And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
6.Philippians 1:28
And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
7. Mark 16:20
And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
8. Romans 15:19
Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
9. 2 Corinthians 12:12
Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
10.1 Corinthians 12:10
11. Acts 28:9
So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:
12.Acts 19:6
You May Like: What Is The Chronological Order Of The Bible