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Hello folks. Today's study shows that faith is greater importance compared to miracles or proof.
Date | June 26, 2024 | Faith > Proof |
Verse | Acts 8:18-23 (NIV): "When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money and said, ‘Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.’ Peter answered: ‘May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.’" Matthew 12:38-40 (NIV): "Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, ‘Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.’ He answered, ‘A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.’" Hebrews 11:1 (NIV): "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." |
Explanation | The three passages offer insights into different aspects of faith and the relationship between faith and miracles or signs from God. In Acts 8:18-23, we see the story of Simon the Sorcerer, who was impressed by the power of the apostles to give the Holy Spirit through the laying on of their hands. Simon, who was a magician, offered them money in exchange for this ability. Peter rebuked Simon, stating that the gift of the Holy Spirit could not be bought with money. This passage emphasizes that faith is a gift from God that cannot be purchased or acquired through human efforts or money. Instead, faith comes from a heart that is right before God, and those who seek to manipulate or profit from it are actually far from God. In Matthew 12:38-40, the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus for a sign to prove his divinity. Jesus responded by accusing them of being a wicked and adulterous generation that sought after signs. He went on to say that the only sign they would be given was the sign of the prophet Jonah, who was in the belly of the whale for three days and three nights, which Jesus himself would fulfill. This passage highlights that signs and miracles are not always what they seem, and that faith requires more than just observable evidence. Instead, faith is a deep trust and commitment to God, even in the absence of visible proof. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as the confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This passage emphasizes that faith is not about having tangible proof or evidence, but rather about trusting in God's promises and believing in the unseen. These passages teach us that faith is a vital aspect of our relationship with God, and that it cannot be acquired through miracles, signs, or money. Instead, faith is a deep trust and commitment that comes from a heart that is right before God. |
Societal Relevance | The dangers of prophesying for money or falling for faith healing scams are that they can lead us away from true faith and into idolatry. They can also create a distorted view of God, turning him into a mere dispenser of miracles or blessings, rather than the loving and compassionate God who desires a relationship with us. In the modern world, Christians can avoid the temptation to search for miracles or signs by focusing on the essentials of the faith, such as loving God and loving our neighbors, and by studying the Word of God to deepen our understanding of God's character and His will for our lives. We can also seek to cultivate a heart of gratitude and contentment, rather than constantly desiring more or seeking after the latest miracle or sign. Finally, we can pray for wisdom and discernment, asking God to guide us in our spiritual journey and help us to remain faithful to Him, regardless of what we may or may not see. In a 2024 autobiography, Christian politician Cori Bush made claims that she could heal folks of diseases and injuries, including cancer. However, she charged money for these procedures, and these were most likely to be scams. Just as Acts 8:18-23 says, we should never trust anyone with faith healing if it involves money. Regardless of our political leanings, we should not place heed in many faith healers. Luckily, for myself, I stay far away from faith healing scams. Yes, miracles can happen, but nothing can purchase miracles except for the free gift of blood from Jesus, and miracles themselves are quite rare. There is one miracle from 33 AD (Easter) that will impact us all as Christians, but not in this lifetime. At the time of our death as Christians, we will be raised into Heaven. Jesus and a little patience is necessary, as us Christians will be given new bodies. If a Christian person is aged 50, and the average life expectancy is 80 years, then, the person will be ~30 years from receiving a new heavenly body assuming he/she does not get into a vehicle accident or health complication, else the person will receive a new body in heaven much earlier. |
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