…anyone who can demonstrate the existence of the supernatural and/or paranormal. I am also interested in meeting anyone who can demonstrate faith as a valid epistemic strategy.
That’s what I wrote on my profile at MySpace in the “Who I’d like to meet” section. So far, no one like that has come along. It’s possible, however, that things are about to change.
Earlier this week, a MySpace friend, Mary (click with caution: awful religious music, plus the typical religious cheese), suggested in my “comments” section that I should watch the Florida Healing Revival, live with Todd Bentley. She said he may be able to demonstrate the supernatural or paranormal to me. Yay!
A few days ago, I posted a bulletin about a revival going on in florida that you can watch live over the internet, or if you have Direct TV, it will be on live the 18, 19, & 20th on ch.365. A man named Todd Bentley, is the one who went there to have a conference, and now he doesn’t know when he’s leaving. I know it will interest you. The man is strange, not like any “preacher” you’ve ever seen, he’s got tatoos all over, and says weird things. It will entertain you to say the least, and I thought you might enjoy it. This is not like watching a church service, when he comes out, all kinds of stuff starts happening. Just thought it might be of some interest to you. So if you’re bored at 7P.M., click on, http://www.ustream.tv/channel/great-florida-healing-revival
He may be able to “demonstrate the supernatural or paronormal” to you, since different things happen every night, and you have stated you want to meet somebody like that. I am reading one of his books, and I haven’t even heard of some of the things he says, like, transporting, (your body going to another place) being able to go into the heavens, seeing the supernatural. I honestly have never met a christian that believes the way he does.
I checked it out. The “healing revival” airs the 18th and 19th on GodTV (seriously) at 7:00PM ET on DirecTV channel 365. I have my satellite box set so I won’t miss the show, if I’m around to watch. So, will it convince me that the supernatural and/or paranormal are legitimate? I’m skeptical. Here is my response to her.
You’re right that I am interested in meeting those people who can demonstrate the supernatural or paranormal. Seeing someone perform on television doesn’t qualify. I have seen the shows of a number of tele-evangelists in which they claim to heal members from the audience, or receive and relay messages from “god.” I’m not convinced. I have no way to know if they are actually doing what they claim. The same will likely apply to the performer in Florida.
We’ll see what happens. On a side note, I’ve been watching (mostly listening to) GodTV while writing this. I find it naive, overly dramatic, and vomit-inducing. Christianity has a special ability to be lame, cheesy, and disgusting in a way of which no other endeavor is capable. Amen.
*Update (21 April): I was gone all weekend, so I didn’t get the chance to see the show. If anyone has a link to highlights or reviews, post them below.
Tags: christianity, Florida, healing, miracle, MySpace, religion, revival, skepticism, supernatural, Todd Bentley
19 April, 2008 at 9:40 pm
BismillaharRahmanirRahim
as-salaamu ‘alaikum. jsbrown, you wrote:
I don’t think this is a fair statement, though I understand what you mean, I think you have lumped a 1700 year history of Saints, Scientists, Scholars and Philosophers with what is the current exploits of religious affinities calling it all Christianity.
-Saifuddin
20 April, 2008 at 12:00 am
“Christianity has a special ability to be lame, cheesy, and disgusting in a way of which no other endeavor is capable. Amen.”
oh i don’t know about that…i’d say this post by you more then beats it…
21 April, 2008 at 8:39 am
To Saifuddin: It is a fair statement. I am not speaking about hundreds of years of history. I am speaking about what I have seen in my lifetime from those who call themselves Christians.
To wordsseldomsaid: Feel free to elaborate.
22 April, 2008 at 7:21 am
Jesus isn’t a strategy
22 April, 2008 at 6:17 pm
To Kathi Sharpe: Perhaps you misread my words. I didn’t mention Jesus at all.
29 April, 2008 at 1:44 am
I also watched the “healing revival” online. Not a live one but a prerecorded episode. I am sure (in fact I know from experience) that when you are actually there the whole performance is very persuasive, especially if you are desperate to believe it. It’s easy to get carried away with it all and you can see people literally willing themselves into a trance. Deep down we are all showoffs and we all want a bit of fame. What a great strategy these guys employ by encouraging the ‘healed’ to come and tell their stories to a captive and responsice audiance.
I am sure that many people will feel good after this kind of entertainment, but what worries me is the cases of the genuinely sick who pin their hopes on magical ‘healing’ or worse are told that they have been healed when in fact they are still sick. This can be dangerous and can also lead to depession in those who believe that it is their own fault that they weren’t healed.
29 April, 2008 at 11:17 am
Wow, I found this very interesting… I had Googled revival and florida (my husband told me about it) and found your page…here is one thing I know to be true, my daughter went to one of those “cheesy” services and was one of the “desperate to believe” or more accurately was a believer and she was one of those lifting her hands in worship and was healed… of Hodgkins (she was on chemo at the time) and when the “lame and cheesy” worship was over she went back to her seat and (as was her habit) rubbed her neck where the only outward tumors could be felt and THEY WERE GONE. She had just had a PET scan that week before these meetings and she went back to her Doctor and we told him of her experience and he could not find them either… I am telling you one minute they were there and then they were gone. He said as soon as her insurance would allow it he would repeat the PET scan and he did and there was just scar tissue so he began her final round of chemo (which he said would ensure getting all the microscopic cells) and she decided later that if God could make tumors dissappear in minutes she would trust Him that she was healed all the way and stopped chemo (by the way she did not loose her hair UNTIL the 2 rounds of chemo AFTER she was healed.) Her doctor gravely dissapproved on her decision. That was 5 years ago and she if fine, just got married in October! I have other things that have happened in my life too but I will not go into them now. I do want to say that there are real, supernatural things are happening every day, both good and evil. But to believe in a God you cannot see with your eyes takes faith and I am one of those who believe and strive to be REAL and hate what one friend use to say not the “plastic fantastic”. I applaud your search for the truth just don’t look too closely at the followers of Jesus underneath all our rugs is a little dirt but I personally strive to be a disciple of Jesus in study and in my life. You strive to be honest and seek the true power of God well so do some of us cheesy ones, actually I seek HIM and pray I too will exibit not only His power but his character which is much more difficult. God bless your seeking heart if you truly seek you will find!
30 April, 2008 at 10:36 pm
You can call it whatever you want but the power of JESUS CHRIST will blow your mind. I know exactly what you mean about the actions of people who call themselves christians. It really sickens me, but realize that that is not of God either. We have, for thousands of years, filled the void in our lives with garbage(Drugs, alcohol, lies!!!) I used to partake in most of those personally. Im telling you, the love of Jesus christ will completely transform your life inside out. It will wreck you.
You would be surprised how many christians speak and believe the way Todd Bentley does. Its the raw truth, its God to the core. No religious man-made rules, nothing holding God back from moving in you and through you and heeling your wounds. Nothing is more real, powerful, truthful… I can’t even describe it. Hes waiting at the door of your heart, knocking, waiting for you to open it. As corny as it may sound, it is completely true because there is just so much he wants to reveil to you.
There isnt much anyone can tell you in a few short paragraphs that would convince you of anything, trust me I know that too. I’m a ’see it to believe it’ type of girl. However, as soon as I cried out to him and asked him to reveil himself to me, I found a loving father who has so may great things for me that the world could never give. I could sit here for days and give you testimonies on healings, miracles regarding money(bank accounts miraculously increasing), gold teeth( My own uncle… Thank you Jesus!).. i can go on for days. All I know is that he loves you more than anyone could ever love you in this world and hes waiting for you to call upon his name. You have nothing to lose really… accept maybe an illness or a set of issues haha
God bless!!
Kat
30 April, 2008 at 10:45 pm
Just a side note!!!
This is exciting. We are blessed to be living in these days!!
Im leaving you with this:
‘AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,’ God says,
‘THAT I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND;
AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY,
AND YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS,
AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS;
EVEN ON MY BONDSLAVES, BOTH MEN AND WOMEN,
I WILL IN THOSE DAYS POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT
AND THEY SHALL PROPHESY.
′AND I WILL GRANT WONDERS IN THE SKY ABOVE
AND SIGNS ON THE EARTH BELOW,
BLOOD, AND FIRE, AND VAPOR OF SMOKE.
′THE SUN WILL BE TURNED INTO DARKNESS
AND THE MOON INTO BLOOD,
BEFORE THE GREAT AND GLORIOUS DAY OF THE LORD SHALL COME.
′AND IT SHALL BE THAT EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.’
-Acts 2:17-21
Keep your eyes open, cause God is on the move!!
Kat
1 May, 2008 at 12:08 am
To Davetr: I agree. Most, if not all, of the audience is ready and willing to believe whatever they are told. They want to go along with it all because they know what the expectations are. The night I watched (described here), the show began with more than an hour of music and pep talk. To me, that looks like conditioning. Thanks for stopping to read and comment!
To renee lunger: That’s a wonderful story, but I don’t believe you. Your anecdote is not nearly enough to convince me. It’s nice that you appreciate my search for truth. I assure you that I have judged religion, specifically Christianity, on its own merits separate from those who practice it. Thanks for stopping to read and comment!
1 May, 2008 at 12:13 am
To kat: I have no idea what is or isn’t “of God.” I don’t trust your opinion about it anymore than I would those types whom you claim sicken you.
Jesus has never blown my mind, in spite of my devotion to him through several years of practicing Christianity. (You may read a partial account here) If he was “waiting at the door of [my] heart,” then he hid behind the bushes when I opened it. To use a popular phrase- I’ve been there and done that. As confident as you are about it all, it just didn’t happen. I’m sure you can counter with an excuse which places the blame on me. The most popular is to question my sincerity. When I cried out to Jesus and the christian god, I remained alone. It happened over and over again.
As for your claims, you’re right. You could sit there for days and offer testimonies on healing and miracles. It would be a waste of my time and yours because I don’t believe you. Your anecdotes aren’t enough to convince me. I require more.
So many Christians expect me to try one more time, regardless of how many times I have already put forth the effort. I won’t waste more of my time, effort, hope, and emotion on this apparent superstition.
You have wasted your time posting a verse from your religious book. I have read it. I still own several copies. Did it occur to you that if I gave credence to the words in that book, that I would have already taken them seriously? Did you think that posting them would somehow give them credence?
Consider how you would respond to a similar offering by a Muslim, Mormon, or Hindu from their respective sacred texts. I expect that you would be as equally dismissive of authority in such cases, just as I am dismissive in this case with you.
Thank you for visiting and commenting.
2 May, 2008 at 9:48 am
Dear J.S., I am sorry you don’t believe me but I am not suprised just saddened. I have seen bones moved in scoliosis (the doctor said “If I didn’t see her scars I wouldn’t believe these Xrays were of you daughter”… another daughter), I have laid hands on a girl who was scheduled for her presurgery consult the next day for cancer and she was healed. I have experienced the supernatural in prophetic words given through me and to me (no hidden receivers in MY ear). The list could go on and on. Unfortunately, I’ve seen the other side too, things levetating, voices, etc. BUT the supernatural things are not the point because you and I could go back to my daughters’ doctors and you still would not believe because you don’t want to believe. I don’t follow Jesus because of these things anyway. What would you say if I were in love with my husband? would you deny it? You cannot see love but it is a real force. I do not see manifestations of His power every day and there are days when I hear and feel nothing but there are days when I am overwhelmed by them. Again it is faith. I will join your Mother in praying for you.
2 May, 2008 at 5:08 pm
To renee: As I stated previously, your anecdotes aren’t enough to convince me. Offering more of them won’t change this.
Please don’t make baseless accusations. What if I said to you,
“I’m sorry you believe all of this nonsense, but I am not surprised; just saddened. We could delve into the empirical evidence, explaining these accounts reasonably, but you would not believe because you don’t want to believe.”
I can’t get inside your head. I would be mistaken to say such a thing, just as you are for what you said about me. You don’t deserve to be falsely accused, and neither do I. If you aren’t able to comprehend the fact that someone isn’t convinced that miracles occur, then you should refrain from discussing such matters with them.
Whether I believe something is not a matter of choice. Barring insanity, I don’t think anyone can simply choose to believe or not to believe. My beliefs form as the result of being convinced by good evidence, and are therefore meaningful to me. Chosen beliefs would be arbitrary and wholly unworthy of any respect in terms of truth. If you expect to convince me, offer good evidence.
Comparing the claim, “I love my husband,” to a claim like, “I saw a human instantly healed by a power which violates natural laws as they are understood,” does not serve to make your point. They are not similar in detail or scope, at least from my perspective. Remember, it is me whom you wish to convince. It pays to be aware of your audience.
Let’s examine both of those claims.
The former- Love is an emotion experienced commonly by humans, including myself. I understand love. I also understand husbands. This claim contains nothing new to me. It is ordinary. I’ve seen it all before, and it fits perfectly with my observations of the world throughout my life.
The latter- Gods, miracles, healing, etc are not commonly experienced by humans, including myself. I don’t understand any of them. This claim contains a number of ideas which are new to me. It is extraordinary. I haven’t seen any of it before, and it strongly conflicts with my observations of the world throughout my life. Surely you can see these differences.
Common in this type of discussion is the quote, “Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.” That is to say, it requires less quality and quantity of evidence to convince someone of the ordinary than the extraordinary. You are attempting to convince me of something that will inevitably change my entire worldview. It would introduce an entirely new realm of possibilities- the realm of supernature. If you expect that a simple claim can achieve this, then your naivety is more impressive than your endeavor.
As for your prayer, it is welcome. If you care to submit it, I will add it to my prayer list. You can post it in the comments section of my Prayer List page.
4 May, 2008 at 6:45 am
I am a Christian, but a very discerning one. The quote given above from Acts 2 has been quoted incorrectly. Luke, who wrote the book of Acts was quoting from Joel, but about the outpouring of God’s Spirit at Pentecost. The second half of the scripture was aimed at our time now. Many people who call themselves Christians have such little Bible knowledge that they spew out all sorts of things that are incorrect and deceptive.
The Bible actually tells us that in the last days (now) that there will not be a revival, but instead a great falling away (apostasia). A deception would come over the “Church”, with many lying signs and wonders by false teachers and prophets and even the elect would be deceived if that were possible. You will know the true believers because they will not buy into the rubbish about Healing Revivals and the like.
Satan also has the power to counterfeit healings and miracles and I would much prefer no healing, than healing from the demonic.
God does heal miraculously, but not through money hungry, demonic, prideful, chicken dancing revivals. That is the domain of Satan.
4 May, 2008 at 7:32 am
To Anna: Thanks for reading and commenting. I appreciate you offering to correct a biblical misquotation. The problem is, I don’t trust your interpretation any more than kat’s.
In find this over and over again. So many Christians are convinced of having the correct understanding of their religion, god, and holy text, and yet there is great disagreement between them. The most correct version of Christianity seems to come from the last Christian to speak to me.
If you return, I would like to discuss the ideas related to what you said in the following quote:
4 May, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Hi,
I wouldn’t expect you, or anyone else to take my word for it regarding the scriptures. Having been a Christian for 22 years I have spent much of that time studying Theology, Ministry etc. I am studying for a Doctorate in theology. Many of the scriptures are quite easy to interpret, but when one wants to make them fit a particular doctrine or set of beliefs (such as health/wealth etc), then you are far more susceptible to incorrect interpretation.
When I became a Christian many years ago I too found myself chasing “experiences” and excitement all in the name of Jesus. But after years of study and applying exegetical and hermeneutical principles to the scriptures I discovered that much of the prophetic and healing ministries are false and do not use scripture properly. When you approach the Bible with a desire to know what it actually says, rather than what you want it to say, it’s a very different thing. I then had to walk away from the excitement and hype and approach God in a manner that was Biblical.
I am happy to discuss counterfeit healings etc with you, but I’d appreciate it if you could tell me speciafically what it is you want to know and I’ll approach it from there. It is possibly best noted here that before I became a Christian I was a satanist and know a little about how satan operates first hand.
6 May, 2008 at 2:38 am
Hi,
You might find this program on self claimed Christian healers interesting. http://defendingcontending.com/
It’s under the heading signs and wonders movement exposed.
Thanks
Edited by J.S.Brown
I’m adding a direct link to the post she referenced: The Signs And Wonders Movement Exposed
6 May, 2008 at 3:03 am
To Anna: Though I invited you for discussion, I have since decided otherwise. After discussing the topic with several other Christians, I have received the answers I sought. Thank for you your willingness. I apologize for withdrawing my invitation.
6 May, 2008 at 3:58 am
To Anna: I watched 22 minutes of the first video you suggested. I’m not sure why you suggested it to someone like myself, unless it was to show that some Christians reject the notion of “signs and wonders.” I don’t believe anything of that sort is real anyway, whether or not I hear Christians agree.
I recognized several years ago that many Christians are often naive and ignorant, which is part of why I stopped watching. The other reason is because it’s being debunked, if you will, from a Christian perspective. I’m not a Christian. From my perspective, this is just another case of what happens constantly within the bounds of religious belief. It’s more internal conflict. It’s more of one group claiming to be right, while the others are wrong. I don’t trust any of them.
7 May, 2008 at 1:09 pm
[...] Bentley. … christianity, Florida, healing, miracle, MySpace, religion, revival, skepticism, …http://brownjs.wordpress.com/2008/04/19/florida-healing-revival-live/Healing and revival linksMARIA WOODWORTH-ETTER … healing Rooms Ministries of South florida [...]
8 May, 2008 at 10:56 am
The Florida revival must be a big deal to many people. This post, and the related one after it, have brought many visitors to my insignificant, seldom-read blog. I don’t know how, but this post was at least as high as #13 on a Google search for “florida healing revival.” LOL! I found out after it was linked here.
*UPDATE* As of 2:10 AM EST, 9 May, this page is now ranked #6 on Google. Amazing!
8 May, 2008 at 11:38 am
Just note that it’s not Todd that’s doing it… it’s Jesus! Todd acknowledges that he is not the one who is doing the healing.
9 May, 2008 at 2:17 am
To standonthewall: I don’t know that anyone has been healed. Watching the show sure isn’t convincing of such. Regarding responsibility, when I watched, I saw Todd Bentley. Perhaps Jesus was on break, getting himself a SoBe Life Water. I regret that I missed him!
Thanks for visiting!
12 May, 2008 at 3:37 am
[...] in my ???comments??? section that I should watch the florida healing Revival, live with todd Bentleyhttp://brownjs.wordpress.com/2008/04/19/florida-healing-revival-live/Listen to christian music,download songs,watch the florida …2008 todd bentley went to Stephen [...]
12 May, 2008 at 9:39 pm
I pretty much read this whole thing and I’m here to tell you that we’re not here to convince you that Christianity is real. We’re here to warn you. We do not feel the need to defend our faith because Jesus does not need to be defended. He is God. We (at least I) are also not offended that you say such things because why should we? Again, Jesus is God. But, now that you know what we’ve told you and what is going to happen -as Kat had said that God was going to pour out his Spirit in the last days- you will be punished twice more than those who did not know this gospel because you DID KNOW IT AND WAS WARNED. I pray that God will humble you before the great day comes that you will be saved from yourself (meaning sins and your soul that wants to do them because your spirit has not God and so the soul overrules the spirit). You may reply to this message with any point or discussion, but in the end you will see the fruit of your heart. I am not debating. I am DECLARING. This has been fun
Bye.
14 May, 2008 at 2:04 am
I enjoy watching Todd Bentley,because the whole thing is so strange.I would have to see proof that actual healings are taking place,however.I attended that type of church for about a year,and in spite of all the enthusiasm,praise and sincerity there,people still had their illnesses,both physical and mental,when all was said and done.There were claims of miracles,but I myself never saw one.One woman refused to have the medical treatment that her doctor told her she must have to survive.She had heart problems,but insisted she was being miraculously healed.She died from the condition,only about 55 years old,leaving her husband angry at God and confused.Dont assume this stuff is real,although it may be,sometimes.There has to be proof that the medical condition existed in the first place,and that it is actually cured afterwards.Testimonies can be a dime a dozen,cases are often psychosomatic or exaggerated.When a tv show checked up on those “healed” bt Benny Hinn,all followed up on were either still sick or dead,about a month later.So be very,very careful.If this is truly of God there will be absolute proof. Alease
14 May, 2008 at 12:52 pm
I have been carefully watching the revival, and I cant help but notice that nothing”visible” ever seems to happen,This is true of all these “healing Ministries”.The paralyzes peole leave in the same condition,as do the downs syndrome children,the maimed and disfigured,etc,You hear stories of body parts growing out,but no proof is ever shownFaith healers can influence the mind in a powerful way,pain is temporarily relieved,spiris are lifted,and endorphins are realeased in the brain.When people dtand up and say they are now feeling no more pain,they are telling the absolute truth.The sad part is that,back at home,when all the hoopla has died down,they are ususally back in pain,and depressed because they were not healed,On top of that,they blaim themselves for ‘LACKING THE FAITH”FOR THE HEALING.OR HARBORING SOME “SECRET SIN”THAT MADE THEM UNWORTHY.When my Father was dying if cancer,I was not allowed to talk to him abiut his approachind death.My Mother insisted up to a week before he died that he was going to be raised up well by a miracle.It made his death so much harder to not be allowed to discuss what was happening,and prepare for it.She even told the hospice workers of the expected miracle,they said she was in denial.He died of lung cancer,in spite of all the faith healers she took him to,the false prophecies that he would “have a long life,to be with his family” etc.I am very jaded about all this sort of thing.I do believe Jesus heals,when it is His will,yes ,I do believe in bonafide,proovable miracles.But this stuff is dangerous,my friends.Dont be fooled by the fact that people fall to the floor.Get a copy of the movie”MARJOE”But on the film,you will see people swooning away,at his touch,ang laying on the floor!! I was so shocked.because I had always been taught that falling down was a sign of the Holy Spirit overwhelming a person.But Marjoe ws a complete FAKE,who did not even believe the thigs he was saying from the stage,so it coulnt not be the Holy Spirit causing these good folks to collapse at his mere touch.Really opened my eyes.I am leaning more towards Baptist beliefs now,after being brought up charismatic,Please forgive my spelling,I am a bad typist,Love you my family inChrist…Alease
15 May, 2008 at 4:39 am
WARNING! (4 part message)
Todd Bentley started out right but is really left now.
Reports are coming in from Florida of people having hands laid on them that are now hearing voices in their head, people are barking like dogs and acting like chickens in the meetings and “Emma” the “Angel of the Lord” is supposed to be helping Todd. There are no angels in the bible referred to as “she”.
Emma is the “Lord of Hell” for Buddhist. This spirit is known to manifest gold and other manifestations. Their belief is that she is the lord who sentences sinners to torture until the “rebirth” into the next life.
People we need to wake up and not be so quick to embrace anything and then oppose those who reject things that do not line up with the Word of God. The best cover up is that people are viewed as having a “religious spirit” if they oppose this junk. IT’S A COVER UP
Miracles are not everything.
They happen because of peoples faith, the gift of healing, or following the preached gospel.
The issue is miracles open receptivity in people to anything the one demonstrating miracles says. Unknowingly, people are receiving false teaching that does not line up with the Word. Why? simply because miracles are happening. Don’t be deceived. False prophets can work miracles that will deceive because of their FALSE revelation preceding or following the genuine miracles.
The Presence of God is coming because of the hunger of the people. God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. Miracles are happening because of the faith of the people. Todd has hyped people into real faith and its why this stuff is happening. But what isn’t happening is sound teaching of the word and its giving way to SERIOUS deception. Todd has way too many “I’s” and to many references to visions and angels in his meetings… WE NEED DISCERNMENT!!!!!!!!
17 May, 2008 at 7:31 pm
For all of those who are stuck to a certain “religion” or Christians who say you “follow the bible” and don’t believe this revival or think it’s of the devil, here’s a verse for you:
1 Corinthians 12:7–Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.[b] 11All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.
You are equipped with different tools as the verse says. the Lord isn’t going to put the tool in your hand and give a step by step manual on how to use it, he will provide you with the tool, it is up to you to use and work with that tool. Some may use other tools/brands that you may think are crazy/out of this word, if they have faith that they are using the correct and it is getting the job done, so be it!
Jesus healed and why wouldn’t (we) his disciples be able to? The bible says we are able to do more, and go beyond what Jesus did.
You question why you do not see anything healed or any miraculous signs?? Maybe you aren’t stepping in with FULL FAITH. Maybe the reason you doubt, is the reason you are not seeing anything.
18 May, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Hello. I was just reading through some of your posts and have one question for you…why do you care? If nothing will convince you then why in the world go searching for something that “doesn’t exist”? If none of this means anything then why waste your, or our, time arguing about it??
27 May, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Well it seems there’s a lot of this and that with belief, faith what ever. You know to believe that God doe’s not exist takes faith.
Just a thought. I will put this as simple as I can.
It is very easy to come to Jesus if you simply cry out to him, and obey him first by going to a church (yes i know there are many churches that do not have god’s precence, may the lord lead you). But only if you love truth, hate lies, (by the way these are all possible characteristics of a non believer who does not yet know Jesus personally) if you love justice, hate injustice, hate violence, love peace, desire true joy rather than the imitation, hate simply the way this world is run. Then chances are even though you have never known Jesus, you love him. And if you love him, well I’d say the door is already open, but you have’nt trusted him to let him in and eat with you.
Now its very hard to find Jesus if you love the things of this world, if you love wickedness, if you love the way you can make injustice work for you, if you love money as to worship it, if you hate others and love it, if you love the things of this world which belong to satan. Then you hate Jesus. Your door will not open easily. And you will fear judgment in his prescence.
As clear as I can put it.
28 May, 2008 at 12:03 pm
To those who do not believe there is not enough evidence to convince them.
To those who believe, No evidence is necessary.
Simple enough. I will not go on. You are lost…for now
The truth could stare you in the face and you would only like it
if you were standing in front of a mirror. This site is all about you
God is not moved by your unbelief
But He is saddened by it. And more than that
He is saddened by those you mislead.
Keith
I am on my way to Florida to “get some”
Bam!
31 May, 2008 at 5:18 am
“…anyone who can demonstrate the existence of the supernatural and/or paranormal. I am also interested in meeting anyone who can demonstrate faith as a valid epistemic strategy.”
You sound like James Randi there, only he offers a $1,000,000 prize for anyone who can proof the existence of the supernatural and/or paranormal. No one has to date been able to provide any proof whatsoever, but there have been a whole lot of people trying! Maybe you could offer $2,000,000? It’s a safe bet after all
http://www.randi.org/
5 June, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Oh dear. Well what if I told you that I was just there and my friends’ dad was healed of a baseball sized tumor and he was able to walk again after 15 years in a wheelchair… and Todd didn’t even touch him so ahem I don’t know anyone else that would have done that other than Jesus.
6 June, 2008 at 5:49 pm
AMEN TO THAT!!!