Bible Question: Are there miracles at this Christian age period of Bible history, or not?

DEFINITIONS. The meaning of what a “miracle” is should probably first to be defined—so we are all talking about the same concept! There are two Greeks words used in the New Testament that are translated as “miracles.” They both signify supernatural power:
Strong’s #4592
semeion (say-mi’-on); neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of NT:4591; an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally:
#4591 semaino (say-mah’-ee-no); from sema (a mark; of uncertain derivation); to indicate. (Eg. John 2:11, 23; 3:2; Rev. 13:14, etc.)
Strong’s #1411
dunamis (doo’-nam-is); from NT:1410; force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself):
#1410 dunamai (doo’-nam-ahee); of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible: (Eg. Acts 2:22; 1 Cor. 12:10, 28, 29; Heb. 2:4)

PROVIDENCE. Some would understand a “miracle” to be a violation of the laws of nature. But we would understand that all the forces of nature are under Divine control in ways we cannot understand or fully explain. In this sense of the word, we have miracles all around us every day. These “miracles” may be providences related to God’s people: For example, if God did not think a certain Christian was ready to finish his earthly walk and still had some lessons to learn and character to develop—He might providentially or “miraculously” prevent unexplainably the plane not crashing even though there were serious mechanical problems.

INTRODUCTION. But Jesus at his first advent performed miracles to illustrate his power and draw attention to his ministry. Our Lord’s remark, “Except ye see signs and wonders ye will not believe” (John 4:48) implies that the highest order of faith would be that which would not require such tangible demonstrations of divine power. While he healed many, Jesus did not miraculously heal and raise from the dead the many others. But miracles were necessary then and the early infant Church for the introduction of the Gospel message.

PICTURE. Most—if not all—Jesus’ miracles were performed on the Sabbath. These miracles were a picture how the “Lord of the Sabbath” would be raising the dead and healing all the sick in his Kingdom for which we pray. “Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” That will be the time when “The eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing. . .And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away” (Isaiah 35:5, 6, 10).

GREATER GIFTS. Apostle Paul explained the various “spiritual gifts” (1 Corinthians 12:1) and “working of miracles” (vs. 10) in the early Church would be supplanted by “greater gifts” of the holy spirit, that is, fruits of the spirit as encapsulated in “Love” (1 Corinthians 13)— :
1 Corinthians 12:28-31; 13:1-2

“And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues. 29 All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they? 30 All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they? 31 But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you a still more excellent way. If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. . .” (NAS)

So the gifts and miracles in the Early Church were to be supplanted by the more important development of all the fruits of the spirit of Love.

END TIMES. One more consideration on miracles is during these End Times. We are living in a time when apparently in order to hold his dominion, the great Adversary Satan is going into the healing business. Through spirit mediums and some preachers, Satan is making a bid for power in the world. Apostle Paul warned that the coming of Jesus would be accompanied by the “work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders” (2 Thess. 2:9 NIV) So while much of what might be passed off as “miracles” today might be deception and fraud—it is also possible that some instances represent fallen angel or demon power.

Bible Question: Can religion and church membership help you go to heaven?

Accepting Jesus as your savior is the way to gain salvation. Gathering with those “of like precious Faith” will be a means to assist you to be faithful. No Scripture teaches us to have a church membership. 2 Pet 1:1-3 But the Scriptures do admonish Christians to have close fellowship around the Bible teachings. Acts 2:42, 1 John 1:3 Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6. Jesus told us to follow him (not a Church organization or a man). Luke 9:23 Paul, one of the twelve appointed apostles, admonished Christians to only follow him to the extent that he followed Jesus. 1 Cor 11:1 Paul also reminded the Christian to remember that Jesus was the authority for the Church. “Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” 1 Cor 1:12-13

The “Christian Church” is not made up of memberships in specific denomination(s) but is a “little flock” (Luke 12:32) that has been gathered by the Lord from around the world over the last 2000 years since its founding at Pentecost as recorded in Acts. “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling..” Eph 4:4 The True Church is made up of those called and consecrated to His Cause. Rom 8:17, Psa 50:5

The Bible encourages the “called” to seek fellowship with likeminded: “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest (Jesus glorified) over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Heb 10:19-25

We encourage you to seek fellowship with those who point you to the Scriptures and follow the examples set up by our Lord at the First Advent and recorded in the Gospels and book of Acts. The Bible Study book entitled The New Creation is a place for you to begin a study of Christian fellowship and the teachings set forth in the early church. Study 5, "THE ORGANIZATION OF THE NEW CREATION", is a good place to start a personal study. http://www.biblestudents.com/htdbv5/htdb0143.htm

Bible Question: as a born again Christain, will I have a guardian angel to be with me during death ?

Every Christian who has covenanted to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, sacrificing this present life to attain a heavenly reward, has been promised a guardian angel. Heb 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? The ministering spirits are the guardian angels which are to oversee the interests of the Christian. They are the representatives of the Lord to do any needed work for us according to God’s will. They protect, guide, and administer chastening to test and develop each child of God.
We have the reassurance of God’s word that our guardian angels are invisibly present with us

Matt. 18:10, In heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father.

Psa 34:7, The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

We can be sure that each saint’s death is of great importance to God as shown in Psa 116:15, Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. God’s ministering angels would surely be with his people as they finish their earthly course. To read more about Christian’s purpose and experience see following link: http://www.biblestudents.com/whyareyouachristian_01.cfm

Bible Question: What does the bible say about suing someone. And where, what scriptures? Thank you

The guidelines are different if the aught is against another fellow Christian, compared to being against someone in the world. We have listed scriptures about both situations below.

Jesus spoke to the issue of Christians being sued by the worldly in Matthew. (Mat 5:40) And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. This refers to a Christians responsibility in his dealings with the world.Christians are to be law-abiding, whether they consider the laws just or unjust.
The Apostle Paul speaks of Christians suing fellow Christians. He warns against suing a brother in a court of law. Instead he suggests that we settle it by judgement of the church or else we endure the injustice. I Corinthians 6:1-7 addresses this issue.

(1Cor. 6:1) Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? The unjust refers to earthly courts, those who have not been justified by the blood of Christ.

(1Co 6:2) Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? The judging will be in the nature of a trial or testing, to determine how many of humanity can be helped up to perfection.

(1Co 6:3) Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
Refers to a trial or testing of these spirits in prison who were once disobedient, in the days of Noah; this implies a hope for them. The holy angels need no trial, no judging.

(1Co 6:4) If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.

If they have lost confidence in the leaders whom the Lord has set in the Church, they should at least choose as judges the least esteemed in the Church as preferable to a court of unbelievers.

(1Co 6:5) I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?

(1Co 6:6) But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.

If they had no confidence in each other, they at least should not manifest more confidence in outsiders.

(1Co 6:7) Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another.

Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?

We should rather suffer wrong and take injury from a brother in Christ than take the matter before the world of unbelievers and thus risk a general odium upon the Lord’s cause.

We are not given specific do’s and don’t’s in Gods word concerning this issue. The Christian is at liberty not under the Law, therefore he is to consider what would best honor and glorify his cause as a son of God. There may be times when for the protection of others and for the defense of truth it would be necessary to appeal to the Law. The Apostle Paul appealed to the Law, to maintain his influence for the Christian cause. To read further see: http://www.iblestudents.com/htdb0147.htm

Bible Question: How can I overcome bitterness?
 
Dear reader, It is very difficult to overcome bitterness until you understand why their is evil in the world today, and to be able to separate the sin from the person. People today are not much different than a dog that always snaps and bites when afraid. That dog was conditioned to be that way by either being abused by its owners, or by being a stray and very afraid, by being born in the wild and never knowing the love of a human, or heredity of a bad trait from its parents. But, do we hold all this against that dog? Do we have bitterness toward that dog? No, we just feel sorry for it.

Humans can be affected by their heredity or environment in the same way, and turn out to be mean and sinful. Many people are simply mentally ill and can’t help themselves. We are not to feel good about the sinful thing someone does, but if we separated the sin from the sinner, separate that behavior from the person that maybe does not really desire to be that way, then we might have sympathy for that person -- just as for that dog.

In God’s kingdom, all will have a learn of God’s ways and will have a chance to be good. The deceiving influence of Satan will be removed, and the inherited sinfulness will also be removed. Then, these same people that were so bad, might turn around and be good.

This is what it means to "love thine enemy" -- not to love the evil that your enemy did, but to try to see what the person might be like if all the factors out of their control that made them mean and evil were removed.
After understanding the above reasons why people can be evil and disappoint us, a practical way to overcome bitterness is to pray for those who anger us. It is very difficult to still stay bitter if we sincerely pray for them.
In Christ,
WG

Bible Queston: I’d like to know if it is against Bible principals to vote?

We should obey the laws of this country, but that does not necessarily mean a participation with the world in the functions of government. Our advice would be that we maintain a strict neutrality in respect to politics, and avoid voting. But this is up to each one’s own reasoning. These are not direct commands. Our reasons are these:

(1) We could not hope to find on any electoral ticket persons thoroughly competent for office, according to our standards of judgment.

(2) Those of the New Creation who engage in politics
and its various arguments find not only their time consumed
thereby, but also their energies and their means--all
of which are consecrated to the Lord, to heavenly things, to promulgating the good tidings of great joy. And not only
so, but their minds will necessarily be occupied with these
political interests to such a degree as to hinder considerably their private meditations on the better things--their communion and fellowship with the Lord in spirit.

(3) Those who vote for a man or a party become more or
less obligated to support the results of the election, if necessary with guns and bombs. We are not saying that we should not defend ourselves, but if we have voted for a government that becomes aggressive towards other countries, or trys to promote a takeover to secure this countries oil interests, or other selfish interests, then we may be partly responsible for these un-Christian acts because of our vote. Our preferable position, therefore would be that which the Scriptures indicate, the position "as stranger" or as if we were aliens in this land -- not part of this country’s citizenship. (`Psa. 39:12`;`1 Pet. 2:11`) Aliens must be obedient to the laws; so must we. Aliens must pay taxes according to the laws; so must we. Aliens may look for protection under the laws; so may we. But aliens would not feel compelled to fight against their own King (Jesus), the allegiance which they recognize primarily; and we would prefer to be in the same position, so far as possible, for are not we "translated out of the kingdom of this world into the Kingdom of God’s dear Son"--in its embryonic condition? `Col. 1:13` The kingdoms of this world more or less identified with "the prince of this world," and his law of selfishness, and therefore the Lord is in the process of tearing them down to make way for His kingdom. If we "support" the world governments by our vote, we may be working against our Lord and what He is now doing. His purpose is to let mankind experience selfishness at the hand of rulers -- resulting eventually in mankind (the Lord’s great army in Scripture) overthrowing these worldly systems and bringing about what the scriptures call the battle of Armageddon. We certainly don’t want to be unwillingly working against our Lord’s plan. The best action is to step aside and let Him do His good work. War and disasters now befalling the world are not desirable from one standpoint, but from the long-range standpoint these conflicts will lead mankind to desiring the Kingdom under the perfect ruler, Christ, which will only come after mankind has learned the lessons from experiencing man’s selfishness, greed, and sinfulness. One thing to remember is that all who will have died in war, starvation, etc. will have a resurrection. They are not lost forever. In fact, they may be better off in a way because they will not have to experience any more of this world’s troubles and pain. They will "sleep" in the grave until the new order, the Kingdom of God, is established, and then they will learn and experience righteousness. Isa.26:9

Bible Question: how to deal with the pressures of life?

“For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.” Isaiah 30:15
What it means is that our spiritual strength and freedom from the pressures of life comes from understanding God’s plan of salvation and doing those things that show that we are in harmony with Him and His plan. When we do those things, we enter into a rest that revives us. 1 Pet 5:7 "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."

Peace -- the opposite of worry:

Jesus said: “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28) Each Christian, in proportion to his or her knowledge and faith, will have rest and peace within themselves. “We which believe do enter into rest.” The perfect time of rest for Christians comes when we submit our all to the Lord, accepting joyfully his promised guidance through a “narrow way” to the Kingdom. There we rest from our own works, from all effort to justify ourselves. There, we confess ourselves to be imperfect and unworthy of Divine grace, and unable to make ourselves worthy. There we gratefully accept Divine mercy extended toward us in the redemption which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

But this rest we have entered into is not our ultimate rest. A permanent rest awaits us: “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.... Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” (Heb. 4:9-11) Christians will enter into that rest when they experience their resurrection change, when they will enter into the joys of their Lord.

The word Sabbath signifies rest or peace, and, therefore, its deeper significance was to lead the Jew to Christ and have the burden of the Law lifted. No Jew was able to gain life under the Law Covenant, but by becoming dead to the Law, he was privileged to come into membership in Christ—become a sharer in the covenant of sacrifice. (Rom. 7:4-6 and Psa. 50:5) So doing, he was promised rest from the Law and its condemnation, because “There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus.” (Rom. 8:1) Indeed, the merit of Christ covers the shortcomings of all those who are striving to walk in his steps, and the Scriptures give them the assurance of Divine favor, ushering them into peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Bible Question: I am having trouble locating a verse in the bible about not marking your skin.. so many ppl draw on their hands & leave messages & I know it says not to do that sort of thing, unless it was referring to tattoos..I thankyou in advance for your answer. GBU all!

Thank you for your Bible question. Here is the verse you are looking for in two translations:

Leviticus 19:28 King James Version: "Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD."

Leviticus 19:28 New American Standard Version: "You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead, nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the Lord."

Actually, "for the dead" is not a good translation --- it would be properly rendered "for the soul." See the margin of most Bible translations.

Any marks on the skin, whether messages or tattoos would be contrary to the Law given to the Jews. Even though the Law is not binding upon Christians, because Jesus fulfilled the Law and freed his followers from its bondage, there is still good reason why God set these Laws into place. It was for the protection of His people that they might keep healthy. Also, marking the skin was a practice of paganism, such as found in ancient Egypt and Babylon, therefore, it was also to keep His people from identifying with these pagan practices.
I hope that this helps to answer your question.

Bible Question: Wearing gold, jewelry, ornaments, earrings against Christianity?

According to the New Testament, "adornments" are to be minimized as they may be a source of pride or arrogance. Some Christian groups ban all jewelry, but we would not make it a rule, but advise moderation in all things.
(about women)

1Pe 3:2 as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior.
1Pe 3:3 Your adornment must not be merely external--braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses;
1Pe 3:4 but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.

Rom 12:2 "And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, and ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

Bible Question:  Is there anything in the bible about smoking?

God sets down principles of conduct and then leaves it to each individual to decide what is proper and what is improper. The Scriptures state that we are "ambassadors for Christ." Whatever we do, we "should do all to the glory of God." If our behavior can be misunderstood by others, we should really consider whether this is glorifying God. 2Pet. 3:11 states: "Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness..."

The Apostle Paul said that "all things are lawful for me, but not all things are expedient." In otherwords, even if there are things that are now lawful, because a Christian is not under the law, there are things that might not be good to do because it would stumble or harm others or harm ourselves.

The Christian is admonished to live a "sanctified" life apart from the world. If Jesus where to walk in and come up to you, would he join in with what you are doing, or would he say, "My child, what are you doing here?" Only you can answer this question.

As for the person who is smoking, you will not find anything specific in the Bible that will tell you that it is not honoring God. Again, there are only principles of righteous living. For example, you will not find anything in the Bible that says that you should not eat rocks, but it is common sense not to do so. There is nothing in the Bible that says you should not inhale glue, but it is common sense not to do so. There is nothing in the Bible that says that you should not jump out of a 10 story window, but it is common sense not to do so. In the same way, you will not find anything that says you should not smoke, but it is common sense not to do so. The Bible calls the body the temple of God -- why would we chose to defile it? (1Corinthians 6:19)