Are Christians given empowerment to do all the works Jesus did? Bethel and their resurrection claims

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

Are all believers, individually, empowered to perform all the miracles of Christ at will?

  • Yes, all believers are empowered to perform all the miracles of Christ at will.

    Votes: 8 32.0%
  • No, but some believers are empowered to perform all the miracles of Christ at will

    Votes: 2 8.0%
  • No, but collective prayer of the saints and individuals sometimes result in miracles

    Votes: 14 56.0%
  • No, and collective prayer of the saints and individuals never result in miracles

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • I don't know

    Votes: 1 4.0%

  • Total voters
    25
Jan 12, 2019
7,497
1,399
113
#41
If you are God (as Jesus is), both are easy.

If you are not God (like every human being other than Jesus), both would be impossible, in the context of the paralytic.

Jesus' point was that if the man picks up his mat, proving his physical healing, it is assured his spiritual healing (forgiveness of sin) has been accomplished.

I'm not sure what your point is.

However, I will make this point..has anyone seen true paralytics (individuals with spinal cord damages, etcetera) get up and walk upon the alleged healing of a charismatic? If not, why? Has anyone seen people with an amputated limb grow it back, or eyes being regenerated by spit being applied to them?

Why do charismatics focus on legs that are 1/2 inch longer than another, or some trivial issue, when performing their "miracles"?

Again, I will repeat that I believe God performs some miracles sometimes. I don't think there is any guarantee of a miracle, nor do I think God usually does his miracles in a showmanlike fashion such as some charismatics claim.
Ahh since you believe in tulip, I understand why you would have that doctrine about healing
 

UnitedWithChrist

Well-known member
Aug 12, 2019
3,739
1,928
113
#42
Ahh since you believe in tulip, I understand why you would have that doctrine about healing
How does it relate?

Sane non-Reformed people hold the same exact view.

Yes, I do believe God is in control and I am not a "little god" who can command God around like a cosmic butler.

And, I know that all things are for his glory, including suffering, which he uses to conform the believer to the image of Christ.

And, my hope is in the resurrection of the dead, not in temporal healing.

And, that faith involves enduring hardship, some of which is physical conditions, per Hebrews 11.

But, all I need to do is read the Bible to know that.
Unrealistic expectations.jpg
 
Jan 12, 2019
7,497
1,399
113
#43
How does it relate?

Sane non-Reformed people hold the same exact view.

Yes, I do believe God is in control and I am not a "little god" who can command God around like a cosmic butler.

And, I know that all things are for his glory, including suffering, which he uses to conform the believer to the image of Christ.

And, my hope is in the resurrection of the dead, not in temporal healing.

And, that faith involves enduring hardship, some of which is physical conditions, per Hebrews 11.

But, all I need to do is read the Bible to know that.
View attachment 208933
If you believe salvation is by election, how can you believe that healing is by faith?
 

UnitedWithChrist

Well-known member
Aug 12, 2019
3,739
1,928
113
#44
Costi Hinn, the nephew of Benny Hinn, is a legitimate evangelical pastor now.

He has written two books on the fallacies involved in the charismatic/Word of Faith world.

His interviews are great if someone wants to learn more about the problems with this worldview.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ac_DJ3e9jU


Here is one that specifically applies to the resurrection stunt of Bethel Church:

 

UnitedWithChrist

Well-known member
Aug 12, 2019
3,739
1,928
113
#45
If you believe salvation is by election, how can you believe that healing is by faith?
Please elaborate. I have no idea what conclusion you're intending to draw.

God heals if it is his sovereign will.

God regenerates if it is his sovereign will.

Both of these are consistent.
 

UnitedWithChrist

Well-known member
Aug 12, 2019
3,739
1,928
113
#46
One of the most shameful consequences of the charismatic/Word of Faith teaching is this idea that people who are not healed lack faith, and therefore viewing them as inferior. These sorts of people won't come right out and say it, but that is what they think.

As a member of a cult that taught, in essence, the same ideas, I didn't realize the dissonance of my own thinking on that matter.

Read Hebrews 11 and see all the individuals who suffered without being delivered, yet still looked forward to their eternal reward and the fulfillment of the promises of God.

Like I said, It's almost like charismatics are reading a different Bible where they only see selected proof-texts without reading the entire Bible which teaches that sanctification involves suffering, just like it did with Christ.

Faith is not commanding God to do your will. Faith is trusting God when he does his will.

This is an excellent quote from this message:

 

Lightskin

Well-known member
Aug 16, 2019
3,165
3,665
113
#47
I have faith enough to endure suffering, as did the indviiduals mentioned in Hebrews 11.

I pray that you are given the faith to endure suffering without any promise of relief during this earthly lifetime, as that is the kind of faith that is real. The purpose of life is to be conformed to the image of Christ, and suffering is a part of this.

By the way, notice this..."the magnitude of my faith"......like all free-willers, this man has a focus on man rather than God.

The believer is united with Christ, therefore Christ's faith becomes his faith. It is true that the believer needs to pursue deeper levels of spiritual growth, but his faith is Christ's faith through the indwelling presence of Jesus mediated through the Holy Spirit.

I suspect that virtually no charismatic can even comprehend, let alone believe, what I just wrote. They don't understand union with Christ, and they don't understand how suffering is part of the process of conforming a believer to the image of Christ.

We're talking about spiritual kindergartners here.

And, Bill Johnson DENIES the place of suffering in salvation. Further, he calls it a false gospel if a person has an understanding that suffering conforms one to the image of Christ. Yet, the Bible plainly teaches it.

Notice the elitism inherent in these claims. "I'll pray that you reach the spiritual height I have reached".

Yet, I see no proof of his/her claims.

By the way I don't deny that God sometimes heals for his Sovereign purposes, largely related to validating a gospel presentation such as that of the Apostles.
I was going to point out prior to your last post that you are indeed very angry, but didn’t want to seem like I was attacking you. Truth is, your anger, not your faith, is your driving force.

It’s interesting to see how incorrect some people are with their judgment of others the way you are incorrect in your judgment with me. Your misquote: “I'll pray that you reach the spiritual height I have reached” is not what I said, and your wordage change the meaning of what I actually did say.

May you be encouraged, rather than praying that I or anyone else be given the faith to be able to endure suffering, how about praying that we don’t endure suffering, period. I’ve endured great suffering, and God is the only reason I still draw breath on this side of Heaven.

God is my focus; His love; His grace; His very real presence in all our lives and the blessings He shares on a daily basis. Sadly you feel I’m guilty of self idolatry. Perhaps it’s my delivery; perhaps it’s your unprovoked anger clouding your judgment. Whatever the case, may you be blessed on this day and always.
 
Jan 12, 2019
7,497
1,399
113
#48
Please elaborate. I have no idea what conclusion you're intending to draw.

God heals if it is his sovereign will.

God regenerates if it is his sovereign will.

Both of these are consistent.
Yes that is precisely why your belief is understandable.
 

UnitedWithChrist

Well-known member
Aug 12, 2019
3,739
1,928
113
#50
I was going to point out prior to your last post that you are indeed very angry, but didn’t want to seem like I was attacking you. Truth is, your anger, not your faith, is your driving force.

It’s interesting to see how incorrect some people are with their judgment of others the way you are incorrect in your judgment with me. Your misquote: “I'll pray that you reach the spiritual height I have reached” is not what I said, and your wordage change the meaning of what I actually did say.

May you be encouraged, rather than praying that I or anyone else be given the faith to be able to endure suffering, how about praying that we don’t endure suffering, period. I’ve endured great suffering, and God is the only reason I still draw breath on this side of Heaven.

God is my focus; His love; His grace; His very real presence in all our lives and the blessings He shares on a daily basis. Sadly you feel I’m guilty of self idolatry. Perhaps it’s my delivery; perhaps it’s your unprovoked anger clouding your judgment. Whatever the case, may you be blessed on this day and always.
I pray that you experience and endure suffering, because it is part of the experience of every real Christian. Suffering is a tool that God uses in the process of conforming one to the image of Christ.
 

UnitedWithChrist

Well-known member
Aug 12, 2019
3,739
1,928
113
#51
I pray that you experience and endure suffering, because it is part of the experience of every real Christian. Suffering is a tool that God uses in the process of conforming one to the image of Christ.
By the way, this is the prayer no one wants to pray for themselves.

God, I pray that I experience the suffering that I need to experience in order to be conformed to the image of Christ.

Amen.

I doubt any charismatic or Word of Faith person wants to say that prayer. Why? Because they don't want to suffer in order to be conformed to the image of Christ. They want a life of comfort.

Truth be told, I do too. But I know what I need.
 

presidente

Senior Member
May 29, 2013
9,163
1,791
113
#52
You apparently mean "doesn't eventually age and die".

I think Hagin was the one who claimed he would live until he was over 120 years old.
A lot of little booklets were released by his ministry, carved out of his sermons. I probably read two of them and one full length book. But I have known a couple of fans, one a Rhema grad, who constantly quoted him.

I remember one of his booklets dealt with death. As I recall he believed everyone had their time. But he thought he gave an example of sone preacher-Wgglesworth I think- who died in his sleep peacefully without suffering illness whis an example of how someone with faith for healing would go.

I never read where he said he was going to 120 or that anyone with enough faith would. He might have expressed a desire to do so. My dad has. I have provably done so too.

He was dead and rotting by age 90.

Correct me if I'm wrong :)

My point was, no charismatic avoids the effects of the Curse through their personal healing. They all have visual defects, cavities, eyeglasses, and eventually die.
What Charismatic believes they do not eventually die? I think I met one woman who believed like that--not a church leader.

Eye glasses can be for eyes adjusting to certain tasks and age adjusts them to see afar off. I have not surveyed or checked all charismatics' mouths for cavities and I do not know how you could verify your claims. I seem to recall Hagin pointing out Wigglesworth had his teeth when he died.

I disagree with some of Hagins teachings, for example His idea that because God was good that He did not cause God to be sick when Yahweh clearly relates in scripture that he put sicknesses upon the Egyptians.

I don't believe in any guarantees of health
What about the guarantee of healing if elders anoint with oil in the name if the Lord And pray the prayer of faith in James 5?

Pentecostals and Charismatics believe in healing and miracles but there is a variety of beliefs on whether all healing is guaranteed in the atonement.
 

presidente

Senior Member
May 29, 2013
9,163
1,791
113
#53
By the way, this is the prayer no one wants to pray for themselves.

God, I pray that I experience the suffering that I need to experience in order to be conformed to the image of Christ.

Amen.

I doubt any charismatic or Word of Faith person wants to say that prayer. Why? Because they don't want to suffer in order to be conformed to the image of Christ. They want a life of comfort.

Truth be told, I do too. But I know what I need.
The WOFers would probably be the most known for being against certain types of suffering. But they would argue that Christians suffer such things as persecution and argue that the Bible does not teach our suffering should be from sickness.
 

UnitedWithChrist

Well-known member
Aug 12, 2019
3,739
1,928
113
#54
The WOFers would probably be the most known for being against certain types of suffering. But they would argue that Christians suffer such things as persecution and argue that the Bible does not teach our suffering should be from sickness.
Well, simple question...does God use suffering from sickness to sanctify believers?

Are you going to tell the believe who suffers from life-long chronic conditions such as paralysis that he is suffering needlessly, and his suffering has no value?

By the way, I have never heard a credible story where a paralytic person has been healed, or an individual with cerebral palsy. I have never heard anyone whose amputated limb grew back. I have never heard of a profoundly blind or deaf person who regained sight and hearing from faith healings outside of the biblical miracles.

How do we think of the brothers and sisters who suffer such infirmities? Do we view them as lacking sufficient faith to be healed? Are all such individuals faithless?

It's a waste of time to employ reasoning skills, though. If a person simply reads the Bible they can see the inconsistencies of these individuals. It's pretty comical outside of that.

I know WoF people who claim this theology, even though they have heart stints and are old, grey, fat and have eyeglasses. In fact, some of their TEACHERS have these conditions, and have had multiple cosmetic surgeries in order to appear younger. It's all like professional wrestling..everyone else except the most naive (and little kids) know it's fake, yet they still watch the shows.
 

Lightskin

Well-known member
Aug 16, 2019
3,165
3,665
113
#55
I pray that you experience and endure suffering
Not a misquote, folks. UnitedWithChrist actually wrote those words and meant them. He wrote those words after I clearly stated I have endured much suffering in my life. The question is, do his words come from a broken heart or an evil one?
 

Lightskin

Well-known member
Aug 16, 2019
3,165
3,665
113
#56
I pray that you experience and endure suffering, because it is part of the experience of every real Christian. Suffering is a tool that God uses in the process of conforming one to the image of Christ.
Let me guess, you’re Catholic.
 

Lightskin

Well-known member
Aug 16, 2019
3,165
3,665
113
#57
By the way, this is the prayer no one wants to pray for themselves.

God, I pray that I experience the suffering that I need to experience in order to be conformed to the image of Christ.
Wrong again with your false projections. I have indeed asked God on more than one occasion to alleviate the pain and suffering of others and put it upon me. On more than one occasion those prayers were answered. You’re better off quitting while you’re, well, not ahead.
 
Jan 12, 2019
7,497
1,399
113
#58
The WOFers would probably be the most known for being against certain types of suffering. But they would argue that Christians suffer such things as persecution and argue that the Bible does not teach our suffering should be from sickness.
It does make sense since even earthly fathers would do anything for their own kids to be well, what's more our heavenly Father.
 

Lightskin

Well-known member
Aug 16, 2019
3,165
3,665
113
#59
I have never heard a credible story where a paralytic person has been healed, or an individual with cerebral palsy. I have never heard anyone whose amputated limb grew back. I have never heard of a profoundly blind or deaf person who regained sight and hearing from faith healings outside of the biblical miracles.
Have you ever asked God to heal such people?
 

UnitedWithChrist

Well-known member
Aug 12, 2019
3,739
1,928
113
#60
Have you ever asked God to heal such people?
I have asked for healing for various conditions. It is God's sovereign will that they remain unhealed.

In fact, his glory is displayed more powerful through their weakness.

Do you guys ever think about that? How God takes the weak and those society deems as of less value, and manifests his glory through them more powerfully?

So that there is no boasting?