On the large scale, our lives aren’t any different. We want our lives to have meaning. We desire our lives to have purpose. Too often it’s easy to fall into a routine and wake up one morning wondering, “Why am I doing this? What am I doing with my life?” Without a sense of direction and purpose, we lose hope and motivation to continue on.

Fortunately, God tells us in Scripture that He knows the purpose of each individual life. He knew eons before you were ever born who you would be and what you would accomplish. “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)

Moreover, He has a glorious plan for your life. Psalm 40:5 says, “Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders You have done. The things You have planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.”

But perhaps you think to yourself, “That sounds nice, but how can God use someone like me?” Psalms 33:11 says, “But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.” God knows what He’s doing, and has used His followers to impact countless people even centuries after their time—think of the apostles, or even an “ordinary” person who wrote a hymn that still stirs peoples’ hearts to worship. In fact, God has called many people who felt poorly equipped or unworthy—Abraham, Moses, Paul, Esther, and Gideon, just to name a few! Wherever you are now, God can use you to make a difference for eternity.

Your life and your every action are extremely important to God, and each day you have is a gift from Him. “…All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.” (Psalm 139:16b)

God is the one who gives us hope and something to live for. “For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

So if you ever wonder what the point of your life is…ask Jesus. He’ll assure you of His plan, and when you trust and follow Him, you will experience marvelous things. “…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10b)

Woah. Sounds pretty crazy. One may wonder whether this avant-garde approach to baptism has any biblical support. In fact, the whole issue of baptism is surrounded by a lot of questions. “What does baptism mean? What is the proper mode of baptism? Does baptism save? Who should receive baptism?” As one of the major principles of Christianity, we must make sure that we understand baptism and know how to answer these important questions.

What’s the point of baptism anyway?

Here is a working definition of baptism:  Baptism is the event in which a believer, in obedience to Christ, publicly and symbolically identifies himself with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, thus committing to walk in newness of life. Christ commanded baptism as part of His great commission (Mt. 28:19; Mk. 16:16), and the book of Acts demonstrates the fulfillment of this command in the public baptism of new believers (Acts 2:41; 8:12; 9:18; 16:33). Genuine believers will want to obey Christ by obeying this important command. Paul teaches that through baptism, the believer identifies himself with Christ’s death (Rom. 6:3), burial (6:4), and resurrection (6:5; c.f. also taught in Gal. 3:27; Col. 2:12). Thus, baptism symbolizes the believer’s “new life” (Rom. 6:4) in which he is dead to sin and alive to God (Rom. 6:6-11).

How should someone be baptized? Sprinkling? Dunking?

The question of how baptism should be administered has occupied the attention of Christians for centuries. Everyone agrees that baptism has something to do with water, but whether that involves sprinkling, pouring, or dunking is a matter of debate.

One way to solve the difficulty is to understand the meaning of the word baptism. At its root, the word baptism means to immerse. Even the occurrences and references to baptism throughout the New Testament suggest that immersion was the form of baptism that John, Jesus, and the apostles used: “They were being baptized by him in the Jordan River” (Mat. 3:6). “Immediately coming up out of the water” (Mark 1:10). “John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there” (John 3:23). “They both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him (Acts 8:38). Furthermore, the presence of many pools and baths throughout Jerusalem would have facilitated the immersion of thousands of people on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:41).

The picture communicated in baptism by immersion is the only mode that matches the symbolism that baptism intends to communicate. Romans 6:3 states, “that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death.” Paul draws a similar parallel in Col. 2:12, when he writes, “having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith.” Sprinkling and pouring fail to communicate the important symbolism demanded by Scripture.

Does baptism save?

One should keep in mind that the whole of Scripture teaches that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone (Eph. 2:8-9). It is one of the principles of Christianity that baptism is not necessary for one to be saved. Baptism is an act of obedience that should follow conversion. Only those who have personally accepted Christ as their personal Savior qualify for baptism. Peter preached “Repent and each of you be baptized” (Acts 2:38), and only “those who had received his word were baptized” (2:41).

Baptism is an important biblical doctrine. Knowing what it is, how it is practiced, and what is accomplishes is an important part of the principles of Christianity.

Were his claims true? Were blind really able to see? Were the crippled really able to walk again? Were cancerous tumors removed? Were arthritic pains dissolved? Were congenital defects cured? As he declared, “I heal you now in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,” was he really healing people?

In the wake of a global charismatic movement, such claims should be carefully analyzed. As you are involved in a college evangelism and Internet student ministry, it is an important part of your understanding of God’s Word. What does the New Testament teach about divine healing?

God can heal.

There is no mistaking the fact that God can heal. Jesus, who is God, healed thousands of people—paralytics, demon possessed, lepers, and many others (Matthew 12:15, Luke 6:18; 7:21; John 5:9). God is powerful, and He can heal anyone whom he chooses. The New Testament repeatedly proves this fact.

God sometimes chooses to use human instruments to heal.

In the early days of the church, God used the apostles to heal. Peter and John used the healing of a lame man to preach to thousands of Jerusalemites (Acts 4:9). Other apostles healed as part of their preaching ministry (Acts 5:16; 8:7).

God does not heal every disease.

Even though God can heal every disease, He does not choose to do so. The very existence of sickness and disease today is proof of that. Although Jesus healed thousands throughout Syria and Palestine, it is not true that every single sick person was healed. Even Paul, whose own ministry of healing and miracles is undisputed, had a physical malady (2 Corinthians 12:7). God chose not to heal Paul’s physical problem, though Paul repeatedly prayed for Him to do so.

God heals through prayer.

God never changes (Hebrews 13:8), but sometimes His methods do. Confirmatory signs were necessary in the days of the apostles, but since we now have the complete canon of Scripture healing, tongues, and other signs and wonders are not absolutely necessary for ministry to take place. Despite this possibility, it is unwise to put God in a box and say that He no longer heals. The book of James actually commands Christians, “confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (James 5:16). God heals through prayer.

What a wonder that we depend upon a God who can heal! As I witnessed the massive crusade in Africa, it is possible that some were healed. However, we cannot place demands upon God that the New Testament does not justify. We need not require of God that He heal every disease. Nor should we expect that healing is the only sign of His divine favor. Rather, we can rejoice in Him and thank Him for his great power that He gifts to believers as He perfectly wills.

Lately, I have been dealing with some sin issues in my life, each one permeating every area. They are pride and lovelessness, two things placed under the guise and summation of independence.

I have been searching out the veins of the pride, and burning away the remains of that issue, now that it has been brought to light. It is seen especially in spiritual pride, in that I have a lot of knowledge about the Bible, and about theology, and this and that and the other, but I have little experience. That knowledge causes hypocrisy and blindness, which are both rooted in pride.

Naturally, this is debilitating and demoralizing, because I cannot find and destroy all of my pride on my own, and I am alone in this progress (which is another sin issue under the consuming veil of independence). That, coupled with my repeated and valiant attempts to deal with this issue spur helplessness and despair—defeat.

The second is lovelessness. This is seen in my self-focus and self-centeredness, among other things, and in the fact that I do not miss people. The latter is explainable, but not excusable when it comes down to it. God is love, brothers and sisters. Jesus himself says that the world will know that we are His disciples by our love for one another. Snap! I’m loveless?! That’s no good! And it is true, in my selfishness and lone wolf mentality, I am being prideful which is leading me into independence which is breeding this indifference in me.

Naturally, this too is debilitating, demoralizing, and ultimately defeating. Sorrow and grief burn and dry my eyes, and weigh heavily on my heart. Why? Because ultimately, the lack of love in my life is a crippling lack that cannot remain. If I have not love—even if I have faith to remove mountains, even if I have the gift of prophecy or tongues, even if I give myself to be burned—if I have not love? It is nothing. (1 Cor. 13: 1-3)

So, I am defeated. I have no love. I am nothing.

But wait…what use is there in living in defeat? What good product is there from living in that place? God refines us with fire—we are like metals being melted down so the impurities can rise to the surface and be taken away. We are broken not so that we would remain broken forever, but so that we can be restored to greater heights. Silver is not melted down and refined so it can remain melted; likewise, we are not broken and defeated, grieving and sorrowful, so that we can remain that way to the end of our days.

What use is there in living in defeat?

When Christ died, He took our sins. When He was raised from the dead by God, He had victory over sin and death. Why would we live in defeat when Christ has already had victory? What use is there in that? Christ has already won the war, brothers and sisters. He has already won.

Beyond even that, John 16:23b says this: “Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you.” Jesus Himself tells us to ask, in unwavering faith, the Father for the desires of our hearts. When we are abiding in Christ, the desires of our hearts are the same as the desires of God (when we are conformed to Christ). We know that it is not the will of God that we remain in our defeat and be in despair, so ask God for deliverance. Ask God to refine you and make you into a new creation. You are His greatest masterpiece. You are His handiwork. He refines you like silver and builds you back up.

Do not remain in your defeat, but rather know that God is with you, and that He loves you, and that He wants to bring you out of darkness and into the light. Rejoice! Rejoice in the Lord! For He has had victory, and He has the power to mold us, shape us, change us and transform us. But we have to let Him. He has melted me down in the fire, and has removed the impurities that have arisen. Ask in faith that God would do this, and He will be faithful. Be anxious for nothing, but with prayer and supplication of thanksgiving, make your requests known to God, and God’s peace, which is beyond comprehension, will be with you. Why? Well, it may be because it is beyond comprehension and is simply God’s piece. But you can have peace because you have faith that God will do what you ask, because your desires and conformed to His, and you desire that He would be glorified through you. Ask in Jesus name, and you will receive. Do not remain in your defeat, for Christ had victory over sin and death, but rather, remain in confidence and faith in God.

I began by talking vaguely about pride and lovelessness, the things that have defeated me, the things that are being refined out of me. Now, I tell you to have faith that God will change you, and ask Him to remove those things from you. I have had faith. I have asked God, and I strongly believe that I have been given a “new” heart—one that has love, rather than indifference, one that is humble, rather than prideful. Do not take my word for it, but know it through the testimonies of those around me. If it is true, and God has changed me here and now, then the love which He gave me should be flowing out onto others. Ask those around me, and they will affirm the truth of this matter. Change of heart means change of action, change of life style.

Be strong and courageous, for God is with you. Be filled with the Spirit, for that is the desire of the Lord. Be faithful to obey His commands, for that is how we know that we love Him. Have faith, a supernatural, solid faith that God is who He says He is, and that He will do what He says He will do.

In much the same way, a Christian is a soldier in the cause of advancing Christ’s kingdom. He or she is committed to giving everything to that cause. But what does this look like? How can Christians really live their lives for God? What does it take? What is expected?

Living a Life for God Means Learning the Bible.

You are not left without answers. The entire Christian belief system and lifestyle requirements are summed up in one book—the Bible. God’s Word is living and powerful (Hebrews 4:12). It has the power to change your life as you remain obedient and submissive to it. Don’t neglect the touchstone of faith—the Bible. It is God’s love letter to you. It is your source of answers. It is the solution to life’s complexities. The Bible is God’s Word. Living for God means learning that precious book.

Living a Life for God Means Total Life Commitment.

Do you know what it’s like to live life in total abandon to one central consuming cause? That’s the Christian life. A doctor is committed to saving lives and healing bodies. A lawyer is committed to winning cases and defending justice. An athlete is committed to winning games and breaking records. A Christian is committed to passionately knowing God and giving every part of his or her life to God.

Living life for God means that you surrender to God every area of your life. If you are a student, study for God. If you are a friend, be a friend for God. Live life for God in the details. In conversation, are you making God a part of what you talk about? If you spend time on the Internet, are you involved in Internet student evangelism or some other Internet student ministries? Is there some way that you are involved in college evangelism?

If God is part of your life at all, He must be all of your life. When God called His disciples, He wasn’t calling them on a part-time job or to volunteer service on the weekends. He was asking for complete life commitment. That’s why Peter and John totally forsook their secular occupation. That’s why Luke left a lucrative white-collar job to follow the Rabbi. That’s why each of the disciples followed Christ to the very end—even when it ended in martyrdom.

Living a Life for God Means Sharing This Life with Others.

True life for God is not a private event. Life for God is lived out loud, on full display to everyone who watches. As Jesus commanded before He left the earth, “go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Paul, one of the finest examples of someone who lived his life for God, was thrown in jail for his faith. Even there, he could say, “It has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.” Nothing stopped him. Everyone knew. Do your friends know that you are a Christian? When people are around you for any amount of time, do they get the idea that you are living your life for God?

Life lived for God is not life lived in a toilsome bondage to a cruel taskmaster. Life lived for God is the only truly fulfilling way to live. (Matthew 11:29b-30: …for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls, for My yoke is easy and My burden is light.) God calls us and He equips us, investing us with joy, power, and true fulfillment to live in total abandon to the glorious cause! Meditate on the Word of God, surrender every detail of your life to the will of God, and live in such a way that your commitment is unmistakable, contagious, and glorifying to God.

What is the doctrine of the Trinity?

The doctrine of the Trinity is the orthodox Christian doctrine regarding the identity of the person of God. The doctrine of the Trinity states that God is One, yet He is also three distinct persons. These three persons are labeled as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each of the three Persons is God. Each member of the Trinity is eternal. Each member of the trinity is equal to the other.

What’s the big deal about the Trinity?

Belief in the doctrine of the Trinity is important to have a truly orthodox faith. Even though the word “trinity” doesn’t actually appear in a chapter and verse, its truth is all over the pages of our Bibles. God is referred to in the plural (Genesis 1:26; 3:22). The Father, Spirit, Son, appear individually at the same time (Matthew 3:16-17). Each person of the Godhead is referred to in various passages (e.g., Matthew 28:19). Since the Trinity is a biblical doctrine, it’s a big deal.

In addition, believing in the doctrine of the Trinity is a big deal simply for the legitimacy of our faith. On the one hand, if we don’t believe in the tri of the “tri-unity,” we have no confidence in a Savior who died, a Spirit who sustains, and a God who created. However, if we fail to believe the unity of the tri-unity, than we have a multideistic religion, and confusion over who to worship and how to conduct ourselves.

How do I understand the Trinity?

There are some who think that comprehending the Trinity requires a herculean effort of the intellect. Others think that some clever analogy will help them get to that “aha!” moment of finally grasping the elusive erudition of Trinitarian cogitation. Whether it’s an egg, the states of water, or a triangle, people try to grasp the concept of a three-in-one God through different pictures. Forget it. You’ll never completely understand it. Systematic theologian Millard Erickson admitted after seventeen pages of scholarly writing: “In the final analysis, the Trinity is incomprehensible” (Systematic, 363). This does not mean that we deny it. Nor does it mean that we don’t try to understand it better. It simply means that our finite human minds are not capable of comprehending the infinite mind of God. That is reason to glory in our great God—the blessed Trinity.

As someone once said,
Try to explain it, and you’ll lose your mind;
But try to deny it, and you’ll lose your soul.

Professor 2:  “I don’t know what kind of evidence you need for a universal flood beyond the fossil. The real facts of science clearly point to an act of instantaneous creation by an all-powerful being.”

Creation versus evolution: two sides that have been at loggerheads for a very long time. From the scientific spadework of men like creationist Henry Morris to the intellectual assaults from men like Richard Dawkins, the controversy between creation and evolution has no end in sight. Examining the Christian perspective–without the scientific training of a Morris or the intellectual equipment of a Dawkins–how are we to respond to the creation versus evolution dilemma?

This article makes no claims to ending the creation versus evolution argument. Nor does it assume to be the conclusion to the debate. Rather, it considers the Christian perspective as well as the creation side and attempts to look a level deeper to gain some answers.

Facts, Fiction, and Disappointment

There are very strong science-backed arguments on both sides of the creation versus evolution debate. Any qualified creationist can summon a litany of arguments to bolster the creation theory. On the flip side, a trained evolutionist can also marshal convincing arguments to prove his hypothesis that the world is a result of a big bang and interminable evolutionary process. In the end—data, fossils, carbon dating methods, bones, dinosaurs, and dirt notwithstanding—scientific data is limited in its ability to answer the question. Although this goes against every grain of our modern-era dependence upon science, we must realize that scientific data is ultimately disappointing. I personally am convinced that the scientific data for a six-day creation is more trustworthy. But in the end, can we depend on science to answer the question of creationism?

Facts, Fiction and the Trump Card: Faith

Ask yourself the question—do you need science to confirm your belief in creationism? Answer that question by asking another question—do you need science to confirm your salvation? No. The Bible as the bedrock of faith is the real answer to the dilemma.

Understanding something called “presuppositions” helps to solve the dilemma. You must presuppose that the Bible is true. You believe the Bible. The Bible teaches creation, and you accept it. The evolutionist, on the other hand, does not believe that the Bible is true. His presuppositions are atheistic and naturalistic.

Presuppositions, then, are the foundational level of the debate. They are the tectonic plates, so to speak, of positions, theories, and other arguments. They are the deepest level upon which beliefs are built. Presuppositions even influence scientific research. To argue on the level of scientific evidence is to ignore the more fundamental issue in the whole debate—one’s presuppositions.

Presuppositions are not an intellectual copout. They are intellectually axiomatic. It is ultimately futile to engage in the creationism versus evolutionism debate, when you realize that you can simply get rid of the “versus” and go by faith.

One thing I am reminded of: a warrior on the battlefield.

Likewise, when does a warrior survive if he is not on the offensive, using his equipment to fight? Whenever I was immersed in prayer, (using the tools I’ve been given), I was strong; I was winning the battle. But as I returned from my mountain hike and fell out of my constant, bold prayer, I was being defeated–am being defeated.

So that’s my side. Frankly, it’s all about spiritual warfare. We Christians are warring against our own flesh–holding at bay the evil desires of our sin nature. Also, when we are witnessing to people, and working to build our disciples, brothers, and sisters up in Christ, we are struggling against the holds Satan has in their lives. All that jazz about freedom in Christ (Galatians 5:1) and being free from the bond of slavery–that’s spiritual warfare.

When Paul tells the Philippians to be anxious for nothing but in constant prayer with the supplication of thanksgiving, he’s talking about struggling against Satan’s attempts to make us fear about life.

When Jesus tells the disciples that He has all authority in heaven and earth and is giving that authority to us (Matthew 28:18-20), He’s talking about spiritual warfare.

Those are just a few glimpses. The important thing is that Ephesians 6:10 tells us to be strong in the Lord and the strength of His might. We are warriors, Christians. We are warriors mired in the combat of life. Our respite comes when we go to heaven at the end of our battle.

Ever read the Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis? Lewis was on to something, I’ve no doubt his semi-fictional account the demons in the book is very close to reality. If nothing else, in the way they are constantly working on the subject’s life to direct him away from God.

I know this is long, but I just stumbled across a great set of notes about how to stay “free”:

1. Get into the Word of God (John 8:31-32)

2. Pray without ceasing (Luke 18:1)

3. Be armed with the Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-19)

4. Stay filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 6:18, Galatians 5:25)

5. Avoid situations that will cause you to sin

6. Resist the Devil and he will flee (James 4:7)

7. Praise the Lord at all times (Romans 8:28)

8. Forgive quickly and completely (Matthew 18:21-35)

9. Guard your heart and mind

We are in a war, and our weapon is the Sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, and our weapon is prayer–our communion with Him. We are told to pray constantly. Do so, Christians. Stand strong and firm in the Lord! We have nothing to fear from Satan while we are standing firm in the Lord. So stand firm, and stand strong. Do not be dragged away by the distractions of this life. Do not be dragged away by failure, or pride, bitterness, lust, or greed. Do not be dragged away by this world.

Be strong and courageous, for the Lord your God is with you always.

“If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know the One who sent me.”

That’s harsh stuff to hear. They slaughtered Jesus! Shamed Him, beat Him, spit on Him, and crucified Him on a cross–the worst execution the world has ever known. He did not die of blood loss or anything like that. The way cross-execution works is that it suffocates you! You hang on a cross, brutally beat and bleeding from many, many places, then they drive nails through your hands and feet, and watch as you slowly suffocate because your lungs are being crushed.

Ayyyy! They persecuted Jesus, so the world will persecute us. We in America do not suffer as brutal torment as Jesus did (far from it!) but there will come a day…Either way, for now–we Christians are looked down upon, slandered, this, that, and the other. Nothing compared to other places in the world even today–but we are persecuted in our own minor way.

Christianity does not promise a plush life of security and (Ah!) comfort. It promises eternal life–eternal life in heaven with God! It promises that though this life will be miserable, heaven is awaiting us. Nay! God is awaiting us! (How awesome is that?)

Jesus says in Matthew 11:25-30 (verse 28-30) “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS, for My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

This seems contradictory, no? But Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 that “we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.”

Why? Because God is mighty. We may suffer in this life, because we cling to God, but we are promised eternal life. Why is Jesus’ burden and yoke light, yet still we suffer? Because what Jesus asks of us is good in the sense that when our hearts are for God alone, and we are doing His work He gives us joy. Paul talks about us being afflicted, perplexed, and persecuted, yet through all–we are with God. He gives us strength. He is our reward.

This is a hard message. Oh, by the way! The world is going to hate you for being sold out for Christ. But hey, take hope in this, Christians: the God we serve is mightier, bigger, wiser, and transcendent of all we will ever face. He is God!

I do not promise you will always understand what is going on; I do not promise that you will always be happy about what is going on in your life; but I promise this: God is with you! God is always with you!

“Abide in Me and I will abide in you.” Remember that as we are with God, in His presence, obeying His commands, and loving Him, we are with Him and He with us. Our reward for this life of suffering and loss and pain and torment is not heaven, (though that is a great benefit!) it is the eternal presence of God, with Him, in his home: heaven. Our reward is God. Remember that.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” ~ Joshua 1:9

Snap! Be encouraged, brothers and sisters. We will suffer, but we have an awesome God!

This awesome God is capable of working miracles. A study of God and miracles and the principles of Christianity reveals that there have been three ages of concentrated miracles: the Exodus, the prophetic ministry of Elijah and Elisha, and Jesus’ life and inauguration of the church. But as we reviewed in the list of God’s attributes above, God is amazingly powerful. No one can say that miracles are not happening today. Why would God work miracles? For believers? For nonbelievers? Let’s dig into the biblical information on God and miracles and find out if miracles are for believers or nonbelievers.

Faith and Miracles During the Exodus

During the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, God worked a lot of miracles. Beginning with God changing Moses’ staff into a snake, to the falling of manna, to water from the rock, and to the parting of the Red Sea, God was busy performing miracles. Who were these miracles for? First of all, they were for Israel. That should be obvious. God also worked miracles to impress people who were definitely not believers. Exodus 9:14 tells us that God sent plagues and worked miracles in order to tell Pharaoh, definitely an nonbeliever, that Yahweh was God alone. Thus, God worked miracles for believing Israel and for nonbelieving Pharaoh.

God and Miracles During the Ministry of Elijah and Elisha

Many miracles occurred during the ministry of two special prophets in Israel’s history—Elijah and Elisha. In God’s power, they did things like multiply food, raise people from the dead, pray fire down from heaven, divide rivers, strike people with blindness, and heal dying people. Why? For believers? In many cases, yes. But consider the very first miracle of Elijah—praying down a drought upon the land (1 Kings 17:1). That miracle was definitely for the wicked King Ahab and for the sins of unbelieving Israelites. Even Elijah’s biggest miracle—that of praying down fire upon a sacrifice—was a grand display for the nation’s false prophet club (1 Kings 18). Again, we see that the main spectators of these miracles were people who were nonbelievers, God-haters, and false prophets.

Miracles During Jesus’ Ministry and the Early Church

The next stage of miracle-intensive activity that we read about is during the life of Jesus and during the early church. Miracles were happening all the time from the hand of Jesus and then through the ministry of Peter, Paul, and other apostles. Perhaps one of Jesus’ most notable miracles was raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11). The biggest fallout from this miracle came from Jesus’ most ardent enemies—the Pharisees. For the most part, the Pharisees, even though they were religious, did not believe in Jesus at all. They were nonbelievers, and Jesus worked miracles often to their extreme anger. At the very beginning of the church, the Day of Pentecost, the disciples came out from hiding and started speaking in tongues. With this miraculous gift of communicating to everyone in their own native tongue, the apostles preached to thousands of people. Again, in this situation, the miracles were for nonbelievers.

What is the Ultimate Reason that God Works Miracles?

Ultimately, He wants to bring glory to Himself. He may do that to spread His fame to believers, but He may put His character on display to nonbelievers, too. No, nonbelievers are not miracle workers, but as nonbelievers see God work miracles, they get a perspective of the greatness of God. Those attributes of God, those core principles of Christianity, are on display when nonbelievers witness God’s miraculous work.