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I'm not to sure how this response relates to the topic at hand but I'll say it regardless.

(1)miracles- can anyone question weather there from God? Jesus (1) preformed many Himself and since we are to mimic him...then where does the confusion lie? neutral now I have to admit some stuff seams a bit staged... especially while preformed on a stage ^.^;; but I don't question real miracles accruing because my very testimony has about 3 major unquestionable miracles in it o.O (2) Now as for them being necessary... I think it is more of a gift thing, God does many different things through different peoples lives... you can't say one think marks Spiritual maturity and another doesn't. (3) The only thing I find absolutely necessary in being a Christian of maturity, is that you grow in your relationship with Christ.

Scriptures NIV translation
(note I can not possibly type the whole of it so please look it up and read around the scriptures I provide...it is good to make sure surrounding scriptures go along with the point because to easily do people pull things out of context, if I have done so please let me know. (in a kind way, thank you)...Also it is good to quote more the one scripture that clearly says the same thing...so you know you are not mistaken the meaning. I'm sorry if this all seams a bit overkill...but if your not quoting scriptures then you are just blubbering out opinions, and that doesn't get us any closer to truth (This is what our faith is built upon isn't it? the Bible.)

(1) Jesus preforms miracles

"18 Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" 20 He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you" Matthew 17:18-20 (a different account of the story is found in Mark 9:17-29)

(21)Jesus replied "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. (22) If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:21-22

(2)after reading the scripture below I can see how "Type Text Here" (what a funny name) can gather that miracles are needed in a relationship with Christ. (not for salvation but to further ones relationship with Christ)

"17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."

but do not by reading that ignore that many more things accompany ones relationship with Christ.

"Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them." Matthew 4:20 (this is one you might want to look up since my quote was very small)

"22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23

now I think anything concerning the will of God takes great faith... not just miracles. If you read Genesis 37-45 Joseph Grows in his relationship with God through pain... he is constantly betrayed but God is with him through it all and give him rewords for being faithful. Also the entire book of Job is about growing closer to God through tribulation. We can not mark miracles as being the "must have" aspect in a relationship with God.

"28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" Romans 8:28


(3)

"22 Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?'23 Then I will tell them plainly 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evil doers!'" Matthew 4:22-23


now a different subject entirely sweatdrop

I have noticed, too, a great deal of Non Christians in this guild... good. I am sick of the Christian box we have placed ourselves in... I mean how are we to share His love and word with people who already Know His love? what would be the point? However, I sincerely hope they all realize and accept that as this is a Christian group, and We (well...most of us) who believe in the Bibles teachings... would ind it to be irrational, un-biblical and a cruelty on our behalf to keep quiet Gods word. I believe the Bible to be pretty black and white at times...and I am not opposed to saying there is wrong and there is right, if that offends anyone I wish you to know it is only on a Biblical grown I will state such cases...and not to point out flaws of any particular person (for that is nun of our place) but instead to discuss a topic.

did that last bit make any sense? ninja

Heeey, welcome back. heart