Subject: when do I spake in tounges |
Bible Note: In Mt 12:39, Jesus was rebuking the people for asking for proof on demand, which is contrary to faith. The only sign to be given was Jonah in the whale, which of course is a foreshadow of Christ in the tomb. This sign is fundamentally different from that requested of Him in that it demonstrated God's triumph over death, not Jesus ability to do wonderous deeds, which are subject to counterfeiting. Resurrection is totally in God's domain. James also speaks to this unbelief and the possible selfish perversion of God's blessings. "You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures." -- James 4:2-3 Finally, the acts you list are miracles, so by definition, I don't expect to see them very often. They are special, delivered to glorify God in a unique way. Miracles are different from the spiritual gifts that are bestowed upon believers for the daily, routine work to be done in the Lord's service. Such gifts are the fruit of faith, not the reason for it and are given that we can do the unique work God calls us to do. Finally, in regard to the gifts, Paul says "For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function..."-- Rom 12:4 and "Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly..." -- Rom 12:6 Parable |