Pris Thompson Dr. White, thank you for sharing this wonderful article Miracles and the Already/Not-Yet Kingdom. I am
reminded of what happened when God answered yes in one situation and no in another. One day we walked into a rustic
patient room in an African hospital. On the cot lay Ananiya, a saintly Congolese pastor. He was dressed in a suit and tie with
his polished shoes on. We asked him what he was doing, and he replied, “I am dressed ready to go to heaven.” God did
not take him for many years, and he continued to pastor in the Congo. Fast-forward 3 to 4 decades, and we were being
ministered to by a wonderful young pastor named Michael Hockett. He was given the diagnosis of cancer. He was young,
athletic, and an intuitive pastor and teacher. Our church fasted, prayed and begged God for his healing. At the young age
of 52 God answered no to us for his healing here on earth and took him to heaven. Both pastors were ready to accept
God’s will. We will always wonder why God answered in different ways. His kingdom work is not finished in Congo nor at
Timberview Church, Spokane. We are watching and waiting for the answers.
Carl Pavey John, when you were in Minneapolis, I was in Austin and inspired by your lead to start as a police chaplain in
Austin. Thank you for your ministry and witness John “Ike” Owen: Chaplain to the Cities.
Jeff Finley The Connecting Points article There Will Be Miracles Here for this month’s issue features J.D. Walt, the sower-in-chief
of Seedbed and the author of the Seedbed Daily Text to which countless people (including me) turn for daily inspiration
and biblical insight through a Wesleyan theological lens. Walt gives his perspective on miracles, and the article includes
several Waypoints for reflection and discussion. Here’s one Waypoint about which I’d love to hear your thoughts: “There
are three basic explanations as to why we don’t see more miracles than we do. 1. There is a deficiency in our biblical and
theological understanding. 2. There is a deficiency in our discipleship and formation as relates to faith, hope and love. 3.
The Calvinists and dispensationalists have it right and miracles (among other gifts of the Spirit) ceased with the end of the
age of the apostles. Where do you land among these three alternatives? Is there a fourth or fifth?”
Rob Kirkham I’ll add a fourth possibility just for the sake of discussion. Perhaps it isn’t only a lack in us or that miracles have
ceased. We may live in a culture that is hardened by skepticism. In such a climate those who have witnessed miracles may
be reluctant to talk about it. Those who are told of miracles refuse to believe. I think of Matthew 13:58.
Paul Stackhouse Jr. I also look to John 9:3 and see a similar reason. If our culture isn’t prepared to see the glory of God, then
the reason for miracles doesn’t exist.
Donna Burden Hart I am sort of naive in my faith, I guess. I have always believed that our Lord does miracles today. I think
of a few in my life. (Thank you, Jesus!) But I guess I believe that, if I miss them, it’s my fault, not God’s. We are supposed to
live expecting miracles. Wonderful article!
LaWanda Mae Interesting! I tend to lean toward #2 but am thankful to have witnessed instant miracles and my mother
telling me of two angels being with her in the hospital. Praying that God will show Himself in miracle-working power on this
generation too. I’m a firm believer in obeying God’s Word and leaving the results to Him. Ask (Jesus commanded us) and
you will receive (His promise.) To pray, “Your will be done,” is not weakness, it is deferring to God’s wisdom and knowledge
of all things. I’ve seen what looked like unanswered prayer be the greater blessing as life unfolded like a beautiful rainbow.
Donna Miller Wire My young formative education was Calvinist but in my young heart I knew that couldn’t possibly be right.
Who wants a God who’s like regular people? That’s how my young mind processed. Then I believed and then I discovered
the Wesleyans. I still believe but I don’t see so many. So maybe you all are right about the cultural shaping or how we define
miracles. I’m never gonna stop believing for them. I have had them myself. But love this conversation. Thanks.
Nelson Blount There’s a deficiency in our heart-to-heart relationship with Almighty God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. I
think we lack for knowledge but even more so for experience. It’s a case of “BUT GOD!”
November 2020 — pg. 19
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