Embracing Miracles: A Call for Open-Mindedness

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Open-Minded Inquiry

Approaching claims of miracles with an open mind is essential for true understanding. Many people, both secular and religious, dismiss miracles without proper examination, often due to skepticism or a belief that such events are no longer possible. However, true scientific inquiry involves examining evidence rather than rejecting phenomena that challenge existing theories. By reconsidering the facts and exploring documented cases of miraculous healings, we can open ourselves to the possibility that miracles may indeed occur. This approach encourages a deeper understanding of the world and the divine. [20:35]

"Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good." (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a situation where you have been skeptical. How can you approach it with an open mind and seek evidence before forming a conclusion?

Day 2: Science and the Possibility of Miracles

The shift in scientific thinking towards indeterminacy and probability has opened the door to the possibility of miracles. Unlike the deterministic and mechanistic view of the 19th century, modern science acknowledges the limitations of our understanding and the existence of phenomena beyond established laws. This new perspective aligns more closely with the possibility of miracles, as it recognizes the complexity and unpredictability of the cosmos. By embracing this openness, we can better appreciate the mysteries of the universe and the potential for divine intervention. [28:15]

"Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them." (Psalm 111:2, ESV)

Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you feel limited by conventional understanding. How can you invite a sense of wonder and openness to the unknown?

Day 3: Continuation of Miracles in History

The belief that miracles ceased with the apostolic age lacks biblical support. Historical evidence and theological arguments suggest that miraculous events have occurred throughout history and may continue to do so. Figures like Tertullian and Augustine, as well as accounts from the Scottish Covenanters, provide evidence of miracles beyond the apostolic age. By examining these historical accounts, we can challenge the notion that miracles are a thing of the past and remain open to the possibility of divine intervention in our lives today. [31:10]

"And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them." (Acts 19:11-12, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a historical account of a miracle that resonates with you. How does it challenge your understanding of the divine and the possibility of miracles today?

Day 4: Holistic Health and Miraculous Healing

Modern medicine increasingly recognizes the role of psychological and spiritual factors in health and disease. This holistic approach aligns with biblical teachings and suggests that miraculous healings may be more plausible than previously thought. By considering the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, we can better understand the potential for miraculous healings and the role of faith in health. This perspective encourages us to embrace a more comprehensive view of health and well-being. [43:01]

"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." (Proverbs 17:22, ESV)

Reflection: Identify an area of your health where you can incorporate spiritual or psychological practices. How can you invite healing in this area through faith and holistic practices?

Day 5: The Power of Faith in Healing

The will to live and the power of faith can have a profound impact on health and healing. This underscores the importance of maintaining a hopeful and open attitude towards the possibility of miracles. By nurturing our faith and cultivating a positive outlook, we can enhance our well-being and invite divine intervention in our lives. This perspective encourages us to trust in the power of faith and the potential for miraculous outcomes. [51:54]

"And Jesus said to him, 'If you can! All things are possible for one who believes.'" (Mark 9:23, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a challenge you are currently facing. How can you strengthen your faith and maintain a hopeful attitude to invite positive change and healing?

Sermon Summary

In this discourse, I explore the complex and often contentious topic of miracles and their place in the modern world. I begin by addressing the skepticism that surrounds miraculous events, particularly within certain religious and scientific communities. Many dismiss miracles outright, citing either the questionable origins of certain claims or a rigid adherence to scientific laws that seemingly preclude the possibility of supernatural occurrences. This skepticism is not limited to secular circles; even within evangelical communities, there is a tendency to reject the miraculous due to a belief that such events ceased with the apostolic age.

I challenge this skepticism by urging a reconsideration of the facts. It is unscientific to dismiss evidence without proper examination. I reference the work of individuals like Katherine Kuhlman and Alexis Carrel, who have documented cases of miraculous healings that defy conventional medical explanations. These accounts, supported by credible witnesses and medical professionals, suggest that miracles may indeed occur.

Furthermore, I highlight a significant shift in scientific thinking. The deterministic and mechanistic view of the universe, which dominated the 19th century, has been replaced by a more open and humble approach. Modern science acknowledges the limitations of our understanding and the existence of phenomena that cannot be fully explained by established laws. This new perspective aligns more closely with the possibility of miracles, as it recognizes the indeterminacy and complexity of the cosmos.

I also address the theological arguments against the continuation of miracles, particularly the interpretation of 1 Corinthians 13. I argue that there is no biblical basis for the belief that miracles ceased with the apostles. Historical evidence from figures like Tertullian and Augustine, as well as accounts from the Scottish Covenanters, suggest that miraculous events have occurred throughout history.

In conclusion, I advocate for an open-minded approach to the miraculous, one that considers both scientific and theological perspectives. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of dogmatism and embrace the possibility that God may still choose to intervene in extraordinary ways.

Key Takeaways

1. Reconsidering Skepticism: It is crucial to approach claims of miracles with an open mind, examining the evidence rather than dismissing it outright. This approach aligns with true scientific inquiry, which seeks to understand rather than reject phenomena that challenge existing theories. [20:35]
2. Scientific Openness: The shift in scientific thinking towards indeterminacy and probability opens the door to the possibility of miracles. This new perspective acknowledges the limitations of our understanding and the existence of phenomena beyond established laws. [28:15]
3. Biblical Interpretation: The belief that miracles ceased with the apostolic age lacks biblical support. Historical evidence and theological arguments suggest that miraculous events have occurred throughout history and may continue to do so. [31:10]
4. Holistic View of Health: Modern medicine increasingly recognizes the role of psychological and spiritual factors in health and disease. This holistic approach aligns with biblical teachings and suggests that miraculous healings may be more plausible than previously thought. [43:01]
5. The Role of Faith: The will to live and the power of faith can have a profound impact on health and healing. This underscores the importance of maintaining a hopeful and open attitude towards the possibility of miracles. [51:54]
** [51:54]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[16:15] - Skepticism and Miracles
[17:02] - Scientific Rejection of Miracles
[18:03] - Biblical Rejection of Miracles
[20:35] - Reconsidering the Facts
[22:57] - Historical Accounts of Miracles
[25:16] - Changes in Scientific Thinking
[28:15] - Indeterminacy in Science
[30:39] - Biblical Interpretation of Miracles
[33:21] - Dangers of Dogmatism
[36:52] - Periodicity of Miracles
[39:07] - Medical Evidence of Miracles
[42:08] - New Views on Disease
[45:08] - Psychological Factors in Health
[51:54] - The Will to Live and Healing

Sermon Clips

It is surely unscientific to reject facts it is no part of our business to reject facts and I think we've got to face this a new and aresh take the case of this Katherine kulman she's been a minister of a Baptist Church in Pittsburgh I think now for over 20 years and is very well known. [00:20:35]

The scientific view of the 19th century has been abandoned it's no longer held now that was a view which taught us that natural laws or the laws of nature governed all events cause and effect laws of nature and everything was governed by this they talked of every event having this kind of explanation. [00:28:15]

Our knowledge of the laws of nature so SoCal is very limited our so-called laws of nature only describe a part of actuality and of the phenomena as far as they go They're correct but all they do is to describe certain common patterns it isn't that they're disputing these patterns. [00:29:15]

I personally have always found myself quite unable to accept the well-known teaching that everything belonging to the realm of the miraculous and the supernatural as manifested in New Testament times came to an end with the apostolic age there is no statement in the scripture which says that none at all. [00:30:39]

The Apostle there teaches quite clearly that illness sometimes not always but sometimes has a spiritual cause it for this cause many are weak and sickly among you in other words spiritual conditions can lead to physical diseases and conditions well we always ought to have known that. [00:43:01]

The change that any man of my age has observed in medicine in this respect is really quite astounding I I can still remember the early days of freudianism and psycho analysis and it was of course the one joke that one could always fall back on when everything else had gone it it was it was so funny. [00:44:08]

I'm suggesting you see that we've tended to be too mechanistic in our Outlook upon disease we've tended to forget the patient we've tended to forget this delicate mechanism now I I I'm very fond and I'm I'm becoming aged you see and uh so you indulge in reminiscences and you'll have to bear with me. [00:51:54]

I think that there have been cases and indeed others have expressed this of course where a cancerous growth seems to have been started by some kind of shock or a disappointment or something like that furthermore there is a tendency today to regard all these diseases not so much in the old local way as in a more systemic or constitutional manner. [00:45:08]

I believe that interpretation of one Corinthians 13 is is quite wrong that refers to the Future State uh to say that when the scriptures when we had the New Testament Canon established that we have all knowledge and now know even as we are known ised to be quite ridiculous it it's not an explanation. [00:31:10]

I think it's interesting that there is a new view of disease coming in a new Theory as to disease the whole process of health and disease uh we shouldn't be surprised at this you remember the statement in one Corin Ians 11 with regard to the communion service where the Apostle says that because some people haven't examined themselves. [00:42:08]

I think we've now got to go further if shock can cause a disease why can't a corresponding shock on the other side restore the patient Health stimulate the mechanism on that side and put an end to the diseased condition and as I say that there are examples and illustrations being accumulated in the literature medical literature. [00:51:54]

I think that most of us uh trained in that tradition had virtually accepted this and that this was the only truly scientific attitude but the fact is that as the result of the work of Einstein his theory of relativity and the quantum theory and so on there is an entirely new approach. [00:28:15]

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?