MILAGROS DEL NUEVO TESTAMENTO

EL PROPOSITO DE LOS MILAGROS DEL NUEVO TESTAMENTO

Esto es un asunto importante a considerar. De hecho es trascendental notar algunas cosas que no estaban ahí para servir como el propósito de los milagros durante el siglo primero. En primer lugar, los milagros en el siglo primero no estaban ahí para traer fama o notoriedad en la persona que los hacia. De hecho en muchos casos el Señor prohibió divulgar el milagro que el había acontecido (Marcos 1:43,44; 3:10-12). En adición, los milagros no eran hechos para recaudar fondos de ningún tipo ni mucho menos para aprovecharse de la generosidad de la audiencia. Ni siquiera los milagros fueron realizados para limpiar o lavar los pecados del hombre. Recibir el perdón de los pecados era realmente un asunto diferente, y no dependía del milagro para hacer esto.

los milagros en el siglo primero no estaban ahí para traer fama o notoriedad en la persona que los hacia.

los milagros en el siglo primero no estaban ahí para traer fama o notoriedad en la persona que los hacia.

Deberíamos observar que los milagros no eran necesariamente para arreglarle la vida a una persona en cuestión o simplemente sanarla. Claro quienes se beneficiaron de los milagros recibieron una un bono extra.

Al estudiar las paginas del Nuevo Testamento también entendemos que no siempre la petición por sanción fue contestada positivamente. El apóstol Pablo era atormentado con un “aguijón en la carne” (2Co.12:7-10), y la respuesta que recibe es “bástate de mi gracia”. Dios no removió el problema de Pablo ni siquiera lo sanó. Otro hermano de nombre Trófimo también había sido dejado enfermo por Pablo en Mileto (2Tim.4:20). Pablo instruye incluso a Timoteo que use de la medicina natural en su tiempo, “Oinos” (Vino) por efectos de salud. En vez de haber realizado un milagro, Pablo salió dejando atrás enfermo a Trófimo, en vez de haber hecho un milagro, Pablo recomienda la medicina natural . Obviamente no era la voluntad del Espíritu Santo sanar a toda persona enferma. ¿Cuál era entonces el propósito de los milagros ene l Nuevo Testamento?.

En el caso de Jesús el hizo milagros para probar que lo que el clamaba de sobre sí mismo era verdad. Es decir que realmente  el provenía del cielo y del Padre mismo. En Juan 10:25 él dijo que le creyeren a él sino a las obras que él hacía. El caso de la resurrección de Lazaro, el Señor espero para ir hasta dónde estaba con un propósito definido y este propósito se cumplió. Al final muchos de los que habían venido al sepulcro Juan 11 dice “Creyeron en él”.

En adición a esto Jesucristo realizó milagros para cumplir con las profecías del Antiguo Testamento.Mateo registra que el Señor había sanado muchas personas y que esto había sido hecho para que se cumpliera la palabra hablada por el profeta Isaías.. (Mat.8:16,17).

Otro propósito por el cual los milagros eran realizados a la vista de las personas era para confirmar la palabra que el mensajero estaba predicando (Mr.16:20). Los discípulos habían salido y habían estado predicando el evangelio, y mientras lo hacían ellos tenían el poder para realizar milagros y probar que lo que ellos estaban diciendo venía del cielo, que era verdad y que debía de ser obedecido. El concepto una vez más, está claramente establecido en Hebreos 2:3-4 cuando dice:  “¿cómo escaparemos nosotros si descuidamos una salvación tan grande? La cual, después que fue anunciada primeramente por medio del Señor, nos fue confirmada por los que oyeron, testificando Dios juntamente con ellos, tanto por señales como por prodigios, y por diversos milagros y por dones del Espíritu Santo según su propia voluntad.” (LBLA). De acuerdo a este texto, ¿Cuál entonces fue el propósito de los milagros, maravillas y dones?  Nada de lo que estos mensajeros proclamaban provenir del corazón de ellos sino del corazón mismo de Dios.

Un cuarto propósito de la realización de milagros tenía que ver con la ratificación de un apóstol verdadero de Jesucristo. Pablo dijo que en Corinto, las Señales de un apóstol habían sido hechas entre ellos (2Co.12:12). Muchos en el siglo primero proclamaban ser apóstoles pero ellos mentían (Ap.2:2). Los cristianos del siglo primero a travez de las Señales o milagros de apóstol podían distinguir entre uno verdadero y aquellos falsos.

El propósito de los Milagros en el N.T no puede ser determinado observando los tiempos actuales ni mucho menos a través de las emociones. Cualquiera que responda a la pregunta ¿Cuál fue el propósito de los milagros en el N.T? siempre ha de responder basado precisamente en el Nuevo Testamento, eso implica su contexto, su evidencia y los textos que hemos mencionados. Con tales factores nadie puede concluir que las razones bíblicas son las mismas que las razones del día de hoy en las sectas y en aquellos que claman ser testigos de milagros modernos. La palabra ha sido trasmitida y la tenemos de una forma escrita y ella es inerrante. Ningún apóstol continúa con vida hoy por lo tanto los milagros ya no tienen lugar en nuestra era porque ya cumplieron su propósito.

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Fickle and Unfaithful

Fickle and Unfaithful

“In the second half of the book of Numbers we continue to see the age-old struggle of mankind striving against God’s will. The children of Israel have defeat snatched from the hands of victory as they call on God to deliver their enemy and then turn around and murmur against Him. Balaam has to have a discussion with his donkey in order to hear God and he was a prophet. Balak keeps saying, “Let’s try over here.” “No?” “Let’s try over here…” Is it that hard to hear the Lord and do what He says? We can be hard on these fickle and unfaithful biblical characters, but do we not often act in the same way?
Yet God still cares for and loves His people, and in He begins to make preparation for Israel’s entrance into the Promised Land. God has made provision for us to enter the Promised Land of Heaven.

Do not waver in following God.

Do not waver in following God.

As we close the book God informs Moses that his life will soon end and he is to give some final instructions to the Children of Israel. A couple things stand out to me in this reading. 1) God loves His people and is concerned for their well-being. 2) God is just and righteous and His judgment needs to be enforced. 3) He expects the people to remain pure and free from evil influences. When the family has wicked and divisive influences among them, that defile the body and pollute the land, it must be cleansed (33:55–56; 35:34). God is faithful, be ye faithful!

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Cephas to His Friends

Cephas to His Friends

Have you ever wondered why the apostles often seemed to have more than one name?

Let’s take the apostle Peter, for example. He is sometimes in the Bible called Peter; he is sometimes called Simon; and he is sometimes called Cephas. All three names are used to refer to the same man, sometimes in close proximity to each other.

Cephas was known by other names.

Cephas was known by other names.

For instance, in the book of Galatians, Paul refers to Peter, as Peter in Galatians 2:7, 8. But he calls him Cephas in Galatians 1:13, and Galatians 2:11, 14. This is not the only time Paul calls Peter, Cephas. He does so as well in 1 Corinthians 1:12, 3:22, 9:5 and 15:5.  Why the different name?

And why is Peter called Simon in so many other places? In approximately 69 places in the New Testament, in the four Gospels and in Acts, the name Simon is used to identify Peter. (cf. Acts 11:13, etc.)

Peter is the name most often used (well over a hundred times) and is the name used by the apostle himself when penning his own epistles (cf. 1 Peter 1:1) though in his second epistle, he identifies himself as Simon Peter, or Simeon Peter, depending on the spelling. (2 Peter 1:1)

The answer has to do with languages, and perhaps something to do with the reason why God chose the period of time He did for the birth of the church and the initial preaching of the Gospel.

We are told that in many synagogues in Palestine, in the first century, Jewish children were taught to read, write and speak in at least three languages: Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. It was also common for Jews to have names for each of these languages. In Peter’s case, Simon was his given Hebrew name, the name he grew up with. In John 1:42, when Simon meets Jesus, Jesus gives him a new nick-name: Cephas. Cephas is Aramaic for rock. The Greek equivalent to Cephas is Peter, which also means stone, or rock.

Paul, writing to the Galatians in the Greek language, naturally used the name Peter in some places. This was the name most of the Greek-speaking church would have known him by. However, in private conversation, with his friends, Peter, who was a native Aramaic speaker, most likely called himself Cephas. Thus Paul, when thinking about his close friend and brother, often thought of him as Cephas, the name by which he knew him best.

Though we often think of the apostles as “uneducated,” we should recognize that they were each multi-lingual individuals who could read and write fluently in several languages. This practiced ability was further supplemented by the miraculous gift of tongues which allowed them to preach and teach to a wide variety of individuals in that own individual’s native language. (cf. Acts 2:7-11)

It was God’s plan for His apostles to take the Gospel to the world, and the world all spoke different languages. It was thus necessary for the apostles to each be able to communicate effectively to a wide swath of people. When the apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian church, “To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews,” and “to those outside the law I became as one outside the law… that I might win those outside the law,” we should not overlook the lingual aspects of this approach. (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:19-21)

God wanted the Gospel presented to people where they were, in the place where they lived, in the language they were accustomed to speaking. This is why the books of the New Testament were so quickly translated into other languages soon after they were written, including Coptic and Latin. It was so that men could have the message taken to them in their own language.

This was God’s plan, and it is reflected in the Lord’s grand commission, commanding us to, “Go to all the world (Matthew 28:19).” One wonders how often modern Christians would prefer for the world to come to us?

If we meet a non-believer who is also not a native English speaker, would we prefer that they first learn English before we convert them, or are we willing to put forth the effort to learn their tongue so as to better teach them? Do we prefer potential converts to walk into the doors of our buildings, or are we willing to go out and meet them where they are? These are important questions to consider.

As we consider such questions, we might keep in mind the Apostle who was willing to address his epistles, in Greek, as Peter, even though to his friends, he normally went by Cephas.

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Distraction and Destruction

Distraction and Destruction

Most folks start the day with a list of projects that they want to tackle.  Yet, on the way to achieving their purposes, distraction rises up.  Not all distraction is worthless or troublesome.  There are distractions which are wonderfully spiritual.  Some distraction is very rewarding and perhaps represents even greater value than the original intended purposes of the day.  The distraction simply needs to be what is authorized in Christ (Colossians 3:17). Regardless of its worth, distraction makes itself ever present.  Consider for a brief moment the brief exhortation of focus from the Hebrew author:

Do not let distraction avert your eyes from your true and eternal purpose.

Do not let distraction avert your eyes from your true and eternal purpose.

Hebrews 12:1-3Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

We should never be distracted from constantly submitting our lives to Jesus.  He is our Example, our Savior, and our Defender.  He certainly had distractions in His life.  His physical family wanted His time.  Everywhere He went People upon Him to heal them.  Multitudes followed him to hear Him speak.  Crowds sought him out hoping to see miracles or be fed.  The Pharisaical Jews sought him to trick Him or cause Him to stumble in His ultimate purpose so that they would not lose their place of power.  His inner circle of disciples represented distraction of weak faith, puzzled understanding, and even deception.  Satan tried Him and tempted Him when he felt there was an opportune time.  Physical fear and the reality of the pain of the flesh made their calling as well as He unwaveringly came to the cross.  However, the distractions and suffering that Jesus endured provided understanding of the worth of submission to the Father (Hebrews 5:8).  Jesus sits at the right hand of God because of His constant and steady control in keeping His eyes on the Father.  Today, our eyes need to be constantly looking toward Jesus.

Destruction is the result of worldly distraction being our ultimate pursuit (2 Corinthians 4:3-4).  Destruction results from trying to legitimize evil distraction as good (Isaiah 5:20) and turn scriptural wisdom into earthly wisdom (2 Peter 3:16) so we can pursue worldly distraction.  Destruction comes from a heart problem that wants to turn back to the world (Luke 17:32).  However, if you are seeking God (Matthew 6:33), spiritual distraction will not keep you from your God, nor will destruction await you.  Submission of the heart, soul, mind, and strength to God will lovingly have the kingdom of the Father in view.  Be of good cheer in the midst of distraction and boldly march onward (John 16:33).

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Two Witnesses to Your Salvation

Two Witnesses to Your Salvation

The apostle Paul made an astounding affirmation when he said, “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God” (Rom. 8:16). How can I know that I am saved? How can I have confidence that I am pleasing to God? Paul’s words said it all—the Holy Spirit bears witness with my spirit.

Um, no, not that kind of witness.

Um, no, not that kind of witness.

There is a Biblical concept that should be remembered in all matters, but especially in this one about my salvation. There must be two witnesses. The law of Moses was very clear. No individual could be put to death on the basis of a single witness. “He shall not be put to death on the testimony of one witness” (Deut. 17:6). The same was true of other violations of that law. “By the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established” (Deut. 19:15).

The same truth is taught in the New Testament. Jesus said, “By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established” (Matt. 18:16). Paul taught the same in two passages: 2 Corinthians 13:1 and 1 Timothy 5:19. The writer of Hebrews makes this same point (Heb. 10:28).

So, who are the two witnesses that speak so that I can know I am a child of God? The answer is obvious. The Spirit of God and my spirit.

However, it is vital that the words in Romans 8:16 be read carefully. The passage does not say that the Spirit bears witness to my Spirit, but that the Spirit bears witness with my spirit. Had Paul said that God’s Spirit bears witness to my spirit, then I should expect that God would in some way speak to my spirit and that “silent” voice from heaven would be the basis of the confidence in my salvation. This is not what Paul said. Read it again.

The Spirit bears witness, and my spirit bears witness. The Spirit affirms that I am a child of God, and my spirit bears the same witness that I am a child of God. Both spirits bear the same witness.

What does the Spirit say about my salvation or the salvation of any person? The Spirit says that for me to be saved, I must believe (Heb. 11:6). My spirit says that I have believed. The Spirit also says that for me to be saved I must repent, change my heart and life (Acts 17:30). My spirit says that I have repented. The Spirit says that I must verbally confess my faith in Jesus (Rom. 10:9). My spirit says I have done this. The Spirit says I must be baptized to have my sins washed away (Acts 22:16). My spirit says I have done this. I can know that I am a child of God because of two witnesses saying that I am—the Spirit and my spirit.

Are you saved? Have you done what the Spirit says you must do to be saved? Remember, it takes two witnesses!

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