From Mark Copeland... The Source Of True Defilement

                          "THE GOSPEL OF MARK"

                The Source Of True Defilement (7:14-23)

INTRODUCTION

1. When confronted by the Pharisees and scribes regarding eating with
   unclean hands...
   a. Jesus described the danger of traditions - Mk 7:1-13
   b. How they can make our worship vain and the commands of God void
      - ibid.

2. Jesus then used the occasion to teach concerning true defilement...
   a. First to the multitude - Mk 7:14-16
   b. Then privately to His disciples - Mk 7:17-23

[Having the benefit of both His public and private teaching in Mark's
gospel, we can learn "The Source Of True Defilement."  From Jesus
remarks to both the multitude and His disciples we learn that it is...]

I. NOT THE FOOD

   A. DIETARY RESTRICTIONS IN THE PAST...
      1. From the Creation, man (and animals) may have been vegetarian
         - Gen 1:29-30
      2. After the Flood, God gave animals as food, but not their blood
         - Gen 9:3-4
      3. With the Law of Moses, Israelites were restricted in their diet
         - Lev 11:1-47
      -- In Old Testament times, God did have some stringent dietary
         guidelines

   B. DIETARY FREEDOMS IN THE PRESENT...
      1. Jesus has declared all foods clean - Mk 7:14-19
         a. To the multitude, Jesus hints at the source of true
            defilement - Mk 7:14-16
         b. To His disciples, He explains His parable - Mk 7:17-19
         c. "...purifying all foods" is likely a parenthetical statement
            - Mk 7:19
         d. For while the Law of Moses was in force, Jesus observed it
            in full - cf. Mt 5:17-18
         e. Thus Mark's parenthetical statement was intended for
            disciples living after the cross
      2. Paul later taught that all food is acceptable
         a. Teaching to abstain from foods would be a sign of apostasy
            - 1Ti 4:1-3
         b. Nothing is to be refused when received with thanksgiving and
            prayer - 1Ti 4:4-5
      3. There are a few exceptions...
         a. Things offered to idols, blood, and things strangled - 

            Ac 15:28-29; 21:25
         b. Especially when connected to idolatry - 1Co 10:19-23; Re 2:14,20
         c. When certain foods becomes a stumbling block to the weak
            - Ro 14:14-21; 1Co 8:8-13
      -- From the New Testament, we learn of the dietary freedom we have
         in Christ

[From what Jesus taught His disciples, true defilement comes not from
food...]

II. BUT THE HEART

   A. MAN HAS A HEART PROBLEM...
      1. The heart (mind) is a fountain out of which much that impacts
         life flows - Pr 4:23
      2. Affected by sin, it becomes deceitful and wicked - Ec 9:3; Jer 17:9
      3. Thus the heart is a source of much evil that defiles man - Mk 7:20-23
      -- The heart (or mind) of man is the real source of defilement

   B. EVIL THOUGHTS LEAD TO TRUE DEFILEMENT...
      1. Evil thoughts
         a. The general term translated 'evil thoughts' precedes the
            verb in the Greek text and is viewed as the root of various
            evils which follow - Bible Knowledge Commentary
         b. Evil thoughts generated in a heart unite with one's will to
            produce evil words and actions - ibid.
      2. Adulteries
         a. Illicit sexual relations by a married person
         b. Which Jesus said could occur in the heart - Mt 5:27-28
      3. Fornications
         a. Illicit sexual activities of various kinds, prompted by lust
            - cf. 1Th 4:3-5
         b. Including pre-marital sex, homosexuality, etc.
      4. Murders
         a. Taking life intentionally
         b. Which is connected to hate in the heart - 1Jn 3:15
      5. Thefts
         a. Stealing
         b. Including shoplifting, pilfering, etc.
      6. Covetousness
         a. Greediness
         b. Which makes one an idolater - Ep 5:5; Col 3:5
      7. Wickedness
         a. Evil acts
         b. Done with malice
      8. Deceit - acting with guile and intent to defraud
      9. Lewdness
         a. Unrestrained and unconcealed immoral behavior
         b. Closely related to lust - cf. Ro 13:13
     10. An evil eye - a Hebrew idiom for stinginess - cf. Pr 28:22
     11. Blasphemy - slander, verbal abuse against God or man
     12. Pride - arrogance, boastful opinion of one's self, often with
         disdain toward others
     13. Foolishness - lack of common sense, with moral and spiritual
         insensitivity
      -- Such sins prompted by evil thoughts are what truly defile us!

CONCLUSION

1. Today, many people choose to restrict their diet...
   a. Some for health reasons (allowed by the liberty we have in Christ)
   b. Others for religious reasons (not bound by the liberty we have in
      Christ)

2. From Christ and His apostles, we learn that all foods have been
   declared clean...
   a. When received with thanksgiving
   b. When sanctified by prayer

Thus we learn where our true focus should be:  removing that defilement
which springs from sinful hearts (Ep 4:17-24; 1Pe 4:1-3).  It begins
with obedience to the gospel of Christ... - cf. Ac 2:38; 22:16

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

 

From Gary... Picture this...

1967 Prom

Wedding reception May 4, 1968

Amway era 1973

Niagara Falls 1988

1988 (Niagara Falls)

In Washington, DC (1992?)

25th Wedding Anniversary

 

In Florida 2009?  

 On vacation (retired) September, 2012

I am very late posting the blog today, because Linda and I were given a dinner at Appleby's for our anniversary.  Yes, today is the day- 45 years.  So, for those who don't know us all that well- I put a few pictures of us on the site.  We had coffee at our favorite Duncan Donuts and then did some shopping and finally went to Appleby's for a huge lunch.  What a day!!!!  And we both were glad- just to be with one another!!!!  Once again, this Scripture was in the forefront of my thinking... 

Proverbs, Chapter 5

 18 Let your spring be blessed.

Rejoice in the wife of your youth.

There have been good times and not-so-good times, but through it all we have been a couple.  Perhaps we could have done other things with our lives, but our choice to commit ourselves to a life together is the best one we could have ever made.  If you are reading this and are married- give your spouse a hug and a kiss!!!  It will not only keep you together, but will make you very happy!!!  I know this is true because I have done it-- again and again and again and AGAIN!!!!

From Jim McGuiggan... Warm Truth on a Cold Day

Warm Truth

on a Cold Day

It was many years ago now but I can still recall the central images of the experience with no difficulty at all. It was a December day heading toward Christmas and a bone-chilling wind whipped in from the Irish Sea and rushed down Main Street, Bangor as I headed home, deep behind my scarf. That’s when I saw him coming in my direction; a red-haired kid wearing what looked like poor clothes for this kind of weather—flimsy looking gear, skinny jeans and a zip-up jacket. But he didn’t act cold and he wasn’t walking, he was striding and smiling while he was striding. Then I spotted what he was looking down at every now and then in between his taking quick glances at the people passing him—he had a dog on a lead, a German-Shepherd. He was obviously enamoured with the creature and the way it barely took its eyes off him showed it was a mutual affair.

I’m nervous around dogs especially if they’re coming my way and (maybe) especially if they’re the (alleged) “threatening breed” so I took a good look at him as he came and as he drew level. I need not have worried for he had eyes only for Red, as if he was waiting for a command he could obey. The animal was hardly a show dog. For a German-Shepherd its paws were too small and he was too thin. His head was small and too sharp and his coat was dull. No, he would have won no prizes in a contest but his young master looked at him as though he was the Crufts Supreme Champion.

I learned again that bitter afternoon that appearance isn’t everything; there’s a commitment that spurns the cult of looks. I saw two unspectacular companions talk of love with their eyes. In a world that worships at the altar of physical beauty I saw two that refused to bow!

These two reminded me of the tens of thousands of marvellous men and women who while they acknowledge the reality of physical beauty deny its supremacy or centrality. They’re people who’ve made commitments to one another and who refuse to let grey hairs, sickness, old age, feebleness or any such “limitation” be the lord and master of their lives. I thought of Ethel who had committed to me all those years earlier and I thought of Him who committed to us all and, astonishingly, finds us something to be delighted in (see Zephaniah 3:17).

My ears still stung, my eyes still watered and I still followed the clouds of breath as I walked home but I had been warmed by a red-haired kid and his run-of-the-mill friend.

©2004 Jim McGuiggan. All materials are free to be copied and used as long as money is not being made.

Many thanks to brother Ed Healy, for allowing me to post from his website, the abiding word.com.

From Mark Copeland... The Danger Of Traditions

                          "THE GOSPEL OF MARK"

                   The Danger Of Traditions (7:1-13)

INTRODUCTION

1. As Jesus went about teaching, He often ran afoul of religious leaders
   over keeping traditions...
   a. E.g., plucking heads of grain on the Sabbath - Mk 2:23-28
   b. E.g., eating with unwashed hands - Mk 7:1-13

2. In Mk 7:1-13, Jesus describes the danger of traditions at length...
   a. How keeping them can make void the very commands of God
   b. How keeping them can make our worship vain before God

3. Traditions are very important in some religions...
   a. In Roman Catholicism, tradition is placed on par with God's Word
      1) "It is an article of faith from a decree of the Vatican Council
         that Tradition is a source of theological teaching distinct
         from Scripture, and that it is infallible.  It is therefore to
         be received with the same internal assent of Scripture, for it
         is the word of God." - Catholic Dictionary, p. 41-42
      2) "Do you have to believe in Tradition?  Yes, because it is the
         Word of God and has equal authority with the Bible." - Catholic
         Catechism For Adults, p. 11
   b. Protestant churches have their own traditions
      1) It is often their traditions that distinguish between the
         denominations
      2) To be a member of a particular denomination, one must accept
         its traditions

4. In this study, with Mk 7:1-13 as our basic text, we will address the
   following questions...
   a. What are traditions?
   b. Are traditions always wrong?
   c. If not, when does a tradition become sinful?

[Let's begin with...]

I. THE MEANING OF TRADITION

   A. THE WORD ITSELF...
      1. The Greek word is paradosis, which means "giving over" or
         "handing down"
      2. It refers to teaching that is handed down either by word
         (orally) or in writing

   B. AS UNDERSTOOD BY THE JEWS...
      1. It applied to the oral teachings of the elders (distinguished
         elders from Moses on down)
      2. These traditions were often divided into three classes...
         a. Oral laws supposedly given by Moses in addition to the
            written laws
         b. Decisions of various judges which became precedents in
            judicial matters
         c. Interpretations of highly respected rabbis held in reverence
            along with the OT scriptures
         -- Article on "Tradition", ISBE
      3. Prior to his conversion, Paul was a staunch supporter of Jewish
         tradition - Ga 1:13-14

   C. AS UNDERSTOOD BY ROMAN AND GREEK CATHOLICS...
      1. Their views appear to be parallel to that of the Jews
      2. What they consider "Tradition" is what they believe to be the
         teachings:
         a. Of Jesus or the apostles, persevered orally rather than
            through writing
         b. Of various councils which have left various decrees
         c. Of various church leaders (such as the pope) considered to
            be inspired with later revelations from God
      3. Of course, one is expected to take their word for it that these
         "traditions" were truly from God and have been faithfully
         transmitted

   D. AS FOUND IN THE SCRIPTURES...
      1. The word "tradition" as such is not found in the Old Testament
      2. It is found thirteen (13) times in New Testament
         a. Three (3) times it refers to "apostolic teaching"
            1) That which had been delivered by the apostles - 1Co 11:2
            2) Whether by word (in person) or epistle - 2Th 2:15
            3) Which Christians were expected to keep - 2Th 3:6
         b. Ten (10) times it refers to "the tradition of the elders" or
            "the traditions of men"
            1) As in our text and parallel passages - Mk 7:3-13; Mt 15:2-6
            2) Of which Paul warned the Colossians - Col 2:8
            3) From which Jewish Christians had been delivered 1Pe1:18; Ga 1:14
      3. Jesus did not feel bound to abide by "the traditions of the
         elders"
         a. Some traditions He had no problem with keeping
            1) Such as going to a wedding feast - Jn 2:1-2
            2) Or attending the Feast Of Dedication - Jn 10:22-23
         b. But He just as easily had no problem with violating other
            traditions
            1) Plucking grain on the Sabbath - Mk 2:23-28
            2) Eating with unwashed hands - Mk 7:1-5
      4. Evidently Jesus did not subscribe to the view of "traditions"
         handed down orally
         a. He never appealed to the traditions of the elders
         b. He either appealed to the authority of the written Word (the
            Law of Moses), or to His own authority as the Son of God

[Not all "traditions" are wrong.  If they are teachings of God, "handed
down" by inspired men, they are to be heeded (2Th 2:15).  But if they
are doctrines or interpretations handed down by uninspired men, like the
traditions of the Jews they are suspect.  As we return to our text (Mk
7:1-13), Jesus points out...]

II. THE DANGER OF TRADITIONS OF MEN

   A. THEY CAN LEAD TO HYPOCRITICAL WORSHIP...
      1. Traditions of men tend toward ritualism (just look at the
         rituals found in many religions that have no scriptural basis)
      2. Such ritualism is often done repeatedly, with little thought as
         to its origin and purpose
      3. It is easy to go through such rituals, with the heart and mind
         on other things
      4. Worship without the heart (or mind) of man is hypocritical
         worship! - Mk 7:6

   B. THEY CAN LEAD TO VAIN WORSHIP...
      1. When traditions of men are taught on the same level as the
         commands of God, it leads to vain worship - Mk 7:7
      2. Such worship may appear to be impressive, but it in actually
         "empty, worthless"
         a. First, because God did not command it
         b. Second, because it does not accomplish the good we really
            need - cf. Col 2:18-23

   C. THEY CAN MAKE THE WORD OF GOD VOID...
      1. Jesus gave the example of honoring one's parents - Mk 7:10-12
         a. The elders' tradition taught giving to the temple freed one
            from giving to one's parents
         b. Thus rendering the command of God of no effect
      2. There are traditions of men today with similar affect
         a. Such as the practice of sprinkling for baptism, a tradition
            of man
         b. When one keeps the tradition of sprinkling, they make the
            command of God to be baptized (immersed) of no effect!
      3. Through such traditions, one is actually rejecting the command
         of God! - Mk 7:8-9,13

CONCLUSION

1. What are traditions...?
   a. They are simply teachings that have been handed down
   b. In the case of inspired men (like the apostles) given in person or
      through their writings, such traditions are good and to be
      followed

2. Oral traditions, given through a succession of uninspired men, are at
   best suspect...
   a. Jesus did not hold traditions orally transmitted through the Jews
      on par with God's written word
   b. Nor should we hold traditions orally transmitted through men on
      par with God's written word

3. At worst, traditions of men can be vain and deadly...
   a. When their observance leads one to not keep a command of God
   b. When they are taught as doctrine, on par with God's word
   c. When they lead to ritualism, done without engaging the heart and
      mind of man

From the words of Jesus, let us beware of "The Danger Of Traditions",
and make sure that our faith and practice is based upon the written Word
of God, not the interpretations and teachings of uninspired men...!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

 

From Gary... Get on board - the sights will be magnificent

Picture #1

Picture #2

 Picture #3

The same day that I took the picture of my daughter's house across the field, I didn't go straight home.  Instead, I decided to go up the hill and to extend my walk with Buddy around the perimeter of the development.  As we went up Maverick and turned onto Bronco, I took some pictures and asked the owner of the property (John) if I could use them.  Thankfully, he agreed and today I get to share them with you.  Initially, I wanted them because they reminded me of the trains my father had when I was a small child.  My father had a put together about eight sheets of plywood on wooden supports and had several trains running at one time.  He had train stations, several distinct train sets and every sort of prop you could think of.  I don't recall it all because I was only about five or so, but when he allowed me into his room to see the trains, I knew I was in for a treat!!!  Every so often, he would even stage collisions and I remember how magnificent it was to see them!!!  It was a sight that has  stayed with me over fifty years, and the memory of watching those trains has morphed into something else- a way of looking at the world.  I like what Paul has to say about how Christians should "see things" and every single time I read this chapter it is thrilling!!!  Hope you have the same feeling...

Ephesians, Chapter 3

 1 For this cause I, Paul, am the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles,  2 if it is so that you have heard of the administration of that grace of God which was given me toward you;  3 how that by revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I wrote before in few words,  4 by which, when you read, you can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ; 5 which in other generations was not made known to the children of men, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit;  6 that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of his promise in Christ Jesus through the Good News,  7 of which I was made a servant, according to the gift of that grace of God which was given me according to the working of his power.  8 To me, the very least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,  9 and to make all men see what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things through Jesus Christ;  10 to the intent that now through the assembly the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places,  11 according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord;  12 in whom we have boldness and access in confidence through our faith in him.  13 Therefore I ask that you may not lose heart at my troubles for you, which are your glory. 

God has given us an entire world to enjoy.  With sights and sounds and stay with us over the decades.  We gradually understand more and more of what life is "all about" as we become sentient and as we grow spiritually we can begin to understand the spiritual as well.  Through nature God has revealed himself and through his prophets and apostles he has given us understanding of his plans to bring us closer to him.  And that is what Paul is referring to- The Eternal Purpose and Plan of God--- for us!!!  Open your mind, think about it- and then open your Bible.  As you read and pray, God will help you understand.  He will eventually become so close to you that everything you do, everywhere you go - your entire life will become entwined with him.  So, like everything else - even trains lead you back to God.  Get on board, the heavenly express is about to leave....

From Jim McGuiggan... Tsunamis and Christ

Tsunamis and Christ

It’s easy to hand out advice from a position of safety and security. It’s easy to be optimistic when your own life is fine or if at present you are going through a difficult patch but you know you have good reason to believe that it’ll soon sort itself out and you will be back on a level surface again. It’s easier to be one that is standing well up on the beach, out of the fury of the surf, yelling chatty advice to some poor soul that’s being pounded by waves and driven under, panic-stricken and straining for air.

It never was that way with Christ even when he called for gallantry from people in awful situations, because it was out of the darkness of the cross and his own fears that Jesus called. I think that’s why we keep trusting Jesus Christ even when harsh realities—Asian tsunamis and day after day after day crippling circumstances— continue to pound us and nothing seems to change. I think that he has convinced us that not only has he known unceasing pressure but that when his own darkest hour came that he was still sure, still persuaded beyond argument that God could be trusted. So, in the words of the psalmist, he says something like, "The Lord was always there with me and I saw him. When I look, he is there to the right of me so I will not be shaken. And that is why down at the centre of my being I'm glad and why I find myself praising him. I know I am human and will experience the agony of death but I feel no despair—I live and I live in hope! Because you will not abandon me and let the grave have the last word; you will not allow decay and destruction to be the end of your Holy One. You have shown me what life is and how to live it and I know I will be brimful of the joy you give when you finally bring me into your presence." Acts 2:25-28.

This is the heart and these are the words of one beaten by the waves and not one safely on the beach yelling advice. And carried to us on the shrieking wind from the heart of "the perfect storm" he speaks of life and joy and assurance and hope!

All very pious, all very sweet, but do the hard facts not drown all that religious waffling? New Testament writers watched the gathering storm of Roman invasion and when a Roman tsunami broke over the nation do you think they felt less than we do? Don’t you imagine that someone pounded the table and choked with anger or frustration wanted to know what was going on? Jesus spoke of that awful time and described its horror (Luke 21:5-26)—there was nothing unrealistic about the Christ. But along with all its pain and loss and agony he said this astonishing thing (Luke 21:28), "When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

I’m not pretending to deal with the text in its historical and predictive setting. I want only to make the point that Jesus was so sure of his Father that he calls fearful followers caught up in a storm that beggared description to, "stand up, lift up your heads, your redemption is near." Would you not have expected something different? "When you see all these things come to pass, throw in the towel, wring your hands in despair, grovel and stammer because you’ve finally seen the truth and the present and future is unbroken gloom!"

That’s...not...what...he...said!

And one sufferer who knew what pain and loss and loneliness and hunger was—not because he read Charles Dickens but because he personally was on the rack—took God seriously. In Romans 8:31-39 he looked at a sad, bad world, he looked at his own agony and loss and then he looked at the cross of Christ and said, "None of that nor all of it together can persuade me that God doesn’t love us!"

©2004 Jim McGuiggan. All materials are free to be copied and used as long as money is not being made.

Many thanks to brother Ed Healy, for allowing me to post from his website, the abiding word.com.

From Mark Copeland... The Healings In Gennesaret

                          "THE GOSPEL OF MARK"

                  The Healings In Gennesaret (6:53-56)

INTRODUCTION

1. Following Jesus' walk on water, other miracles soon followed...
   a. Shortly after anchoring the boat on the shores of Gennesaret - Mk 6:53
   b. When Jesus healed everyone who was brought to Him - Mk 6:54-56

2. "The Healings In Gennesaret" provide an opportunity to make
   observations about...
   a. The success of Jesus' healing ministry
   b. The purpose of Jesus' healing ministry

[Similar observations can be made about the healing ministries of Peter
and Paul, which can serve to critique so-called healing ministries today
(are they really of God?).  So let's begin by noting...]

I. THE SETTING OF THE HEALINGS

   A. IN GENNESARET...
      1. Where Jesus and His disciples anchored their boat - Mk 6:53
      2. A densely populated and fertile plain south of Capernaum
         - Hendriksen
      3. About 3 miles along the Sea of Galilee (also called the Lake of
         Gennesaret, Lk 5:1) - ibid.
      4. Its natural beauty and fertility were most remarkable... the
         plain produced walnuts, palms, figs, olives, and grapes
         - Josephus

   B. OTHER OCCASIONS...
      1. The healings of Peter - Ac 5:14-16
         a. In Jerusalem
         b. During the early days of the church
      2. The healings of Paul - Ac 19:11-12
         a. In Ephesus
         b. During his extended stay, while on his third journey

[In both rustic and urban settings, wonderful things happened when true
men of God were healing the sick.  But now let's consider carefully...]

II. THE SUCCESS OF THE HEALINGS

   A. IN GENNESARET...
      1. When people heard He was there, they gathered the sick - Mk 6:54-56
      2. Wherever He went, they brought the sick to Him
         a. On beds
         b. Laying them in the market places
      3. Note well:  "as many as touched Him were made well"

   B. OTHER OCCASIONS...
      1. Peter in Jerusalem - Ac 5:14-16
         a. The sick were laid out in the street on beds and couches
         b. People from surrounding cities were brought the sick and
            possessed
         c. Note well:  "they were all healed"
      2. Paul at Ephesus - Ac 19:11-12
         a. God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul
         b. Even handkerchiefs brought from his body to the sick healed
            them
         c. Note well:  implied is that all who received such
            ministrations were healed

[The crowds that gathered around Jesus, Peter, and Paul were
understandable.  The success of these three men was remarkable.  Now for
an observation or two about...]

III. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE HEALINGS

   A. IN GENNESARET...
      1. The purpose of the healings was to confirm Jesus' claims - cf.
         Jn 5:36; 10:25,37-38
      2. People who saw such signs made the connection - e.g., Jn 3:2;
         9:30-33
      3. Jesus did refrain on one occasion from doing miracles for lack
         of faith - cf. Mt 13:58
      4. But note well:  He never failed any miracle that He Himself
         attempted!

   B. OTHER OCCASIONS...
      1. The purpose of apostolic miracles was to confirm their message
         - Mk 16:17-20
      2. God bore witness to His Word by the gifts of the Holy Spirit
         - He 2:3-4
      3. The apostles did not always heal those they knew were sick
         - cf. 2Ti 4:20
      4. But note well:  the apostles never failed any miracle they
         attempted!

CONCLUSION

1. Today, there are self-proclaimed faith healers who say God is working
   through them...
   a. Often large crowds attend their meetings, hoping to be healed
   b. But many people leave such meetings, disappointed that they were
      not healed
   c. Despite having such healers lay their hands on them, and pray for
      them

2. When true servants of God healed, everyone was healed...!
   a. Whether it was Jesus, Peter or Paul
   b. The purpose of miracles to confirm they were servants of God
   c. And God left no room for doubt!

3. The fact is, such healing ministries were for a specific purpose...
   a. They were to confirm the message and messengers as being from God
   b. Once the Word of God was completely revealed and confirmed, there
      is no longer a need for such miracles of confirmation - cf. 1Co 13:8-10
   c. Which explains why such miracles are not being done today
   d. Contrary to claims made by false teachers who mislead many

When we carefully study the miracles of Jesus and those of His apostles,
comparing them with the so-called miracle healers of today, we can
easily see the difference...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011