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Miracles Are for Real: What Happens When Heaven Touches Earth
Biblical Teaching on Miracles Reveals God's Power at Work in the World Today Readers are fascinated with miraculous and unexplained events. In their signature style, trusted pastor Jim Garlow and writer Keith Wall tap into that fascination with biblical insights on miracles and accounts of God's work throughout history. The book clearly separates truth from fiction, fortifying readers' faith in God's power in their lives. The encouraging and inspiring stories make this a great impulse buy and gift.
272 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2011
55 people are currently reading
347 people want to read
About the author
James L. Garlow
38 books14 followersJim Garlow is an American evangelical leader, author, and former Senior Pastor of Skyline Church in La Mesa, California. Known for his outspoken political activism and theological conservatism, Garlow has played a prominent role in efforts to influence public policy from the pulpit, particularly through his leadership in the "pulpit freedom" movement. He was instrumental in mobilizing religious support for California’s Proposition 8 and later served as chairman of Renewing American Leadership, a nonprofit founded by Newt Gingrich.
A frequent commentator on social and political issues, Garlow advocates for a return to what he calls “authentically biblical” Christianity and has urged evangelicals to abandon the term “evangelical” altogether. He has controversially equated political disengagement among Christians with moral failures of the past and maintains that biblical values must guide political decisions. He has publicly supported Donald Trump and collaborated with figures like Glenn Beck, despite criticism over interfaith alliances.
In addition to his activism, Garlow has authored numerous books, including the New York Times best-seller Cracking DaVinci’s Code. He holds advanced degrees from Drew University, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Asbury Theological Seminary, and has served as a professor at Oklahoma Wesleyan University.
Following the death of his first wife, Carol, in 2013, Garlow married Rosemary Schindler in 2014. Together, they have a blended family of eight children and nine grandchildren.
A frequent commentator on social and political issues, Garlow advocates for a return to what he calls “authentically biblical” Christianity and has urged evangelicals to abandon the term “evangelical” altogether. He has controversially equated political disengagement among Christians with moral failures of the past and maintains that biblical values must guide political decisions. He has publicly supported Donald Trump and collaborated with figures like Glenn Beck, despite criticism over interfaith alliances.
In addition to his activism, Garlow has authored numerous books, including the New York Times best-seller Cracking DaVinci’s Code. He holds advanced degrees from Drew University, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Asbury Theological Seminary, and has served as a professor at Oklahoma Wesleyan University.
Following the death of his first wife, Carol, in 2013, Garlow married Rosemary Schindler in 2014. Together, they have a blended family of eight children and nine grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 25, 2021
If you're interested in exploring the possibility that miracles "are for real" and occur in the modern day, Strobel's Case for Miracles is a far more even-handed, well-rounded, well-researched treatment of the material. And apparently Keener's Miracles: The Credibility of the New Testament Accounts volumes endeavor to document credible accounts in a way that *this* book did not.
A handful of the accounts felt "off" and sent alarm bells ringing in my mind. Cursory internet searches indicate some charlatans made it through whatever process the authors used to filter fraudulence. For instance, Rev Ronald Coyne's plastic eye (why *did* he need his good eye to be taped just-so during his displays, if not to peer down his nose? Why *was* his vision so fickle and specific?), or the inconsistent account of Milton Green (was it a heart attack or a stroke that allegedly killed him briefly? And why does hearing a first-hand account of this alleged miracle cost $12 on his website?), or the treatment of multiple health and wealth prosperity televangelists as "credible" sources (Kenneth Copeland? Honestly??). Furthermore--and this part's admittedly petty--the title is an obvious play on the stinker Heaven is for Real, which was published the year prior (not to be confused with The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven, which was published two months later and recanted in 2015).
Yes, I've seen and experienced enough to confidently believe in God's miraculous intervention in the modern world and throughout history. And yes, some accounts in this book are credible (for ex. some healings were documented by medical professionals before and after the event). But unfortunately, due to the demonstrably questionable examples, I would not recommend this book as a resource for people interested in the topic... Unless they needed a good reminder that critical discernment is essential for sifting nonsense from truth.
Tl;dr: If you're interested in the topic of miracles, pick up Lee Strobel or Craig Keener or something scholarly that's farther-removed from the health and wealth marketplace.
A handful of the accounts felt "off" and sent alarm bells ringing in my mind. Cursory internet searches indicate some charlatans made it through whatever process the authors used to filter fraudulence. For instance, Rev Ronald Coyne's plastic eye (why *did* he need his good eye to be taped just-so during his displays, if not to peer down his nose? Why *was* his vision so fickle and specific?), or the inconsistent account of Milton Green (was it a heart attack or a stroke that allegedly killed him briefly? And why does hearing a first-hand account of this alleged miracle cost $12 on his website?), or the treatment of multiple health and wealth prosperity televangelists as "credible" sources (Kenneth Copeland? Honestly??). Furthermore--and this part's admittedly petty--the title is an obvious play on the stinker Heaven is for Real, which was published the year prior (not to be confused with The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven, which was published two months later and recanted in 2015).
Yes, I've seen and experienced enough to confidently believe in God's miraculous intervention in the modern world and throughout history. And yes, some accounts in this book are credible (for ex. some healings were documented by medical professionals before and after the event). But unfortunately, due to the demonstrably questionable examples, I would not recommend this book as a resource for people interested in the topic... Unless they needed a good reminder that critical discernment is essential for sifting nonsense from truth.
Tl;dr: If you're interested in the topic of miracles, pick up Lee Strobel or Craig Keener or something scholarly that's farther-removed from the health and wealth marketplace.
February 12, 2021
Do you believe in miracles?
If you think miracles don't happen, or if you think they only happened in Biblical times, then you need to read this book. These are the stories of ordinary people experiencing, or witnessing, extraordinary things.
Miracles DO happen ... because God reigns supreme, and He loves us.
If you think miracles don't happen, or if you think they only happened in Biblical times, then you need to read this book. These are the stories of ordinary people experiencing, or witnessing, extraordinary things.
Miracles DO happen ... because God reigns supreme, and He loves us.
July 10, 2022
Honest, theological and relevant. One of the best books I have ever read on miracles.
January 16, 2012
According to the authors of this book, a miracle is defined as "a phenomenon performed or prompted by God, which science cannot explain, at a special time when God is making his will or his love known to an individual or many individuals". This book explains miracles from a Biblical perspective. What determines whether something is miraculous or not? An answer to simple prayer can be miraculous. A physical healing can be miraculous. The Hebrews considered everything to be a miracle. The "miracles" were described as "mighty works of God". This included both extraordinary and everyday events.
Each chapter discussing a "type" of miracle and gives a real life story of it. Some for example, the authors discuss receiving help from an angel sent by God. Then they go on to tell the story of real people who actually believe that an angel was sent to help them in their situation.
After reading this, you may see a lot more things in your life that truly are miracles. Miracles aren't just for people who need healed of a disease or someone who is in a desperate situation. God can perform miracles in your life.
I enjoyed reading this book. I found myself looking forward to reading about the real-life miracles in each chapter. I know there are a lot of a hoaxes out there, but I don't feel this book is like that. I've seen miracles in my own life and/or in the lives of family, so I know they are real. The real-life miracle stories will touch your heart. If you want to learn more about miracles and feel inspired, this book is for you.
I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review.
Each chapter discussing a "type" of miracle and gives a real life story of it. Some for example, the authors discuss receiving help from an angel sent by God. Then they go on to tell the story of real people who actually believe that an angel was sent to help them in their situation.
After reading this, you may see a lot more things in your life that truly are miracles. Miracles aren't just for people who need healed of a disease or someone who is in a desperate situation. God can perform miracles in your life.
I enjoyed reading this book. I found myself looking forward to reading about the real-life miracles in each chapter. I know there are a lot of a hoaxes out there, but I don't feel this book is like that. I've seen miracles in my own life and/or in the lives of family, so I know they are real. The real-life miracle stories will touch your heart. If you want to learn more about miracles and feel inspired, this book is for you.
I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review.
December 23, 2011
Yes, miracles still happen everyday in this age, yet there are some who need to see a miracle or the aftermath of one to truly believe.
This informative and fascinating book pulls together miracles from history and intermingles creatively with the present, causing the reader to grasp a clear understanding of miracles and how they touch and heal lives. Some of the points addressed in the book include:
What kind of miracle are you seeking, different types of miracles, false prophets, miracles and sceptics, powerful promptings and many others. Included in this book are real life stories of those whose lives have been touched and changed by miracles.
I was not sure what to expect when I started reading this book but I quickly became glued to the pages. It is very enlightening as well as entertaining. It touched on many things that I have wondered about. I found the overall message inspiring and it challenged my faith. I will definately be reading the previous volumes before this one: Heaven and the Afterlife and Encountering Heaven and the Afterlife. I highly recommend this book to others! Very well researched and written! I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers for my review.
This informative and fascinating book pulls together miracles from history and intermingles creatively with the present, causing the reader to grasp a clear understanding of miracles and how they touch and heal lives. Some of the points addressed in the book include:
What kind of miracle are you seeking, different types of miracles, false prophets, miracles and sceptics, powerful promptings and many others. Included in this book are real life stories of those whose lives have been touched and changed by miracles.
I was not sure what to expect when I started reading this book but I quickly became glued to the pages. It is very enlightening as well as entertaining. It touched on many things that I have wondered about. I found the overall message inspiring and it challenged my faith. I will definately be reading the previous volumes before this one: Heaven and the Afterlife and Encountering Heaven and the Afterlife. I highly recommend this book to others! Very well researched and written! I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers for my review.
December 26, 2011
I know personally that miracles really happen. I have experienced a few of my own in my lifetime and have heard the stories from my grandmother of miracles that she experienced. You might even say that my family has had a legacy of miracles. Even as I make that claim, I am still waiting for some miracles that I have sought from God for several years now.
I guess that is why I was interested in reading this book. I thought it would be good for building up my faith and I was right. In this volume, you will read of true modern day miracles that have happened to people—healings, provision in dire circumstances, protection, even return from death. The authors explore all these types of miracles in depth and also discuss such subjects as: what constitutes a miracle, why does God choose to intervene, is it possible to prove miracles, “earning “ miracles, prayer and miracles, when God sends angels to intervene, scams and schemes in God’s name and much more. Curious about miracles? Need a miracle? You will find this book to be a worthwhile journey through the maze of what we know about these gifts from God.
I received this complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers for this review. A positive review was not required and the opinions expressed here are my own.
I guess that is why I was interested in reading this book. I thought it would be good for building up my faith and I was right. In this volume, you will read of true modern day miracles that have happened to people—healings, provision in dire circumstances, protection, even return from death. The authors explore all these types of miracles in depth and also discuss such subjects as: what constitutes a miracle, why does God choose to intervene, is it possible to prove miracles, “earning “ miracles, prayer and miracles, when God sends angels to intervene, scams and schemes in God’s name and much more. Curious about miracles? Need a miracle? You will find this book to be a worthwhile journey through the maze of what we know about these gifts from God.
I received this complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers for this review. A positive review was not required and the opinions expressed here are my own.
June 2, 2014
Knowing of many miracles that happened within my extended family and friends, I began reading this book knowing that “Miracles are For Real.” I found that miracles are more widespread than I thought. Many others have also seen miracles all of their lives.
Many people, especially non-Christians, do not believe that miracles have ever happened. Even some Christians believe that miracles have not happened since Biblical times. Wrong, they still happen. God is still all powerful. We just have to open our eyes and minds.
Albert Einstein once said, “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle”
Of course, many prayers do not seem to be answered. As one person asked me once, “Why would God answer your prayers about your wife and He did not answer mine about my late husband?” I replied that I did not have an answer.
I do know that we sometimes become so focused on the one thing we are asking for and overlook other wonders along the way. We may be missing miracles around us every day.
Many people, especially non-Christians, do not believe that miracles have ever happened. Even some Christians believe that miracles have not happened since Biblical times. Wrong, they still happen. God is still all powerful. We just have to open our eyes and minds.
Albert Einstein once said, “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle”
Of course, many prayers do not seem to be answered. As one person asked me once, “Why would God answer your prayers about your wife and He did not answer mine about my late husband?” I replied that I did not have an answer.
I do know that we sometimes become so focused on the one thing we are asking for and overlook other wonders along the way. We may be missing miracles around us every day.
June 8, 2012
I guess maybe I've been reading too much fiction lately, but this book took me forever to read (quite literally) because, well, it bored me to death. I guess this book would be good for someone who doesn't really know a whole lot about miracles or needs a lot of convincing.
Every chapter had example after example after example--I felt like the majority of the chapters were examples. Don't get me wrong, examples are important. It just felt like this book went a little overkill on the examples.
Bottom line, I wasn't thrilled with this book. It took me a long time to get through it because it kept losing my interest. This is probably a good read for someone who likes tons of examples and cases, or someone who is seriously unsure of the reality of miracles. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.
Every chapter had example after example after example--I felt like the majority of the chapters were examples. Don't get me wrong, examples are important. It just felt like this book went a little overkill on the examples.
Bottom line, I wasn't thrilled with this book. It took me a long time to get through it because it kept losing my interest. This is probably a good read for someone who likes tons of examples and cases, or someone who is seriously unsure of the reality of miracles. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.
March 30, 2014
Very interesting and well researched book about miracles and whether they truly exist. Many first hand examples of miracles that have happened in peoples lives. It was good that this book also talked about people who truly have the gift of healing and those who faked it. Showing both sides of the coin is always a good idea. This book goes in depth about miracles of all kinds including stories about near death experiences which interest me because I had a near death experience shortly after my oldest daughter's birth. I definitely recommend this book to doubters and believers alike.
June 28, 2014
Miracles are real.
I found this book very interesting. I liked the way the authors intertwined stories of different kinds of miracles with their thoughts. It is always uplifting to hear that God is still in the business of miracles. I pray that they experience their own miracles. It is a good read. I know that God still gives us miracles, I also believe we can walk in His blessings.
I found this book very interesting. I liked the way the authors intertwined stories of different kinds of miracles with their thoughts. It is always uplifting to hear that God is still in the business of miracles. I pray that they experience their own miracles. It is a good read. I know that God still gives us miracles, I also believe we can walk in His blessings.
March 31, 2014
What a wonderful book!!! I will be re-reading this one for sure. This book was so hard to put down. Even when going abut my daily life, I found myself thinking about this book. and couldn't wait to get reading some more!
This is a well thought out book, and I recommend it for everyone. I remember thinking how big God is!!!
This is a well thought out book, and I recommend it for everyone. I remember thinking how big God is!!!
April 1, 2016
This is an intriguing read. It is so true that one will not see miracles if they have no faith. I'm sure I've had miracles in my life that I've counted as luck or coincidence. I've also seen true miracles when God stepped in and helped in a time of need. I'm not sure the book warrants a 4* but it's better than a 3*.
May 27, 2014
The authors are quite thorough regarding miracles. They even answer the question of why God says no sometimes. This is not a "pie in the sky, get yourself a miracle" book, but a carefully laid out, scriptural based treatis.
June 20, 2014
Great read!
I really enjoyed "Miracles Are For Real". Amazing the miracles that were listed. The greatest part was the great faith and love of God that was presented throughout the book.
I really enjoyed "Miracles Are For Real". Amazing the miracles that were listed. The greatest part was the great faith and love of God that was presented throughout the book.
December 30, 2014
A great book to get you thinking of the miracles in your life, and giving hope to those who need a miracle. Inspiring real stories of miracles, and some stories that leave you asking miracle or coincidence.
Read
September 2, 2015God is still in the miracle making business.
So inspirational and heart felt and honest. I enjoyed it very much. God continue to bless you. I pray the next book you write will have your wife's miracle
So inspirational and heart felt and honest. I enjoyed it very much. God continue to bless you. I pray the next book you write will have your wife's miracle
December 16, 2012
Book covers a wide scope of miracles that happen today. A good read. I recommend it
July 4, 2013
I read this book because a friend's story of healing was included and I knew it was real. I thought the book was balanced in the way the topic of miracles was discussed.
April 21, 2014
Very good ......
easy to follow and a good way to recognize the difference between a real miracle or not. I would recommend for anyone to read.
easy to follow and a good way to recognize the difference between a real miracle or not. I would recommend for anyone to read.
August 19, 2014
This is an amazing account of unexplainable miracles in the lives of others. It's both enjoyable to read and inspiring in its message.
Read
April 7, 2016My very own uncle wrote the majority of this book and I must say, it gives me eagerness to get to heaven (but all in God's timing). A must read!
April 9, 2016
Miracles exist today. An uplifting book. Personally, I know of numerous miracles taking place. It's a wonderful thing & I think this is the best way to share miracles' existence with many people.
December 3, 2023
This is a must read. I've read it three times now and given away several
copies.
copies.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews