Miracles

Introduction

1. One thing that has interested a great deal of people for years: miracles
   1. For years men have been claiming to do miracles
   2. Even in Jesus' day there were false prophets showing "signs and wonders"
   3. We want to know the truth and keep from being deceived
2. In this lesson we will look at several questions, including:
   1. What is a miracle?
   2. Were miracles ever really performed?
   3. What was the purpose of miracles?
   4. Do we have miracles today?
   5. Some common opinions about miracles

1. What is a miracle?

   1. Intervention that is obviously God at work
      1. Heb. 2:4 - God testifying with signs, wonders and various miracles
         1. The birth of a child?
         2. Avoiding an accident?
         3. Chris preaches a decent sermon?
      2. Ex. 4 - God told Moses to give them signs if they wouldn't believe
         1. Cast down the rod, turn into serpent
         2. Put hand into bosom, turn leprous
   2. Overwhelming proof of God's hand at work
      1. Num. 16:1-5,28-33 - Korah and company swallowed up
      2. John 11 - "I am the resurrection," then he raised Lazarus

2. Were miracles ever really performed?

   1. The creation
      1. Gen. 1:1-2 - In the beginning (there was nothing) then God created
      2. Ps. 90:1-2 - Before the mountains were brought forth, you are God
   2. The accounts of Scripture
      1. II Tim. 3:16 - Scripture is inspired by God
      2. Ps. 12:6 - The words of the Lord are pure words

3. What was the purpose of miracles?

   1. To reveal God's will
      1. The apostles on Pentecost
         1. Given the ability to speak in other tongues (Acts 2:4,6,8,11)
         2. Then able to convict men of sin and direct them to salvation (Acts 2:37-38)
      2. Paul
         1. Received the miraculous measure of the Spirit
            1. II Cor. 12:12 - Signs of an apostle
            2. I Cor. 14:18 - Spoke in tongues more than the Corinthians
         2. To preach the word
            1. Acts 9:15 - To carry His name to the Gentiles, kings, and Israel
            2. I Tim. 2:7 - Appointed a preacher and an apostle
   2. To confirm the word
      1. Note the passages:
         1. Mark 16:20 - Confirming the word with signs following
         2. Heb. 2:4 - Spoken by the Lord and His apostles, confirmed by God
      2. Note the examples:
         1. Matt. 8:27 - What kind of man is this?
         2. John 3:1-2 - We know that no man can do this unless he comes from God

4. Do we have miracles today?

   1. The Bible says the miracles have ceased
      1. Zech. 13:1-5 - God would cause the prophet to pass out of the land
      2. I Cor. 13:8-10 - When the perfect is come the parts would be done away
         1. Revelation from God was given in parts through gifts of Spirit
         2. The other miracles confirmed this word
         3. After revelation is complete, no need for miracles (like scaffolding)
         4. Bible says revelation is complete, miracles have ceased (Jas. 1:25)
   2. Have you seen these things happening today?
      1. Acts 2:4 - Speaking in languages never before studied?
      2. Matt. 10:8 - Healing the sick, cleansing the leper, raising the dead?

5. Some common sentiments concerning miracles

   1. "If you can't work miracles, then..."
      1. You don't have the Spirit
         1. Not all Christians had ability to work miracles in 1st cent. (I Cor. 12:29-30)
         2. Yet, all Christians are given the Spirit (Acts 5:32; Eph. 1:13-14)
      2. You aren't saved
      3. Miracles were never a condition for salvation
      4. Miracles were never commanded of someone without that gift
   2. "If God would only show me a miracle, then..."
      1. I would know He exists
         1. Creation alone is enough to prove God exists (Rom. 1:21)
         2. The human body shows a Designer (Ps. 139:14)
         3. The starry skies and order of the universe (Ps. 8:3-4)
      2. I would truly believe
         1. Not necessarily so (John 11:47; Acts 4:16; Matt. 12:24; Luke 16:31)
         2. The signs are recorded that we might believe (John 20:30-31)

Conclusion

1. Thanks be to God that He ushered in His New Covenant with great signs
2. Don't be sorry that you haven't seen a miracle, there are products of them all around
   1. The realm of nature
   2. The body you dwell in
   3. The Book we study and abide in
3. Take these things and respond to them today!