Scripture Reading: Mark 16:14-20

Are Miracles Happening Today?

Intro.

1. The word “miracle” is used very loosely.

2. A Bible miracle: Beyond natural occurrence. The word translated miracle “is used of works of a supernatural origin and character, such as could not be produced by natural agents and means…” (Vine, III:75)

3. In Bible terms, a miracle is the supernatural intervention of divine power into the natural world (cf. Jno. 6:19; 11:39, 43-44).

a. The birth of a child is a marvelous wonder, but it is not a Bible miracle.

b. Failure to properly define “miracle” leads to religious confusion, doubt, skepticism, cynicism and unbelief.

c. God works (“providence”); He answers prayer (Dan. 4:35; Matt. 7:11).

d. Some clear Bible statements about miracles can remove confusion and strengthen our faith.

I. WHAT? SIGNS, WONDERS AND POWERS (Acts 2:22; Heb. 2:4).

A. Signs: Their design was to reveal the presence of God, Jno. 3:1-2; 9:32-33. (Their purpose)

B. Wonders: Their nature was to attract the attention of men, to cause astonishment, Acts 3:9-11.

C. Powers: Confirmed their origin was God, Acts 10:38; 3:12, 16.

1. Through the agency of men, cf. Jno. 3:2; Acts 5:12.

2. Did not save the miracle worker or the person worked upon by the miracle, 1 Cor. 9:27; Acts 10:44 (47-48); 15:7-9.

II. WHY DID MIRACLES HAPPEN?

A. Evidence to Believe Jesus is the Christ, Jno. 20:30-31; 5:36; 10:25, 38; 11:42; Matt. 11:2-6.

B. Reveal the Gospel to Christ’s Apostles and Prophets, Jno. 16:13; Gal. 1:11-12; Eph. 3:3-5.

C. To Inspire the Proclamation of the Gospel, 1 Cor. 2:13.

D. To Confirm Authenticity of the Gospel, Mk. 16:20 (Heb. 2:2-4).

III. WHO WORKED MIRACLES?

A. Jesus Christ, Matt. 4:23-24; Mk. 2:9-12; Acts 2:22; 10:38.

B. The Twelve and the Seventy (given power by Jesus), Matt. 10:1; Luke 10:1, 9, 17.

C. Apostles of Christ, Acts 2:43; 2 Cor. 12:12 (baptized with the Holy Spirit, Lk. 24:49; Acts 1:5, 8; 2:1-4).

D. Christians on whom an Apostle Laid Hands to Impart a Miraculous Spiritual Gifts, Acts 2:16-18; 8:14-18; 19:6; Rom. 1:11 (2 Tim. 1:6).

1. Miraculous spiritual gifts, 1 Cor. 12:7-11:

a. For the benefit of all, 12:7.

b. According to the will of the Holy Spirit, 12:11 (Heb. 2:4).

2. Example: Discerning of spirits: “This must refer to some power of searching into the secrets of the heart; of knowing what were a man’s purposes, views, and feelings” (Barnes). Acts 5:3, 9

3. Today: We discern doctrine and fruit by using the word of God, Heb. 4:12; cf. 1 Jno. 4:1, 6 (Matt. 7:20).

IV. HOW LONG DID MIRACLES LAST?

A. Until their Purposes were Fulfilled (when gospel was completely revealed, confirmed and communicated by inspiration), 1 Cor. 13:8-13.

1. Complete authentication (validation) of Jesus and His word, Jno. 20:30-31; Gal. 1:11.

2. Complete revelation to guide and edify, 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:3-4.

3. Complete standard for testing (Heb. 4:12; 1 Jno. 4:1, 6).

B. Until the Death of those who had the Power to Use Them.

-The means of imparting miraculous spiritual gifts ended when the apostles died. Those with powers died, and they ended on earth.)

Conclusion

1. Miracles served their purposes and came to an end with the completion of God’s revelation, the New Testament (1 Cor. 13:8-10; Heb. 1:1-2; 2 Tim. 3:16-17).

2. Miracles are recorded in the Bible for our faith (Jno. 20:30-31).

3. Our faith in Jesus Christ is strengthened through them, and our trust in the Bible (its authenticity and accuracy) is made more secure.

By: Joe R. Price

Posted January 2, 2020