Today's Miracles- From God or from Satan? ( Job 5:9)
/10/02/2022
" He ( God) performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted," Job 5:9 (NIV)
INTRODUCTION
A. Does God perform biblical miracles today?
1. One group says that the " age of miracles" has ceased. Yet, another contends that God still performs wonders today.
2. But what does the Bible really say about this question? Let us know the truth as Jesus said in John 8:32.
B. The approach in this lesson shall be as follows:
1. Meanings and Tests of a Miracle
2. Contention that Biblical Miracles are still Happening Today.
3. Arguments Proving Biblical Miracles are not Existing Today
DISCUSSION
A. Meanings and Tests of a Miracle
1. " Wonder or marvel that defies rational explanation."
a. It surpasses all known human and natural powers
b. Attributed to supernatural causes
c. A miracle thrusts into a world beyond the boundaries of what
- we see/observe
- we measure
- we understand
d. Miracles are divine acts and parts of divine teaching
2. Tests of a True Miracle
a. Does it glorify God? ( sorcery, not a miracle, Acts 8:9)
b. Does it originate from a right source? ( deceiving signs and miracles, Matthew 24:24)
c. Does it agree with the Holy Spirit? ( diverse gifts, I Corinthians 12:1-11)
B. Contention that Biblical Miracles Are Still Happening Today
1. God performed miracles before and He is still doing them today
a. Malachi 3:6 " I am the Lord, I change not."
b. Hebrews 13:8 " Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever."
2. One who has faith in Jesus " will do greater things than what He did, "
John 14:12
3. With faith, nothing will be impossible, Matthew 17:20; Mk 10:27
4. Signs will accompany those who believe, Mark 16:17-18
a. drive out demons
b. speak new tongues
c. pick up snakes
d. drink deadly poison
e. heal sick people
B. Arguments Proving that Biblical Miracles are NOT Existing Today.
1. Biblical Miracles similar to the Times of Moses, the Prophets and Jesus Christ and the Apostles, e.g.
a. Parting of the Red Sea
b. Not eaten by Lions
c. Raising the Dead
d. Drinking deadly poison
2. Purposes of Biblical Miracles
a. To prove that Jesus was from God by miracles, wonders and signs, Acts 2:22
b. To authenticate Paul's apostleship, 2 Corinthians 12:12
c. God, by signs, wonders and various miracles; Holy Spirit through distributed gifts confirmed Jesus' message of salvation, Hebrews 2:40
3. Jude v.3 " the faith was ONCE and for ALL entrusted ( delivered) to the saints." ( NIV)
4. Prophecies, tongues and knowledge had passed away as the Perfect had come, I Cor. 13:8-10
- the word "perfect" is neuter in the Greek
- it pointed to the " perfect law of liberty" in Christ, James 1:25; Jn8:32
5. Does God heal people today?
- at His discretion, will, grace, mercy and love, James 5:13-15
- prayer of faith will make the sick well
- the Lord will raise him up
6. God did not take away ( remove) Paul's thorn in the flesh though he asked Him, 2 Corinthians 12:8
7. " Satan will use counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders through the man of sin," 2Thessalonians 2:9
8." False Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive the elect," Matthew 24:24
CONCLUSION
A. The greatest miracle of all time is the mystery of godliness, I Tim. 3:15
1. He appeared in a body, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among nations, believed in the world and taken up in glory.
2. Sinners can now be forgiven and become saints in Christ, Romans 1:7
B. But first become a disciple of Christ
1. Mark 16:16 ( Believe and be baptized to be saved)
2. Acts 2:38 ( Repent and be baptized to be forgiven and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit)
3. Now is the time, the day of salvation, 2 Corinthians 6:2
4. Christ is now calling you to come to Him, Matthew 11:28-30