Topical Sermons                                                                                                             Power Point Show

Scripture Reading:  Acts 2:14-21

MIRACLES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

Intro.
1.  The word “miracle” is used rather loosely today. A Bible miracle was something beyond natural occurrence. By definition, 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)

2.  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.  So for example, while the birth of a child is a marvelous wonder, it is not, by Biblical standards, a miracle.

  b.  A failure to properly define what is meant by “miracle” causes religious confusion & unbelief.

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

  d.  Clear Bible teaching eliminates confusion over miracles.

I. WHAT?  SIGNS, WONDERS & 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.

  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 WERE MIRACLES PERFORMED?

  A.  Produce Belief that 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 & Prophets, Jno. 16:13; Gal. 1:11-12; Eph. 3:3-5.

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

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

III. WHO PERFORMED MIRACLES?

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

  B.  The Twelve & 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 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 & 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 Purpose was Fulfilled (when the gospel was completely revealed and confirmed), 1 Cor. 13:8-13.

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

    2.  Complete revelation to guide & edify us, 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 Work Them.

     -The means of imparting miraculous spiritual gifts ended when the apostles died.)

Conclusion

1.  Miracles through served their purpose 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.  Through them our faith in Jesus Christ is strengthened and our confidence in the authenticity of the Scriptures is made secure.