The Gift Of Miracles Series

(A continuation from Gifts of the Spirit Part 6)

The Gift of Miracles

Definition: These are works or deeds brought by supernatural power which alter the normal course of nature.

They include divine acts in which God’s kingdom is manifested against Satan and evil spirits.

It’s a miracle . . ."

. . . says the monk in the television ad whose work as a scribe is made infinitely easier by the photocopier.

. . . says a weather broadcaster who credits Doppler radar with saving lives when a tornado hit.

. . . says a Catholic woman who found her St. Anthony medal under a rosebush after four years of looking.

. . . says a church member, crediting angels with her safe escape from a terrible auto accident.

. . . says a schoolteacher whose biopsy came back negative.

. . . says a young couple rejoicing in the birth of a healthy daughter.

In this day and age we use the word miracle to describe a whole range of wonders, from the gains of science and technology to the awe-inspiring processes of nature.

But what about Biblical miracles in this day and age?

And How does the GIFT of Miracles relate to our church today?

4-fold purpose of Miracles:

1. to help and convince the children of God of His power to sustain us

*Ex. 16 God gave manna which sustained the Israelites 40 years in the wilderness

*Acts 8:39 Philip transported by the Spirit from one place to another.

2. to confirm the gospel message and bring about repentance:

*Mt. 14:15-21 Feeding of the 5,000

*Jn. 2:1-11 Turning water into wine

*Mt. 14:25 Jesus walking on the water

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3. to rebuke the gainsayers:

*Ex. 7-14; Acts 5 miracles of judgment-plagues, Ananias/Sapphira

*I Kgs 18 Elijah performs before the prophets of Baal

*Lk. 5:18-26 Jesus silenced the gainsayers

4. to loose those bound by Satan:

*Mk. 16:17-18 signs of the believer

(Jesus, Phillip, Paul, Peter…used to cast out Devils)