Series: Systematic Theology Part 1
Title: Miracles
Purpose: To identify the miracles and determine if they still happen today
Date: December 8, 2024
I. Definition
A. Less common kind of God’s activity designed to arouse awe and wonder and bear witness to God Himself
B. Not deistic view of “direct intervention of God in the world” or “more direct working of God in the world” - violate Heb. 1:3
C. Not “exception to laws of nature” which suggests that the laws of nature operate outside God’s control
D. Signs - point to God’s activity and power
E. Wonders - cause people to be amazed or astonished
F. Mighty works (miracle) - acts displaying great power, especially divine power
G. Multiple examples in OT and NT
H. Does not necessarily need to be dramatic to be miraculous, just divine
II. Miracles as characteristics of New Covenant age
A. Jesus’ miracles attested that He came from God
B. Apostles’ message was authenticated by miracles
C. Characteristic of NT church indicating the work of the Holy Spirit
III. The purpose of miracles
A. Authenticate the message of the Gospel
B. Give evidence that God is truly at work
C. Bear witness to the coming of the kingdom of God
D. Help those in need
E. Remove hindrances to people’s ministries
F. Summary purpose of miracles - bring glory to God
IV. Were miracles restricted to the apostles?
A. An unusual concentration of miracles in the apostles’ ministry
B. What were the signs of an apostle?
C. Geisler’s limited definition - not supported by text
D. Hebrews 2:3-4 - misuse of passage
E. Were miracles limited to apostles?
V. False miracles
VI. Should Christians seek miracles today?
