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Miracles
“There
are men and women who claim to perform miracles today.
Preachers on T.V. supposedly demonstrate the power of
miraculous works on the sick and afflicted. Many
people are confused as to whether these things are
true or false. So, in our study we ask the question,
"Have Miracles Ceased?"
First let us define our terms. What is a miracle? A
miracle is "an act of God superseding or
suspending a natural law." Many use the term
"miracle" in a very loose way, contrary to
the biblical concept of the word. To some, almost
everything is a miracle; from the trees budding in the
spring, to the birth of a child. But these things are
not actually miracles. A miracle is not a work of
nature or an effect resulting from natural law.
Neither should we confuse a miracle with God's
providence. Providence is God working, but through a
natural means.
The birth of a child is a working of natural law, not
a miracle. Though it is a marvelous thing, child birth
is simply the working of God's natural order set forth
in the beginning-seed bearing fruit after its kind
(Gen. 1-2). An example of a work of providence would
be the birth of Samuel in answer to barren Hannah's
prayer (1Sam. 1). God's hand is seen in Hannah being
able to conceive, yet she conceived through a natural
means. The virgin birth of Jesus was a miracle. This
went beyond the working of nature or providence, it
was super-natural.
We learn from the Scriptures that the purpose of
miracles were two fold; to cause men to believe in the
Lord (Jn. 14:11; 3:32), and to confirm His word (Jn.
20:30-31). Jesus promised His disciples the ability to
perform miracles in order to confirm the word they
would preach (Mk. 16:15-20). We learn from the New
Testament that these miracles were performed and did
indeed confirm the gospel that was proclaimed (Heb.
2:2-4).”
www.examiningthescriptures.com
“Do you believe in miracles? To answer
this question, we must define what we mean by
“miracle.”
The word is used so often, sometimes for such trivial
events, that it has become a cliché. On a
superficial level, some people consider a miracle to
be simply an unexpected event or a wonderful surprise;
for others, however, a miracle is the belief that G-d
has intervened supernaturally in their lives. People
may disagree whether events in their lives are indeed
miraculous or can be explained naturally. Some see
miracles as a true affirmation of G-d’s presence in
their lives; a more skeptical person may think of a
miracle as an unrealistic hope, something to cling to
in the face of life’s harsh realities.
The question of miracles is really a question of how
we understand G-d and the role He plays in our lives.
By analyzing the anatomy of a miracle and
understanding your feelings about miracles, you can
learn much that will help you find deeper meaning in
your life.”
www.meaningfullife.com
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