MEMORY VERSE: “ And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.” Acts 5:12.
BIBLE PASSAGE: Mark 16:17-20.
INTRODUCTION
What is a miracle? It is an extraordinary event where the divine supernatural intervenes in extraordinary ways to interrupt the natural sequence of human affairs. Miracles are ‘out of the ordinary’ occurrences that can only be attributed to the supernatural work of God demonstrating His involvement in the lives of people. Miracles are an essential part of the Christian faith, which shows God’s power and love. In this lesson, we will explore examples of miracles in the Old and New Testaments, distinguishing between genuine and fake miracles and reinforce our belief in miracles.
OUTLINE
- MIRACLES IN THE BIBLE
- WE BELIEVE IN MIRACLES
- MIRACLES IN THE BIBLE
One of the greatest miracles is God’s creation of the world and everything it contains. Genesis 1:1-31. Consider the working of the brain, the respiratory system, digestive system, etc. in fact, the creature called man is a miracle. Some of the miracles demonstrated in the Old Testament are: Parting of the Red Sea Exodus 14: 13-16, 21-31. Manna and Quails Exodus 16:4, 10-15. Water from the Rock Numbers 20:2-13, the suspension of the orbits of the ‘Sun and Moon’ Joshua 10:1-15, the release of fire from Heaven to consume a water soaked sacrifice 1 Kings 18:20-40, Daniel’s deliverance from death in the Lion’s den Daniel 6:1- 28 Naaman’s complete healing from leprosy 2 Kings 5:14, Well in the desert Genesis 21:14-19.
Miracles in the New Testament are performed through human intermediaries such as the apostles, but most significantly through Jesus Christ. In all the four Gospels, miracles play a critical role in Jesus’ ministry Mark 1:32-34: 3:7-10. Jesus performs miracles of healing John 4:46-53, provision of food Mark 6:30-44, and control over nature Matthew 14:32-33. The New Testament miracles consistently display God’s miracle power which confirms and demonstrates the salvation in Jesus Christ John 11:38-46. The Gospels record about 37 miracles of Jesus, although the apostle John stresses that these only scratch the surface of all that our Saviour did John 21:25.
2. WE BELIEVE IN MIRACLES
It is true that there are many fake miracles in our time just as there are a few examples of such miracles in the Bible. For instance, the Egyptian Magicians performed magic to counter God’s ordained miracles through Moses Exodus 7:11, 22; 8:7, 18-19, Simon Magus used sorcery to bewitch the whole of Samaria Acts 8:9-10. However, the same Jesus Christ in the Bible is the same Jesus Christ today Hebrews 13:8, His name still works wonders John 16:23-24. The same Holy Spirit that worked through Jesus Acts 10:38 is the Holy Spirit released on the Day of Pentecost Acts 2:1-4. We are now in the era of the Holy Spirit and God’s power is still very much available John 14:26; 20:22. Anyone can still experience the power of God today Acts 1:8.The lame can walk, the dead can rise, God can meet our needs, if only we call on God with faith Psalm 65:2; John 16:23-24. There is a satanic agenda to make mockery of miracles 2 Corinthians 11:14. However as children of God, we still believe in Miracles 1 John 5:14.
CONCLUSION
The power of God is still available today, miracles still happen, pray to receive yours Jeremiah 33:3.
FURTHER READING
Sun: Psalm 77:14.
Mon: John 14:12.
Tue: Job 5:9
Wed: Luke 18:27
Thurs: Mark 9:23.
Fri: Jeremiah 32:27.
Sat: Exodus 15:26