MIRACLES (signs & wonders) [0700]

Miracles have caused a great deal of debate in Christian and non-Christian circles. Many, many books have been written disparaging and/or defending miracles. My goal is not to diminish the value of miracles. RATHER, my goal is to make certain that all the aspects of God's work are considered. God reveals. God is not hidden. Romans 1:18ff says that we need to look at all of creation and see his handiwork.

My contention is:

• that miracles need to be examined closely in the scriptural setting. In Miracles with Strong's Numbers an extensive list of Greek words and relevant New Testament passages are  provided for your study.
• that the general thought is that miracles are the breaking of some law and/or something very much out of the ordinary.
• that miracles are God at work: the range is from the beating our your heart to the turning water to wine to the resurrection.
• that we have a tendency to focus on the out of the ordinary works of God when we talk about miracles.
• and finally, the word we use "miracle" is not a specific word in the New Testament.

Your definition of Miracle

• Think about your definition(s) of miracle. Write it down.

NT Words that relate to "miracles"

• Dynamis - power (verb & noun)
• Erga - works
• Semeion - sign
• Teras - wonder - "Sign and wonder" together)
• Paradosa (1) "Remarkable things" Luke 5:26
• Taumasia (1) "Wonderful things" Matt 21:15
• Aretai (1) "
• Wonderful deeds" 1 Peter 2:9b

Miracles and

• Proximity
  • In presence
  • Not present
• Touch
  • Christ’s hand
  • Mud
• Faith
  • One "receiving" miracle
  • Of another’s faith
  • Faith not mentioned
• Quickness of affect
  • Immediate
  • Time passes
• Salvation accompanied
• Response
  • Gratitude
  • Ingratitude: pigs, lepers
  • Humanity
  • Sinking Peter
• Types/List/Categories
  • CS Lewis’
    • Miracles of Fertility
    • Water to wine
    • Feeding of the 5000
    • Feeding of the 4000
    • Multiplication of fish
    • Virginal conception of Jesus
  • Miracles of Healing (numerous examples)
  • Miracle of Destruction
    • Withering of fig tree
  • Miracles of dominion over the inorganic
    • Stilling of the tempest
    • Walking on the water
  • Miracle of reversal
    • Raising from the dead
  • Miracles of perfecting or glorification
    • Transfiguration of Jesus
    • Resurrection of Jesus
    • Ascension of Jesus
  • Others to add:
    • Dominion over supernatural characters: Demons
    • Knowing their thoughts
• Value of/Purpose
  • Give glory to God, John 11:4
  • Compassion–Meet human needs, Luke 7:13
  • Establish the supernatural nature of revelation (God making Himself know)
  • John 20:30-31

Last updated Thursday, February 24, 2000