Biblical Miracles and Faith

The Sufficiency of Scripture

• The Bible is sufficient for life and godliness, and everything we need to know is already revealed in scripture.
• The occurrence of miraculous or revelatory activity does not add to or authenticate scripture.

The Limits of Sign Gifts

• Sign gifts, such as miracles, are not necessary for the present age.
• The Bible does not teach that miracles will continue to occur in the same way as they did in the foundation stage of the church.
• The ceasing of sign gifts does not mean that God no longer performs miracles, but rather that they are no longer a normative part of the Christian experience.

The Problem of Elevated Self

• When individuals claim to perform miracles or have special revelations, they are essentially elevating themselves as special spokesmen of God.
• This is a form of pride and does not align with the humility and submission to scripture that Christians are called to.

Miracles and Prayer

• Miracles can still occur today, but they are not normative and should not be expected.
• God can still intervene in unexpected ways, but this is not the same as the sign gifts of the early church.
• Prayer is not a way to manipulate God into performing a miracle.

The Distinction between Miracles and Answers to Prayer

• Miracles are supernatural acts of God that are not explained by natural means.
• Answers to prayer can be unexpected and surprising, but they are not necessarily miracles.

The Link between Miracles and Revelation

• Miracles are often linked to periods of revelation in scripture.
• The three periods of intense miraculous activity in history are:
  • The time of Moses
  • The time of Elijah and Elisha
  • The time of Christ and the apostles
• These periods are tied to the giving of revelation, and the miracles served to authenticate the message.

Charismatic Movement Essential Elements

• The charismatic movement emphasizes:
  • Experiencing Jesus
  • Spirit baptism
  • Power for godly living
  • Worship
  • Fearless prayer
  • Inspiring utterance
  • New revelation
  • Spirit-baptized individuals can hear the voice of God
• These elements are not necessarily biblical, and some can be misleading or problematic.

Dealing with False Prophecies

• If someone claims to have a prophetic message, they should be told to sit down and be quiet.
• The pastor or leader should take control of the situation and gently escort the person out if necessary.

Personal Experience and the Voice of God

• Some people claim to hear the voice of God, but this can be problematic.
• It is often an impression or a feeling, and not necessarily an audible voice.
• This can be used to justify any action or claim, and is not a reliable way to discern God's will.### The Role of the Church and Spiritual Gifts
• The church is being restored to a place of triumph, and God is using us to set the world right for Christ's return.
• To have many converts, one needs to be baptized in the Spirit.
• The focus should be on showing dependence upon God's sovereignty and asking for His will to be done.

Critique of the Charismatic Movement

• The movement has reduced biblical terminology to contemporary experience.
• Gifts have been redefined:
  • Prophecy is no longer an authoritative word from God, but spirit-led advice.
  • Miracles are now generalized providential answers to prayer.
  • Exorcism focuses on emotional problems, not demonic activity.
  • Healing is no longer instantaneous and undeniable, but something that can be anticipated through prayer.

Spiritual Gifts

• Gifts can be categorized as spectacular (immediate endowment by the Spirit) or non-spectacular (heightening of natural qualities).
• Examples of non-spectacular gifts include administration, logistics, and organization.
• Spiritual gifts are capacities brought under the controlling power of God's grace, functioning in His service.

Understanding Gifts

• Fung's chart categorizes gifts into:
  1. Endowments (preaching, teaching, and evangelism)
  2. Equipment (administration, service, and caring)
• Gifts can be further divided into:
  • Gifts of Evangelical Proclamation (apostles, evangelists, and prophets)
  • Gifts of Inspired Utterance (tongues, interpretation, and prophecy)
  • Gifts of Didactic Speech (teachers and pastors)
  • Gifts of Supernatural Power (miracles, healings, and faith)
  • Gifts of Administrative Leadership (pastors and administrators)
  • Gifts of Practical Assistance (helpers, servers, and those who show mercy)

Conclusion

• The lists of gifts in the Bible (1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Ephesians 4) should be studied to understand the different categories and roles.
• The focus should be on dependence on God and using gifts for His glory, not self-serving purposes.