The Holy Spirit: Miracles & Spiritual Gifts

1.   The DEFINITION of Miracles – what exactly are we talking about?

      a.   “Miracle” commonly misused in today’s language. PAX TV show “It’s a Miracle!” portrays “dumb luck,” reversals of fortune, and unexplainable events as miracles.

      b.   I have spoken with 2 people within the last 6 weeks who claimed to believe in miracles, but “recanted their testimony” when they were properly taught what exactly constitutes a miracle.

      c.   Webster - “an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs.” 9^th Collegiate Dictionary

      d.   Acts 4:7, 14-16

2.   The DESIGN of Miracles – what was their purpose?

      a.   Prove the testimony of God’s messengers:

            i.   Exodus 3-4 – Moses & Aaron

            ii.  1 Kings 18:36-39 – Elijah

            iii. 2 Kings 2:14-15 – Elisha

            iv. John 5:31-36 – Jesus

            v.   Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:3-5 – the Apostles

            vi. John 20:30-31 – the Word

3.   The DISTRIBUTION of the miraculous gifts of the Spirit:

      a.   Acts 8:14-19

      b.   Acts 19:1-6

      c.   1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6

      d.   Romans 1:11

4.   The DURATION of Miracles – how long were they to last?

      a.   Ephesians 4:11-15

      b.   1 Corinthians 13:8-10

      c.   2 Peter 1:3

      d.   2 Timothy 3:16-17