1997-08-23 - Miracles

The Comprehensive Study Series, Part 9

Skepticism and doubt are widely observed in our day. Men have largely lost sight of spiritual values and have become accustomed to acknowledge only that which they can see or feel. They have become engrossed in the physical realm, which is governed and controlled by the “laws of nature,” and have usually reached a conclusion that nothing exists which can transcend the material order. Hence miracles are an impossibility.

WHAT IS A MIRACLE?

Webster's definition: "an event in the physical world beyond or out of the ordinary course of things. Deviating from the known laws of nature or transcending our known knowledge of these laws. An extraordinary anomalous or abnormal event brought about by super-human agency." As the manifestations of His power or for the purpose of revealing or manifesting spiritual force. Signs."

A true miracle is an act of God. Whatever he does is beyond the realm of man. The “laws of nature” are nothing more than acts of God which are being accomplished in a quiet way. There can be no laws without a lawgiver. The so called “laws of nature” are secondary causes, while God is the primary agent. He causes the sun to shine, the rain to fall, the grass to grow, and both fruit and grain to ripen. He does this to provide food for man and animal. Man can plant, cultivate and water. But God alone gives the increase. Ultimately I look at God as the Master Chef and Gardener. For it is really Him who has given us our daily bread. Man has to cooperate with the Lord's method by planting the seed, watering and cultivating the plant. Psalms fourteen and fifty three set forth that only a fool questions the existence of a Supreme Being. Where one admits the existence of a Supreme Being to be logical, he should also concede the possibility of miracles.

FIVE OUTSTANDING UNQUESTIONED MIRACLES

The Bible

The sixty six books of the Bible make one grand glorious book. The books set forth the only rational theology and some philosophy and the highest system of ethics and morals and the only satisfactory worship and approach to the true God. The only reasonable explanation for this volume was that it was given by the inspiration of the Spirit of God. And that its production was a miracle. The Bible is a miracle.

The Jew

The history of the Chosen People is set forth in detail from the deliverance from Egyptian bondage until the time when they will be reinstated in their own land and into the favor of the Lord. Leviticus 26, Deut. 28, Deut. 32, tell of the checkered course they would follow through the centuries. The Egyptians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks and Romans have all had their days of power and domination of power over the world and the Jews. In modern times Hitler tried to exterminate the Jews. The dominion and power and force of all these powers is gone, but the Jew remains. What is the secret of their immortality? Their task is not done. Their great contribution thus far to the world, has been the Bible, with its influence and blessing and above all the Messiah Jesus Christ, to purchase our redemption. When they as a nation return to God, and receive their long-rejected Messiah, the long-delayed Kingdom age will be ushered in.

Isaiah 41:8-12 But thou, Israel, my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham My friend, thou whom I have taken hold of from the ends of the earth, and called from the corners thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant, I have chosen thee and not cast thee away; Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness. Behold, all they that are incensed against thee shall be put to shame and confounded: they that strive with thee shall be as nothing, and shall perish. Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contend with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.

From this passage we have a prophetic view of this nation today when they are gathered in this land and are upheld by the strength of God. No nation or group of nations, even with all their modern weapons has the power to contend with Israel, and those who try shall perish and their power shall be brought to nothing. Israel's history is one of the outstanding miracles of all time.

PROPHECY

The prophets of God hundreds of years beforehand, foretold in minute detail the misfortunes and calamities that would come to the nations and cities. They foretold the coming of the Messiah and his rejection and crucifixion. In Matthew thirteen church history is outlined as it developed throughout these nineteen centuries. Each of theses parables sets forth characteristics of the various periods into which church history naturally falls. Study theses parables with this in mind. The prophets of the Old testament and the apostles of the New Testament foretold the conditions that would exist at the end of this age. An examination of present world conditions proves that their predictions have been fulfilled to the very letter. This is indeed a miracle.

JESUS CHRIST MESSIAH OF THE JEWS

The prophets foretold the coming of Jesus. He would be of the tribe of Judah of the house of David and born in the city of Bethlehem. They made known the very year He would be executed. They forecast his death, burial and resurrection and foretold His return to heaven at the right hand of God where, He is in session during this present age. We have four wonderful records of his life, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. When he accomplished His work on earth He returned to heaven. He launched the greatest movement among men, Christianity, which has changed the entire course of history. What a miracle!

CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE

Great numbers of people today will testify the saving power of Jesus Christ. People will tell you when they accepted Him as their personal Savior, they had a joy and a satisfaction come into their hearts which they had never experienced before. For myself when the miracle of regeneration took place inside me, I abandoned the plans I had for my life, and into my heart came a desire to go and tell others about the miracle, and to teach the Word of God to others, and live for my fellow man.

My earnest appeal is that if you have never accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior come to Him in faith, doubting nothing, forsaking your sin and let Him work the miracle in your own heart and life. Blessed is the man that maketh refuge in Him. Amen.

In His Service,
Liv4Yeshua