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I want to start with a question:
Why is there such an unhealthy fascination with signs and wonders in modern day man?
Churches and false prophets that claim that they do/have miracles, are being followed by huge crowds. The greatest miracle, that of a person coming to Christ, seems to have taken the back seat in many churches. I am not denying that God does miracles all the time. I am a believer in miracles but I think the church has lost its way. The focus has been changed from Christ to the miracles people perform.
Let me try and analyze the situation in terms of Scripture.
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1. The real purpose of the church?
Matthew 28:18-20 - 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Mark 16:15 = 15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
Acts 1:8 - 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
It is very clear that the purpose of the church is to proclaim the Gospel. And it cost God a huge price. The wroth of God was placed over Jesus at the cross so that you and I do not have to be put under the wrath of God. That is how much God the Father and Jesus Christ loves us. Without requiring witnessing or that atonement is not necessary, this sacrifice would not have been necessary and our faith would be useless. God could have let us die an eternal death.
John 3:16 - 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
2. What is a miracle and what is the purpose of miracles?
“An event that involves the direct and powerful action of God, transcending the ordinary laws of nature and defying common expectations of behavior.” Miracles are extraordinary occurrences that can only be attributed to the supernatural work of God and demonstrate His involvement in human history.
God employs miracles in the Bible to reveal Himself, His character, and His purposes to humans through phenomena that are not otherwise explainable. Miracles provide evidence of God’s presence and power in the world and demonstrate His authority on behalf of His servants. A miracle may be performed directly by God or through a human agent. (Taken from Questions.org)
All miracles should point to God. Miracles pointing to people/pastors instead of God does not come from God. The whole reason for miracles is for people to follow Christ.
Matthew 11:20-21 - 20 Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
We must not be deceived by miracles. Even the evil one can do miracles to deceive people.
Matthew 24:24 - 24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
2 Thessalonians 2:9 - 9 The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonder.
Exodus 7:10-12 - 10 So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the Lord commanded. Aaron threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a snake. 11 Pharaoh then summoned wise men and sorcerers, and the Egyptian magicians also did the same things by their secret arts: 12 Each one threw down his staff and it became a snake. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs.
Matthew 13:58 - 58 And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.
Mark 6:4-6 - 4 Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” 5 He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 He was amazed at their lack of faith.
The fact that you can do miracles is not a sign that you are a child of God.
Matthew 7:21-23 - 21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
3. Potential reasons for the unhealthy attraction to miracles:
There has been a huge change in thinking over the past number of years. Facts and logic has been replaced with “feelings” and “experiences”. People seek “experiences”, yet the Scripture says:
Psalm 37:7 - 7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Zephaniah 1: 7 – 7 Wait quietly on the Lord God! The day of the Lord is near! He was preparing a meal, and those he invited.
I have personally experienced that in certain churches, they practice “falling in the spirit”, and the same people come forward every time for the “experience”. They are in euphoria about the “experience” instead of the greatness of God. I do not deny that there are the “falling in the Spirit” phenomena, but in my experience it goes hand in hand with a very disciplined and calm process.
The Holy Spirit is a gentleman Spirit. He does not force Himself on people or create a spectacle.
A child of God can in no way sustain his/her faith on reaching out for “highs” in their faith. We all go through difficult times. It is in such times that the rock foundation we have, creates an environment of peace because in who we believe.
Philippians 4:4-7 - 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Our faith should be based in who we believe in, not manifestations. Better than seeking after a new miracle is taking God at His Word. Simple faith is more pleasing to the Lord than a reliance on a dazzling sensory experience.
John 20:29 - 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
4. The example of Jesus:
For Jesus the miracles were to convince people that He was the Son of God that brings salvation. Many people did not believe. Jesus made it quite clear that people should not follow miracles, but Christ.
Matthew 11:20-21 - 20 Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
5. What comes first?
It is very clear that miracles and wonders will FOLLOW them that believe. It is an outflow of witnessing and your commitment to Christ. Focusing on miracles first is not within the will of God. Stay clear from all churches that focus on miracles first. There is a hype in many churches and they will shout “Miracles! Wonders! Miracles! Wonders!” As if the shouting will bring miracles about. That is not how God works. It is a false belief that God will answer their chanting and that God can be manipulated by us.
Mark 16:16-18 (King James Version) 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
So: Gospel first. Miracles will follow.
6. Summary:
· God is a God of miracles. Believe that. Miracles happen every day. All we have to do is acknowledge these miracles, big and small. The biggest miracle remains the coming to Christ of a sinner. Even the angels in heaven rejoice when a person comes to Christ.
· Jesus is the source of true and genuine miracles, but seek Him first. Without a relationship with Him, our lives are worthless and we will not be able to discern whether miracles are of God or the evil one.
· Remember that the evil one will deceive you. Especially when you follow the miracles and wonders and not Christ. Rather be enthralled by the greatness of God and the universe He created.
· Miracles are not an end in itself, to be sought for its own value. Its only value should be glory to Jesus and helping someone in need.
Acts 2:43 - 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.
Don't follow signs. Follow Jesus and let the signs follow you
· Miracles are not to honor and exalt a preacher, church or ministry. You cannot perform miracles. You have done nothing, except being obedient to God. God gives the power to His servants. God does not share His glory with anyone!
Deuteronomy 4:23-25 - 23 Be careful not to forget the covenant of the Lord your God that he made with you; do not make for yourselves an idol in the form of anything the Lord your God has forbidden. 24 For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. 25 After you have had children and grandchildren and have lived in the land a long time—if you then become corrupt and make any kind of idol, doing evil in the eyes of the Lord your God and arousing his anger,
· Beware of people who nurture an unhealthy fascination with miracles instead of a closer, more intimate walk with Jesus. Our relationship with God is all that counts. Whether you can “do” miracles or not. You are precious to God. You have at least one other gift. Don’t let another person’s “visual” gift lead you astray. Just live out your gift. That is all God requires.
· Avoid the Herod mentality that wants to be entertained by a miracle in much the same way that people pay to be entertained by a magician.
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