Miraculous Action in Bible: Miracles, Signs

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Miraculous Action in BibleMiracles, Signs
Wonders
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Objectives for Study

• Before discussing the Holy Spirits work in N.T.
  miracles, must see nature of miracles
• This study will examine
• (1) Meaning of miracles, signs wonders
• (2) Miracles found in OT NT
• (3) Characteristics of miraculous action
• (4) Denials of Bible teaching on miracles

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Defining the Terms

• Romans 1518-19

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Miracle or Power

• Greek words most often translated as such
• dunamiV (dunamis) - power
• exousia (exousia) - authority
• Focus is on the event itself its cause
• Words denote ORIGIN OF EVENT
• By definition, a miracle is not an ordinary
  result of natural processes
• Only explanation possible for a miracle is the
  power of God

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Uses of Miracle Power

• Acts 222 Miracle or mighty work
• Greek word used is dunamis (power)
• Acts 86-13 Power from God vs. deception
• Greek word used is dunamis (power)
• Mark 23-12 Divine authority demonstrated
• Greek word used is exousia (authority)
• Luke 2449 Evidenced by pouring forth HS
• Greek word used is exousia (authority)

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Sign

• Greek word used is semeion (semeion)
• Focus is that signified to beholder by action
• Word denotes TEACHING OF EVENT
• Miracles not for curiosity, but for teaching
• (1) Confirming reason for faith (Jn. 2030f)
• (2) Confirming power to act (Matt. 96-8)
• (3) Teaching by the action (Mark 811-29)
• Gospel of John example of miracles as signs

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Wonder

• Translated most often from teras (teras)
• Other words connote same concept
• astonish, amazed, marvel, in awe, etc.
• Focus is on miracle from humanitys view
• Words denote EFFECT ON WITNESS
• Miracles not seen as natural phenomena
• Apparent by instant change (Luke 938-43)
• Obviously different from norm (Mark 212)

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Cases of Miracles