Miracles are defined in Vines Expository
Dictionary as: dü'-nä-mēs
(a) "power, ability,"
physical or moral, as residing in a person or thing;
(b) "power in action," as,
e.g., when put forth in performing miracles.
It is sometimes used of the miracle or
sign itself, the effect being put for the cause, frequently in the Gospels and
Acts.
Dunames can also be defined as a 'driving force' which propels someone forward in the power of God.
In Greek it is spelled like this: dynamis, it is where we get our word for dynamite, dynamo, or dynamic.
Matthew
14:16-21 (NKJV)
16
But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away. You give them something
to eat.”
17
And they said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.”
18
He said, “Bring them here to Me.” 19 Then He commanded the
multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two
fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the
disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. 20 So they all
ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that
remained. 21 Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men,
besides women and children.
Here is where I make a presupposition
that Miracles are real and are indeed a part of the fabric of the work of the
Holy Spirit within the Church and the world.
The bible does say that miracles are a vital part of the gifting list
which is described in 1 Corinthians 12 ,
but miracles are showy, an outward expression of God’s desire for a given situation
or person. Not like prophecy or tongues,
or word of knowledge where the Man or Woman of God has a degree of control of
facilitating the gifting. Miracles are
not about the Man or Woman of God, miracles are about God showing up and making
His presence known by giving a supernatural response.
So what does a miracle look like in our day and age? How do we define an act as a miracle other than just an amazing coincidence? Miracles are acts which by definition are divinely inspired and executed displaying Gods glory. If there were a formula for determining how miracles are enacted, then there would be more demonstrations of these types of phenomena occurring on a regular basis in mainstream church’s throughout the world. Miracles have been attributed in large part to many fringe sects of the Charismatic or the Pentecostal movements where the word of faith is preached. And many of the reported miracles are anecdotal (hearsay) rather than being based firmly in sound theological doctrine. This is not to discount the validity of any reported miracle(s), but rather to express the need for accountability and oversight of not only the ones who demonstrate this type of gifting, but of also the act itself. There is also the need for a counsel to determine the doctrinal issues which arise from these types of spiritual demonstrations and bring guidance to the Church
to walk through these issues lightly.
I for one desire to see more miracles come from the Church body, and to see the Holy Spirit move and show God’s love in ways which are not only tangible, but demonstrable. It is faith building to know that our God not only loves us but desires to interact with us in ways to demonstrate His power in our lives and the life of the Church by doing things that only He could do.
1
Corinthians 12:29-31 (AMP)
29
Are all apostles (special messengers)? Are all prophets (inspired interpreters
of the will and purposes of God)? Are all teachers? Do all have the power of
performing miracles?
30
Do all possess extraordinary powers of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do
all interpret?
31
But earnestly desire and zealously cultivate the greatest and best gifts and
graces (the higher gifts and the choicest graces). And yet I will show you a
still more excellent way [one that is better by far and the highest of them
all—love].
From this point I must qualify this
desire I have for miracles, it is easy to go after manifestations rather than to go after God, my heart desires to pursue after God first. My first focus is to respond to the grace
that has been given to me by the sacrifice of Jesus. This is where we all must first turn our focus
and attention, not solely seeking after the miracles or manifestations.
Romans 5:8 (NKJV)
8
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still
sinners, Christ died for us.
It is through the love relationship of
Jesus that we have the greatest access to God’s heart. It is from that point of intimate relationship
with Jesus that I (we) would desire to see the Holy Spirit working and demonstrating
God’s power through us so that we might change our world.
1
Peter 4:10 (CEV)
10
Each of you has been blessed with one of God’s many wonderful gifts to be used
in the service of others. So use your gift well.
Our world does need changing. Sometimes just reaching out to one life at a
time is all that God requires us to do.
Becoming a catalyst for change takes courage to confront the status-quo
and to no longer be just an observer but a participant in the work of the
Kingdom. It is responding to the Holy Spirit as He forms you and shapes you into the man or woman of God to fulfill His purpose in your life. This is where the heart of God is revealed to you, also so that others who need to know that same mercy may receive it through you.
In my estimation the greatest miracle is
when a lost or prodigal soul finds their way home, and man or woman finds God's salvation. Salvation is the
greatest miracle as it grows or expands Gods Kingdom in ways through
demonstrable means by transforming a persons life from within.
There are also many smaller miracles which transform us personally in very large ways, like marriage, having children, career, and the like. I believe that God ordains these smaller miracles to to help us mature into the men and women He intended us to become.
I hope and pray that Miracles (both large and small) are part of your faith experience, and continue to inspire you with God sized possibilities in every instance.
God is good all the time―all the time God is good!
Stephen Barnett
There are also many smaller miracles which transform us personally in very large ways, like marriage, having children, career, and the like. I believe that God ordains these smaller miracles to to help us mature into the men and women He intended us to become.
I hope and pray that Miracles (both large and small) are part of your faith experience, and continue to inspire you with God sized possibilities in every instance.
God is good all the time―all the time God is good!
Stephen Barnett
Above All Others
(Craig Musseau)
Lord, your glory fills my heart
Your presence deep within me stirs my
soul
Lord, how awesome are your ways
Your majesty surrounding all the earth
All wisdom and honor and glory forever
All power and greatness and splendor
They are your above all others, my
Lord
Lord, your Spirit moves me now
And I see a picture of your holiness
Oh Lord, I look into your eyes
And feel a fire burn within my heart
All wisdom and honor and glory forever
All power and greatness and splendor
They are your above all others, my
Lord
Copyright © 1990 Mercy/Vineyard
Publishing. All rights reserved. International copyright secured.
Notes: Featured Vocalist: Daphne Rademaker
The music presented above is copyrighted by the respective artists and are demonstrated here for educational purposes only and not for profit.
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