John 3:1-2 Acts 8:5-11 The Nature of Bible Miracles

John 3:1-2 1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. The Nature of Bible Miracles 2

Acts 8:5-11 The Nature of Bible Miracles 3 5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. 6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. 8 And there was great joy in that city. 9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: 10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. 11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

Introduction Many religionist claim the power of miracles today! They call themselves “faith healers” They are really “fake healers” These need to explain their claimed power as compared with Bible miracles Jesus sent forth His apostles with the power of miracles Matthew 10:1-8 No man since the apostles of Christ can work such miracles In this lesson we will examine the nature of Bible miracles The Nature of Bible Miracles 4

Faith was Not Required Today, faith is made a condition for one to be healed If one is not healed, he lacks faith The “fake healer” uses this as an “out” Having faith was not a condition in the Bible to be healed Luke 7:11-17 How much faith does a dead person have? Acts 9:36-41 Conditions are imposed today which are not found in the Bible! Why do “miracles” today require things not required for Bible miracles? The Nature of Bible Miracles 5

Healing was Immediate There was no “wait and see” approach Peter & John healed the lame man - Acts 3:1-10 “immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength” - vs. 7 “And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God” - vs. 8 The people who knew him and saw him - vss Jesus healed the lame man & forgave his sins - Matthew 9:1-9 Jesus knew the thoughts of the scribes - vss.3-4 “And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?” He told the lame man… “thy sins be forgiven thee” - vs. 2 “take up thy bed and go unto thine house” - vs. 6 “But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins…” - vs. 6 Why don’t “miracles” today have the same immediate results? The Nature of Bible Miracles 6

All Were Healed Healing was not limited to a certain ailment Those healed were not hand-picked out of the crowd Neither was there any “plants” in the crowd Jesus & His apostles healed people with all manner of diseases Matthew 4:23-24 Matthew 10:7-8 Acts 5:12-16; 8:7; 19:11-12; 28:8-9 Why are all diseased people not healed at modern day “miracle” campaigns and crusades today? Why? The Nature of Bible Miracles 7

No Advertising By the Healer Fake healers today advertise their supposed powers Jesus did not heal for popularity and notoriety Often told those He healed to “tell no man” Mark3:7-12; 7:31-37; 8:22-26 Why do these modern day deceivers advertise their campaigns with an advertising campaign? The Nature of Bible Miracles 8

Did Not Heal or Appeal for Money The lame man expected alms (money) - Acts 3:1-10 He was never asked to contribute to the ministry of Peter and John The “fake healers” of today have it backwards! “Fake healers” appeal for money! If contributions go away, so will these “fake healers”! “make merchandise” of people - 2 Peter 2:1-3 Why do these modern day deceivers appeal for money when healing in the New Testament days was not done for money? The Nature of Bible Miracles 9

Healers Presence Not Necessary The healer and the one being healed did not need to be at the same place at the same time Acts 19:11-12 Servant was home sick and was healed that “selfsame hour” Matthew 8:5-13 Why do these modern day deceivers not do this today? Do you know of anyone you would like to be healed? The Nature of Bible Miracles 10

Done Despite Protest Opposition did not hinder Bible miracles Jesus was opposed but not hampered Luke 4:33-36 Fakes did not have this power to oppose opposition Acts 19:13-19 Why do protesters hinder modern day deceivers, but Bible miracles were not hindered by protest? Why? The Nature of Bible Miracles 11

Done Despite Presence of Unbelievers Elymas the sorcerer withstood Paul and was divinely blinded The Deputy was caused to believe when he saw this miracle Acts 13:6-12 The unbelieving Deputy “when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.” The Nature of Bible Miracles 12

Bible Miracles were Public The Nature of Bible Miracles 13 The Jewish council acknowledged the public nature of the healing of the lame man by Peter and John - Acts 4:13-31 Vs “for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it” There was wide-spread knowledge in all of Jerusalem If modern day “fake healers” can perform miracles, why have we not heard about one being raised from the dead?

Bible Miracles Were Complete The Nature of Bible Miracles 14 The dead were raised to life Acts 20:9-12 All manner of diseases were healed Matthew 4:24; Mark1:34; Acts 19:12; 28:9 Those healed were given “perfect soundness” or “made whole” Acts 3:16; 4:9 They were completely healed. No relapses or partial healing!

Bible Miracles Were Undeniable The Nature of Bible Miracles 15 No denying the healing of impotent man by Peter and John Acts 4:15-16; cf. Acts 3:1-10 “15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16 Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.” Today we can deny the “fake healers” and their claims! Bible miracles could not be denied.

Review The Nature of Bible Miracles 16 Concerning Bible Miracles… Faith was Not Required Healing was Immediate All were Healed No Advertising by the Healer Did not Heal or Appeal for Money Healers Presence was not Necessary Done Despite Protest Done Despite Presence of Unbelievers Bible Miracles were Public Bible Miracles were Complete Bible Miracles were Undeniable

Conclusion The Nature of Bible Miracles 17 Miracles, signs and wonders were for the purpose of confirming the word Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:1-4; 2 Peter 1:19-21 Age of spiritual gifts has ended 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 The word of God is completely revealed Jude 3; James 1:25 2 Timothy 3:16-17 We have all revealed truth John 16:13; 2 Peter 1:3-16

Don’t Be Deceived By… The Nature of Bible Miracles 18 “deceitful workers” - 2 Corinthians 11: “lying wonders” - 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12 “bewitched…some great one” - Acts 8: 9 “Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience” - Ephesians 5:6