We are working through the Gospel of John right now in our Sunday morning sermons. As a result, the subject of miracles has been much in my thoughts. John only records seven of the miracles of Jesus and he doesn't even call them miracles. Instead he calls them signs. They are signs to show that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. They are signs to point to the truth that believing in Jesus is the way to everlasting life.
I contrast John's attitude with that of the signs and wonders movemnet of today. John believed seven miracles were sufficient signs to the truth of Jesus' identity. By contrast, the movement constantly chases after bigger and better miraculous wonders. But what miracle would be sufficient? Which sign is big enough to accomplish God's purpose?
Can we multiply loaves and fish to feed thousands? Can we walk on water? Can we speak to the wind and the waves and tell them to "Be quiet?" Can we raise the dead to life? No, we cannot do any of these things, but we can be part of the greatest miracle of all - one even greater than any of these from John's Gospel. It is the miracle that God most often performs - and quite frankly, most of us have even forgot that it is a miracle.
Of what am I speaking? Salvation - the miracle whereby the Holy Spirit takes the proclamation of the Word of God and creates new life in the person who hears. It is the miracle in which a child of hell is transformed by the grace of God into a saint bound for heaven. It is the miracle whereby a wicked, god-hating rebel is changed by God's mercy into a member of God's very own family. It is a more grand miracle than the parting of the Red Sea, the feeding of the 5,000 and raising of Lazarus combined. And praise God it is a miracle that God still performs every day as He loving saves souls.
Last night God gave me the privilege of being present when He did that miracle in the life of two young men from our Word of Life club. Thank you Lord!
I contrast John's attitude with that of the signs and wonders movemnet of today. John believed seven miracles were sufficient signs to the truth of Jesus' identity. By contrast, the movement constantly chases after bigger and better miraculous wonders. But what miracle would be sufficient? Which sign is big enough to accomplish God's purpose?
Can we multiply loaves and fish to feed thousands? Can we walk on water? Can we speak to the wind and the waves and tell them to "Be quiet?" Can we raise the dead to life? No, we cannot do any of these things, but we can be part of the greatest miracle of all - one even greater than any of these from John's Gospel. It is the miracle that God most often performs - and quite frankly, most of us have even forgot that it is a miracle.
Of what am I speaking? Salvation - the miracle whereby the Holy Spirit takes the proclamation of the Word of God and creates new life in the person who hears. It is the miracle in which a child of hell is transformed by the grace of God into a saint bound for heaven. It is the miracle whereby a wicked, god-hating rebel is changed by God's mercy into a member of God's very own family. It is a more grand miracle than the parting of the Red Sea, the feeding of the 5,000 and raising of Lazarus combined. And praise God it is a miracle that God still performs every day as He loving saves souls.
Last night God gave me the privilege of being present when He did that miracle in the life of two young men from our Word of Life club. Thank you Lord!
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