The Purpose of Miracles

Mark 16:17
    Last week I wrote about the importance of context. One of the most important contextual aspects that is often forgotten is the reason for miracles. Being separated from the cross by two millennia makes it harder for us to imagine what transmission of God’s word was. We know that the letters were written and instructed to be read allowed and circulated throughout the brethren (Col. 4:16, 1 These 5:27). But much of the word had not been written yet. So some of the word was still being revealed through prophecy (1 Cor. 12:4-7; 14:1-4). So how would one know whether the prophecy was from God, or just something someone made up? Jesus tells that signs would “accompany those who have believed” (Mark 16:17). The Hebrew writer confirms the same in Hebrews 2:4 “God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will.” It is obvious that when miracles were performed people were in awe of the spectacle and even those who practiced fake magic or illusions knew it was God’s work (Acts 8:9-13). Today people make a mockery of miracles and do not perform miracle as seen in the bible. Over the next few weeks I will be address God’s use of miracles and how what we see today does not add up. I love you all!
In His service,
Steven Hugley