Miracles: A Divine Intervention
A. Defining Miracles:
1. Miracles hold a significant place in biblical narratives, serving as
extraordinary events that transcend natural laws. In Greek, the term "miracle" is often translated as "dunamis", which refers to an act of power or ability beyond human capability.
2. Miracles are supernatural events that surpass the natural laws
established by God.
3. Miracles are a testament to God's power and presence among His people.

B. Miracles in the Book of Acts:
1. Healing Miracles:
a. Peter's healing of the lame beggar at the Beautiful Gate (Acts 3:1-
10). This miracle reminds us of Jesus' healing miracles in the
Gospels, such as the healing of the paralyzed man in Mark 2:1-12.

2. Resurrection Miracles:
a. Peter's raising of Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead (Acts 9:36-43).
The resurrection of Tabitha mirrors Jesus' resurrection of Lazarus
in John 11:38-44.
b. Paul's resurrection of Eutychus after falling from a window (Acts
20:7-12). This miracle reminds us of Jesus raising the daughter of
Jairus in Mark 5:21-24, 35-43.

3. Deliverance Miracles:
a. Paul's casting out of the spirit of divination in Philippi (Acts 16:16-
18). This miracle points to Jesus' authority over evil spirits, as seen
in Luke 4:31-37.
b. Peter's miraculous escape from prison (Acts 12:5-11). This
deliverance miracle is reminiscent of Peter's release from prison
by an angel in Acts 5:17-20.

4. The Parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22):
One remarkable miracle recorded in Exodus is when God parted the
Red Sea for Moses and the Israelites to escape Pharaoh's pursuing
army. This event showcases God's omnipotent power over nature itself, demonstrating His ability to intervene and protect His people.

5. Jesus' Miraculous Healings (Matthew 9:35):
Throughout his ministry, Jesus performed numerous healings that
astounded those who witnessed them. The Greek term used for these
miracles is "therapeuo" which implies restoration or cure. These acts
not only provided physical healing but also symbolized Jesus' authority
over sickness and sin.

6. Feeding of Five Thousand (Matthew 14:13-21):
The feeding of five thousand with just five loaves and two fish
exemplifies another type of miracle known as "sémeion" in
Greek—meaning a sign or wonder pointing towards something greater
than itself. This miracle demonstrated Jesus' divine provision and
foreshadowed his role as spiritual nourishment for all who believe.

7. Resurrection Lazarus (John 11:38-44):
The resurrection of Lazarus serves as a powerful example illustrating
God's ultimate authority over life and death. The Greek term
"anastasis" refers to resurrection, emphasizing the restoration of life. This miracle not only revealed Jesus' power but also foreshadowed his own resurrection, offering hope for eternal life.

Signs: Pointing to a Greater Truth
The Purpose of Signs:
8. Signs play a crucial role in biblical narratives, serving as powerful
indicators of God's presence and divine communication. In Greek, the
term "sign" is often translated as "sémeion" which refers to a
miraculous event or occurrence that points towards something greater.
9. Signs authenticate the divine origin of the message being proclaimed.
10. Signs serve as visible demonstrations of God's power and authority.

C. Signs in the Book of Acts:
1. Pentecost: The descent of the Holy Spirit and the speaking in tongues
(Acts 2:1-13). This sign fulfilled the prophecy in Joel 2:28-32 and
demonstrated the inauguration of the new covenant promised by Jesus
in Luke 24:49.

2. The Conversion of Saul: The blinding light and voice from heaven (Acts
9:3-9). This sign transformed Saul into the Apostle Paul, similar to
Moses encountering God in the burning bush in Exodus 3:1-6.

3. Cornelius' Household: The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles
(Acts 10:44-48). This sign confirmed God's acceptance of Gentiles into
the Church, as prophesied in Isaiah 49:6.

4. The Burning Bush (Exodus 3:2-4):
One remarkable sign recorded in Exodus is when God appeared to
Moses through a burning bush that was not consumed by fire. This
extraordinary event served as a sign of God's presence and His call for Moses to lead His people out of Egypt. It symbolized both holiness (the
burning bush) and divine authority (God speaking from it).

5. The Star of Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1-2):
The appearance of a unique star guiding the wise men to Jesus'
birthplace serves as another significant sign in the Bible. This celestial
phenomenon signaled Jesus' arrival, emphasizing his identity as the
long-awaited Messiah foretold by prophets.

6. The Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8):
During Jesus' transfiguration on Mount Tabor, his appearance changed
dramatically before Peter, James, and John—his face shining like the
sun while conversing with Moses and Elijah. This extraordinary event
served as a sign affirming Jesus' divinity and his fulfillment of Old
Testament prophecies.

7. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ (Luke 24:5-6):
The resurrection stands as one of history's most profound signs—a
miraculous event that validated Jesus' claims about himself being the
Son of God who conquered death itself. It signifies victory over sin and
offers hope for eternal life to all who believe.

Wonders: Awe-Inspiring Marvels
D. The Nature of Wonders:
1. Wonders evoke a sense of awe and wonder, deepening our faith in
God.
2. Wonders challenge our limited understanding and reveal the limitless
power of God.

Wonders: Awe-Inspiring Marvels
D. The Nature of Wonders:
1. Wonders evoke a sense of awe and wonder, deepening our faith in
God.
2. Wonders challenge our limited understanding and reveal the limitless
power of God.

E. Wonders in the Book of Acts:
1. The Conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch: Philip's miraculous
transportation (Acts 8:26-40). This wonder shows God's ability to
orchestrate divine appointments, like Philip's encounter with the
Ethiopian eunuch, and Philip's later transportation to Azotus (Acts
8:40).

2. Paul's Blinding Light: The transformative encounter on the road to
Damascus (Acts 9:1-19). This wonder highlights God's ability to radically
transform lives, just as He transformed Paul from a persecutor to an
apostle.

2. Paul's Blinding Light: The transformative encounter on the road to
Damascus (Acts 9:1-19). This wonder highlights God's ability to radically transform lives, just as He transformed Paul from a persecutor to an apostle.

3. Paul's Shipwreck and Survival: God's preservation amidst a perilous journey (Acts 27:21-26). This wonder emphasizes God's sovereignty over creation, reminiscent of God's intervention in Jonah's life during
the storm at sea (Jonah 1:17).

4. Creation of the Universe (Genesis 1:1-31):
The very act of creation stands as an awe-inspiring wonder—a display
of God's power and wisdom. From bringing light into existence to
forming intricate ecosystems, every aspect of creation reveals His
divine handiwork.

5. The Plagues in Egypt (Exodus 7-12):
The ten plagues unleashed upon Egypt showcased God's authority over nature and His ability to bring judgment upon those who oppressed His people. These wonders served as both signs of warning for Pharaoh and demonstrations of God's power before Israel.

7. Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13):
During Pentecost, tongues like fire appeared above each believer's
head while they were filled with the Holy Spirit—enabling them to
speak different languages miraculously. This wonder demonstrated
God's empowering presence among believers for spreading the Gospel
worldwide.

6. The Virgin Birth (Luke 1:26-38):
The conception and birth of Jesus through the virgin Mary stand as a
profound wonder—a miraculous event that defies natural laws. It
signifies Jesus' unique identity as both fully human and fully divine,
fulfilling ancient prophecies regarding the Messiah.

(Exodus 15:1-11) is called Moses Song because this is what the Children
of Israel were singing after God delivered them from Egypt and they
crossed the Red Sea on dry land. In verse 11 they said this was God
doing Wonders.

(Joshua 3:5-17) tells about God doing something similar where He held
back the Jordan River and Israel crossed on dry ground. In verse 5 this
was called a Wonder.

(Daniel Chapter 3) God delivered Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego
from the Fiery furnace. In Chapter 4 verse 2-3 this was called a Wonder.
(Joel 2:28-32) it mentions God will do Wonders in the heavens and in
the earth.

A Sign appeals to our Understanding. A Wonder appeals to our
Imagination.

Signs in the Bible are not mere coincidences or natural occurrences;
they are divine messages that reveal God's presence, guidance, and
ultimate plan of salvation. The Greek term "sémeion" emphasizes that these signs point towards something greater than themselves—a deeper truth or revelation. Whether it be a burning bush, a guiding star, a transfiguration, or the resurrection of Jesus Christ, these signs serve as reminders of God's love and His desire to communicate with
humanity.

Wonders in Scripture are not mere happenstances or coincidences;
they are extraordinary events that reveal God's power, sovereignty, and involvement in the world. The Greek term "teras" emphasizes that these wonders evoke astonishment and awe. Whether it be the creation of the universe, the plagues in Egypt, the virgin birth of Jesus, or the wonders at Pentecost, these marvels serve as reminders of God's greatness and His desire to reveal Himself to humanity.

“We have known and believed the love.” To believe is to have faith in His love. Most Christians don’t have faith in His love. If you were to ask them if God loves them, most would say yes, but they don’t really believe it. They just mentally agree with John 3:16. To have faith in God is to have faith in love itself. Faith works by love. Without believing in the love of God for YOU, you will not be able to fuel the kind of faith it takes to experience signs, wonders and miracles in your life.

To develop your faith in God’s love, or in anything else from God, you have to learn what the Word says about it. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17, NKJV).

Miracles in the Bible are not merely extraordinary events; they are
divine interventions that reveal God's power, love, and purpose. The
Greek definitions of "miracle" provide deeper insights into these
supernatural occurrences—whether it be an act of power (dunamis), a
sign (sémeion), or a restoration (therapeuo/anastasis). Through
miracles, God demonstrates His sovereignty over creation and His
desire to bring about salvation and transformation.

For instance, Psalm 23:6, says, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” Put that verse from the Word first place. Don’t ever go by how you feel about the love of God. Feeling should be the caboose, and faith should be your engine, all riding on the track of
love. Don’t confess anything else. Be confident in the fact that God’s mercy and goodness will follow you all the days of your life.

Believing is the foundation, but so many people stop short of receiving the love of God. They don’t feel worthy, they fear He won’t come through for them, or they fear He is able but maybe not willing—at least not for them. They camp out on past failures and they put themselves in the position of judge and jury—rather than God who declared them innocent with the blood of Jesus.

Unworthiness, guilt and shame all stem from fear, and the enemy is lingering, waiting to use your fear as a back door to steal the inventory outlined in the Word of God that belongs to you. That’s why healing, prosperity and deliverance always come, but they aren’t always received. But there’s one way to keep what God has given to you—and it’s
to receive the love of God without fear.

1 John 4:18 – perfect love casts out fear! Fear must be cast out, because fear is a thief. Fear will block the miraculous in your life. In the Gospel of Luke, we get an up-close view of how Jesus dealt with fear when a man was facing a serious trial:

Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying…. While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” he said. “Don’t bother the teacher anymore.” Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed” (Luke 8:41-42, 49-50).

Why was Jesus so quick to tell Jairus not to fear? Because He knew fear would hinder Jairus from receiving. Fear tolerated is faith contaminated—that’s a spiritual fact. Fear will prevent your miracle from taking place. And if you couldn’t do something about fear, Jesus wouldn’t have told Jairus to stop it.

3. Liberate love.
When you walk in love, you liberate (release) a force to work on your behalf—a force that has all the appearance of weakness, but is stronger than any force in existence.

A critical part of experiencing signs, wonders and miracles is acting on the Word concerning the love of God. To walk in love is to step aside and allow the power of the love of God to come between you and the situation with which you are dealing.

I John 4:11-12 says, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us” (NKJV).

The Word perfected means “allowed to run its full course.” By loving one another, the love of God is perfected, or allowed to run its full course, in us.

By acting on the Word of God and allowing the love of God, which is perfect, to run its full course in our lives, we keep the gates open for signs, miracles and wonders.

There are two ways to perfect the love of God in your life:

1. Keep the Word of God in your eyes, heart, and mouth.
2. By loving others.

Do you believe that God loves you?

Do you receive the Love of God?

Will you allow the Love of God to be liberated in your life? Love liberated is a life liberated!