What role do "signs and wonders" play in strengthening our faith? Opening Scripture “Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” – John 20:30-31 Understanding Signs and Wonders • Signs: supernatural acts that point beyond themselves to reveal God’s character and purposes. • Wonders: awe-inspiring works that arrest attention and stir holy fear of the Lord. • Together they function as God’s visible confirmations of His invisible Word. Why God Uses Signs and Wonders • To confirm His message – Hebrews 2:3-4: God “testified to it by signs, wonders, various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit.” – Acts 14:3: He “confirmed the message of His grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders.” • To reveal His sovereignty – Exodus 7:3-5: plagues displayed Yahweh’s supremacy over Egypt’s gods. – 1 Kings 18:37-39: fire on Carmel showed “The LORD, He is God!” • To spark or strengthen faith – John 2:11: the Cana miracle “revealed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.” – Acts 9:40-42: Dorcas raised; “many believed in the Lord.” • To advance the gospel – Mark 16:20: “The Lord worked with them and confirmed His word by the signs that accompanied it.” – Acts 5:12-14: miracles opened hearts, and “believers were increasingly added to the Lord.” Limitations of Signs and Wonders • They are never a substitute for Scripture – Luke 16:31: “If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.” • They can be counterfeited – 2 Thessalonians 2:9: the lawless one will come “with all power, signs, and false wonders.” – Exodus 7:11-12: Egyptian magicians mimicked Moses. • They demand a right response – Matthew 12:38-41: seeking signs without repentance “an evil and adulterous generation.” – John 12:37: many saw signs yet “did not believe in Him.” Responding in Faith Today • Test every sign by Scripture’s counsel (1 John 4:1). • Celebrate genuine works of God; let them deepen gratitude and worship. • Allow recorded biblical signs to anchor confidence in Christ’s finished work. • Pray for boldness, expecting God to authenticate His gospel in whatever way He chooses (Acts 4:29-31). • Stand firm even when no sign is visible, trusting God’s proven faithfulness (Habakkuk 3:17-19). Key Takeaways • Signs and wonders are God-given reinforcements, not replacements, for the written Word. • Their primary role is to point us to Jesus, nurture belief, and energize gospel mission. • True faith ultimately rests on who God is and what He has said, whether or not extraordinary manifestations appear. |
    |