Should we Expect Miracles?

Yesterday we examined the gift of "working out of miracles" as one of the gifts listed in the "Gifts of the Spirit" in 1 Cor. 12:4-11. One of the things we established and made clear is that miracles are extraordinary and supernatural works of God, that were given as signs and wonders to validate the messengers of God. The only times in history where we see concentrations of miracles is in the ministry of agents of revelation: Moses, Elijah, Jesus, and the Apostles. Other than that miracles are not common or ordinary, but rather, unusual, and extraordinary. Based on that we concluded that when the bible was finished being written, miracles had ceased to occur for the reason that God's special revelation to us is complete. So why are so many people still seeking the miraculous? Because they are not satisfied with the Word of God. They are looking for something more, something tangible and something they can look for and hope in. In desperation people are willing to believe in anything, thus creating a market ripe for the picking. This is not theology 101, but business 101. The phony miracle workers have a lucrative business, because the market demands them. In fact I would argue there is more demand than supply, leaving a deficit in "miracle workers."

I am reminded of what scripture teaches, 2 Tim. 4:3-4 "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths."

This describes the demand side of the false miracle business. We are living in that time, where people who are not content with what God has already revealed are looking to believe in anything but the truth. So in a sense, it is the masses of ignorant and unstable people who create these men. But make no mistake about it, that does not excuse the false prophets. They are greedy and see the masses as walking dollar bills. They are evil and cunning and have used the Gospel for their selfish advantage, and exploited the poor and ignorant for their own good. Scripture has much to say about them as well.


2 Pet. 2:2,3 "many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words."

14-15 They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children! Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray. They have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved gain from wrongdoing, 

17-19 These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved. For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. 19 They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption

One thing is for sure: God is just. These guys will all have to give an account one day for their lies, deception and stealing in the name of Jesus. They have received their reward now, but on Judgment Day, they have a special reservation for them- the gloom of utter darkness. May God have mercy on their souls.