12 October, 2024

An Examination of Miracles

by | 29 October, 2020 | 1 comment

Early in his ministry career—before his long years of service as senior editor with Standard Publishing (1981 to 2014)—Jon Underwood had a brief stint as director of publications with Christ In Youth. It was during that time that he wrote this concise examination of miracles.

_ _ _

IT’S A MIRACLE!

By Jon Underwood
Oct. 26, 1980; p. 9

“It’s a miracle!” So easily we say it—and often so carelessly. In our quest for restoring New Testament Christianity and calling Bible things by Bible names, this word “miracle” deserves careful attention.

What is a miracle? In Scripture there are three ideas involved in miracles: power, wonder, and evidence. However, working a miracle is not the only way any of these could be portrayed. The power, wonder, and evidence of God are all seen in nature as well. A miracle occurs when God goes beyond the natural (even though it is perfectly “natural” for Him) in a powerful, wonderful, and evidential way.

Perhaps the most important aspect of miracles is this third one—evidence. Distinguished Professor George Mark Elliott of The Cincinnati Bible Seminary calls miracles “God’s autograph.” This seems especially appropriate when we notice that one Greek word translated thirty-three times in the King James Version as “miracle” is the same word used of Paul’s autograph in 2 Thessalonians 3:17. Miracles are always used in connection with revelation in Scripture. They were God’s way of revealing himself, His Son, and His will. And miracles were recorded in Scripture to provide us with evidence for our faith (see John 20:30, 31).

Do we have miracles today then? First Corinthians 13 makes it clear that miracles are temporary, although we cannot be sure from this passage exactly when they were to cease. But the completed revelation of God—the New Testament—makes us strongly doubt that miracles continue to exist. If they did, then we could expect continued revelation, also.

But what do we make of the reports of “miraculous” healings and other wonderful events? We must recognize that God is still in control of His universe. He can still work in amazing ways unknown to us as He controls the healing processes and the rest of nature. But we dare not base our faith on events we don’t understand just because they are wonderful. We can be deceived in this way. It would take new revelation to know exactly when, where, and how God is working. We need to take Him at His word that He loves us and provides us with our needs. Our “faith comes by hearing . . . the word of God.”

Yes, God is working—and in wonderful ways. We can believe that; we can trust Him to provide for us. But we need not expect miracles, for God has already given us all we need to “believe that He is, and that He is the rewarder of all who seek Him.” So let’s seek Him first and let Him take care of us—His way.

Jonathan Underwood is associated with Christ In Youth, Inc., Tulsa, Okla.

_ _ _

During his time with Standard Publishing, Jon Underwood spent many years overseeing creation of the best-selling Standard Lesson Commentary. In 2014, he left Standard to become chaplain with the Christian Benevolent Association/Christian Village at Mt. Healthy, where he continues to serve. In 2018, he also began serving as minister with New Burlington Church of Christ (just down the road from the senior housing facility he serves as chaplain) in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Oh, by the way, Jon also oversees creation of the syllabus for the weekly Lookout Bible lessons featured in our magazine and at this website.

Jim Nieman, managing editor, Christian Standard

1 Comment

  1. Larry E Whittington

    Spring and Fall are miracles of God that he reproduces every year. They show his power, wonder and might. We should be in awe of them as praise to his name: Creator.

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Articles

Ministry Help Wanted

Recent postings: A director of campus ministry is needed at the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign). Stillwater (Pa.) Christian Church is looking for both a lead pastor and a youth pastor. Lexington (Ohio) Church of Christ is seeking a full-time senior minister. Norwin Christian Church in North Huntingdon, Pa., needs a full-time worship minister. Lycoming Christian Church in Linden, Pa., is seeking a minister of children, youth, and young adults. Michigan City (Ind.) Christian Church needs a senior minister. And more . . .

Stories

By taking these symbols of Jesus’ body and blood, we announce we believe there really was a Jesus, and he really did die for us and carried all our sins down to a grave . . .

Documentary Highlights Christian Response to Pandemics

Southeast Christian Church’s “Purpose in Pandemics” is a documentary that follows the response of the church to pandemics throughout history. The “Purpose in Pandemics” website also includes a study guide for small groups and individuals.

Used of God

I soaked up Sam Stone’s wit and wisdom during our lunches together. Afterward, I’d take notes about our conversations. After hearing of his passing, inspired by his wordsmithing, I felt compelled to share just a small part of his story.

Sam E. Stone: ‘He Tried to Speak the Truth in Love’

In memory and appreciation of our former editor, Sam E. Stone, who died early this week, we share this 2011 column from Christian Standard’s archives in which Sam discussed four Scripture verses significant to his life.

Elliott Library ‘Cornerstone’ Laid

Three Bibles of historical significance to Cincinnati Christian University were the first books place on the shelves during relocation of the George Mark Elliott Library.

The Death of Evil

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. saw in minority groups’ struggles for social equality in America a parallel with Israel’s bondage in Egypt. King envisioned God’s goodness would deliver the U.S. from the evil of segregation.

Mark Scott’s Greatest Kingdom Impact

Since I first enrolled at Ozark Christian College, Mark Scott has been my kingdom hero, and I’m not the only young preacher Mark has shaped. Over his 35 years at OCC, Mark has inspired generations of students.

‘Have We Plans for 1921?’

“All the Standard asks is the opportunity to serve, and it yearns to render in 1921 the greatest, finest, and best service of its history. . . .”

CCLF Concluding Strong First Year in Greater Cincinnati

In its first full year, the Christian Church Leadership Foundation has accomplished much to ensure Christian education and resources would continue to be available to people in the Greater Cincinnati area.

News Briefs for Dec. 9

Items from Timber Lake Christian Church (Moberly, Mo.), Choateville Christian Church (Frankfort, Ky.), Johnson University, and more.

My Counsel for Young Preachers

If I were counseling an aspiring young preacher fresh out of Bible college or seminary, champing at the bit to lead in the church, I would offer these three bits of advice.

My Memories of Marshall Leggett

By Ben Merold
As I think about Marshall Leggett, who passed away on March 2 at age 90, two personal experiences keep coming to my mind . . .

Powell Quintuplets Graduating from High School

When the Powell quintuplets were born in 2001, all of Kentucky celebrated, including Southeast Christian Church, where the Powells are longtime members. Now the quints are 18 and are all headed to the same university.

Reentry: It May Be Harder Than We Think

When the COVID-19 crisis eases, I anticipate that reentry is going to be harder than some people think. Churches, especially, need to prepare for this.