Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction

Should we expect the Holy Spirit to work in powerful, miraculous ways in connection with the preaching of the gospel and the life of the church today?

If we should, we must address common objections and see what scripture might say about them.

This section of the study will most likely go into two weeks, so we have included a handout for memories sake.

One historical note to add and remember — whenever a movement appears that sees greater success then the previously successful movement, there are often those that just assume the different is evil … like the Pharisees said about Jesus.

So, let’s jump into discussing common objections.

1. Doesn’t Jesus say, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign shall be given to it except for the sign of Jonah?”

Matthew

The mistake made in this objection is a failure to look at the context and find whom Jesus was talking to.

In the context of , well let’s look at it

Matthew 16:1

we see this several times in scripture where they come to test him and seek a sign… AND every instance of rebuke for seeking signs is addressed to hostile unbelievers.

Jesus is rebuking Jewish leader who had hard hearts (no possibility thinking) and were simply seeking a pretext for criticizing him.

IN NO CASE are such rebukes addressed to genuine followers of Jesus who sought a miracle for physical healing or deliverance for themselves or others, either out of compassion or to see gospel advanced, and to see God’s name glorified.

The warning verses apply to unbelievers who are looking to criticize.

THERE ARE NO passages warning against the use of miracles by genuine Christians.

The New Testament actually encourages us to believe God and seek answers to prayer even in miraculous ways.

The pattern of gospel proclamation and miraculous events is obvious.

2. Doesn’t Jesus warn us that in the end times false christs and false prophets will work miracles and they will be so deceptive as to even deceive the elect.

Therefore it would be dangerous to follow those who work miracles - they could be a false prophet.

This is the logic (?) used here

False Christs work miracles

Miracles are happening in church A

therefore I will stay away from church A

just to be safe (I am not spiritual enough to tell the difference)

That is not a New Testament Worldview

Peter helps us

John helps us

False religions teach false doctrine.

Pharisees (ancient and modern) oppose and do not further the work of the Kingdom.

However, where churches teach true doctrine, further the work of the Kingdom, exalt Jesus Christ, and bear abundant fruit in the lives of people — this is not false, but a mark of true Christianity… where this is not happening there is a major problem.

3.

If we say that miracles should accompany the gospel today, doesn’t this cheapen the gospel?

Be careful with these kind of statements since Peter, Paul and Jesus preached the gospel with power and miracles present.

Acts

Did miracles cheapen the gospel in the early church when it grew like wildfire?

spectacularly incorrect view.

If miracles did not detract there, the objection is not valid and we are right to seek miracles to go along with evangelism today.

they enhance outreach

:

4. What do Miracles prove anyway?

Since there can be true and false miracles, they alone prove nothing.

Therefore, how can miracles ever be God’s means for converting an unbeliever.

This just doesn’t hold water, they are the affirming sign that the gospel is from God....

5. Weren’t miracles mostly limited to the Apostles?

Of course we see a lot of miracles in the Book of Acts, but wasn’t that a special time when the gospel was being written.

some argue that they are restricted to apostles or those closely connected with them

: 10-

: 4-11

1 Cor.

there is some question on this text but it was widely accepted in the early church and the gifts were taught as a common possession of Christians, of true believers, and not limited to Apostles.

some question on this text but it was widely accepted in the early church and the gifts were taught as a common possession of Christians, of true believers, and not limited to Apostles.

6. Wasn’t the purpose of miracles to authenticate new scripture as it was being given?

he didn’t write any scripture nor did Stephen

So what are the purposes listed for miracles in scripture?

characteristics of the Kingdom

power and authority over darkness

Ma

help those in need

Remove hindrance to service

to service

to give glory to God

the evidence shows they were not limited to apostle and scripture