Introduction:
Much confusion exists about the work of the Holy Spirit. The purpose of this study is to learn what the Bible says about prophecy, miracles, and spiritual gifts, especially in the New Testament age. What about tongues, faith healing, Holy Spirit baptism, and modern prophets? Does God guide people directly today apart from the Scriptures? What about the modern charismatic and Pentecostal movements?
If you wish to begin by learning about the nature and Deity of the Holy Spirit, click here.
We begin our study of miracles and direct revelation with some important preliminary facts.
This study concerns mainly His work in New Testament times. Prior to the birth of Jesus, He did the following things:
* Active in creation and in sustaining the universe - Genesis 1:2; Job 33:4; 26:13; Psalm 104:30.
* Guided Old Testament prophets - 2 Peter 1:21; Mark 12:36; 2 Samuel 23:2; Acts 1:16; 28:25; Hebrews 3:7; 10:15
* Conceived Jesus in Mary's womb - Matthew 1:18,20; Luke 1:35
Sometimes folks claim that the Spirit/God did miracles in the past, so He must do so today. They claim God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. If we say there are no miracles today, then we are told that we are denying that God has the power He used to have or that He loves us like He used to, etc.
To admit there are any miracles he has done but is not doing today is to admit all such arguments are not valid. But here are a number of miracles He has done, which we must agree He is not doing today. The question then becomes whether He is doing any miracles at all today.
In this study we will consider the following topics about miracles (please click on the links to study the specific topics):
(What were the gifts like? How can we distinguish true miracles from counterfeit ones? Do modern tongues, prophecy, and healings have the characteristics of true miracles?)
(Why did God give these powers to men? Did they fulfill their purpose? Are these purposes needed today? Do modern "miracles" fulfill the same purposes?)
(How did people receive spiritual gifts? Do the means for receiving spiritual gifts exist today? What about Holy Spirit baptism and laying on of apostles' hands?)
(How long did God intend for the gifts to continue? Were they ever to cease? If so, when and why? Are they available to people today? What about the modern charismatic and Pentecostal movements?)
(C)
Copyright 2000, David E. Pratte
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Providence
of God in Human Affairs
Bible
Teaching about the Holy Spirit
Is
the Holy Spirit a Being in the Godhead?
Number
of Individuals in God
Bible Inspiration: Infallible, Inerrant,
Verbal
Direct
Revelation, Miracles, & Tongues
The
Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
Evidences
for God, Jesus, & the Bible
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