Nipate
Forum => Controversial => Topic started by: vooke on August 24, 2015, 06:25:49 AM
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Good morning church,
1 Corinthians 1:22-24 (KJV)
For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God
Both the New and Old Testaments are replete with glorious signs and wonders such as the splitting of the Red Sea and feeding five thousand men with a few loaves and fish. There is something about such supernatural manifestations that dazzle. Miracles are people magnets; they exploit our curiosity.
But today I want to dwell on why we should not be obsessed with signs
1. Miracles are not necessary for preaching the gospel
John 10:41 (ESV)
41 And many came to him. And they said, “John did no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.”
John was Jesus forerunner, a role he executed perfectly but all the while without no miracles. If he presented Jesus to the Jewry who so much loved miracles and signs without such, and Jesus said he was the greatest of all prophets, so can we
2. The gospel rather than miracles form the substance of New Testament message. I know Paul dwells at length about spiritual gifts in 1 Cor 12-14 but that's just about it
3. Miracles and signs don't necessarily translate into belief
Matthew 11:23-24 (ESV)
23 And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.”
Jesus did great signs here yet they remained unbelieving. The biggest skeptic will in all likelihood remain that despite the most exotic signs
4. Even during apostolic times , the signs were not the main dish
1 Corinthians 1:22-24 (ESV)
22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
The sign seeking Jews would not be satisfied by no signs. So Paul preaches the gospel instead of impressing them. The Greeks and their philosophies. Again Paul served the simple gospel of the cross
5. Existence of false signs and wonders
Matthew 24:24 (ESV)
For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
2 Thessalonians 2:9 (HCSB)
9 The coming of the lawless one is based on Satan’s working, with all kinds of false miracles, signs, and wonders,
The point is, false signs will equally dazzle and lead many away from the truth
Beloved, let us be careful not to major on what the apostles never did
Have a blessed week ahead and profuse apologies for posting late, I had an all-day assignment in some nether parts of Kilimambogo yesterday.