“We cannot use electric lights and radios and, in the event of illness, avail ourselves of modern medical and clinical means and at the same time believe in the spirit and wonder of the New Testament.” - Rudolf Bultmann

“Because children have abounding vitality, because they are in spirit fierce and free, therefore they want things repeated and unchanged. They always say, "Do it again"; and the grown-up person does it again until he is nearly dead. For grown-up people are not strong enough to exult in monotony. But perhaps God is strong enough to exult in monotony. It is possible that God says every morning, "Do it again" to the sun; and every evening, "Do it again" to the moon. It may not be automatic necessity that makes all daisies alike; it may be that God makes every daisy separately, but has never got tired of making them. It may be that He has the eternal appetite of infancy; for we have sinned and grown old, and our Father is younger than we.” -G.K Chesterton, ‘Orthodoxy’

“I flatter myself” he says, “that I have discovered an argument…which, if just, will, with the wise and learned, be an everlasting check to all kinds of superstitious delusion, and consequently, will be useful as long as the world endures.” -David Hume

New Testament References to Miracle 3 Greek words used to describe miracles: Dunamis – ‘an act of power’ - Cause Teras – ‘a wonder’ – Effect Semeion – ‘A Sign’ – Purpose

Miracles in Scripture  Signs  In confirmation of the gospel  Central to Jesus’ ministry (42% of Jesus ministry in the gospel of Mark is taken up by miracle stories).

Miracles in Jesus’ Ministry  Pointing to the truth of the gospel  Pointing to who Jesus is  Pointing to what Jesus came to do  Giving glory to God

Miracles in Ministry  The church should seek to have a miraculous ministry  We should seek to make ourselves available  We should seek to make the most of opportunities  And know that ‘God works all things together for our good’