2. Miracles and
Providence
Psalm 9:1-10

3. I Believe In Miracles I am sure you do too. Miracles such as:
Jesus turning water into wine (Jn. 2:1-11)
Jesus walking on the water (Matt. 14:22-33)
Jesus raising Lazarus from the grave (Jn. 11:14-15, 38-44)

4. Discussion Of Terms
Natural means—comes from God’s laws regarding nature (bread or birth)
Supernatural—involves divine action with natural
Bread (manna) delivered-Divine; eaten-natural
Birth (Jesus) conception-Divine; birth-normal

5. Discussion Of Terms
Miraculous—refers to works of a supernatural character which are contrary to the laws of nature. Nothing normal here
Providence—refers to Divine will through natural means

6. The Difference
Miracles transcend nature, but providence uses natural means and natural laws
For example, prayer for the sick (Matt. 21:22; James 5:14-15)
Not miraculous, but God uses the body’s natural healing ability to restore health

7. Not Exclusive Means
God has never relied exclusively on miraculous action in answering prayer (2 Sam. 15:31-34; 16:23-17:14)
This prayer of David’s was answered by natural means

8. Example God God provided a ram for Abraham to use (Gen. 22:13-14)
Was it natural for a ram to be there? Yes
Was it a natural thing for it to be caught in a thicket? Yes
Was it God’s providence? Yes.
Was it a miracle? No

9. Remember
We must keep in mind that all of this is to be done in accordance with the will of God (1 Jn. 5:14)
Those who say there are miracles today are denying what the word of God says (1 Cor. 13:8-10; Mk. 16:20; Heb. 2:3-4)