Working of Miracles

In 1988, Princeton Religion Research Center's PRRC Emerging Trends reported that 82% of adults either mostly or completely agreed with the following statement: "Even today, miracles are performed by the power of God"

Now to many, the works of Jesus were truly miracles but to Jesus he was clearly doing the heavenly Father's will in the lives of people. Most people think a miracle is a miracle. Although in it's simplistic form of the word, that may be true, according to scriptures there are four types of Miracles described within the New Testament. The list I am about to give here could be used as a manual or checklist for the miracles that happen within our lives or within our churches.

There are nine gifts of the spirit and one of the nine is "the working of miracles." A miracle must be worked. It takes the recipient of the miracle work his or her faith. Not all miracles are healings and not all healings are miracles but a healing can be a miracle at times.

Miracle type 1- Notable Miracle. A notable miracle is spoken of in Acts 4:16. These are miracles that happen OUTSIDE the local church. It gets the attention of the media. These miracles make the evening news. Remember the healing of the lame man? Acts 3:6-10 attracted huge interest within the community. So much that it became like a real media event and a social conversation piece to say the least. Acts chapter 3 and chapter 4 both document the Notable miracle in detail.

Miracle type 2- Great Miracles. Acts 6:8 In Acts 8:13 Luke uses the greek words mega dunamis or could we say, "great miracles." This does not mean it is a once happening type of miracle, but rather a steady stream of signs, wonders and miracles. God knows how to give quantity as well as quality. I remember there have been many seasons in 28 years of ministry where there were heavy streams of astonishing miracles that were great. People walking from wheel chairs. Deaf ears opening and many more great things come in waves which is Great Miracles.

Miracle type 3- Special Miracles. Acts 19:11 What is typically highlighted regarding this type of miracle is the geographical location. The disciples were right in the heart of the wicked Greek goddess Diana town of Ephesus. The worship of this idol lead so many people to failure in so many places within people's lives. It took this type of miracle to set many people free. I have found in many places where there is idolatry like Hawaii or deception like Utah you will find Special Miracles. It is sometimes the only thing that will break the hard hearts of the people within a geographical area.

Miracle type 4- Diverse Miracles. Hebrews 2:4 This we could say VARIOUS miracles. Various miracles for various needs. Various miracles for various places. Various miracles for various people. A church may need a miracle. A family may need a marriage miracle. A sick body may need a miracle.

The good news is that we can claim and lay hold of all the different types of miracles for our own life.