17/05/2026 - Matthew Destry

What is a miracle? A miracle is an act of God that goes beyond ordinary natural explanation and reveals His power, presence, or compassion.

Three different views Christians hold

Some Christians believe miraculous gifts largely ceased after the apostolic era. This is often called cessationism.

Others believe all the gifts continue today exactly as they did in the New Testament. This is continuationism.

And then many Christians sit somewhere in the middle. Open, but careful.

The challenge everybody feels

Because if miracles are real… why doesn’t God do them reliably over and over again?

the text – 1 Corinthians 12:4–7 (ESV)

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”

1. manifestation of the Spirit

1 Corinthians 14:1 (ESV):

“Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.”

1. given for the common good

The real question is not: “What gift do I have?” but, “What need can I meet?”

1. what are the gifts?

word of wisdom

word of knowledge

faith

gifts of healing

working of miracles

prophecy

discerning of spirits

tongues

interpretation of tongues

1. how are the gifts best expressed?
2. in the gathered church
3. in small groups and teams
4. in everyday life

a simple filter – try to ask:

* Is this loving? * Is this helpful? * Is this clear? * Is this the right moment?

Romans 15:18–19 (ESV):

“For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience, by word and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God…”