Get Caught Up on GBFC's 9/2/2026 Bible Study with Bro. Clint Blackwell!

Last Wednesday, September 2, 2026 Bible Study focused on Moody Bible Classic film, Ultimate Adventure. A great short video speaking on the miraculous encounter with God's salvation! You will think about your own testimony.

Also, Bro . Blackwell has included the following about Miracles:

Clinton S. Blackwell, Jr., Instructor

Bible Introduction Miracles

1. Mighty Works

There are four primary Greek words the New Testament uses for "miracle." The first of these is 

dunamis, which literally means "strength," "inherent power," or "power for performing miracles." 

Whoever the human instrument is (such as an apostle), the mighty power itself is of GOD alone. In 

the New Testament the word can be translated "miracles" or "mighty works." In Acts 19:11, for 

example, we read that "GOD did extraordinary miracles through Paul."

2. Signs

The Greek word semeion literally means "sign," "mark," "token," "that by which a person or a thing 

is distinguished from others and is known." A "sign" is a miracle with a meaning in the sense that 

it always points beyond itself to attest GOD and His messengers. For example, Jesus' miracle 

ofturning water into wine was a "sign" that revealed His glory (John 2:11). In contexts dealing 

with the apostles, the signs attested that these individuals were genuine messengers of GOD 

(Hebrews 2:3-4).

3. Wonders

The Greek word terata literally means "wonder." It refers to something that evokes astonishment or 

amazement in the beholder. In its 16 New Testament usages, the word "wonder" is used side by side 

with the word "sign" (see, for example, Acts 2:22). It makes sense that these words are often found 

side by side in Scripture. After all, the miracles are often so incredible that they 1) cause 

astonishment (wonder), and 2) cause one to recognize that the person performing the miracle must be 

a spokesman for GOD (sign).

4. Works

The Greek word erga literally means "works." The word is used by Jesus to describe His distinctive 

works that no one else has done. For example, we read that "when John had heard in the prison the 

works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, and said unto Him, Art thou He that should come, or 

do we look for another?" (Matthew 11:2-3 KJV). These are works that no mere human can do.

5. Defining Miracles

On the basis of the four Greek words above, we might concisely define a miracle as a unique and 

extraordinary event awakening wonder (terata), wrought by divine power (dunamis), accomplishing 

some practical and benevolent work (erga), and authenticating or signifying a messenger and his 

message as from GOD (semeion).

6. The Purpose of Miracles

Scripture indicates there are a number of purposes for miracles. For example, miracles accredit 

GOD's messengers (Hebrews 2:3-4), bring glory to GOD and Jesus (John 2:11), demonstrate the 

presence of GOD'skingdom (Matthew 12:28), promote faith among GOD's people (Exodus 

14:31;John20:30-31), demonstrate GOD's sovereignty (Exodus 7:5; Deuteronomy 29:5-6), and help 

people in need (for example, Matthew 14:14; 20:30-34).

Ref. Find it Quick Handy Bible Encyclopedia, Ron Rhodes