Miracles, Mysticism, and the Mysterious Acts 4:16 I. Introduction. A. Many in our time are fascinated by the psychics, healers, sooth-sayers, fortune tellers and other brands of the "supernatural." B. A multi-million(billion?) business has evolved. 1. Note that all of these seek to fleece their sheep(or goats). 2. Each psychic or mystic claims a power that belongs exclusively to them(and their ilk). 3. Even people of intelligence and prominence are succored into accepting such false spirits. C. Note these definitions. 1. Mysticism: "The doctrine or belief that direct knowledge of God, of spiritual truth, etc. is attainable through immediate intuition or insight and in a way differing from ordinary sense perception or the use of logical reasoning"(Webster). a. Such claim to have a direct line to God not available to the majority. b. Allows one to circumvent the revealed word of God. 2. Mysterious: "Applies to that which excites wonder, curiosity, or surprise, yet baffles all attempts to explain." 3. Miracle: An intervention of God into the natural process that would not have occurred without such intervention. 4. Note and comment: Acts 4:16. II. Body. A. There are many occurrences in life that are not easily explained. 1. However, because one is baffled, such does not make the event unexplainable. a. Careful thought and examination often finds the truth. b. Can you explain how one can place an ordinary seed in the ground and grow a beautiful plant?(Can outline process, but where did the life come from?) c. There are some events that one cannot understand or explain: does not constitute a miracle. 2. One may have a serious illness--be given up by physicians--then recover: not a miracle. 3. Some people use the term "luck" to explain the mysterious. a. "That which happens to one seemingly by chance." b. Every gambler depends on this: The slot machines, lotteries, etc.--do not depend on luck--they know they can stay in business--so long as enough people believe in luck instead of hard work. c. Knowledge and perseverance is what counts for the Christian: Acts 2:24. d. Better than "luck": Ephesians 4:28. e. For the Christian: Philippians 4:6. f. Charms, prayer cloths, good luck pieces, crucifixes, etc.--do not protect or bring good fortune! B. Through the ages, men have sought to have powers not available to them. 1. Consider Simon the Sorcerer: Acts 8:18-19. a. Sorcery a work of the flesh: Galatians 5:20. b. Listed with immoral transgressions. 2. Today: the psychics and mystics claim to posses power beyond the natural. 3. Even among religious people, claims are made. a. Of prophesy: TV false evangelists(Oral Roberts); the Jehovah's Witnesses return of Christ(can't decide on when--even when claiming revelations from God). b. Of healing: took "healer" to sick beds-- no results. c. Of various miracles: challenged people to perform. d. Heavenly appearances. (1 One man told me how God spoke to him. (2 Appearance of "virgin" Mary. (3 Really hallucinations: "To affect or be affected with visions or imaginary perceptions." (Webster) e. Of new revelation: Joseph Smith, Mary Baker Eddy, Oral Roberts, and a whole new crop of deceivers. If God guided--why not all receive the same messages? f. Always remember: Galatians 1:8. C. Miracles did happen in the early years of the church. 1. Promised to apostles: Mark 16:17-18. a. Fulfilled: Acts 5:12, 16(note). b. Problem in their time: Acts 19:13-16. c. If one of the fake healers of today actually say a miracle, he/she would pass out! 2. Power given through laying on of hands of apostles: Acts 8:18. a. They could not pass it on. b. Miracles performed by apostles and those on whom they laid their hands. 3. When these died miracles, visions, and revelations ceased. 4. Note: I Corinthians 13:8-13. 5. With the full revelation of the gospel, with the evidence for miracles contained therein: no more miracles needed. 6. Miracles were never intended to convert people: they confirmed the word spoken by inspired men. III. Conclusion. A. Mysticism and the mysterious fascinate a lot of people. B. Just remember: Romans 1:16.-jy