An article in the local newspaper related how thousands of people gathered outside the home of a woman in Florida who claims that the virgin Mary appears to her on her ceiling on the 13th of each month. At one point on this rainy day, the sun appeared through the clouds, at which time "some reported seeing crosses in the sky and others said they saw a silhouette of Mary." Another woman remarked that she saw not Mary, but the Lord, adding that "what one person sees, another may not" (The Knoxville News Sentinel, October 14, 1994). The accompanying photograph showed one woman on her knees while others in the background squint to see something. Several years ago, when the eastern seaboard was rocked by Hurricane Hugo, a man claimed to have photographed an appearance of Jesus in the clouds. I even recall someone a few years back who had an image of Christ appearing in a shadow cast upon his freezer by some tree limbs near the window. Invariably when such things even appear to happen (and admittedly, they do sometimes appear to happen), many will declare it a miracle. Regarding these supposed miraculous "visits," consider the following:

1. When God manifested Himself to man, as recorded in the scriptures, there was no missing it, or mistaking what was happening. It is true that on one occasion when the Father spoke to Jesus from heaven, some thought it had thundered, and others thought it was an angel speaking to Him (John 12:27-32). However, even those who were confused and surprised by the voice of God knew that something had happened! When Christ or His apostles healed the sick or raised the dead, there was no mistaking it! There was no "squinting" to see what had happened. When the sun refused to give it's light on the day Jesus was crucified, everyone who had eyes to see noticed what was happening, even if they did not understand the significance of it! In none of these instances did people see in an existential fashion (each seeing his own vision).

2. Miraculous works and signs had a definite purpose in God's plan, and a definite duration. The closing lines of Mark's gospel account give the purpose: to confirm the word of Christ (Mark 16:17-20). Paul, in writing to certain brethren who had come to have misplaced priorities regarding the use of miraculous spiritual gifts, pointed out the duration which they were to have: until "that which is perfect" (complete) had come (1 Cor. 13:8-10). An examination of the passage in its immediate context will show that the phrase "that which is perfect" corresponds with the things which Paul and others had "in part" (only partially). The things said to be "in part" (prophecies, tongues, knowledge) all have to do with communicating God's will to man. Hence, the "perfect" (complete) would have to do with the same idea: the revelation of God's will. That has been accomplished completely in the Word of God, which James calls the "perfect law of liberty" (James 1:25). Those who continue to demand miracles as a proof of the faith have missed the point of the New Testament miracles and the written record of them (John 20:30-3 1).

3. One cannot help but wonder how those who wait for hours in the rain to see some alleged divine manifestation of miraculous power feel before it takes place and after it is over. In other words, how do they fare spiritually between alleged "signs?" It seems one reason people seek signs and wonders is that the presence of such would cause them to feel closer to God. Miracles were never meant to be a basis for fellowship with God. Rather, we are told to "draw near to God" and He will respond in kind (James 4:8; cf. Heb. 7:19; 10:22; Matt. 15:8).

We should be ever thankful for the miracles recorded in the Bible. They give great evidence for the validity of what is taught therein. The Bible, however, leads one in continuing fellowship with God, in which we walk by faith in things unseen to us, yet accompanied by great proof (cf. Heb. 11: 1; John 20:29). The next appearing of the Lord will be seen and heard by all, and for it we wait and make ready (I Thess. 4:16; Acts 1:9-11; 17:30-31).

PW Meeting
Visitation Group “A” is scheduled to meet after the AM worship services this morning in Meeting Room “B”.

New Directory
The new Orange Street Membership Directory is now online here at the church’s web-site [New Directory]. The print version of the directory will be coming as soon as the last few photos are taken. If you have an opportunity, please look over the online version and let us know of any errors you may find. The photo board in the foyer is also about 98% complete.

FSOP Class
The Florida School of Preaching extension class, “The Holy Spirit”, will start on Thursday, August 19, in the annex. Bob Bauer is the instructor and there is a $5 registration fee. See Bob for more information.

An unknown author writes, "As the tree is fertilized by its own broken branches and fallen leaves, and grows out of its own decay, so men and nations are bettered and improved by trial and refined out of broken hopes and blighted expectations." This great principle is a very important aspect of the Christian viewpoint.

The Orange Street church of Christ
is hosting a
GOSPEL MEETING
with Jimmy Clark from Athens Alabama
Sun, September 19 - Wed, September 22, 2004
Make plans now to be at each and every service and invite your family, friends and neighbors.