Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works [G1411]?
G1411 from 1410; force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself):--ability, abundance, meaning, might(-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle(-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work.
Not to mention false teachers, prophets and even miracle working demons.
Miracles are to confirm the gospel, not doctrine. Signs follow "believers", not approved teaching. Too many have anchored their salvation to what they believe (doctrine) rather than in whom they believe (Jesus) - performance vs. faith, and being confident in one's self righteousness (spiritual pride) vs. spiritual relationship (walking humbly before God).
Those who look to signs, wonders, and miracles as proof of a spiritual truth will the among the first to fall for the great deception of the false prophet and coming antichrist. It's past time to leave the shows, performances, and glitz behind (not discarded, but put into their proper place and perspective) and get on with establishing a close, personal relationship with Christ, Himself!
The biggest hinderance to developing this kind of spiritual relationship rests with the church leadership. Those who spend more time making disciples of men unto them selves rather than they do for Jesus. This approach to "doing church" keeps the focus on men such as preachers, ministers, workers of signs and wonders, etc., resulting in the glorifying of God's agents rather than in glorifying God. I am of pastor so-n-so, and another is of preacher or teacher "reverend wonderful person" - carnal men one and all.
It is the attitude of "God is in this place, now if you want something from God, come to me (do as I say). I am the authorized intermediary between you and God."
Final note: Be careful of signs, wonders and miracles - like the sign of speaking in tongues, they can all be counterfeited. Rather, look for the fruit of the Spirit in a person when he/she is under great pressure/stress - and the signs, wonders and miracles that attend to him and/or to those about him. In such a demonstration of God's grace and provision one will find the confirmation of the true Spirit within.
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I am a firm believer in signs, wonders, and miracles. I have been both the recipient as well as an agent through which some of these events have occurred - but I do not put my trust in any of them, but in Jesus Christ alone.
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