And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs. Mark 16:20 (NLT)
People will tell you that the power and capabilities that Jesus gave to his disciples were only for the early church. They will say the early church needed the credibility to demonstrate to an unbelieving world the validity of their claim. That Jesus died for the sins of all and was raised back to life again by the power of God. The world we live in is just as skeptical, maybe more so. The power of God is needed today to advance the cause of the Gospel.
Also, worldwide, particularly in South America and Africa, Pentecostal churches are growing the fastest and having the most significant impact for Christ. The power to heal and deliver from demonic oppression is active and alive today. It may make some people uncomfortable, but facts are stubborn things.
Go with a Purpose!!!
The commission Christ gave the church begins with a command. Go! But it was not just go, it was go with a purpose. The goal was ambitious; “go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” Unlike a conquering army that used military force to gain territory, these pioneers took the message of God’s love into the world. This strategy presented God’s offer of salvation and an invitation to believe and be baptized into Christ. We must not lose focus or sight of our purpose to be productive for Jesus Christ.
“You didn’t choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won’t spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you.” John 15:16 (The Message)
We are to be productive fruit bearers for the kingdom of God. Pay particular attention to the second part of that verse, which says, “As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you.” If we are fulfilling our objective as fruit bearers, whatever we need for the job is ours for the asking.
It is worth noting that the good news of salvation is for everyone, but just as it was with Jesus, the influential and the affluent often find excuses for not believing the message of hope and life. Jesus told a story about a man who invited his friends to a great feast. But they all made excuses for not accepting the invitation.
The Church in Action
We are to be the church in action. The more we understand our purpose and mission. The more we will understand the need for all the power and resources that God has for us. The task is so great we cannot do it in our own strength or ability. Look at one of the critical passages in 2 Corinthians 5 concerning the job Christ has commissioned us to do in this world.
We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend with you. 2 Corinthians 5:20 (The Message)
There is so much to do, and concerning the size of the task, few answer the call to go. But despite this, God, through his power, is still changing lives and expanding the kingdom of God.
This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace. Colossians 1:6 (NLT)
Protection and power
Mark 16 describes the protection and power the Holy Spirit gives the believer.
These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.” Mark 16:17-18 (NLT)
Jesus did not put a time limit on how long miraculous signs would accompany believers. They are tools for protection and power. Even the signs of protection can result in giving glory to God. You remember when Paul was on Malta after the shipwreck; a snake bit him. The people expected him to die. However, God protected him, so people believed in God for salvation.
Stay alert like this, and before you know it the God of peace will come down on Satan with both feet, stomping him into the dirt. Enjoy the best of Jesus! Romans 16:19b-20 (The Message)
Somebody once said, “It’s a jungle out there.” If we take the call to evangelize the world seriously, we can be confident that there will be opposition. They persecuted Jesus so that we can expect opposition and persecution as well. In fact, Paul said, “Everyone who desires to live righteously in Christ Jesus, will suffer persecution.” But Jesus has promised to protect us and never to leave us.
There’s no telling who will hate you because of me. Even so, every detail of your body and soul—even the hairs of your head!—is in my care; nothing of you will be lost. Staying with it—that’s what is required. Stay with it to the end. You won’t be sorry; you’ll be saved. Luke 21:17-19 (The Message)
Confirmation
The Lord is working with us, and the miracles confirm and validate the message. Confirmation of the message is essential. It demonstrates that we are not speaking in our own authority but as representatives of God. Signs and wonders cut through all the noise that seeks to interfere with the message of the Gospel. Doctrinally, we may believe that signs and wonders are for today. We also must live expecting to see God perform signs and wonders today.
Steve Ekeroth