What role does faith play in performing "great wonders and signs" today?

Scriptural Foundation

“Now Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people.” (Acts 6:8)

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Why Faith Matters, Then and Now

• Faith is the channel through which God’s power flows (Mark 11:22-24).

• It positions the believer to rely on the Lord rather than personal ability (2 Corinthians 4:7).

• Without faith it is impossible to please God, so it is also impossible to act as His instrument for miracles (Hebrews 11:6).

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Key Ingredients of Sign-Producing Faith

1. Confidence in God’s Word

– Stephen’s ministry sprang from a settled conviction that what God promised, He would do (Romans 4:20-21).

2. Yieldedness to the Holy Spirit

– The same Spirit who empowered Stephen indwells believers today (Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11).

3. Obedient Action

– Faith is proven through obedience; miracles often follow a step of trust (John 2:5-11).

4. Persevering Expectation

– Stephen faced opposition yet kept serving; enduring faith invites God’s intervention (James 1:2-4).

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Practical Ways to Cultivate Such Faith Today

• Immerse in Scripture daily—faith grows by hearing God’s Word (Romans 10:17).

• Pray specifically for opportunities to minister in the Spirit’s power (Ephesians 6:18-19).

• Fast and seek God for greater sensitivity to His promptings (Acts 13:2-3).

• Walk in holiness; unconfessed sin quenches the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19).

• Join with like-minded believers who expect God to move (Hebrews 10:24-25).

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Balancing Expectation with Discernment

• Signs never replace the gospel; they confirm it (Mark 16:20).

• Not every miracle claim is from God—test everything against Scripture (1 John 4:1).

• Glory must return to Christ alone, not to the instrument He uses (Acts 3:12-13).

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Encouragement for Today

God still delights to reveal His power. When believers cultivate Scripture-saturated, Spirit-led faith, they become vessels through whom the Lord can display “great wonders and signs” that point a watching world to Jesus.