What role does faith play in witnessing miracles like in Acts 5:12? Acts 5:12 – Signs That Turned Heads “Many signs and wonders were being done among the people through the hands of the apostles, and they were all together in Solomon’s Colonnade.” Faith and Miracles: A Consistent Biblical Pattern • Faith is God’s chosen channel for releasing His power (Hebrews 11:6). • Lack of faith can restrict what He does visibly among His people (Matthew 13:58; Mark 6:5-6). • Believing hearts become conduits of Jesus’ authority (Mark 9:23; Acts 3:16). • God remains sovereign—He is never forced—but He delights to honor trust in His Word (James 5:15). What Faith Looked Like in Acts 5 • United conviction – the believers “were all together,” displaying shared confidence that God would act. • Expectant gathering – Solomon’s Colonnade became a recurring meeting spot because everyone anticipated more of the same wonders. • Bold obedience – the apostles preached Christ despite threats; faith expressed itself in action, not mere words. • Christ-centered focus – miracles authenticated the gospel, keeping the spotlight on Jesus rather than on the men He used. How Faith Positions Us to Witness God’s Power Today 1. Anchors us to God’s revealed promises, not shifting feelings. 2. Opens eyes to recognize His activity we might otherwise dismiss. 3. Fuels prayer that asks boldly and submits humbly. 4. Inspires courageous steps—laying hands on the sick, sharing the gospel, confronting darkness. 5. Creates an atmosphere where God’s people expect Him to move, strengthening each other’s trust. Practical Steps to Cultivate Faith-Filled Expectancy • Immerse yourself daily in Scripture; “faith comes by hearing” (Romans 10:17). • Recall and celebrate past answers to prayer; remembrance feeds confidence. • Gather consistently with believers who believe God still works (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Confess and forsake known sin; a clear conscience removes faith-robbing doubt (1 John 3:21-22). • Pray specifically for needs, then watch attentively for God’s response. • Obey promptings of the Spirit without delay; faith matures through practiced trust. • Give Jesus the glory for every outcome; miracles are signs pointing to Him (John 2:11). When hearts trust God’s Word without reservation, they become ready theaters for His wonders—just as they were under the colonnades of Solomon so long ago. |
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