How can we recognize God's work in our lives like in Acts 2:22? Setting the Scene in Acts 2:22 “Men of Israel, listen to this message: Jesus of Nazareth was a man certified by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know.” (Acts 2:22) In Peter’s Pentecost sermon, three words spotlight how God made His activity unmistakable through Jesus: • Miracles (dunamis) – displays of divine power • Wonders (teras) – acts that awaken awe • Signs (semeion) – pointers that reveal a deeper reality The same Lord continues to work in recognizable ways today. Miracles, Wonders, and Signs—Then and Now • John 3:2 – even skeptics admitted the signs pointed to God’s presence. • Hebrews 2:4 – God still “testifies… by signs, wonders, various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit.” • Psalm 77:14 – “You are the God who works wonders; You display Your power among the peoples.” God has not changed; His methods remain recognizable: 1. Acts that exceed natural explanation 2. Events that produce holy awe 3. Evidences that direct attention to Christ, never to mere human ability Recognizing God’s Fingerprints Today • Changed lives – 2 Corinthians 5:17: new creations bear His unmistakable imprint. – Philippians 2:13: His power energizes both desire and action for what pleases Him. • Answered prayer – John 14:13-14: requests aligned with Jesus’ name receive decisive responses that point back to the Father’s glory. – Ephesians 3:20: He often goes “immeasurably more” than asked, underscoring His involvement. • Timely provision – Philippians 4:19: needs supplied in precise, often surprising ways reveal His hand. – James 1:17: every good and perfect gift comes from above, not luck. • Guidance by the Spirit – Romans 8:14: those led by the Spirit experience promptings, convictions, and openings that align with Scripture and exalt Christ. • Spiritual gifts in operation – 1 Corinthians 12:4-7: diverse gifts yet one Source; the harmony and edification produced mark God’s activity. • Fruit of the Spirit – Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, and the rest are supernatural produce, not self-improvement. Their presence signals divine cultivation. • Corporate testimony – Revelation 12:11: stories of deliverance and transformation consistently exalt “the blood of the Lamb,” confirming God’s ongoing work. Cultivating Spiritual Awareness • Stay saturated in Scripture – Psalm 119:130: His Word brings light, enabling recognition of His ways. • Maintain an attentive heart – 1 Kings 19:11-12 shows that God’s voice may be gentle; quietness fosters discernment. • Walk in obedience – John 14:21: obedience opens deeper revelation of His activity. • Practice gratitude – Luke 17:11-19 contrasts nine silent lepers with one thankful soul who fully recognized God’s touch. • Share testimonies – Psalm 107:2: redeemed people declaring His works sharpen mutual awareness. Living Response • Celebrate what God does; give Him public credit. • Strengthen faith by recalling prior “miracles, wonders, and signs.” • Align choices with His revealed work, cooperating rather than resisting. • Encourage others with concrete examples of His involvement, building expectant faith within the body of Christ. |
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