How can we rely on God's power to confirm our witness, as in Mark 16:20? The Foundation: Mark 16 : 20 “And they went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked through them, confirming His word by the signs that accompanied it.” What God Promises to Confirm • The gospel itself—“the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1 : 16) • The authority of Jesus’ name—“In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues…” (Mark 16 : 17-18) • The reliability of His written Word—“Not one jot or one tittle shall by any means disappear…” (Matthew 5 : 18) • The life-changing work of the Spirit—“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5 : 17) How He Confirms Today 1. Supernatural signs and wonders ‑ Healing the sick (James 5 : 14-16) ‑ Deliverance from demonic oppression (Acts 8 : 7) ‑ Gifts of the Spirit such as prophecy, tongues, and miracles (1 Corinthians 12 : 7-11) 2. Bold, Spirit-empowered proclamation ‑ “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you” (Acts 1 : 8) ‑ “My message… was a demonstration of the Spirit’s power” (1 Corinthians 2 : 4-5) 3. Transformed lives and holy character ‑ The fruit of the Spirit on display (Galatians 5 : 22-23) ‑ Observable repentance and obedience (1 Thessalonians 1 : 9-10) 4. Answered prayer in Jesus’ name ‑ “Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it” (John 14 : 13-14) 5. Inner witness of the Spirit ‑ “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” (Romans 8 : 16) Practical Steps to Rely on His Power • Saturate yourself in Scripture—preach what God has already pledged to honor (2 Timothy 4 : 2) • Pray for boldness and expect God to act (Acts 4 : 29-31) • Step out in obedient faith; signs follow those who go, not those who stay (Mark 16 : 15, 20) • Keep motives pure—seek God’s glory, not personal acclaim (Acts 14 : 27) • Stay filled with the Spirit through ongoing surrender (Ephesians 5 : 18) • Testify openly to God’s interventions—He multiplies faith through shared stories (Psalm 66 : 16) • Trust His sovereignty—He chooses the timing and form of confirmation (Hebrews 2 : 3-4) Encouragement for Everyday Witness The same Lord who worked with the first disciples still walks beside every believer today. As you share the gospel, lean on His Word, depend on His Spirit, and watch for His unmistakable fingerprints—whether in miraculous moments or quiet heart changes. He delights to confirm His message, and His power will never fail those who faithfully proclaim His Son. |
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