What role do "signs and wonders" play in affirming God's presence among believers? Today’s Focus Verse Acts 14:3: “So they stayed there a considerable time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the message of His grace by granting signs and wonders to be performed through their hands.” Setting the Stage • Paul and Barnabas are ministering in Iconium. • Opposition is rising, yet God “bears witness” by backing their preaching with unmistakable, supernatural acts. What Are “Signs and Wonders”? • Signs – miracles that point beyond themselves to God’s character and plan (John 2:11). • Wonders – awe-inspiring works that arrest attention and stir holy fear (Exodus 15:11). • Together they function as divine endorsements: God stamping His seal on His servants and their message. Why God Uses Signs and Wonders • To Confirm the Gospel – Hebrews 2:3-4: God testifies to salvation “by signs, wonders, and various miracles.” – Mark 16:20: The risen Lord works “with them,” validating His word “through accompanying signs.” • To Display His Presence – Acts 5:12-16: Signs among the apostles cause widespread recognition that “the Lord” is in their midst. • To Encourage Faith in Believers – Acts 4:29-31: After prayer, miracles embolden the church to keep proclaiming Christ. • To Confront Unbelief – Exodus 7–12: Plagues expose Egypt’s gods as powerless. – 1 Kings 18:38-39: Fire on Elijah’s altar turns a wavering crowd back to the LORD. How Signs and Wonders Affirm God’s Presence among Believers Today 1. They Remind Us God Is Actively Involved • Not a distant observer; He breaks into time and space. 2. They Highlight the Authority of Scripture • Every authentic miracle matches, never contradicts, written revelation. 3. They Propel Mission • Acts 14:3—miracles keep missionaries stationed “a considerable time,” strengthening converts. 4. They Foster Awe and Unity • Acts 2:43: “A sense of awe came over everyone.” Corporate worship deepens when God displays His power. 5. They Provide Mercy • Physical healings, deliverances, provisions—tangible touches of the Father’s care (Matthew 14:14). Guardrails for Discernment • Test the Source – 1 John 4:1: “Do not believe every spirit.” • Evaluate the Fruit – Matthew 7:16-20: God-sent works produce holiness, not self-exaltation. • Stay Grounded in the Word – Galatians 1:8: Even an angel cannot override the gospel. • Pursue God, Not the Spectacle – Luke 10:20: Rejoice more that names are written in heaven than that spirits submit. Our Response to God’s Sign-Bearing Presence • Worship – Praise Him for still moving mightily. • Witness – Share testimonies; they magnify Jesus (Revelation 12:11). • Watchfulness – Stay expectant; the same Lord who worked in Acts has not changed (Hebrews 13:8). • Willingness – Offer hands and hearts for Him to use in whatever way glorifies Christ. |
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