These signs shall follow them | April 16th
Mark 16:17-18
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues. Mark 16:17-18
When you purchase a plate of food and it automatically comes with a drink, it's akin to the signs mentioned in the opening scriptures following those who believe. When you believe in Jesus, you enter into a covenant that enables you to walk in the authority of His name. The signs serve as a compensation package.
Many Christians mistakenly believe that only a select few, such as pastors or spiritual leaders, possess the gifts of the Spirit. They overlook that Jesus, before ascending into heaven, entrusted these abilities to His disciples, emphasizing that salvation alone qualifies individuals to wield them.
God doesn't play favorites; the gifts of the Holy Spirit are available to all believers. They signify the Holy Spirit's presence within each person after salvation (Romans 8:11, 1 Corinthians 12:4). Salvation is accessible to all who embrace the Gospel, thus making the gifts of the Spirit universally attainable (Romans 1:9-10, 8:15-16).
In Acts 10, Peter's understanding expanded when Gentiles received the Holy Spirit upon believing. This event demonstrated that God intends for all His children to demonstrate these signs.
Embracing these gifts becomes easier through consistent practice. If Jesus said you can heal the sick, your immediate response upon encountering illness should be to offer prayer and lay hands on the afflicted, acknowledging your authority in Christ.
Regular prayer and Bible study are vital for nurturing these gifts. Engaging with Scripture fosters awareness of the gifts bestowed upon believers and stirs them up through prayer. Such practices also fortify against doubt.
Believer, these signs accompany you. You are not excluded but included. With the Spirit of God within, it's time to act accordingly!
New tongues, manifestation of the gifts of the spirit follows you, not even you chasing after them.
Anchor: These signs are mine. In Jesus' name, I cast out demons, speak in tongues, and heal the sick. Through the Spirit of God, I accomplish the impossible. Glory!
Thoughts for meditation: And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues. Mark 16:17-18
Yearly Bible Study Plan
Judges 15; Judges 16; Judges 17; Titus 1; Titus 2
Courtesy of biblestudytools.com