KEY VERSE
“And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” — Mark 16:17-18
INTRODUCTION
The early church was not just a group of believers who gathered to hear teachings and learn the faith—they were proof-producers. Their mission went beyond preaching the gospel; they demonstrated the manifested power of God in tangible, life-changing ways. They were called to prove that Jesus Christ was alive and that their Lord was the one true God. How did they accomplish this?
MESSAGE
In a world that had witnessed Jesus’ human life—His hunger, weariness, and death—the early church had to show that He was indeed the Son of the living God and that He had risen from the dead. They did this by producing the proof. The power of God was not just talked about; it was displayed in signs, wonders, and miracles that transformed entire cities.
These believers went beyond simply blessing the people with words—they demonstrated the power of God through their actions. Just like Jesus had promised, signs and wonders followed them wherever they went. One of the first recorded miracles after Pentecost was the healing of the lame man at the gate of the temple. The man had been lame since birth, yet:
“Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee; In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he, leaping up, stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.” (Acts 3:6-9)
It’s no wonder the people took notice! It’s no wonder the early church grew daily! When people see the sick healed, the blind see, and the lame walk, they will recognize the power of God at work.
The same happened in Capernaum when news spread that Jesus was in a house—no advertisements, no media blitz. People heard of His miracles and came to witness the power of God firsthand (Mark 2).
APPLICATION
Jesus is still in your house today! The same power that parted the Red Sea with Moses, that made the Jordan River stand still for Joshua, and that raised the dead through Peter is now resident within you.
The miracles of the Bible weren’t Moses’ miracles, Joshua’s miracles, or Peter’s miracles—they were God’s miracles. And just as He worked through them, He desires to work through you. Whether you’re called to be a preacher, a businessman, or a politician, your life is meant to demonstrate the proof-producing power of God to a world in desperate need of a Savior.
You are called to produce the proof—not by your own strength or wisdom, but by the power of the Holy Spirit working through you.
CONCLUSION
Your calling is clear: You are not just a believer—you are a proof-producer. As the world looks for evidence of God’s power, you are the vessel through which that power is made manifest. Expect signs, wonders, and miracles to follow you as you step out in faith, just like the early church did.
PRACTICAL REFLECTION
- Do you believe that God’s power can flow through you in signs and wonders?
- What areas of your life do you need to step out in faith, knowing that the same God who performed miracles in the Bible wants to work through you today?
SIMPLE SUMMARY
You are called to be a proof-producer of God’s power. Just as the early church demonstrated God’s power through signs and wonders, you are empowered to show the world that Jesus is alive and that His power is available to all who believe.
PRAYER POINTS
- Lord, help me to be a proof-producer of Your power in this world.
- Father, I ask for boldness to step out in faith and see Your miracles manifest through me.
- Lord, let signs and wonders follow my life as I declare Your glory to a lost and dying world.
FURTHER STUDY
- Mark 16:17-18
- Acts 3:6-9
- Matthew 10:7-8
- John 14:12-14
- Romans 15:18-19