Tag: go and preach
These signs will follow!
Scripture reading for October 18th: Mark 14-16
Mark’s Gospel told of Jesus Christ healing, casting out demons and preaching the Gospel to His own people. Jesus particularly sought out those who were lost and willing to listen. He gathered disciples who would be willing to leave all, follow Him and learn His ways. After sending them out, He would evaluate their work and encourage or correct them.
“He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” …”Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed His word by the signs that accompanied it.” Mark 16:15-18, 20.
This Gospel’s closing words are a call to Jesus’ followers to continue the work of God. They were to wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit who would give them the power that was needed to be His witnesses. (Acts 1:8) Then they were to go and preach. As they preached, they were to act under the authority of the name of Jesus Christ. In His name supernatural signs would accompany the preaching of the Word. Demons would be cast out and sick people would be healed. People would be baptized in the Holy Spirit and would speak with new tongues. The disciples would have supernatural protection from attacks of venomous snakes or people trying to poison them.
These first disciples obeyed by going out into all the world preaching the Gospel. As they prayed for the sick and demon possessed, the promised signs of Christ followed their ministry! If you are seeking miracles, signs and wonders, the best place to find them is when you obey God’s command to go and preach! Are you willing to act in faith and experience the supernatural following your preaching and prayer? Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever!
Conquered the grave!
Scripture reading for February 14th: Matthew 28:1-20, Psalm 34, Proverbs 9:9-10
“Up from the grave He arose, With a mighty triumph over His foes! He arose a victor from the dark domain, and He lives forever with His Saints to Reign! He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose! ” (Robert Lowery–1826-1899) (Low in the Grave He Lay)
This old hymn captures the essence of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus died on that cross and was buried in a tomb by Joseph of Arimathea, a rich man. The prophet Isaiah had written about this very thing over 700 years earlier, “He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in His death, though He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth.” (Isaiah 53:9) As He hung on the cross, He was numbered with the wicked. He was made sin with our sin. But when it was “finished”, His precious body was put in a “rich man’s” tomb! He had purchased great riches in His death. The souls of all who would believe on Him by faith were His Father’s riches! (Psalm 2:7-8) The wealth of nations would be brought to Him!
Isaiah also predicted that this suffering servant would not stay in the grave after fulfilling the Lord’s purpose for His suffering. “Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush Him and cause Him to suffer, and though the Lord makes His life a guilt offering, He will see His offspring and prolong His days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in His hand. After the suffering of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied; by His knowledge My righteous servant will justify many and He will bear their iniquities.” (Isaiah 53:10-11) God the Father sent His Son to suffer as a guilt offering for the sins of the world. After the suffering, He would again see “the light of life!” Many would be justified and God’s will would prosper through Him forever!
“The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has rise, just as He said. Come see the place where He lay.” (Matthew 28:5-6) This good news has encouraged those who believe for nearly 2000 years! We serve a risen Savior who is alive! All who believe on Him can have eternal life!