Jesus said to the disciples, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature…these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord WORKING WITH THEM and CONFIRMING THE WORD through the accompanying signs. Amen.” (Mark 16:15-20)
Why does the Word need to be confirmed? A bold but deceived person can say that what he is preaching is from God and the instructions he is giving are from God. “And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if HIS MINISTERS also TRANSFORM THEMSELVES INTO MINISTERS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS…” (2 Corin. 11:14-15) So, anyone can say anything and SOUND RIGHT but God will confirm “HIS WORD” with accompanying miraculous signs!
For example, “Peter and John went up to the temple…a man LAME FROM HIS MOTHER’S WOMB (“the man was over forty years old…” (Acts 4:22)) was carried…laid daily at the gate…who, seeing Peter and John asked for alms. Peter said, “Look at us.” “Silver and gold I do not have, but WHAT I DO HAVE I GIVE YOU: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, RISE UP AND WALK.” And he took him by the right and IMMEDIATELY his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—WALKING, LEAPING, AND PRAISING GOD…all the people saw him…they knew that it was he who sat begging alms…they were FILLED WITH WONDER AND AMAZEMENT at what had happened to him.” (Acts 3:1-10).
WE JUST NEED TO BE FAITHFUL AND JESUS WILL CONFIRM HIS WORD…
-Bill Stockham