"Signs That Follow Believers"

### Sermon: **"Signs That Follow Believers"**

*Text: Mark 16:17-18 (NKJV)*

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**Introduction:**

The words of Jesus in Mark 16:17-18 are a powerful promise of divine authority and protection for believers. These verses outline the supernatural signs that accompany those who follow Christ. However, they are not merely displays of spiritual power; they are reflections of a life fully surrendered to God's purpose, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Today, we will explore:

1. The identity of those who believe.

2. The signs that follow them.

3. The purpose behind these miraculous signs.

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### **1. The Identity of Those Who Believe**

Jesus says, *“And these signs will follow those who believe.”* The emphasis is not on an elite group but on **all believers**. This promise is universal for those who place their trust in Christ.

- **Faith as the foundation:**

Belief is the starting point of a Christian’s journey. Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). True belief produces action and allows God’s power to work through us.

- **Empowered by the Holy Spirit:**

Jesus' promise was fulfilled at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples (Acts 2). The same Spirit empowers believers today to live victoriously and impact the world.

- **A life of surrender:**

Believers who experience these signs are not focused on their own glory but on glorifying God.

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### **2. The Signs That Follow**

The signs listed by Jesus are extraordinary manifestations of His power:

#### a) **Casting out demons:**

- This represents authority over spiritual darkness. Believers are equipped to confront and overcome the forces of evil (Ephesians 6:10-12).

- Application: Spiritual warfare is real, but believers walk in victory because Christ has already triumphed over Satan (Colossians 2:15).

#### b) **Speaking with new tongues:**

- This sign, first demonstrated at Pentecost (Acts 2:4), shows the power of the Holy Spirit to transcend human limitations.

- It symbolizes unity in diversity and the spreading of the Gospel to all nations.

#### c) **Protection from harm (serpents and poison):**

- This does not advocate reckless behavior but underscores God’s protection over His servants.

- Example: Paul’s encounter with a venomous snake in Acts 28:3-5 demonstrates this promise in action.

- Application: Trusting God doesn’t mean avoiding danger but relying on His protection in the face of it.

#### d) **Healing the sick:**

- Laying hands on the sick and seeing them recover highlights the compassion and power of Christ working through His followers.

- Application: Believers are called to be vessels of God’s healing, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual.

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### **3. The Purpose of These Signs**

#### a) **To confirm the message of the Gospel:**

- Mark 16:20 states that the disciples preached the Word, and God confirmed it with signs. These miracles point people to Jesus, not to the believer.

#### b) **To reveal God’s power and love:**

- Each sign demonstrates that God is intimately involved in the lives of His people and that His kingdom is breaking into the world.

#### c) **To equip the Church for mission:**

- These signs are tools for evangelism, showing the world that Christ is alive and active through His people.

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**Conclusion:**

The signs mentioned in Mark 16:17-18 are not merely extraordinary events but tangible demonstrations of a life filled with the Holy Spirit. They testify to the reality of Jesus’ power and the truth of His message.

**Challenge to believers:**

- Are these signs evident in your life?

- Are you walking in the authority and power Christ has given you?

Let us pray for faith, boldness, and a deeper reliance on the Holy Spirit so that we, too, may experience these signs—not for our glory, but for God’s kingdom to advance.

**Closing Prayer:**

"Lord, we thank You for the promises in Your Word. Help us to live as believers who carry Your authority and reflect Your power. May these signs follow us as we faithfully share Your Gospel and serve others in love. In Jesus’ name, Amen."