Sermon Tone Analysis

Intro: Tonight as we finish the Gospel of Mark, I want us to look at what has become a controversial issue within the church, “Signs.”

As Jesus commanded His disciples to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature”, He said certain signs will follow those who believe.

Jesus names five signs that will follow believer’s in His name;

Casting out of demons, speaking in new tongues, taking up serpents, not being hurt by drinking poison, laying hands on the sick for healing.

Mark is the only gospel that names specific signs whereas the other gospels say that “all authority has been given to Jesus and He tells his disciples to go in His authority” and that “they would receive power from the promise of the Father to accomplish His work.”

So the question we need to answer tonight is, “Why aren’t these signs/miracles manifest in the church today?”

Text: Mark 16:17-18

1. Signs;

Signs are supernatural events [miracles], validating the divine origin of the Apostles message [cf v.20].

Just as with Jesus’ miracles, these signs would authenticate the source of their power and draw people to belief.

In My Name;

Casting out demons- demonstrated Jesus’ power over Satan’s realm.

This had already been done by the disciples [12/70].

But this was continued in the church to attract attention to the doctrine of Christ.

Speak with new tongues- the key word here is “new”.

It means a language that they have not previously learned.

Not gibberish, but language that is intelligible.

This was demonstrated at Pentecost.

This was a sign to Jews that Gentiles could be saved too and be a part of the church!

Take up serpents- this is not talking about handling snakes but protection for those who unintentionally encounter a danger like this.

Drink anything deadly- unintentionally drinking poison.

There are no recorded instances of this in the NT, but there is one in the OT.

Lay hands on the sick for healing- the disciples did this when they walked with Christ and it continued into the NT church era.

2.

Where are the signs today?

The question about these two verses is whether the “signs” indicated were meant to be (1) permanent activities practiced by all believers, or (2) temporary works associated especially with the apostles.

These signs were necessary in the beginning of Christianity, serving as signs to attest the truth and authority of the apostles’ message in a time when the N.T. itself was in process and incomplete.

In order that faith might take root and increase, it must be nourished by miracle; for so even we, when we plant shrubs, only water them until we see that they are taking root, and when we see that they have rooted themselves, we cease to water them.

Spence H. D. M., ed.

(1909).

St. Mark (Vol.

2, p. 348).

Funk & Wagnalls Company.

These signs were what Paul calls “the signs of an apostle” and I believe were for a temporary time.

But I also believe these signs are still here today and do follow those who believe.

Maybe not in the mind blowing manifestation they were then, but still in a miraculous fashion.

Casting out demons- When we share the gospel with someone and God saves them, He delivers them from Satan’s dominion.

Speak with new tongue- When a person is saved he speaks with a new tongue

Taking up serpents/drinking poison unintentionally- I believe God intervenes to protect us from various harm when we are walking in faith and about His ministry.

[Ills.

I have a TB nodule on my lung from a mission in Mexico, but it is dead]

Laying hands on the sick- I believe in laying hands on the sick and praying for God to intervene and heal.

Close;

The overall task of the church today is the same as in the days of the Apostles, to “take the gospel to all the world.”

The manner of that work is still the same, “go in the name of Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

The promises given by Christ are the same as well, “signs” [supernatural events] “follow those who believe.”

We are promised the power needed for the ministry!