Signs & Scriptures

(Provided by Bill Shedid.)

Monday, April 5, 2010: 2 Peter 1:16-18

For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.

Background: Before his death, Peter, the Apostle writes two letters to Christians dispersed by persecution. Peter confirms the ‘Mount of Transfiguration’ event to which he was an eyewitness.

What is Peter testifying to in writing? Peter confirms the power and glory of Jesus Christ revealed on the mountain and the voice of God heard by him calling Him His Son with whom He is well pleased.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010: 2 Peter 1:19-21

And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

What is the prophetic word? How is it confirmed? The scriptures of the Old Testament contain many prophecies, one of which is, ‘unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given … and his name shall be called… the Mighty God!’ Peter now confirms in writing that this prophecy speaks of Jesus Christ.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010: Mark 16:15-18

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And 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.”

Background: This is the great Commission as recorded in Mark’s gospel.

What was to follow believers? Miraculous signs would follow believers. The intent was to bring in more believers into salvation, never to glorify the person who the signs followed.

Thursday, April 8, 2010: Mark 16:19-20

So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.

What was the reason for these signs? The signs confirmed the gospel of Jesus Christ that they preached. They were never meant to the person whom the signs followed.

Friday, April 9, 2010: Hebrews 2:2-4

For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will.

Background: The author is speaking about the rest that was promised to Jews who were liberated from Egypt’s slavery. They never entered that rest.

What stern warning is given? If you have never seen the need to repent, having the attitude that you’re just not a bad person like others, you will not escape the punishment for neglecting the salvation that was confirmed with miraculous signs and wonders and is now recorded in the Bible.