9132015 church of Christ Calgary 1 9132015 church

9/13/2015 church of Christ Calgary 1

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The Reading Mark 16: 16 -20 9/13/2015 church of Christ Calgary 3

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Understanding Mark 16: 17 -18 v Brother Eric, can you explain the real meaning of Mark 16: 17 -18? v The words that are throwing many people off, are these ones: 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: believe v We are believers too, right? v Why are we not doing this if we also, are believers? v Thanks. 9/13/2015 church of Christ Calgary 6

Understanding Mark 16: 17 -18 v This is a very problematic passage for many people, but not for the church members. v Many want to apply these verses, that is, 17 and 18, to modern miracle healers, and they claim to have the power to do many things in the name of Jesus. v Many say that we, the members of the church of Christ, are “dead” spiritually, because we do not do 9/13/2015 church of Christ Calgary 7

Understanding Mark 16: 17 -18 v Brothers and sisters, I would say that this question is easy to understand, as long as we understand what the purpose of many of the things that happened in the New Testament times, were for. v Again, many want to force us to believe that Mark 16: 17 -18, extends all the way to common people today. Sectarians are claiming that they have the power to do wonders and signs like they did in those NT times. v Is that what the Bible says? 9/13/2015 church of Christ Calgary 8

Mark 16: 16 -20 (NKJV) 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 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. " 19 So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 And they went out and preached everywhere , the Lord 9/13/2015 church of Christ Calgary 9

Understanding Mark 16: 17 -18 v Are people today doing what the Bible says? Are people being obedient? v Let us check all of the things that Jesus says: v 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. v Do many want to be baptized today? v NO! v Do they want to perform miracles? 9/13/2015 church of Christ Calgary 10

Understanding Mark 16: 17 -18 v Let’s check verse 17: 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; v Some are saying that as long “you” believe, you can do. As long as you have faith, you can do all of the things that Jesus promised. v Is that was Jesus was saying in 9/13/2015 church of Christ Calgary 11

Understanding Mark 16: 17 -18 v Let’s check verse 17: 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; v Let’s all understand this evening, and don’t lose focus. All of these signs were to CONFIRM what the apostles were preaching and teaching, after Jesus’ ascension! 9/13/2015 church of Christ Calgary 12

Understanding Mark 16: 17 -18 v Let’s check verse 17: 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; v Mark 16: 20. Was it to entertain anyone? v Hebrews 2: 3 also explains what many deceivers are claiming today. v The miracles, signs and wonders were used by Jesus to back up all of 9/13/2015 church of Christ Calgary Hebrews 2: 3 (NKJV) 3 how shall we escape if Mark 16: 20 (NKJV) we neglect so great a 20 And they went salvation, which at the first began to be spoken out and preached by the Lord, and was everywhere, the confirmed to us by those Lord working with who heard Him, Hebrews 4 them and 4 God also bearing confirming the witness both with signs word through the and wonders, with various miracles, and various miracles accompanying gifts of the Holy Spirit, signs. Amen. signs according to His own will? 13

Understanding Mark 16: 17 -18 v Ok, back again to verse 17: 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; v Who is casting out demons today in 2015? v No one! v The promise in verse 17, if we stay in the context, was made only to the apostles. v How do we know that, a Pentecostal may ask? v Read verse 11, 13, 14. Jesus has been 9/13/2015 church of Christ Calgary Mark 16: 14 (NKJV) Mark 16: 11 14 Later He Mark 16: 13 (NKJV) appeared to the (NKJV) 11 And when eleven as they sat 13 And they at the table; and they heard He rebuked their went and told that He was unbelief and it to the rest, alive and hardness of heart, but they did because they did been seen by not believe those not believe her, they did who had seen Him them either. not believe. after He had risen.

Understanding Mark 16: 17 -18 v Let’s consider the context very CARFULLY PLEASE! 1) ver. 11, They (The apostles, 1) ver. 10) when they Heard that he was alive, and that He was seen by Mary Magdalene (ver. 9), did not believe it. They did not believe in the testimony about the resurrection of Jesus. See Luke 24: 11. 9/13/2015 church of Christ Calgary Luke 24: 11 Mark 16: 10 (NKJV) 11 And their 10 She went words and told those seemed to who had been them like idle with Him, as they mourned tales, and wept. they did not believe them.

Understanding Mark 16: 17 -18 v. Let’s consider the context very CARFULLY PLEASE! 2) ver. Luke 24: 12, 13, Jesus appeared to two disciples and the physical testimony of these was not believed by the apostles. 9/13/2015 church of Christ Calgary Luke 24: 12 -13 (NKJV) 12 But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying by themselves; and he departed, marveling to himself at what had happened. 13 Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem.

Mark 16: 14 (NKJV) Understanding Mark 16: 17 -18 14 Later He v. Let’s consider the context appeared to the very CARFULLY PLEASE! eleven as they sat at the table; and He 3) ver. 14, Jesus appeared to 3) rebuked their the eleven apostles and He unbelief and rebuked their unbelief! hardness of heart, v Where do you see the because they did Pentecostal Charismatics in not believe those here? who had seen Him v NO WHERE! Jesus was not after He had risen. talking to them! 9/13/2015 church of Christ Calgary

Understanding Mark 16: 17 -18 v. Let’s consider the context very CARFULLY PLEASE! 4) ver. 15 -17, After He commissioned the apostles to go into all the world with the gospel, He promised to give them powers in order to perform signs (miracles), with the condition that they would believe in His resurrection and not continue in 9/13/2015 church of Christ Calgary Mark 16: 15 -17 (NKJV) 15 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;

Understanding Mark 16: 17 -18 v. Let’s consider the context very CARFULLY PLEASE! 5) ver. 19, following the discussion after talking to the apostles directly, and about the promise for them (with the condition that they would believe in Him and also in the resurrection), and would not 9/13/2015 church of Christ Calgary Mark 16: 19 (NKJV) 19 So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.

Understanding Mark 16: 17 -18 v. Let’s consider the context very CARFULLY PLEASE! 6) ver. 20, Then the apostles went out preaching the gospel with the Lord helping them… Matthew 28: 20, according to what he had promised! Now that the Signs that Jesus promised were following the apostles, they left their unbelief and taught many the fact 9/13/2015 church of Christ Calgary Mark 16: 20 (NKJV) 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.

Understanding Mark 16: 17 -18 v. Brothers and sisters, The Bible Context is always the rule we use to rule interpret the 9/13/2015 church of Christ Calgary

Mark 16: 15 -20 (NKJV) 15 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the to them gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 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. " 19 So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 And they went out and preached everywhere , the Lord 9/13/2015 church of Christ Calgary 22

Zechariah: Prophesy from God Would Cease! Zechariah prophesied that a time would come when all prophesy from God would cease, and all that would remain would be false prophets. (Zech. 13: 2 -3 ). The time in which all prophesies from God ceases is only revealed in God's word (Rom. 10: 17). We must go to God's word to learn when the time foretold by Zechariah would come. All prophesies from God have ceased, because miracles have ceased. Anyone claiming to prophesy of God is a false 9/13/2015 church of Christ Calgary Zechariah 13: 2 -3 (NKJV) 2 "It shall be in that day, " says the LORD of hosts, "that I will cut off the names of the idols from the land, and they shall no longer be remembered. I will also cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to depart from the land. 3 It shall come to pass that if anyone still prophesies, then his father and mother who begot him will say to him, 'You shall not live, because you have spoken lies in the name of the LORD. ' And his father and mother who begot him shall thrust him through when he prophesies. 23

q What was the Purpose of Miracles? q God testified that Jesus, the apostles, and prophets were speaking His word, through miracles (Mk. 16: 20; Heb. 2: 1 -4). In this way, He confirmed His word (Heb. 2: 3). q After God's word was confirmed, the need for miracles no longer existed. q Paul tells us that miracles were 9/13/2015 church of Christ Calgary Hebrews 2: 1 -4 (NKJV) 1 Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. 2 For if the 31 word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, 3 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, 4 God also bearing witness both with 24 signs and wonders, with 1 Corinthians 12: 31 (NKJV) But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

v Miraculous Power was Conferred by an Apostle Laying Hands Upon a Person v In the Bible, Christians could not perform miracles unless an apostle laid hands on them (Acts 8: 14 -17; 19: 5 -6). v Since Paul was the last apostle (1 Cor. 15: 8; cf. Acts 1: 21 -25), there are no apostles on earth today. v Since there aren't any apostles on earth to lay hands on people, it is 9/13/2015 church of Christ Calgary Acts 8: 14 -17 (NKJV) Acts 19: 5 -6 (NKJV) 14 Now when the apostles who 5 When they heard were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word this, they were of God, they sent Peter and John to them, baptized in the name 15 who, when they had come of the Lord Jesus. down, prayed for them that 6 And when Paul had they might receive the Holy Spirit. laid hands on them, 16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only the Holy Spirit came been baptized in the name of upon them, and they the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on spoke with tongues them, and they received the and prophesied. Holy Spirit. 25

Ø Miracles Were Temporary Ø Paul tells people doing miracles in the first century, there was a better way to live than with miraculous power. Love is better than miracles (1 Cor. 12: 31). Ø Paul tells us that miracles were temporary, and that they would cease (1 Cor. 13: 8 -12). Ø Miracles would cease when the "perfect" came, then the "perfect" "partial" (miracles) would be 9/13/2015 church of Christ Calgary 1 Corinthians 13: 8 -12 (NKJV) 8 Love never fails. But whethere are prophecies, they will fail; whethere are tongues, they will cease; whethere is knowledge, it will vanish away. 31 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. part 11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, 26 dimly, but then face to face. Now I 1 Corinthians 12: 31 (NKJV) But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

“When That Which Is Perfect Has Come” 1 Corinthians 13: 8 -13 To show that GOD is the one behind the events The Purpose of Miracles

“When That Which Is Perfect Has Come” • Miraculous gifts will cease. • There will be a time when they will: – Fail – Cease – Vanish “Love never fails. But whethere are prophecies, they will fail; whethere are tongues, they will cease; whethere is knowledge, it will vanish away. ” {1 Corinthians 13: 8}

“When That Which Is Perfect Has Come” • When that which is perfect has come… – “For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. ” {1 Corinthians 13: 9, 10} “Perfect” (teleios)—that which grows to completeness or wholeness.

“When That Which Is Perfect Has Come” 1 Corinthians 13: 8 -13 “In Part” (Verse 10) “In Part” Prophecy Tongues “when that which is perfect has come…” Knowledge John 16: 13 2 Pet 1: 2 -3 2 Tim 3: 16 -17

“When That Which Is Perfect Has Come” • Paul’s analogy of a child to a man – “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. ” {1 Corinthians 13: 11} As children grow, they need help. God has given us help so we can grow! {Ephesians 4: 11 -16}

“When That Which Is Perfect Has Come” The Mirror (Verse 12) “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. ” {1 Corinthians 13: 12} • Dim outline of God’s will • “But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. “ {James 1: 25}

“When That Which Is Perfect Has Come” The Mirror (Verse 12) “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. ” {1 Corinthians 13: 12} • Perfect law tells us all we need to know • “As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue. “ {2 Peter 1: 3}

“When That Which Is Perfect Has Come” The Mirror (Verse 12) “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. ” {1 Corinthians 13: 12} • Ultimate purpose summed up by John • “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. “ {John 20: 31}

“When That Which Is Perfect Has Come” 1 Corinthians 13: 8 -13 “What will abide” (Verse 13) “What will abide” “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. ” Faith – will one day be realized Hope – will one day be realized Love – will abide forever!

“When That Which Is Perfect Has Come” 1 Corinthians 13: 8 -13 “When that wh ich is perfect has co me…”