Where Are the Signs and Wonders?

More than almost any other question of faith, I hear this one from so many believers... Where are the signs and wonders?  With so many apostles and prophets, where are the miracles?  With my increased understanding of the Scriptures and chasing of faith, where are the wondrous works of God?

We live in a society filled with entitlement.  The church is not exempt.  Even our Christian culture demands a response to every iota of sacrifice we offer.  If we give, we expect God to bless us "one hundred fold."  If we forgive, we expect to be forgiven.  I'm not saying this is all negative.  Nevertheless, we need to learn and understand that that Kingdom of God is not a one-dimensional business plan.  God is sovereign.  He will do what He wants to do when He desires to do it.  Here is, however, the great thing about God.  He doesn't leave us guessing!  In fact, His word is clear, if we would only meditate upon it.  He desires that we know His heart, so He has laid it out for us, in His word!

First, we must acknowledge that our seeking of signs and wonders, as born-again believers, is not optimal.  After Jesus was resurrected and seen of the Apostles, He said "Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."

In our search for signs and wonders, have we lost the true foundation of faith?  Have be begun to seek miracles more than God?  Certainly, we have forgotten that signs and wonders are for the unbelieving.  Those of us who know the Father must, like Jeremiah, recall to our minds the great works of God.  It is in this that we have hope (Lamentations 3:21-23).  In His word, our faith is renewed.  Certainly, God should not have to prove Himself, by our own standards, to His own children!

Nevertheless, back to the original premise... Where are the signs and wonders?  The word of God does promise they will follow those who believe, right?

Mark 15:15-18 says, "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.  And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;  They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."

We all know and understand that obedience is better than sacrifice.  In fact, obedience is arguably the foundation of worship.  With that, those who believe and are truly sons of God will first be obedient to His word.  How is it, then, that we expect the fruit of obedience without actually obeying God's word?

In verse 15 of this passage, a very clear directive is given to us as disciples of Christ.  That instruction is to GO and PREACH the GOSPEL!  Given that the original text of Scripture was not delineated by chapter and verse, we can deduct that within context, only those who obey this command can expect to see the signs and wonders following.  Of course, that makes sense, as we've already established that signs and wonders are indeed for those who do not believe.

Where are the signs and wonders?  They are exactly where they are supposed to be... following the ministry of reconciliation in the earth.  If you are not seeing them, examine yourself.  Where have you gone to win the lost?  Especially for those who are apostles or prophets, are you sure?  To what uncharted places have you been sent and before what great men have you been invited?  What did you preach when you got there: your latest revelation or the unadulterated Gospel of Jesus Christ?

Selah.