“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 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” (Mark 16:15,17-18).
Jesus delegated the power and authority in His Name to “them that believe.” Some have relegated spiritual authority exclusively to preachers mightily used of God. But this passage of Scripture isn’t just talking about evangelists, pastors, or others in the ministry; it’s talking about the entire Body of Christ – the believing ones.
Authority is invested in the Name of Jesus. And authority is invested in the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ upon the earth. Some of us have touched that authority now and then, but none of us have been able to abide in it like God wants.
However, I am thoroughly convinced that in these last days, just before Jesus comes, there will arise a body of believers who will learn how to take advantage of all that belongs to them in the Name of Jesus – that Name which is above every Name!
Confession: I am a believing one. And these signs in Mark 16:17 and 18 follow me. I will learn and know how to take advantage of the Name which belongs to me – the Name which is above every Name.
Excerpt permission granted by Faith Library Publications