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Mark

Mark 
Day 
Day 360

Acts 5:32 "And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him." Acts 5:32"

Day 360 – Mark 16

“And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” Acts 5:32

THE EXERCISE OF FAITH

Mark highlighted some of the signs that Jesus promised would accompany the disciples as they exercised their faith. The Eleven must work at remembering what they had previously experienced (Cf. Mark 6:7-13). As they had been successful before in ministry, wielding the special powers of the Lord, so they would be successful in ministry again! That same power they had experienced before would be experienced again when they attempt to reach the world with the Gospel. But they would have to exercise their faith if they were to wield these powers!

THE CASTING OUT OF DEMONS

Mark noted some of the special signs that would accompany them as they ministered for the Lord.

“In My name they will cast out demonsâ?¦”
MARK 16:17B

1. The source of Power

a) It is to be located in the Person of the Lord Jesus Himself.
b) “In My name”
The name of Jesus was never meant to be used as a mere formula. A formulaic approach was adopted by the seven sons of Sceva, when they tried to exorcise a person who was demon-possessed (Cf. Acts 19:13-17). The demon responded violently against these exorcists.

“And the evil spirit answered and said,
‘Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?’
Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them,
overpowered them, and prevailed against them,
so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.”
ACTS 19:15-16

These Jewish exorcists found to their dismay and hurt, that the mere citation of the name of Jesus afforded them no power whatsoever!

c) The apostles of Jesus
They, on the other hand used the mighty name of Jesus and subdued many demons (Cf. Mark 6:13a).

2. The promise of Power to do battle against demons

The battle to be waged would not be against flesh and blood, but against powerful demonic-spirits! The apostles would need this re-assuring word from the Lord Jesus that they would be able to subdue and cast out demons in His mighty name!