God's Holy Fire: 'Fully Presenting the Gospel'

The proclamation of Jesus was confirmed by the miracles and signs that accompanied the message (Hebrews 2:3-4), as illustrated in the book of Acts, first among Jews and then primarily through Paul among non-Jews. Paul's message was accompanied by the same kinds of miracles and signs as accompanied the message of Peter and the other apostles. These miracles and signs demonstrated that the message to the Gentiles was every bit as authoritative as the message to the Jews. This confirmation is important for two reasons: First, the message itself was validated, and second, those who received this message and became followers of Jesus were validated. The Holy Spirit is the source of the message, the power behind the message, and the power that validated the message by miraculous signs and wonders. The Holy Spirit continues to ensure the validity of the message we declare and the acceptance of all peoples who respond to it.