Embracing Miracles: The Normal Christian Experience

Devotional

Day 1: Miracles Are Normal for Believers

Jesus commissions every believer to live a life where miracles are not the exception but the expectation. The miraculous is meant to be a natural outflow of faith, authenticating the message of the gospel and demonstrating God’s love and power to a world hungry for more than words. As you step out in faith, remember that the same Spirit who empowered the early disciples is alive in you, ready to work through you as you pray for the sick, share the good news, and expect God to move in supernatural ways. [01:11:32]

Mark 16:15-20 (ESV)
And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.

Reflection: Where in your daily life can you intentionally expect and look for God to move in miraculous ways, and how might you step out in faith to pray for or serve someone in need today?

Day 2: The Power of Demonstration, Not Just Words

The gospel is not meant to be a message of words alone, but a living demonstration of God’s power and love. When you share about Jesus, you are invited to also show His reality through acts of healing, deliverance, and practical love—making the invisible God visible to those around you. The world is longing for an encounter, not just an explanation, and you are called to be a vessel through whom God’s power is revealed. [01:13:49]

1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (ESV)
And my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

Reflection: Think of a conversation or relationship where you’ve mostly relied on words—how could you invite God to demonstrate His love or power through you in that context this week?

Day 3: The Same Power That Raised Jesus Lives in You

The resurrection power that raised Jesus from the dead is not distant or reserved for a select few—it is alive in every believer. This power is available to bring healing, restoration, and breakthrough in every area of life, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. You are called to walk in this reality, believing that God can use you to bring life and hope wherever you go, because His Spirit dwells within you. [01:22:40]

Ephesians 1:19-20 (ESV)
And what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places.

Reflection: What is one area of your life or someone else’s life where you need to see resurrection power at work? How can you pray and act in faith for breakthrough today?

Day 4: Intimacy with God Fuels the Miraculous

Miracles and spiritual fruit flow out of intimacy with God, not performance or striving. As you seek God in the secret place—through prayer, worship, and surrender—He fills you with His presence and power, equipping you to carry His anointing into every situation. The more you draw near to Him, the more you will see His supernatural life released through you, transforming both you and those around you. [01:25:44]

John 15:5 (ESV)
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

Reflection: How can you intentionally set aside time this week to deepen your intimacy with God, and what is one way you sense He wants to empower you as a result?

Day 5: We Owe the World an Encounter with God

Every believer is called to give the world not just information about God, but a real encounter with His presence and power. The gospel is authenticated by miracles, healings, and transformed lives, and you are invited to partner with the Holy Spirit to bring heaven to earth in your sphere of influence. Don’t settle for mediocrity—step out, pray bold prayers, and believe that God wants to use you to reveal His love and reality to those who need Him most. [01:28:58]

Acts 3:6-8 (ESV)
But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.

Reflection: Who in your life needs an encounter with God, and what bold step can you take this week to offer prayer, encouragement, or a practical act of love that invites God’s presence into their situation?

Sermon Summary

Miracles are not meant to be rare or reserved for a select few—they are intended to be the normal experience for every believer. Jesus commissioned his followers to go into all the world, preach the good news, and expect miraculous signs to accompany their faith. These signs—casting out demons, speaking in new tongues, healing the sick—are not just historical anecdotes but present realities for those who believe. The power that raised Christ from the dead is alive in us, and we are called to walk in that resurrection power, not just for our own benefit but to demonstrate the reality of God to a world hungry for authentic encounters.

Evangelism is not optional; it is a command. But the gospel is not just words—it is meant to be demonstrated with power. When we share the good news, we should expect God to confirm it with miracles, healings, and transformed lives. The greatest miracle remains salvation: a heart changed, a life reborn by the Spirit of God. Yet, we are also called to contend for more—to see physical healings, mental breakthroughs, and restoration in every area of life. This is not about striving or performance, but about intimacy with God and stepping out in faith, trusting that the Holy Spirit will work through us.

It is easy to settle for less, to become lukewarm or content with mediocrity. But Jesus promised that those who believe in him would do the same works he did—and even greater. This is not reserved for spiritual “superstars” but is the inheritance of every child of God. The anointing is available to all who will seek, believe, and act. Sometimes, contending for miracles means persevering through disappointment, but we are called to keep pressing in, aligning ourselves with the Holy Spirit, and refusing to settle for anything less than the fullness of what Jesus promised.

Let us raise our expectations, not out of performance, but out of a deep relationship with God. We owe the world an encounter with the living God. As we step out, pray, and believe, we will see miracles become the normal Christian life—authenticating the gospel and bringing glory to Jesus.

Key Takeaways

1. Miracles are meant to be the normal experience for every believer, not the exception. Jesus commissioned his followers to expect signs and wonders as a natural outflow of faith, demonstrating that the same resurrection power that raised Christ from the dead is alive in us today. This power is not just for personal benefit but to reveal God’s reality to the world. [71:32]
2. The gospel is authenticated by demonstration, not just proclamation. Words alone are insufficient; the world is longing for a tangible encounter with God. When we step out in faith and allow the Holy Spirit to work through us, miracles become the evidence that Jesus is alive and active. [73:49]
3. The greatest miracle is the transformation of a human heart—salvation. While physical healings and supernatural signs are important, the miracle of a life reborn by the Spirit is unparalleled. This new birth is available to all who call on Jesus, and it is the foundation for every other miracle we pursue. [74:21]
4. Contending for miracles requires perseverance and intimacy with God. Disappointment and unanswered prayers are part of the journey, but they should not cause us to settle for less. As we seek God in the secret place and align ourselves with the Holy Spirit, we grow in authority and see greater breakthroughs. [81:15]
5. Every believer is called to be a conduit of God’s power, not just a recipient. The anointing is available to all, and we are invited to freely give what we have freely received. As we step out, pray for the sick, and believe for the impossible, we fulfill our commission and become a house of miracles—both individually and as a church. [86:27]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[06:01] - Sunday Morning Greetings
[22:49] - Creative Miracles and Testimonies
[23:55] - Praying for Personal Breakthroughs
[64:26] - Worship and the Greatness of God
[65:27] - Theme Introduction: Miracles Are Normal
[66:32] - Declaring Our Kingdom Values
[67:14] - Reading Mark 16: The Great Commission
[68:25] - Evangelism: Command, Not Option
[70:34] - Miracles as Signs for Believers
[71:32] - Miracles Authenticate the Gospel
[73:06] - Show and Tell: Demonstrating God’s Power
[74:21] - The Miracle of Salvation
[77:25] - Encounters and Testimonies of Healing
[78:03] - Jesus’ Promise: Greater Works
[79:33] - Persevering Through Disappointment
[81:15] - Growing in Anointing Through Intimacy
[82:40] - Resurrection Power in Us
[84:14] - Exceedingly Abundant Power
[85:24] - Raising Expectations for the Supernatural
[86:12] - Freely Receive, Freely Give
[88:30] - Contending for Miracles
[89:09] - Commissioned to Save and Heal
[90:13] - Altar Call for Salvation
[93:34] - Altar Call for Miracles and Breakthroughs
[104:27] - Closing and Church News

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Mark 16:15-20 (ESV) — > And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
> So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.

John 14:12-14 (ESV) — > “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.”

Ephesians 1:19-20 (ESV) — > ...and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places...

Observation Questions

According to Mark 16:17-18, what specific signs does Jesus say will follow those who believe?
In John 14:12, what does Jesus promise about the works his followers will do, and how does he describe them?
The sermon says, “Miracles are normal for the Christian or it should be normal for the believer. These signs shall follow them.” What does the pastor mean by “normal” in this context? [[01:11:32]]
In Ephesians 1:19-20, what kind of power is described as being available to believers, and how is it connected to Jesus?

Interpretation Questions

The sermon emphasizes that miracles are not just for “spiritual superstars” but for every believer. What does this suggest about how we should view our own role in God’s work? [[01:22:13]]
The pastor says, “The gospel is not just meant to be heard. It is meant to be experienced. It’s meant to be demonstrated.” How does this challenge the way we usually think about sharing our faith? [[01:15:03]]
The greatest miracle is described as the transformation of a human heart—salvation. Why might this be considered greater than physical healings or other supernatural signs? [[01:14:21]]
The sermon talks about persevering through disappointment when contending for miracles. What does it look like to “keep pressing in” even when prayers seem unanswered? [[01:20:12]]

Application Questions

The pastor shared about times when he prayed for healing and didn’t see immediate results, yet he kept believing and praying. Have you ever experienced disappointment when praying for a miracle? How did you respond, and what might it look like to persevere in faith? [[01:20:12]]
Jesus said that those who believe in him will do the same works he did—and even greater. What is one area in your life where you want to see God’s power at work? How can you step out in faith this week to pray or act in that area? [[01:18:03]]
The sermon says, “We owe the world an encounter with God.” Who in your life is “hungry for an authentic encounter” with God? What is one practical way you can demonstrate God’s love and power to them? [[01:28:58]]
The pastor emphasized that the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit are available to all believers, not just a few. Do you struggle to believe this is true for you? What might help you grow in confidence that God wants to work through you? [[01:22:13]]
The message warns against settling for mediocrity or becoming lukewarm. Are there areas in your faith where you have become content with less than what Jesus promised? What is one step you can take to “raise your expectations” and pursue more of God’s fullness? [[01:21:07]]
The sermon says, “Freely you have received; freely give.” What is something God has done in your life that you can share or give away to others this week? [[01:26:12]]
The pastor talked about intimacy with God as the source of power and miracles. What is one way you can intentionally seek deeper intimacy with God in your daily routine? [[01:25:32]]

Sermon Clips

The miraculous is normal for the Christian or it should be normal for the believer. These signs shall follow them. Paul says this in Corinthians. My message, he says, and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power. Come on. So that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God's power. Come on. Maybe we need some more walk than talk. Talk is cheap talk a lot. But what about walking this out? What about demonstrating the power of God? [01:11:37] (36 seconds) #MiraclesAreNormalForBelievers

The activity of the Holy Spirit, one of the biggest miracles we can see is salvation. It's still one of the biggest miracles. To be born again, to have God come and live inside a person. Come on. This is unbelievable. It is still one of the greatest miracles that we saw, and we saw them yesterday on the streets right here in Christchurch. The miraculous power of God to save somebody, to change somebody from the inside out. [01:14:11] (22 seconds) #SalvationIsTheGreatestMiracle

People don't have to believe that you are a Christian if you don't do any miracles. A bit of challenging, see, because miracles authenticate his identity. Identity. It authenticated the identity of Jesus as a son of God, as a miracle worker. The proof was in the miracles. The world doesn't want more talk. There's enough talk by so many people. Show me. Show me that God exists. I want an encounter with God. [01:16:12] (35 seconds) #MiraclesAuthenticateFaith

Why is that? Because to go to the Father, the Holy Spirit was able to come, which is in us, for us, on us, for other people. And so the whole thing of the empowerment of having billions of Christians running around releasing the power of God, that is a greater than this Jesus alone doing this stuff, right? Jesus wants us to do the same works that he does and more and more. [01:18:52] (22 seconds) #GreaterWorksThroughUs

So my question is, to us today and to myself, why don't we see more miracles through our lives? What? Have we missed the memo? Have we missed the memo? Lord, you say it here. There's so much more. I mean, in my life, I'll be honest with you. I'm content. I'm contending like you are. I want to see greater miracles in my life. [01:19:15] (25 seconds) #WhyNoMoreMiracles

What does it say here? He says, the exceedingly, abundantly above or more is according to the power that is in you. That means that the more is in the spirit, that the more is in the anointing. It is the anointing that breaks the yoke and brings healing. So the anointing is available to you and to me. So we can do a lot more than you think you can. [01:24:33] (29 seconds) #DeclareYourGodGivenPower

Jesus was a miracle worker, right? He was a healer, but so are you and no less. Jesus is the same as us. He gave away his glory. He was a man just filled with the Holy Spirit, like we are to be able to do what he was doing. [01:27:46] (22 seconds) #HouseOfMiracles

Sometimes it is contending because you got to come aligned with the Holy Spirit. You got to come into this presence. You got to put it in the frequency of heaven. It doesn't just happen. There's power available, but it doesn't just happen. There's a partnership that we have with the Holy Spirit and believing. Come on. We owe the world an encounter with God. We owe the world an encounter with God. [01:28:38] (26 seconds)

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