Embracing Miracles Through Faith and Desperation

 

Summary

In today's sermon, I explored the concept of miracles, both in the secular and spiritual realms, and the role of faith and desperation in experiencing the supernatural. I began by expressing gratitude for the moments of divine encounter that many experienced upon entering the church, acknowledging the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives.

I then delved into the idea that success comes with sacrifice and that the world is shaped by risk-takers. I recounted the history of our church, which was built by such individuals who took risks and made sacrifices, from its humble beginnings in a small building on Southbridge Road to the current facility. I shared personal stories of faith and perseverance, including Pastor Sunny's prayers for attendance and Levy's commitment to bringing people to church.

The sermon highlighted the transformative power of Jesus' miracles, which are often met with skepticism in our modern culture. I discussed how our society has attempted to naturalize Jesus, stripping away the supernatural and reducing Him to a mere historical figure. I argued that by doing so, we lose the essence of who Jesus is—the Savior who performs miracles that defy explanation and require no special qualifications, only difficulty and desperation.

I reflected on the miracles of Jesus as depicted in The Chosen series, focusing on the healings of blind Bartimaeus, the woman with the issue of blood, the paralytic lowered through the roof, and the leper. These stories illustrated the desperation required for miracles and how Jesus responds to such faith with healing and transformation.

I emphasized that miracles are not just ancient history; they are present in our everyday lives, from technology to transportation. However, our culture has tried to diminish the possibility of miracles, leading to a lack of faith in the supernatural within our spiritual lives.

The sermon concluded with a call to action, inviting those who have not yet accepted Jesus as their Savior to do so by confessing their sins and professing their faith. I also extended an invitation for those in need of a miracle to stand in faith, believing that Jesus is willing to intervene in their circumstances.

Key Takeaways:

- True success in life is not just about achieving goals but about the willingness to make sacrifices and take risks for what we believe in. Our church's history is a testament to the power of faith-driven risk-taking, which has led to growth and transformation in our community. [01:01:58]

- Miracles are not confined to the pages of Scripture; they are woven into the fabric of our daily existence. Our reliance on technology and the advancements of modern life are evidence of the miraculous, challenging us to recognize and appreciate the wonders that surround us. [01:05:39]

- The naturalization of Jesus in our culture has led to a normalization that diminishes His divine nature and the reality of His miracles. By reclaiming the supernatural aspects of Jesus' ministry, we can experience a more profound connection with Him as our Savior. [01:13:32]

- Desperation is a key ingredient in experiencing miracles. The biblical accounts of those who received healing from Jesus demonstrate that it is often our deepest needs and willingness to break through barriers that move the heart of God. [01:19:22]

- Salvation is the ultimate miracle, and it begins with a simple yet profound declaration of willingness from both God and us. By acknowledging our need for a Savior and accepting Jesus' offer of forgiveness and new life, we participate in the greatest miracle of all. [01:26:38]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 8:1-4 (NIV)
> When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. Then Jesus said to him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

2. Mark 10:46-52 (NIV)
> Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

3. Luke 5:17-26 (NIV)
> One day Jesus was teaching, and Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. They had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal the sick. Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, “Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.”

#### Observation Questions
1. What was the reaction of the crowd when Bartimaeus called out to Jesus? How did Jesus respond to Bartimaeus' persistence? ([01:17:26])
2. Describe the actions of the friends of the paralyzed man in Luke 5. What did they do to ensure their friend could see Jesus? ([01:20:40])
3. In Matthew 8, what did the leper say to Jesus, and how did Jesus respond? What does this interaction reveal about Jesus' willingness to heal? ([01:24:31])
4. How does the sermon describe the role of desperation in experiencing miracles? Provide examples from the sermon. ([01:18:48])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus asked Bartimaeus what he wanted, even though it seemed obvious? What does this teach us about expressing our needs to God? ([01:18:48])
2. The friends of the paralyzed man went to great lengths to bring him to Jesus. What does this tell us about the importance of community and support in our faith journey? ([01:20:40])
3. How does the sermon suggest that modern culture has tried to "naturalize" Jesus? What are the implications of this for our faith? ([01:12:57])
4. Reflect on the statement, "Miracles don't require special qualifications, only difficulty and desperation." How does this perspective change the way we view our own challenges and needs? ([01:16:13])

#### Application Questions
1. Think about a time when you felt desperate for a miracle. How did you respond to that desperation? Did it lead you closer to God or further away? ([01:18:48])
2. The sermon mentioned that success comes with sacrifice and that the world is shaped by risk-takers. What risks or sacrifices might God be calling you to make in your faith journey? ([01:01:17])
3. How can you cultivate a sense of desperation for God in your daily life, even when things are going well? What practical steps can you take to deepen your reliance on Him? ([01:18:48])
4. The sermon highlighted the importance of recognizing everyday miracles, such as technology and transportation. How can you develop a habit of gratitude for the "small" miracles in your life? ([01:05:39])
5. Reflect on the idea that salvation is the ultimate miracle. How does this perspective influence the way you share your faith with others? ([01:26:38])
6. The sermon concluded with an invitation to stand in faith for those in need of a miracle. Is there a specific area in your life where you need to take a stand in faith? How can your small group support you in this? ([01:29:46])
7. How can you help others in your community experience the transformative power of Jesus' miracles? What actions can you take to bring people closer to Jesus, just as the friends of the paralyzed man did? ([01:20:40])

Devotional

Day 1: Faith Drives Risk-Taking
Faith is not a passive state of mind but a dynamic catalyst for action. It is the driving force behind the willingness to make sacrifices and take risks for what one believes in. The history of the church itself is a testament to this power of faith-driven risk-taking, which has led to growth and transformation within the community. Just as the founders of the church stepped out in faith, leaving behind the security of the known for the promise of what could be, so too are believers today called to step out in faith, trusting in God's guidance and provision.

"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going." - Hebrews 11:8 ESV

Reflection: What is one area in your life where God is calling you to step out in faith and take a risk for His kingdom?

Day 2: Recognizing Everyday Miracles
The miraculous is not confined to the extraordinary; it permeates our everyday lives, manifesting in ways that we often overlook. Technology and the advancements of modern life are evidence of the miraculous, challenging us to recognize and appreciate the wonders that surround us. The ability to connect with people across the globe, the marvels of medical science, and the simple yet profound conveniences of daily life are all reminders that miracles are woven into the fabric of our existence. Acknowledging these daily miracles can inspire a sense of awe and gratitude towards God, who is the source of all innovation and progress. [01:05:39]

"For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen." - Romans 11:36 ESV

Reflection: How can you cultivate a greater awareness and appreciation for the 'miracles' that you encounter in your daily life?

Day 3: Embracing the Supernatural Jesus
In a culture that often seeks to naturalize Jesus, reducing Him to a mere historical figure, there is a profound need to reclaim the supernatural aspects of His ministry. By doing so, believers can experience a deeper connection with Him as their Savior. The divine nature of Jesus and the reality of His miracles are central to the Christian faith. When the supernatural is embraced, it allows for a more authentic and powerful experience of Jesus' presence and work in one's life. This reclamation of the supernatural invites believers to expect and experience the extraordinary in their spiritual journey. [01:13:32]

"And he said to them, 'Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.'" - Luke 24:38-39 ESV

Reflection: In what ways have you perhaps 'naturalized' Jesus in your own life, and how can you begin to seek a more supernatural relationship with Him?

Day 4: Desperation Opens Doors to Miracles
Desperation is often the soil in which the seeds of miracles are planted. The biblical accounts of those who received healing from Jesus demonstrate that it is often our deepest needs and willingness to break through barriers that move the heart of God. When individuals reach the end of their own strength and resources, they are positioned to fully receive the transformative power of God's intervention. This desperation is not a sign of weakness but a powerful catalyst for divine action, as it strips away self-reliance and opens the heart to the miraculous. [01:19:22]

"And a woman suffering from bleeding for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians, and could not be healed by anyone, came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her bleeding ceased." - Luke 8:43-44 ESV

Reflection: Can you identify a situation in your life where you feel desperate? How can you bring this before God in a way that opens you up to His miraculous intervention?

Day 5: Salvation: The Ultimate Miracle
Salvation is the ultimate miracle, a profound transformation that begins with a simple yet powerful declaration of willingness from both God and us. By acknowledging our need for a Savior and accepting Jesus' offer of forgiveness and new life, we participate in the greatest miracle of all. This miracle of salvation is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey of being shaped and molded by God's grace. It is an invitation to a life of freedom, purpose, and intimate relationship with the Creator. [01:26:38]

"But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit." - Titus 3:4-5 ESV

Reflection: Reflect on your own experience of salvation. How does recognizing it as a miracle shape your understanding of God's work in your life and your response to Him?

Quotes

1) "Success always comes with sacrifice. Everyone wants to succeed but very few people want to sacrifice. The world is run by, it is ruled by risk-takers. Everything that has become normal in our lives was started by a risk taker." [01:01:58]( | | )

2) "Miracles though have become common so common that they're taken for granted, they're overlooked. But why is that? We can believe in miracles every day in our secular life but find it so difficult to believe in them in our spiritual life." [01:07:02]( | | )

3) "Our culture has tried to naturalize Jesus. It's taken the supernatural out of the scriptures. But by naturalizing Jesus, we've normalized him. We've put him on the same level, in the same category, in the same sentence as every other religious leader who's ever lived." [01:13:32]( | | )

4) "The only qualifications for miracles then and now are two things: difficulty and desperation. We all have one, but not many of us have the other. We all have difficulties, but not many of us have desperation. There's a desperation involved in miracles, a cost." [01:16:13]( | | )

5) "Jesus couldn't help but think that their faith was beautiful and he looked at this man who hadn't walked in decades and he said stand up. This is so crazy how he says this, he says stand up, it's so obvious, it's so to the like like I'm thinking I wonder if he thought if I could stand up there wouldn't be a hole in the roof." [01:21:59]( | | )

6) "As his followers lunged toward him and shouted no, Jesus leaned towards this unclean unwanted Untouchable leper and he said 'I am willing, be clean.' I am willing, be clean. When I watched that on episode 8 of season 1, I was wrecked. I am willing." [01:25:14]( | | )

7) "Salvation is the greatest miracle the world has ever known but it is at its heart a statement of 'I am willing' coming from God and going to God. It is God saying I see everything you've done, I see every problem that you have, every piece of trouble that you cause, I am willing to forgive you." [01:26:38]( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?