Embracing the Supernatural: Faith, Obedience, and Urgency

In today's message, I explored the profound truth that the signs and wonders described in the Bible are not abnormal but rather the expected norm for those who truly believe and are filled with the Holy Spirit. The early Christians lived in a reality where the power of God was evident, and we are called to return to that same vibrant faith. This requires us to remove pride, bitterness, and unforgiveness, allowing the Holy Spirit to fill us completely. We must embrace the supernatural as a natural part of our Christian walk, understanding that God desires to work through us in powerful ways.

I shared a personal confession about how my own concerns about self-image and fear of the unknown have sometimes hindered the move of God in my life. It's crucial to let go of these fears and embrace the fullness of what God wants to do. The story of Noah serves as a powerful reminder of obedience and faith. Noah's reverence for God led him to build the ark, a sanctuary amidst the impending flood. Similarly, we are called to build our lives on the foundation of faith and obedience, trusting God even when we don't see the full picture.

The fear of God is not about being afraid but having a deep reverence and respect for His holiness. This fear leads to wisdom, understanding, and a life that honors God. In today's world, where the fear of God is often mocked or dismissed, we must return to a place of trembling before Him, recognizing His authority and sovereignty.

Finally, I emphasized the importance of making a decision to enter the "ark" of safety, which is found in Jesus Christ. The world outside is filled with chaos and destruction, but within the ark, there is hope and salvation. We must not delay in making this decision, as the urgency of the times calls for a wholehearted commitment to Christ.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Embrace the Supernatural: The signs and wonders described in the Bible are not abnormal but should be the norm for believers filled with the Holy Spirit. We must remove pride and unforgiveness to allow the Spirit to work through us. [00:17]
• 2. Overcome Fear and Self-Image: Personal fears and concerns about self-image can hinder God's work in our lives. We must let go of these fears and embrace what God wants to do, even if it seems different or uncomfortable. [02:12]
• 3. The Fear of God: True fear of God is about reverence and respect, leading to wisdom and understanding. In a world that often mocks this fear, we must return to a place of trembling before His holiness. [09:39]
• 4. Obedience and Faith: Like Noah, we are called to build our lives on faith and obedience, trusting God even when we don't see the full picture. This obedience leads to safety and refuge in God's promises. [22:23]
• 5. Urgency of Salvation: The world is filled with chaos, but there is hope and salvation in Jesus Christ. We must urgently make the decision to enter the "ark" of safety, committing our lives fully to Him. [47:05]
  ** [47:05]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:07] - Signs of Belief
• [00:43] - Power of the Holy Spirit
• [01:21] - Embracing the Abnormal
• [02:00] - Personal Confession
• [03:25] - New Testament Christianity
• [04:40] - The Demonic Realm
• [05:08] - Faith and Miracles
• [06:52] - We've Stopped Trembling
• [09:39] - The Fear of God
• [13:22] - Reverence and Respect
• [17:06] - Government and God's Authority
• [22:23] - Obedience and Faith
• [26:55] - God's Practicality
• [47:05] - Urgency of Salvation

1. Mark 16:17-18
2. Genesis 6:13-14
3. Proverbs 9:10

1. According to Mark 16:17-18, what signs are expected to follow those who believe? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on embracing the supernatural as a norm for believers? [00:17]
2. In Genesis 6:13-14, what specific instructions did God give to Noah, and how does this illustrate the sermon’s point about obedience and faith? [07:07]
3. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." How does this verse connect to the sermon’s discussion on the fear of God and its importance in our lives? [09:39]
4. What personal confession did the pastor share about self-image and fear, and how did it relate to hindering God's work in his life? [02:00]

1. How does the pastor’s personal struggle with self-image and fear illustrate the broader challenge of overcoming personal barriers to embrace God’s work? [02:12]
2. In what ways does the story of Noah serve as a metaphor for building our lives on faith and obedience, even when the full picture is not visible? [22:23]
3. How does the sermon define the fear of God, and why is it crucial for gaining wisdom and understanding in today’s world? [09:39]
4. What does the pastor mean by saying that the supernatural should be the norm for believers, and how does this challenge contemporary Christian practices? [00:17]

1. Reflect on a time when fear or concern about self-image prevented you from fully embracing what God wanted to do in your life. How can you overcome these barriers moving forward? [02:12]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of obedience and faith, as demonstrated by Noah. What is one area in your life where you need to step out in faith, even if you don’t see the full picture? [22:23]
3. How can you cultivate a deeper reverence and respect for God in your daily life, especially in a world that often dismisses the fear of God? [09:39]
4. The pastor mentioned the urgency of entering the "ark" of safety found in Jesus Christ. What steps can you take this week to deepen your commitment to Christ amidst the chaos of the world? [47:05]
5. Identify one aspect of your life where you need to embrace the supernatural as a natural part of your Christian walk. What practical steps can you take to allow the Holy Spirit to work through you? [00:17]
6. Consider the pastor’s call to remove pride, bitterness, and unforgiveness. Is there someone you need to forgive or a situation where you need to let go of pride? How will you address this? [00:31]
7. The sermon highlights the importance of trembling before God’s holiness. How can you incorporate moments of awe and reverence into your spiritual practices this week? [09:39]