Embracing the Supernatural: God's Miraculous Work in History

 

Summary

In the sermon, the focus is on the speech delivered by Stephen, the first Christian martyr, as recorded in Acts 7:17-20. Stephen, on trial before the Sanhedrin, uses the history of Israel to demonstrate the continuity of God's work from the Old Testament to the New Testament, emphasizing that the message of Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promises. Stephen's defense is not just a recounting of history but a profound theological argument that the Jews, who pride themselves on their history, have misunderstood its true glory and purpose, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

The sermon highlights the persistent human tendency to reject the supernatural and miraculous aspects of God's work, a tendency that is not new but as old as humanity itself. The modern rejection of the supernatural is likened to the ancient disbelief of the Sadducees and Greeks, who also dismissed the miraculous. The sermon argues that the essence of the Christian gospel is its supernatural and miraculous nature, which is essential for salvation. Without the miraculous, there is no hope for humanity.

The sermon further explores the omnipotence of God, illustrating how God orchestrates history and events to fulfill His divine purposes. This is exemplified in the story of Moses, where God's timing and actions are seen as miraculous interventions. The birth of Jesus is presented as the ultimate miracle, a divine act that defies human understanding and showcases God's power to save.

The sermon concludes by emphasizing that the gospel is not about human effort or moral reformation but about God's miraculous power to transform lives. It is a call to recognize and submit to God's supernatural work, allowing Him to create new life within us.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Continuity of God's Work: Stephen's defense before the Sanhedrin highlights the continuity of God's work from the Old Testament to the New Testament. The message of Jesus is not a new doctrine but the fulfillment of God's promises throughout history. This continuity underscores the unity and divine inspiration of the Bible, showing that God's actions are consistent and purposeful. [04:42]

2. The Rejection of the Supernatural: The sermon addresses the modern rejection of the supernatural, likening it to the disbelief of ancient Sadducees and Greeks. This rejection is not a mark of modernity but a recurring human tendency to dismiss God's miraculous work. The essence of the gospel is its supernatural nature, which is essential for salvation and hope. [18:22]

3. God's Omnipotence in History: The sermon illustrates God's omnipotence through the story of Moses, showing how God orchestrates events and history to fulfill His divine purposes. This miraculous intervention is a testament to God's power and sovereignty, demonstrating that nothing is impossible for Him. [23:21]

4. The Miracle of Jesus' Birth: The birth of Jesus is presented as the ultimate miracle, a divine act that defies human understanding. This miraculous event is central to the Christian faith, showcasing God's power to save and His ability to transcend natural laws. It is a reminder that with God, nothing is impossible. [36:57]

5. Transformation Through God's Power: The sermon emphasizes that the gospel is not about human effort or moral reformation but about God's miraculous power to transform lives. It is a call to recognize and submit to God's supernatural work, allowing Him to create new life within us. This transformation is the true essence of the gospel. [53:11]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:16] - Introduction to Stephen's Defense
- [01:44] - Stephen's Trial and Defense
- [03:08] - The Jews' Misunderstanding of Their History
- [04:26] - Continuity of God's Work
- [06:16] - Humanism and Rejection of the Gospel
- [08:41] - The Flaws of Humanism
- [11:46] - God's Supernatural Way of Salvation
- [14:14] - The Church's Compromise with Modernity
- [17:12] - The Necessity of the Supernatural in the Gospel
- [20:15] - God's Omnipotence in History
- [23:21] - The Miraculous Story of Moses
- [31:36] - The Birth of Jesus as the Ultimate Miracle
- [39:35] - The Power of Jesus' Miracles
- [53:11] - Transformation Through God's Power

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Acts 7:17-20
- Psalm 105:23-25
- Luke 1:26-38

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Observation Questions:

1. What was the main point Stephen was making in his defense before the Sanhedrin, according to the sermon? ([03:22])

2. How does the sermon describe the modern rejection of the supernatural, and how is it compared to the disbelief of the Sadducees and Greeks? ([18:22])

3. In what ways does the sermon illustrate God's omnipotence through the story of Moses? ([23:21])

4. How is the birth of Jesus described as the ultimate miracle in the sermon? ([36:57])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Stephen's use of Israel's history serve as a theological argument for the continuity of God's work from the Old Testament to the New Testament? ([04:42])

2. Why is the rejection of the supernatural considered a recurring human tendency, and how does this impact the understanding of the gospel? ([18:22])

3. What does the sermon suggest about the role of God's omnipotence in orchestrating historical events, particularly in the story of Moses? ([23:21])

4. How does the miraculous nature of Jesus' birth challenge modern humanistic views, according to the sermon? ([36:57])

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the continuity of God's work in your own life. Can you identify moments where you have seen God's promises fulfilled? How does this impact your faith today? ([04:42])

2. The sermon discusses the rejection of the supernatural. Have you ever struggled with accepting the miraculous aspects of the gospel? How can you address these doubts? ([18:22])

3. Consider the story of Moses and God's omnipotence in history. How can you trust in God's timing and sovereignty in your current circumstances? ([23:21])

4. The birth of Jesus is described as a miracle that defies human understanding. How does this shape your view of God's power in your life? ([36:57])

5. The sermon emphasizes transformation through God's power rather than human effort. In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on God's power for transformation? ([53:11])

6. How can you cultivate a greater awareness of God's miraculous work in your daily life? What specific steps can you take to recognize and submit to His supernatural work? ([53:11])

7. Reflect on a time when you experienced a transformation that you attribute to God's power. How can sharing this testimony encourage others in your small group? ([53:11])

Devotional

Day 1: The Fulfillment of God's Promises
Stephen's defense before the Sanhedrin serves as a profound reminder of the continuity of God's work from the Old Testament to the New Testament. He illustrates that the message of Jesus is not a new doctrine but the fulfillment of God's promises throughout history. This continuity underscores the unity and divine inspiration of the Bible, showing that God's actions are consistent and purposeful. By tracing the history of Israel, Stephen demonstrates that the Jews, who pride themselves on their history, have misunderstood its true glory and purpose, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. This understanding invites believers to see the Bible as a cohesive narrative of God's redemptive plan, culminating in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. [04:42]

"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4, ESV)

Reflection: How does recognizing the continuity of God's work throughout the Bible change your perspective on the Old and New Testaments? Can you identify a promise of God that you see fulfilled in Jesus today?


Day 2: Embracing the Supernatural
The sermon addresses the modern rejection of the supernatural, likening it to the disbelief of ancient Sadducees and Greeks. This rejection is not a mark of modernity but a recurring human tendency to dismiss God's miraculous work. The essence of the gospel is its supernatural nature, which is essential for salvation and hope. Without the miraculous, there is no hope for humanity. The sermon challenges believers to embrace the supernatural aspects of their faith, recognizing that God's power transcends human understanding and is vital for true transformation and salvation. [18:22]

"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." (1 Corinthians 2:4-5, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you been tempted to dismiss the supernatural aspects of your faith? How can you open your heart to embrace the miraculous work of God in your life today?


Day 3: God's Sovereignty in History
The sermon illustrates God's omnipotence through the story of Moses, showing how God orchestrates events and history to fulfill His divine purposes. This miraculous intervention is a testament to God's power and sovereignty, demonstrating that nothing is impossible for Him. By understanding God's sovereignty, believers can find comfort and assurance in knowing that God is in control, even when circumstances seem uncertain or challenging. This perspective encourages trust in God's plan and timing, recognizing that He is working all things for His glory and our good. [23:21]

"Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'" (Isaiah 46:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: How does acknowledging God's sovereignty in history impact your view of current events in your life? Can you identify a situation where you need to trust God's timing and purpose today?


Day 4: The Miracle of Jesus' Birth
The birth of Jesus is presented as the ultimate miracle, a divine act that defies human understanding. This miraculous event is central to the Christian faith, showcasing God's power to save and His ability to transcend natural laws. It is a reminder that with God, nothing is impossible. The birth of Jesus invites believers to marvel at the mystery of the Incarnation and to celebrate the profound truth that God became flesh to dwell among us. This miracle is a testament to God's love and His desire to redeem humanity through His Son. [36:57]

"But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons." (Galatians 4:4-5, ESV)

Reflection: How does the miracle of Jesus' birth deepen your understanding of God's love and power? In what ways can you celebrate and share this miraculous event with others today?


Day 5: Transformation Through God's Power
The sermon emphasizes that the gospel is not about human effort or moral reformation but about God's miraculous power to transform lives. It is a call to recognize and submit to God's supernatural work, allowing Him to create new life within us. This transformation is the true essence of the gospel, inviting believers to experience the fullness of life that comes from being made new in Christ. By surrendering to God's power, believers can witness the profound change that He brings, leading to a life of purpose, joy, and hope. [53:11]

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

Reflection: What area of your life do you need to surrender to God's transforming power? How can you invite Him to create new life within you today?

Quotes

Stephen's argument basically is this: that it is the same God who acts in the Old Testament and the New. His point is that there's nothing new in this preaching of Jesus; this is the fulfillment of all that had gone before, and he shows how God has always acted in the same way. [00:04:26]

The wonderful thing about the Bible is that it is to me one of the best proofs of the inspiration of the Bible, that though these books, 66 books, were written by different men of different times and in different circumstances, there is this great unity, this great action of God, and God always acting in precisely the same way on the same principles. [00:04:59]

The essence of the gospel is its supernatural nature, which is essential for salvation and hope. Without the miraculous, there is no hope for humanity. The gospel must, by definition, be supernatural; it must be miraculous; it must be divine, and that is the most essential characteristic of this Christian gospel. [00:18:22]

The birth of Jesus is presented as the ultimate miracle, a divine act that defies human understanding. This miraculous event is central to the Christian faith, showcasing God's power to save and His ability to transcend natural laws. It is a reminder that with God, nothing is impossible. [00:36:57]

The gospel is not about human effort or moral reformation but about God's miraculous power to transform lives. It is a call to recognize and submit to God's supernatural work, allowing Him to create new life within us. This transformation is the true essence of the gospel. [00:53:11]

The only explanation of our history is that God has done things to us, for us, and amongst us. History, we repeat the same thing, that Jesus Christ is a fact of history, the greatest fact of all history, and everything depends upon that. If the history isn't true, we've no gospel. [00:09:36]

The humanist doesn't realize that he doesn't see the depth of the problem; he doesn't see his own helplessness, and so he's ignorant of what God has done, that God alone can save, and that God has already provided the means of salvation. [00:11:46]

The saving message is this: I use the words of the Apostle Paul, "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ." Why not? For it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth. I am here to preach the power of God. I have no message apart from this. [00:19:57]

The miraculous power of God, the supernatural power of God, I'm not here to detract from the greatness and the wonder of scientific discoveries and the advance in myths, Lew, and many other things at the present time. All honor to man, but you know when you give with acts like this, you're in a realm where man can do nothing. [00:33:37]

The God who can multiply the number of the children of Israel when he chooses to do so can turn the heart of a king and the people against them, can cause the birth of the child, control the heart of the daughter of Pharaoh to the child and risky women deducting. This is the message: the God of the impossible. [00:51:09]

The only hope for any one of us this evening is that this God has acted for our salvation once and for every in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, and there is nothing that he cannot do. Oh, that's why it's such a wonderful thing to be preaching such a gospel. [00:52:07]

The living eternal God is acting, his active, his concern is made a way of salvation. He can save you; he can do for you what you can never do for yourself, but the whole world of the universe never do for you, not all the future centuries any more than the past centuries. [00:56:22]

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Transcript
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