Embracing the Supernatural in Our Faith Journey

In this message, I explored the theme of "Supernatural Christianity," focusing on the often-overlooked verses in Mark 16:12-20. These verses, which describe the signs that will accompany those who believe, challenge us to consider the role of the supernatural in our faith today. I began by addressing the skepticism that often surrounds these passages, noting that while some may question their authenticity, the overwhelming manuscript evidence supports their inclusion in Scripture. The real issue, I suggested, is not textual but rather our discomfort with the supernatural.

I shared a personal story from a mission trip to Nepal, where we encountered a former witch doctor seeking deliverance from demonic oppression. Despite our prayers, we did not see the breakthrough we hoped for, which led me to reflect on the power and presence of God in our ministry. This experience, coupled with similar instances back home, prompted me to question the level of faith and expectation we hold as believers.

I emphasized that the call to "go into all the world and proclaim the gospel" is as relevant today as it was for the early disciples. The early church's success was not due to their own strength but to the power of God working through them as they obeyed His command. I challenged us to move beyond a comfortable, safe Christianity and to embrace the risks and hazards of God-inspired progress. This involves stepping out in faith, trusting that God will confirm His message with signs and wonders as we go.

I concluded by urging us to seek a deeper experience of God's power and presence, not for the sake of spectacle, but to authenticate the gospel message and demonstrate the reality of Christ's reign. We need to pray for divine fire and boldness, recognizing that our intellectual understanding and doctrinal correctness are not enough. We must be willing to go everywhere, proclaiming the message and trusting God to work with us, confirming His word with supernatural signs.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Embrace the Supernatural: The verses in Mark 16 challenge us to embrace the supernatural aspects of our faith. Rather than dismissing these passages due to textual skepticism, we should confront our discomfort with the supernatural and seek to understand its role in our lives today. [06:58]
• 2. Faith in Action: The early church's power came from their obedience to Christ's command to go and preach the gospel everywhere. Our faith must be active, stepping out in obedience and trusting God to work through us, even when it involves risk and discomfort. [19:18]
• 3. The Power of Prayer: Our experiences of powerlessness should drive us to prayer and fasting, seeking a deeper connection with God. The early church's effectiveness was rooted in their prayer life, and we must prioritize this spiritual discipline to see God's power manifest in our lives. [41:59]
• 4. Authenticating the Gospel: Signs and wonders serve to authenticate the gospel message, demonstrating the reality of Christ's reign. We should pray for God to confirm His word through us, not for spectacle, but to reveal His glory and draw others to Him. [29:12]
• 5. A Call to Boldness: We are called to be bold in our witness, trusting that God will work with us as we proclaim the gospel. Our intellectual understanding and doctrinal correctness are not enough; we need the power of the Holy Spirit to make our witness effective. [25:26]
  ** [25:26]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:14] - Introduction: Prophet, Priest, and King
• [01:07] - Theme: Supernatural Christianity
• [01:44] - Scripture Reading: Mark 16:12-20
• [03:36] - The Challenge of Unbelief
• [05:11] - Textual Evidence for Mark 16
• [06:58] - Discomfort with the Supernatural
• [07:21] - Mission Trip to Nepal
• [09:52] - Encounter with a Witch Doctor
• [12:48] - Reflections on Powerlessness
• [14:43] - Faith and the Mustard Seed
• [18:32] - The Call to Go Everywhere
• [21:19] - The Hazards of God-Inspired Progress
• [25:26] - The Need for Boldness and Power
• [29:12] - Authenticating the Gospel with Signs
• [41:59] - The Role of Prayer and Fasting
• [46:54] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

1. What signs are mentioned in Mark 16:17-18 that will accompany those who believe? How do these signs relate to the early church's experiences? [02:43]
2. In the sermon, the pastor shared a story about a mission trip to Nepal. What was the outcome of their encounter with the former witch doctor, and how did it impact the pastor's reflection on faith and power? [09:52]
3. How does the pastor describe the early church's response to Jesus' command to "go into all the world and proclaim the gospel"? What role did obedience play in their ministry? [19:04]
4. What does the pastor suggest is the real issue with the skepticism surrounding Mark 16:12-20? Is it textual authenticity or something else? [06:58]

1. How does the pastor interpret the role of supernatural signs in authenticating the gospel message? Why does he believe these signs are important for today's church? [29:12]
2. The pastor mentions the need for boldness and the power of the Holy Spirit in our witness. How does he suggest this differs from relying solely on intellectual understanding and doctrinal correctness? [25:26]
3. Reflecting on the pastor's story from Nepal, what does he identify as a potential reason for the lack of breakthrough in their prayers? How does this relate to the concept of faith in action? [12:48]
4. The pastor challenges the church to move beyond a "comfortable, safe Christianity." What does he mean by this, and how does he suggest believers should respond to this challenge? [21:19]

1. The pastor emphasizes the importance of embracing the supernatural aspects of our faith. What steps can you take to confront any discomfort you may have with the supernatural and seek to understand its role in your life today? [06:58]
2. Reflect on a time when you felt powerless in your faith journey. How can this experience drive you to a deeper connection with God through prayer and fasting? What specific actions can you take to prioritize these spiritual disciplines? [41:59]
3. The pastor calls for boldness in proclaiming the gospel. Identify one area in your life where you can step out in faith and share the gospel message. What risks might this involve, and how can you trust God to work through you? [19:18]
4. Consider the pastor's challenge to move beyond a safe Christianity. What are some practical ways you can embrace the risks and hazards of God-inspired progress in your personal ministry or community involvement? [21:19]
5. The pastor speaks about the need for divine fire and boldness. How can you cultivate a deeper experience of God's power and presence in your daily life? What specific prayers or actions can you incorporate to seek this transformation? [41:59]
6. Reflect on the pastor's story about the mission trip to Nepal. How can you apply the lessons learned from this experience to your own faith journey, especially when facing challenges or setbacks? [09:52]
7. The pastor mentions the importance of signs and wonders in authenticating the gospel. How can you pray for God to confirm His word through you, not for spectacle, but to reveal His glory and draw others to Him? [29:12]