Ordinary People, Extraordinary God: Embracing the Supernatural
Summary
In the sermon delivered at the 11 AM Worship Service at Genoa Church, Pastor Joe Stole focused on the theme of God using ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things through the power of the supernatural. He began by discussing the importance of humility, referencing James 4:6 and Philippians 4:13, and introduced the concept of the biblical worldview through the acronym "good, bad, new, perfect." He explained that while the world was created good, sin entered through Adam and Eve, but God provided a rescue plan through Jesus Christ.
Pastor Stole encouraged the congregation to embrace the supernatural, as seen in the biblical account of the angel Gabriel's visit to Nazareth, an unlikely place for a divine encounter. He argued that the natural world contains elements that point to a supernatural reality, such as human morality and the capacity for love and hate.
The sermon highlighted that God can use anyone, regardless of their weaknesses or background. Pastor Stole used the story of Mary's humble response to the angel's message as an example of how God favors the humble. He also shared his personal journey of being called by God to serve in various pastoral roles, emphasizing the importance of listening to God's direction and responding in faith.
Pastor Stole discussed the significance of having a biblical worldview in a world that often chooses other perspectives. He described Jesus as the Son of the Most High, the Rescuer, and God in the flesh, who fulfills the Davidic Covenant. He also shared stories of individuals like Tru Cathy, Ben Carson, and Ricky Hill, who achieved great things through God's power.
The congregation was encouraged to invite others to the Christmas Eve service and to participate in the birthday gift for Jesus initiative, which supports various ministries, including the Stow Center, a faith-based drug rehabilitation program. Pastor Stole led the congregation in a prayer of admission of sin and acceptance of Jesus as their Savior, and the service included the baptism of two young believers, Christopher Wolf and Isabella.
Key Takeaways:
- Humility is a prerequisite for being used by God, as it allows us to recognize our dependence on His strength and grace. When we admit our weaknesses and look to God for solutions, we position ourselves to be vessels for His supernatural work. This principle is not only biblical but also practical, as it aligns our hearts with God's purposes and opens the door for His power to operate in and through us. [49:13]
- Embracing the supernatural is essential for Christians, as it acknowledges that there is more to reality than what we can see or understand. The supernatural dimension includes our innate sense of morality, the ability to love, and the existence of a higher power. Recognizing this dimension helps us to see the world through a lens of faith and to expect God to move in extraordinary ways. [38:46]
- God's choice to use ordinary individuals to achieve His divine purposes demonstrates His sovereignty and grace. Stories of people like Mary, who was an ordinary young woman chosen for an extraordinary role, remind us that God looks at the heart rather than external qualifications. This truth should encourage us to be open to God's calling, regardless of our perceived insignificance. [45:42]
- The biblical worldview provides a foundation for understanding our place in God's story. It acknowledges God's goodness, human sinfulness, and the redemption available through Jesus Christ. Standing firm in this worldview allows the church to make a meaningful difference in the world, as it offers a message of hope and transformation. [52:00]
- The act of inviting others to church services and sharing the message of Christ is a practical way to participate in God's plan. By extending invitations and engaging in outreach, we become active participants in the spiritual battle, fighting for the hearts and souls of those around us. This is a tangible expression of faith and obedience to God's command to make disciples. [01:01:13]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. James 4:6 (NIV): "But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'"
2. Philippians 4:13 (NIV): "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
3. Luke 1:26-38 (NIV): The Annunciation to Mary by the angel Gabriel.
#### Observation Questions
1. What does James 4:6 say about humility and God's favor?
2. How does Philippians 4:13 encourage believers in their daily lives?
3. In Luke 1:26-38, what was Mary's initial reaction to the angel Gabriel's message? ([43:45])
4. According to the sermon, what are some examples of ordinary people God used to accomplish extraordinary things? ([40:15])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is humility important in being used by God, according to James 4:6 and the sermon? ([46:28])
2. How does Philippians 4:13 relate to the idea of God using ordinary people for extraordinary purposes? ([46:28])
3. What does the story of Mary in Luke 1:26-38 teach us about responding to God's call, even when it seems impossible? ([52:40])
4. How does embracing a biblical worldview, as described in the sermon, help Christians make a meaningful difference in the world? ([49:58])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt inadequate for a task. How did you see God's strength working through your weakness? ([46:28])
2. How can you cultivate humility in your daily life to be more open to God's calling? ([46:28])
3. What are some practical ways you can embrace the supernatural in your life, acknowledging that there is more to reality than what we can see or understand? ([35:10])
4. Think of an ordinary person in your life who has made an extraordinary impact through their faith. What qualities do they possess that you can emulate? ([40:15])
5. How can you actively participate in God's plan by inviting others to church services or sharing the message of Christ? ([58:43])
6. Identify one area in your life where you need to listen to God's direction and respond in faith. What steps will you take this week to follow His guidance? ([56:35])
7. How can you support the ministries mentioned in the sermon, such as the Stow Center, through prayer or other means? ([26:23])
Devotional
Day 1: Humility Unlocks Divine Potential
Humility is not about self-degradation; it's about recognizing the vastness of God's strength and grace in comparison to our limitations. It's an acknowledgment that we are not the architects of our destiny, but rather co-laborers with the divine. By admitting our weaknesses, we become conduits for God's supernatural intervention in our lives and in the world around us. [49:13]
James 4:10 - "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to practice more humility, and how can that openness lead to God working through you in new ways?
Day 2: The Reality of the Supernatural
The supernatural is not a distant concept but an integral part of our existence. It is present in our moral compass, our capacity for deep emotions, and our recognition of something greater than ourselves. By embracing the supernatural, we acknowledge the full spectrum of reality and open ourselves to experiencing God's presence and power in our lives. [38:46]
Colossians 1:16 - "For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a greater awareness of the supernatural in your daily life, and what impact might that have on your faith journey?
Day 3: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Callings
God's history of using ordinary people for His purposes is a testament to His love and sovereignty. He often chooses the most unlikely candidates to display His glory, reminding us that it is not our abilities but our availability and willingness that matter to Him. This truth should inspire us to be open to God's calling, no matter how unqualified we may feel. [45:42]
1 Corinthians 1:27-28 - "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are."
Reflection: Can you identify a time when you felt unqualified for a task God placed before you? How did you respond, and what was the outcome?
Day 4: Standing Firm in a Biblical Worldview
A biblical worldview is not just a set of beliefs but a lens through which we see the world. It shapes our understanding of God's character, human nature, and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. By holding fast to this worldview, we can navigate life's complexities with clarity and purpose, offering hope to those around us. [52:00]
Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Reflection: How does your current worldview align with the biblical narrative, and where might you need to adjust your perspective to better reflect God's truth?
Day 5: Engaging in Spiritual Outreach
Inviting others to experience the love of Christ is a powerful act of obedience and faith. It is through our willingness to share the gospel and extend fellowship that we participate in the greater mission of the church. This engagement is not just a duty but a privilege, as we join in the work of bringing light to a world in need. [01:01:13]
1 Peter 3:15 - "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: Who in your life could benefit from hearing about the hope found in Jesus, and how can you take a step this week to share that message with them?
Quotes
"God wants you to embrace the supernatural, believe God will use you, admit your weaknesses, listen to his solution, and then give the right response." [59:55] (Download)
"We know the difference down deep between right and wrong, and that is a supernatural thing. It ultimately points to God, who's the creator of the physical and the supernatural, who loves you and wants to have a relationship with you." [36:37] (Download)
"God works in unexpected ways, often choosing the humble and seemingly insignificant to fulfill His great purposes, as He did with Mary." [39:30] (Download)
"When a person comes to God with that humble spirit, lowly, aware of sin, unworthy, they're in the right place, they're in the right position to be used by God." [46:28] (Download)
"God Delights in using the ordinary, ordinary people like you and me." [40:15] (Download)
"The number one most important reason we're here today in the midst of the season, the busyness, the stress, the budget concerns, and the planning that we all go through, is to remember today that God can use you to do something extraordinary." [31:28] (Download)
"We mailed 42,000 of our closest neighbors and invited them to come hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ on Christmas Eve as well so you be in prayer about that." [22:56] (Download)
"Our world today chooses secularism, hedonism, gnosticism, and all kinds of other isms, and it's got us totally confused. But we have the biblical worldview: God is good, we are bad, but He provided a way for us to come to salvation." [49:58] (Download)
"God's solution wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger may not be very impressive to us, but like EF Hutton, when God speaks, we better listen. This is God's plan, this is God's solution." [52:00] (Download)
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