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Naturally Supernatural

Introduction

I absolutely hate hype. It doesn’t matter if it’s Madison Avenue hype, TV preacher hype, or political hype—I hate the feeling of being manipulated. Many people don’t realize it, but when hype is used to promote something or to make something happen, it’s actually a form of manipulation. It’s a way of selling something. While that may be acceptable in some areas of life, it is absolutely unacceptable when it comes to the things of the Spirit of God and the Spirit-empowered life.

When I set out to write a book on the Holy Spirit, my prayer was that God would enable me to write something fresh and unique. I’m not a theologian, but neither am I a novice. I’ve spent 33 years of my life on a journey with Jesus, striving to live in a way that, first and foremost, brings glory to Him, and secondly, allows Him to use me to touch others with His grace and mercy.

Over the years, I’ve noticed that a huge number of books on the Holy Spirit generally fall into one of two categories. Either they are written from a purely experiential perspective, where the author shares their personal encounters with the Holy Spirit, or they take an intellectual approach, attempting to teach about the Holy Spirit through human reasoning. While both approaches have their merits, I’ve found that the fruit they produce often lacks balance.

Striving for Balance

Naturally Supernatural

I believe in balance. I’ve often said that I’m on a quest for the “radical middle.” I don’t believe God gave us our brains for no reason, nor do I think we should put our minds in neutral when living out our faith in the real world. At the same time, God created our emotions, and the Christian life is one that should be experienced. Unusual and out-of-the-ordinary moments should be part of the believer’s journey. I don’t think reason and experience have to be mutually exclusive. We can have a reasoned, balanced approach to experiential Christianity.

Striking this balance isn’t always easy. It requires discernment, prayer, and a willingness to remain open to God’s leading. We need to embrace the mystery of God while also applying the wisdom He gives us. To walk this path means avoiding the pitfalls of rigid intellectualism on one side and unchecked emotionalism on the other. The “radical middle” is a place of humility, where we acknowledge that God’s ways are higher than our own and trust Him to lead us into truth.

A Message for All

I’m aware that some of my Pentecostal and Charismatic brothers and sisters may not agree with everything I have to say. Similarly, those in the Cessationist camp, who don’t believe in the modern-day gifts of the Spirit, may also find fault with my perspective. And that’s okay! Honestly, if people from both ends of the spectrum take issue with what I write, it likely means I’ve struck the balance I’m aiming for.

It’s my prayer that God will speak to your heart through this book and enable you to walk in a natural yet supernatural way in your daily life. I hope you’ll see real fruit coming from it—fruit that exceeds anything you’ve ever dreamed possible. This fruit is not just for your personal growth but also for the benefit of those around you. Imagine a life where you are so attuned to the Spirit of God that His love, power, and grace flow through you effortlessly, impacting your family, community, and even strangers.

Remember, the people who changed their world were just ordinary fishermen, tax collectors, political zealots, and a doctor. They experienced some crazy things, but they never sought craziness for its own sake. Instead, they pursued Jesus with all their hearts and allowed Him to work through them. Their lives were marked by a supernatural reality that seemed completely natural to them because it flowed from their relationship with Christ.


Come, Holy Spirit

Naturally Supernatural

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” — Acts 1:8

I just finished making a radio commercial for my church. In the commercial, I used the phrase, “Come, Holy Spirit.” Today, as I listened to the finished product, I found myself asking, “Are we really ready for the Holy Spirit to come?”

The Day of Pentecost

On the day of Pentecost, when the promise of the Holy Spirit was fulfilled, there was quite a commotion. A mighty rushing wind swept through. People witnessed what looked like tongues of fire descending upon the place where the disciples were gathered. The disciples began speaking in languages they had never learned. And at least 3,000 people came running to see what was going on.

These events were not orchestrated by human effort. They were divine interruptions—moments when heaven broke into earth in an undeniable way. The wind, the fire, the tongues, and the immediate growth of the church were all manifestations of God’s power. It was messy, unpredictable, and extraordinary. Yet, it was also deeply purposeful. Each of these signs pointed to the reality of Jesus as the risen Savior and the establishment of His kingdom.

Are we ready for something like that? Are we ready to see God do the unusual to draw crowds who need Jesus? Are we willing to let God be His own PR man? It’s one thing to talk about these incredible events of the past, but are we truly prepared—or even willing—to see them happen in the present?

Preparing for the Unpredictable

What would my small church do if, all of a sudden, 50 strangers showed up because of a mighty rushing wind or a vision of flames over our building? How would we respond if people started speaking in tongues? Or, less dramatically, what if we were all compelled to stay in the church, praying fervently until we knew we were empowered by God to change our world?

Preparation for the move of the Holy Spirit doesn’t mean trying to control or anticipate what God will do. Instead, it means cultivating a posture of readiness. This includes prayer, repentance, and an openness to whatever God wants to accomplish. It’s about letting go of our preconceived notions and making room for God to surprise us. When we are ready to yield to the Spirit, we create an environment where He can move freely.

A Hunger for Authenticity

I’m not sure I am fully ready. How can anyone be ready for something so unprecedented and unpredictable? Yet, I find myself hungry for it. I’m fed up—sick and tired, dissatisfied, and just plain bored—with church as usual. There is a deep longing in my heart for something more—not more programs, activities, or traditions, but more of God Himself.

I don’t need to hear or preach another sermon. I don’t need to sing another song. I don’t need to attend another service. What I need—what I desperately want—is an authentic, powerful encounter with the God of the universe. This is not about seeking emotional experiences for their own sake but about desiring a genuine connection with the Creator that transforms my life and the lives of those around me.

An Invitation to You

How about you? Are you ready to say, “Come, Holy Spirit,” and be open to the possibility of the unusual happening in your life? This invitation is not a call to chase after signs and wonders but to pursue the heart of God with humility and expectancy. When we sincerely invite the Holy Spirit to work in us and through us, we open ourselves to a journey that is both challenging and exhilarating. It’s a journey where the supernatural becomes natural, and the ordinary becomes extraordinary.

Developing A Supernatural Worldview Bible Study

A topical Bible study course on the supernatural Christian life; perfect for Mid-Week services, home groups, Sunday School, or personal growth!

What’s the Difference Between Being Naturally Supernatural and Naturally Supernatural?

Being naturally supernatural involves embracing the extraordinary aspects of life, while also being rooted in authenticity. When you practice embracing the power of your innate abilities, you tap into deeper intuition and creativity. This balance allows for a harmonious blend of the everyday and the mystical, enhancing personal growth and understanding.

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