Sunday, August 9 · Vineyard Cincinnati Church
Everyday Evangelism | Week 2: Naturally Supernatural
The same Holy Spirit power that brought people to faith is still meant to move through ordinary people in ordinary places, and the early church paired proclaiming the gospel with demonstrating it.
The passages
For I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ, because it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first, and also for the Greek.
Romans 1:16
Jesus therefore answered them, “Most certainly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing of himself, but what he sees the Father doing. For whatever things he does, these the Son also does likewise.
John 5:19
My speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith wouldn’t stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
1 Corinthians 2:4–5
Therefore those who were scattered abroad went around preaching the word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. The multitudes listened with one accord to the things that were spoken by Philip when they heard and saw the signs which he did. For unclean spirits came out of many of those who had them. They came out, crying with a loud voice. Many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed. There was great joy in that city.
Acts 8:4–8
Go deeper
Why does Paul call the gospel itself a power rather than a message to be argued?
Paul had watched arguments fail and people meet God. For him the gospel was not a case to win but a power that had already landed in his own heart and in the hearts of everyone who said yes. That is the power he says is now in believers, and he says it is meant to move through them toward people who do not yet know it.
For I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ, because it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first, and also for the Greek.
Romans 1:16
My speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith wouldn’t stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
1 Corinthians 2:4–5
For Jews ask for signs, Greeks seek after wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Greeks, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God;…
1 Corinthians 1:22–24
Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. There were added that day about three thousand souls.
Acts 2:41
What does it show about Jesus that he says he can do nothing on his own and only does what he sees the Father doing?
Jesus, who could have done anything, kept watching for what his Father was already up to in a room before he acted. He healed and spoke out of that attentiveness rather than out of a script. The sermon turns that into a simple way to live the week: asking what the Spirit is doing and how to join in.
Jesus therefore answered them, “Most certainly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing of himself, but what he sees the Father doing. For whatever things he does, these the Son also does likewise.
John 5:19
But Jesus answered them, “My Father is still working, so I am working, too.”
John 5:17
For I spoke not from myself, but the Father who sent me gave me a commandment, what I should say and what I should speak. I know that his commandment is eternal life. The things therefore which I speak, even as the Father has said to me, so I speak.”
John 12:49–50
While Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men seek you. But arise, get down, and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.”
Acts 10:19–20
What did the crowds in Samaria see and hear that made an entire city full of joy?
Philip did not arrive in Samaria with an argument. He announced the Messiah and then the sick were healed and the unclean spirits came out, and a whole city paid attention and rejoiced. Even the sorcerer who had built his reputation on another power wanted what Philip had.
Therefore those who were scattered abroad went around preaching the word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. The multitudes listened with one accord to the things that were spoken by Philip when they heard and saw the signs which he did. For unclean spirits came out of many of those who had them. They came out, crying with a loud voice. Many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed. There was great joy in that city.
Acts 8:4–8
But there was a certain man, Simon by name, who used to practice sorcery in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, making himself out to be some great one, to whom they all listened, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is that great power of God.” They listened to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his sorceries. But when they believed Philip preaching good news concerning God’s Kingdom and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Simon himself also believed. Being baptized, he continued with Philip. Seeing signs and great miracles occurring, he was amazed.
Acts 8:9–13
He called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. He sent them out to preach God’s Kingdom and to heal the sick.
Luke 9:1–2
But Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!” He took him by the right hand and raised him up. Immediately his feet and his ankle bones received strength. Leaping up, he stood and began to walk. He entered with them into the temple, walking, leaping, and praising God.
Acts 3:6–8