For many people, the word ‘supernatural’ conjures up images of ghosts and vampires. Or witches and other spooky things. It’s certainly not a word most Christians would use to describe their life or faith. But did you know that you were created to be supernatural?
Eagerly Desire
In 1 Corinthians, Paul makes a statement that is often translated as: “Eagerly desire the spiritual gifts…” (1 Corinthians 14:1) We take this to mean that we ought to grow in hearing from God and speaking in tongues and other giftings. And, indeed we should. But that isn’t all that Paul was talking about.
The phrase ‘spiritual gifts’ is a translation of the Greek word ‘pneumatika’ and this word literally means ‘spirituals.’ The word ‘gifts’ has been added by many translations but it would be more accurate to quote Paul as saying, “Eagerly desire the spirituals…” This exhortation is not limited to gifts or talents; it encompasses all that is spiritual, not natural, not of this earth. In other words, all that is supernatural.
God Is Supernatural & So Are We
Of course, the supernatural also includes things that are demonic and wrong, and Paul is not advising us to desire those things. But, as Christians, it is time for us to have a healthy view of the supernatural life we are called to live. Out of fear of being ‘new age’ or falling into error, many Christians sadly dismiss everything supernatural as being out of their reach, ‘not for now’ or just plain wrong.
Yet, our God is a supernatural being, his kingdom is far beyond the substance of this natural one, and as Christians, we are new creations; no longer merely mortal but in some mysterious way partakers of God’s divine glory. Even the resurrection of Jesus and the lifesaving power of his blood— upon which our entire faith hangs— are inexplicably supernatural phenomenons. If you’re in Christ, you are supernatural. And it’s time to start living like it!
The Bible
The Bible is full of supernatural events: dreams, heavenly encounters, trances, angelic visitations, miraculous provision, healing, and even spirit travel. In the book of Revelation, John is invited to “Come up here,” (Revelation 4:1), an invitation I believe is offered to all that know Jesus. It is not just for ‘special’ Christians as if there is such a thing. It isn’t our own death that qualifies us to enter Heaven; it’s Jesus’ death! And he’s already done it!
We don’t need to wait till we die to start living as citizens of Heaven. In fact, the Bible tells us we are “…seated with Christ in Heavenly places.” (Ephesians 2:6) Right now. Not just when we die. If this is the case, don’t you think you have permission to take a look around and see things from Heaven’s perspective? There is so much more than we have yet tasted.
The Supernatural: A Celebration
It is time to reclaim the label of ‘supernatural’. It should not be a celebration of all that is gruesome and evil but of all that is holy and pure. The kingdom of Heaven is infinitely bigger, brighter, and more creative than the demonic realms and it’s time for us to learn to live the supernatural Christian life without fear.
There are many secular books and films that explore the supernatural from a demonic perspective. However, there is a void and a need for Christian stories that shine a light on our spiritual inheritance as children of God. The Book series The Supernatural Adventures of Celery Brown was written with this in mind. The series follows 12-year-old Celery and her best friend, Ivy. They encounter heavenly mysteries such as angels, the cloud of witnesses, the courts of heaven. And also see in the heavenly realms.
Spiritual truths and practical application are gently woven through the narrative with the aim that readers will be inspired to eagerly desire the spirituals and, by doing so, will fall deeper in love with Jesus. The Celery Brown books are available in paperback and eBook from all the usual book sites. I humbly recommend them to anybody wishing to live the supernatural Christian life. If you have any other book suggestions, please comment below!
Jesus First
Let me end by saying that it is vital that we do not seek spiritual experiences outside of a relationship with Jesus. He is the door— not just to eternal life but to a proper understanding of all things supernatural and the purpose of it all is that we might know him better. If you don’t yet know him, then call on him today and let him awaken your heart to your true supernatural identity.
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