Who Do You Say Jesus Is? Recognizing Everyday Miracles

Scripture: Luke 9:18–20

Topic: Miracles, The Identity of Jesus, and Personal Testimony

Sunday School: Two great classes available at 9:30 AM.
Wednesday Nights: Jason Fletcher is teaching through the book of Acts.
Movie Night: Friday, April 24th featuring Facing the Giants. Pizza is provided; please bring a side or dessert.
Church Council Meeting: Tuesday, April 28th at 6:30 PM.
Men’s Breakfast: Saturday, May 2nd at 8:00 AM. (Sign-up sheet in the back).
Mother’s Day Brunch: Saturday, May 9th for all ladies. Bring a guest and RSVP by May 1st. Let us know if you need a ride. (Men helping with the event must also sign up).
Operation Christmas Child: If you are shopping this month, the focus item is stuffed animals.
Bulletins: Remember to check your bulletin for a calendar you can keep on your refrigerator.

God Opening Doors: The pastor shared a personal miracle regarding his daughter, Ava. While visiting an office for an acting class, she was unexpectedly offered an office job she hadn't even applied for because they needed someone responsible and professional.
Spiritual Application: God places us in positions we don't anticipate and opens doors we didn't even know were there.

Instead of a traditional sermon introduction, the floor was opened for the congregation to share how God has recently moved in their lives:

Drive-Through Prayer Ministry: Bob shared the blessing of participating in the new drive-through prayer ministry, noting that serving others brings the greatest personal blessing.
Protection in Old Age: Gene (92) fell hard on his floor five times in one week, yet miraculously did not break his hip or any bones, defying his doctor's grim warnings.
Divine Solutions & Connections: Travis shared two stories: one of a young Uber/Lyft driver who reached out to the church for an emergency contact, and another of how God provided a miraculous agricultural solution (citrus growing under oak trees) to save a friend's grove from the devastating citrus greening disease.
Healing and Health: Debbie shared that her husband, Jim, who previously had a completely depleted immune system and suffered from constant bouts of pneumonia, has not been sick in over three years thanks to God leading them to the right doctor and medication.
Surgical Intervention: Elmer shared his survival story. After a vacation, doctors found four severe blockages in his heart. He crashed in the pre-op room, but God guided the surgeon's hands through a double bypass and two stents. Today, he is completely healed and resting peacefully.

The Historical Jesus: Jesus is one of the most universally recognized figures in human history. History validates His birth in Nazareth, His clash with religious leaders, His reputation as a healer, and His crucifixion under Pontius Pilate.
The World's View: When Jesus asked, "Who do the crowds say I am?" the disciples answered with John the Baptist, Elijah, or a resurrected prophet.
Other Religions: Muslims view Him as a prophet, Hindus as a holy teacher, Gandhi saw Him as divine but not exclusively so, and others view Him as an archangel or spirit brother. The world acknowledges Him, but often misidentifies His ultimate authority.

Peter's Confession: Jesus shifts the focus to His disciples: "But what about you? Who do you say I am?" Peter answers: "God's Messiah." (The word Messiah translates to the Greek word Christ).
The Names of God: Throughout scripture, God reveals Himself through many names depending on what we need:
- Elohim (Creator, Mighty)
- Yahweh Jireh (The Lord Will Provide)
- Yahweh Rapha (The Lord Who Heals)
- Yahweh Shalom (The Lord is Peace)
- Emmanuel (God With Us)
Unlike Any Other: Other religious leaders point to a path or a teaching; Jesus points to Himself, saying, "I am who I am." True peace, comfort, and healing are only found in Him.

Continual Growth: Jesus doesn't call us to be stagnant. If we are saved, we should be seeing movement, growth, and miracles in our lives.
Call to Action: Step back and look at your whole life. Recognize the injuries God has prevented, the healing He has provided, and the gifts He has given you. Who is Jesus in your life today? Is He your peace, your provider, or your Savior?

Related Sermons