Embracing the Healing Mission of Every Believer
Summary
In this message, we explore the profound mission of healing that every believer is called to embrace. Drawing inspiration from the life and ministry of Jesus, we are reminded that healing is not just a task for the church or its ministers but a calling for every Christian. Jesus' ministry was marked by teaching, preaching, and healing, and this is the model we are to follow. The same Holy Spirit that anointed Jesus and great ministers like T.L. Osborne is available to us, empowering us to bring healing to a broken world.
The narrative of Jesus healing all manner of sickness and disease among the people in Galilee serves as a powerful reminder of our mission. We are called to be healers, to bring the message of Christ with miracles, and to follow His example. The story of the meeting in Madurai, India, illustrates the hunger of people for the miraculous power of Jesus and the responsibility we have to preach Christ with signs and wonders.
The essence of our mission is encapsulated in the words of Jesus: "As the Father has sent me, even so, I send you." This commission is not just a ritual or a ceremony but a living reality that we must embrace. We are to practice the presence of Jesus, believing in the revelation of Christ in us, and depend on His promises as we minister to those in need.
The concept of seed power is introduced as a metaphor for the believer's mission. Just as seeds have the power to bring forth life, we have the power to plant what people need and trust that it will come to fruition. The greatest disease is a surrendered will, an empty life without focus or commitment. Our mission is to bring health and dynamic living to people, to awaken their dreams and ambitions, and to help them choose life over mediocrity.
In conclusion, we are reminded that God is a life-giver, and through Jesus' resurrection, we have the assurance of life even in the face of death. We are called to be alive, to transmit life, and to bring healing to a world that desperately needs it. This is the mission of every Christian, and it is a mission that brings hope, joy, and transformation.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Universal Call to Heal: Every believer is called to the ministry of healing, following the example of Jesus who healed all manner of sickness and disease. This mission is not limited to church leaders but extends to every Christian, empowered by the same Holy Spirit that anointed Jesus. [01:28]
2. The Power of Presence: Practicing the presence of Jesus is essential for effective ministry. Believing in the revelation of Christ in us, we can depend on His promises as we minister to those in need, knowing that He is with us always. [04:55]
3. Seed Power and Prophecy: The concept of seed power illustrates the believer's mission. Just as seeds bring forth life, we have the power to plant what people need, trusting that it will come to fruition. This is the true prophecy we can rely on. [07:25]
4. Choosing Life Over Mediocrity: The greatest disease is a surrendered will and an empty life without focus. Our mission is to awaken dreams and ambitions, helping people choose life and dynamic living over mediocrity and despair. [10:56]
5. The Assurance of Resurrection: God is a life-giver, and through Jesus' resurrection, we have the assurance of life even in the face of death. We are called to be alive, to transmit life, and to bring healing to a world that desperately needs it. [11:40]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:28] - The Universal Call to Heal
[02:55] - Preaching Christ with Miracles
[03:38] - Sent as Jesus Was Sent
[04:55] - Practicing the Presence of Jesus
[06:35] - Depending on His Promises
[07:25] - The Power of Seed
[08:36] - The Worst Disease
[09:46] - Choosing Life and Dynamic Living
[10:56] - Awakening Dreams and Ambitions
[11:40] - Assurance of Resurrection
[12:57] - The Power of Choice
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 4:23-24 - "Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching and preaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing all manner of sickness and disease among the people."
2. John 17:18 - "As thou, Father, has sent me into the world, even so have I sent them into the world."
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Matthew 4:23-24, what were the three main activities of Jesus' ministry in Galilee? How do these activities relate to the mission of every believer? [01:28]
2. In the sermon, what was the significance of the meeting in Madurai, India, and how did it illustrate the hunger for the miraculous power of Jesus? [02:55]
3. What does the phrase "As the Father has sent me, even so, I send you" imply about the mission and authority given to believers? [03:38]
4. How does the concept of "seed power" relate to the believer's mission, and what does it mean to plant what people need? [07:25]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the example of Jesus' ministry in Galilee challenge the traditional view of healing as a task only for church leaders? [01:28]
2. What does it mean to "practice the presence of Jesus" in our daily lives, and how can this practice empower us in our mission? [04:55]
3. How can the metaphor of "seed power" be applied to our personal mission as Christians, and what does it mean to trust in the fruition of what we plant? [07:25]
4. In what ways does the assurance of Jesus' resurrection provide hope and motivation for believers to engage in the mission of healing? [11:40]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life. How can you embrace the universal call to heal in your community or workplace? What practical steps can you take this week to minister to someone in need? [01:28]
2. Consider a situation where you felt the presence of Jesus. How did it impact your actions or decisions? How can you cultivate this awareness more consistently in your life? [04:55]
3. Identify an area in your life where you can plant "seeds" of hope or healing. What specific actions can you take to nurture these seeds and trust in their growth? [07:25]
4. Think about a time when you settled for mediocrity. What dreams or ambitions have you surrendered, and how can you reignite them to choose life and dynamic living? [10:56]
5. How does the assurance of resurrection influence your perspective on challenges or setbacks? In what ways can this assurance inspire you to bring healing and life to others? [11:40]
6. Reflect on the power of choice in your life. What decisions can you make today to align more closely with God's mission for you? How can you take control of your life's direction? [12:57]
7. Consider someone in your life who may be spiritually "dead" or struggling. How can you be a source of life and encouragement to them this week? What specific actions can you take to support their journey? [11:40]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Call to Heal
Every believer is called to the ministry of healing, following the example of Jesus who healed all manner of sickness and disease. This mission is not limited to church leaders but extends to every Christian, empowered by the same Holy Spirit that anointed Jesus. The life and ministry of Jesus serve as a model for us, demonstrating that healing is an integral part of our mission as followers of Christ. Jesus' ministry was characterized by teaching, preaching, and healing, and we are called to continue this work. The narrative of Jesus healing the sick in Galilee reminds us of our responsibility to bring healing to a broken world. We are to be vessels of God's healing power, bringing the message of Christ with miracles and signs. This universal call to heal is a profound mission that every believer is invited to embrace. [01:28]
Matthew 10:7-8 (ESV): "And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay."
Reflection: Who in your life is in need of healing, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual? How can you be a vessel of God's healing power to them today?
Day 2: Practicing the Presence of Jesus
Practicing the presence of Jesus is essential for effective ministry. Believing in the revelation of Christ in us, we can depend on His promises as we minister to those in need, knowing that He is with us always. This involves cultivating an awareness of His presence in our daily lives and allowing His Spirit to guide us in our interactions with others. As we practice His presence, we become more attuned to His voice and more effective in our ministry. The power of presence is not just about being physically present but also about being spiritually present, allowing the love and compassion of Christ to flow through us. By practicing the presence of Jesus, we can bring hope and healing to those around us. [04:55]
John 14:16-17 (ESV): "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a greater awareness of Jesus' presence in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to ensure you are spiritually present in your interactions with others?
Day 3: The Power of Seed and Prophecy
The concept of seed power illustrates the believer's mission. Just as seeds bring forth life, we have the power to plant what people need, trusting that it will come to fruition. This is the true prophecy we can rely on. The metaphor of seed power reminds us that our actions and words have the potential to bring life and transformation to those around us. By planting seeds of hope, love, and faith, we can trust that God will bring about growth and change in His timing. This requires faith and patience, as we may not always see immediate results. However, we can be confident that God is at work, bringing forth life from the seeds we plant. [07:25]
Mark 4:26-29 (ESV): "And he said, 'The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.'"
Reflection: What seeds of hope, love, or faith can you plant in someone's life today? How can you trust God to bring about growth and transformation in His timing?
Day 4: Choosing Life Over Mediocrity
The greatest disease is a surrendered will and an empty life without focus. Our mission is to awaken dreams and ambitions, helping people choose life and dynamic living over mediocrity and despair. This involves encouraging others to pursue their God-given potential and to live with purpose and passion. By choosing life, we reject the temptation to settle for mediocrity and instead embrace the abundant life that Jesus offers. This requires intentionality and commitment, as we seek to live in alignment with God's will and purpose for our lives. By choosing life, we can inspire others to do the same, creating a ripple effect of hope and transformation. [10:56]
Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (ESV): "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them."
Reflection: In what areas of your life have you settled for mediocrity? How can you choose life and pursue your God-given potential with purpose and passion today?
Day 5: The Assurance of Resurrection
God is a life-giver, and through Jesus' resurrection, we have the assurance of life even in the face of death. We are called to be alive, to transmit life, and to bring healing to a world that desperately needs it. The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith, providing us with hope and assurance of eternal life. This assurance empowers us to live boldly and courageously, knowing that death has been defeated and that we have been given new life in Christ. As we embrace this truth, we can bring hope and healing to those around us, sharing the message of resurrection and life with a world in need. [11:40]
1 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you."
Reflection: How does the assurance of Jesus' resurrection impact your daily life and perspective on challenges? How can you share this message of hope and life with someone who needs it today?
Quotes
"Matthew 4, 23 and 24, Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching and preaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing all manner of sickness and disease among the people. That's our ministry, isn't it? That's not the ministry. Of the church, per se, that's the ministry of every minister. It's the ministry of every person, of every Christian, of every believer. His fame went throughout the country. They brought to him all sick people with divers diseases and torments, and those possessed with devils and lunatics, and those with paralysis, and he healed them. We're healers. That's our mission." [00:01:07]
"The closing day of our meeting in Madurai, India, there was a great field of people, probably 100,000 people. They were so beautiful, out on a big flat field. And the platform was covered full of Indian preachers, pastors, all in their white clothes. Beautiful. And as they sang, I asked them to wave their hand, and they did, and it looked like a field of ripened grain, their brown skin. The sun was bright. It really looked beautiful. And as they, as they waved and sang, it was like heaven, you know." [00:02:16]
"Preachers, look at your country. Your country is saying to you, preach me your Christ with miracles and we'll follow you. That's what they're saying. Preach me the Jesus of miracles, and we'll follow what you tell us to do. I believe that. Great multitudes followed him. John 17, he said, As thou, Father, has sent me into the world, even so have I sent them into the world. You can't make it any clearer than that. He came and showed us how to do it." [00:03:21]
"As my Father has sent you, even so, sent me, even so send I you, and lo, I am with you. all the way, even to the end of the world. You can't beat that. That's reliable. You can count on it. I count on that. That's not something to read. That's not just words to me. That's not a ritual or a ceremony. I believe that." [00:04:55]
"When you walk out on a platform amidst a sea of hurting people, surrounded by demoniacs, lepers, witch doctors, people dying and crying and moaning, when you walk out there, you cling to something. What you cling to are promises like that. Lo, I am with you always. And when I walk out there, I practice, as Kenyon wrote so often, practice the presence of Jesus. I believe in Paul's revelation, Christ in you, in me." [00:05:15]
"Jesus Christ alive in me. In the same way that God was alive in Christ. You believe that? I believe that. And when I walk out there before those people, I depend on that. That must be fact. Otherwise, there's not anything I can do for those people. I don't happen to have any tingles or gifts or blessings or touches or fires or anything in me. I've never had anything like that. I'm nothing at all, but I have this." [00:06:16]
"And this is what I bank on. He has chosen us. He trusts us. He sends us. I'm talking to you. He sends us to heal the hurting people of our world. To value and to esteem them as his special creation. To love and serve him by loving and serving them. That's the secret. I want to plant some dynamic seeds in you about the believer's mission of healing." [00:06:59]
"Seedling, seed power is ultimate power. Seed power is the only absolute true prophecy. What is planted will come up. You can bank on wheat if you plant wheat. never fails. True prophecy. We have the power to plant what the people need, and we can bank on it if we trust it. The greatest parable Jesus gave concerned seed power. And we must ponder this until we come to the place we trust the seed. Indeed, we believe in the seed." [00:07:36]
"The worst disease that a person can have is the deadly virus of a surrendered will, of an empty life of neutrality, without focus, without commitment to do something. When you reach that place, you're dying. The greatest revelation that God has ever given to humankind is sending Jesus to show us that his will is to bring health and dynamic living to people. That is his mission. That is our mission." [00:08:52]
"They've surrendered their fight for self-esteem. They've compromised their potential. They've settled, what a tragedy, to settle for mediocrity. Don't do it. They've accepted nights of tears. Don't do it. They're dead while they live. Don't die when your heart's still beaten. They're boxed in their negative world. They've chosen to give up. Don't do it. As long as you can move, don't do it." [00:11:08]
"As long as you can talk and touch and bless, you can heal. You're a healer for the world. Don't do it. They've chosen, people have chosen to die when they could choose to live. Tonight, those kind of people, if there's anybody like that left in this fire conference, on this closing night, you can experience the greatest miracle in the world. You can come back from the dead tonight. Hallelujah." [00:11:45]
"What a wonderful thing to be able to say that with conviction and know it can take place. That's the healing that God wills for you. That's every Christian's mission of healing. In my book, The Best of Life, on page 131, I wrote something that is good for people like that. I wrote this, God has given me a power secret which I alone own control." [00:12:28]
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