Experiencing God's Power: Healing and Hope Today
Summary
In the discourse, the focus is on the Biblical perspective of God's power and its manifestation throughout history and in the lives of believers. The narrative of creation is cited, where the power of God is evident in the six days of creation. The Exodus story, particularly the parting of the Red Sea, is highlighted as a significant demonstration of God's might. The lives of biblical figures such as David, Solomon, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and Daniel are referenced as examples where God's power was clearly seen through miraculous events like the floating of an ax head, the feeding of a prophet by ravens, and the raising of a widow's son from death.
The power of God is further exemplified in the New Testament through the miracles of Jesus, including the feeding of the 5,000, the healing of the centurion's servant, the opening of blind Bartimaeus's eyes, the liberation of a demon-possessed man, and the enabling of a lame man to walk. The ultimate display of God's power is recognized in the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day following His crucifixion.
The discourse then shifts to the contemporary desire to see God's power realized in personal lives, acknowledging the various physical and emotional ailments that people suffer from, such as cancer, migraines, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, MS, lupus, Crohn's disease, depression, anxiety, loneliness, and the emotional suffering from past abuse. The belief is that God desires to heal these afflictions.
The narrative continues by discussing the church's financial goals to support missions, including church planting, digging water wells, foster care ministries, and missions to Nicaragua, Latin America, Europe, and Africa. The importance of financial stewardship is linked to the joy found in the transformative power of baptism and the lives changed for God's glory.
The concept of Divine Healing is then introduced as one of the fundamental truths within the Assemblies of God, a cooperative fellowship of churches. Divine Healing is described as an integral part of the Gospel, with deliverance from sickness being a provision of the atonement and a privilege for all believers. The discourse argues against the hyper-faith movement, which claims that a lack of healing is due to a deficiency of faith or sin in one's life, as well as against the belief that Divine Healing was only for the past and not relevant today.
The narrative builds a doctrine of Divine Healing, starting with its integral role in the Gospel as evidenced by the healing and forgiving ministries of Jesus. The power to heal is presented as a witness to Jesus's authority to forgive sins. The origins of sickness are explored, with Jesus recognizing that sickness can result from sin, be an activity of Satan, or serve as an opportunity for God to be glorified.
The continuation of Divine Healing after Jesus's earthly ministry is emphasized, with the apostles and early church performing healings as an extension of Jesus's work. Miracles are not limited to the apostles but are seen as authority given to all believers. The narrative also addresses the practical aspects of Divine Healing, encouraging believers not to give up on God during difficult times and to remain in places where God shows up.
The discourse concludes with a call for medical professionals to come forward for prayer, recognizing their role in the healing process and expressing gratitude for their dedication to studying and understanding the human body.
Key Takeaways:
- The power of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, demonstrated in both the Old and New Testaments through miraculous events and the lives of key figures. This power is not confined to the past but is available and active in the lives of believers today, offering hope and the possibility of transformation. [01:15:52]
- Divine Healing is presented as a privilege for all believers, not as a right to be demanded. It is a gracious extension of God's mercy and should be approached with humility. This perspective encourages a posture of seeking and asking rather than demanding, aligning with the examples set by those who approached Jesus for healing in the Gospels. [01:34:02]
- Suffering for Christ's sake is not negated by the promise of Divine Healing. Believers are called to be prepared to follow Jesus's example, which may include persecution and hardship. This understanding provides a more nuanced view of the Christian journey, acknowledging that Divine Healing does not serve as an escape from all forms of suffering. [01:35:54]
- The narrative emphasizes the importance of not giving up on God, especially during prolonged difficulties. It encourages believers to stay in places where they expect God to move and to maintain faith even when immediate answers to prayers are not evident. This takeaway offers a practical approach to enduring hardship while keeping faith in God's goodness and promises. [01:42:43]
- The role of medical professionals in the healing process is acknowledged and honored. The discourse calls for prayer over these individuals, affirming that their work is not only a natural endeavor but also has the potential for supernatural impact. This recognition bridges the gap between faith and medicine, valuing the contributions of those dedicated to the health and well-being of others. [01:55:12]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 15:26 - "He said, 'If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.'"
2. Mark 2:9-11 - "'Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, "Your sins are forgiven," or to say, "Get up, take your mat and walk"? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.' So he said to the man, 'I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.'"
3. James 5:14-15 - "Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are some examples of God's power demonstrated in the Old Testament as mentioned in the sermon? [01:15:52]
2. How did Jesus demonstrate His authority to forgive sins through healing in Mark 2:9-11?
3. According to James 5:14-15, what steps should be taken when someone is sick?
4. What are the three origins of sickness as discussed in the sermon? [01:26:16]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of the paralyzed man in Mark 2 illustrate the connection between Jesus's healing power and His authority to forgive sins? [01:24:58]
2. Why is it important to approach Divine Healing with humility rather than demanding it as a right? [01:34:39]
3. How can the belief that some sicknesses are opportunities for God to be glorified change a believer's perspective on suffering? [01:30:03]
4. What role do medical professionals play in the healing process according to the sermon, and how does this bridge the gap between faith and medicine? [01:55:12]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced or witnessed God's power in your life or the life of someone else. How did it impact your faith? [01:17:08]
2. When facing prolonged difficulties, how can you maintain your faith and not give up on God? What practical steps can you take to stay in places where you expect God to move? [01:42:43]
3. How can you approach God with humility when seeking healing, rather than demanding it? What does this posture look like in your personal prayer life? [01:34:39]
4. In what ways can you support the church's financial goals to support missions and other ministries? How does financial stewardship relate to experiencing God's transformative power? [01:13:26]
5. How can you recognize if your suffering is an opportunity for God to be glorified? What steps can you take to ensure that your response to suffering brings glory to God? [01:30:03]
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you need healing (physical, emotional, or spiritual). How can you actively seek God's healing while also taking practical steps to improve your well-being? [01:37:18]
7. How can you show appreciation and support for medical professionals in your community? What are some ways you can pray for them and acknowledge their role in the healing process? [01:55:12]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Power in Biblical History
God's power is not a relic of the past but a present reality that believers can witness and experience in their own lives. The Bible is replete with stories of God's might, from creation to the miracles performed by Jesus, demonstrating that this divine power transcends time and continues to work today. [01:15:52]
Habakkuk 3:2 - "LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, LORD. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy."
Reflection: How have you experienced or witnessed God's power in your own life or in the lives of those around you?
Day 2: Humility in Seeking Divine Healing
Divine Healing is a testament to God's grace, and it should be sought with humility and reverence, recognizing it as a gift rather than a demand. This approach aligns with the humility of those who sought Jesus's healing touch, acknowledging our dependence on God's mercy. [01:34:02]
James 5:14-15 - "Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven."
Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a humble heart when seeking healing or help from God?
Day 3: Embracing Suffering with Christ
The promise of Divine Healing does not exempt believers from suffering; rather, it invites them to share in Christ's sufferings, understanding that hardship can be a part of the Christian journey. This perspective helps believers to embrace trials as opportunities for growth and deeper faith. [01:35:54]
1 Peter 4:12-13 - "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."
Reflection: Can you identify a time when suffering or hardship has brought you closer to understanding Christ's own sufferings?
Day 4: Perseverance in Faith During Trials
In times of prolonged difficulties, it is crucial to remain steadfast in faith and to continue seeking God's presence. This perseverance is a testament to one's trust in God's goodness and the belief that He is at work even when immediate answers are not visible. [01:42:43]
Hebrews 10:36 - "You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised."
Reflection: What are some ways you can strengthen your faith and continue to seek God's presence during challenging times?
Day 5: Valuing Medical Professionals in Healing
The work of medical professionals is a critical component of the healing process, and their dedication to understanding the human body is a reflection of God's own care for His creation. Prayer for these individuals acknowledges the intersection of faith and medicine in the pursuit of healing. [01:55:12]
Colossians 4:14 - "Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings."
Reflection: How can you show appreciation and support for medical professionals, recognizing their role as instruments of God's healing power?
Quotes
1) "Some people like to be in that physical, emotional, or spiritual state of suffering because they don't want the responsibility of a healthy life." [01:46:48]
2) "This lame man never gave up on God. He was an invalid for 38 years, yet he chose to be where the water was stirred... Stay in the spot where God shows up and don't give up." [01:44:04]
3) "Divine Healing is not your get out of jail card away from suffering for Jesus Christ's sake. We are expected to be prepared to follow the example of Jesus." [01:36:31]
4) "Miracles were not limited to the apostles; it was authority that was given to each and every one of us. That's exciting." [01:32:02]
5) "Divine Healing is an integral part of the Gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement and is a privilege of all believers." [01:22:20]
6) "We are not to look to the Divine Healing as a substitute for obedience to the rules of physical, mental, and emotional health." [01:37:18]
7) "Divine Healing is a privilege for all believers. No one in the New Testament demanded healing; they came humbly, seeking help, asking for mercy." [01:34:02]
8) "In difficult times, we should never give up on God. Don't let long-term suffering drive you from the church; it should drive you to the church." [01:42:11]
9) "I want to say thank you to all the medical professionals... I believe there's healing in your hands, that there will be a supernatural healing that will take place." [01:55:12]
10) "Jesus recognized that sickness is sometimes an opportunity for God to be glorified. Sometimes you battle sickness and you're healed to give God all the glory." [01:30:43]
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