Faith, Healing, and God's Presence in Our Lives
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we continue our series titled "Beyond," where we explore God's supernatural activity in the world. We began by recounting the story of the hemorrhaging woman from Mark 5, who was healed by touching the hem of Jesus' cloak. This act was not just a desperate leap of faith but was deeply rooted in her understanding of the scriptures, particularly the prophecy in Malachi 4:2, which speaks of healing in the Messiah's wings, or the hem of his garment. This story illustrates that miracles are not just for the moment but are God's way of revealing His presence and care for us.
We then delved into the topic of healing prayer and its place in the church and our lives. Healing has been a significant part of church history, from the early church's miracles to the skepticism and rediscovery of healing in modern times. Healing prayer can be polarizing; it can draw people closer to God or push them away when prayers seem unanswered. We discussed how healing can occur instantaneously through supernatural means or progressively through natural means like healthcare. Both are valid and involve God's intervention.
However, sometimes healing doesn't happen as we expect. This could be due to issues on our part, such as unconfessed sin or a lack of genuine faith, or it could be because God is working on something deeper within us. We must approach healing prayer with humility, understanding that God may have a broader purpose in mind.
We also touched on the resurgence of healing in the modern church, particularly through movements like the Azusa Street Revival, which gave rise to Pentecostalism. Healing prayer doesn't have to be dramatic; it can be a simple, heartfelt request to God. As we concluded, we invited everyone to come forward for prayer, emphasizing that God still heals and wants to reveal His presence and care through our faith and prayers.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith and Understanding in Healing: The hemorrhaging woman's healing was not just an act of desperate faith but was deeply rooted in her understanding of scripture. She knew the prophecy in Malachi 4:2 and believed that touching the hem of Jesus' garment could heal her. This teaches us that our faith should be informed by our knowledge of God's Word, combining heart and head in our approach to God. [07:55]
2. Miracles as God's Pursuit of the Human Heart: Miracles are more than just physical healings; they are God's way of revealing His presence and care for us. The healing of the hemorrhaging woman changed her life and legacy, showing that God is not only there but that He cares deeply for us. This understanding should encourage us to seek God earnestly, knowing that He desires to reveal Himself to us. [09:29]
3. Healing Through Various Means: God can heal instantaneously through supernatural means or progressively through natural means like healthcare. Both are valid expressions of God's intervention. As Christians, we should not oppose healthcare but see it as a means by which God can bring healing. Prayer should be our first response, coupled with appropriate medical care. [18:11]
4. Barriers to Healing: Sometimes healing doesn't occur because of issues on our part, such as unconfessed sin, lack of genuine faith, or not valuing healing enough to create space for it. We must approach healing prayer with humility, willing to examine our hearts and align our actions with our prayers. [20:58]
5. God's Broader Purpose in Healing: Sometimes, God may not heal immediately because He is working on something deeper within us. This could be teaching us persistence in prayer, faithfulness, or helping us understand our weaknesses. We must trust that God's timing and methods are perfect, even when they don't align with our expectations. [22:12]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:48] - The Story of the Hemorrhaging Woman
[03:16] - The Significance of the Hem of Jesus' Garment
[06:20] - Prophecy and Healing
[07:55] - Faith and Understanding in Healing
[09:29] - Miracles and God's Pursuit
[10:48] - Healing in Church History
[12:21] - The Role of Healing Prayer
[13:35] - Scriptural Basis for Healing Prayer
[15:01] - Creating Space for Healing
[16:29] - Instantaneous Healing
[18:11] - Healing Through Healthcare
[19:36] - Barriers to Healing
[20:58] - Sin and Healing
[22:12] - God's Broader Purpose
[23:30] - Personal Testimony of Healing
[24:58] - Modern Resurgence of Healing
[26:16] - Practical Steps for Healing Prayer
[28:00] - Invitation for Prayer
[29:20] - Specific Call for Men
[31:01] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Mark 5:25-34 (NIV): The story of the hemorrhaging woman who was healed by touching the hem of Jesus' cloak.
2. Malachi 4:2 (NIV): "But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves."
3. James 5:14-16 (NIV): "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. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
### Observation Questions
1. What was the significance of the hemorrhaging woman touching the hem of Jesus' cloak according to the sermon? ([03:16])
2. How does Malachi 4:2 relate to the story of the hemorrhaging woman? ([06:20])
3. According to James 5:14-16, what steps should be taken when someone is sick? ([13:35])
4. What are some reasons mentioned in the sermon for why healing might not occur as expected? ([19:36])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of the hemorrhaging woman illustrate the connection between faith and understanding of scripture? ([07:55])
2. In what ways do miracles serve as God's pursuit of the human heart, according to the sermon? ([09:29])
3. How can healthcare and prayer work together in the process of healing, based on the sermon and James 5:14-16? ([18:11])
4. What might be some deeper purposes God has in mind when healing does not occur immediately? ([22:12])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced or witnessed a healing, whether instantaneous or through healthcare. How did it impact your faith and understanding of God's presence? ([18:11])
2. The sermon mentioned that sometimes healing doesn't happen due to unconfessed sin or lack of genuine faith. How can you create a habit of self-examination and confession in your prayer life? ([20:58])
3. How can you balance seeking medical help and relying on prayer for healing in your own life or the lives of those you care about? ([18:11])
4. Have you ever felt disappointed when a prayer for healing wasn't answered as you expected? How can you trust in God's broader purpose during such times? ([22:12])
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of creating space for healing prayer in the church. How can you contribute to fostering an environment of faith and prayer in your small group or church community? ([15:01])
6. Think of someone in your life who might need healing, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. How can you approach them and offer to pray for their healing in a way that is compassionate and respectful? ([26:16])
7. The sermon mentioned the resurgence of healing in the modern church through movements like the Azusa Street Revival. How can you stay open to experiencing and participating in God's healing work today? ([24:58])
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Rooted in Scripture
The hemorrhaging woman's healing was not just an act of desperate faith but was deeply rooted in her understanding of scripture. She knew the prophecy in Malachi 4:2 and believed that touching the hem of Jesus' garment could heal her. This teaches us that our faith should be informed by our knowledge of God's Word, combining heart and head in our approach to God. Her faith was not blind but was based on a deep understanding of God's promises and character. This kind of faith is powerful and transformative because it aligns our desires with God's will as revealed in the scriptures.
When we face challenges or seek miracles, it is essential to ground our faith in the Word of God. This means spending time in the Bible, understanding God's promises, and allowing those promises to shape our expectations and actions. The more we know God's Word, the more our faith will be aligned with His will, and the more we will see His hand at work in our lives. [07:55]
Malachi 4:2 (ESV): "But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall."
Reflection: How can you deepen your understanding of God's Word to strengthen your faith? What specific scriptures can you meditate on this week to align your faith with God's promises?
Day 2: Miracles as Expressions of God's Care
Miracles are more than just physical healings; they are God's way of revealing His presence and care for us. The healing of the hemorrhaging woman changed her life and legacy, showing that God is not only there but that He cares deeply for us. This understanding should encourage us to seek God earnestly, knowing that He desires to reveal Himself to us. Miracles are a testament to God's love and His desire to be intimately involved in our lives.
When we witness or hear about miracles, it should remind us of God's active presence in the world. These acts of divine intervention are not just about the physical changes they bring but about the deeper message of God's love and care. They are invitations to draw closer to Him, to trust Him more, and to recognize His hand in every aspect of our lives. [09:29]
Psalm 77:14 (ESV): "You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced or witnessed a miracle. How did it reveal God's presence and care for you? How can you seek to recognize God's hand in your daily life?
Day 3: Healing Through Various Means
God can heal instantaneously through supernatural means or progressively through natural means like healthcare. Both are valid expressions of God's intervention. As Christians, we should not oppose healthcare but see it as a means by which God can bring healing. Prayer should be our first response, coupled with appropriate medical care. This balanced approach acknowledges that God works through both the miraculous and the ordinary to bring about His purposes.
Understanding that God can use various means to heal helps us to appreciate the role of healthcare professionals and the advancements in medical science. It also encourages us to pray for wisdom and guidance in seeking the right treatment while trusting God for the ultimate healing. This perspective helps us to see God's hand in all aspects of our healing journey, whether it comes through a miraculous touch or through the hands of skilled doctors and nurses. [18:11]
Jeremiah 33:6 (ESV): "Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security."
Reflection: How can you integrate prayer and medical care in your approach to healing? What steps can you take to trust God in both the miraculous and the ordinary means of healing?
Day 4: Barriers to Healing
Sometimes healing doesn't occur because of issues on our part, such as unconfessed sin, lack of genuine faith, or not valuing healing enough to create space for it. We must approach healing prayer with humility, willing to examine our hearts and align our actions with our prayers. This self-examination is crucial in removing any barriers that might hinder God's work in our lives. It requires honesty, repentance, and a genuine desire to align with God's will.
By addressing these barriers, we open ourselves up to the fullness of God's healing power. This process involves seeking forgiveness, building our faith through the Word, and creating an environment where healing can take place. It is a journey of humility and dependence on God, recognizing that He is the ultimate healer and that our role is to align ourselves with His purposes. [20:58]
James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: Are there any unconfessed sins or areas of unbelief in your life that might be hindering your healing? How can you create space for God's healing by addressing these barriers today?
Day 5: Trusting God's Broader Purpose
Sometimes, God may not heal immediately because He is working on something deeper within us. This could be teaching us persistence in prayer, faithfulness, or helping us understand our weaknesses. We must trust that God's timing and methods are perfect, even when they don't align with our expectations. This trust requires a deep faith in God's goodness and sovereignty, believing that He knows what is best for us.
When we face delays or unanswered prayers, it is an opportunity to grow in our relationship with God. It teaches us to rely on Him, to seek His will, and to understand that His plans are higher than ours. This perspective helps us to remain faithful and hopeful, knowing that God is at work in ways we may not see or understand. [22:12]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: How can you trust God's broader purpose in your life, especially when healing doesn't happen as expected? What steps can you take to remain faithful and hopeful in God's perfect timing and methods?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Jesus compassionately and kindly responds to Jairus's request and makes his way to Jairus's house while crowds began to follow to watch the show. And as this crowd was pressing in on him, he was on his way to the home of Matthew. Jesus, there was a woman there who had had this issue of bleeding for 12 years. The scriptures tell us that she had gone to doctors to try and find a cure for this condition and was unable to do so. She had spent her entire life savings trying to find a cure for this issue, this condition, because not only was it probably very painful, but also in her culture, it was extremely shameful." (44 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Miracles are actually more than just for the moment or for the healing, but they are actually God's supernatural pursuit of the human heart. And healing is one of the primary ways that God reveals himself, not just that he is there, but as we talked about last week, that he cares." (22 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Sometimes God heals instantaneously via supernatural means. I would put this in the category of a miracle that you pray for somebody and in a moment without any medical intervention, they are healed. The symptoms stop and everything returns to its, what we would call created. Order. This has happened in this house. This has happened throughout church history." (24 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "As Christians, we're not opposed to health care. Prayer isn't the only thing we do, but it is the first thing. We do. And I believe that when we couple good health care that we at least get to experience in this part of the globe with believing, healing prayer, we will see more and more people get well. And sometimes people will get well instantaneously, and sometimes people might get well over time. God is involved in both, and he responds to our prayers in both occasions." (35 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Sometimes healing prayer can be this, hey, I believe in a God, who can heal and often does. Do you mind if I just said a quick prayer for you? My former mentor tells me the story of going into a hospital room with a cancer patient and he had zero faith in the moment. He was fully prepared to get this funeral organized and pastor his family through the situation well. But out of obedience to the word of God, Bob, my former mentor, placed his hand on this cancer patient in their hospital room, prayed a 30-second prayer. And the next day they were completely healed." (46 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "This Jewish woman who for 12 years had been battling a condition that caused her to be an absolute outcast had to have known the significance of the hem of a rabbi's garment. And it is a good chance that she would have known this obscure, prophecy found in Malachi because I believe she probably searched every teaching on healing found in the Jewish scriptures because she just had to know. And when this Messiah, this miracle worker comes walking in her direction, I believe all this was clicking for her. And this was like, this is my chance. If he's the son of righteousness, Malachi tells us there's healing in the hem of his cloak. And I've got nothing to lose. And she presses through the crowd and she grabs a hold of the cloak and she's healed." (59 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Throughout church history, miraculous healing has been one of the primary ways that God opens up people to the reality of his presence. But also, it's one of the largest disappointments that has led many people away from Jesus when healing prayer isn't answered, or at least not answered in the way that we expect. Where healing fits in the history of the church? The early church got going partly because of miracles." (28 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Sometimes the reason we're not healed is because healing isn't value. Because we don't give God even the space to do it. Or if we pray the prayers, we're not even really meaning it. We're just kind of going through the motions. Sometimes we're not doing basic self-care to be healthy. If an avid smoker is praying for clean lungs, we would probably say, okay, you're going to have to help me on this one. And I think God would say the same thing as well. Sometimes the way we're treating our bodies doesn't align with our desire for healing." (28 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Sometimes God is doing something adjacent to the healing that is deeper than the physical or emotional healing that he wants to infuse into our lives. We see this in the life of Job, who experienced deep suffering and God was up to something very profound. We even see it in the life of Paul, who brought healing to many, many people, who says, I have a thorn in my flesh. I have some kind of physical condition. And I have asked God three times to deliver me from this. And he has said, no, my grace is sufficient for you. There was something else that God was doing. He was teaching Paul how to get in touch with his weakness and how to lean into Jesus in the midst of it." (40 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "What God was teaching us is prayer and community is valuable and you don't have to do it on your own. There was something else he was doing in the midst of that, that he also might be doing in your life. And so let me summarize all this and then give us an opportunity to address it. Okay. God invites us to believe him for healing. When it comes to healing prayer, sometimes he heals instantaneously and sometimes he heals progressively or through more natural means. Sometimes we're off track in our approach and we need to have the humility to hold that before the Lord. And sometimes God is doing something else in the midst of the process that he's working in our hearts and our minds to help him understand that when he brings the healing, he is there and that he cares." (48 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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