Faith, Healing, and God's Promises in Our Lives
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound simplicity of loving God and loving people, as Jesus summarized in Matthew 22. My journey from addiction to salvation in 1987, and my subsequent 31 years of ministry, has been a testament to God's transformative power. Despite facing significant challenges, including a leukemia diagnosis three years ago, I have witnessed God's faithfulness and healing in my life. This morning, we delved into Mark 4:35-41, where Jesus calms the storm, emphasizing the importance of faith over fear. Jesus' words, "Let us cross over to the other side," were a promise, yet the disciples' fear in the storm revealed their lack of faith. Similarly, in our lives, we must focus on God's promises rather than our circumstances.
I shared personal experiences of healing and evangelism, highlighting God's unwavering faithfulness. Despite my initial reluctance to seek medical help, I learned that God can work through doctors and medicine. My healing journey has reinforced my belief in God's promises, as stated in Psalm 103:1-5 and Psalm 118:17. We are called to walk in faith, not fear, trusting in God's word for healing, provision, and salvation.
As believers, we are all called to preach the gospel and heal the sick. This is not limited to those in formal ministry but is a mandate for every Christian. I encouraged everyone to find scriptures that speak to their specific situations and to stand firm in faith, believing in God's promises. Our faith should be active, demonstrated through our actions, whether it's evangelizing, praying for the sick, or giving generously.
In closing, I invited those who need prayer for healing, provision, or any other need to come forward. God's word is clear: He desires us to be whole, healed, and blessed. Let us stand on His promises, knowing that He is faithful to perform His word.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith Over Fear: Jesus' command to cross to the other side was a promise, yet the disciples' fear in the storm revealed their lack of faith. We must focus on God's promises rather than our circumstances, trusting that He will see us through any storm. [45:07]
2. God's Healing Power: Despite my initial reluctance to seek medical help, I learned that God can work through doctors and medicine. My healing journey from leukemia has reinforced my belief in God's promises for healing, as stated in Psalm 103:1-5 and Psalm 118:17. [46:26]
3. Active Faith: As believers, we are all called to preach the gospel and heal the sick. This mandate is not limited to those in formal ministry but is for every Christian. Our faith should be active, demonstrated through our actions, whether it's evangelizing, praying for the sick, or giving generously. [52:29]
4. God's Provision: Trusting in God's provision means believing that He will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory. This includes financial provision, healing, and every other need we may have. We must stand on His promises and act in faith. [50:19]
5. Generosity and Service: Reflecting God's heart means being generous and serving others. Whether it's tipping generously, helping a neighbor, or sowing into someone's need, our actions should reflect God's love and generosity. [58:11]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[38:21] - Personal Testimony and Healing Journey
[39:42] - God's Faithfulness in Healing
[41:00] - Upcoming Ministry Plans
[42:23] - Evangelism and Youth Outreach
[43:41] - Mark 4:35-41: Jesus Calms the Storm
[45:07] - Faith Over Fear
[46:26] - God's Healing Power
[47:38] - Trusting God's Promises
[49:42] - Walking in Faith, Not Fear
[50:19] - God's Provision
[52:29] - Active Faith and Healing
[53:31] - Scriptures on Healing
[54:46] - Trusting God in All Circumstances
[55:23] - Declaring God's Works
[56:53] - Scriptures on Health and Provision
[58:11] - Generosity and Service
[59:31] - Proverbs 4:20-22: Health to All Flesh
[01:00:44] - Living by Faith
[01:02:11] - Testimonies of Changed Lives
[01:04:58] - Invitation to Salvation and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Mark 4:35-41: "On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, 'Let us cross over to the other side.' Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, 'Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?' Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, 'Peace, be still!' And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, 'Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?' And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, 'Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!'"
2. Psalm 103:1-5: "Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s."
3. Psalm 118:17: "I shall not die, but live, And declare the works of the Lord."
### Observation Questions
1. In Mark 4:35-41, what was Jesus doing during the storm, and how did the disciples react? What did Jesus say to calm the storm? [43:41]
2. According to Psalm 103:1-5, what are some of the benefits that the Lord provides to His people?
3. In Psalm 118:17, what declaration is made about life and the works of the Lord?
4. What personal experiences did the pastor share about his journey with leukemia and how it relates to his faith in God's promises? [39:42]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the disciples were so fearful during the storm, even though Jesus had already told them they were going to the other side? [43:41]
2. How does the pastor's testimony of healing from leukemia illustrate the concept of faith over fear? [45:07]
3. What does it mean to have "active faith" according to the sermon, and how can this be demonstrated in everyday life? [52:29]
4. How can Psalm 103:1-5 and Psalm 118:17 provide comfort and assurance during times of illness or hardship?
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a "storm" in your life. How did you respond, and what role did your faith play in that situation? [43:41]
2. The pastor mentioned that he initially resisted seeking medical help for his leukemia. Have you ever been reluctant to seek help in a difficult situation? How did you eventually find a balance between faith and practical action? [46:26]
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of finding and standing on scriptures that speak to your specific situation. What scripture can you find that speaks to a current challenge you are facing, and how can you apply it? [50:19]
4. How can you demonstrate "active faith" in your daily life? Think of specific actions you can take this week to evangelize, pray for the sick, or give generously. [52:29]
5. The pastor shared about his journey of healing and God's provision. How can you trust in God's provision for your own needs, whether they are financial, physical, or emotional? [50:19]
6. Reflect on the concept of generosity and service. What is one practical way you can show generosity to someone in need this week? [58:11]
7. The pastor invited those who need prayer to come forward. Is there a specific area in your life where you need prayer or support from your small group? How can the group pray for you and support you in this area? [01:05:39]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Over Fear
In Mark 4:35-41, Jesus calms the storm, demonstrating His power over nature and His care for His disciples. Despite Jesus' assurance, "Let us cross over to the other side," the disciples were overwhelmed by fear during the storm. This incident reveals a common struggle: focusing on our circumstances rather than God's promises. Faith requires us to trust in God's word and His ability to fulfill His promises, even when situations seem dire. By shifting our focus from fear to faith, we can experience peace and assurance in God's faithfulness. [45:07]
Mark 4:39-40 (ESV): "And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, 'Peace! Be still!' And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, 'Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?'"
Reflection: What current storm in your life is causing you fear? How can you shift your focus to trust in God's promises today?
Day 2: God's Healing Power
God's healing power is evident throughout the Bible and in personal testimonies of faith. Despite initial reluctance to seek medical help, recognizing that God can work through doctors and medicine is crucial. Healing is not limited to miraculous events but can also come through the wisdom and skills of medical professionals. Trusting in God's promises for healing, as stated in Psalm 103:1-5 and Psalm 118:17, reinforces our faith. Believers are encouraged to stand firm in faith, believing in God's ability to heal and restore. [46:26]
Psalm 103:2-3 (ESV): "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases."
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you need healing? How can you trust God and seek His guidance in your healing journey today?
Day 3: Active Faith
Active faith is a call to action for every believer. It involves preaching the gospel, healing the sick, and demonstrating God's love through our actions. This mandate is not limited to those in formal ministry but extends to all Christians. Faith should be evident in our daily lives, whether through evangelism, prayer, or acts of generosity. By living out our faith actively, we reflect God's love and power to those around us, fulfilling our calling as His followers. [52:29]
James 2:17 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
Reflection: How can you actively demonstrate your faith today? Is there someone you can share the gospel with or an act of kindness you can perform?
Day 4: God's Provision
Trusting in God's provision means believing that He will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory. This includes financial provision, healing, and every other need we may have. God's promises are reliable, and He desires to bless His children. By standing on His promises and acting in faith, we can experience His provision in every area of our lives. This trust requires us to let go of worry and rely on God's faithfulness to meet our needs. [50:19]
Philippians 4:19 (ESV): "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: What is one specific need you have today? How can you trust God to provide for this need and take a step of faith in response?
Day 5: Generosity and Service
Reflecting God's heart means being generous and serving others. Our actions should mirror God's love and generosity, whether it's through financial giving, helping a neighbor, or supporting someone in need. Generosity is a tangible expression of our faith and trust in God's provision. By serving others, we demonstrate the love of Christ and fulfill our calling to be His hands and feet in the world. [58:11]
2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV): "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: How can you show generosity and serve someone in need today? What specific action can you take to reflect God's love and generosity?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "It's real simple, it's just loving people, loving people, loving God. That's what Jesus summed up the whole Bible, Matthew 22, you know, love God, love people. So, you know, we are the ones that try to make it complicated." (12 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I was a cocaine addict for eight years, a drunk for 12 years, and Jesus set me free and, you know, gave me purpose in life. And, you know, he brought me a bride from this very church. My wife got saved here, and we've been married for 29 years this November. And, uh, so anyway, God is good." (12 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God's just been so faithful. I've seen so many people get saved over the years, and that's, God is good. We expect a lot of high school kids to be saved this Wednesday because I know when I've done the FFA convention with y'all, giving away the pot holders and the bracelets and salvation beads and stuff like that, you know, the kids want to come, and they listen to the gospel, and so many of them respond, and we do see hundreds of kids up there get saved." (23 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus told them, let's go over to the other side, yet they freak out halfway across because of circumstances. Right, and so, then, then after they awake him, in verse 38, because he was asleep on, in the stern, on a pillow, and says, they woke him and said to him, teacher, do you not care that we're perishing? Whenever I read this passage, I think immediately back to Genesis chapter 3, when Adam and Eve ate of the fruit, when they were told not to, and, and then they realized they were naked, remember, they hid from God, and then God comes walking through the garden to have fellowship with them, and, and they're hiding from God, and they says, what, and they told God, well, we were, we, we were naked, and so we hid, and he asked them a question then, he says, who told you you were naked?" (48 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Who told you you're naked? Who told you you're perishing? You know, let's break it down a little more. Who told you you're going broke? Who told you you can't survive? Who told you your kids won't come back to the Lord? Who told you that your whole family won't get saved? Who told you you're losing the house? Who told you your business is going under? Who told you you can't keep the farm? Who told you you can't survive in this economy? Wasn't Jesus? Jesus said, I'll supply all your need according to his riches and glory by Christ Jesus." (27 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I knew I was healed. I mean, I didn't, that's why I dragged my feet ever going to a doctor because I know what God's word says about healing. But you know what? I've learned sometimes we go through stuff, but I'm healthy today. I'm 50 pounds heavier than when I was really sick, and I'm as strong as I've ever been, and I just absolutely love that God's faithful to his word. You know, he promises healing." (21 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus wants you looking at him because he's got an answer for your issue, no matter what it is, you know, but if the enemy can get you in fear, he's already got the battle won. But you got to remember to walk in faith. You don't look at the circumstances. You look at what God's word says. No matter what you're going through, you have to find what God's word has to say about your circumstances." (21 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I never say I have leukemia. I never say my cancer, my this, my that. I don't. I don't. I'm in possession of it. Okay, I know what the devil tried to throw on me. Okay, now it's got a name. I say, truthfully, I was diagnosed with, and this is where my blood counts are, but here's where they're at today. And I believe God for total healing. Absolutely perfect soundness of healing." (23 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "For 31 years, I've lived on faith. I have never had, ever since God called me to the ministry, a job where I had health insurance or dental insurance or retirement. I don't have a 401k. I don't have much of a savings account. You know, it's just like everything that comes through my hands goes out somewhere, you know. But it's usually for blessing people. You know, I got a retirement. It's out of this world." (24 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I love doing what I'm doing. I love telling people about Jesus. I hope I do this until my very last breath. I even told the Lord, you know, when that trumpet blows, let me be witnessing to two people. Let me grab them by the hands on the way up. I'm sure they'll be quick to pray before I let go. You know, I just love talking to people about Jesus." (20 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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