Re-digging the Wells of Faith and Healing
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. Today, I want to talk about the unique role of the Church of Jesus Christ. Only the Church, filled with the Holy Spirit, can show people forgiveness, freedom, and life everlasting. No other religion can do that. Islam and Buddhism can't show you Jesus; only the Church can. But even within the Church, not everyone can show you Jesus. So, what are the wells that God is asking us to unearth? What are the ancient paths we need to return to?
Let's look at Matthew 10:8, which says, "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without paying." These are the wells God has placed on my heart. This isn't something that came overnight; it's been building in me for years. Even last night, as I was praying, God reminded me of something spoken over me as a teenager. God is stirring something in this church, and it's going to be uncomfortable. It will cost us our reputation and comfort, but it's necessary.
From the beginning of my leadership here, several men spoke words from God about making this place a center of healing. We've prayed over those words, and now it's time to act on them. We need to wear these words, try them, and live them. God said He would make this place a center of healing, and it's time to re-dig those wells.
I encourage you to engage in conversations about what the Holy Spirit has been saying to you this week. Join life groups and discuss these teachings. Ask each other, "What's God been saying to you this week?" and hold each other accountable. When God speaks, He has a purpose, and we need to act on it.
God reminds us to look back at the ways we used to do things, the things He asked us to do. We need to remember and walk in those ancient paths. This isn't just for us as individuals but also for us as a church. What are the wells that this church was built on that have been plugged up? What are the ancient paths that are now overgrown? The Holy Spirit's job is to remind us of what God has done and said and to teach us what He will do and say.
God is stirring something in me, and it's not just for our church but for the universal Church. We need to re-dig the wells we've allowed to be blocked. Hearing God's voice and being led by His Spirit is one of those wells. If we're not a people who hear the Spirit of God, we have nothing to offer the world. Anybody can give money or food, but only the Church can offer Jesus Christ.
We need to repent of the fear that has stopped us from praying for the sick. I've prayed for many people, and not all have been healed, but they still come back for prayer. People are drawn to someone willing to step out and pray for them. God can heal supernaturally, and we need to believe that. Matthew 10:8 is our mandate: "Heal the sick, cast out demons, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead." This is our inheritance and what we are called to do.
Jesus healed people out of compassion, not just to validate His apostles. He saw people as sheep without a shepherd and had mercy on them. The signs and wonders are not a sign of a man's righteousness but of God's righteousness. Jesus is the image of the invisible God, and we are called to reflect Him. We need to do what the Son does and say what the Son says.
This calling is not just for the leaders but for everyone who believes. Jesus sent out the 72 with the same commission to heal the sick and proclaim the Kingdom of God. The Great Commission is for all of us. We need to be a church that not only talks a good game but also walks a good walk. It's going to get messy, and it's going to cost us, but we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit's power.
For those new to this journey, remember what brought you here. It wasn't the quiet pews or the nice worship; it was something inside you that told you to be here. God wants you to be part of this journey. If you're feeling pain or sickness, reach out and touch the garment of Jesus. Let's pray for healing right now. In Jesus' name, be healed. Holy Spirit, come and make these words powerful. Let healing flow through this place and take us to the next level.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Unique Role of the Church: Only the Church of Jesus Christ, filled with the Holy Spirit, can show people forgiveness, freedom, and life everlasting. No other religion can do that. This unique role calls us to re-dig the wells of our faith and return to the ancient paths that God has set before us. [17:13]
2. The Cost of Following God's Call: Embracing God's call will be uncomfortable and costly. It will require us to lay down our reputations and comforts. However, this sacrifice is necessary to fulfill the mandate of healing the sick, raising the dead, cleansing the lepers, and casting out demons. [18:57]
3. Engaging in God Conversations: It's crucial to engage in conversations about what the Holy Spirit has been saying to us. Join life groups, discuss these teachings, and hold each other accountable. When God speaks, He has a purpose, and we need to act on it. [01:47]
4. Reflecting Jesus: Jesus healed people out of compassion, not just to validate His apostles. We are called to reflect Jesus, doing what He did and saying what He said. The signs and wonders are a sign of God's righteousness, not ours. [35:19]
5. The Great Commission for All Believers: The Great Commission is for all believers, not just church leaders. Jesus sent out the 72 with the same commission to heal the sick and proclaim the Kingdom of God. We need to be a church that not only talks a good game but also walks a good walk. [28:00]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:47] - Engaging in God Conversations
[06:17] - Re-digging the Wells
[12:05] - Remembering the Ancient Paths
[17:13] - The Unique Role of the Church
[18:57] - The Cost of Following God's Call
[20:14] - Acting on God's Words
[28:00] - The Great Commission for All Believers
[35:19] - Reflecting Jesus
[40:05] - Repenting of Fear
[44:35] - Embracing the Holy Spirit's Power
[48:13] - Praying for Healing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 10:8: "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without paying."
2. Genesis 26:18: "And Isaac dug again the wells of water that had been dug in the days of Abraham his father, which the Philistines had stopped after the death of Abraham. And he gave them the names that his father had given them."
3. Jeremiah 6:16: "Thus says the Lord: 'Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.' But they said, 'We will not walk in it.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What specific actions does Matthew 10:8 command believers to take?
2. In Genesis 26:18, what did Isaac do with the wells that had been filled in by the Philistines? Why was this significant?
3. According to Jeremiah 6:16, what does God instruct His people to do, and how did they respond?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus emphasized healing the sick, raising the dead, cleansing lepers, and casting out demons in Matthew 10:8? How does this relate to the unique role of the Church? [17:13]
2. What might the "wells" and "ancient paths" symbolize in our spiritual lives and church community, as mentioned in Genesis 26:18 and Jeremiah 6:16? [06:17] [10:59]
3. How does the concept of re-digging wells and returning to ancient paths challenge our current practices and beliefs within the church? [12:05]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on Matthew 10:8. How can you personally engage in the actions Jesus commanded, such as praying for the sick or offering spiritual support to those in need? [17:13]
2. The sermon mentioned that following God's call will be uncomfortable and costly. What are some specific comforts or reputations you might need to lay down to follow God's call more fully? [18:57]
3. How can you actively participate in "God conversations" this week? What steps will you take to listen for God's voice and share what you hear with others? [01:47]
4. Jesus healed out of compassion. How can you cultivate a heart of compassion in your daily interactions, and what practical steps can you take to reflect Jesus' love and mercy? [35:19]
5. The Great Commission is for all believers. What is one specific way you can contribute to proclaiming the Kingdom of God in your community? How can you support others in doing the same? [28:00]
6. The sermon emphasized the need to repent of fear that stops us from praying for the sick. What fears do you need to confront, and how can you take a step of faith in praying for others this week? [40:05]
7. Think about the "wells" in your spiritual life that may have been filled in by discouragement or disillusionment. What steps can you take to re-dig these wells and return to the ancient paths God has set before you? [09:52]
Devotional
Day 1: The Unique Role of the Church
The Church of Jesus Christ, filled with the Holy Spirit, is uniquely positioned to offer forgiveness, freedom, and life everlasting. No other religion can provide this, as only the Church can show people Jesus. This unique role calls us to re-dig the wells of our faith and return to the ancient paths that God has set before us. The Church must be a beacon of hope and a center of healing, reflecting the love and power of Jesus Christ to the world. We are called to be a people who hear the Spirit of God and act on His words, offering something that the world cannot.
Matthew 10:8 says, "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without paying." This verse is a mandate for the Church to step into its unique role. It is a call to action, urging us to embrace the power and authority given to us by Jesus. We must be willing to lay down our reputations and comforts to fulfill this mandate, trusting that God will work through us to bring healing and transformation to those around us. [17:13]
Isaiah 61:1-2: "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in the unique role of the Church this week? What steps can you take to offer forgiveness, freedom, and life everlasting to those around you?
Day 2: The Cost of Following God's Call
Embracing God's call will be uncomfortable and costly. It requires us to lay down our reputations and comforts to fulfill the mandate of healing the sick, raising the dead, cleansing the lepers, and casting out demons. This sacrifice is necessary to walk in the power and authority given to us by Jesus. The journey will be challenging, but it is essential for us to step out in faith and trust that God will work through us to bring healing and transformation.
From the beginning of leadership, several men spoke words from God about making the church a center of healing. These words have been prayed over, and now it is time to act on them. We need to wear these words, try them, and live them. God said He would make this place a center of healing, and it is time to re-dig those wells. This calling is not just for the leaders but for everyone who believes. We need to be a church that not only talks a good game but also walks a good walk. [18:57]
Luke 9:23-24: "And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.'"
Reflection: What comforts or reputations are you holding onto that may be hindering you from fully embracing God's call? How can you begin to lay these down and step out in faith this week?
Day 3: Engaging in God Conversations
It is crucial to engage in conversations about what the Holy Spirit has been saying to us. Joining life groups, discussing these teachings, and holding each other accountable are essential practices for spiritual growth. When God speaks, He has a purpose, and we need to act on it. Engaging in these conversations helps us to stay connected to God's voice and encourages us to live out our faith in practical ways.
God reminds us to look back at the ways we used to do things, the things He asked us to do. We need to remember and walk in those ancient paths. This isn't just for us as individuals but also for us as a church. What are the wells that this church was built on that have been plugged up? What are the ancient paths that are now overgrown? The Holy Spirit's job is to remind us of what God has done and said and to teach us what He will do and say. [01:47]
Jeremiah 6:16: "Thus says the Lord: 'Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.' But they said, 'We will not walk in it.'"
Reflection: What has the Holy Spirit been saying to you this week? How can you engage in conversations with others to discuss and act on these revelations?
Day 4: Reflecting Jesus
Jesus healed people out of compassion, not just to validate His apostles. He saw people as sheep without a shepherd and had mercy on them. The signs and wonders are not a sign of a man's righteousness but of God's righteousness. Jesus is the image of the invisible God, and we are called to reflect Him. We need to do what the Son does and say what the Son says. This calling is not just for the leaders but for everyone who believes.
The Great Commission is for all believers, not just church leaders. Jesus sent out the 72 with the same commission to heal the sick and proclaim the Kingdom of God. We need to be a church that not only talks a good game but also walks a good walk. It's going to get messy, and it's going to cost us, but we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit's power. [35:19]
Colossians 1:15-17: "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
Reflection: In what ways can you reflect Jesus' compassion and mercy to those around you this week? How can you step out in faith to bring healing and hope to others?
Day 5: The Great Commission for All Believers
The Great Commission is for all believers, not just church leaders. Jesus sent out the 72 with the same commission to heal the sick and proclaim the Kingdom of God. We need to be a church that not only talks a good game but also walks a good walk. It's going to get messy, and it's going to cost us, but we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit's power. This calling is for everyone who believes, and we must embrace it with courage and faith.
For those new to this journey, remember what brought you here. It wasn't the quiet pews or the nice worship; it was something inside you that told you to be here. God wants you to be part of this journey. If you're feeling pain or sickness, reach out and touch the garment of Jesus. Let's pray for healing right now. In Jesus' name, be healed. Holy Spirit, come and make these words powerful. Let healing flow through this place and take us to the next level. [28:00]
Matthew 28:18-20: "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'"
Reflection: How can you actively participate in the Great Commission this week? What steps can you take to share the love and power of Jesus with those around you?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "But there is only the church of Jesus Christ. Filled with the Holy Spirit. That can teach people and show people forgiveness. Freedom. Life everlasting. Nobody else can do that. Islam can't show you Jesus. Buddhism can't show you Jesus. Only the church of Jesus Christ. Can show you Jesus. And half the church can't show you Jesus." [17:13]
2. "Because when God speaks, he doesn't just speak for any reason, for no reason at all. He speaks because he has a purpose. Every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord has power, authority. And a purpose. So if God is speaking to you, then you need to do something with what you've heard." [02:57]
3. "If we're not a people who hear the spirit of God. If we're not a people that listen to the voice of the spirit. If we're not a people that are filled with the spirit. Then we ain't got nothing to offer those out there. Because it doesn't matter whether or not we're nice people. Anybody can give somebody money. Anybody can give somebody food. Anybody can give the whole world. Anybody can give the homeless a place to live. Anybody can give somebody that hope for the night." [16:06]
4. "Jesus sent his disciples to heal the sick. To cast out demons. And preach repentance. Saying the kingdom is near. The kingdom of God is at hand. And we know that his words in Matthew 28. Are for all of us. Very few people are going to disagree with me on that. That's one thing I'm not going to disagree with. I'm not going to get any emails about. The great commission is for every Christian. That sits in this room right now. Go make disciples of the nations. Baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit." [29:36]
5. "Do you believe in a Jesus? Do you believe in a God? Who only heals somebody to make a point. Do you believe in a Jesus that will only heal somebody to validate somebody's ministry? Does your Bible tell you that Jesus did these things. Healed the sick. Just so he could get a point across." [34:26]
### Quotes for Members
1. "What are the ancient ways in you that you've walked away from? What are the things that God is asking you to go back to? What are the wells that need to be dug back out? What are the ancient paths that need to be found again and walked in? That's for us as individuals. But it's also for us as church. As flame. What are the wells that this church was built on? That have been plugged up? What are the ancient paths that this church walked on? That are now overgrown and we can't see them? What is God stirring us to recapture? To remember. Remember that one of the jobs of the Holy Spirit, is to speak to us, to remind us of what God has done and said." [13:38]
2. "I believe God is calling us. To start looking and exploring those words. To start walking in them. To start being the church of Jesus Christ. Who can only give people Jesus Christ. Who can only point to Jesus Christ. It is time to re-dig those wells. To unblock them of the discouragement. The disappointment and the disillusionment. It's even time to repent of the fear that we've allowed to creep into our lives. To stop us from praying. To stop us from healing the sick. That fear that has caused us to hide from it." [40:05]
3. "Church, it is time for us to find our voice. To step into our place in this community. To be a people of the Spirit. A people who are not afraid to be filled with the boldness and endued with power from on high. To be a people that heal the sick. Raise the dead. Cleanse the lepers. Cast out demons. That's the people that we're called to be. Now I'm going to say for those who are new to us. New Christians maybe. Walking this walk for the first time. All of that might sound really strange. But just remember what it is that brought you to this place." [46:14]
4. "We need to be a church that not only talks a good game, but walks a good walk as well. God's got me stirred on this. And I'm sorry. If this is making you uncomfortable. If this isn't the kind of church you wanted. If you wanted the quiet pews with the nice worship. And the not messy services. Then guys, go down the road. Because this place is going to get messy. Because I'm not going to keep praying, Jesus, Holy Spirit, come and let your peace fall upon this place. I'm going to say, Holy Spirit, let your fire fall. Because that's what we need." [44:35]
5. "You will know those words that I spoke about earlier. You will have heard them. I believe God is calling us. To start looking and exploring those words. To start walking in them. To start being the church of Jesus Christ. Who can only give people Jesus Christ. Who can only point to Jesus Christ. It is time to re-dig those wells. To unblock them of the discouragement. The disappointment and the disillusionment. It's even time to repent of the fear that we've allowed to creep into our lives. To stop us from praying. To stop us from healing the sick. That fear that has caused us to hide from it." [40:05]
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