PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Superstition says that words said in a particular way do miraculous things, shadows heal, and water can save you for eternity or at least keep you from purgatory.
Faith in God says that only the words that come from God have eternal working, healing is only a shadow of the person and character of God to be revealed, no amount of water can cleanse you from sin but only accepting and trusting the work of Jesus on the cross taking our sin upon Himself can bring you home to the Father.
Just as death in the garden was more than physical death, life promised by God is more than physical life on earth.
Where is the healing ministry of the church today?
Could you imagine someone who has the antidote to a major disease but refuses to give it out or gives it away sparingly?
Major depression, which frequently goes undiagnosed or untreated, is a mental illness characterized by a constant sense of hopelessness and despair, making it difficult to work, sleep or eat. The condition affects adults, teens and children.
We must "go" in order to give the eternal antidote for life in this fallen world.
“God is commanding them to continue on in the very activity that got them arrested in the first place. Yet, at the same time, God is showing His love and care for the apostles by freeing them from prison, and demonstrating that He will provide for their needs as they seek the kingdom of God.”
-Mohler Jr.
Where do we find ourselves in the irony of God’s sovereignty:
If people don’t believe that prayer does anything can I still stand firm that my God is a God who answers prayer?
If God calls me to do something that is "bad for business" or may hurt my reputation and make people look at me funny can I stand firm and trust that His ways are better?
Can I stand knowing that God’s word is powerful to work in me and in those around me?
Even though I will die, I will be able to stand knowing that I will live forever in the presence of King Jesus.
Having a conviction to obey God.
Being a firsthand witness to repentance.
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree"
Galatians 3:13
Being a witness to the fact that God's message can't be stopped.
Being able to rejoice in suffering.
How do you trust God without resenting God when going through trials?
Put more value and more weight in the long term outcome rather than the short term pain.
“For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things...
...But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables Him even to subject all things to Himself.”
Philippians 3:18-21