The resources God has given us to live a thriving life are His Word, Spirit, and People.
Read God’s Word:
Matthew 4:23-25 – 8:14-17, Mark 1:21-39, Luke 4:31-33
Act 3: God’s New Covenant People
Scene 2: Christ’s Ministry; God’s True King Manifests His Kingdom
Background Information: Matthew 4:23-25 – 8:14-17, Mark 1:21-39, Luke 4:31-33
In all of human history, there have only been four kinds of people. There are those who are not exceptionally wise or good who don’t claim to be God. This would include most people. There are those who are not exceptionally wise or good who claim to be God. These people are mentally ill. There are those who are exceptionally wise or good, who don’t claim to be God. These are the few who make human history for their character and impact, but do not see themselves as special. Finally, there are those who are world-renowned for their goodness and wisdom, and they claim to be God. In all of history’s billions of humans, this last category includes only one person: Jesus. He was recognized for his goodness, wisdom, power, and authority, and he claimed to be the fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecy. He claimed that he was God and that his word had the authority of God’s words. He backed up his claims of authority with shows of power. He had power over sickness and power over demons. “Put your money where your mouth is” is an idiom that speaks to the need to be able to back up your bold claims with action. Jesus made bold claims, and Jesus performed bold actions to back up those claims. If Jesus came to heal our diseases, why doesn’t he do that more often now? Why doesn’t he heal me or my loved one today? He didn’t come to heal physical illness; he came to save us from our sin. There were many in Jesus’ time that he did not heal. He didn’t set up a hospital and see patients all day long. He went preaching the good news that the Kingdom of God had come. His miracles were signs pointing to the purpose for which he came. He may or may not heal you of a sickness, but if you are a Christian, then he has “healed” you of your sin sickness, and he has brought you into the kingdom of God. That is by far your greatest need and his greatest gift.
Pray:
Praise God for…
Thank God for…
Confess your sins to God
Pray for Rick and Amelia. Ask God to use them as faithful witness of the gospel.
Ask God for… (what else concerns you?)
Reflect:
Write down one passage of scripture that stood out to you today.
Write down why this passage stood out to you.
Engage Community:
Text or call someone now and tell them…
– What you are praying for.
– What stood out from God’s word today.