Portraits with Purpose

1. Agenda for Healing

Scripture: John 5; James5:7-16

Hymn:

"The Great Physician"

Meditation: Is James’ “Prayer of faith” meant for cancer or contempt? What is the predominant theme of Scripture: physical health or spiritual healing? Shall we gather around the 5 th chapters of the Gospel of John and the Letter of James to keep our heart right with God…  Know God’s Priority (John 5:13-14; James 5:7-11). A multitude of sick, and Jesus heals only one. Jesus followed up this healing with spiritual concern and instruction. God’s priority is confirmed in 3 rd John 1:2 and again in 2 nd Corinthians 4:16. God’ s priorities are always spiritual, for man’s soul!  Absorb God’s Word (John 5:16; Mark 2:27; James 5:12). God’s laws were made for man’s good. Proverbs 4:22 refers to God’s words as, “Life to those that find them, and health to all their flesh.” That thought is echoed in 3:1,8; 16:24; 17:22 and Hebrews 4:12. We must constantly absorb the healing Word of God.  Join God’s On -Going Work (John 5:17; James 5:13-16). Note the following word meanings from this passage in James, verses 13- 16: “afflicted,” those who suffer hardship or misfortune; “any sick,” weak, bodily sick and needy; “save the sick,” means discouraged ; and, “healed,” cured spiritually or restored from a state of sin.” Clearly God is always at work around you, and physical strength is granted for spiritual service. Note, the healing is not of the physical, but rather of the sin of discouragement that causes one not to serve God.

The greatest of all miracles was when Jesus saved me! Yes, I know what Jesus did for me.