February 2010: Jesus | Miracles and Healing

8/14/2019 February 2010: Jesus | Miracles and Healing

1/13

BIG IDEAS FOR FEBRUARY

JESUS I M IR A C L E S A N D H E A L IN G

To the Mighty Men and Women of Axis,

Hopefully as you read this, the weather is much warmer than it is today! This month we

will be studying J esus' healing and miracles. The miracles J esus performed whi le he

walked the earth served to prove his unique role in creation, as one who holds authority

over physical health, the spiritual realm, nature, and even death itself. Our goal in

studying miracles and healing is to better understand who J esus is, what He has done

for us, and how we can be like Him in our communities.

We realize that this topic has some potential for difficult, intense, opinionated, or even

divisive conversations. Although we do our best to craft the curriculum in a way that

points us to Christ instead of our own opinions, we have included some very important

supplemental material for these difficult topics, including Willow Creek's statement of

belief on healings and spiritual warfare topics . As a representative of Axis and Willow

Creek Community Church, it is important that you know Willow's stance on these

subjects. We are hopeful t 'ta t"these additional materials a ~ useful tools as we strive to

fall more in love with Christ and shepherd our communities.

As you enter into the month of February, we'd like to ask you to do two things : ( C - .First, we encourage you to .meet early and pray specifjc ~ that this curriculum be used -;."" ~

for God's glory. There is great potential for God to do healing work this month, and as r .

always, opportunities to share the Gospel . Since the conversation also has the potential ",.

to get caught up in past hurts, anger at God or the church, and divisions because of tI~~ _differing opinions on healing, we are asking that you would pray very intentionally about ' - -this month . ~ ~

Second, don't be afraid to say you don't kJ 1Qw!he answer to some questions . Some things

we may not understand-like ':hy doesn't God heal everyone, for example. Bewilling to

talk about issues, but also ""illing to live in the tension of not having all the answers.

I am excited to see what will happen in your communities this month, and pray that wewould all come to know Jesus better as a healer and miracle worker! I

, ,-11 " .

~ ".~~Mark Your Cal . endars:

Conversations: Thursday, Feb ruary zs"Axis Experience: Friday, March s"

Amy and Kimberly


2/13

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Framing Question Do you think healings happen only by faith?

What Does Scripture Say? (Head) Have 2 volunteers read Mark 5:25-34.

What stands out to you in this passage? Read Malachi 4:2. The word wings in M alachi is the same word uses in Markto describe the part of the robe that the woman grabbed on Jesus, the tasselof his robe. 1 What does this say about the womans faith? Who did shebelieve Jesus was?

Read Leviticus 15:25-27 and 31. What does this show about the bleedingwoman s role in the Jewish community? 2

Which Means What? (Heart) Read John 5:1-15. Does it seem like this man was healed because of his faith? 3 Do you think this man was fully healed? Why or why not? What role does faith have in the healings weve read about ?

Why do you think Jesus healed people? Read John 11:4. How does this shedlight on the conversation?

Jesus follows up the healing with a conversation. Why does he do this? When praying for healing, how do you handle the fear that God might choose

not to heal you physically? The Bible readers companion commentary states that faith does not

guarantee healing and healing can take place apart from faith, but faith does cause us to appeal to Jesus and rely on Him. Faith brings us to Jesus and Heworks wonders in our lives. Do you agree with this idea?

How do we wrestle with the desire for all things to be right in this world whenclearly there is pain and sickness? Does it cause you to pull back from prayer,or lean into prayer?

Read Revelation 21:4. How does this offer hope to those in physical pain today? In Jesus day, sickness and physical ailments were some of the most pressinghurts in the world. In our day, when there is advanced medicine and contactlenses, are there other areas in which we are most in need of healing?

How Does This Change My Life? (Hands) Do you believe Jesus can bring healing to your life? Do you live like you

believe Jesus can heal any part of your life? Are there areas in which you would like to grow in your trust in God? It seems that the woman in the story trusted God for an obscure promise that

the messiah would have healing in the tassels of his robe, and she had enoughfaith to act on it. What promises from scripture can we trust God for?

Our communities are places meant to be expressions of Gods love in thisworld. In what ways can we bring healing to those in our communities?

Stretch ActivityOne way we can grow our faith is through prayer. Attached is a list of some promisesof God from the scriptures. Hand out the list to everyone in your community or readeach one aloud. Have people choose one that stands out to them as one they need tohear and believe. This week, make that promise your prayer and put it somewhere youwill remember to pray it continually. Next week, check in to see how God has movedin peoples lives.

Whats the Big Idea? Jesus healed the sick of theland. As the body of Christ,we are to also have faith thatour Creator is drawing us to

wholeness and healing.

Truth:Mark 5:25-34a woman was there whohad been subject to bleedingfor twelve yearsWhen sheheard about Jesus, she cameup behind him in the crowdand touched his cloak,because she thought, "If I

just touch his clothes, I willbe healed." Immediately herbleeding stopped and shefelt in her body that she wasfreed from her suffering. Atonce Jesus realized thatpower had gone out fromhim. He turned around in thecrowd and asked, "Whotouched my clothes?" "Yousee the people crowdingagainst you," his disciplesanswered, "and yet you canask, 'Who touched me?' "

But Jesus kept lookingaround to see who had doneit. Then the woman, knowingwhat had happened to her,came and fell at his feet and,trembling with fear, told himthe whole truth. He said toher, "Daughter, your faithhas healed you. Go in peaceand be freed from yoursuffering."

Details, Details The Axis community will besitting together in section208/209 for all three weekendservices. Come sit with us atany service!

Interested in serving on theweekends as a greeter?Please [email protected].


3/13

1. A Note about the Word Wings

The Hebrew word for wings used in Malachi is Kanaph , which means the wings of a bird and/or the corner of agarment with a tassel on it. This type of garment was worn by all believing Jews, certainly Jesus. It is highly likelythe woman knew this scripture in Micah, and knew that the messiah would have healing in his tassels and so shespecifically grabbed hold of them with faith that she would be healed.

2. The Woman and Community:

If this woman touched anyone or anyones clothes, she rendered that person ceremonially unclean for the rest of

the day (cf. Lev 15:26 27). Some uncleanness was unavoidable, but it was inconvenient to fulfill the required bath,and men avoided uncleanness when they could. Because she rendered unclean anyone she touched, she shouldnot have even been in this heavy crowd. Later Jewish tradition made this danger even more serious than Leviticushad so many teachers avoided touching women altogether, lest they become accidentally contaminated. Thus shecould not touch or be touched, was probably now divorced or had never married, and was marginal to Jewishsociety.

Keener, C. S., & InterVarsity Press. (1993). The IVP Bible background commentary: New Testament (Mk 5:26-27).Downers Grove,Ill.: InterVarsity Press.

3. Is there a connection between faith and healing?

Jesus clarified t he relation between his power and the womans faith. She was not healed impersonally, but uponthe meeting of her personal faith with Jesus personal power. This stands in great contrast to the pagan concepts

of impersonal divine power.

Hughes, R. B., & Laney, J. C. (2001). Tyndale concise Bible commentary. Rev. ed. of: New Bible companion. 1990.;Includes index.

The Tyndale reference library (430). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers.

Mark emphasizes the role of faith in benefiting from Jesus won der-working powers. This does not mean that faithguarantees healing or that healing cannot take place apart from faith. Note that there is no mention of faith in thestory of the deliverance of the demon possessed man, just above. What faith does do is cause us to appeal toJesus and to rely on Him. Its faith that brings us to Jesus. Its Jesus who works wonders in our lives.

Richards, L. O. (1991; Published in electronic form by Logos Research Systems, 1996). The Bible readers companion (electroniced.) (637). Wheaton: Victor Books.


4/13

1. What are miracles? A miracle is a less common kind of Gods activity in which He arouses peoples awe and wonder and bearswitness to Himself. 1

2. Why doesnt God always heal people?

As Christians we have to face the fact that this, and other difficult questions don't have easy answers. We aretold that in spite of what we see, God is in control, that the answers are sometimes beyond us, that we need totrust God, that these things are the result of sin in the world and that God is letting it have its course, etc. Thoughthese answers are all true, they do not always comfort because our pain sometimes over-rides our faith. 2

The truth is, w e dont always see Gods purposes as He works in this world. We do know , however, that He hearsall our prayers, loves us, and works out things for the good of those who love Him. We must cling to the truthsthat we know about God, t he truths that are in scripture when we feel confused as to why God didnt healsomeone. We can also ask Him about it, tell him our confusion and hurt , and invite Him to work in our heartsthrough this.

If you are sick, pray and ask the Lord to heal you. Expect healing and don't doubt, but understand that the healing

you may get could be through miraculous intervention by God, or the natural healing of your own body, and/orthe work of a doctor who might use surgery and/or medicine. Either way, God is the one who miraculously worksand who also has gifted people to be able to perform their healing work 3.

3. What role does faith play in healing?In Mark 5:34, Jesus says to a woman your faith has saved you, go in peace. Again in Mark 10:52 , Jesus says to theman, let it be done to you according to your faith. Clearly there are occurrences when faith has a n influence onhealing. Other occurrences include Jesus healing a paralytic because of his friends faith (Mark 2:1 -12) and Jesushealing a daughter be cause of her dads faith (Mark 5).

However, there are also instances where faith is not mentioned. When Jesus heals a demoniac in Mark 5, his faithis not mentioned. A blind man gets healed in John 5, who it seems has no faith. In Luke 7:11-17 Jesus raises a littlegirl from the dead without anyone asking. Also in Luke 8, Jesus calms the storm after telling the disciples they have

no faith.

So faith and healing do go together, but not always in a predictable way. Jesus knew he could rescue himself fromthe Cross, and many others likely believed he could as well, but he chose not to because He knew it was for Godsglory.What faith does do is cause us to appeal to Jesus and to rely on Him. Its faith that brings us to Jesus. Its Jesus whoworks wonders in our lives. 4

4. Does God promise to heal us? What does God promise us?He promises wholeness for eternity for those who trust in Jesus. Maybe our role in praying for healing is to helppeople enter into and stay in relationship with God when circumstances give us every reason not to believe. Oursupport for an individual may help them to believe in God when he doesn't feel very believable... which will leadto healing for eternity.There is a picture of this in Revelation 21. In eternity God will wipe away every tear from our eyes and all hurt andcrying will cease. This gives us hope and encouragement that whatever we suffer now, if we are Gods children bythe blood of Christ, that our sufferings will serve to bring Glory to God, and will eventually cease.

1 Wayne Grudem Systematic Theology (Inter-Varsity: Leicester, UK,1994).2 http://www.carm.org/questions/other-questions/should-we-use-doctors-or-just-have-faith-god-will-heal 3 http://www.carm.org/questions/other-questions/should-we-use-doctors-or-just-have-faith-god-will-heal4 Richards, L. O. (1991; Published in electronic form by Logos Research Systems, 1996). The Bible readers companion (electronic ed.) (637). Wheaton:Victor Books.


5/13

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest foryour souls.For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Psalm 73:26 (NIV) My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Romans 8:38-39 (NIV) For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor thefuture, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate usfrom the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Philippians 4:13 (NIV) I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV) For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (fear), but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

James 5:16 (NASV)The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

Psalm 32:7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.

Isaiah 40:31(KJV)

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength;they shall mount up with wings as eagles;they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Job 17:9 (LB) The righteous shall move onward and forward; those with pure hearts shall become stronger and stronger.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV) And he said to unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Proverbs 3:5,6Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your path straight.

1 Peter 1:23 (NIV) For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduringword of God.


6/13

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Framing Questions Did you experience God moving through the scripture you chose from last

week to think and pray about? Do you think there is a spiritual realm that co -exists with our physical

world? Why or why not?

What Does Scripture Say? (Head) Read Mark 5:1-20 aloud in your community. What stands out to you about

this passage? Why do we never (or rarely) hear of people who are demon-possessed today? If there was a man like the possessed man in our culture, what would be done

with him? Do you think mental illness can have a spiritual aspect to it? Do you think God can heal mental illness? Why do you think Jesus was able to command the demon to leave? Why do you think Jesus healed this particular man?

Which Means What? (Heart)

Jesus also sends out his disciples to heal and cast out demons. When theyreturn he says, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given youauthority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the powerof the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spiritssubmit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." (Luke10:18-20). Why does Jesus tell this to the disciples?

Read Ephesians 6:12. Do you ever feel spiritually attacked? This man is set free from the bondage of Satan by Jesus healing power. We

have all experienced bondage in some ways bondage to sin, bondage toaddiction, and bondage to other peoples opinion. Are there any ways Jesushas set you free from bondage?

How Does This Change My Life? (Hands) Sometimes it is difficult to know how to act in regards to the spiritual realm,but we need to be aware of Satans schemes. As a community , read throughEphesians 6:10-18. Go through each item talked about and talk about howyou can apply each one to your life. Pay attention to what the item is, andwhat it protects and why. All these things have great significance in theChristian life.

What is the belt of truth? How do I hold to truth? What is the breastplate of righteousness? How do we clothe ourselves in

righteousness? What does it mean to wear shoes of readiness? How do we use the sword of the Spirit? What is the helmet of salvation?

Why is it important to pray at all times? How can we do this?

Whats the Big Idea? Jesus was aware of andaggressively fighting againstevil in the spiritual realm. Ashis followers, He equips us tobe wise and actively standfirm against Satans schemes.

Truth:Mark 5:1-20...the man went away and

began to tell in the Decapolis

how much Jesus had donefor him. And all the peoplewere amazed.

Ephesians 6:10-18

Finally, be strong in the Lordand in his mighty power. Puton the full armor of God sothat you can take your standagainst the devil's schemes.For our struggle is notagainst flesh and blood, butagainst the rulers, againstthe authorities, against thepowers of this dark worldand against the spiritualforces of evil in the heavenlyrealms.

Details, Details Conversations: Thursday,

Feb. 25 at 6:30. Make sureto invite your leadershipteam!

The Axis community will besitting together in section208/209 for all threeweekend services. Comesit with us at any service!

Interested in serving onthe weekends as agreeter? Please [email protected].


7/13

1. Does Satan really even exist?Yes. The scriptures are clear that Satan is real. He is opposed to God and desires to keep all people from God. Heis a dangerous enemy of Christians (Lk 8:33; 1 Cor 7:5; 1 Pt 5:8), who must steadfastly resist him (2 Cor 2:11; Eph6:11; Jas 4:7). Satan tempts (Jn 13:2; Acts 5:3), hinders Gods workers (1 Thes 2:18) and accuses (Rv 12:10). Mostimportantly, however, the NT teaches us that this being, who has been evil from the beginning (1 Jn 3:8), has nowbeen bound and cast out of heaven through the ministry of Jesus (Lk 10:18; Rv 12). While Satan is still a dangerousenemy, Jesus himself prays for us and has given us the powerful weapons of prayer, faith, and the efficacy of hisblood. Satan can still cause physical illness when allowed by God (2 Cor 12:7), and persons can be delivered overto him for punishment (1 Cor 5:5; 1 Tm 1:20). Satan will always be under Gods sovereignty, who will eventuallydestroy him (Rom 16:20; Rv 20:10). 5

2. What is demonic oppression? Demonic oppression is the work of evil spiritual forces that urge us to sin, to deny God's word, to feel spirituallydead, and to be in bondage to sinful things. This oppressive work is performed by demons, which are fallen angelswho resist God, and who sinned (Jude 6). They war against God, against God's people, and against unbelievers aswell. Their goal is to bring as many people as possible into rebellion against God and condemnation in hell.

We must be very careful not to say that every negative thing we experience is demonic oppression. Sometimesphysical ailments are caused by lack of proper sleep, poor diet, germs, or disease. Spiritual deadness can bebrought on by the effects of physical problems, and sometimes our lack of emotional maturity can complicate ourunderstanding of God and result in us not being able to rest in Him. Many times people don't have demonicoppression, and the reality is they just don't know how to control themselves, their anger, or their lusts. And asfar as financial situations go, we have to be careful that were not spending more than we take in and thensomehow blame our financial difficulties on demonic forces.

It is always a good idea to ask the Lord to bind the evil one on your behalf. We Christians have authority in thename of Jesus Christ to resist evil and we are guaranteed the ultimate victory in Christ. But sometimes God allowsthings happen to us, even demonic attacks, in order to test our faith and to purify it. Remember, in all ourstruggles we are to be faithful and trust the Lord. So before assigning anything to demonic oppression, make sureyou're getting enough sleep, eating right, exercising, and that you are working to control your emotionalbehavior. Then, after prayer, it would be time to consider demonic oppression if things in your life are unusuallydifficult. 6

Recommended reading on these topics:

The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip YanceyReclaiming Surrendered Ground by Jim Logan

5 Elwell, W. A., & Comfort, P. W. (2001). Tyndale Bible dictionary. Tyndale reference library (1168). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers.6 http://www.carm.org/questions/about-demons/what-demonic-oppression


8/13

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What Does Scripture Say? (Head) Read John 11:17-44. What stands out to you in this passage? Why do you think Jesus waited to go to Bethany? 1 What do you think Jesus means when He says that Lazarus death will be for

Gods glory? How did it glorify God? Why does Jesus raise Lazarus? (see John 11:5, 36, and 4)

Which Means What? (Heart) In this story, Martha, Mary and those around them do not believe that Jesus is

going to raise Lazarus from the dead. He tells them, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God ? How do you think you wouldhave reacted?

We have studied how Jesus healed people physically, mentally, and nowhealing death itself what does this show about who Jesus is?

Read Colossians 1:15-20. How does Jesus unique role in creation allow him to

have authority over all aspects of humanity? What gives Jesus authority over death? What parallels do you see between this story and the life of a believer? 2 Read Ephesians 2:1-10, letting the words really sink in, especially verses 4-6.

How does this shed light on the discussion? Lazarus was dead and then made alive. Believers also were dead and then are

made alive. For Lazarus, this was a very obvious change. Should it be for us?What are examples of changes into new life you have seen in your life or thelives of others?

How Does This Change My Life? (Hands)

How might your life be different if you really believed Jesus has authority overall things (including sickness, mental health, and death)?

John 11:4 says that Lazarus sickness is for God's glory so that God's Son maybe glorified through it, Does this change the way your think about or pray forhealing?

In the story of Lazarus, Jesus tells the community to help Lazarus out of hisgrave clothes. In what way do we need to help our communities walk intonew life?

Whats the Big Idea?

Jesus has authority over allcreation including health,nature, and even death itself.Like the story of Lazarus, Godoffers resurrection from thedead to all who would trust inJesus.

Truth:John 11:41-44So they took away the stone.Then Jesus looked up and said,"Father, I thank you that youhave heard me. I knew that youalways hear me, but I said thisfor the benefit of the peoplestanding here, that they maybelieve that you sent me."When he had said this, Jesuscalled in a loud voice, "Lazarus,come out!" The dead man cameout, his hands and feet wrappedwith strips of linen, and a clotharound his face. Jesus said tothem, "Take off the graveclothes and let him go."

Colossians 1:15-20He is the image of the invisibleGod, the firstborn over allcreation. For by him all thingswere created: things in heavenand on earth, visible and

invisible, whether thrones orpowers or rulers or authorities;all things were created by himand for him. He is before allthings, and in him all things holdtogether. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is thebeginning and the firstbornfrom among the dead, so that ineverything he might have thesupremacy. For God waspleased to have all his fullnessdwell in him, and through himto reconcile to himself all things,

whether things on earth orthings in heaven, by makingpeace through his blood, shedon the cross.

Details, Details Conversations:

Thursday Feb. 25 at 6:30--Make sure to invite yourleadership team!

Axis Experience:March 5 in Caf Twenty, 7:30


9/13

1. Why did Jesus wait?

Lazarus had been dead four days (11:17). This notation was extremely important to those familiar with Jewishburial customs. The general belief was that the spirit of the deceased hovered around the body for three days inanticipation of some possible means of reentry into the body. But on the third day it was believed that the bodylost its color and the spirit was locked out. Therefore the spirit was obliged to enter the chambers of Sheol (theplace of the dead). The passing of the third day, therefore, signaled the conclusion of the last modicum of hope for

the mourners.

Borchert, G. L. (2001, c1996). Vol. 25A: John 1-11 (electronic ed.). Logos Library System; The New AmericanCommentary (354). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

2. The commentary below offers a cool perspective on how the story of Lazarus as a live allegory to theChristian life. We would encourage you to read this as a help for your leadership team, but not necessarily tostudy it all in hub.

I. Lazarus Was Dead The unsaved person is not just sick; he or she is spiritually dead (Eph. 2:1 3; Col. 2:13). When a person is

physically dead, she does not respond to such things as food, temperature, or pain. When a person is spiritually dead,he does not respond to spiritual things. She has no interest in God, the Bible, Christians, or church until the Holy Spirit

begins to work in her heart. God warned Adam that d isobedience would bring death (Gen. 2:15 17) physical death(the separation of the soul from the body) and spiritual death (the separation of the soul from God). Revelation 20:14calls hell the second death, that is eternal death. What sinners dead to God s ways need is not education, medicine,morality, or religion; they need new life in Jesus Christ.II. He Was Decayed (11:39)

There are three resurrections recorded in the Gospels, apart from that of our Lord Himself. Christ raised atwelve-year-old girl who had died (Luke 8:49 56), a young man who had been dead several hours (Luke 7:11 17), andan older man who had been in the tomb four days (John 11). One person cannot be more dead than another. Theonly difference lay in the degree of decay. Is this not true of sinners today? The moral church member is notdecayed like the person on skid row, but he is still dead. III. He Was Raised and Given Life (11:41 44)

The sisters Jewish friends could only sympathize and weep; it took Christ to give the man life. How did Christgive him life? By the power of His word. This is the way He raised all three dead people mentioned above (see John5:24 and Eph. 2:1 10). Why did Christ raise Lazarus? Because He loved him (v. 5 and v. 36) and because it brought

glory to God (v. 4). This is why He has saved us. We deserve to die and go to hell, but because of His great love, Herescued us. (Read again Eph. 1:3 14 and 2:1 10.)

Keep in mind that salvation is not a set of rules; it is l ife (John 3:14 21, 36; 5:24; 10:10; 1 John 5:10 13). This lifeis a Person Jesus Christ. When dead sinners hear the voice of the Son of God (the Word) and believe, they are giveneternal life (John 5:25). To reject that Word is to be dead forever.IV. He Was Loosed (11:44)

Lazarus was bound hand and foot and so could not free himself. The believer is not to be bound by thegraveclothes of the old life, but should walk in the freedom of the new life. Read carefully Col. 3:1 17 to learn howthe Christian is to put off the graveclothes and put on the grace clothes of the new life. It is a poor testimonyfor a Christian to carry with him the things of the old life.V. He Witnessed to Others (11:45)

In John 11:45 and 12:9 11 and 17, we see that Lazarus caused quite a stir in the area! People saw him andbelieved in Christ! In fact, he was a walking miracle, just as every Christian ought to be (Rom. 6:4). The great crowdthat gathered on Palm Sunday came not only because of Jesus, but also because of Lazarus. In 12:11 we are told that

Lazarus was causing people to trust Christ, but this kind of witness is the privilege and duty of every Christian.

Wiersbe, W. W. (1997, c1992). Wiersbe's expository outlines on the New Testament (237). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.


10/13

In his life, Jesus healed the sick of the land. We also can have faiththat our Creator is drawing us to wholeness and healing.

Mark 5:25-34A large crowd followed and pressed around him.And a woman was there who had been subject tobleeding for twelve years she thought, "If I justtouch his clothes, I will be healed." Immediatelyher bleeding stopped and she felt in her body thatshe was freed from her suffering. At once Jesusrealized that power had gone out from him. Heturned around in the crowd and asked, "Whotouched my clothes?" Then the woman,knowing what had happened to her, came and fellat his feet and, trembling with fear, told him thewhole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faithhas healed you. Go in peace and be freed fromyour suffering."

Malachi 4:2Revelation 21:4John 11:14

Axis is now sitting insection 208/209 for allthree services! If you areinterested in volunteeringat a service, [email protected]

Jesus was aware of and fought evil in the spiritual realm. As his

followers, He equips us to be wise and ac tively stand firm against Satans schemes.

:

Mark 5:1-20a man with an evil spirit came from the tombsto meet him No one was strong enough tosubdue him. Night and day among the tombs andin the hills he would cry out and cut himself withstones Jesus had said to him, "Come out of thisman, you evil spirit!" The demons begged Jesus,"Send us among the pigs; allow us to go intothem." He gave them permission, and the evilspirits c ame out and went into the pigs [Thepeople] saw the man who had been possessed bythe legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and inhis right mind; and they were afraid ... Then thepeople began to plead with Jesus to leave theirregion

Luke 18:10-13Ephesians 5:1-11Romans 7:15-8:1

Axis is now sitting insection 208/209 for allthree services! If you areinterested in volunteeringthere [email protected]


11/13

Read Mark 5:25-34. What stands out to you? Read Leviticus 15:25-27 and 31. What does this scripture

show us about this womans role in the Jewishcommunity?

What do you think Jesus pu rpose was for healingpeople? Read John 11:4. How does add to theconversation?

When praying for healing, how do you handle the fearthat God might choose not to heal?

How do we wrestle with the desire for all things to beright in this world when faced with pain and sickness?

Read Revelation 21:4. How does this shed light onhealings?

In Jesus day, sickness and physical ailments were someof the most pressing hurts in the world. In our day, whenthere is advanced medicine and contact lenses, what aresome of the areas we are most in need of healing?

Do you believe Jesus can bring healing to your life? Dolive like you believe Jesus can heal you in all parts of yourlife?

Are there areas that you would like to grow in your trustin God? What are they?

Do you think there is a spiritual realm that co -existswith our world? Why or why not?

Read Mark 5:1-20. What stands out to you? Why do you think Jesus was able to command the

demon to leave? What do you think Jesus purposes were in heali ng this

particular man?

Read Luke 10:18-20. Why does Jesus tell this to thedisciples?

Read Ephesians 5:12. Do you ever feel spirituallyattacked?

This man is set free from the bondage of Satan by Jesushealing power. We also have all experienced bondage

in some ways bondage to sin, bondage to addiction,and bondage to other peoples opinion. Are there anyways Jesus has set you free from bondage?

Sometimes it is difficult to know how to act in regards tothe spiritual realm, but we need to be aware of Satansschemes. As a community, read through Ephesians6:10-18. Go through each item talked about and talkabout how you can apply each one to your life. Payattention to what the item is, and what it protects andwhy.


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Jesus has authority over all creation, even death itself. Like thestory of Lazarus, God offers resurrection from the dead to all who trust in Jesus.

John 11:17-44So they took away the stone. Then Jesus lookedup and said, "Father, I thank you that you haveheard me. I knew that you always hear me, but Isaid this for the benefit of the people standinghere, that they may believe that you sent me."When he had said this, Jesus called in a loudvoice, "Lazarus, come out!" The dead man cameout, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said tothem, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."

Colossians 1:15-20Ephesians 2:1-10

Conversations:Thursday, Feb. 25 at 6:30.Make sure to invite yourleadership team!

Axis Experience:March 5 at 7:30!


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Read John 11:17-44. What stands out to you? What do you think Jesus means when He says that Lazarus

death will be for Gods glory ? How did it glorify God?

Read Colossians 1:15-20. How does Jesus unique role increation allow him to have authority over humanity?

What parallels do you see between the story of Lazarus andthe life of a believer?

Read Ephesians 2:1-10. How does this add to the discussion? How does Jesus death and resurrection make it possible for

those who believe in Jesus to have new life? Lazarus was dead and then made alive. Believers also were

dead and then make alive. For Lazarus, this was a very obviouschange. Should it be for us? What are examples of changesinto new life you have seen in your life or the lives of others?

Would you live your life differently if you really believed Jesushas authority over all things (including death)?

If healing is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified

through it (v. 4), does this change the way you think or prayabout healing?

Jesus tells the community to help Lazarus out of his graveclothes. In what way do we need to help our communitieswalk into new life?

February 2010: Jesus | Miracles and Healing

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Transcript of February 2010: Jesus | Miracles and Healing