Thinking Theologically about Sickness and Healing
Surely the One who made us is capable of healing us—no question—but can we say He is responsible for all these things? How does He heal? What does Scripture teach?
In the classic allegory The Pilgrim’s Progress, the main character, Christian, tumbles into the miry bog, the “slough of despond,” and struggles to get free. But the heavy burden on his back pulls him in deeper, and he begins to sink.
This image pictures what it feels like when we’re sinking in difficult circumstances—when our debts outweigh our income, when past hurts won’t heal, when discontentment marks our relationships, and when the light of heaven seems distant and dim. Discouragement, despondency, pain, suffering—these miry pits along life’s journey can pull us down into our own “slough of despond.”
Christian’s rescue came by the hand of a fellow traveller named Help...and the same is true for you today. Use these resources to find healing for your own life...or to minister help to those you find along life’s journey.
Surely the One who made us is capable of healing us—no question—but can we say He is responsible for all these things? How does He heal? What does Scripture teach?
Before Paul put the final period on his first letter to the Thessalonians he issued a double-edged command: “encourage…and build up one another” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). In a world more sinful than saintly, such a command is necessary because the spirit of discouragement is dangerous.
If everyone practiced the philosophy of an eye for an eye we’d all be blind. You see, grinding resentment isn’t resolved with revenge; it’s resolved with grace.
God controls every single world event but His sovereign influence extends into every aspect of your life, as well. Chuck Swindoll offers assurance that the all-powerful God knows and cares about the intimate concerns of your heart.
Simon, through the power of the Holy Spirit, was transformed into the man he was created to be. Jesus can do the very same for all of us—untying the death ropes and releasing us to live as He created us to live.
Is there ever a time when one Christian ought to step in and deal with another Christian who is walking away from God? James 5:19-20 gives us God's counsel on this very serious and significant issue.
In this message our thoughts centre upon this crucial matter of kneeling with power as we consider the counsel of one whose life gave significance to his words—James.
One of the most controversial issues of our day has to do with divine healing and healers. Are these things for real? What about the use of medicine? Should everyone believe God for healing? What is the method God honours?
Strained family relationships can lead to feelings of failure and guilt, but there is a way to repair and rebuild damaged relationships.
Though seasoned in walking with God, Jacob remained a victim of his own carnal clumsiness. Instead of seeing the Lord’s hand of protection on his sons’ lives, he became paralyzed by fear, worry, and resentment. Jacob relied on himself rather than on God’s strength. And his reluctance to trust God almost led to disaster. Sometimes we tend to be just like Jacob—expecting the worst rather than trusting God’s best.