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The gospel commission
In Luke 9:1,2, Jesus performed two important actions. He gave two important gifts. He promised victory over two critical enemy. Finally, He sent them to perform His two-fold method of labor.
Luke 9:1-2 KJVS
[1] Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. [2] And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.
The first action Jesus performed was calling His disciples. This gave them a command to understand their purpose. The second important action was to unify His disciples. This was accomplished by calling them “together.” Christ will work through those who are unified on a platform of truth while they exemplify His Spirit.
The first gift was power. This is needed in order to have the energy and resources to overcome the evil one. The second gift was authority. This gives us the right to exercise the power already granted. We are authorized of heaven.
The first enemy that is overcome is all devils. Because devils are the fallen angels that tempt us, the power and authority we receive, is to overcome all sin. The second enemy is disease. Thus is part of the gospel commission to overcome diseases. This is why the medical missionary work is not an option. It is a necessity.
Therefore Christ sent His disciples to preach and to heal. This is the gospel commission.
How to change unhealthful conditions by dr. Shelem Flemons (Doctor of biblical wellness)
The second step to wellness is to change unhealthful conditions. To understand what this primarily refers to, think of the senses of sight, hearing, and smelling. The sensory input to these organs should be healthful. That which we see, hear and smell should be healthful and uplifting. Living next door to a landfill would tend to be an unhealthful condition. Hearing loud, rock music would also be an unhealthful condition.
Sharing and Caring by Sister Maria Flemons
power of prayer by Ellen G White
Ch.35-Depend Not On Feelings
“Many make a serious mistake in their religious life by keeping the attention fixed upon their feelings and thus judging of their advancement or decline. Feelings are not a safe criterion. We are not to look within for evidence of our acceptance with God. We shall find there nothing but that which will discourage us. Our only hope is in “looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith.”” Testimonies for the Church, Vol 5, p. 199, 200
“Feelings are often deceiving, emotions are no sure safeguard; for they are variable and subject to external circumstances. Many are deluded by relying on sensational impressions. The test is: What are you doing for Christ? What sacrifices are you making? What victories are you gaining? A selfish spirit overcome, a temptation to neglect duty resisted, passion subdued, and willing, cheerful obedience rendered to the will of Christ are far greater evidences that you are a child of God than spasmodic piety and emotional religion.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol 4, p 188
“I saw that the Christian should not set too high a value, or depend too much, upon a happy flight of feeling. These feelings are not always true guides. It should be the study of every Christian to serve God from principle, and not be ruled by feeling. By so doing, faith will be brought into exercise, and will increase. I was shown that if the Christian lives a humble, self-sacrificing life, peace and joy in the Lord will be the result. But the greatest happiness experienced will be in doing others good, in making others happy. Such happiness will be lasting.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol 1, p 161
“Satan leads people to think that because they have felt a rapture of feeling they are converted. But their experience does not change. Their actions are the same as before. Their lives show no good fruit. They pray often and long, and are constantly referring to the feelings they had at such and such a time. But they do not live the new life. They are deceived. Their experience goes no deeper than feeling. They build upon the sand, and when adverse winds come their house is swept away. Many poor souls are groping in darkness, looking for the feelings which others say they have had in their experience. They overlook the fact that the believer in Christ must work out his own salvation with fear and trembling. The convicted sinner has something to do. He must repent and show true faith. When Jesus speaks of the new heart, He means the mind, the life, the whole being. To have a change of heart is to withdraw the affections from the world, and fasten them upon Christ. To have a new heart is to have a new mind, new purposes, new motives. What is the sign of a new heart?—A changed life. There is a daily, hourly dying to selfishness and pride.” Messages to Young People, p 71,72
today’s prayer requests
Special Caller – Unknown requests.
Sis Annette – Prayer for complete healing.
Sis Monica – Prayer for traveling mercies, to keep cleansing and for God to keep working things out in the lives of her family.
continued prayer
For all to be doing the cleansing work with our Lord Jesus Christ who is doing all that He can to save us. Ask Him to reveal your true heart condition. Confess, repent and sin no more so that YOU can be transformed into His Perfect Image! Jesus is soon to come! Will you be ready?