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Faith and Healing (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe concept of healing, particularly when it is withheld, underscores the broader theme of responsibility and work in fulfilling God's purpose. Healing, whether spiritual or physical, is not a passive process; it demands active participation and effort from God's children. The Bible illustrates that healing is not guaranteed even in the presence of strong faith, as seen in the examples of faithful heroes like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the apostles, who all died without being healed at the end of their lives. This challenges the notion that a lack of healing equates to a lack of faith. In numerous biblical accounts, faith plays a role in healing, but it is not always the faith of the person healed. For instance, in Acts 3:1-9, a lame man at the temple gate was healed through the faith of Peter and John, not his own. Similarly, in John 11:39-44, Lazarus was raised from the dead through the faith of Jesus Christ, despite the doubt of those around Him. These examples demonstrate that healing is ultimately in the hands of God, who decides as the Sovereign Ruler when and if healing occurs, according to His purpose. The story of Job further illustrates that ailments are not always the result of personal sin, and healing may be withheld for reasons beyond human understanding. Job endured severe physical afflictions not due to sin but as part of God's purpose to create something in him and provide wisdom for others. Despite his lack of understanding, Job remained faithful, actively engaging his mind through his trials, and God eventually clarified the situation, sustaining him until His purpose was accomplished. This teaches that God's children must trust Him, whether healing is granted or withheld, and avoid making critical judgments about why healing does not occur. Healing cannot be demanded or forced from God; it is a demonstration of His mercy, governed by complex elements often unseen, as with Job's unawareness of satan's role in his suffering. When healing is withheld, the responsibility remains to seek God, request His intervention, and work toward a solution, mirroring the active effort required in all aspects of Christian living to overcome difficulties and fulfill God's purpose.
Maintaining Good Health (Part 14)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughProper diet demands responsible choices, and if we do not yield to God's laws governing nutrition, choosing the best foods, we will eventually pay the price.
Maintaining Good Health (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe cleanliness laws in Leviticus, prescribing cleansing and quarantine, apply to the spiritual dimension as well. God will not tolerate uncleanness.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ (Part Two)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsA striking aspect of Jesus' ministry is the sheer number and extent of miraculous healings He performed. He healed everyone who sincerely sought His aid.
Anointing With Oil
Sermon by Ted E. BowlingBeing anointed is no guarantee of healing unless it is part of God's will. Sometimes a thorn in the flesh may produce some undeveloped character.
Sharing Our Lives at the Feast
Article by Mark SchindlerThe Feast of Tabernacles is a wonderful gift God has given us to spend time with each other, really sharing of ourselves. Here is how this can be done.
What Is Faith?
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletMillions lack faith to receive answers to their prayers. To a large extent, this is due to a lack of understanding what faith is.
Giving Glory to God
CGG Weekly by Mike FuhrerChrist expects us to ask for His help, and when He gives it, He does it to glorify His Father. When He thus responds, we should glorify God by praising Him.
Blessings We Could Have Had
Sermon by Kim MyersDespite Abraham's loyalty to God's covenant, Abraham's offspring have violated this covenant, thanklessly squandering the blessings and reaping curses.
Faith Over Fear
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen it looks like things are out of control, God is busily at work behind the scenes. If we replace anxiety with faith, God will grant us divine peace.
The Sovereignty of God: Part Two
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThat God is sovereign means that He IS God, the absolute governor of all things. This has profound implications for us: It means He chooses goodness or severity.
The Grand Secret!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod reveals a grand secret through David: namely, that spiritual growth will come to people who set the Lord before oneself continuously.
The Sovereignty of God (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughNothing and no one can thwart God's purposes. We need to develop the faith to yield and conform to His will as clay in the potter's hands.
Matthew (Part Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughMatthew's encapsulation of the Beatitudes, the essence of Jesus Christ's teaching, contains the foundation of His teaching through the entirety of His ministry.
Jairus
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingJairus, in effect, put his livelihood and status on the line, willing to give up everything for faith in the Son of God. Jairus' faith was tested twice.
The Sovereignty of God (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPrayer is not a dictating to a reluctant God, but a demonstration of our attitude of dependence and need. It is a means to get into harmony with God's will.
The Sovereignty of God (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe purpose of prayer is not to overcome God's reluctance, but to help in yielding to His will. 'Prayer changes things' is only true if it conforms to God's will.