Sermon

 

Miracles of the OT #3 : The Miracle of Healing
 
 
INTRO:

    * Miracles rarely just happen. They are the work of God’s constant intervention in our lives. So how can we prepare ourselves to receive one?
    * Today I want to talk about a remarkable miracle of healing in the OT.   So remarkable that even Jesus refers to it.  Luke  4:27  And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, but the only one healed was Naaman, a Syrian."
    * Who was this guy and what was his story?
    * What is Leprosy?
    * Leprosy, one of the most ancient, feared and disabling diseases of humankind, is on the verge of defeat. Today 116 out of 122 endemic countries have eliminated leprosy as a public health problem.  INDONESIA CLAIMS NOT TO HAVE ANY…  Picture and then they visited Sidoarjo

    * Leprosy is the oldest recorded disease known to Mankind. And in its’ day it was the cancer of it’s time.
    * One of the saddest and most horrifying things about leprosy is that the leper couldn’t be touched.  People couldn’t reach out and hold this unfortunate person. People couldn’t express their love.

 
 
1. What are the hindrances and Helps to receiving a miracle? 

    * Pride vs. Humility
          o Naaman was a great leader
          o A Pembantu gave him the cure.
          o Elisha’s response to the great general.
    * Obedience Vs. Expectations.
          o God Requires us to do exactly not roughly what He says.
          o Naaman had a certain expectation when he went to Elisha.
          o What are your expectations when you need a miracle from God?
    * Faith Vs. Disbelief
          o It is obvious that Elisha’s own king didn’t have faith in God.
          o It’s obvious that Naaman didn’t have faith.
          o The servant girls had faith.
          o The servant of Naaman had faith.
          o Maybe we need a little more of a servant’s mentality if we want a miracle.


2. Why does God do Miracles anyway? 

    * He doesn’t do it for political gain.
    * He doesn’t do it for financial gain.
    * So that He can be glorified.  In almost every miracle story that we have studied we see that God is glorified.


3. How can I get a miracle?

    * Acknowledge the fact that you have a problem.
    * Let God know that you need His help.
    * His answer may mean sacrifice.
    * His answer may mean change.
    * Don’t rule out the unexpected.

GO Question

Dear Go Group leaders,
 
Here are some questions you could use for your GG discussion:
 
1. Ice-breaker question: Ask your group to list the top ten sicknesses to avoid.
If you had the power, what is a sickness you would never want to have and why?
 
2. What miracles have you seen in your life or someone you know closely?
 
3. What miracles would you like to see happen in your life or someone you know?
 
4. If someone was not in the Sunday service read 2 Kings 5 (or if you like, have someone summarize the passage).
 
5. According to Pastor Jeff’s message, the hindrances to healing miracles are our pride, our expectations, and our disbelief.  What is the hindrance that keeps you from receiving more miracles in your life?
 
6. Do you agree or disagree with the statement “God doesn’t do miracles for political or financial gain.”  If you agree, then, why are some Christians seemed to gain financially from God doing “miracles?”
Discuss the balance between God is glorified (people get saved) versus political or financial gain.
 
7. Review together PJ’s point on how to get a miracle.
Acknowledge the problem. Let God know you need His help. His answer may mean sacrifice (something you don’t want to do). His answer may mean change. Don’t rule out the unexpected.
 
Pray together that your Go Group will see more miracles from God. Pray specifically for people who need healing miracles from God.
 
 
Keep announcing the 10 Days of Prayer and Fasting (May 1 - May 10). Let's expect a miracle from God! If you want to, you can fast something that brings enjoyment to your flesh (your body) - a favorite food, drink, entertainment, activity, etc. When you are fasting, your flesh will remind you that you miss the very thing you are fasting from.  Especially, during these moments, focus more your thoughts and prayers to God. Deny the flesh and focus on God.
 
 
Have an awesome GG.
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