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danmartin
Pastor, Grace Church Gateshead (Gateshead, UK)
User since 2016
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Zion will be redeemed through justice [sermon study notes]
Isaiah 2:1-4:6
God states his case against his people and his city [sermon study notes]
Isaiah 1:1-31
God will be silent no more [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 50:1-23
The city of God is a delight [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 48:1-21
Sing praise to God the King, all peoples! [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 47:1-10
The LORD of hosts is with us [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 46:1-12
The King is getting married! [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 45:1-18
You have made us like sheep for slaughter [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 44:1-27
Vindicate me, O God! [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 42:1-12
Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 42:1-12
The Lord will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom [draft sermon outline]
2 Timothy 4:9-22
Paul has finished well [draft sermon notes]
2 Timothy 4:6-8
Preach the Word! [draft sermon notes]
2 Timothy 4:1-8
God supplies the power for the Christian life [draft sermon notes]
2 Timothy 3:10-17
Be prepared for very hard times [draft sermon notes]
2 Timothy 3:1-9
Jesus' people must leave quarrelling behind [draft sermon outline]
2 Timothy 2:14-26
Follow Jesus through suffering and into glory [draft sermon notes]
2 Timothy 2:8-13
Be strengthened by the grace that is in Jesus [draft sermon notes]
2 Timothy 2:1-7
Do not be ashamed [draft sermon notes]
2 Timothy 1:8-18
God gave us a Spirit of power, love and self-control; not a spirit of fear [draft sermon outline]
2 Timothy 1:1-7
God delights to seek and to save the lost [draft sermon notes]
Luke 15:1-32
Jesus tells us to expect various different responses to the Word of God [draft sermon outline]
Luke 15:1-32
Making church safe, part 3: Confronting, recovering, preventing [draft sermon notes]
Mark 10:42-45
How does correct use of authority become misuse of authority, and what should we do about it?
Mark 10:42-45
Making church safe, part 1: why we need to talk about this
Mark 10:42-45
The risen Lord Jesus reveals himself again [draft sermon notes]
John 21:1-25
'Peace be with you' [draft sermon outline]
John 20:19-31
Jesus is alive! [draft sermon notes]
John 20:1-18
Jesus is buried [initial sermon notes]
John 19:31-42
'It is finished' [draft sermon notes]
John 19:16-30
Behold your King! [draft sermon notes]
John 18:28-19:16
Jesus is the true Hero [draft sermon notes]
John 18:1-27
Jesus prays for everyone who will believe in him [draft sermon notes]
John 17:20-26
Jesus prays for his disciples [draft sermon outline]
John 17:1-19
Whoever abides in the gospel has both the Father and the Son [draft sermon outline]
2 John 1-13
The Word became flesh [draft sermon outline]
Matthew 1:18-2:12
The King has been born [draft sermon outline]
Matthew 1:18-2:12
Jesus by name, Jesus by nature [draft sermon outline]
Matthew 1:18-2:12
Jesus asks his Father to glorify him [draft sermon outline]
John 17:1-19
Your sorrow will turn into joy [draft sermon notes]
John 16:16-33
Jesus prepares his people for opposition and hatred [draft sermon outline]
John 15:18-16:15
I AM the true vine [draft sermon outline]
John 15:1-17
"Because I live, you also will live" [draft sermon notes]
John 14:15-31
Jesus' public ministry revealed the Father to the world, but was met with unbelief [draft sermon notes]
John 12:36-50
The hour has come [draft sermon outline]
John 12:20-36
Jesus is the King who has come to die [draft sermon notes]
John 12:1-19
Jesus gives his life for his friends [draft sermon notes]
John 11:28-57
I AM the resurrection and the life [draft sermon notes]
John 11:1-27
Jesus and the Father are one [draft sermon notes]
John 10:22-42
I AM the Good Shepherd [draft sermon outline]
John 10:1-21
Jesus heals a man who had been blind since birth [draft sermon notes]
John 9:1-41
If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples [draft sermon outline]
John 8:31-59
I AM the light of the world [draft sermon notes]
John 8:12-30
If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink [draft sermon notes]
John 7:32-52
The World Hates Jesus [draft sermon notes]
John 7:1-31
You have the words of eternal life [draft sermon notes]
John 6:60-71
I AM the bread of life [draft sermon outline]
John 6:22-59
Jesus feeds the five thousand [draft sermon notes]
John 6:1-21
Jesus tells us to believe the evidence [draft sermon outline]
John 5:30-47
The Son does what the Father does [draft sermon outline]
John 5:1-29
Jesus heals an official's son [draft sermon notes]
John 4:43-54
Many Samaritans believe in Jesus [draft sermon outline]
John 4:1-42
He must increase, but I must decrease [draft sermon notes]
John 3:22-36
Come and have eternal life [draft sermon notes]
John 3:1-21
Jesus is the true temple [draft sermon outline]
John 2:13-25
Jesus shows his glory in his first sign [draft sermon outline]
John 2:1-12
We have found the Messiah! [draft sermon notes]
John 1:19-51
The Word became flesh [draft sermon outline]
John 1:1-18
An Introduction to John's Gospel - Grace Church Gateshead series intro
John 1:1-51
The LORD knows the way of the righteous [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 41:1-14
Your law is within my heart [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 40:1-18
Hurry to help me, O Lord my salvation! [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 38:1-23
Don't get angry because of evil, but wait on God [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 37:1-40
How precious is your steadfast love, O God! [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 36:1-13
How long, O LORD, will you look on? [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 35:1-28
Taste and see that the LORD is good! [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 34:1-23
Shout for joy in the LORD! [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 33:1-22
Steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the LORD [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 32:1-11
Into your hand I commit my spirit [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 31:1-25
You have turned my mourning into dancing [initial sermon outline draft]
Psalms 30:1-13
Give glory to the LORD and his mighty Word! [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 29:1-11
The LORD is my strength and my shield [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 28:1-9
The LORD is my light and my salvation [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 27:1-14
Jesus' Kingdom will Never End [draft sermon outline]
Luke 1:1-2:52
'Put on' the Lord Jesus Christ [draft sermon notes]
Romans 14:1-23
Use your freedom to live as servants of God [draft sermon notes]
Romans 14:1-23
Part 1: Live as people who have been welcomed by God [draft sermon notes]
Romans 14:1-23
Grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus [draft sermon notes]
2 Peter 3:14-18
Jesus' return seems slow, because he is so patient [draft sermon outline]
2 Peter 3:8-13
Do not forget! The Lord always works through his Word [draft sermon notes]
2 Peter 3:1-7
Know the marks of false teachers, since being ensnared will utterly ruin you [draft sermon outline]
2 Peter 2:10-22
The Lord Jesus is in full control, even when false teachers harm the church [draft sermon outline]
2 Peter 2:1-10
The Old Testament has been confirmed in Jesus [draft sermon outline]
2 Peter 1:19-21
Don't ever forget: Jesus is coming back in power [draft sermon notes]
2 Peter 1:12-18
If you practice these qualities you will never fall [sermon outline]
2 Peter 1:5-11
God has given us all things for life and godliness [draft sermon outline]
2 Peter 1:3-4
Grow in the Grace and Knowledge in Jesus [sermon notes]
2 Peter 1:1-3:18
The ancient doors have been opened for Jesus, the King of glory [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 24:1-10
The LORD is my Shepherd [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 23:1-6
Praise the God who has revealed himself! [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 19:1-15
God's King praises God [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 18:1-51
God's promise continues beyond the lives of Jacob and Joseph [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 49:1-50:26
Jacob goes to Egypt [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 46:1-48:22
Joseph and his brothers are reconciled [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 42:1-45:28
God lifts Joseph up to the very top [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 40:1-41:57
The LORD was with Joseph [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 39:1-23
Judah is deceived [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 38:1-30
Joseph's brothers sell him as a slave [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 37:1-36
Esau becomes a mighty nation [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 36:1-43
One chapter is finished and another begins [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 35:1-29
Jacob's children don't act like God's children [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 34:1-31
Jacob and Esau are reconciled [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 33:1-20
Jacob becomes Israel [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 32:1-33
Jesus is alive [draft sermon notes]
Mark 14:1-16:20
Jacob and Laban make peace [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 31:1-55
God makes Jacob incredibly wealthy [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 30:25-43
Jacob has 12 children [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 29:31-30:24
Jacob gets married [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 29:1-30
God blesses Jacob [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 28:1-22
Jacob deceives his Father [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 27:1-46
Jacob manipulates Esau [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 25:19-34
Abraham dies but God's blessing continues on [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 25:1-18
God provides a wife for Isaac [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 24:1-67
Abraham owns a plot of land [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 23:1-20
God tests Abraham [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 22:1-24
Abraham makes a covenant of kindness [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 21:22-34
God shows his faithfulness to both of Abraham's sons [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 21:1-21
We have come to worship him [draft sermon outline]
Matthew 1:1-2:23
You shall call him Jesus, for He will save his people from their sins [draft sermon outline]
Matthew 1:1-2:23
The 'Christ' has arrived [draft sermon outline]
Matthew 1:1-2:23
God protects and blesses Abraham and Sarah again
Genesis 20:1-18
Lot is rescued on the terrible day of the LORD [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 19:1-38
Who am I? [draft sermon outline]
Galatians 2:1-21
Is anything too hard for the Lord? [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 18:1-33
God promises, and Abraham obeys [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 17:1-27
Abram and Sarai have a big wobble, but God's grace is greater still [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 16:1-16
God guarantees his promises to Abram [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 15:1-21
Abram and Lot part ways [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 13:2-18
God blesses and protects Abram and Sarai [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 12:10-13:1
God promises to bless all peoples through Abram [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 11:27-12:9
People spread out across the earth in their language groups [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 10:1-11:32
The earth was re-populated after the flood [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 10:1-11:32
Humanity falls again [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 5:1-9:29
God emphasises his commitment to the world he has made [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 5:1-9:29
The flood drains away and God makes a new creation [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 5:1-9:29
The flood came, just as God had said [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 5:1-9:29
God tells Noah to build an ark, since he is going to destroy everything on earth with a flood [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 5:1-9:29
As humans multiplied, so did wickedness [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 5:1-9:29
In the midst of the human story of death, God wrote a story of hope
Genesis 5:1-9:29
Sin and suffering multiply on earth [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 2:4-4:26
Adam and Eve are banished from Eden [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 2:4-4:26
Adam and Eve ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 2:4-4:26
Adam and Eve were naked and not ashamed [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 2:4-4:26
In the beginning, God created a very good world - part 2 [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 1:1-2:3
God made man out of the dust of the earth [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 2:4-4:26
In the beginning, God created a very good world [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 1:1-2:25
He has risen, as he said[draft sermon notes]
Matthew 26:1-28:20
The long wait has a joyful end [draft sermon notes]
Luke 2:22-35
What is a simple church? [draft sermon notes]
Acts 2:42-47
What is a disciple-making church? [draft sermon notes]
Matthew 28:18-20
What is a gospel-centred church? [draft sermon notes]
Colossians 3:1-4
We will see God and be satisfied! [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 17:1-51
In God's presence there is fullness of joy [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 16:1-15
Jesus has taken us into God's presence forever [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 15:1-11
The LORD's words are utterly pure and trustworthy [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 12:1-9
When it seems like evil is unstoppable, know that God sees from heaven and he will act [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 11:1-9
God sees the evil on planet earth, and he will deal with all of it [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 10:1-18
The LORD has established his throne for justice [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 9:1-39
God's name is overwhelmingly majestic [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 8:1-10
God is a righteous Judge [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 7:1-18
The LORD hears our weeping prayers [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 6
The LORD covers his people with favour [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 5:1-13
The LORD hears when we call to Him [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 4:1-9
The LORD of hosts is with us [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 46:1-12
By God's grace, be at peace [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
Be ready for Jesus' return! [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Encourage each other with the certain hope of Jesus' return [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Keep on loving one another [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
Living to please God means we must pursue holiness [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
Be prepared for affliction [draft sermon outline]
1 Thessalonians 3:1-13
Paul longed to see the Thessalonians again [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 2:17-20
Thank God for the faith and perseverance of his people [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 2:13-16
Confidence in God leads us to declare the gospel and share our lives [draft sermon outline]
1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
When God's people suffer joyfully, the gospel multiplies [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 1:6-10
Paul thanks God that the Thessalonian church are real Christians [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 1:1-5
Celebrate the life of faith, hope and love in the gospel of Jesus Christ [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 1:1-5:28
It is good to give thanks to the LORD [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 92:1-16
Since we are alive in Christ together, live the new life together [draft sermon outline]
Colossians 3:1-17
Daniel is assured that God will fulfil all his plans and put all things right [draft sermon outline]
Daniel 12:1-13
Daniel sees a final vision of proud kings, turmoil, and suffering in times to come [draft sermon outline]
Daniel 11:1-45
Daniel is exhausted and strengthened for one more vision [draft sermon outline]
Daniel 10:1-21
Daniel's faithful prayer receives a glorious answer [draft sermon notes]
Daniel 9:1-27
Daniel sees that God is bigger than the dark days that lie ahead [draft sermon outline]
Daniel 8:1-27
God has established his eternal Kingdom in Jesus [draft sermon notes]
Daniel 7:1-28
God raises Daniel alive out of the place of death [draft sermon notes]
Daniel 6:1-29
God suddenly ends Belshazzar's life and rule, because he did not honour God [draft sermon notes]
Daniel 5:1-31
God reveals deep and hidden things [draft sermon outline]
Daniel 2:1-49
God preserves his faithful people in exile [draft sermon outline]
Daniel 1:1-21
Jesus is the resurrection and the life [draft sermon outline]
John 11:1-57
Jesus' family must show honour [draft sermon outline]
1 Timothy 5:17-6:2
Train yourself for godliness [draft sermon outline]
1 Timothy 4:6-16
Jesus has revealed the secret of godliness  [draft sermon outline]
1 Timothy 3:14-4:5
Show the gospel by serving [draft sermon outline]
1 Timothy 3:8-13
Eldership is a good work [draft sermon outline]
1 Timothy 3:1-7
Godly living celebrates the goodness of God our creator [early draft sermon notes]
1 Timothy 2:8-15
God's gospel is for everyone [draft sermon outline]
1 Timothy 2:1-7
Those who truly love the law, love the gospel [draft sermon outline]
1 Timothy 1:8-20
Keep the gospel the centre! [draft sermon outline]
1 Timothy 1:1-7
How we live in God's household (draft sermon notes)
1 Timothy 1:1-2
God's king takes away God's punishment [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 24:1-25
God has established an everlasting Kingdom [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 23:1-39
To God Be The Glory, Great Things He Has Done [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 21:15-22:51
God's King removes the judgement on God's people [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 21:1-14
God's king is rejected - again [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 20:1-26
The Return of the King: David returns to Jerusalem [draft sermon notes - unfinished]
2 Samuel 19:8-43
The rebel dies a rebel's death [draft sermon notes - unfinished]
2 Samuel 17:27-19:8
Absalom takes Jerusalem [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 16:15-17:26
Absalom rebels against David [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 15:1-16:14
Humble yourselves under God's mighty hand [draft sermon notes]
1 Peter 5:1-14
David is manipulated [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 14:1-33
David's sons abandon steadfast love [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 13:1-39
The LORD punishes and pardons [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 12:1-31
David abandons steadfast love (Bathsheba) - initial draft sermon notes
2 Samuel 11:1-27
David defeats the Ammonites (the backdrop to Bathsheba) [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 10:1-19
David shows the steadfast love of God [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 9:1-13
The LORD gave victory to David wherever he went [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 8:1-18
God's King is victorious [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 5:1-26
God's Kingdom is established - but God is in no one's debt [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 4:1-12
God's king begins his rule [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 2:1-3:1
David learns that the King is dead, and laments [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 1:1-27
Let all the ends of the earth worship God in Jesus! [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 67:1-7
Persisting in Evangelism, part 2 - 'Samaria' [draft sermon notes]
Colossians 4:1-6
Persisting in Evangelism, part 1 - 'Judea' [draft sermon notes]
2 Corinthians 4:1-18
Reformation - sola gratia [draft sermon notes]
Ephesians 2:1-10
Sola Scriptura! [draft sermon notes]
2 Timothy 3:14-4:8
The gospel reaches the ends of the earth [draft sermon notes]
Acts 28:11-31
God is our refuge and strength [draft sermon notes]
Acts 27:2-28:10
Paul testifies to the resurrection again [draft sermon notes]
Acts 25:13-27:1
Paul keeps testifying [draft sermon notes]
Acts 24:1-25:12
The Lord Jesus protects Paul and guides his way onwards towards Rome [draft sermon notes]
Acts 21:27-23:35
Paul goes to Jerusalem, fully aware of what awaits him [draft sermon notes]
Acts 21:1-26
Care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood [draft sermon notes]
Acts 20:17-38
Idolatry causes a riot in Ephesus [draft sermon notes]
Acts 19:21-20:1
The Kingdom of God comes in Ephesus [draft sermon notes]
Acts 18:24-19:20
By the grace of Jesus, Paul plants the gospel in Corinth and completes his second missionary journey [draft sermon notes]
Acts 18:1-23
News of Jesus' resurrection challenges, divides, and saves [draft sermon notes]
Acts 17:16-34
The gospel of the Lord Jesus takes root in Europe (draft sermon notes)
Acts 16:6-40
It's Official: God is saving people from all nations into his church through Jesus Christ alone [draft sermon notes].
Acts 15:1-16:5
Paul and Barnabus plant true worshiping communities in the nations [draft sermon notes]
Acts 14:1-28
The Lord Jesus sends Paul and Barnabus to preach and plant his gospel in the nations (draft sermon notes)
Acts 12:25-13:52
The Word of God is unstoppable (draft sermon notes)
Acts 12:1-25
Christmas Day 2016: Now we have what many longed to see (draft sermon notes)
Luke 2:22-40
God has kept his promises! (sermon notes 1.0)
Luke 1:57-80
The Lord Jesus plants a church in Antioch (draft sermon notes)
Acts 11:19-30
Jesus calls the nations into His church (draft sermon notes)
Acts 10:1-11:18
Jesus converts Saul, who experiences opposition, suspicion, and acceptance (draft sermon notes)
Acts 9:1-31
Jesus saves a man through Scripture reading and Christian witness (draft sermon notes)
Acts 8:26-40
Jesus told the truth when He said, 'You will be my witnesses in Samaria' (sermon notes draft)
Acts 8:3-25
Jesus receives His first martyr, and the gospel is scattered outwards (draft sermon notes)
Acts 6:8-8:2
The healthy church grows through internal problems (draft sermon notes)
Acts 6:1-7
Jesus empowers His church to endure opposition with joy [draft sermon notes 1.0]
Acts 5:12-42
You cannot serve God and money (draft sermon notes)
Acts 4:32-5:11
Jesus shows His power to save by healing a lame man (draft sermon notes)
Acts 3:1-26
The Spirit-filled church is devoted to Jesus, who blesses and grows His church
Acts 2:42-47
The Enthroned Jesus Delivers on God's Promise (sermon notes)
Acts 2:1-41
Jesus prepares His church for the coming of the Spirit (Sunday sermon notes)
Acts 1:12-26
Jesus' ascension guarantees the completion of God's plan
Acts 1:1-11
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Jesus Christ heals
Acts 9:32-43
Jesus Christ heals (draft sermon notes)
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Published November 23rd, 2016
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Lord, please help us to fix our eyes on you and to praise you for your compassion. Your compassion to heal these particular individuals, all those years ago. But far beyond that, your compassion to suffer with us and for us on that Cross, to drain away the power and penalty of sin and death. Please give us power from your Spirit to hope for your New Creation. Introduction: Big idea: Jesus Christ heals [mission hospital in India: we treat, Jesus heals] The miracles authenticate the gospel (not the apostles; cf Philip, etc). And particularly remarkable clusters at particular points of transition or conflict. The highest point was the earthly ministry of Jesus. And here we have a cluster on the boundary zone between Samaria and Gentile territory. We are supposed to read these, and - like those at the time - turn to the Lord in renewed joy and faith. FCF: Frailty. Death and disease. By nature: born in bodies that have a limited lifespan, and inherited sicknesses. By choice: we put our hope in earthly things that simply cannot alter this fact [many cultural examples - anti-ageing research, creams, diets, infinite blogs, now cryogenic freezing in the confidence we'll eventually be able to fix everything]. We are no closer; everyone still dies. A Christian version is this: putting our hopes, and all our attention, onto healings. Healings can't save us! Everyone healed in the Bible - even everyone raised in the Bible, went on to die again. Except Jesus, whose resurrection was a different kind of resurrection; a first fruits of a new creation. A life that cannot die, called 'imperishable'. Paul is an example to us; to remain in the body would be better for one another (often), but it would be better for us to be away with the Lord. 1. Jesus heals a paralysed man, and people turn to the Lord (v32-35) Myth? No - have you read myths? Written down too soon afterwards, within life of eyewitnesses. People knew the laws of nature - that's why this is so remarkable. Jesus' person: compassion to the sick and even the dead. Goes to them, still now by His servants. Special duty to pray for the sick, to visit them [we have done here at TCC, anointed with oil]. Jesus' work. His life fulfilled the law (the power of sin), and His death destroyed sin (the sting of death). cf Matthew 8.14-17; healing is to be understood as a function of His atonement and suffering. His enthronement opens His Kingdom of restoration to all who will believe in His Name - i.e., that He is the Christ. Sickness, disease, brokenness - all these are functions of 'death'. The day you eat of it you shall surely die. Spiritual death comes as a package - sin is the sting, law is the power of sin. Like a huge scorpion with a sting, and then the poison that keeps telling you you've been stung and will die. So when we read that Jesus 'bore our illnesses' it means that He came to reverse death in all its functions - death brings sickness but Jesus makes whole; death brings sin and relational brokenness with God but Jesus brings forgiveness and restoration; death brings physical death but Jesus brings resurrection and unbreakable life. Repentance and faith: stop putting hopes in things to save - Jesus has saved. Stop grieving in the same way as others do, either grieving ill health or death - and instead rejoice in hope as you glimpse His Kingdom. 2. Jesus raises a dead woman, and many believed in the Lord (v36-43) Imagine the scene. This is very similar to 2 Kings 4.18-37, where Elisha raises the widow's son. How to think about healing today? Should we expect? Yes and no. Yes we can and should pray for healing, since in His mercy He does heal, and He hears our prayers - especially our shared gathered ones. But no in that, if God chooses not to heal, it doesn't shake our understanding of God in any way. Our big hope still stands - we weren't placing all our hopes in a temporary healing anyway. Our attitude to 'normal means' of healing is often very revealing. Does taking a tablet seem too ordinary? [mother who withheld treatment and child died] Do you know the account of Naaman who gets annoyed at being told to wash in the river? How much Christian conversation is simply coming from a desire for God to make a fuss over us, to give us a special story to tell that others don't have. Do you see? Self-centredness. 'Enough about me, God, show me what you think of me.' And what's tragic is that God has demonstrated His love, attention, concern for us in a way far greater than a miracle of healing here and now, lasting a few years. At the cross, where the Son of God becomes the lamb of God, and bears our suffering and bore our diseases. Wholeness has been purchased and secured for us. God is restoring Eden in the midst of the everyday. When we want a special story to be able to tell, what we're really saying is that this life just isn't special enough. I need to leave it behind. The people, this place, this church, this work - it's all too small, too obscure, and not powerfully spiritual enough. What do you think Tabitha/Dorcas did with the rest of her life? Write a book and found a charity promoting prayer for healing? Or get back on with helping widows, doing life together? Repentance and faith: stop putting hopes in things to save - Jesus has saved. Stop grieving in the same way as others do, either grieving ill health or death - and instead rejoice in hope as you glimpse His Kingdom. If you are cynical of healing, why? Rejoice that Jesus is a gracious Lord whose triumph has reverberations that we can pray for. If you are preoccupied with healing, why? Turn to the Lord Jesus - as this very passage says. Put your hope in the glorious age to come, when death and all its functions simply will not feature. Conclusion The works of Jesus, mediated by His Spirit, continue. The healing of Aeneas and then Dorcas could read like a chapter of the gospels, except that now the compassion and power of Jesus is being channelled by the Spirit through Peter. 'Greater works than these' are being done, in terms of the extent and number, through Jesus' church. Closing prayer: Thank you for bearing our infirmities, our sorrows, our diseases. Thank you for the glimpses of your rule and the wholeness that you give. Help us to fix our eyes on you, Lord Jesus. Other passages: Lazarus, John 11 Jesus and Jairus' daughter Elisha and the widow's son Matthew 8.14-17 Revelation 21
notes
Translation
Translation: 32. As Peter passed himself through/spread a report through them all he came down to the saints dwelling in Lydda. 33. There he found a man by the name of Aeneas from eight years lying on his bed because he was an invalid/paralyzed. 34. And Peter said to him, 'Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed!' And immediately he rose. 35. And all those who dwelt in Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. 36. In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, which translated is Dorcas; she was full of good works and of charity which she had done. 37. In those days she became sick and died; they bathed her and put her in an upper room. 38. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples heard that Peter was there and send two men to call him saying, 'do not delay to come to us.' 39. Peter arose and went with them; and when he arrived they took him to the upper room and all the widows were standing by and weeping and they showed him the inner and outer tunics that Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40. Peter put them all outside and placed his knees and prayed and turned back to the body and said, 'Tabitha, rise!' And she opened her eyes and seeing Peter she sat up. 41. And he gave her his hand and raised her up; summoning the saints and the widows he presented her alive. 42. And it was known through all Joppa and a great many believed upon the Lord. 43. And he stayed many days in Joppa with [a chap called] Simon, a tanner.
Look-up
NT
Acts 9:32-43
esv
The Healing of Aeneas 32 Now h as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, bedridden for eight years, who was paralyzed. 34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, i Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.” And immediately he rose. 35 j And all the residents of Lydda and k Sharon saw him, and l they turned to the Lord. Dorcas Restored to Life 36 Now there was in m Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. 1 She was full of n good works and acts of charity. 37 In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in o an upper room. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, p “Please come to us without delay.” 39 So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to q the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics 1 and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. 40 But Peter r put them all outside, and s knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body t he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and u many believed in the Lord. 43 And he stayed in Joppa for many days v with one Simon, a tanner.
Acts 9:32-43
na28
32 Ἐγένετο δὲ Πέτρον διερχόμενον διὰ πάντων κατελθεῖν καὶ πρὸς τοὺς ἁγίους τοὺς κατοικοῦντας Λύδδα. 33 εὗρεν δὲ ἐκεῖ ἄνθρωπόν τινα ὀνόματι Αἰνέαν ἐξ ἐτῶν ὀκτὼ κατακείμενον ἐπὶ κραβάττου, ὃς ἦν παραλελυμένος. 34 καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ ὁ Πέτρος• Αἰνέα, ἰᾶταί σε Ἰησοῦς Χριστός• ἀνάστηθι καὶ στρῶσον σεαυτῷ. καὶ εὐθέως ἀνέστη. 35 καὶ εἶδαν αὐτὸν πάντες οἱ κατοικοῦντες Λύδδα καὶ τὸν Σαρῶνα, οἵτινες ἐπέστρεψαν ἐπὶ τὸν κύριον. 36 Ἐν Ἰόππῃ δέ τις ἦν μαθήτρια ὀνόματι Ταβιθά, ἣ διερμηνευομένη λέγεται Δορκάς• αὕτη ἦν πλήρης ἔργων ἀγαθῶν καὶ ἐλεημοσυνῶν ὧν ἐποίει. 37 ἐγένετο δὲ ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ἐκείναις ἀσθενήσασαν αὐτὴν ἀποθανεῖν• λούσαντες δὲ ἔθηκαν [αὐτὴν] ἐν ὑπερῴῳ. 38 ἐγγὺς δὲ οὔσης Λύδδας τῇ Ἰόππῃ οἱ μαθηταὶ ἀκούσαντες ὅτι Πέτρος ἐστὶν ἐν αὐτῇ ἀπέστειλαν δύο ἄνδρας πρὸς αὐτὸν παρακαλοῦντες• μὴ ὀκνήσῃς διελθεῖν ἕως ἡμῶν. 39 ἀναστὰς δὲ Πέτρος συνῆλθεν αὐτοῖς• ὃν παραγενόμενον ἀνήγαγον εἰς τὸ ὑπερῷον καὶ παρέστησαν αὐτῷ πᾶσαι αἱ χῆραι κλαίουσαι καὶ ἐπιδεικνύμεναι χιτῶνας καὶ ἱμάτια ὅσα ἐποίει μετʼ αὐτῶν οὖσα ἡ Δορκάς. 40 ἐκβαλὼν δὲ ἔξω πάντας ὁ Πέτρος καὶ θεὶς τὰ γόνατα προσηύξατο καὶ ἐπιστρέψας πρὸς τὸ σῶμα εἶπεν• Ταβιθά, ἀνάστηθι. ἡ δὲ ἤνοιξεν τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτῆς, καὶ ἰδοῦσα τὸν Πέτρον ἀνεκάθισεν. 41 δοὺς δὲ αὐτῇ χεῖρα ἀνέστησεν αὐτήν• φωνήσας δὲ τοὺς ἁγίους καὶ τὰς χήρας παρέστησεν αὐτὴν ζῶσαν. 42 γνωστὸν δὲ ἐγένετο καθʼ ὅλης τῆς Ἰόππης καὶ ἐπίστευσαν πολλοὶ ἐπὶ τὸν κύριον. 43 Ἐγένετο δὲ ἡμέρας ἱκανὰς μεῖναι ἐν Ἰόππῃ παρά τινι Σίμωνι βυρσεῖ.
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Comments
Sam Douthwaite
Just enjoyed reading this Dan....Amen to what you've written. I've also just noticed that you lead a church in Tyneside, as I do. I've been encouraging my pastor friends in the NE to try arcing but I've not been aware of any in the area who were doing it, until now! Great to see a fellow "arc-er" in my neck of the woods. I pray the Lord blesses you, your family, church and ministry as you preach His Word and advance the Gospel for His glory! Thanks again for publishing this work! Sam
Disclaimer: The opinions and conclusions expressed on this page are those of the author and may or may not accord with the positions of Biblearc or Bethlehem College & Seminary.