But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. Paul said, “For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. ![]() We are reminded of this at the Communion Table when we consider 1 Corinthians 11:29-32. The Bible leaves no doubt that God sometimes uses physical infirmity to punish sin and chasten His children. We violate these laws to our physical detriment. Proper rest remains an important factor in good health. God established a day of rest and a sabbatical year. We are not bound by all the restrictions of Old Testament law, but God established laws of hygiene and diet then that are still helpful in maintaining health today. God was Israel’s healer, but He was also their dietitian. Sanitation, hygiene, diet, exercise, and rest are neglected, with illness the natural result.Ī well-balanced diet is essential to good health. Many are sick because they disregard basic health principles. We often pray the “why” question: “Why is this happening to me?” “What” is the more appropriate prayer: “Lord, what are you saying to me through these difficulties?” Or, “Father, what do you want me to learn, or what do you wish for me to do?” If prayer is appropriate for any context of life, it is certainly relevant in times of physical affliction. One source of Christian trouble is sickness. James speaks to situations like this in James 5:14. Now, while grieving for her, his own cancer - in remission for years - has returned. ![]() ![]() I received a note while writing this from a pastor whose wife died after a lingering bout with cancer. Whether glad or grieving, troubled or triumphant, we are to pray. We are invited to share all life’s experiences with Him. This section teaches that vital relationships with God grow out of intimacy with Him in prayer. Prayer is the theme uniting verses James 5:13-18. They sometimes compound the suffering of those struggling with illness by claiming, “It’s never God’s will for Christians to suffer.” The victim is blamed for his infirmity and accused of sin or a lack of faith. Some insist that miracles and healings should always be the order of the day. ![]() But the questions remain: Is God there when sickness enters our lives? Do miracles of healing still happen - or do we just read about them in the Bible? Many churches will not offer the opportunity that this Presbyterian church does. Many Christians are confused over the issue of prayer and healing. The results of these prayers have been astounding.1 This is not a report from some kooky church on the fringe of reality, but from the very respectable First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood. Many have physical illnesses while others need the Lord’s guidance and strength for the challenges they face. Some people come expressing a need to know Christ, others need assurance of forgiveness, some have concerns for loved ones who are ill or troubled. The elder lays hands on the people and prays for the release of the Lord’s healing power in them. They gather on the chancel steps to pray with those who come forward from the congregation to share specific needs. The morning message is concluded and the elders come forward during the final hymn.
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