Tag: healing

Bible Study, The River Youth Group, Uncategorized

🌟💪Walking in Authority: The Centurion’s Faith and Our Power in Christ 🌟💪

agingenglishmajor

by Jennifer Greene-Sullivan

In the Gospel of Matthew, we encounter a powerful story that highlights the authority of Jesus and how it reflects on us as His followers. The account of the centurion who asks Jesus to heal his servant (Matthew 8:5-13) provides profound insights into understanding authority, faith, and the impact we can have in the world around us.

The Centurion’s Humble Request 🙏

When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion approached Him, pleading for help. He explained that his servant was paralyzed and suffering. In a remarkable demonstration of humility, the centurion acknowledged that he did not deserve Jesus to come under his roof. Instead, he recognized Jesus’ authority and simply asked, “But just say the word, and my servant will be healed” (Matthew 8:8).

This statement reveals the centurion’s deep understanding of authority. As a military leader, he knew that words hold power. When he commanded his soldiers, they obeyed without question. Similarly, he understood that Jesus’ words carried authority that transcended physical distance.

Jesus’ Response to Faith ✨

When Jesus heard the centurion’s faith, He was amazed. He remarked that He had not found such great faith even in Israel. This moment highlights the significance of faith in recognizing Jesus’ authority.

“Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” — Matthew 8:10

Jesus then declared that the centurion’s servant would be healed, affirming that faith in His authority can lead to miraculous outcomes.

Our Authority as Christ Followers 🕊️

As followers of Christ, we are called to walk in the same authority that Jesus exemplified. Just as the centurion recognized Jesus’ power, we must acknowledge that the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in us (Romans 8:11). This means we have access to God’s authority in our lives and can bring about change, healing, and restoration in the world around us.

When we pray, we are not merely hoping for something to happen; we are exercising the authority given to us through Jesus. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) reminds us of this:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” 🌍

Reflection and Application 💡

As we reflect on this passage, consider the following:

  • Faith in Action: How can you exercise your faith in Jesus’ authority in your life? Think of areas where you can pray boldly, trusting in His power.
  • Recognizing Authority: Are there situations where you’ve hesitated to act in faith? Reflect on the centurion’s example and remind yourself that Jesus honors genuine faith.
  • Sharing the Good News: As you recognize your authority in Christ, how can you share this message with others? Look for opportunities to encourage those around you to trust in Jesus’ authority.

Scripture to Ponder:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” — Romans 8:28 ❤️

Closing Prayer 🙏

Heavenly Father, thank You for the authority You have given us through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to recognize and embrace this authority in our lives. Strengthen our faith as we step out boldly, trusting in Your power to heal and transform. May we walk confidently, knowing that we can make a difference in the world around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Conclusion 🎉

Just as the centurion’s servant was healed through faith in Jesus’ authority, we too can experience His power in our lives. Let us strive to cultivate a deep faith that recognizes and embraces the authority we have as followers of Christ. May we walk confidently, knowing that our words and actions can bring healing, hope, and transformation.

Hashtags

#Faith #AuthorityInChrist #CenturionsFaith #Healing #GodsPower #ChristianLiving #Matthew8 #GreatCommission #Romans828

Let me know if you need prayer! I would love to pray for you.

The River Youth Group, Uncategorized

🙏✨Sitting in His Presence: A Lesson in Faith and Healing 🙏✨

agingenglishmajor

by Jennifer Greene-Sullivan

Wednesday Night Class 10.9.24 @ 6pm The River Church 520 Dublin Hwy Eastman, GA

This week, our lesson focuses on the incredible miracle found in Mark 2:1-12, where Jesus heals the paralytic man lowered through the roof by his friends. This story is packed with profound lessons about faith, the power of being in God’s presence, and the healing that comes from surrendering ourselves to Him. But we’re also bringing this story to life by incorporating a visual element from The Chosen series!

Incorporating The Chosen 🎥

For this week’s lesson, we will be watching a scene from The Chosen, which beautifully portrays the moment the paralytic is brought to Jesus. The Chosen is a fresh and engaging take on the life of Jesus, and this particular scene allows us to see the story through the eyes of the crowd, the friends, and the man who is healed.

How This Scene Adds Depth:

  • Faith and Determination: The Chosen highlights the emotional tension and faith-driven determination of the friends who refuse to give up, even when the crowds block their way.
  • Jesus’ Compassion: Watching how Jesus interacts with the man and the crowd brings a new layer of empathy and understanding, allowing us to visualize the love and compassion He had for the paralytic.

Discussion Focus:

After viewing the scene, we’ll discuss how The Chosen brings these events to life and how it helps us reflect on the idea of being in Jesus’ presence. How does seeing this visually impact our understanding of the power of faith and healing?

Here is the link to the scene that we will focus on this week. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlBOmQ1PaMY)

Faith in Action: Overcoming Obstacles 💡

In this story, we see the determination of the paralytic’s friends. When they couldn’t get through the crowded doorway, they made the bold decision to lower their friend down through the roof! Their faith wasn’t passive; it was active and determined. They believed so strongly in Jesus’ power that they did whatever it took to get their friend into His presence.

How often do we allow obstacles to keep us from getting closer to God? Just like these friends, we need to put our faith into action and find ways to get past the challenges that hold us back from His presence. This also challenges us to reflect on how we can help others reach Jesus. Are we willing to carry our friends in prayer and faith when they feel “paralyzed” by life’s struggles?

Sitting in His Presence 🌿

Once the paralytic was in Jesus’ presence, he didn’t need to say or do anything. He just sat there, and Jesus saw his need. This is a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is simply be still in front of God.

In today’s world, we often feel pressure to do more or say more. But being in God’s presence doesn’t require constant action. There’s profound peace and healing in simply resting and allowing God to work in our hearts. Are we making space in our busy lives to sit in His presence and receive that peace?

Healing on Multiple Levels 💖

When Jesus healed the paralytic man, He first addressed the man’s spiritual needs. Before telling him to get up and walk, Jesus said, “Son, your sins are forgiven”. This moment highlights that spiritual healing is just as important—if not more important—than physical healing. Jesus didn’t just see the man’s physical paralysis; He saw the deeper spiritual wounds that needed healing.

When we come into Jesus’ presence, He meets us at our deepest needs—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This is a powerful reminder that Jesus is always ready to heal and restore us, even in the places we may not fully recognize.

Applying the Lesson:

  1. Bringing Our Own Burdens:
    Just as the paralytic’s friends carried him to Jesus, we can bring our burdens to God. This week, think about the areas in your life where you feel “paralyzed”—whether it’s by fear, guilt, or anxiety—and symbolically “lower” them before Jesus in prayer. Trust that sitting in His presence will bring the healing and peace you need.
  2. Being a Friend of Faith:
    Challenge yourself to be like the friends in this story. Who in your life needs to be brought to Jesus? Pray for those around you and consider how you can support them by bringing their needs before God.

Join Us for the Lesson 📅

We’ll be exploring this story further in our Wednesday session, focusing on what it means to sit in God’s presence and let His healing work in our lives. Together, we’ll reflect on how to strengthen our faith and support one another as we seek God’s presence. We hope you can join us for this impactful lesson!

Hashtags:

  • #FaithInAction
  • #SittingInHisPresence
  • #JesusHealing
  • #SpiritualRestoration
  • #Mark2
  • #MiraclesOfJesus
  • #TrustInGod