Impossible Healings: Disease Within The Church
Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, saying, 'Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know Who You are--the Holy One of God!'
But Jesus rebuked him, saying, 'Be quiet, and come out of him!' And when the unclean spirit had convulsed him and cried out with a loud voice, he came out of him. Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, 'What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.' And immediately His fame spread throughout all the region around Galilee.
Mark 1:23-28 (NKJV)
The Gospel of Mark gets right to the point. Quickly, Jesus heals within hallowed walls--rebuking disease among the faithful. Because their disease is now our disease, and Christ is the Cure.
'A healthy church needs to develop an immune system to resist disease, else the church will get sick and perhaps even die. We do not mean the diseases of viruses, such as whooping cough, but ones that are even more destructive to our soul and future in eternity! It is much more sensible in our physical health to eat right, reduce stress, and exercise to prevent illness and live a longer, better quality life. If we do not, we get sick and miss one too many sick days and are fired from work, or get that one disease that may take our earthly life away. Yes, no one can add days to his life, but he can add a healthier more energy-filled life. The church is a body, too. The church needs to eat right and exercise by building love and purpose. Then, when a disease comes along, the church's white blood cells of good leadership can recognize, and get rid of it.' (ChurchLeadership.org) *
As the body of Christ, our Commander, have we left our post to hang with the world?
As the bride of Christ, to Whom we’re betrothed, are we drawn to adulterous affairs?
Have conflicts of interest weakened us and made us vulnerable to disease?
'Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?' (James 4:4).
If Jesus is the Cure for all ailments, including those within a church body, what’s His treatment plan for ailing churches?
An intensive immersion in Son-Light, found especially in Bible-reading.
Confessing our sins to Him and to kin, which empowers reconciliation.
Gentle correction of evident wrongs (instead of pretending they don’t exist.)
Impossible Healings: Disease Within The Church (Part 14)
* Article 'Church Diseases': (funny and wise) http://www.churchleadership.org/apps/articles/default.asp?articleid=42357&columnid=4545
NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.