Category Archives: Forgiveness

A Bible Study in Alexandria, Louisiana.

In the heart of Alexandria, Louisiana, a small city with big opportunities, the residents came together for a Bible study that would make a lasting impact. Alexandria, although home to just 45,000 residents, is a thriving community that offers a unique blend of modern amenities and natural beauty. Known for its international airport, medical facilities, and cultural attractions, Alexandria still holds onto the charm of a small town, where neighbors know each other, and the presence of the Lord is always welcome.

The Bible study took place at a local church, which was one of the many hubs of spiritual life in the city. Millie, a woman known for her warm heart and deep love for the Word of God, led the session. As the attendees gathered in the small but cozy room, the atmosphere was filled with expectancy. Millie had a way of drawing people in, making everyone feel as though they were the most important person in the room. Her passion for the Bible and her heart for those in Alexandria made her an ideal leader for this Bible study.

“We often think of Alexandria as a small town,” Millie began, “but I believe it is a city disguised as a small town. It may have 45,000 residents, but it offers so much more—an international airport, hospitals, cultural centers, and outdoor recreation areas. It is a place of opportunity, and just as Alexandria boasts such a rich variety, our lives too are filled with the potential for the abundant blessings that come from knowing Christ.”

The group nodded in agreement, understanding that despite the smallness of their town, there were vast opportunities for spiritual growth. Millie continued, “Much like the city we live in, our spiritual lives can feel small and limited at times. But God has made us to be vessels of His grace, equipped to go beyond our own limitations. The key is to see beyond what we can immediately perceive, just as we must look beyond the small town of Alexandria to see the potential it holds.”

Millie took out her Bible and opened it to 2 Corinthians 4:7. “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” She looked around the room, making eye contact with everyone. “We may feel small, like jars of clay, but inside of us is a treasure—God’s power, His presence, His grace. No matter where we live or what we face, we carry within us something far greater than ourselves. The glory of God, His love, and His power.”

The group sat quietly, reflecting on these words. The thought that they were more than just the small town they lived in and were carrying God’s power within them was powerful. Millie continued by drawing a parallel between their city and the richness of the Christian life. Alexandria may be small in population, but it was full of life, with its cultural centers, lakes, parks, and zoos—places where families, individuals, and tourists found rest and joy. In the same way, the Christian life is not about size or outward appearances but about the richness of God’s presence and the beauty of living according to His will.

“You know, Alexandria is home to several outdoor recreation areas—Kisatchie National Forest, Cotile Lake, and the Alexandria Zoological Park,” Millie shared. “These are places where people come to escape the hustle and bustle, to connect with nature and find peace. But what about us? How often do we make time to retreat into God’s presence, to be still and know that He is God?”

She asked the group to pause for a moment of reflection. “Sometimes, we get so caught up in the busy-ness of life that we forget to take the time to sit with God, to find rest in His presence. Just as these outdoor spaces provide peace and respite for the people of Alexandria, God offers us spiritual rest. He invites us to come to Him with our burdens and to find peace in His arms.”

Millie then shared how important it was to balance the demands of daily life with moments of quiet and reflection. “In the midst of our busy routines, whether we’re working, taking care of our families, or managing life’s many responsibilities, we need to create space to connect with God. Just like Alexandria has parks and recreational areas where people can unplug from the world, we too need our own spiritual ‘parks,’ places where we can be renewed by God’s Word and His presence.”

The group agreed with Millie’s insight, understanding that they often neglected their spiritual needs due to the distractions of everyday life. But they were encouraged by the reminder that God’s peace was always available to them if they made the space for it.

Millie then shifted the focus to the importance of community in the Christian life. “Alexandria may be a small city, but it has so much to offer its residents—hospitals, schools, parks, and a supportive community. This city is a place where people come together to share their resources and help one another. The Church is no different. We, as believers, are a part of God’s larger community, a body that works together to share the love of Christ and help each other grow.”

She opened to 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, where Paul writes, “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.” Millie explained, “We are all part of God’s body. We come from different walks of life, but together we form one body in Christ. We each have different gifts, different talents, but each one of us plays a vital role in building up the body of Christ.”

She encouraged the group to continue to grow in their faith and to support one another as a community. “Just as Alexandria offers its residents a variety of opportunities—schools, hospitals, and parks—our faith also offers us opportunities to grow, to serve, and to experience the richness of God’s presence. The Church should be a place of growth and restoration, a community where we help each other find our purpose and share God’s love.”

As the Bible study came to a close, Millie prayed for the group, thanking God for the opportunities they had to come together and grow in their faith. “Lord, we thank You for the city of Alexandria, for the people who call it home, and for the many blessings we have in this community. We ask that You help us to see the richness of our faith, to find peace in Your presence, and to support one another as we grow in the knowledge of Your Word. Help us to be vessels of Your love and light in this city, and to be a reflection of Your grace in everything we do.”

The group left the Bible study that evening with hearts full of hope and encouragement. Millie had reminded them that their lives, like the city of Alexandria, were filled with potential—potential for growth, for peace, and for the abundant blessings of God’s presence. As they stepped into the world outside, they carried the treasure of God’s love and power within them, ready to make a difference in their community.

Elsie’s Dream: A Revival in Bryant

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Elsie, a young woman from Bryant, Arkansas, had a vivid dream one night that would change her life forever. In her dream, she found herself standing in the heart of Bryant, a town known for its small charm and community spirit. She was drawn to Bishop Park, where the vast open fields, serene ponds, and winding trails seemed to glow with an ethereal light. The park, a place of leisure and fitness, had transformed into a holy ground where the presence of God was tangible.

As Elsie walked through the park, she saw a gathering of people at The Center, a facility typically used for fitness and community events. However, in her dream, it had become a sanctuary where believers from all walks of life were kneeling in prayer and worship. Their voices rose like a symphony, crying out, “I just want You, Jesus!” The words echoed through the air, filling Elsie’s heart with a warmth she had never experienced before.

Then, a great wind swept through the park, shaking the trees and stirring the waters of the ponds. Elsie looked up and saw a bright light descending from the heavens. A voice, strong yet gentle, called out, “Bryant, this is your time of revival. No two outpourings are the same, and I am doing a new thing in this place.”

Suddenly, Elsie found herself standing in the middle of a large gathering at the Taste of Bryant Food Festival. The festival, known for its vibrant food trucks and summer festivities, had taken on a different atmosphere. Instead of laughter and casual conversation, people were testifying about the goodness of God. Vendors and attendees alike spoke of miracles—bodies healed, hearts restored, and minds renewed. The presence of God was so thick that many fell to their knees in worship right in the streets of Bryant.

A pastor stepped forward, holding a Bible high above his head. His voice rang out over the crowd: “We will rejoice in Your salvation, O Lord, and in Your name, we will set up our banners! The time of revival is here!” The people responded with shouts of joy, hands raised, and tears streaming down their faces. It was as if the heavens had opened over Bryant, and the Holy Spirit was moving in a way that no one had ever seen before.

As Elsie turned to look around, she noticed familiar faces—friends, family, and even strangers—all caught up in the same powerful move of God. The Center’s indoor aquatic area had become a baptismal pool, where new believers were being submerged in water, symbolizing their rebirth in Christ. The walking trails, normally used for exercise, had become pathways of prayer where intercessors walked, declaring God’s promises over their town.

Then, Elsie saw something incredible. The sky opened, and she beheld a vision of angels descending, carrying golden banners inscribed with the words: “Awaken, Bryant! The time is now!” It was then that she understood the urgency of the message. God was calling Bryant into a deeper relationship with Him, to be a beacon of revival not only for Arkansas but for the entire nation.

As the dream came to a close, Elsie heard one final whisper: “Surrender to My work, for I am baptizing you in awe.” And with that, she woke up, her heart pounding with excitement. She knew that what she had seen was more than a dream—it was a divine commission.

The next morning, Elsie wasted no time sharing her vision with her church and community. The revival had already begun, and she was ready to step into the calling God had placed upon her life. Bryant, the geographical center of Arkansas, was about to become the epicenter of a spiritual awakening unlike any other.

God’s Healing: The Power of Faith and Forgiveness

Chapter 1: The Origin of Sickness

Sickness is not part of God’s original design or His will. In His perfect creation, there was no sickness, disease, or death. Romans 5:11-12 explains how sin entered the world through Adam, bringing death and its manifestations, including sickness. Sin introduced thorns, storms, violence, and decay into a creation that was once flawless. Isaiah 11:6-8 illustrates the restored paradise, where harmony replaces hostility in nature, and death is no more.

God’s plan never included sickness or death. These entered the world as a consequence of sin, and the Bible repeatedly emphasizes their connection. Sin is serious; it brought devastation to humanity and creation. Today, society often diminishes the gravity of sin, reframing it as personal struggles rather than transgressions against God. However, Romans 6:23 reminds us, “The wages of sin is death,” highlighting the cost of disobedience. While forgiveness is available through grace, sin’s consequences are still evident. True repentance involves change, not merely regret.

Blaming God for sickness, wars, and suffering is misguided. God is good, and His creation was perfect before sin distorted it. The brokenness of the world results from humanity’s choices, not God’s will. However, even in this fallen state, God provides opportunities for blessing, healing, and restoration. Believers are called to align with God’s will, choosing faith and obedience amidst a broken world.

Chapter 2: Sickness and Sin’s Consequences

Sickness is a direct result of sin and its effects on the world. Romans 5:12 explains that death entered through sin, spreading to all because all have sinned. Sickness, poverty, and suffering are varying degrees of death—a byproduct of sin’s presence. To claim sickness is God’s will implies that sin, its origin, is also His will, which contradicts His nature.

The Bible highlights sin and sickness. John Alexander Dowie aptly described sickness as “the foul offspring of its father Satan and its mother sin.” This connection underscores the incompatibility of sickness with God’s perfect will. If sin had never entered the world, sickness and death would not exist. Through Christ’s sacrifice, the power of sin has been broken, offering both forgiveness and healing.

James 5:14-15 reinforces this dual provision, where the prayer of faith brings healing and forgiveness. Jesus demonstrated this by healing physical ailments alongside forgiving sins, showing that both stem from the same redemptive work. Believers have the right to claim healing, just as they claim forgiveness, because both are grounded in Christ’s sacrifice. To diminish the significance of healing is to underestimate the full scope of redemption.

Chapter 3: God’s Cure for Sin and Sickness

Christ’s work on the cross provides the ultimate cure for both sin and its consequences, including sickness. Sin brought death, but Jesus’ sacrifice reversed its power. If sin is forgiven, then the effects of sin, such as sickness, can also be healed. This is the foundation of God’s will for healing. James 5:14-15 encapsulates this truth, linking forgiveness and healing in the same prayer.

Jesus exemplified this principle in His ministry. When He healed a paralyzed man, He declared both forgiveness and healing, asking, “Which is easier to say?” The two acts are inseparable because they stem from the same source: Jesus’ atonement. This underscores the comprehensive nature of redemption, which restores wholeness to both spirit and body.

Believers often struggle to fully embrace this truth, doubting God’s will for healing while readily accepting His will for forgiveness. However, the same faith that secures forgiveness should inspire confidence in healing. God’s will has always been life, health, and wholeness, as evidenced in His original creation and His promises for restoration.

God does not desire sickness or suffering for His people. He is a good God who offers protection, healing, and prosperity even in a fallen world. By aligning with His will, believers can experience His blessings and manifest His kingdom on earth, just as it is in heaven. Through faith, obedience, and reliance on Christ’s work, we can live in the fullness of His redemptive plan.