Tag Archives: healing

Healing Meeting in a Bentonville church

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In the small town of Bentonville, Arkansas, a town known for its scenic biking trails and lively running community, something extraordinary happened on a quiet evening. Bentonville’s tight-knit community came together in a way that transcended physical endurance, coming together for a different kind of race—one for healing, restoration, and faith.

Mia, a young lady with an infectious spirit, led the meeting that would mark a turning point for many in the room. Mia was not a seasoned preacher or a well-known figure, but she had a heart that burned with passion for people’s healing and restoration. She knew, deep down, that healing was a promise that belonged to every believer, and she felt the calling to share that message with the people of her hometown.

It was an unassuming evening, with the crisp air of February filling the Bentonville streets. The meeting took place in a modest church, nestled in the heart of the town. People trickled in, a mix of regulars who gathered for worship and a few newcomers, perhaps curious about what this healing meeting would bring. Bentonville’s residents were used to challenges—whether it was conquering the tough trails at Slaughter Pen or preparing for the annual Run Bentonville Half Marathon—but tonight’s race was not about time or endurance. Tonight, it was about spiritual perseverance and receiving the healing that God promised.

Mia greeted everyone with a warm smile as they gathered in the prayer room, her excitement palpable. There was an energy in the air, as though everyone in the room could sense something was about to unfold. Bentonville, with its reputation for being a place of outdoor adventure and athleticism, was about to witness an event of a different kind—one that involved inner strength and divine healing, an opportunity to break free from sickness, pain, and despair. Mia knew this town well. The residents of Bentonville were resilient, yet many carried burdens—physical ailments, emotional wounds, and spiritual struggles. Tonight, Mia would speak directly to those needs, reminding everyone of the powerful truth that healing is part of redemption.

“Friends, healing is a part of redemption,” Mia began, her voice steady yet filled with conviction. “Just as much as Jesus gave His life for our salvation, He also gave His life for our healing. We don’t have to wait for Heaven to experience the restoration He promised; it belongs to us now. This is God’s will for each and every one of us, and it is available today.”

Her words resonated with the crowd. Bentonville was a small town, but the hearts in that room were big, yearning for hope. Mia continued, explaining how healing is not some distant, far-off blessing. She shared from Scripture, recalling how the apostle Peter wrote in 1 Peter 2:24, “By His stripes, you were healed.” She explained the profound significance of those words—the very wounds Jesus bore on the cross were for healing. “It’s already done,” Mia said. “You don’t need to wait. Your healing is already a finished work.”

As Mia spoke, she emphasized that healing was part of the complete work of redemption that Jesus accomplished. Healing is not just for some; it is for everyone. She reminded the group that the same Jesus who saved us from sin also bore our sickness and pain. In fact, in Isaiah 53, the prophet spoke of the suffering Messiah who would carry our sicknesses and sorrows, not just our sins. Mia paused and let that truth settle in, giving the attendees a moment to reflect.

“I want you to know, friends, that just as we have been saved from sin, we can be healed from sickness,” Mia continued. “There is no limitation. The power of Jesus’ sacrifice extends to our physical and emotional well-being. Jesus didn’t just die for our souls; He died for our bodies too.”

The room grew quiet as Mia’s words penetrated the hearts of everyone present. Bentonville residents, known for their resilience on the biking trails and in the annual half marathon, now found themselves in a different kind of race. This race wasn’t against time or other runners; it was a race toward faith, toward believing that God’s promises included healing for their bodies and minds.

Mia led the group in prayer, asking God to open their hearts and minds to the truth of His Word. She invited anyone who needed healing to come forward, whether for physical pain, emotional distress, or spiritual wounds. People stepped forward, some with tears in their eyes, others with anticipation of what God could do in their lives.

As Mia prayed for each person, a sense of peace filled the room. She laid hands on them, reminding them of the power of Jesus’ redemptive work. Some individuals felt immediate relief, while others experienced a quiet assurance that their healing was already underway. It wasn’t just physical healing, either—there were emotional breakthroughs and spiritual renewals happening in real-time.

Mia’s heart swelled with gratitude as she saw the faces of the people of Bentonville light up with newfound hope. This wasn’t just a meeting; it was a turning point for many. The people of Bentonville, a community known for their grit and determination on the trails, now carried the message of healing in their hearts. They left that evening not only with a sense of physical healing but with an inner peace that came from knowing they were whole—body, soul, and spirit.

Mia stood at the front, her own heart overflowing with joy, as the room slowly emptied. She had watched the transformation of so many lives, and she knew that this healing meeting was just the beginning of something even bigger. Healing is a part of redemption, and for the people of Bentonville, it was no longer a distant hope. It was their present reality.

As the evening came to a close, the people of Bentonville walked out of the church, renewed and restored. They were ready to face the challenges ahead—whether it was another race on the trails, a bike ride through the award-winning Slaughter Pen trails, or another round of training for the Run Bentonville Half Marathon. But they carried something even more significant than a medal or personal best time: they carried the power of divine healing in their lives, knowing that God’s promises were true, and healing was for them.

Distinguishing Tradition from Biblical Truth

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Olivia sat across from her pastor in his office, a thoughtful expression on her face. She had been struggling with questions about faith, tradition, and the truth of God’s Word.

“Pastor, I’ve been thinking a lot about how people hold onto traditions without questioning whether they align with the Bible,” Olivia began. “I see it everywhere—people believe things just because they were taught that way. But how do we distinguish between tradition and truth?”

Her pastor nodded, leaning forward. “That’s a crucial question, Olivia. This issue has existed since the time of Jesus. He rebuked the religious leaders for allowing traditions to override God’s Word. Many people today unknowingly cling to man-made teachings instead of biblical truth.”

Olivia sighed. “I had a conversation with a friend recently. She objected to a preacher’s message by quoting a hymn rather than scripture. She truly believed that song was biblical, but it wasn’t.”

“That’s a common problem,” the pastor agreed. “People grow up hearing certain things in church and assume they’re scriptural. But the real test should always be: ‘Where is it in the Book?’ If a belief isn’t supported by multiple scriptures, then it’s likely a tradition rather than a biblical principle.”

Olivia nodded. “That makes sense. And speaking of scripture, I was reading Numbers 21:4 recently, where the Israelites complained and became discouraged. Their complaints led to serious consequences, didn’t they?”

“Yes,” her pastor affirmed. “Discouragement is dangerous. It leads to frustration, doubt, and even destruction. First Corinthians 10:10 warns us not to murmur because it opens the door to negative consequences. Gratitude, on the other hand, brings light and revelation.”

“That’s something I struggle with,” Olivia admitted. “Sometimes, when things don’t go my way, I find myself questioning God.”

“That’s not unusual,” her pastor assured her. “Many people develop a hidden resentment toward God when life seems unfair. But the truth is, God never fails us. It’s often our own disobedience or lack of understanding that blocks His blessings.”

Olivia thought for a moment. “Like the Israelites who complained about manna. They had a miraculous provision, but instead of being grateful, they grumbled. And that led to judgment.”

“Exactly,” her pastor agreed. “Their complaints removed God’s protection, and fiery serpents entered the camp. But what happened next is an important lesson. When they repented, God told Moses to make a bronze serpent and lift it up. Anyone who looked at it in faith was healed. That serpent symbolized Jesus, who was lifted on the cross for our salvation.”

“I’ve read that passage before,” Olivia said, “but I never connected it with Jesus until I saw John 3:14, where He refers to Himself being lifted up like the serpent in the wilderness.”

Her pastor smiled. “That’s the beauty of scripture—it all points to Jesus. The bronze serpent represented sin and judgment. When Jesus took on our sins, He bore the punishment so we could be free.”

Olivia hesitated before speaking. “I know Jesus paid for my sins, but sometimes I still feel guilty about my past. It’s hard to have faith when I don’t feel worthy.”

Her pastor nodded. “That’s a tactic of the enemy—using guilt to suppress your faith. Condemnation makes it difficult to receive from God. Remember the paralyzed man whose friends lowered him through the roof to see Jesus? Before healing him, Jesus first told him, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’ Why? Because faith can’t operate under guilt. Once the man knew he was forgiven, he had the confidence to receive his healing.”

Olivia’s eyes widened. “That’s powerful. I guess I’ve been holding onto guilt without realizing how it affects my faith.”

“It happens to many believers,” her pastor said gently. “But John 3:17 tells us that Jesus didn’t come to condemn the world, but to save it. If He doesn’t condemn you, then you shouldn’t condemn yourself. The blood of Jesus cleanses completely.”

Olivia exhaled slowly. “So, if I let go of guilt and embrace my redemption, I can walk in faith more confidently?”

“Absolutely,” her pastor affirmed. “That’s the key to receiving God’s promises. When you truly believe you are forgiven and made righteous through Christ, your faith will rise, and you’ll experience His blessings.”

Olivia smiled. “Thank you, Pastor. I see now how important it is to question traditions, embrace gratitude, and walk in the confidence of redemption.”

Her pastor nodded. “I’m glad, Olivia. The truth of God’s Word sets us free. Keep seeking Him, and He will continue to guide you.”

Reclaiming What Was Lost: The Year of Jubilee

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The Promise of Restoration

Adam and Eve were given a perfect life, but their disobedience led to the loss of everything: their health, riches, fellowship with God, protection, and peace. Humanity suffered the consequences of their fall for centuries. However, in the fullness of time, a Redeemer was born—Jesus, the Word made flesh. His arrival marked the beginning of restoration, a promise fulfilled.

Luke 4:14-19 describes Jesus returning from His wilderness temptation, victorious over the devil’s schemes. He entered the synagogue in Nazareth and read from the book of Isaiah, proclaiming, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he hath anointed me…” He declared His mission—to heal the brokenhearted, to deliver the captives, to restore sight to the blind, and to proclaim liberty to the oppressed. His words pointed to the Year of Jubilee, a divine reset when all losses are restored.

In biblical times, the Year of Jubilee occurred every fifty years, granting people the return of lost possessions, freedom from bondage, and restoration of wealth. Jesus, however, declared Himself to be the embodiment of the Jubilee. Through Him, believers no longer needed to wait for another cycle to regain what was lost. Healing, deliverance, and restoration were now available through faith in Him.

This message of redemption is not limited to the past but extends to all who believe. In Christ, what was lost—health, wealth, freedom—can be reclaimed. His sacrifice ensures that restoration is possible for anyone who reaches out in faith. His redemptive work is complete, leaving no aspect of life outside His power to renew. In Him, every promise is affirmed, and every loss can be reversed.

Atonement and Redemption

The Old Testament provides numerous types and foreshadows of Jesus’ redemptive work, particularly in the concept of atonement. One striking example is found in Numbers 16, in the account of “atonement for the plague.” The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, along with 250 influential leaders, demonstrated how sin leads to destruction. Their defiance against God’s chosen leaders resulted in the earth swallowing them whole. Despite this dramatic judgment, the remaining congregation still murmured against Moses and Aaron, accusing them of wrongdoing.

Their rebellion brought divine wrath, and a plague broke out among them. Recognizing the urgency, Moses instructed Aaron to take a censer with fire from the altar, add incense, and make atonement for the people. Aaron stood between the dead and the living, and the plague was stopped. This act symbolized the role of Jesus, our eternal High Priest, who stands as our mediator, preventing destruction from reaching us.

This account reinforces the necessity of divine atonement. The Lord does not actively seek to destroy; rather, it is sin that removes His protection, exposing individuals to destruction. Jesus, like Aaron, intercedes for us, shielding us from judgment. Hebrews 4:14 emphasizes that we have a “great high priest” in Jesus, who has passed into the heavens, advocating on our behalf.

Confession plays a vital role in experiencing the fullness of redemption. Jesus has already accomplished the work, but what we declare determines how much we walk in its reality. If He says we are forgiven, healed, and blessed, our confession should align with His words. Speaking in faith activates His promises, ensuring that we receive the restoration available through His atoning work.

Through Jesus, believers stand protected, redeemed, and restored. His role as our High Priest ensures that we have continual access to the benefits of salvation. When we confess His truth, we declare victory over loss, sickness, and oppression, embracing the fullness of redemption He has provided.