THEOLOGICAL CORE, REDEMPTIVE ANALOGY, SPIRITUAL LIFE, AND MISSION Healing

Introduction 1. Don Richardson’s thesis=God has placed redemptive analogies in all cultures  Examples: Messiah, Lord, Peace Child 2. My proposed analogy is HEALING 3. This analogy or core theological concept ties all theology together 4. Our broken sick world seeks healing

I. Basic Theology 1. World begins (Gen. 1,2) and climaxes (Rev. 21,22) in a perfect world of “shalom” (peace, health) or relational peace 2. In Gen. 3 sin and brokenness enter 3. Sin breaks 4 basic relationships

Basic Theology cont.=Four Core Relationships A. Human to God --Gen. 3:10 B. Human to Human –Gen. 3:12 C. Human to Self –Gen. 3:7 D. Human to Nature –Gen. 3:16, 17b, 19b

Basic Theology cont. 4. These 4 relationship all interact 5. All of life and theology can be understood in this framework 6. God’s ultimate plan in to heal/restore/mend these four relationships 7. Theology=explain God’s healing; Spirituality=commune with the healing God; Ethics=live in a healed and healing way; Mission=share God’s healing with others

II. Additional Bible Evidence 1. Names and terms—Ex. 15:26, Matt. 1:21, Greek word “sozo” 2. Jesus example—one third of gospels is healing, summary of his ministry see Matt. 4:23-25, 3 of 4 gospels place healing on a par with teaching (see Graham Twelftree, “Jesus the Miracle Worker”— Matthew is the one exception 3. Jesus’ commands—Lk. 9:1-12; 10:8,9; Mk. 16:15- 18

Bible Evidence cont. 4. Early church– See Acts 5:12, Gal. 3:5. The whole argument of Luke-Acts is that the early church continues ministry in the same model as Jesus under the power of the Holy Spirit. (see “St. Luke’s Missiology” by Harold Dollar)

III. 12 Ways Jesus Heals 1. Laws of nature 2. Confession and Forgiveness 3. Love, intimacy, and community 4. Structure and discipline 5. Miracles, God’s gracious touch 6. Hope, meaning, guidance

12 Ways Jesus Heals cont. 7. Prayer, meditation, Bible study i.e. communion 8. Truth vs. lies—true understanding of God and world and life 9. Serving others, mission 10. Worship, praise, and gratitude 11. Joy, humor 12. Receiving and giving blessing

The Coming Together of Three Great Truths I came to realize it was at this point that three great passions came together: Mission and the Spiritual Life and Theology The source, the fuel for mission and evangelism/mission comes from communion with God and the devotional life. Out of worship and being with Jesus the desire to heal and bless others arises. Mission without theology and devotion runs out of gas and descends into legalism. Devotion without mission becomes internal, selfish, and narcissistic. Theology without communion and mission becomes meaningless We are called to be healers (mission/evangelism) being healed(devotion and close communion). Each feeds the other. How can we bring these three together?

Bringing Together Devotion, Theology, and Mission 3 Things are needed: 1. A simple path to follow 2. An ongoing structure for support, follow-up, and accountability 3. Decision and action

The Simple 4 fold path I 1. Devotional Time – Practice a regular daily devotional time of at least 15 minutes. This must be a top priority. The following 3 things should be done during this time. They are parts of the devotional life that are often neglected. 2. Wholistic Worship —We receive God’s love, power, and peace and respond in a wholistic way including the physical as is appropriate 3. Focused listening Quietly listen openly to God through scripture, nature, God’s still small voice, and God’s providential action in our lives. Seek short term and long term guidance and healing.

The Simple 4 fold Path II 4. Testimony and mission --Ask God to show me specific acts of love I can perform and people I can testify to about my communion with God and healing. Then do it. Note: 1. All of these elements can be done in groups as well as individually 2. All these steps become more meaningful and long lasting if journaling is practiced 3. All of these steps not only heal spiritually but are therapeutic physically and emotionally as well

Commitment and Action Commitment followed by action is necessary to transformation and healing—A plan has come to my mind over the last 2 weeks. Note what follows. I invite you to take the action of joining a group which follows the 4 part path and signing up on the “community of healing” blog in the next 5 days. Initially you are invited to join for a 40 day trial period. Ongoing information will be available on the blog through posts and there will be later opportunity to join for a year

Ongoing Structure and Follow-up The group provides a way to interact with others, learn more, and be encouraged. Checking the site often provides a way of accountability as well.

Summary: 5 Healing Truths 1. All are broken and need healing 2. Brokenness comes from 4 ruptured relationships— mentioned above 3. Jesus is the healer 4. Jesus heals by restoring relationships 5. Jesus restores relationships when people follow the simple 4 part path and ongoing structure of “Community of Healing”

V. Conclusion Action on the “Community of Healing” can change you and others.

Appeal Indicate decision now Check blog spot within 5 days Reread the description Join by signing up which means committing to try the 4 part path for a trial 40 days