Jesus Healing The Woman With The Issue Of Blood

Illustration: About half of the Americans who are familiar with the New Age movement don’t take its teachings seriously, a third of them say New Age thought runs counter to Judeo-Christian teaching, says a new poll by the Princeton Religious Research Center. The poll also shows that the general population’s awareness of the New Age is low, but the number of Americans who adhere to New Age practices is alarmingly high, even among professing Christians. "Many who consider themselves good Christians nonetheless have engaged in practices that seemingly are counter to the teaching of their church," the pollsters said. Roughly half of all Americans say they believe in extrasensory perception. Thirty percent of Roman Catholics and 22 percent of Protestants say they believe in clairvoyance, while 48 percent of Roman Catholics and 44 percent of Protestants say they believe in psychic healing, the poll shows. The poll indicates that 25 percent of both groups believe the movement of the stars may help govern the affairs of men and women. Christianity Today, February 10, 1992.

Argumentation: Why and how is this possible? God’s word says do not be involved with witches, spiritualists, and mediums. Scripture is very clear about stargazing (in the sense of Astrology not Astronomy) not being a practice that we should be involved in. Why do supposed believers dabble in this sort of thing? Why do believers read the Horoscope? Oh, it’s harmless, it’s for entertainment. Oh really, why did God specifically say stay away from it. You know not to play in traffic or pick up a cobra. God’s word did not say don’t do that, but when he specifically said do not do this, why is it done?

Application: Believers should take God’s word for what it is. A loving invitation to come closer to him and learn more about his will for their lives. Why then do believers not read his word or pray?

Transition: We see that “Believers wait too long to come to Jesus,” “Believers try to keep their faith undercover” and that “It’s easier for a Believer to be bold not timid.” Sadly, “Believers frequently do not trust the Word of God.”

5. Believers find happiness when they are close to Jesus.

Explanation: It’s not possible for a believer to grow in the Lord while sitting in a séance, or with drug dealers smoking pot, or fishing on Sunday morning. I fully recognize that we all have various things to do in life and sometimes that collides with one of our worship services. Well, make priorities and if you must miss one then try your best not to miss both. Make worship a solid priority in your life.

Illustration: Ever notice that when your cup of happiness is full, somebody always jogs your elbow? Source Unknown.

Argumentation: Folks a little rain will come into the lives of everyone here. It is when one chooses to separate themselves from church and God that they become miserable. Money and status and intelligence will not make you happy or content. Being close to Jesus will in spite of life’s hills and valleys. That’s where you find happiness and peace.