Bakersfield First Assembly

Acts 4:29-31 (NIV) – [29] Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. [30] STRETCH OUT YOUR HAND to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” [31] After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Stretch Out Your Hand to Heal

1. God stretches out His hand to DELIVER.

2. God stretches out His hand in LOVE.

3. God stretches out His hand to GUIDE.

“So many of people’s problems come from trying to control things outside of their control, and when they try, the lose control of themselves.” (Drs. Cloud and Townsend)

4. God stretches out His hand to SAVE.

5. God stretches out His hand to CREATE.

6. God stretches out His hand to AVENGE.

7. God stretches out His hand to DISCIPLINE.

Matthew 14:29-32 (NKJV) – [29] So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. [30] But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” [31] And immediately Jesus STRETCHED OUT HIS HAND and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” [32] And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.

8. God stretches out His hand against FEAR.

Exodus 9:15-16 (NIV) – [15] For by now I could have STRETCHED OUT MY HAND and struck you and your people with a plague that would have wiped you off the earth. [16] But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.

9. God stretches out His hand for a PURPOSE.

Isaiah 14:26 (NIV) – [26] This is the plan determined for the whole world; this is the HAND STRETCHED OUT over all nations. [27] For the LORD Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? HIS HAND IS STRETCHED OUT, and who can turn it back?

10. God stretches out His hand with a PLAN.

Mark 3:3-6 (NIV) – [3] Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.” [4] Then Jesus asked [the Pharisees], “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent. [5] He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “STRETCH OUT YOUR HAND.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. [6] Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.

11. God stretches out His hand to RESTORE.

Restore (apokathistemi) [ap-ok-ath-is'-tay-mee] means to restore to a former condition of health; to put back in the original condition.

“German theologian Jürgen Moltmann points out that miracles are not an interruption of the natural order but the restoration of the natural order. We are so used to a fallen world that sickness, disease, pain, and death seem natural. In fact, they are the interruption.” (Dane C. Ortlund, Gentle and Lowly)

“The restoration of the crippled hand demonstrates the new, superior order of salvation which is present in the coming of Jesus, the dawn of the eschatological time of salvation which restores to the sabbath commandment its profound significance: restoration of human beings in their integrity as part of God's creation.” (Exegetical Dictionary of the NT)

The Book of Job

“The Question of the Ages—Why?”

The Power of Pain

1. Pain can sensitize us to the suffering of others.

2. Pain can make us narcissistic.

"Forgiveness must be given, but trust must also be earned."

Titus 3:10 (NIV) – [10] Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him.

Matthew 3:7-8 (NIV) – [7] But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? [8] Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.”

Acts 26:20 (NIV) – [20] First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.

Matthew 18:15-17 (NIV) – [15] “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. [16] But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ [17] If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

Job 16:15-17 (NIV) – [15] I have sewed sackcloth over my skin and buried my brow in the dust. [16] My face is red with weeping, deep shadows ring my eyes; [17] yet my hands have been free of violence and my prayer is pure.

3. Pain can purify our prayers.

Lamentations 2:19 (NIV) – [19] Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your children, who faint from hunger at the head of every street.

1 Samuel 1:13-16 (NIV) – [13] Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk [14] and said to her, “How long will you keep on getting drunk? Get rid of your wine.” [15] “Not so, my lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the LORD. [16] Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.”

Job 16:18 (NIV) – [18] O earth, do not cover my blood; may my cry never be laid to rest!

4. Pain wants to be heard.

Philippians 4:8 (NIV) – [8] Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Job 16:19-21 (NIV) – [19] Even now my witness is in heaven; my advocate is on high. [20] My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; [21] on behalf of a man he pleads with God as a man pleads for his friend.

5. Pain can reveal our true intercessor, Jesus.

Hebrews 7:23-25 (NIV) – [23] Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; [24] but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. [25] Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

Job 16:22 (NIV) – [22] “Only a few years will pass before I go on the journey of no return.

6. Pain can lead to fatalism.

Romans 8:18 (NIV) – [18] I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV) – [16] Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. [17] For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. [18] So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

7. Pain will be permanently alleviated in heaven.

Acts 4:27-31 (NIV) – [27] “Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. [28] They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. [29] Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. [30] STRETCH OUT YOUR HAND to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” [31] After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Stretch Out Your Hand to Heal

1. God stretches out His hand to DELIVER.

2. God stretches out His hand in LOVE.

3. God stretches out His hand to GUIDE.

4. God stretches out His hand to SAVE.

Isaiah 45:11-12 (NIV) – [11] “This is what the Lord says—the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: Concerning things to come, do you question me about my children, or give me orders about the work of my hands? [12] It is I who made the earth and created mankind upon it. My own HANDS STRETCHED OUT the heavens; I marshaled their starry hosts.

5. God stretches out His hand to CREATE.

Isaiah 64:8 (NIV) – [8] Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.

Romans 9:20-21 (NIV) – [20] But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’” [21] Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?

Genesis 1:27 (NIV) – [27] So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

Ezekiel 25:15-17 (NIV) – [15] “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘Because the Philistines acted in vengeance and took revenge with malice in their hearts, and with ancient hostility sought to destroy Judah, [16] therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am about to STRETCH OUT MY HAND against the Philistines, and I will cut off the Kerethites and destroy those remaining along the coast. [17] I will carry out great vengeance on them and punish them in my wrath. Then they will know that I am the Lord, when I take vengeance on them.’”

6. God stretches out His hand to AVENGE.

Romans 12:19 (NIV) – [19] Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

Deuteronomy 11:1-2 (NIV) – [1] Love the LORD your God and keep his requirements, his decrees, his laws and his commands always. [2] Remember today that your children were not the ones who saw and experienced the discipline of the LORD your God: his majesty, HIS MIGHTY HAND, HIS OUTSTRETCHED ARM.

7. God stretches out His hand to DISCIPLINE.

Judges 3:1-4 (NIV) – [1] These are the nations the LORD left to test all those Israelites who had not experienced any of the wars in Canaan [2] (he did this only to teach warfare to the descendants of the Israelites who had not had previous battle experience): [3] the five rulers of the Philistines, all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites living in the Lebanon mountains from Mount Baal Hermon to Lebo Hamath. [4] They were left to test the Israelites to see whether they would obey the LORD's commands, which he had given their forefathers through Moses.

Acts 4:27-31 (NIV) – [27] “Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. [28] They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. [29] Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. [30] STRETCH OUT YOUR HAND to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” [31] After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Stretch Out Your Hand to Heal

“The hand of God is the symbol of his power: its being upon one denotes favor or punishment.” (Easton’s Bible Dictionary)

1 Corinthians 1:26-31 (MSG) – [26] Take a good look, friends, at who you were when you got called into this life. I don’t see many of “the brightest and the best” among you, not many influential, not many from high-society families. [27] Isn’t it obvious that God deliberately chose men and women that the culture overlooks and exploits and abuses, [28] chose these “nobodies” to expose the hollow pretensions of the “somebodies”? [29] That makes it quite clear that none of you can get by with blowing your own horn before God. [30] Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ. [31] That’s why we have the saying, “If you’re going to blow a horn, blow a trumpet for God.”

Exodus 7:5 (NIV) – [5] “And the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out of it.”

1. God stretches out His hand to DELIVER.

Exodus 15:12-13 (NIV) – [12] “You stretched out your right hand and the earth swallowed them. [13] In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.

“The hand of God, and especially the right hand, is also understood as a place of salvation, refuge, and protection. It is the favored position.” (Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology).

2. God stretches out His hand to LOVE.

“This was written… for those of us who know God loves us but suspect we have deeply disappointed him. Who have told others of the love of Christ yet wonder if—as for us—he harbors mild resentment.” (Dane Ortlund, Gentle and Lowly)

3. God stretches out His hand to GUIDE.

Psalms 138:7 (NIV) – [7] Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me.

4. God stretches out His hand to SAVE.

Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV) – [17] The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”

The Book of Job

“The Question of the Ages—Why?”

Though He Slay Me, Yet Will I Trust Him

Bildad the Shuhite

Zophar the Naamathite

“Every lie we buy into about ourselves is rooted in what we believe about God.” Jennie Allen, Get Out of Your Head: Stopping the Spiral of Toxic Thoughts

1. Our standing with God is directly related to how we treat other people.

2. God does not need to defend Himself to us.

3. God does not need us to defend Him to others.

Job 13:13-19 (NIV) – [13] “Keep silent and let me speak; then let come to me what may. [14] Why do I put myself in jeopardy and take my life in my hands? [15] Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face. [16] Indeed, this will turn out for my deliverance, for no godless man would dare come before him! [17] Listen carefully to my words; let your ears take in what I say. [18] Now that I have prepared my case, I know I will be vindicated. [19] Can anyone bring charges against me? If so, I will be silent and die.

Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) – [6] And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Romans 4:3-4 (NIV) – [3] What does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” [4] Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. [5] However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.

4. Faith is foremost and pleases God most.

Job 13:20-27 (NIV) – [20] “Only grant me these two things, O God, and then I will not hide from you: [21] Withdraw your hand far from me, and stop frightening me with your terrors. [22] Then summon me and I will answer, or let me speak, and you reply. [23] How many wrongs and sins have I committed? Show me my offense and my sin. [24] Why do you hide your face and consider me your enemy? [25] Will you torment a windblown leaf? Will you chase after dry chaff? [26] For you write down bitter things against me and make me inherit the sins of my youth. [27] You fasten my feet in shackles; you keep close watch on all my paths by putting marks on the soles of my feet. 28 So man wastes away like something rotten, like a garment eaten by moths.”

5. The greatest evidence of faith is not found in getting what we want, but in continuing to trust God when we DON’T get what we want.

Acts 4:27-31 (NIV) – [27] “Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. [28] They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. [29] Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great BOLDNESS. [30] STRETCH OUT YOUR HAND TO HEAL and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” [31] After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God BOLDLY.

2023 Theme: Stretch Out Your Hand to Heal

1. God is sovereign.

SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD - “A theological term which refers to the unlimited power of God, who has sovereign control over the affairs of nature and history (Isaiah 45:9-19; Romans 8:18-39). The Bible declares that God is working out His sovereign plan of redemption for the world and that the conclusion is certain.” (Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary)

2. God’s predestination is based upon His foreknowledge.

3. God sovereignly chose us.

4. God is sovereign, but we also have free will.

Acts 9:15-16 (NIV) – [15] But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. [16] I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

5. God sovereignly heals us.

“While the book of Proverbs clearly shows the importance of human responsibility and choice, this proverb recognizes that outcomes are determined by God’s sovereign providence. Proverbs makes no attempt to resolve the tension between the two ideas. Both human responsibility and God’s sovereignty are affirmed, and the mystery of their interaction is allowed to remain. (The Apologetics Study Bible)

Proverbs 16:1 (NIV) – [1] To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue.

1. God sovereignly has the final word.

Proverbs 16:2 (NIV) – [2] All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD.

2. God sovereignly weighs our motives.

1 Chronicles 28:9 (NIV) – [9] “And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every MOTIVE behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.

Proverbs 16:3 (NIV) – [3] Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

3. God sovereignly brings success.

Deuteronomy 8:17-18 (NLT) – [17] “He did all this so you would never say to yourself, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.’ [18] Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be SUCCESSFUL, in order to fulfill the covenant he confirmed to your ancestors with an oath.

Proverbs 16:4 (NIV) – [4] The LORD works out everything for his own ends—even the wicked for a day of disaster.

4. God sovereignly uses even the wicked.

Exodus 9:15-16 (NIV) – [15] “For by now I could have stretched out my hand and struck you and your people with a plague that would have wiped you off the earth. [16] But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”

Proverbs 16:5 (NIV) – [5] The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.

5. God sovereignly punishes the proud.

1 Peter 5:5-6 (NIV) – [5] Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” [6] Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

Proverbs 16:6 (NIV) – [6] Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil.

6. God sovereignly forgives our sin.

Micah 7:18-19 (NIV) – [18] Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. [19] You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.

Proverbs 16:7 (NIV) – [7] When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.

7. God sovereignly brings peace with our enemies.

Proverbs 16:8 (NIV) – [8] Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.

8. God sovereignly makes us satisfied with righteousness.

Proverbs 16:9 (NIV) – [9] In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

9. God sovereignly determines our steps.

Acts 4:27-31 (NIV) – [27] “Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. [28] They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. [29] Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great BOLDNESS. [30] STRETCH OUT YOUR HAND TO HEAL and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” [31] After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God BOLDLY.

2023 Theme: Stretch Out Your Hand to Heal

Acts 4:27-28 (NIV) – [27] “Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. [28] THEY DID WHAT YOUR POWER AND WILL HAD DECIDED BEFOREHAND SHOULD HAPPEN.

“While it seemed that Satan had gotten the upper hand when the Son of God was crucified on the cross, in reality everything occurred according to God’s eternal will and plan. The believers declared that God is the sovereign Lord of all events; he rules history to fulfill his purpose. What his will determines, his power carries out. No army, government, or council can stand in God’s way.” (Life Application NT)

“Just as God’s sovereign power and will had decided beforehand that Christ should be opposed, so now Peter and John prayed for God’s power to be manifested in… the supernatural ability to heal and to perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of Jesus.” (Bible Knowledge Commentary)

1. God is sovereign.

Acts 4:28 (NAS) – [28] …to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose PREDESTINED to occur.

Proorizo means to predetermine, to foreordain, to predestine, to decide ahead of time.

Romans 8:29-30 (NIV) – [29] For those God foreknew he also PREDESTINED to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. [30] And those he PREDESTINED, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

2. God’s predestination is based upon His foreknowledge.

Ephesians 1:4-6 (NIV) – [4] For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love [5] he PREDESTINED us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— [6] to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

3. God sovereignly chose us.

John 15:16 (NIV) – [16] You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.

4. God is sovereign, but we also have free will.

Ephesians 1:11-12 (NIV) – [11] In him we were also chosen, having been PREDESTINED according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, [12] in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.

5. God sovereignly heals us.

Acts 4:27-31 (NIV) – [27] “Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. [28] They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. [29] Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great BOLDNESS. [30] STRETCH OUT YOUR HAND TO HEAL and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” [31] After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God BOLDLY.

Stretch Out Your Hand to Heal

5. “Marpe’” means a medicine or cure or remedy.

Proverbs 14:30 (AMP) – [30] A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and HEALTH of the body, but envy, jealousy, and wrath are like rottenness of the bones.

Malachi 4:2 (NIV) – [2] But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with HEALING in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.

6. “Raphah” means healer, physician; to thoroughly make whole; to cure, to repair, to restore.

Exodus 15:26 (NIV) – [26] He said, “If you listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who HEALS you.”

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV) – [14] If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will HEAL their land.

Psalms 103:2-3 (NIV) – [2] Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits — [3] who forgives all your sins and HEALS all your diseases…

Psalms 147:3 (NIV) – [3] He HEALS (raphah) the brokenhearted and BINDS UP (chabash) their wounds.

Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV) – [5] But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are HEALED.

7.“Riphuwth” means health, healing; it refers to a process of restoration and refreshment to a person that brings healing; in context, the fear of the Lord is the healing balm.

Proverbs 3:7-8 (NIV) – [7] Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. [8] This will bring HEALTH to your body and nourishment to your bones.

Proverbs 3:7-8 (KJV) – [7] Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. [8] It shall be HEALTH to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

8. “Shalom” means completeness, soundness, health, prosperity; peace, quiet, tranquility, contentment, wellness, safety.

Psalms 4:7-8 (NIV) – [7] You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. [8] I will lie down and sleep in PEACE, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Isaiah 26:3 (NIV) – [3] You will keep in PERFECT PEACE him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) – [11] “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to PROSPER you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 33:6 (NIV) – [6] “Nevertheless, I will bring HEALTH (aruwkah) and HEALING (marpe) to it; I will HEAL (raphah) my people and will let them enjoy abundant PEACE (shalom) and security.”

Acts 4:27-31 (NIV) – [27] “Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. [28] They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. [29] Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great BOLDNESS. [30] STRETCH OUT YOUR HAND TO HEAL and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” [31] After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God BOLDLY.

Stretch Out Your Hand to Heal

“The people of Old Testament times tended to think of sickness as punishment for sin. This concept is explored fully in the Book of Job. But Jesus was firmly convinced that His Father’s purpose for humankind was health, wholeness, and salvation. He did not teach that disease was a punishment sent by God. And while He was always concerned to heal the sick in body, He also paid close attention to the mind and the spirit of those who suffered.” (Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary)

1. “Aruwkah” means health, healing of a wound, or restoration; the new flesh that grows at the wounded spot.

Isaiah 58:8 (NIV) – [8] Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your HEALING will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.

Jeremiah 30:17 (NIV) – [17] “But I will restore you to HEALTH and heal your wounds,” declares the Lord,” because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares.”

2. “Chabash” means saddle, bind up, girded, govern, restrain, healer, bandage; to wrap firmly, especially a turban, compress, or saddle.

Numbers 22:21 (NIV) – [21] Balaam got up in the morning, SADDLED his donkey and went with the princes of Moab.

Psalms 147:1-4 (NIV) – [1] Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him! [2] The Lord builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the exiles of Israel. [3] He heals the brokenhearted and BINDS UP their wounds. [4] He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.

3. “Yeshuw’ah” means salvation, help, deliverance, victory, health, save, saving, welfare, aid

2 Chronicles 20:17 (NIV) – [17] “You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the DELIVERANCE the Lord will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.”

Psalms 42:5-6 (NLT) – [5] Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my SAVIOR and [6] my God!

Psalms 67:1-2 (KJV) – [1] God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah. [2] That thy way may be known upon earth, thy SAVING HEALTH among all nations.

4. “Kehah” means a healing, a cure, a quenching, a dulling, a lessening, alleviation.

Nahum 3:18-19 (NIV) – [18] O king of Assyria, your shepherds slumber; your nobles lie down to rest. Your people are scattered on the mountains with no one to gather them. [19] Nothing can HEAL your wound; your injury is fatal. Everyone who hears the news about you claps his hands at your fall, for who has not felt your endless cruelty?

The Book of Job

“The Question of the Ages—Why?”

Lesson 12c: On the Defensive

1. Job defends himself by challenging God.

a. If we accuse God of not caring, it is evidence that we don’t know God very well.

b. Never allow your difficult circumstances to discredit the character of God in your heart.

c. Sometimes, we see ourselves as more fair and more just than God.

2. Job defends himself by insulting his friends.

a. Just because you say something honest does not mean it was the right thing to say.

b. We are to speak the truth but speak it in love.

c. Criticism is rooted in our opinion; truthfulness is rooted in God’s Word.

James 3:9-11 (NIV) – [9] With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. [10] Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. [11] Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?

3. Job defends himself by idolizing his integrity.

Job 6:28-30 (NIV) – [28] “But now be so kind as to look at me. Would I lie to your face? [29] Relent, do not be unjust; reconsider, for my integrity is at stake. [30] Is there any wickedness on my lips? Can my mouth not discern malice?

Job 27:5 (NIV) – [5] I will never admit you are in the right; till I die, I will not deny my integrity.

Job 2:9 (NIV) – [9] His wife said to him, “Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!”

a. Anything that we hold higher than God is an idol, even if it is something good.

Numbers 21:9 (NIV) – [9] So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived.

2 Kings 18:4 (NIV) – [4] [Zechariah] removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. He broke into pieces the bronze snake Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had been burning incense to it.

Judges 8:27 (NIV) – [27] Gideon made the gold into an ephod, which he placed in Ophrah, his town. All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family.

b. When we question the way God works in our lives, we say we know better than Him.

Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV) – [8] “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. [9] “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Isaiah 55:8-9 (MSG) – [8] “I don’t think the way you think. The way you work isn’t the way I work.” GOD’s Decree. [9] “For as the sky soars high above earth, so the way I work surpasses the way you work, and the way I think is beyond the way you think.