In “The Healing Power of Jesus: A Sermon by Tony Evans,” Pastor Tony Evans explores the importance of recognizing one’s value and identity through the eyes of God. The sermon focuses on the story of a woman who was physically bent over for 18 years and how Jesus saw the spiritual issue behind her physical condition and healed her. Evans encourages women to recognize their worth in Christ and live in the freedom and victory that comes from knowing their true identity.
Evans, a renowned pastor, author, and speaker, founded Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship and The Urban Alternative. He has written over 100 books, booklets, and Bible studies and has been named one of the 12 Most Effective Preachers in the English-Speaking World. With his radio broadcast, The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans, heard on over 1,400 radio outlets daily and in over 130 countries, Evans’s sermons reach millions of people every year.
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Dr. Tony Evans is the founder and senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, founder and president of The Urban Alternative, and author of over 100 books, booklets, and Bible studies. You are the first African American to earn a doctorate of theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. You have been named one of the 12 Most Effective Preachers in the English-Speaking World by Baylor University. You hold the honor of writing and publishing the first full-Bible commentary and study Bible by an African American. Your radio broadcast, The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans, can be heard on over 1,400 radio outlets daily and in more than 130 countries. Your sermons are also streamed and downloaded over 20,000,000 times annually.
Introduction
In this article, we will explore the healing power of Jesus and its application to women. We will dive into the story of a woman who was physically bent over for 18 years and examine how Jesus saw beyond her physical condition to address the spiritual root of her suffering. We will also discuss the importance of recognizing one’s worth and identity in Christ, and how living in this truth can bring freedom and victory. Through this article, we hope to encourage women to embrace their value and live in the fullness of their identity in Christ.
Background
Tony Evans: A Pastor and Author
Pastor Tony Evans is an influential figure in the Christian community. He is not only a pastor but also an accomplished author. He founded the Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas and The Urban Alternative, organizations that have had a profound impact on the lives of many individuals. His dedication and passion for spreading the message of Christ have made him a respected leader in his field.
Founder of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship and The Urban Alternative
One of Pastor Tony Evans’ notable achievements is the founding of the Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship and The Urban Alternative. The Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship is a vibrant community of believers seeking to grow in their faith and make a difference in their community. The Urban Alternative, on the other hand, reaches beyond the local church to impact lives worldwide through various means, including radio broadcasts and online resources.
Academic Achievements and Recognition
Pastor Tony Evans’ academic accomplishments and recognition further demonstrate his expertise in the field of theology and ministry. As the first African American to earn a doctorate of theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, he has broken barriers and paved the way for future generations. His dedication to education and theological study has also led him to write over 100 books, booklets, and Bible studies, making his insights accessible to a wide audience. Moreover, his impact as a preacher has been recognized by Baylor University, which named him one of the 12 Most Effective Preachers in the English-Speaking World.
The Healing Power of Jesus
Recognizing Value and Identity in God
One of the key messages that Pastor Tony Evans emphasizes is the importance of recognizing one’s value and identity through the eyes of God. In a world that often devalues and diminishes individuals, it is crucial for women, in particular, to understand their worth as daughters of God. By understanding and embracing their identity in Christ, women can rise above their circumstances and find strength in their relationship with God.
The Story of the Bent Woman
To illustrate the healing power of Jesus and the significance of recognizing one’s worth, Pastor Tony Evans refers to the story of the bent woman in Luke chapter 13. This woman, who had been physically bent over for 18 years, serves as a powerful example of someone whose physical condition was caused by the devil’s influence. Her story highlights the connection between spiritual and physical well-being and demonstrates how Jesus saw beyond her physical ailment to address the underlying spiritual issue.
The Story of the Bent Woman
Physical Condition Caused by the Devil’s Influence
The story of the bent woman reveals the devastating consequences of the devil’s influence in her life. For 18 long years, she lived with a physical condition that left her bent over, unable to straighten up. This condition was not a result of any natural cause but was instead caused by a spirit orchestrated by the devil. It is important to recognize that not all physical ailments have a spiritual origin, but in this particular case, the woman’s condition was a direct result of the devil’s influence.
Jesus’ Spiritual Insight and Healing
Jesus, being fully aware of the spiritual root of the woman’s suffering, saw beyond her physical condition. He recognized that the root cause of her ailment was spiritual and not merely physical. With his spiritual insight, he was able to heal her and free her from the bondage she had endured for so many years. Jesus’ healing power extended beyond physical healing to addressing the spiritual realm.
Criticism from the Synagogue Official
Despite the miraculous healing that Jesus had performed, criticism arose from a synagogue official. The official criticized Jesus for healing on the Sabbath, citing it as a violation of religious rules. This criticism reveals the limited understanding and lack of spiritual insight on the part of the official, who failed to see the true significance of Jesus’ actions. He failed to recognize the divine authority and power that Jesus possessed to heal and set the woman free.
Jesus’ Response
Defending His Actions
In response to the criticism from the synagogue official, Jesus defended his actions. He addressed the limited perspective of the official and highlighted the compassion and mercy that should be shown to those in need, even on the Sabbath. Jesus’ defense serves as a reminder that sometimes, societal or religious norms can hinder us from truly understanding and embracing the fullness of God’s love and healing power.
Asserting the Woman’s Identity as a Daughter of Abraham
In further defending his actions, Jesus reiterated the woman’s identity as a daughter of Abraham. This statement emphasizes that as a child of God, she had a right to be healed and set free from her physical condition. By affirming her identity as a daughter of Abraham, Jesus reminds us that our worth and value are not determined by societal or cultural norms, but by our relationship with God.
Application to Women
Recognizing Worth and Freedom in Christ
The story of the bent woman has profound implications for women today. It serves as a powerful reminder for women to recognize their worth and value as daughters of God. Women should not allow themselves to be devalued by societal or cultural standards. Instead, they should find their worth and freedom in Christ, who sees them as beloved children and desires to heal and set them free.
Living in Victory through Knowing Identity
Understanding and embracing one’s identity in Christ empowers women to live in victory. By recognizing their true worth and value, women can rise above their circumstances and overcome the challenges they face. Knowing their identity in Christ enables women to walk in the freedom and victory that comes from a deep and abiding relationship with God. It transforms their perspective, giving them the strength and confidence to navigate life with grace and resilience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the healing power of Jesus is available to all, regardless of their past or present circumstances. The story of the bent woman serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of recognizing one’s worth and identity in God. By embracing their identity as daughters of God and living in the freedom and victory that comes from knowing who they are in Christ, women can rise above their circumstances and experience the fullness of life that God intended for them. May we all be encouraged to recognize our value and live in the truth of who we are in Christ.
