Epistle for August 13, 2004
Posted by: info <info@...>
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Dr. Curt Scarborough, President FreeWay Foundation August 13, 2004
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In This Issue:
"Joseph Reveals His True Identity"
"Acts Of Faith And Unusual Healings"
New PIAC Degree Titles
Joseph Reveals His True Identity
(Genesis 45:1-28)
I. Concentration: on the emotional high points of this chapter
1. Joseph wept aloud as he revealed himself to his brothers, vv. 1-3.
2. The brothers were dismayed and frightened in Joseph's presence, v. 3.
3. Joseph fell on his brother Benjamin's neck and wept, and he kissed and embraced all his
brothers, vv. 14-15.
4. With Pharaoh's blessing, the brothers returned to Canaan to report to their father, Jacob, that
his son, Joseph was alive. Jacob's heart stood still, because he did not believe them; but
his spirit soon revived and he determined to travel into Egypt to see Joseph, vv. 25-28.
II. Meditation: on Pharaoh's blessings upon Joseph's family
1. Pharaoh rejoiced over Joseph's reunion with his family, and he gave gifts for the brothers to take back
into Canaan, vv. 16-17.
2. Pharaoh told them to bring their father, Jacob, and the whole family to live in the best land of Egypt,
vv. 18-20.
3. Pharaoh (through Joseph) provided them transportation, clothing, money, and food . . . with extra gifts
for Benjamin, vv. 21-24.
4. Pharaoh did all these kind deeds to the family because of his respect and admiration for his Prime
Minister, Joseph.
III. Revelation: on Joseph's wise words of spiritual insight
1. Do not be grieved or angry with yourselves . . . "What's past is past; just let by-gone's be by-gone's,"
v. 5.
2. God (not your brothers) sent me to Egypt to preserve the lives of you and your families, vv. 5-8.
3. As his dream had forecast, Joseph had become "Lord of all Egypt," (v. 9) and through him, God's
chosen people would be preserved through five more years of famine, vv. 10-11.
4. Joseph cautioned his brothers as they departed for Canaan, "See that you do not become troubled
along the way," v. 24 . . . that they do not become fearful or suspicious, and that they avoid self-
recrimination, deceitful intrigue, family conflict, and human scheming.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Exhibit a genuine loving, forgiving, Christ-like spirit toward others who have hurt me.
2. Recognize that Almighty God controls all the circumstances and situations of my life . . . and that He
brings good out of bad, Romans 8:28.
3. Realize that God's purposed destiny shall be fulfilled through a person who yields to His sovereign will
. . . and decide to be such a person.
4. In dealing with my fellow human beings under God's guidance, shun fearful doubt and skepticism,
while also avoiding envy and deceit.
Acts Of Faith And Unusual Healings
(Mark 5:1-43)
I. Concentration: on the contents of this chapter
1. Jesus healed the demon-possessed man in the country of Gadarenes,
vv. 1-15.
2. The citizens of that region begged Jesus to depart, vv. 16-20.
3. Jesus raised a dead young girl to life, vv. 21-24, 35-43.
4. Jesus healed a woman who touched the hem of His garment, vv. 25-34.
II. Meditation: on some unusual healings in the New Testament
1. The woman touched Jesus' GARMENT and was made well, vv. 24-34;
others followed her example, Mark 6:56; Matthew 14:36.
2. Peter's SHADOW touched the sick . . . all were healed, Acts 5:12-16.
3. Paul's HANDKERCHIEFS AND APRONS were placed upon sick persons
and they were healed, Acts 19:11-12.
4. The disciples and others anointed the sick with OIL and they were healed,
Mark 6:13; James 5:14-16.
III. Revelation: on these examples, all of which involved active faith
1. The woman's FAITH in God caused her to reach out and touch Jesus' garment,
v. 34.
2. The people's (believers') FAITH caused them to bring the sick close to Peter so
his shadow could fall on them and they would be healed, Acts 5:15.
3. The FAITH believers had in God caused them to take cloth items from Paul and
bring healing to others, Acts 19:11-12.
4. Jesus' disciples (Mark 6:13) and elders of the church (James 5:14-16) used oil
to anoint and heal the sick . . . by FAITH.
NOTE: These people had FAITH IN GOD, not in the cloth, the shadow, or the oil!
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Reach out in faith to Jesus, believing that He has the power to meet my every
need when I touch Him.
2. In faith, bring sin-sick, hurting, and dying people into the presence and under
the influence of Jesus Christ, Who will make them whole.
3. Take material things (tangible examples of God's power, acted out parables,
testimonies) to unbelievers to assist them in receiving, by faith, God's spiritual
blessings.
4. Anoint the sick with oil (representing the Holy Spirit), praying with faith for God
to heal them.
Pillsbury Institute NCCA Degree Titles
(Effective July 1, 2004)
Christian Master of Arts (C.M.A.)
in (Clinical) Counseling Psychology OR
in (Clinical) Pastoral Counseling OR
in (Clinical) Temperament Therapy
Christian Doctor of Philosophy
in (Clinical) Counseling Psychology OR
in (Clinical) Pastoral Counseling OR
in (Clinical) Temperament Therapy
Christian Doctor of Psychology
in (Clinical) Pastoral Counseling OR
in (Clinical) Temperament Therapy (Second Doctorate Only)
NOTE:
The student has the option of whether to include the area of concentration ("In . . . ")
on his or her diploma. This information always will appear on the student transcript.
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"We should be taught not to wait for inspiration to start a thing. Action
always generates inspiration. Inspiration seldom generates action."
- Frank Tilbolt
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