A Journey into the Prophetic Potential of Health and Gospel Work: Part 1 of the Dunamis Series
Welcome to the Dunamis series, a six-part exploration that delves into the profound concept of Dunamis, a Greek term meaning “power.” This series aims to uncover the prophetic potential within the Seventh-day Adventist health and gospel work. Throughout these sessions, we will discuss God’s original design for our work, how we have deviated from it, and His heaven-ordained plan to realign our lives and work with His vision.
What is Dunamis?
Dunamis is not simply a Greek word; it signifies a transformative power—one that can heal both physically and spiritually. This concept is beautifully illustrated in the Bible when the woman with the issue of blood touched the hem of Jesus’ garment and was healed at once. The crowd was thronging Him, but Jesus asked who had touched Him because, in His words, “Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue [dunamis] is gone out of me.” (Luke 8:46). In this context, dunamis is not only power, but power that has the ability to heal, both spiritually and physically. This is the work that God ordains that we should engage in as Seventh-day Adventists.
The Vision for Integrated Health and Gospel Work
For over 15 years, I have been inspired by quotes emphasizing the significance of merging health work with the everlasting gospel. My passion and desire to cooperate with God in this work led me to naturopathic medical school, nursing school, and nurse practitioner school. Yet, fifteen years later, the concepts I read about in the promising and inspiring quotations have yet to be fully realized.
Key Themes of the Series
- God’s Original Plan: Understanding what God intended for our health and gospel work.
- Historical Deviations: Analyzing how we have strayed from His original design.
- Restoration: Exploring how we can return to God’s intended path.
The Call to Action
I am encouraging healthcare professionals, ministers, and laypeople to engage in this discussion. If you’re interested in studying this topic further, please reach out so we can continue the conversation.
Lessons from the Journey
Before exploring our history, it is important that we take a thoughtful look at the barriers that are preventing God from working powerfully through us:
1. Dependence on God
- Scriptural Foundation: Jesus reminds us in John 15:5 that without Him, we can do nothing. Our first lesson is to learn total and complete dependence on God.
- Acknowledging His Glory: Isaiah 42:8 emphasizes that God does not share His glory. We must give Him all the praise for the works He accomplishes through us.
2. The Role of Faith
- Overcoming Unbelief: Matthew 13 illustrates how Jesus could not perform miracles due to the people’s unbelief. Limiting God through our lack of faith hinders His work in us and through us.
3. Personal Relationship with the Great Physician
- Essential for Healing: To effectively minister to others, we must first cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus, the Great Physician. This connection enables us to lead others to physical, mental, social, and spiritual healing.
4. Integrated Healing Approach
- Holistic Care: Jesus’ method of healing addressed physical, mental, social, and spiritual needs. We must integrate these aspects in our approach to health and healing.
5. Natural Remedies and Lifestyle Education
- Understanding Physiology and Cooperating with the Body: As we deepen our understanding of the human body, we will rely less on pharmaceuticals and more on natural and rational remedial agencies, aligning with the work of healing that Jesus did when He was on the Earth.
Moving Forward
If you feel overwhelmed by the concepts presented, remember that this is God’s work, not yours. Surrendering to Him is the first step toward being used effectively in His mission.
Encouragement for the Journey
In Counsels on Health, God promises that those who fully consecrate themselves to Him will work in His way. He will raise up agents to carry out His will and prepare a people for the end times.
Conclusion
Thank you for joining me in this enlightening discussion on the dunamis concept—God’s purpose for the Seventh-day Adventist integrated health and gospel work. As we prepare for the next installment, let us reflect on how we can align ourselves with God’s original plan for health and gospel work. Stay tuned for the next part of this transformative journey!
Call to Action: If you’re interested in further discussion or study on this topic, please reach out to us via email. Let’s unlock the potential of dunamis together!