The Stick of Religion v.s. the Sneeze of Life – 2 Kings Chapter 4

Pastor Chris Parker

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:4). Spiritual gifts are divine abilities imparted to believers by the Holy Spirit to serve and strengthen the Church. Each gift is uniquely given, whether it’s wisdom, prophecy, or service, and together, they reveal God’s plan for unity and edification within His people. Discover how these gifts work in harmony to fulfill God’s purpose in the body of Christ.

Jesus teaches the importance of being spiritually prepared for His second coming. He compares it to the days of Noah and Lot, when people were caught off guard by sudden judgment because they were absorbed in their daily lives.

The Rapture is an incredible promise we hold onto as believers—a moment when Christ will come to take His followers to be with Him. The Bible describes this in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17: “the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God.” Those who have died in Christ will rise first, and then those of us who are alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. What a beautiful reunion that will be!

Salvation in Luke 18:26 emphasizes the impossibility of human efforts to achieve eternal life. The disciples’ question, “Who then can be saved?” reflects the realization that neither wealth nor good deeds can secure salvation. This underscores the need for God’s grace, as what is impossible for humans is possible with God. Human effort, status, or possessions are futile in the pursuit of salvation; it is entirely an act of divine intervention.

In this passage, Peter and John encounter a beggar asking for alms. Instead of money, Peter offers him something far more valuable—healing in the name of Jesus. The man is miraculously healed, and he enters the temple walking, leaping, and praising God, drawing the attention and amazement of all who saw him.