“Health Complications Pt. 2”

Sunday, November 11, 2012

(This question is a follow-up to “Health Complications”.)

James 5:14 is a directive to the church. Jesus was not speaking to the church in Mk 2:17 because it hadn't been established yet. The question is, now that the church is established, are elders the only authorized men who can be called to attend a sick brother?

Sincerely,
Feeling Ill

Dear Feeling Ill,

To say that Jesus’ words (Mk 2:17) don’t apply to individual Christians, and that Jas 5:14 does, sets a precedent that none of Jesus’ words are actually applicable to Christians because the church wasn’t in existence when Jesus spoke.  Jesus makes it clear that if we love Him, we will keep His words (Jhn 14:23).  You can’t just throw away a verse because it doesn’t match your argument… especially if that verse is from the Son of God’s mouth.

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