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Acts-celerater Posts: 975 **10/8/12 4:00 pm**

I think part of the problem is the Pentecostal presumption that we can demand healing from God and He must deliver.

Every supernatural healing is a act of God's mercy, not an entitlement. When Paul described the sickness and healing of Epaphroditus in Philippians 2, he described it as God having "mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow." There was no boasting about the faith of Paul, or of Epaphroditus, or anyone else. Instead, there was acknowledgement of God's mercy in healing Epaphroditus.

Even the gifts of healing that are listed among the manifestations of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12 are "divided severally as He, the Holy Spirit, wills.

I think we do a disservice to Scripture when we try to use Isaiah 53 and 1 Peter 2:24 as proof texts for "healing in the atonement" and the idea that we can force God to heal if we have sufficient faith and follow the right formula. It is obvious if one reads both passages carefully that both Isaiah and Peter are speaking about being "healed" from sin, not healed physically. It is a word picture contrasting the suffering of Jesus physically for our sins with the result that we are set free from sin and made righteous.

Should we pray for healing then? Yes, always. Why? For the same reason we pray even though God already knows what we need before we ask Him.

01000001 01100011 01110100 01110011 Posts: 24285 **10/8/12 4:06 pm**

Hon. Dr. in Acts-celeratology Posts: 5161 **10/8/12 4:37 pm**

[Insert Acts Pun Here] Posts: 12817 **10/8/12 5:32 pm**

While I agree that the "healing on demand" idea may be involved in how some see this issue, it does seem that scripture presents peace as something that every believer should enjoy. Those who I've known to be anti antidepressants don't see it as a disease though. To them the question is, "Why aren't you experiencing the peace that passes understanding? If you were where you need to be spiritually, you would have that perfect peace promised to believers."

[Insert Acts Pun Here] Posts: 12817 **10/8/12 5:35 pm**

Acts-pert Poster Posts: 16646 **10/8/12 6:24 pm**

Americans pop a lot of pills.

When its a lack of faith - I believe God will let you know. But if you have asked God for relief - and you don't get it - I see no problem with trying medication.

It's not God's best - but it is better than dying/suffering from an ailment if you don't need to. If you take enough for depression that it dulls the senses noticeably - you need to try something else.

Personally, I had a Dr give me a bunch of those - and while I wasn't physically addicted - I was mentally addicted - in that I carried the medicine with me "just in case". God delivered me from that. For some reason - all are not delivered. I have no judgment for them.
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[Insert Acts Pun Here] Posts: 12817 **10/8/12 7:42 pm**

While there no doubt are some who are hypocrites and others who are simply cruel, the ones I have known have simply pointed out scriptures such as the following ones, and have not been unkind about it:

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength: (Isaiah 26:3, 4 KJV)

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. (Romans 14:17 KJV)

Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things. (Philippians 4:6-8 NET)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also behave in accordance with the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-25 NET)

[Insert Acts Pun Here] Posts: 12817 **10/8/12 7:47 pm**

So I suppose the question then becomes, "With these promises being true, how do we explain why they aren't realized in the lives of some believers?"

For me, as I said earlier, I don't see anything in Scripture which forbids taking antidepressants. I do wonder why some believers apparently don't receive the peace and joy so plainly promised them in Scripture.

01000001 01100011 01110100 01110011 Posts: 24285 **10/8/12 8:46 pm**

[Insert Acts Pun Here] Posts: 12817 **10/8/12 9:15 pm**

Thanks for you comments, Cojak. I think your post points out a common misconception about depression and mental illness. While without question those things would no doubt cause anyone to feel grief and sorrow, clinical depression is quite different from the normal grief and sorrow over tragedies that befall everyone from time to time.

In my view, since Jesus was himself "a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief," and yet also rejoiced in spirit at other times, emotional ups and downs are not inconsistent with the normal Christian life. Clinical depression, however, is far worse in scope and duration than occasional sorrows.

Re: I don't want to hijack this post

Hon. Dr. in Acts-celeratology Posts: 5923 **10/8/12 9:22 pm**

Acts Enthusiast Posts: 1323 **10/8/12 9:40 pm**

In 1993, I couldn't sleep, I flew off the handle easy, I lost interest in music (which is my passion).
My physician referred me to a clinical psychologist. After meeting with him a couple times I was diagnosed with clinical depression. I have been on meds almost the whole time since then.
My wife will tell you that they make a significant difference in me. I think she would tell you that it's worth it to have the old me around.
To me their not a drug or a crutch , they help me remain me.

Also, most of my friends know I take them, I try to be open enough about it so its not seen as abnormal.

Plus, there are some people who are still breathing today because I take them. Laughing

That's humor. Sorry

Hon. Dr. in Acts-celeratology Posts: 5923 **10/8/12 9:53 pm**

Acts Enthusiast Posts: 1323 **10/8/12 10:02 pm**

Hon. Dr. in Acts-celeratology Posts: 5923 **10/8/12 10:11 pm**

Thanks, Patrick. Smile

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Re: Okay for Christians to take antidepressants?

[Insert Acts Pun Here] Posts: 14803 **10/29/12 12:16 am**

01000001 01100011 01110100 01110011 Posts: 24285 **10/29/12 10:58 pm**

FAITH... FAITH? How many times have I took my hearing aids out and went for prayer. No I did not stomp on them, they were in my pocket. I have strained to have faith, ever done that? My ears have never been healed. so back to the hearing aids, where I can sometimes communicate one on one.

So lack of faith or not, when I am not healed, the aids go back in, I am deaf, not stupid! Shocked

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Acts Mod Posts: 3346 **10/30/12 8:35 am**

Only if they suffer from depression.

Who in their right mind would tell someone who suffers from depression not to take their meds.

Praise God I have never battled depression but I have other issues and I take meds for them.

[Insert Acts Pun Here] Posts: 14803 **10/30/12 10:20 am**

I can't answer you...

Acts Mod Posts: 25305 **10/30/12 1:34 pm**

Until my meds kick in Laughing

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