A Sermon on Mental Health

God has burdened me with a message of deliverance today for those who suffer psychologically, emotionally, spiritually, physically. If you've ever been told you have anxiety or depression, or a depressive disorder, or some sort of mental health disorder – listen to this message. Or if you've struggled at any time, listen to this message. If you've struggled with addiction or addictive behavior (including food), listen to this message. If you've struggled with lack of "self-discipline," listen to this message. • We need to preach things that are not only theologically accurate, but also practically applicable. It doesn't help to just say truisms or things that we all agree with if we don't explain to the listeners HOW to implement these truths in their lives. This is part of why Jesus taught in parables and used so many agricultural references. He wanted the people who were willing to have their eyes opened by the Spirit to truly get it We aren't just speaking about information that is technically accurate, we are proclaiming the good news of the very Word of Life. • We have not been commissioned to preach an unattainable ideal; rather, we have been given eternal life and have been entrusted with preaching that good news to the world, and living in light of that good news IN the world right now.