Saved to Serve

It is morning on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus and His disciples have come to shore after a tempestuous night on the water, and the light of the rising sun touches sea and land as with the benediction of peace. But as they step upon the beach they are greeted with a sight more terrible than the storm-tossed sea. From some hiding place among the tombs two madmen rush upon them as if to tear them in pieces. Hanging about these men are parts of chains which they have broken in escaping from confinement. Their flesh is torn and bleeding, their eyes glare out from their long and matted hair, the very likeness of humanity seems to have been blotted out. They look more like wild beasts than like men.

Screening decision: This paragraph describes a biblical narrative scene of Jesus arriving at the shore and encountering demon-possessed men.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

The disciples and their companions flee in terror; but presently they notice that Jesus is not with them, and they turn to look for Him. He is standing where they left Him. He who stilled the tempest, who has before met Satan and conquered him, does not flee before these demons. When the men, gnashing their teeth and foaming at the mouth, approach Him, Jesus raises that hand which has beckoned the waves to rest, and the men can come no nearer. They stand before Him, raging but helpless.

Screening decision: This paragraph continues the narrative of Jesus standing calmly while the disciples flee.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

With authority He bids the unclean spirits come out of them. The unfortunate men realize that One is near who can save them from the tormenting demons. They fall at the Saviour's feet to entreat His mercy; but when their lips are opened, the demons speak through them, crying, “What have we to do with Thee, Jesus, Thou Son of God? art Thou come hither to torment us?” Matthew 8:29 .

Screening decision: This paragraph focuses on a spiritual interaction involving Jesus casting out unclean spirits.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

The evil spirits are forced to release their victims, and a wonderful change comes over the demoniacs. Light shines into their minds. Their eyes beam with intelligence. The countenances so long deformed into the image of Satan become suddenly mild, the bloodstained hands are quiet, and the men lift their voices in praise to God.

Screening decision: This paragraph describes the miraculous change occurring in the men after the evil spirits leave.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Meanwhile the demons, cast out from their human habitation, have entered into the swine and driven them to destruction. The keepers of the swine hurry away to publish the news, and the whole population flock to meet Jesus. The two demoniacs have been the terror of the country. Now these men are clothed and in their right mind, sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to His words, and glorifying the name of Him who has made them whole. But those who behold this wonderful scene do not rejoice. The loss of the swine seems to them of greater moment than the deliverance of these captives of Satan. In terror they throng about Jesus, beseeching Him to depart from them, and He complies, taking ship at once for the opposite shore.

Screening decision: This paragraph narrates the public reaction to the healing and the loss of the swine.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Far different is the feeling of the restored demoniacs. They desire the companionship of their Deliverer. In His presence they feel secure from the demons that have tormented their lives and wasted their manhood. As Jesus is about to enter the boat they keep close to His side, kneel at His feet, and beg to remain near Him, where they may listen to His words. But Jesus bids them go home and tell what great things the Lord has done for them.

Screening decision: This paragraph highlights the personal desire of the restored men to stay with Jesus and His commission for them.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Here is a work for them to do—to go to a heathen home and tell of the blessings they have received from Jesus. It is hard for them to be separated from the Saviour. Great difficulties will beset them in association with their heathen countrymen. And their long isolation from society seems to have disqualified them for this work. But as soon as He points out their duty, they are ready to obey.

Screening decision: This paragraph discusses the challenges of returning to a heathen home and the prompt obedience of the restored men.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Not only did they tell their own households and neighbors about Jesus, but they went throughout Decapolis, everywhere declaring His power to save and describing how He had freed them from the demons.

Screening decision: This paragraph describes the active ministry and testimony of the former demoniacs throughout the region.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Though the people of Gergesa had not received Jesus, He did not leave them to the darkness they had chosen. When they bade Him depart from them, they had not heard His words. They were ignorant of that which they were rejecting. Therefore He sent the light to them, and by those to whom they would not refuse to listen.

Screening decision: This paragraph discusses divine grace, persistence, and spiritual illumination without making any empirical assertions.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

In causing the destruction of the swine, it was Satan's purpose to turn the people away from the Saviour and prevent the preaching of the gospel in that region. But this very occurrence roused the country as nothing else could have done, and directed attention to Christ. Though the Saviour Himself departed, the men whom He had healed remained as witnesses to His power. Those who had been mediums of the prince of darkness became channels of light, messengers of the Son of God. When Jesus returned to Decapolis, the people flocked about Him, and for three days thousands from all the surrounding country heard the message of salvation.

Screening decision: The text recounts a biblical narrative about healed demoniacs serving as witnesses, without empirical medical or scientific claims.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

The two restored demoniacs were the first missionaries whom Christ sent to teach the gospel in the region of Decapolis. For a short time only, these men had listened to His words. Not one sermon from His lips had ever fallen upon their ears. They could not instruct the people as the disciples who had been daily with Christ were able to do. But they could tell what they knew; what they themselves had seen, and heard, and felt of the Saviour's power. This is what everyone can do whose heart has been touched by the grace of God. This is the witness for which our Lord calls, and for want of which the world is perishing.

Screening decision: This paragraph outlines a ministry principle regarding personal testimony and Christian service.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

The gospel is to be presented, not as a lifeless theory, but as a living force to change the life. God would have His servants bear testimony to the fact that through His grace men may possess Christlikeness of character and may rejoice in the assurance of His great love. He would have us bear testimony to the fact that He cannot be satisfied until all who will accept salvation are reclaimed and reinstated in their holy privileges as His sons and daughters.

Screening decision: This text addresses the ethical and practical presentation of religious belief.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Even those whose course has been most offensive to Him He freely accepts. When they repent, He imparts to them His divine Spirit, and sends them forth into the camp of the disloyal to proclaim His mercy. Souls that have been degraded into instruments of Satan are still, through the power of Christ, transformed into messengers of righteousness and are sent forth to tell how great things the Lord hath done for them and hath had compassion on them.

Screening decision: This is a theological and spiritual statement regarding repentance and divine transformation.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

After the woman of Capernaum had been healed by the touch of faith, Jesus desired her to acknowledge the blessing she had received. The gifts which the gospel offers are not to be secured by stealth or enjoyed in secret.

Screening decision: This paragraph teaches an ethical duty of gratitude and public acknowledgment of spiritual gifts.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

“Ye are My witnesses, saith the Lord, That I am God.” Isaiah 43:12 .

Screening decision: This is a direct scriptural quotation used for religious instruction.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Our confession of His faithfulness is Heaven's chosen agency for revealing Christ to the world. We are to acknowledge His grace as made known through the holy men of old; but that which will be most effectual is the testimony of our own experience. We are witnesses for God as we reveal in ourselves the working of a power that is divine. Every individual has a life distinct from all others, and an experience differing essentially from theirs. God desires that our praise shall ascend to Him, marked with our own individuality. These precious acknowledgments to the praise of the glory of His grace, when supported by a Christlike life, have an irresistible power that works for the salvation of souls.

Screening decision: This paragraph emphasizes the practical role of personal testimony in religious outreach and ministry.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

It is for our own benefit to keep every gift of God fresh in our memory. By this means faith is strengthened to claim and to receive more and more. There is greater encouragement for us in the least blessing we ourselves receive from God than in all the accounts we can read of the faith and experience of others. The soul that responds to the grace of God shall be like a watered garden. His health shall spring forth speedily; his light shall rise in obscurity, and the glory of the Lord shall be seen upon him.

Screening decision: The paragraph focuses on spiritual remembrance and divine grace, containing a traditional scriptural metaphor regarding health.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

“What shall I render unto the Lord For all His benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, And call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord, Yea, in the presence of all His people.”

Screening decision: This paragraph consists entirely of a biblical quotation expressing praise and vows to God.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

“I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. My meditation of Him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord.”

Screening decision: This paragraph consists entirely of a biblical quotation praising God.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

“Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? Who can show forth all His praise?”

Screening decision: This paragraph consists entirely of a rhetorical biblical quotation.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

“Call upon His name; Make known among the peoples His doings. Sing unto Him, sing praises unto Him:” “Talk ye of all His wondrous works. Glory ye in His holy name: Let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord.”

Screening decision: This paragraph consists entirely of biblical quotations exhorting praise and proclamation.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

“Because Thy loving-kindness is better than life, My lips shall praise Thee.... My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; And my mouth shall praise Thee with joyful lips; When I remember Thee upon my bed, And meditate on Thee in the night watches. For Thou hast been my help, And in the shadow of Thy wings will I rejoice.”

Screening decision: This paragraph consists entirely of biblical verses reflecting on divine protection and satisfaction.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

“In God have I put my trust, I will not be afraid; What can man do unto me? Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render thank offerings unto Thee. For Thou hast delivered my soul from death: Hast Thou not delivered my feet from falling, That I may walk before God in the light of the living?”

Screening decision: This paragraph consists entirely of a biblical psalm expressing trust and deliverance.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

“O Thou Holy One of Israel. My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto Thee; And my soul, which Thou hast redeemed. My tongue also shall talk of Thy righteousness all the day long.”

Screening decision: This paragraph consists entirely of biblical verses dedicated to praise and redemption.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

“Thou art my trust from my youth.... My praise shall be continually of Thee.” “I will make Thy name to be remembered:... Therefore shall the people praise Thee.” Psalm 116:12-14 , R.V.; 104:33, 34 ; 106:2 ; 105:1, 2 (A.R.V.), 2, 3 ; 63:3-7 , A.R.V.; 56:11-13 , A.R.V.; 71:22-24, 5, 6 ; 45:17 .

Screening decision: The paragraph consists entirely of biblical quotations expressing praise and trust in God.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

The gospel invitation is not to be narrowed down and presented only to a select few, who, we suppose, will do us honor if they accept it. The message is to be given to all. When God blesses His children, it is not alone for their own sake, but for the world's sake. As He bestows His gifts on us, it is that we may multiply them by imparting.

Screening decision: The text provides ministry guidance on how believers should share God's gifts.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

The Samaritan woman who talked with Jesus at Jacob's well had no sooner found the Saviour than she brought others to Him. She proved herself a more effective missionary than His own disciples. The disciples saw nothing in Samaria to indicate that it was an encouraging field. Their thoughts were fixed upon a great work to be done in the future. They did not see that right around them was a harvest to be gathered. But through the woman whom they despised a whole cityful were brought to hear Jesus. She carried the light at once to her countrymen.

Screening decision: This paragraph recounts the biblical narrative of the Samaritan woman acting as a missionary.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

This woman represents the working of a practical faith in Christ. Every true disciple is born into the kingdom of God as a missionary. No sooner does he come to know the Saviour than he desires to make others acquainted with Him. The saving and sanctifying truth cannot be shut up in his heart. He who drinks of the living water becomes a fountain of life. The receiver becomes a giver. The grace of Christ in the soul is like a spring in the desert, welling up to refresh all, and making those who are ready to perish eager to drink of the water of life. In doing this work a greater blessing is received than if we work merely to benefit ourselves. It is in working to spread the good news of salvation that we are brought near to the Saviour.

Screening decision: The paragraph discusses spiritual dynamics, faith, and the inner experience of believers.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Of those who receive His grace the Lord says:

Screening decision: It is an introductory sentence for a subsequent biblical quotation.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

“I will make them and the places round about My hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in its season; there shall be showers of blessing.” Ezekiel 34:26 , A.R.V.

Screening decision: The paragraph contains a direct quotation from Ezekiel 34:26.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

“On the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the scripture hath said, from within him shall flow rivers of living water.” John 7:37, 38 , A.R.V.

Screening decision: The paragraph consists of a direct quotation from John 7:37, 38.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Those who receive are to impart to others. From every direction are coming calls for help. God calls upon men to minister gladly to their fellow men. Immortal crowns are to be won; the kingdom of heaven is to be gained; the world, perishing in ignorance, is to be enlightened.

Screening decision: The paragraph provides direct exhortations regarding Christian duty and service.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

“Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal.” John 4:35, 36 .

Screening decision: This paragraph consists entirely of a biblical quotation regarding spiritual harvest.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

For three years the disciples had before them the wonderful example of Jesus. Day by day they walked and talked with Him, hearing His words of cheer to the weary and heavy-laden, and seeing the manifestations of His power in behalf of the sick and afflicted. When the time came for Him to leave them, He gave them grace and power to carry forward His work in His name. They were to shed abroad the light of His gospel of love and healing. And the Saviour promised that His presence would be always with them. Through the Holy Spirit He would be even nearer to them than when He walked visibly among men.

Screening decision: The text describes historical discipleship, spiritual empowerment, and the divine presence through the Holy Spirit.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

The work which the disciples did, we also are to do. Every Christian is to be a missionary. In sympathy and compassion we are to minister to those in need of help, seeking with unselfish earnestness to lighten the woes of suffering humanity.

Screening decision: The text calls believers to missionary work and compassionate service without asserting a testable empirical claim.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

All may find something to do. None need feel that there is no place where they can labor for Christ. The Saviour identifies Himself with every child of humanity. That we might become members of the heavenly family, He became a member of the earthly family. He is the Son of man, and thus a brother to every son and daughter of Adam. His followers are not to feel themselves detached from the perishing world around them. They are a part of the great web of humanity, and heaven looks upon them as brothers to sinners as well as to saints.

Screening decision: This expresses an ethical and theological view of human connectedness and brotherhood.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Millions upon millions of human beings, in sickness and ignorance and sin, have never so much as heard of Christ's love for them. Were our condition and theirs to be reversed, what would we desire them to do for us? All this, so far as lies in our power, we are to do for them. Christ's rule of life by which every one of us must stand or fall in the judgment is, “Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” Matthew 7:12 .

Screening decision: This is an ethical application of the Golden Rule based on spiritual principles.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

By all that has given us advantage over another,—be it education and refinement, nobility of character, Christian training, religious experience,—we are in debt to those less favored; and, so far as lies in our power, we are to minister unto them. If we are strong, we are to stay up the hands of the weak.

Screening decision: This is an ethical teaching on social responsibility and stewardship of personal advantages.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Angels of glory that do always behold the face of the Father in heaven, joy in ministering to His little ones. Angels are ever present where they are most needed, with those who have the hardest battles with self to fight, and whose surroundings are the most discouraging. Weak and trembling souls who have many objectionable traits of character are their special charge. That which selfish hearts would regard as humiliating service, ministering to those who are wretched and in every way inferior in character, is the work of the pure, sinless beings from the courts above.

Screening decision: This describes supernatural spiritual agents and their activities, which are not empirical.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Jesus did not consider heaven a place to be desired while we were lost. He left the heavenly courts for a life of reproach and insult, and a death of shame. He who was rich in heaven's priceless treasure became poor, that through His poverty we might be rich. We are to follow in the path He trod.

Screening decision: This is a call to moral and spiritual imitation of Christ's life.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

He who becomes a child of God should henceforth look upon himself as a link in the chain let down to save the world, one with Christ in His plan of mercy, going forth with Him to seek and save the lost.

Screening decision: This paragraph expresses a spiritual duty and identity in relation to Christ's mission without asserting empirical or testable medical claims.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Many feel that it would be a great privilege to visit the scenes of Christ's life on earth, to walk where He trod, to look upon the lake beside which He loved to teach, and the hills and valleys on which His eyes so often rested. But we need not go to Nazareth, to Capernaum, or to Bethany, in order to walk in the steps of Jesus. We shall find His footprints beside the sickbed, in the hovels of poverty, in the crowded alleys of the great cities, and in every place where there are human hearts in need of consolation.

Screening decision: The text encourages practical service in places of human need, focusing on ministry and compassion rather than making a distinct causal medical claim.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

We are to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and comfort the suffering and afflicted. We are to minister to the despairing, and to inspire hope in the hopeless.

Screening decision: This paragraph outlines practical works of mercy and emotional support, which are classified under ministry.

The love of Christ, manifested in unselfish ministry, will be more effective in reforming the evildoer than will the sword or the court of justice. These are necessary to strike terror to the lawbreaker, but the loving missionary can do more than this. Often the heart that hardens under reproof will melt under the love of Christ.

Screening decision: This paragraph compares the reformative power of love versus punitive justice, containing a social/behavioral comparison suitable for empirical inquiry regarding rehabilitation.

The missionary can not only relieve physical maladies, but he can lead the sinner to the Great Physician, who can cleanse the soul from the leprosy of sin. Through His servants, God designs that the sick, the unfortunate, and those possessed of evil spirits shall hear His voice. Through His human agencies He desires to be a comforter such as the world knows not.

Screening decision: The text blends physical relief with theological healing ('cleanse the soul from the leprosy of sin'); the spiritual aspect is non-empirical.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

The Saviour has given His precious life in order to establish a church capable of ministering to the suffering, the sorrowful, and the tempted. A company of believers may be poor, uneducated, and unknown; yet in Christ they may do a work in the home, in the community, and even in “the regions beyond,” whose results shall be as far-reaching as eternity.

Screening decision: This is a statement of spiritual encouragement and potential regarding faith communities, lacking empirical medical assertions.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

To Christ's followers today, no less than to the first disciples, these words are spoken:

Screening decision: This paragraph serves as an introductory bridge to a direct biblical quotation.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

“All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations.” “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Matthew 28:18, 19 ; Mark 16:15 .

Screening decision: This is a direct scriptural quotation from the Bible, representing religious teaching rather than an empirical claim.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

And for us also is the promise of His presence, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20 .

Screening decision: This paragraph expresses a purely spiritual promise of divine presence without making testable empirical or medical assertions.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

Today no curious multitudes flock to the desert places to see and hear the Christ. His voice is not heard in the busy streets. No cry sounds from the wayside, “Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.” Luke 18:37 . Yet this word is true today. Christ walks unseen through our streets. With messages of mercy He comes to our homes. With all who are seeking to minister in His name, He waits to co-operate. He is in the midst of us, to heal and to bless, if we will receive Him.

Screening decision: The passage describes spiritual agency, unseen presence, and religious ministry rather than physical or medical claims.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

“Thus saith Jehovah, In an acceptable time have I answered thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee; and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to raise up the land, to make them inherit the desolate heritages; saying to them that are bound, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Show yourselves.”

Screening decision: This is a scriptural quotation highlighting divine salvation and restoration, which is theological rather than empirical.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; That bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; That saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” Isaiah 49:8, 9 , A.R.V.; 52:7 .

Screening decision: Contains biblical imagery and praise regarding the spread of divine tidings, remaining within the realm of spiritual literature.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.

“Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places:... For the Lord hath comforted His people.... The Lord hath made bare His holy arm In the eyes of all the nations; And all the ends of the earth Shall see the salvation of our God.” Verses 9, 10 .

Screening decision: Comprises scriptural praise and prophetic imagery of divine intervention and comfort, lacking empirical medical claims.

No scientific claim was identified in this screening pass. The paragraph’s teaching is retained above.