Abiding In Physical Health: Natural and Supernatural Tools to Discover Holistic Biblical Health

By Nate Sweeney

Many years ago, I found myself looking around and I saw people (including me) who were consistently struggling with chronic sickness. Many of these were good Christian people who asked God for healing and miracles in their physical bodies. I believe God to be a healer and miracle worker (which we will explore later in this book). I have seen this in my life and in the lives of others.

However, He is also a God of wisdom and discipline. How could I ask Him to do something that I am unwilling to invest in myself? It's like I wanted God to wave a magic wand to heal things that were direct results of my bad diet choices and lack of discipline. That was a huge "come to Jesus" illumination moment for me, and things have drastically turned around since that time in my physical journey.

Much of what I hear and saw in my own life and in others was an unwillingness to discipline the body and bring it into subjection. People unwilling to crucify the flesh with its natural passions and desires. People reluctant to honor the temple of the Holy Spirit, where God resides. These are all clear biblical prescriptions, but I had never seen it so clearly before. My experience has led me on a journey of abiding in physical health that I want to share with you. I want to invite you to abide in physical health for your own life.

In my personal journey of health, I was amazed as I experienced God heal me of many physical issues through natural and supernatural means. I want to share with you my story and the path God led me down and give you hope to abide in physical health.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Jan 15, 2021
• ISBN: 9781098341558

Book preview

Copyright © 2020 by Nate Sweeney. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,

distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior written permission.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version®.

Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English

Standard Version®). ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. The ESV® text has been reproduced in cooperation with and

by permission of Good News Publishers. Unauthorized reproduction of this publication

is prohibited. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Abiding Network

www.abidingnetwork.com

ISBN: 978-1-09834-154-1 Paperback

ISBN: 978-1-09834-155-8 eBook

Contents

The Swoosh

Recommendations

Introduction

Jillian’s Story

Chapter 1

Abiding in Christ Overview

Chapter 2

Triune Nature of Humanity

Chapter 3

Healthy Soul, Renewed Mind

Chapter 4

Christ the Divine Healer

Chapter 5

Why I Trust God as My Healer

Chapter 6

Is there a Biblical Theology of Natural Physical Health? (Part 1)

Chapter 7

Is there a Biblical Theology of Natural Physical Health? (Part 2)

Chapter 8

Godly Wisdom in

Stewarding His Temple

Chapter 9

Working Smarter Not

Necessarily Harder

Chapter 10

Consider the Cost

Chapter 11

Everything in Moderation?

Chapter 12

Learning to Love Accountability

Chapter 13

Abide in Christ:

An Eternal Perspective

APPENDIX A

APPENDIX B

About the Author

Cited Sources

The Swoosh

Years ago, in prayer, I had a vision of a day when I would author many books that would help spread the gospel of Christ to the nations. During that vision, I saw what I could only describe as a smeared fingerprint. I knew what it meant immediately. In the environment in which I grew up, we took the biblical model of anointing with oil seriously.

If you have ever taken some oil on your finger and applied it to a doorpost, to someone’s forehead, or a sheet of paper, you know the smeared fingerprint left behind. In this vision, I had the understanding that I wanted to anoint each copy of my books, which would leave that smeared look. I wrote this in my journal and left it there.

Years later, as I began to see the dreams of authoring Christ-centered books come to pass, I remembered this. Although I cannot anoint every book personally, I decided to use what I call a swoosh to designate that each book has been prayed over. My prayer is that the words in the books published will be anointed by God, bring life transformation to all who read them and bring glory to God.

Recommendations

"A masterful work of art.

Without hesitation, I can unequivocally state, that you are about to embark on an amazingly rewarding journey that will permanently altar your life for the better. That is…. if you are ready.

Pastor Sweeney’s cutting-edge approach to a very confusing and difficult to discuss topic is both enlightening and refreshing. During my time with him, I found him to be very keen on learning. Being a teacher myself, having a great student was extremely appealing. Pastor Nate listened with a ferocious appetite. He then took everything he learned and applied it personally. His results speak for themselves as well as well as in this book.

In the following pages, you will find an extraordinary biblical breakdown of the Scriptures as it pertains to all areas of health, including that of physical health, while not abandoning spiritual health.

In my humble opinion, this book should be a handbook for every congregation across the world. I have personally, and unfortunately, observed specifically the area of health be dismissed and abandoned in discussions and teachings in many churches. However, Pastor Nate clearly outlines the importance in an easy to understand and thorough read.

I appreciate his willingness to step out and tackle this challenging area. I pray and trust the writings herein will both encourage and inspire you to become a true steward of the greatest gift of all, that being life. The physical temple, though indeed perishing, is the residence of the Holy Spirit and His vehicle of representation. I have observed Pastor Nate make that stewardship a non-negotiable item in his life patterns. He is a true inspiration and great friend. I highly encourage you to dive into each word, with an open heart and mind, and be ready for both challenge and incredible growth. Prepare to experience life, and life more abundantly, the way God intends. You are a giver and dealer of hope. Get ready to see amazing, God-directed, changes in your physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Your best life begins now.

Let us enjoy living the wellness life together!"

–Dr. Mark Sherwood, Functional Medical Institute

"Most, if not all, of us have bought into countless diet books, programs, exercise routines only to have temporary success, or no success at all. Oftentimes, we end up disappointed and feeling worse than before, both physically and emotionally. Have you ever felt like a failure in this area? What is missing? What’s the common denominator in the pattern of yo-yo dieting and exercise?

Our family has known Nate for almost 12 years. In that time, I have seen his health struggles and over the past couple years have seen his health transform dramatically. As humans, we are each a combination of body, soul, and spirit. None of these can be neglected. Nate does a beautiful job speaking into each of these areas, how they impact each other and how to support and build them. It is easy to find a book that focuses on one aspect of our makeup. However, addressing each of these three areas is key. Nate has provided background knowledge, and the wisdom regarding how to put this into practice in our day to day living. He has and is walking it out. He has been there and speaks from a place of empowerment as He has walked with the Lord through a place of brokenness and into a transformed life. I think you will have many ‘ah-ha’ moments as you read through this book and apply it to your life. I pray you will find what was missing and walk with the Lord into your transformation."

–Rose N Kihm, Certified Doctor of Naturopathy,

Functional Nutrition Counselor

Introduction

Let’s admit there is a problem.

Many years ago, I found myself looking around and I saw people (including me) who were consistently struggling with chronic sickness. Many of these were good Christian people who asked God for healing and miracles in their physical bodies. I believe God to be a healer and miracle worker (which we will explore later in this book). I have seen this in my life and in the lives of others.

However, He is also a God of wisdom and discipline. How could I ask Him to do something that I am unwilling to invest in myself? It’s like I wanted God to wave a magic wand to heal things that were direct results of my bad diet choices and lack of discipline. That was a huge come to Jesus illumination moment for me, and things have drastically turned around since that time in my physical journey.

Much of what I hear and saw in my own life and in others was an unwillingness to discipline the body and bring it into subjection. People unwilling to crucify the flesh with its natural passions and desires. People reluctant to honor the temple of the Holy Spirit, where God resides. These are all clear biblical prescriptions, but I had never seen it so clearly before. My experience has led me on a journey of abiding in physical health that I want to share with you. I want to invite you to abide in physical health for your own life.

I have read so many studies and quotes that all came to the same general conclusions that we are an unhealthy bunch of people in America. One review I read showed that upwards of 80% of sick Americans was a direct result of an unhealthy lifestyle and not genetic. That means only 20% are dealing with things beyond their control. For that 20%, there are still many natural things that can be done to gain physical health. However, for the 20%, I would also contend for the divine healing aspect in partnership with those natural means. I have a daughter in this category. We do everything we know to naturally and then trust God, in faith, for the miraculous and healing that her body needs. Her doctors have been blown away by how she consistently exceeds medical knowledge expectations. God is truly working in her body. The natural and the supernatural are working in tandem.

Part of my journey involved taking a more in-depth look at the divine wisdom in natural health that God has given to us, and it’s changed my life. God gave us an earthly tent to steward under His divine wisdom. I see many Christians neglect this, and I have observed two primary lines of thinking on this topic.

1. The first one says that when it’s my time, God will take me, so I will enjoy this tent as much as possible.

This line of thinking takes little or no account for their actions but rolls it all over to God and His sovereignty. This person will typically live indulging in fleshly desires because they have determined that nothing they do will affect the date they arrive at death.

2. The second one says God’s divine healing will heal me from all of my ailments (Even when a considerable percentage could be cured with natural healthy lifestyle choices).

This thinking pattern looks for new ways to tap into God’s divine healing while taking little or no action for their personal choices. I have known many in this camp over the years, including myself. This person will ignore any natural disciplines that God or medical science gives us and only want God’s supernatural hand to heal them. I have sat at the hospital bedside of many people who refused to make lifestyle changes but they would quote all the healing verses in the Bible and tell me how they have faith that God will heal them. Well, many times, He did not.

In this book, I want to explore a third thought process that can be a catalyst to long term physical health in your own life. What if we partner with the natural and the supernatural? What if this opens the door to living in the fullness of what God has for us? What if we do all that we can while at the same time trusting God to do His part? I believe this book’s principles will change your life and give you the knowledge and encouragement to abide in physical health.

A Few Statistics

Here are a few sources with some staggering statistics about the state of our health in America. The amount of preventable disease is mind-blowing.

"Over the past century, essential nutrient deficiencies have dramatically decreased. Many infectious diseases have been conquered, and most of the U.S. population can now anticipate a long and productive life. However, as contagious disease rates have dropped, the rates of non-communicable diseases—specifically, chronic diet-related diseases—have risen, due in part to changes in lifestyle behaviors. A history of poor eating and physical activity patterns have a cumulative effect and have contributed to significant nutrition - and physical activity-related health challenges that now face the U.S. population.

About half of all American adults—117 million individuals —have one or more preventable chronic diseases, many of which are related to poor quality eating patterns and physical inactivity. These include cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, and poor bone health.

More than two-thirds of adults and nearly one-third of children and youth are overweight or obese. These high rates of overweight and obesity and chronic disease have persisted for more than two decades and come not only with increased health risks but also at a high cost.

In 2008, the medical costs associated with obesity were estimated to be $147 billion. In 2012, the total estimated cost of diagnosed diabetes was $245 billion, including $176 billion in direct medical costs and $69 billion in decreased productivity."(1)

Six in ten Americans live with at least one chronic disease, like heart disease, stroke, cancer, or diabetes. These and other chronic diseases are the leading causes of death and disability in America, and they are also a leading driver of health care costs. At the CDC, our job is to make it easier for all Americans to make healthy choices to enjoy life. We know that most chronic diseases can be prevented by eating well, being physically active, avoiding tobacco and excessive drinking, and getting regular health screenings. CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP) helps people and communities prevent chronic diseases and promote health and wellness.(2)

"Chronic Diseases: What Are They? Chronic diseases are ongoing, generally incurable illnesses or conditions, such as heart disease, asthma, cancer, and diabetes. These diseases are often preventable, and frequently manageable through early detection, improved diet, exercise, and treatment therapy.

Costing lives and reducing quality of life, Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability in the United States.

One hundred thirty-three million Americans – 45% of the population – have at least one chronic disease.

Chronic diseases are responsible for seven out of every ten