THE MINISTRY OF DIVINE HEALING - II


Two more current situations concerning divine healing must be mentioned before the Holy Spirit opens the Scriptures to us on this subject.

The attacks on divine healing are double-tongued in that it is beguiling (see Gen. 3: 1). After fiercely opposing the Full Gospel message, the writers condescendingly admit healings, according to their interpretations, in a few lines for two reasons.

  • Firstly, it is a well-known and established fact that the fastest growing churches around the world are Full Gospel churches which has healings and other miracles. Today, the largest churches in many parts of the world are those that preach the Fullness of the Glorious Gospel.
  • Secondly, these Bible ‘bards' are afraid of losing their flock. Many metropolitan cities have several Bible Colleges that systematically teach that the day of miracles is over. Bless God, such systems have very little effect on those who sincerely desire to know the Lord and His ways. There is a great move of God's power in many parts of the world and in so-called heathen nations and the witnesses are countless and cannot be ignored.
For some time there was an exodus of families from traditional, main line churches to other churches that in truth present the full gospel of our Lord.. The `learned clergy', losing people and offerings, decided to provide the supernatural in their gatherings. Gleaning material from all necessary sources they have exercised themselves mentally and miracles are definitely manifested in their midst (not mighty ones however), without the fundamental teachings of Jesus Christ. Let me show you how these miracles happen.

1.
Firstly, it is by pure coincidence, especially in diseases caused by viruses and germs. These harmful living things have an active cycle of 3, 7,14 or 21 days. The symptoms of these diseases leave naturally after their life cycle or with the help of medication. When those blatantly disregarding the teachings of God the Saviour harden their hearts against the Holy Spirit and pray, these poor souls are fooled into thinking that God has given them a miracle. The Bible says that rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft and stubbornness as the sin of idolatry (I Sam.l5:23). Thus, God has not given them a healing in answer to prayer but the healing is a natural and universal phenomenon.

2.
Secondly, God is merciful and patient. He maketh the sun to rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the just and the unjust. (Math.5:45). Many non-christians can testify of God’s grace in healing a sick loved one. God loves the whole world. Thus, healing by mercy should not be taken as a vindication that one is right with God.

3.
Thirdly, satan often acts with lying signs and wonders. (2Thes.2:9). I shall share in greater detail on this subject when we come to "The Spirit of Divination". For the moment, this phenomenon can be best explained by a personal encounter. A doctor who has an excellent medical practice is also known to be a man of prayer. He says a short prayer before treating every case. He even successfully treats those who do not come under his specialized medical field. Now, about 3 years ago his Orthodox Church entrusted him with a program in its out reach work. He required some help from our office and on an appointed day he came to meet me. After we dealt with his business, he began questioning me about the ministry of divine healing. As the conversation progressed he wanted to know how I meditated. I replied, "On the Word of God".

The doctor then proceeded to explain that reading the scriptures repeatedly was only one form of meditation. I tried to explain the need for utter dependence on the Word of God for healing ministrations. He said that when he meditated in prayer before a case, God shows him what to do. He continued to be emphatic about the many forms of meditation. I now knew what I was confronting and so began to quote several Scriptures. The Word of God is like a search light that reveals the hidden things of darkness and this is what the word began to do.

To my shock and amusement the doctor asked me to show my right hand and to my amazement began interpreting the lines on my palm. He said that the cross on my right palm represented priestly, healing powers. I had a look at both my palms and found many lines crossing each other. and I told him "Doctor, the Word of God says in Rev. 1:5 that all those washed in the blood of the Lamb are priests unto God and all believers can lay hands on the sick for healing with a detinite promise of recovery Mk. 16:18". The doctor then went on to say something that completely and without a shadow of doubt exposed satan’s powers of subtle deception. He mentioned a certain word used in occult meditation and said that using that particular word was also a form of meditation. He began to give reasons for his statement and also informed me that together with his friends he was involved in a particular research to prove this. Satan’s deceptive tactics were conclusively revealed that day. Many will find it hard to believe that this doctor, known as a man of prayers, even to my relatives, has been deluded. Such is the magnitude and power of deception. Of course his church does not believe in the glorious full gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. When we walk in the Spirit the devil is no match and his tactics will only be exposed.

We will be looking at scripture portions that show the relationship and importance between healing and salvation as many are "tired" of healing services and "faith healers". Before this I want some scripture to be firmly rooted in your spirit. These scripture points will come up into your mind when you are sick or if a doubt arises.

1.
The law was given by Moses, but grace and truth (or the fullness of truth) came by Jesus Christ (Jn.l :17)

2.
The Son can do nothing of Himself but what he seeth the Father do, for whatever the Father doeth these things also doeth the Son in the same way. (Jn.5:19). This statement was made by Jesus in the context of healing after the Jews accused Him of healing on the Sabbath, the man lame for 38 years at the pool of Bethesda.

3.
The works that I do bear witness that the Father hath sent me (Jn3:36) Believe Me for the very works sake. (Jn 14:1 I ); and His works were to go about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil. (Actsl0:38)

4.
If I do not the works of My Father believe Me not. (Jn 10: 37)

5.
He that has seen me has seen the Father (Jn.14:9). Jesus was implying that His actions and reactions were just like the Father’s.

6.
In Christ dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily (Col.2:10).

7.
If two of you agree on earth concerning anything, it shall be done of my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them. (Math.18: 19, 20). This is a promise with which many prayers begin. Dear sick people, ask yourselves this question now, "What would Jesus do" when you gather together in His name and ask for healing?

7.
Read John chapters 14, 15 and 16 and hear the Master teaching His believers to ask and receive.

If you are suffering, He knows your sorrows. His heart is touched by your feelings. He is moved with compassion. This is the heart of God revealed in Jesus Christ. Read the gospels and you will feel the pulsating compassion of the Lord who walked this earth almost 2000 years ago.