Sent with Power: The Church’s Call to Heal and Preach
Introduction
Let me ask you a question: when you hear the word “commission,” what comes to mind?
For many, it might suggest a military order, or perhaps a formal task delegated from someone in authority.
But today, as we open the Scriptures, we discover a commission far greater than any human assignment—a divine calling that transforms ordinary lives into vessels of extraordinary power.
Our doctrinal statement declares: “The Gospel embraces the needs of the whole man and that the Church is therefore commissioned to preach the Gospel to the world and to fulfil a ministry of healing and deliverance to the spiritual and physical needs of mankind.”
This is not optional. This is not merely inspirational. This is the heartbeat of Christ’s mission and the heartbeat of His Church. Today, we will explore what it means to be a commissioned disciple—sent to proclaim salvation, bring healing, and minister deliverance to a broken world.
I. The Commission Explained: Preach the Gospel to the Whole Man
Matthew 28:18–20 (NLT): "Jesus came and told his disciples, 'I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.'"
This passage, commonly called the Great Commission, is Christ’s final instruction to His disciples before His ascension. The Greek term “matheteuo” used here means “to make disciples” — not just converts, not just church attendees, but fully committed followers trained in obedience to Christ.
The authority Jesus claims (exousia) is absolute. Every command He gives flows from His sovereign power over heaven and earth. This is not a suggestion; it is a mandate.
Notice that Christ’s commission addresses all nations and all people. It embodies the wholeness of the Gospel: spiritual redemption and practical, physical transformation. Salvation is not merely a spiritual ticket to heaven; it affects every dimension of human existence—mind, body, and community.
Believers today must embrace a Gospel that does not compartmentalize. Are we sharing Christ in word and deed? Are we attentive to the suffering around us as well as the sin within us? The Church’s mission is holistic.
Max Lucado observes, “God’s heart is for all people, not just some. The Gospel was never meant to be a private comfort; it is a public revolution of love.”
Lucado reminds us that our obedience to Christ is active and comprehensive. We cannot selectively serve Christ; our mission is total.
II. The Ministry of Healing
Luke 9:1–2 (NLT): "Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal diseases. He sent them out to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick."
The Greek word “dynamis” translated as “power” conveys a miraculous, sovereign force. Jesus empowers His disciples—not just to teach, but to act in ways that visibly manifest God’s Kingdom. Healing here is both physical and spiritual, showing that God’s restoration is holistic.
In our 21st-century context, the need is just as urgent. Mental health struggles, broken relationships, and chronic illness call for believers to serve with compassion and the authority Christ imparts. We are instruments of God’s healing.
Consider a story from a mission hospital in Africa: a team of Christian nurses prayed over a child with severe malaria. The child recovered, not solely by medicine, but through the testimony of God’s presence and healing power. Sometimes, faith and practical care converge to reveal the living Christ.
Charles Stanley wrote, “The ministry of healing is a demonstration that the kingdom is present among us. Every time we alleviate suffering, we echo the heart of God.”
Stanley emphasizes that healing is not merely therapeutic; it is prophetic—it proclaims Christ’s reign to a world in pain.
III. The Ministry of Deliverance
Mark 16:17–18 (NLT): "These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will handle snakes with safety, and when they drink deadly poison, it won’t hurt them. They will heal the sick by laying their hands on them."
Deliverance ministry confronts the spiritual oppressions that afflict mankind. The Greek word “ekballo” means “to cast out,” reflecting Jesus’ power to liberate from bondage. Deliverance demonstrates God’s authority over every evil force.
Believers today face spiritual battles in homes, workplaces, and communities. Christians are called not to fear but to intervene through prayer, intercession, and proclamation of Christ’s victory.
A woman in a small town was held captive by fear and superstition. Through persistent prayer and the local church’s support, she encountered Jesus. The demonic oppression lifted, and her life was transformed. The Church is still God’s agent of freedom.
John Piper affirms, “Wherever Christ reigns, chains are broken. Deliverance is the proof of His victory and our participation in it.”
Piper calls believers to embrace the authority of Christ in practical ministry—faith is active, confronts evil, and liberates the oppressed.
IV. The Gospel for the Whole Person
1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (NLT): "Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honour God with your body."
Paul reminds us that the Gospel impacts the totality of human existence. Redemption includes the body, soul, and spirit. The Greek word “temple” (naos) signifies sacred space—our very being is entrusted to God’s care.
Discipleship today involves stewardship of our health, relationships, and influence, alongside evangelism and prayer. The Church ministers to the whole man, not merely the spiritual aspect.
R.T. Kendall noted, “Salvation is not a fragment of life—it is the renovation of life in every dimension, beginning with Christ.”
Kendall’s words urge us to see discipleship as holistic: a life fully surrendered to Christ’s transforming power.
V. The Call to Action
The commission is clear: go, heal, deliver, and preach.
Practical Steps
Pray daily for the world’s needs—spiritual and physical.
Engage in compassionate action—volunteer, support the suffering, advocate for justice.
Proclaim Christ boldly—words and deeds aligned.
Participate in the local church’s ministry—no one ministers alone.
Trust in Christ’s authority—step out in faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Invitation to Salvation:
If you have not trusted Christ as your Saviour, today is the day. Jesus died for your sins, was buried, rose bodily, and offers eternal life to all who repent and place their faith in Him. Receive Him now, and become part of this mission.
Conclusion:
As we go from this place, remember: the Great Commission is both a privilege and a responsibility. Christ calls us to engage fully in the restoration of humanity—spiritually, physically, and emotionally. Step out in faith, serve the broken, proclaim the Gospel, and watch God’s Kingdom come.
May the Lord empower you, guide your steps, and make you a vessel of His healing and deliverance. Go in peace, and serve the Master who has called you for such a time as this.
