Rediscovering The Power In Prayer Series

PRAYER: Rediscovering the Presnce, Promise and Power of God

Rediscovering the power in Prayer to Heal

Various Scriptures

INTRODUCTION

When we discuss prayer, the ultimate question arises, does God still heal today, or was healing meant for another age?

I want to go on record to say that not only do I believe God has the power to heal, He is still in the business of healing people spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

The topic of healing is one that deserves an entire series to discss. My purpose this morning to is to simply answer the questions what is healing? What is the basis for healing? How has God healed in the Old and New Testaments, and Why did Jesus heal the sick?

I will share the scriptures and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to your hearts today and I pray you will allow him to let faith arise in your heart to receive from Him today.

Following this message we will put our faith into practice and pray for those who are seeking the Lord for healing and deliverance in your life, marriage or family.

What is healing?

In Jesus day there were two primary thoughts regarding healing.

The Sadducees were the theological librals of the day. They believed in God, but did not believe in miracles or healing or the resurrection. They are like many today who believe in God, but do not believe that He is involved in any way in the affairs of this world. They do not consider the Bible to be the literal inspired word of God, and so treat it as a moralistic book of fairy tales.

Then there were the Pharisees. Not only did they believe in God, they believed Gods word was inspired, and God was able to still perform miracles. They just could not accept that Jesus was performing miracles of healings that detracted from their attention and prominance.

As in Jesus day, there are primarily three attitudes towards healing and miracles.

Ffirst, that miracles and healing have past away; second, that it is a special grace; and third, that healing is in the atonement. The following is a short summary of the three views.

1. Passed away. Healing was a gift given to the apostles to attest to the validity of the gospel, but ended when John the Apostle died. While this cessationist view is not as prevalent, it still remains a common belief in many evangelical churches.

2. It is Special grace given only to some. This view rejects the belief that healing was included in the plan of redemption. It also says that while miracles are still possible, they are few and unlikely. And definitely should not be expected or asked for. This view is probably the most prevalent among evangelical churches today. Many churches do not deny the possibility of the miraculous, they simply do not think they are necessary. Salvation is the gratest and singlualr miracle which people should sek after.

3. Healing is part of man's redemption in Christ; therefore it belongs to every believer. There need be no questioning as to whether it is God's will to heal; if it is in the redemption, it is His will.

The third response is the one that our fellowship teaches and which I also believe and preach, that healing is secured in the atonements of Jesus Christ. (We will look at that in a moment.)

Healing is not mind over matter, it is not or hyper faith.

‘Divine healing is the process by which God supernaturally imparts life, health and strength to afflicted souls and bodies.

How is healing received?

Sometimes it is instant, such as when Jesus touched the blind man

Aome times it is gradual such as what occurred with Naaman in 2 Kings and the blind man who saw people like trees.

Sometimes Healing comes through DEATH. Yes death. We have to change our theology about death. Death is not the end for the believer. It is the door into eternity with the father. My Father in law believed to the end that God would heal him of cancer. And when He entered eternity, He entered cancer free.

When My father left this planet, because His heart stopped, He entered eternity with a brand new heart.

F|olk, understand that life does not cdease when your heart quits breathing. It is the door into eternity of all the fulfillment of what God has promised.

We receive healing through placing our faith in Christ alone, by obedience to what He has declared in His word. Understand if you are not treating your body as the temple of the Holy spirit, with respect, then maybe you need to give heed to that as you come to the Lord.

Sometimes, heal;ing comes in conjunction with medicine and doctors. Whatever form it takes, the point is that you are trusting in the Lord to bring the healing that brings Him glory.