Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given... to another faith by the same Spirit... 1 Corinthians 12:7 & 9b
(find these or any other passages at www.Biblegateway.org)
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
To one there is given ...to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit,
"Gifts of healing..."
The notion of healing, spiritual, or 'faith' healing, has caused as much controversy in the church as anything, I suppose. The number of charlatans who have been caught planting audience members with fake maladies has caused much of the church to doubt anyone who proclaims the gift of healing.
And yet...the Scriptures plainly talk about healing in the church.
This will take more than one day.
Meditate over the following passages and what they say about healing, hear what the Lord has said.
When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. Luke 9:1-2
As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy,drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. Matthew 10:7-8
"What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. Mark 10:51-52
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24
Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. "Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. Hebrews 12:10-13
Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:14-16
Now, read them again with the following considerations:
Consider the ways that one can be sick...in their flesh, in their mind, in their spirit, in their relationships.
Consider instantaneous healing, healing that comes in eternity, and anything in between.
Consider your spiritual authority.
I'll see you, Lord willing, tomorrow.
I need you.
You need me.
We both need the Holy Spirit.
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Questions:
1. Do you accept, reject, or feel unsure about healing?
2. What do the passages say to you?
3. Why do we not see more healing?
INTERESTING THOUGHT:
As our Lord asked the sick man whether he wished to be healed, so, without our consent,
He will not save us; and sinners are without excuse for not consenting to the will of the Lord and their own salvation."
Cardinal Bonaventura
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