Anybody here prefer faith healing over modern medicine? Discuss why (either way) please.
Faith Healing
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Apologist
2 Tim. 2:24-26
Don't fall into the trap of the false teachers out there who say you can be healed if you have enough faith. That is a lie!
God gave us medicine, so it should always be considered.
We should always pray that God's will be done, but that doesn't mean we should neglect medicine. People who do not go to the doctor because they have faith in God alone are living dangerously. We live in a cursed creation and the normal course of things in this life is disease and death. Sometimes God intervenes in the normal course of a sickness and cures that person, but that is the exception and not the norm.
My dad passed away the day after Christmas from complications of lung cancer and despite chemotherapy and radiation therapy he still lost the battle because God was merciful and took him home in answer to our prayers of not letting him suffer greatly.
The treatments prolonged his life by about 6 months so there is proof of how God has blessed us with modern medicine.
I hope this helps.
God Bless
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There IS faith healing, but I do agree that modern medicine should be considered. However, I feel that sometimes the Lord calls us to seek healing in Faith as a testing and growing process in our walk. I have been healed many times in the past (asthma, totally gone....had a huge fever once and got prayed for and it was gone in 5 min. etc....) when modern medicine could do nothing but treat the symptons.
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My family and I were part of a charismatic church for about a year. The problem I have with faith healing is the way it is taught...That "God is moving at the altar. Come now for a healing" (abbreviated). In the Bible, when Jesus or one of the apostles healed someone, it was CLEAR that they were totally healed. IE: A guy starts off with no ear and then Jesus puts one on or someone is rotting with leprosy and Jesus makes him completely whole and totally restored.
Most of the examples I've seen in the charismatic realm go something like this: Brother Jones has macular degeneration and is steadily going blind. Brother Jones comes to the altar and believes he is "healed". Next week, brother Jones gives a testimony of how he can see just a LITTLE BIT better now in his right eye. The pastor usually says something to the nature of "it's a healing 'process'" and "keep having faith and you'll continue to heal".
I believe that God is sovereign and that He can heal anyone he wants to. I don't, however, believe that it is God's will to heal EVERYONE or give EVERYONE the blue Cadillac that they are "believing God for".
Often, the verse is used:
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. taken from Isaiah 53:5
I don't believe when it says "with His stripes we are healed" is referring to physical healing which is what many in the charismatic movement say. That is not the point being made in this context.
Anyway...I believe that God can heal, either supernaturally or through doctors. I think if you need to go see a doctor, go see a doctor but don't leave God out of the picture in the process. That goes for anything in life.
Most of the examples I've seen in the charismatic realm go something like this: Brother Jones has macular degeneration and is steadily going blind. Brother Jones comes to the altar and believes he is "healed". Next week, brother Jones gives a testimony of how he can see just a LITTLE BIT better now in his right eye. The pastor usually says something to the nature of "it's a healing 'process'" and "keep having faith and you'll continue to heal".
I believe that God is sovereign and that He can heal anyone he wants to. I don't, however, believe that it is God's will to heal EVERYONE or give EVERYONE the blue Cadillac that they are "believing God for".
Often, the verse is used:
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. taken from Isaiah 53:5
I don't believe when it says "with His stripes we are healed" is referring to physical healing which is what many in the charismatic movement say. That is not the point being made in this context.
Anyway...I believe that God can heal, either supernaturally or through doctors. I think if you need to go see a doctor, go see a doctor but don't leave God out of the picture in the process. That goes for anything in life.
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WEll, I believe in both faith healing and modern medicines. I have a small cut that never heal properly, and is swollen and itchy. I prayed to God about it and it actually healed at a faster rate, and is no longer swollen!
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Blackwing
Music Man With Black Wings(duh...)<img src="http:/
Depends on the kind of faith healing.
In my country, faith healers are common and usually in every town or even street there is a resident faith healer.
These faith healers are satanic in origin coz after they are so called "healed" they already have a spiritual bondage to demons and will manifest later.
This is NOT the healing that God wants.
I believe in healing through faith if God calls for it if professional medical attention has no more answers or solution.
Miracles happen and I can attest to that.
In my country, faith healers are common and usually in every town or even street there is a resident faith healer.
These faith healers are satanic in origin coz after they are so called "healed" they already have a spiritual bondage to demons and will manifest later.
This is NOT the healing that God wants.
I believe in healing through faith if God calls for it if professional medical attention has no more answers or solution.
Miracles happen and I can attest to that.
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I really agree with you there Josiah.
Sometimes some Christians, esp the Charismatics, get too carried away. They want to see miracles so badly, that they play around with words, or go into dramatics to show that God is moving.
I believe that faith healing does occur. But I also have come to accept (a little grugingly perhaps) that God is sovereign and sometimes He doesn't heal and sometimes He doesn't give a reason why.
My father passed away after a long fight with pancreatic cancer. Many Christians, esp the pentecostals, came and prayed for healing/ claiming that healing took place already etc.. But he passed on despite some signs of a recovery; he felt little pain despite his illness.
Do I grudge them for praying for dad's healing? No. Indeed I'm grateful for their prayers and esp. their kindness. They visited my father in hospital. They brought him soup which he could drink. They greatly helped my family during our time of mourning.
Other Christians, esp the Evangalicals, came and told us to give up hope and in particular not to associate ourselves with "those charismatics". There had few kind words, they brought no food, often they did not say a prayer. They seemd to just want to impart their "theological righteousness" to us. Of poor comfort they were.
(BTW, I am not passing judgement on any particular denomination. I'm going to an Evangalical church in the evenings now at the moment. I'm only relating my limited experience. I am sure other people have experienced vice versa situations.)
Sometimes some Christians, esp the Charismatics, get too carried away. They want to see miracles so badly, that they play around with words, or go into dramatics to show that God is moving.
I believe that faith healing does occur. But I also have come to accept (a little grugingly perhaps) that God is sovereign and sometimes He doesn't heal and sometimes He doesn't give a reason why.
My father passed away after a long fight with pancreatic cancer. Many Christians, esp the pentecostals, came and prayed for healing/ claiming that healing took place already etc.. But he passed on despite some signs of a recovery; he felt little pain despite his illness.
Do I grudge them for praying for dad's healing? No. Indeed I'm grateful for their prayers and esp. their kindness. They visited my father in hospital. They brought him soup which he could drink. They greatly helped my family during our time of mourning.
Other Christians, esp the Evangalicals, came and told us to give up hope and in particular not to associate ourselves with "those charismatics". There had few kind words, they brought no food, often they did not say a prayer. They seemd to just want to impart their "theological righteousness" to us. Of poor comfort they were.
(BTW, I am not passing judgement on any particular denomination. I'm going to an Evangalical church in the evenings now at the moment. I'm only relating my limited experience. I am sure other people have experienced vice versa situations.)
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Yes, Jesus was always the most angry with the Pharisees and those who were, *ahem*, "religious" (said with a rolling of the 'R') 
JAMES 2
15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.
16 If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?
17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
AND
1 CORINTHIANS 13
1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part,
10 but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.
11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.
12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
God's ways are so much better than our own...May I never forget...
JAMES 2
15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.
16 If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?
17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
AND
1 CORINTHIANS 13
1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part,
10 but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.
11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.
12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
God's ways are so much better than our own...May I never forget...
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I believe in medicine and in faith healings. I have experienced a miracle in my life, and so did my husband and son, but they were not healings. I know that God bestows miracles on us today, healings or otherwise.
However, I have to confess that I am quite skeptical about the "healings" I've seen on TV. I have to turn it off quickly because I feel weird watching it and wonder if that's the Spirit directing me. Can everyone on those programs receive the Spirit and healings and fall backwards like that? I know that God directed us to go to a private place to pray, not publicly... (can't put my finger on the verse...), and I wonder how that applies to the evangelists that publically do these healings. I'm not saying they aren't healing folks, because I believe that negate the power of our Lord, and I don't know if folks are truly being healed. But I am skeptical, and wish I knew the hearts of these healers. Would they do it in a little tent in some small town for free??? I wonder what God thinks of these things? ~kim
However, I have to confess that I am quite skeptical about the "healings" I've seen on TV. I have to turn it off quickly because I feel weird watching it and wonder if that's the Spirit directing me. Can everyone on those programs receive the Spirit and healings and fall backwards like that? I know that God directed us to go to a private place to pray, not publicly... (can't put my finger on the verse...), and I wonder how that applies to the evangelists that publically do these healings. I'm not saying they aren't healing folks, because I believe that negate the power of our Lord, and I don't know if folks are truly being healed. But I am skeptical, and wish I knew the hearts of these healers. Would they do it in a little tent in some small town for free??? I wonder what God thinks of these things? ~kim
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I believe faith healing works, however one must ask themselves another question: what is the source of the healing? I don't want to start a big argument, but one should ask themselves that question and come to their own conclusion.
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sbbqb7n16
Veteran - Blue Bible Dude
I think prayer and healing are two different things. Prayer can be how we find out God's will for our lives, or the means by which healing occurs, but true prayer should be done in "silent/quiet." I'm not sure exactly how I feel about that. I believe that God mainly doesn't look at what we do but rather what our motives are. Such as the 1 Corinthians 13 thing -"If I give all my posessions ot the poor- but have not love, I have nothing"
That just proves the point moreso. Prayer should be done not with the intention that everyone should hear how great they are. Period. But did Jesus Himself not do miracles in front of thousands? Did He not heal in front of others? But why? Not to glorify Himself , but to glorify God (and yes they are the same, but He was sposed to be an example for us-Complicated I know)
If the healings are done in front of many to glorify God, praise the Lord for it. But if they do it to show themselves powerful or great or whatever, then do not watch and go pray for them or something.
There definitely is faith healing. After all read James 5:13-16
But medicine can provide healing as well. Sometimes I just don't think we always seek God like we should. Medicine could be there for those who don't have enough faith in God to heal them, but God still wants them healed. SO they have faith that the medicine will heal them. Do you see a problem with that? The Creator of the universe should be able to get a couple of germs out right?
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I also believe that God heals. He can use a doctor or supernatural power. I also believe that satan can heal. For devious purposes of course.
I would ask this: Why hasn't benny hinn healed a leaper on TV. Or replaced an ear. I watched him a couple of times and it was the phoniest thing I ever saw. come on now let's get a grip. We don't have to resort to sensationalism, do we? Let's take a look at some of these prophecies hinn has made. They have so far been very wrong. Let's stand against false prophets and false teachers and false healers......we must not make Christ a laughing stock for the world. I am embarrased of TBN.........ooops I just offended someone.
I would ask this: Why hasn't benny hinn healed a leaper on TV. Or replaced an ear. I watched him a couple of times and it was the phoniest thing I ever saw. come on now let's get a grip. We don't have to resort to sensationalism, do we? Let's take a look at some of these prophecies hinn has made. They have so far been very wrong. Let's stand against false prophets and false teachers and false healers......we must not make Christ a laughing stock for the world. I am embarrased of TBN.........ooops I just offended someone.
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Blynn
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rkbo,
I am embarrased by the "name it and claim it" crowd i.e. prosperity teachers. I guess that would be a whole other topic.
I will stick to the topic and say I too believe in miracles and the fact that God can heal. TV healings? Use to watch Benny Hinn, TBN.....Let's just say I do not anymore.
Does Hank Hanegraaff have a website? I would be interested in reading more of what he has to say.
God Bless,
Roberta
I am embarrased by the "name it and claim it" crowd i.e. prosperity teachers. I guess that would be a whole other topic.
I will stick to the topic and say I too believe in miracles and the fact that God can heal. TV healings? Use to watch Benny Hinn, TBN.....Let's just say I do not anymore.
Does Hank Hanegraaff have a website? I would be interested in reading more of what he has to say.
God Bless,
Roberta
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Apologist
2 Tim. 2:24-26
Hello Roberta.
I see you are a fellow 'Bible Answer Man' listener too huh?
I have been listening for about 5 or so years now myself.
Hank Hanegraaff and CRI's web site is: http://www.equip.org/
If you click on the 'free articles' link you can search for a lot of resources on many subjects.
God Bless you my sister
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Blynn
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The "Bible Answer Man" was what opened my eyes to the fact there might be something wrong with these teachers and these teachings.
Thank you Apologist for posting the link to his website.
God Bless,
Roberta
Thank you Apologist for posting the link to his website.
God Bless,
Roberta
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Dr. Walter Martin was my hero. He founded CRI and there never has been a more dynamic person. Hank is very good and his intellect is very good. Dr. Martin though had a way that was very powerful and exciting. I listened to words right off his," to every man an answer" series. I mean the tapes are blank now. I wore them out.
If you ever get a chance to hear the "Martin under fire" tapes, go for it. He gives a seminar in Salt Lake City about Mormonism. Like I said he is a tough guy. He then opens discussion up for questions. It is very interesting.
If you ever get a chance to hear the "Martin under fire" tapes, go for it. He gives a seminar in Salt Lake City about Mormonism. Like I said he is a tough guy. He then opens discussion up for questions. It is very interesting.
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