The Gift of Healing

[Richard T]

I don't have reservations about miracles or healings. I think a lot of people are afraid the Lord won't grant their request or they don't know how to stand or hear from Him. Nor do I believe another can ask something on my behalf that I can't obtain by doing the same. That's a reflection of my maturity and trust in God and why I specified myself in the reply.

But my relative believes it's a gift of faith that inspires my certainty and why I don't ask for prayer as well. I've never doubted He hears and will respond. It might take time but He answers eventually. They may be right and it might be a bit of both.

~bella

Thanks for the clarification. I too think that most healings are from God to the individual. My understanding of the gifts in general is that they are most likely to be used toward others. Also, the gift of faith is typically taught as being beyond what an individual could believe on their own. So I would assume that most are receiving healing by regular faith, rather than their own gifts operating.

 

[ARBITER01]

Nor do I believe another can ask something on my behalf that I can't obtain by doing the same.

If I may,.... I have had situations where I was prompted by The Holy Spirit to ask in prayer on behalf of a person. I have done that multiple times with good results, I think it is just a matter of revelation inside of being able to do it. Once I understood inside that I could, then I have.

 

[bèlla]

Thanks for the clarification. I too think that most healings are from God to the individual. My understanding of the gifts in general is that they are most likely to be used toward others. Also, the gift of faith is typically taught as being beyond what an individual could believe on their own. So I would assume that most are receiving healing by regular faith, rather than their own gifts operating.

I don't think you need the gift of faith to be healed nor do I agree with the allegations of a lack of faith on the subject. Those who speak along those lines have probably never held a mustard seed. If they did they'd recognize how ridiculous it sounds and know what Christ was alluding to in that statement. Suffice to say a peppercorn is good enough. That's all we need to move mountains.

If I may,.... I have had situations where I was prompted by The Holy Spirit to ask in prayer on behalf of a person. I have done that multiple times with good results, I think it is just a matter of revelation inside of being able to do it. Once I understood inside that I could, then I have.

Children are the best depiction of what I was referencing in my remark. They bring their wants and needs to their parents and don't expect them to read their minds or others for that matter. And I endeavor to do the same. No one knows my heart like I do or what I'm struggling with. And my concerns are His domain. Why would I seek the same elsewhere before communing with Him? He's the starting point.

~bella

 

[ARBITER01]

I don't think you need the gift of faith to be healed nor do I agree with the allegations of a lack of faith on the subject.

There are a few ways that GOD has provided healing, as Richard has alluded to. The one way that many nowadays are not reaching for is the example that Jesus gave, the ministry of the gifts of healings.

A lot of the ways in scripture are faith based around prayer and such, but how GOD operated this way with Jesus is on another level. The Holy Spirit rested upon Him in power performing the healing, the same way that The Holy Spirit operated through Peter by power.

There's been a lot of charlatans trying to operate this way by faith over the recent decades, and it normally doesn't work out. They are seen for what they are over time.

But the true ministry of this can be seen in the works of Maria Woodworth Etter. She of all people, as an Evangelist, had this anointing upon her. She didn't have to pray hard for a situation, she just laid her hands upon a person and the power flowed through her and they were healed. Testimony after testimony after testimony that were provided in her books of people with hard situations, were instantly healed through her just by laying her her hands upon them.

The true anointing of this is still there for people that want to go through the trials.


There's been a false example I've seen recently in some churches. People believe if they just worship GOD long enough, and praise His name enough, that The Holy Spirit will arrive and begin healing people. There's no example of that in scripture for the new testament. I don't think there is anything even like that in the OT.

GOD has chosen to work through His people.

 

[ARBITER01]

I'm going to copy a section from the post I linked since I think it needs to be reiterated a bit here for the topic,...


There have been Christians of old who operated in the gifts of healings. Some of the greats like Wigglesworth, Lake, the Jeffrey brothers, etc., but the one I find that GOD moved through the most was Maria Woodworth Etter,....

1879-1924 Revivals of Maria Woodworth-Etter (116+ revivals) - BEAUTIFUL FEET

Prior to the Pentecostal Movement, Maria Woodworth-Etter had already been conducting "Pentecostal Meetings" for close to 20 years.

romans1015.com

GOD had her document in various books about her travels across America for 45 years. This was done at a time before the automobile. Everything was done by horse and carriage.

Take a look at her travels,....

1879-1924 Revivals of Maria Woodworth-Etter (116+ revivals)​

Let's look at some of the information on that website I linked about Mrs Etter,..


Maria Woodworth-Etter (1885 – 41 years old)

Introduction
This is not an account of one revival, but of many, extending over a period of 45 years (1879-1924), and they are observed in the ministry of Ohio-born evangelist Maria Woodworth-Etter (1844-1924).

Maria was a Pentecostal before there were Pentecostals. That is, she was already preaching and experiencing the message of Pentecost in her services as early as 1883, with all of the gifts of the Holy Spirit being manifested. And this was long before historians began to write about Pentecostals.

► 13 years before the 1896 Shearer Schoolhouse Revival
► 18 years before the 1901 Topeka Outpouring
► 23 years before the 1906 Azusa Street Revival

The baptism in the Holy Spirit, with the accompanying gifts of the Holy Spirit including speaking in tongues, has been a historically documented occurrence throughout Church history (see our post).

The “revivals” that Maria experienced came through protracted meetings, meaning they were planned services that were conducted multiple days in a row, and sometimes extending close to six months in duration, all in one location. Many of these revivals involved two, and at times three, meetings per day, with the meetings occasionally running together.


Could you imagine that sort of continuous revival happening nowadays? People would lose their mind.

2 or 3 meetings each day?!?!,......that's completely unheard of nowadays.

Full Schedule
From the very beginning of her ministry, Maria’s preaching was so effective that there were always churches–from over 8 different denominations–continually contacting her to come and preach. During her first 1 ½ years of ministry she:

► preached 200 sermons.
► held 9 planned evangelistic events (revivals).
► planted 2 churches.
► preached in 22 churches.
► preached in 4 schoolhouses.

By 1889 her accomplishments, outside of souls saved and physical healings, were:

► starting 12 churches.
► building 6 church buildings.
► starting several Sunday Schools.
► bringing up 12 new preachers who became licensed.


Here is a compiled list of Maria's works as I have been able to date somewhat,...

1) 1885 Life and Experience of Maria B. Woodworth, 80 Pages

2) 1886 Trials and Triumphs of the Evangelist Mrs. M.B. Woodworth, 239 Pages

3) 1888 Revival Songs by Maria Beulah Woodworth Etter, 62 Pages

4) 1888 Life and Experience of Maria B. Woodworth, 2nd Edition, 528 Pages

5) 1891 Revival Hymns by Maria Beulah Woodworth Etter, 152 Pages

6) 1894 The Life, Work, Experience of Maria Beulah Woodworth, Evangelist, 451 Pages

7) 1904 Life and Experience Including Sermons and Visions of Mrs. M.B. Woodworth-Etter

8) 1912 Acts of The Holy Ghost, or The Life, Work, and Experience of Mrs. M.B. Woodworth-Etter Evangelist, 581 Pages

9) 1916 Signs and Wonders GOD Wrought in the Ministry for Forty Years By Mrs. M.B. Woodworth-Etter Evangelist, 584 Pages

10) 1918 Holy Ghost Sermons Preached By Mrs. M.B. Woodworth-Etter Evangelist, 190 Pages

11) 1919 Questions and Answers on Divine Healing By Mrs. M.B. Woodworth-Etter Evangelist, First Edition

12) 1921 Spirit Filled Sermons Preached by Mrs. M.B. Woodworth-Etter Evangelist, 208 Pages

13) 1922 Marvels and Miracles GOD Wrought in the Ministry for Forty-Five Years By Mrs. M.B. Woodworth-Etter Evangelist, 568 Pages

14) 1922 Questions and Answers on Divine Healing By Mrs. M.B. Woodworth-Etter Evangelist, Revised Edition, 40 Pages

15) 1925 Life and Testimony of Mrs. M.B. Woodworth-Etter Evangelist


I've not gone through every book,, but I do believe all her documentation type books contain big sections with testimonials that people wrote her about their healings. She always printed them in her books from what I can tell.

One of the things not mentioned on that site, was that Maria lost all of her children before her death. I think she had 5 or 6 children and all of them one by one died before she did. She never blamed GOD once for any of their deaths, she just prayed for their salvation and let The Lord have them. That's a courageously strong person inside.

Simplicity at it's finest. A woman dedicated to GOD with an anointing upon her head and a ministry.

 

[Richard T]

I'm going to copy a section from the post I linked since I think it needs to be reiterated a bit here for the topic,...


There have been Christians of old who operated in the gifts of healings. Some of the greats like Wigglesworth, Lake, the Jeffrey brothers, etc., but the one I find that GOD moved through the most was Maria Woodworth Etter,....

1879-1924 Revivals of Maria Woodworth-Etter (116+ revivals) - BEAUTIFUL FEET

Prior to the Pentecostal Movement, Maria Woodworth-Etter had already been conducting "Pentecostal Meetings" for close to 20 years.

romans1015.com

GOD had her document in various books about her travels across America for 45 years. This was done at a time before the automobile. Everything was done by horse and carriage.

Take a look at her travels,....

1879-1924 Revivals of Maria Woodworth-Etter (116+ revivals)​

View attachment 374858

Let's look at some of the information on that website I linked about Mrs Etter,..


Maria Woodworth-Etter (1885 – 41 years old)

Introduction
This is not an account of one revival, but of many, extending over a period of 45 years (1879-1924), and they are observed in the ministry of Ohio-born evangelist Maria Woodworth-Etter (1844-1924).

Maria was a Pentecostal before there were Pentecostals. That is, she was already preaching and experiencing the message of Pentecost in her services as early as 1883, with all of the gifts of the Holy Spirit being manifested. And this was long before historians began to write about Pentecostals.

► 13 years before the 1896 Shearer Schoolhouse Revival
► 18 years before the 1901 Topeka Outpouring
► 23 years before the 1906 Azusa Street Revival

The baptism in the Holy Spirit, with the accompanying gifts of the Holy Spirit including speaking in tongues, has been a historically documented occurrence throughout Church history (see our post).

The “revivals” that Maria experienced came through protracted meetings, meaning they were planned services that were conducted multiple days in a row, and sometimes extending close to six months in duration, all in one location. Many of these revivals involved two, and at times three, meetings per day, with the meetings occasionally running together.


Could you imagine that sort of continuous revival happening nowadays? People would lose their mind.

2 or 3 meetings each day?!?!,......that's completely unheard of nowadays.

Full Schedule
From the very beginning of her ministry, Maria’s preaching was so effective that there were always churches–from over 8 different denominations–continually contacting her to come and preach. During her first 1 ½ years of ministry she:

► preached 200 sermons.
► held 9 planned evangelistic events (revivals).
► planted 2 churches.
► preached in 22 churches.
► preached in 4 schoolhouses.

By 1889 her accomplishments, outside of souls saved and physical healings, were:

► starting 12 churches.
► building 6 church buildings.
► starting several Sunday Schools.
► bringing up 12 new preachers who became licensed.


Here is a compiled list of Maria's works as I have been able to date somewhat,...

1) 1885 Life and Experience of Maria B. Woodworth, 80 Pages

2) 1886 Trials and Triumphs of the Evangelist Mrs. M.B. Woodworth, 239 Pages

3) 1888 Revival Songs by Maria Beulah Woodworth Etter, 62 Pages

4) 1888 Life and Experience of Maria B. Woodworth, 2nd Edition, 528 Pages

5) 1891 Revival Hymns by Maria Beulah Woodworth Etter, 152 Pages

6) 1894 The Life, Work, Experience of Maria Beulah Woodworth, Evangelist, 451 Pages

7) 1904 Life and Experience Including Sermons and Visions of Mrs. M.B. Woodworth-Etter

8) 1912 Acts of The Holy Ghost, or The Life, Work, and Experience of Mrs. M.B. Woodworth-Etter Evangelist, 581 Pages

9) 1916 Signs and Wonders GOD Wrought in the Ministry for Forty Years By Mrs. M.B. Woodworth-Etter Evangelist, 584 Pages

10) 1918 Holy Ghost Sermons Preached By Mrs. M.B. Woodworth-Etter Evangelist, 190 Pages

11) 1919 Questions and Answers on Divine Healing By Mrs. M.B. Woodworth-Etter Evangelist, First Edition

12) 1921 Spirit Filled Sermons Preached by Mrs. M.B. Woodworth-Etter Evangelist, 208 Pages

13) 1922 Marvels and Miracles GOD Wrought in the Ministry for Forty-Five Years By Mrs. M.B. Woodworth-Etter Evangelist, 568 Pages

14) 1922 Questions and Answers on Divine Healing By Mrs. M.B. Woodworth-Etter Evangelist, Revised Edition, 40 Pages

15) 1925 Life and Testimony of Mrs. M.B. Woodworth-Etter Evangelist


I've not gone through every book,, but I do believe all her documentation type books contain big sections with testimonials that people wrote her about their healings. She always printed them in her books from what I can tell.

One of the things not mentioned on that site, was that Maria lost all of her children before her death. I think she had 5 or 6 children and all of them one by one died before she did. She never blamed GOD once for any of their deaths, she just prayed for their salvation and let The Lord have them. That's a courageously strong person inside.

Simplicity at it's finest. A woman dedicated to GOD with an anointing upon her head and a ministry.

You are spot on about Maria Woodworth Etter. I have read a book by her. Quite amazing. I I may recount one of her meetings: From google ai..

"The incident where Maria Woodworth-Etter allegedly "froze" while standing in Pennsylvania occurred in
February 1881 and received significant newspaper coverage.

This event is a hallmark of her early ministry and contributed to her becoming known as the "Trance Evangelist".

Key Details of the Pennsylvania Incident

• The Physical Manifestation: While preaching on a tree stump near a cornfield (to accommodate an overflow crowd of over 2,000 people), she suddenly became immobile. Her Bible was in one hand, while the other was raised toward heaven.
• Duration: Newspaper reports from the time, including those from Pennsylvania, stated she remained in this "frozen" state for an extended period. While some accounts of this specific event mention it lasting through the next day, other reports of similar trances during her travels claim she could stay in that position for up to three days or more.

I will refer to the evangelist T.L. Osborn on healing. He always taught anyone could do what he did. He was the first to hold open air meetings in Africa that included more than 100,000 or more at once. He is right in that every Christian can pray for the healing of another. James said to pray for one another that you may be healed. Ananias was just called a "certain disciple." God told him to lay hands on Paul and his sight was recovered. I do think Arbiter01 is right too though, that only a few are really anointed in the gifts for instantaneous healings and miracles. I do think such gifts are attainable though for those that really have the desire. When God has to recreate, like grow a limb, or bring sight to someone that never has seen, most Pentecostals teach those are from the gift of miracles. Miracles seem to be the most uncommon of the gifts.

Just today I listened to an old Hagin teaching. What was interesting is that in Acts 3 when Pater and and John were used by God to heal the man born a cripple, is that Jesus likely passed by this man when he went to the temple when he walked the earth.
Acts 3:5 (YLT) 5 and he was giving heed to them, looking to receive something from them;
This man was expecting. because he believed the words of Peter.
Anyone ever notice too that when Jesus brought Lazarus to life that he made everyone else leave the room? Why? because likely they did not have the faith. This is part of the reason why one can have a successful healing ministry. That people generally have to expect something; Jesus could heal only a few in his home town. Testimony of others go a long way. Sadly Charlatans do capitalize on this by hyping the possibilities with the power of suggestion. Doing this can relieve some pains temporarily because the imagination overrides the reality for a time. I do not even think this is wrong for the believe to to expect. If it is hope and not faith though, there will generally be no lasting evidence. Even in the case of a preacher doing it for money, healing on a rare occasion can occur though it is far more likley to flow through a servant that is walking closely with God.

In his home town, they thought of Jesus as Joseph and Mary's son, not the savior of the world with the power to heal.

While Paul healed many and had extraordinary miracles, he also writes in his letters about Timothy for his stomach and Epaphroditus.

• The Sickness: Epaphroditus became so ill that he was "nigh unto death" or "near to death". Paul notes that his illness was directly related to his tireless work for Christ.
• God's Mercy: Paul wrote, "But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow" (Philippians 2:27).

There was no sending a handkerchief, or going to visit, or laying on of hands. Communication was slow, the sickness was likely going on for sometime. But it shows that healing anywhere, anytime, never existed in the bible, and certainly does not exist now. It is as the Holy Spirit wills for the gifts to operate, but simple faith based on the spoken word of God does note require a gift of the spirit.

The subject too is pretty complex. Many teach there are hindrances to healing.
James 5:16 (KJV)
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Unforgiveness is also often cited as a hindrance. I think it is not because God does not want to heal but those type of things can be faith busters for some, especially those that are performance oriented. Many seem to think that Dueteronomy 28 is still in place, that you do well you are blessed and do poorly and you are cursed. That seems a bit legalistic to me.

Healings and miracles often are a sign for others. This is key to most of large evangelism meetings. (Billy Graham and some great preachers are the exception) A single healing can bring half the town to a meeting if it is well known.
So while I think there is truth in what T.L. Osborn taught, why are so few getting those type of results? Likely, Arbitor01 is correct that there is a price to pay in prayer and the word for most to be consistent in healing and miracles.

I've said before in CF, but there are some that believe "gifts of healings" are like varioius kinds of tongues. That the gifts of healing are plaral meaing more than one type. This implies that one might have gifts in one area of healnig but not another. For instance, one might have a high success rate with cancer but not heart problems. I will say too though that if you pray for 5 types of illness and one is instantanousl;y healed, your faith will be built up and any time you hear that particular sickness in a person you likely will have more faith to respond, If you yourself were healed by God of something, that too might inspire you to step out and help others more.

There seems to be no doubt that healing requires some action on the part of one being healed. Naaman had very little, and very little humility, yet he was healed. Jesus spit on clay and rubbed it in eyes, Smith Wigglesowrth sometimes would punch someone in the stomach to "hit the devil." On the Acts exaomple the lame man was commanded to rise up and walk.

The good news about healings in a church is that often churchgoers, or just certain people lay hands on the sick. This is not the same as a gifted evangelist or prophet calling out a word of healing, which is significantly harder to try. If you are praying with anyone, under your breath or even in tongues, you should expect that God can use you. You do not even have to say something openly but expect God to bless them through the power of the Holy Spirit for their needs. I know that some are rightly concerned about some negative transference. Expect God to block that out. I think it is rare, but if it occurs you can pray and break anything negative.

I certainly know that some will disagree with certain things or even all of this type of healing. I have only a glimpse but it is a good subject to study. Aribiter01 was gracious in mentioning Maria Woodworth Etter and others. Studying anyone that is successful in healing with sound doctrine seems helpful to any believer.

 

[ARBITER01]

You are spot on about Maria Woodworth Etter. I have read a book by her. Quite amazing. I I may recount one of her meetings: From google ai..

"The incident where Maria Woodworth-Etter allegedly "froze" while standing in Pennsylvania occurred in
February 1881 and received significant newspaper coverage.

This event is a hallmark of her early ministry and contributed to her becoming known as the "Trance Evangelist".

Key Details of the Pennsylvania Incident

• The Physical Manifestation: While preaching on a tree stump near a cornfield (to accommodate an overflow crowd of over 2,000 people), she suddenly became immobile. Her Bible was in one hand, while the other was raised toward heaven.
• Duration: Newspaper reports from the time, including those from Pennsylvania, stated she remained in this "frozen" state for an extended period. While some accounts of this specific event mention it lasting through the next day, other reports of similar trances during her travels claim she could stay in that position for up to three days or more.

She's an amazing person to study and read about. Her books are faith builders.

I will refer to the evangelist T.L. Osborn on healing. He always taught anyone could do what he did. He was the first to hold open air meetings in Africa that included more than 100,000 or more at once. He is right in that every Christian can pray for the healing of another. James said to pray for one another that you may be healed. Ananias was just called a "certain disciple." God told him to lay hands on Paul and his sight was recovered. I do think Arbiter01 is right too though, that only a few are really anointed in the gifts for instantaneous healings and miracles. I do think such gifts are attainable though for those that really have the desire. When God has to recreate, like grow a limb, or bring sight to someone that never has seen, most Pentecostals teach those are from the gift of miracles. Miracles seem to be the most uncommon of the gifts.

Paul listed some offices and ministries over in Corinthians,...

1Co 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and severally members thereof.
1Co 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, divers kinds of tongues.

Miracles and healings are listed separately as ministries, so their activities will be different from each other. From what I understand currently, miracles would involve the replacement of limbs, renewal of skin, the raising from the dead, etc. It is more of a working of power whereas the gifts of healings would be more of a maintenance aspect dealing with the different triune aspects of our body.

Just today I listened to an old Hagin teaching. What was interesting is that in Acts 3 when Pater and and John were used by God to heal the man born a cripple, is that Jesus likely passed by this man when he went to the temple when he walked the earth.
Acts 3:5 (YLT) 5 and he was giving heed to them, looking to receive something from them;
This man was expecting. because he believed the words of Peter.
Anyone ever notice too that when Jesus brought Lazarus to life that he made everyone else leave the room? Why? because likely they did not have the faith. This is part of the reason why one can have a successful healing ministry. That people generally have to expect something; Jesus could heal only a few in his home town. Testimony of others go a long way. Sadly Charlatans do capitalize on this by hyping the possibilities with the power of suggestion. Doing this can relieve some pains temporarily because the imagination overrides the reality for a time. I do not even think this is wrong for the believe to to expect. If it is hope and not faith though, there will generally be no lasting evidence. Even in the case of a preacher doing it for money, healing on a rare occasion can occur though it is far more likley to flow through a servant that is walking closely with God.

In his home town, they thought of Jesus as Joseph and Mary's son, not the savior of the world with the power to heal.

While Paul healed many and had extraordinary miracles, he also writes in his letters about Timothy for his stomach and Epaphroditus.

• The Sickness: Epaphroditus became so ill that he was "nigh unto death" or "near to death". Paul notes that his illness was directly related to his tireless work for Christ.
• God's Mercy: Paul wrote, "But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow" (Philippians 2:27).

There was no sending a handkerchief, or going to visit, or laying on of hands. Communication was slow, the sickness was likely going on for sometime. But it shows that healing anywhere, anytime, never existed in the bible, and certainly does not exist now. It is as the Holy Spirit wills for the gifts to operate, but simple faith based on the spoken word of God does note require a gift of the spirit.

True. There are quite a few ways by faith that GOD will honor for healing.

The subject too is pretty complex. Many teach there are hindrances to healing.
James 5:16 (KJV)
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Unforgiveness is also often cited as a hindrance. I think it is not because God does not want to heal but those type of things can be faith busters for some, especially those that are performance oriented. Many seem to think that Dueteronomy 28 is still in place, that you do well you are blessed and do poorly and you are cursed. That seems a bit legalistic to me.

Healings and miracles often are a sign for others. This is key to most of large evangelism meetings. (Billy Graham and some great preachers are the exception) A single healing can bring half the town to a meeting if it is well known.
So while I think there is truth in what T.L. Osborn taught, why are so few getting those type of results? Likely, Arbitor01 is correct that there is a price to pay in prayer and the word for most to be consistent in healing and miracles.

Our closeness with GOD is paramount. Holiness is absolutely required.

Sin is growing, satan is still here and fighting us even more. From what I found after so many years, there is a learning curve involved with trying to reach for the anointing. If you attain it, you have to learn how to keep it, just getting to the point of receiving it though, is hard enough.

I've said before in CF, but there are some that believe "gifts of healings" are like varioius kinds of tongues. That the gifts of healing are plaral meaing more than one type. This implies that one might have gifts in one area of healnig but not another. For instance, one might have a high success rate with cancer but not heart problems. I will say too though that if you pray for 5 types of illness and one is instantanousl;y healed, your faith will be built up and any time you hear that particular sickness in a person you likely will have more faith to respond, If you yourself were healed by God of something, that too might inspire you to step out and help others more.

In the past, some folks that had received a healing from GOD had a renewed faith to pursue that for others. The results were sporadic a lot of times, but that touch from GOD always has amazing results.

A lot of times people that have had healing type ministries would tend to operate greatly in one area, a sort of specialization. With Maria, I didn't see that, the testimonials in her books documented healings from about any sort issue you could imagine, hence why I do talk about her a lot.

That's not common from books I've read.

There seems to be no doubt that healing requires some action on the part of one being healed. Naaman had very little, and very little humility, yet he was healed. Jesus spit on clay and rubbed it in eyes, Smith Wigglesowrth sometimes would punch someone in the stomach to "hit the devil." On the Acts exaomple the lame man was commanded to rise up and walk.

The good news about healings in a church is that often churchgoers, or just certain people lay hands on the sick. This is not the same as a gifted evangelist or prophet calling out a word of healing, which is significantly harder to try. If you are praying with anyone, under your breath or even in tongues, you should expect that God can use you. You do not even have to say something openly but expect God to bless them through the power of the Holy Spirit for their needs. I know that some are rightly concerned about some negative transference. Expect God to block that out. I think it is rare, but if it occurs you can pray and break anything negative.

I certainly know that some will disagree with certain things or even all of this type of healing. I have only a glimpse but it is a good subject to study. Aribiter01 was gracious in mentioning Maria Woodworth Etter and others. Studying anyone that is successful in healing with sound doctrine seems helpful to any believer.

 

[Richard T]

That's not common from books I've read.

I think this refers to the requirement for faith? That hagin lesson I just heard had that in it.
If it is about the specialization of healing, I think that most will pray for anything, but their gift is more effective in certain areas but not necessarily exclusive. Probably I should distinguish more about the ministries of healing and miracles as you point out and the ability of any believer to pray with another.
Your point about keeping the anointing as an issue is a good one, though I have not arrived myself. As Eastwood Anabe (Ghana) says: "Do you want to be a story teller, or a story maker?" I don't know about Woodworth's personal life, but in looking at both Aimee Simple McPherson and Kathryn Kuhlman, theu had issues with their husbands. I always wonder what could have been if they had strong co=partners throughout their ministries.

I do think that Rhinhard Bonnke and now Daniel Kolenda have something special in these gifts. Check out the late Dave Roberson Dave Roberson Ministries teachings for some interesting ways to gain revelation. He would get pictures of body parts and call them out. He called me out, my exact knee pain. I'll admit that I held out for something else, and got that healed. Later, knowing that God obviously wanted to heal my knee or he would not have called it out, I went real fervent against that pain on my own and it went away by the time I woke up, after having suffered a fall and hurting over one year. Thank you and others for encouraging this subject.

 

[ARBITER01]

I think this refers to the requirement for faith? That hagin lesson I just heard had that in it.
If it is about the specialization of healing, I think that most will pray for anything, but their gift is more effective in certain areas but not necessarily exclusive. Probably I should distinguish more about the ministries of healing and miracles as you point out and the ability of any believer to pray with another.

I was just commenting how Maria seemed to not have a specialization, but GOD was able to work through her on any area requiring healing.

Your point about keeping the anointing as an issue is a good one, though I have not arrived myself. As Eastwood Anabe (Ghana) says: "Do you want to be a story teller, or a story maker?" I don't know about Woodworth's personal life, but in looking at both Aimee Simple McPherson and Kathryn Kuhlman, theu had issues with their husbands. I always wonder what could have been if they had strong co=partners throughout their ministries.

Some folks that GOD plans on operating through are called to be set apart from marriage. Scripture talks about how being married can cause troubles in the flesh, and some times GOD wants a person to be very dedicated to HIM and no one else.

I don't know for a fact, but Maria suffered with a bad marriage originally, and lost most of her children early on, some later. Maybe that marriage thing wasn't suppose to happen for her, and GOD was showing HIS disapproval of it. HE wanted her to HIMSELF.

Hard to tell. All I can do is speculate.

I do think that Rhinhard Bonnke and now Daniel Kolenda have something special in these gifts. Check out the late Dave Roberson Dave Roberson Ministries teachings for some interesting ways to gain revelation. He would get pictures of body parts and call them out. He called me out, my exact knee pain. I'll admit that I held out for something else, and got that healed. Later, knowing that God obviously wanted to heal my knee or he would not have called it out, I went real fervent against that pain on my own and it went away by the time I woke up, after having suffered a fall and hurting over one year. Thank you and others for encouraging this subject.

Good to hear!


In regards to the anointing. It is the Spiritual aspect of the OT material means. The OT pointed to the Spiritual application in the NT, so when a Christian receives it, it feels like a warm oil poured upon their head that tends to feel like it is slowly dripping down upon their body. Your mind instantly clears up. Your prayer life and holiness is greatly enhanced.

It is something that requires us to renew everyday with GOD. Things from GOD like this require renewal, they are never permanent.

With that Spiritual oil upon a Christian's head, The Holy Spirit will come to rest upon that person in power. This is what Jesus promised the apostles over in Acts 1. With The Holy Spirit resting upon a Christian with the anointing, the greater gifts can then be operated by Him for GOD's glory. That is when a person has a true ministry in power.

It is not something that you feel around you, it is upon your head, just like it was in the OT.

 

[Richard T]

I was just commenting how Maria seemed to not have a specialization, but GOD was able to work through her on any area requiring healing.



Some folks that GOD plans on operating through are called to be set apart from marriage. Scripture talks about how being married can cause troubles in the flesh, and some times GOD wants a person to be very dedicated to HIM and no one else.

I don't know for a fact, but Maria suffered with a bad marriage originally, and lost most of her children early on, some later. Maybe that marriage thing wasn't suppose to happen for her, and GOD was showing HIS disapproval of it. HE wanted her to HIMSELF.

Hard to tell. All I can do is speculate.



Good to hear!


In regards to the anointing. It is the Spiritual aspect of the OT material means. The OT pointed to the Spiritual application in the NT, so when a Christian receives it, it feels like a warm oil poured upon their head that tends to feel like it is slowly dripping down upon their body. Your mind instantly clears up. Your prayer life and holiness is greatly enhanced.

It is something that requires us to renew everyday with GOD. Things from GOD like this require renewal, they are never permanent.

With that Spiritual oil upon a Christian's head, The Holy Spirit will come to rest upon that person in power. This is what Jesus promised the apostles over in Acts 1. With The Holy Spirit resting upon a Christian with the anointing, the greater gifts can then be operated by Him for GOD's glory. That is when a person has a true ministry in power.

It is not something that you feel around you, it is upon your head, just like it was in the OT.

On the spouse question, I lean more to the flesh and or devil choosing the wrong mate, rather than God wanting them to stay single, but that is my speculation. So many great anointed marriages where both are ministers, or at least the spouse is totally supportive and offers all kinds of assistance that help them perform their duties better. As you note it is hard to keep the anointing, that Satan does target those people and they have to stay on top of things. The attention also turns to the weaker spouse by sowing dissension and turmoil trying to wreck the ministry. I admit alot of times some marry before they understand this. I think too that men often do not have the mindset to be as supportive as some women. How better for Christian men to humble themselves and offer their wives to be mightily used by God should he choose to do so. Of course many do not want women preaching at all, including Paul to an extent. The better choice is to want needs met however God can do it. But of course most, including myself are not flowing in the anointing like these highly gifted outliers though i think that we all could be more productive if we develop good habits, walk in what God gives us for the moment and expect more to arrive in due season.

 

[Dave...]

When you fall, short of the matter, redefine. Folks, there is no gift of healing in operation today.

When they can go into a hospital and heal everyone, then it's time to actually look and weigh what's happening. It seems this gift of healing that everyone claims is everywhere all the time is more elusive than bigfoot himself. Just think rationally, with a sober mind for one minute, please! Everyone carries a phone with them these days. Don't you think that these people would love nothing more than to show the world how wrong everyone is with these evidences? They don't. There's a reason that they don't. It's not happening. Save your money.

Everyone has the right to cry out to God and ask for healing. You don't need a guru. Just ask Him yourself. You have Jesus in you, the ultimate Mediator. The High Priest Himself lives in you. You don't need the guru. You can even ask your friends to pray for you. I'll bet they won't need a donation to prove your faith.

The reason miracles is listed separately from "gifts of healings" is that the gifts of healings mentioned in that passage is speaking of ones practice. Just like we have specialist doctors today, they had specialist who dealt with various diseases. It not hocus pocus, it's just glorifying God for the good that he has gifted us, just like a doctor today gives God all the glory for his practice. Anything good that comes from us for the Body is an undeserved gift from God. That's what the gifts are. Anything good....that comes from us.....is a gift from God. That's what the gifts are. Hocus pocus not necessary.

These people that desire the hocus pocus is because they only see God in the hocus pocus. It's not God. God calls these an evil and adulterous generation who seek a sign. That's what they are doing, seeking a sign, over and over, and over. That's why they try to turn everything into a miracle, because they only see God in miracles.

 

[ARBITER01]

1Co 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Spirit teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
1Co 2:14 Now the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him; and he cannot know them, because they are spiritually judged.

For some people, Christianity is a thing of the mind. They badmouth the things they can't spiritually discern.

 

[Dave...]

Using Maria Woodworth Eddie and making the claim that great things happened in the past to justify the claims of today is just like saying there are great things happening over there. It's just using time instead of space. There's no way to verify it. That's how they get around the evidence part.

When someone is making the claims that they are, all Christians have a right and are encouraged, expected, and obligated to test it to Scripture. The Bereans tested what Paul had said to the OT, and He commended them for it. He's an Apostle. You should test all things too. What do you think we should test it to? The Word of God, our Sword. And of course, it helps if it's actually happening.

In short, anyone who belittles the Word of God and calls it head knowledge is selling you something, and it isn't Jesus. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. His Word is Truth. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word became Flesh.

Dave