Thursday, February 23, 2012

The Healings of Jesus Christ

From an April 2004 Teaching

The abundant life that God promises in the Bible includes happiness, knowledge, energy, friendships material blessings, and health (physically, mentally, and spiritually). We will be focusing on the health aspect.

In order to take full advantage of this abundant life mentioned in the Word of God, we must know three things:

- What is available.
- How to receive it.
- What to do with it once we receive it.

Jesus Christ walked the earth with power and authority  --  Why?

Because: (1) – He knew what was available from God.

And (2) – He knew what to do with it.

We will be looking at the healings of Jesus Christ, and how he operated the power of God to bring deliverance to those in need.

Every story of deliverance in the Word involves a need being met. What are your needs?
Matthew 4:23
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom [of God], and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

The first topic we will cover is: "What is available?"

The Word of God is available. Answers are within the pages of the Bible for us to gather and utilize daily.  God expects us to start here when we are looking for answers, then if there is more we need to know he can show us by His holy spirit.

The fellowship of the household is available. We all believe together for each other.  We pray for each other.  We look out for one another.

The 9 Manifestations of holy spirit are available:  Speaking in tongues, interpretation of tongues, prophecy, word of knowledge, word of wisdom, discerning of spirits, faith (believing), miracles, healings (I Corinthians 12:7-12)

Also note III John 2 which says:
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

God's will is that we prosper and are healthy.  Jesus Christ lived these aspects of life.

He knew the Word because he studied it, he had great disciples around him, and he talked to the father daily, looking for answers of peace from God.  He did not yet have the fullness of Holy Spirit that we enjoy today, yet he still had an unbelievable impact in his day and time.  God tells us that we can do the works of Christ and greater in the Gospel of John:

John 14:12
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

In the book of Matthew, Jesus instructed his disciples on what they were to do with this power:

Matthew 10:1
And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

Jesus Christ told them what was available.

~

The next important topic is "How to receive it"

- If you have a need in your life, first bring it to the father in prayer. Pray for health, and boldly believe that he will answer you.

- Go to the Word to establish His primises in your mind. Claim a promise like III John 2 as noted earlier"
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

- Get the help of the household.  When two or more are gathered there is strength.  Here are a few verses confirming this truth:

Matthew 18:20
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Matthew 18:19
Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

Ecclesiastes 4:12
And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Deuteronomy 32:30
How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight…

We have strength in numbers as we stand together.

~

The next topic is: "What to do with it once you have received it"

Take bold action on the promises of God. Do the works of Christ and greater.  Let's look at one record of healings that Jesus Christ did with the operation of God's power, realizing that we are capable of operating the same power to heal just as he did:

Matthew 8:1-16
When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. 2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. … 5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, 6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. 7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. 8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. 9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. 10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel … 13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour. 14 And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever. 15 And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them. 16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick.

What an amazing example we have to follow.  Jesus Christ showed us what is available with the amazing signs, miracles, and wonders that God showed through his life.

God Bless You