changed to resurrection parades. The demons of hell were evicted heaven because they say they have healed the sick and cast out
from their habitations, and epileptic seizures were silenced. devils in His name. But God will tell them, “I never knew you.
This same Jesus is alive today. He is the same yesterday, today, Away from me, you evildoers!” (Matthew 7:22-23, NIV).
and forever. In Matthew 28:20, He said, “Lo, I am with you The Bible admonishes us to know those who minister among
always” (NKJV). us for our own protection. We should be more concerned about
After Christ’s ascension, He continued His ministry of healing a person’s character than about his or her claims. No man or
through His apostles and other disciples. Working through Peter woman can be a substitute for personal faith in the Man from
and John, He healed a lame man who had never walked (Acts Galilee.
3:6-8). Many miracles occurred in Stephen’s ministry, and many
people were healed during Philip’s revival in Samaria (6:8; 8:7).
God Heals Today
Through God’s power, Peter raised Dorcas from the dead (9:36- Hebrews 4:15 says we have a High Priest, Jesus, who is
42). And God worked special miracles of healing in the ministry “touched with the feeling of our infirmities.” Just like He healed
of Paul (19:11-12). all manner of sicknesses and diseases while on earth (Matthew
As mentioned earlier, Jesus has given many gifts to the 4:23), we believe Jesus still heals today. Divine healing is part of
Church, including the gifts of healing, to edify the body of Christ. the total ministry of Jesus.
Some have been given an extraordinary ability to build faith for Many people in our churches can testify to miraculous heal-
healing through the Word. Unfortunately, it is obvious there are ing. And what God has done for others, He will do for you.
also men and women who are con artists. The Bible says there will Whatever your sickness or disease, He can make you whole. Look
be those who stand before His throne and ask for entrance into to Him today for your healing.
HOW CAN I PREACH ON FAITH
IF I AM NOT HEALED?
by Thomas L. Endicott
F
OLLOWING A SERVICE in which my topic had been faith, a dear lady asked
me, “How can you preach on faith when you are not healed?” I paused for
a moment, as her question was valid, then I responded. “My experience
neither confirms nor negates the Word of God. It stands on its own.” I can still
see a perplexed look on her face until understanding came, and she walked away
pleased with my answer. Frankly, I was astonished at my answer, but upon reflec-
tion, I knew it was true.
Two years ago, my wife began experiencing severe leg pain that I recognized
as sciatic pain. She had difficulty walking while at work. She would push her
wheeled office chair up and down the halls. I was able to procure a wheelchair
for her so she could continue to work with less effort.
She had a medical exam, along with X-rays and other diagnostic tests given
for disk problems. The X-ray showed a bulging disk with a portion broken off.
This was causing pressure on her sciatic nerve, resulting in great pain. I did not
want my wife to start down the path of endless surgeries and pain that I suffered.
I prayed day and night for her healing. I pleaded with God to rescue her from
surgery. He heard my prayers. A couple weeks after her medical tests, she was
examined again. The bulging disk had returned to normal and the separate piece
had either reattached to the disk, or her body had absorbed it. So, do I believe
in prayer and healing? Yes, prayer coupled with faithfulness is very dear to me.
Excerpted from the book Walking by Faith While Living in Pain, by Thomas L.
Endicott (Pathway Press, 2005).
EVANGEL • FEB 2010 7
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