The great commission....healing?

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setfree

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Do you think it's possible that people today might sometimes be healed by the power of God? Have you ever prayed for someone to be healed by the power of God? Do you know of anyone who was healed by the power of God? Notice that if we answer "yes" to any of these questions then we don't really believe that divine healing ever "died out." But if divine healing never died out, then why don't we see it happening more often? not God's will? not God's timing? not enough faith? demonic interference? a purpose for the sickness, it's a "blessing," builds character? fear, doubt, unbelief? Now, how many times have you seen God "spontaneously" heal people (i.e. without prayer)? People don't get healed "spontaneously" without prayer. Instead, God has made healing our responsibility! In other words, it's His power, but His power works through people. In a "healing service," sick people sometimes receive healing while they are sitting in the audience, which makes it appear as if they were healed "spontaneously." But notice that people were obedient to God by putting together the healing service, and they prayed for the service before it began, and during the service they preached the Gospel and taught about healing, and they prayed for the sick, and the sick people's faith and expectation rose, and then sick people received healing. There was nothing "spontaneous" about it! Again, it's God's healing power, but His power works through people. Healing is our responsibility, in the sense that healing doesn't happen unless we do something. But we need to know what to do! Have you ever noticed that millions of people are fervently praying for healing, yet it's rare for someone to receive divine healing? Think about that for a moment... what is it that's blocking all those healings? There are only two possibilities: Either the blockage is on God's side (i.e. He is denying all of those healings for some mysterious reason), or else the blockage is on our side (i.e. we're not quite doing our part right). So which of these two possibilities lines up best with Scripture? There are three people in the entire New Testament who might not have received divine healing. Therefore, it is unScriptural to say that God is the one blocking the majority of our healings today, because we don't see Him blocking the majority of healings in Scripture. Virtually everyone who wanted healing received it throughout the New Testament, and God never said that healing will "die out" or that He will deny our healing for any reason. This means that whatever is blocking our healing, it's on our side. For example, here's a big reason why most of us don't see miracles of healing: We're not praying the same way they did in the New Testament, so we're not seeing the same results.
 

setfree

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Luke 3:23 says that before Jesus went to the cross, He had an earthly ministry: Luke 3:23: "Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry." A large part of His three-year ministry consisted of evangelism and healing. Did Jesus turn this ministry over to the Church when He gave us the Great Commission. Luke 4:16-21 says that Isaiah had prophesied that Jesus' ministry would consist of preaching the Good News, healing the sick, and releasing the oppressed: Luke 4:16-21: "He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." ... "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."" In this passage, Jesus announced His ministry of evangelism (which included healing) by quoting Isaiah's prophecy.
 

cedarhart

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Back in Testament times, CPR that had a positive outcome would have been deemed a "miracle". Often what one feels is a miracle, someone else will not. On the news channel, I just watched the story of a man who lives in Anchorage, Alaska, who gave his dog CPR with an enormous amount of effort. He "brought the dog back to life". For me, that is not the miracle.Upon leaving the Veterinary Hospital, he told his wife to take him to the ER of the other kind of hospital. His hearing had dulled greatly and his hand and arm had gone numb. Tests were done and he had an angiogram which is dye put into the arteries to show if there is any defect or blockage or bleedout. In his brain, there was a section of an artery that was not receiving a bloodflow adequately. He was having "mini-strokes" and hadn't realized it.It was determined that he had overstrained giving his dog CPR which caused stress on the already deteriorating artery that could have bled out into his brain at some point, causing a major debilitating stroke. So, had his dog not died, if he had not given such strenuous CPR, he would have kept going on as usual and would have had the artery burst and bleed into the brain causing major damage or even death. In my opinion, this was the Hand of God intervening and was a true "Miracle". They are out there. One just has to be aware of what they look like.As far as "not praying" as they did in the New Testament? Nah, I'm not buying that. There are deeply faithful and loyal Souls here that pray who are worthy. However, God is a respector of nature. Everything is allowed to take its course. Most illnesses today, are a result of genetics mutating or environmental pollutants that affect ones DNA or immune system. We are so far from the original design of Adam and Eve that we probably would barely resemble their genetic make-up. They were made perfect as God does not make junk. Through thousands of years of breeding, humans have managed to mess up genetic perfection. In today's world of medicine, God has allowed cures through science and medicine. He also gave us all the natural herbs and plants that are needed for healing that most drugs are based on.Sometimes His answer to prayer is "No" and sometimes it's as if He is stating, "I gave you the bricks. Now you do the building". In other words, He gave us the knowledge to heal and He expects us to do our part in utilizing what is available. Illnesses or health disorders are of man's makings and often by chance whether one's body accepts the disease or not is according to our genetic make-up. It is the course of nature.In my opinion only, when one prays for a miracle, one must include God's Will be done. So for myself, I feel that it is vital to pray for endurance and comfort to be increased during more difficult times. Father is always with us and knows what we are going through. So, He is the BEST source for running to in times of trouble and He will deliver that comfort and endurance.Just to throw this in quickly......Sometimes when bad things happen to good people, it's not to test that person or loved ones. It does become necessary for others to have the opportunity to have their morals, values, and faith tested so that they may be judged fairly on the Judgement Day. Simplistic explanation but truthful. Often the elect are used to test others.
 

Christina

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Great story cedarhart !!!!! I agree completly .. I do think prayer is very powerful and can help greatly but God does the healing. He preforms miracles every day but we do not hear about most of them If God decides to heal one he alone knows why. Its not because some minister says I have enough faith to heal you .. so I'll ask God for you sense you do not have enough faith on your own. Like I have said before IMHO if there are those God allows to be healers the last place to find them is behind the pulpit ..with their hand out .. Is there one of us who if we were blessed with gift of healing we would not be at a Childrens hospital, a vetrans Hospital and emergency room ect.
 

setfree

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Luke 7:20-23 tells us that in Jesus' ministry He healed the blind, He healed the lame, He healed lepers, He healed the deaf, He raised the dead, and He preached the Good News: Luke 7:20-23: "When the men came to Jesus, they said, "John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, 'Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?'" At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. So he replied to the messengers, "Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor."" Jesus proved that He was the Messiah by demonstrating that His ministry was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.In Acts 10:38, the apostle Peter described Jesus' ministry by saying that He went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil: Acts 10:38: "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him." Luke 13:31-32 says that when Jesus was told that Herod wanted to kill Him, Jesus replied that nothing was going to stop Him from continuing His healing ministry: Luke 13:31-32: "At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, "Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you." He replied, "Go tell that fox, 'I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.'"" Notice how Jesus described His earthly ministry. He said that nothing would keep Him from casting out demons and healing the sick. So Jesus had a ministry of evangelism (which included healing) before He went to the cross. Did Jesus turned this ministry over to us?
 

Letsgofishing

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Great post set freeyou know Ive been thinking about this subject a lot lately and one of the things which come to mind.... 25During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. 27But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." 28"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." 29"Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" 31Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" ( Mathew 14: 25-31)Peter was asked to do something impossible, to walk on water. He could of trusted in God to do the impossible, to perform the miracle, but instead he doubted and sank. I wonder if the reason that Christians today do not heal people like Jesus, Peter, and Paul did, is because we doubt that the healing is going to happen, and therefore doubt God himself. in a world which puts less and less emphasise on the real god, and the faith of christians getting increasingly onslaughted by are society and our media, it makes sense. No way to back the idea up, just wondering, do christians today trust God like the early christians did back in biblical times. and the answer seems to be no.
 

setfree

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I have had the same thoughts the last two years and I am doing a lot of studing.....I think we are so busy and have it so easy sometimes that we do not put our faith in God for anything..much less healing..miracles...
 

Christina

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Well they were hearing the Word from God or Christ depending on the time period Today its heard from men...
 

setfree

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Did Jesus turn over his ministry to us?Jesus trained twelve ordinary men to continue His ministry, and then He sent them out on a missions trip to put into practice what they had been learning: Luke 9:1-2,6,10: "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. ... So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere. ... When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done." On their short-term missions trip, the apostles preached the Gospel, healed the sick, and cast out demons. Jesus was preparing them to take over His ministry.
 

Christina

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He turned it over to the apsotels yes they also received the holy spirit on Penecost day which gave them complete knowledge so that they could preach the gospel. That only happens one other time in Mark 13 and thats future. 36And the burden of the LORD shall ye mention no more: for every man's word shall be his burden; for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God.
 

setfree

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In Luke 4:18, Jesus said that God had sent Him into the world to have an earthly ministry of preaching the Good News and healing the sick. In John 17:18-19 Jesus told His Father that He had sent the disciples into the world to do the same ministry that He had been sent to do. Then in John 20:21 Jesus told the disciples that He was sending them into the world to do the same ministry that He had been sent to do: Luke 4:18: "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind" John 17:18-19: "As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world." John 20:21: "Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."" Jesus said that He was sending the disciples out into the world to do the same ministry that He had been sent to do. The disciples preached the Good News, healed the sick, and cast out demons. Jesus wanted His ministry to continue until He returns, as the Great Commission proves.
 

Jordan

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He turned it over to the apsotels yes they also received the holy spirit on Penecost day which gave them complete knowledge so that they could preach the gospel. That only happens one other time in Mark 13 and thats future. 36And the burden of the LORD shall ye mention no more: for every man's word shall be his burden; for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God.
Jeremiah 23:36 - And the burden of the LORD shall ye mention no more: for every man's word shall be his burden; for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God.I tend to give out full referance to where it is saying at... Plus the scriptures saying... And this is exactly what men of today does. P-E-R-I-O-D.
 

setfree

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In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus gave the disciples what we call "the Great Commission": Matthew 28:18-20: "Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."" Many Christians and ministries are actively trying to fulfill this commission, and praise the Lord for them! However, there is an important detail that is often overlooked here. Notice that Jesus did not simply say that we should go out and witness to the lost and get them to say a sinner's prayer. Instead, Jesus specifically commanded us to go out and continue making new disciples, teaching them to carry on His ministry until He returns! Jesus said that as we go and make new disciples, we must teach them to obey everything that the original disciples had been told to do, which includes going out and preaching the Good News, healing the sick, casting out demons, and training others to carry on this ministry. The original disciples lived a normal lifespan, yet Jesus said that He will be with us always, until the end of the age, to help us carry on His ministry. In Matthew 13:39, 40, 49, and 24:3 we can see that "the end of the age" refers to the time when Jesus will return. In the Great Commission, Jesus said that He will always be with the Church (which includes us), helping us to carry on His ministry until He returns
 

Jordan

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You must remember that not everybody who calls themselves "Christians" are doing His Work, but rather faking it. Just because people uses the name of Jesus doesn't mean what they did is Holy... in fact Satan can make everything sound Oh so holy...
 

Christina

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In Luke 4:18, Jesus said that God had sent Him into the world to have an earthly ministry of preaching the Good News and healing the sick. In John 17:18-19 Jesus told His Father that He had sent the disciples into the world to do the same ministry that He had been sent to do. Then in John 20:21 Jesus told the disciples that He was sending them into the world to do the same ministry that He had been sent to do: Luke 4:18: "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind" John 17:18-19: "As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world." John 20:21: "Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."" Jesus said that He was sending the disciples out into the world to do the same ministry that He had been sent to do. The disciples preached the Good News, healed the sick, and cast out demons. Jesus wanted His ministry to continue until He returns, as the Great Commission proves.
I am not arguing your point just pointing out that the disciples had been given the Knowledge of God's kingdom on Pentecost day they had something we do not have ... they needed this to gain believers into this new religion to start the church ..remember this was a small group that lived in/around Jerusalem they had to go to other countries preach to those who didn't speak their language convince them to forsake their strange gods and follow a new God, a new religion. There was no bible to give people to read .. They needed all these gifts and a full knowledge to be able to preach, teach, prophesize Gods Word correctly so it would be able to come down to us today ... As the religion spread as it was recorded by the apostles for us they began to die off yes the ministry was passed down as was the command preach the gospel around the world but never again was anyone given the full knowledge of God as the disciples on Pentecost day.... And they wont until the Elect receive it in Mark 13.. 9But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. 10And the gospel must first be published among all nations. 11But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. My point being here is we are not the same as the Apostles/ disciples we were baptised and receive the holy spirit that makes us a new person in Christ but we are not given the full knowledge of God and gifts as the Apostles/disciples were on that Pentecost day. So because we do not have the full knowledge we also don't have the full gifts that was given the apostles. We all have a gift that is ours from God it could be teaching,preaching,music, or a thousand other things. But without that knowledge direct from God/Christ or given on Pentecost Day we have been bombarded by words and religious doctrines of men till Gods true Word is almost lost....And according to Amos 8:11-12 this will only get worse until it gets so bad we will finally learn we can not do it without God, When left to our own devices we fail. But as of now most men still think they are smarter than God that they do not need him they will soon find out they do.
 

cedarhart

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Christina,Agreed. Christ "commissioned" the Apostle for a specific accomplishment. It was personal and direct. If that were given to any man, there would be no doubt for that individual. God does not do anything 1/2 way. If He wants you to do something for Him, specifically, you better believe that you will know and you will do it. No ifs, ands, or buts.As for Peter walking on water to meet Christ, he sank as he took his eyes off of Christ. Don't allow yourself to be distracted or swayed. Never take your eyes off of Christ.
 

Letsgofishing

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Well they were hearing the Word from God or Christ depending on the time period Today its heard from men...
"Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."as long as we keep preaching the true gospel that is not a problem as the holy spirit/God can be found in all of us. (Jordan;66918)
You must remember that not everybody who calls themselves "Christians" are doing His Work, but rather faking it. Just because people uses the name of Jesus doesn't mean what they did is Holy... in fact Satan can make everything sound Oh so holy...
But Jag brings up a great point, there are so many "only on Sunday" christians who use Jesus as afterlife insurance instead of a way of life. there are so many fake messages being taught preaching that Jesus is "only one of the many ways to God" A reason why we do not see what we saw in the old testament is because of a belief in a false christianity, or Christians who believe in christ but do not live for him at all. That is why its so important to remember, as follower of christ said a long time ago "your lives are the only Bible some people will ever read."
 

setfree

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Luke 10:1,9,17 says that after Jesus trained the apostles, He also sent out dozens of ordinary believers to take part in His ministry. They preached the Good News, healed the sick, and cast out demons: Luke 10:1,9,17: "After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. ... [He said,] Heal the sick who are there and tell them, 'The kingdom of God is near you.' ... The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name."" Jesus' ministry was never meant to be just for the apostles! So Jesus came to earth not only to die on the cross but also to begin a ministry of evangelism which included healing. Just before He ascended back into heaven, Jesus turned this ministry over to the Church in what we call "the Great Commission."
 

Christina

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They as I said earlier, these,send out had direct contact with Christ they were appointed that leads me to believe they were of the Elect (foreknown /foechosen of God ) When we have this direct conection our faith can be much greater as we see throughtout scriptures. And it doesnt really say they were ordinary, I dont think you can have direct contact with Christ and have him give you a mission and be just ordinary if he appointed them he prepared them for the mission. As with all great people who had this close contact. Today We no longer have that great faith.. as we are lead by men and their religious traditions ... They do not follow/teach Gods words they follow their own lies. As God tells us they would do remember ALL Gods words come true ..not just the ones we what to be true ... We were in a time where the the great Commission needed those of great faith they were not mislead with lies of men as we are today but the Gospel has been preached around the World ... It is done It is nearly complete and we are living in the time that the harvest will soon come. What Gods says of our time is not the same as it was back in the begining. This is also a chapter with deeper type /prophecy in it.... as the Harvest is not until the End ..
 

setfree

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They as I said earlier, these,send out had direct contact with Christ they were appointed that leads me to believe they were of the Elect (foreknown /foechosen of God ) When we have this direct conection our faith can be much greater as we see throughtout scriptures. And it doesnt really say they were ordinary, I dont think you can have direct contact with Christ and have him give you a mission and be just ordinary if he appointed them he prepared them for the mission. As with all great people who had this close contact. Today We no longer have that great faith.. as we are lead by men and their religious traditions ... They do not follow/teach Gods words they follow their own lies. As God tells us they would do remember ALL Gods words come true ..not just the ones we what to be true ... We were in a time where the the great Commission needed those of great faith they were not mislead with lies of men as we are today but the Gospel has been preached around the World ... It is done It is nearly complete and we are living in the time that the harvest will soon come. What Gods says of our time is not the same as it was back in the begining. This is also a chapter with prophecy in it as the Harvest is not until the End ..
So you are saying the great commission was only given to the 12?