INTRODUCTION TO LESSON 2

Lesson 1 is a prerequisite to this teaching. http://tinyurl.com/7m7wpvu   The complexity of the theology, issues and practices of healing prayer compels us to further study and action.  A passionate prayer lifestyle and a compassionate interaction with the needy are spiritual necessities in your pursuit of the Gift of Healing.

Make your resolve today one of  determined investigation and lifestyle as you  seek out those in need of healing prayer.

There are few things in your Christian life that will match the satisfaction and joy of seeing someone healed by your prayers of faith.  Don’t miss it!

Lesson 2  April 22

1.   RESOURCES

Scripture, history and the training have given us ample resources to undertake an effective prayer ministry for healing.  Our understanding of obedience to engage these resources become the challenge.  These resources are multifaceted.  The Holy Spirit and Kingdom of God are intangible.  The others are for us to touch and hold.

The Resources include

 1.1  The Power of the Holy Spirit / Jesus / Father God

                     1.2 Commission – Commands of Jesus

                     1.3 The Cross – central to all healings

1.4 The Word – Promises and Principles

                     1.5 Establishment of Kingdom of God

              1.1 THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT / JESUS / FATHER GOD

We pray for what we know and see but also according to Romans 8:26,27.  “The Spirit too comes to help us in our weakness. For when we cannot choose words in order to pray properly the Spirit expresses our plea in a way that could never be put into words...."

The healing power is SPIRITUAL and affects all aspects of our being.  Anointing oil is a symbol of healing and invitation for the power to come. Without the power of the Holy Spirit, no healing can occur.

1.2 COMMISSION - THE COMMANDS OF JESUS

Jesus told us to do His works. 

His command in John 14:12 / Matt 10:8  / Mark 16:17 are the permission we need to pursue the hand of God in healing from sickness.

1.3 THE CROSS    - is central to all healing from Jesus. 

     Matt. 8:16,17  - every infirmity laid on His body on the cross.

     Isaiah 53:4 / 1 Peter 2:24  - by His stripes we are HEALED

The cross is not just a symbol of healing from inherited sin ( salvation) but also for many miracles and signs in scripture

Exodus 15:23-26  - Moses cast tree (cross symbol) in bitter water after murmuring of the people.

Psalm 107: 19,20   “They cried out in troubled.  He saved them.  He sent his Word and healed them.  He delivered them from SICKNESS.

Romans 10:17  Faith comes by hearing / healing by the WOG

Proverbs 4:20-23   Word in your heart brings health to all flesh

a.    Give attention to the WOG

b.    Incline ear – Humility  (James 1:19 meekness)

c.    Let it not depart (Focus)

d.    Midst of heart (Centering)

1.5  ESTABLISHMENT OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD  (KOG)

The theology of the KOG is complex, but Jesus made it a reality here and now on earth with His works and teaching.   We focus on the NOW of the KOG and not become discouraged by the NOT YET KOG coming later in its fullness.

Luke 17:20    The KOG with you (an intentional resource of goodness and peace)

Matthew 6:10   Your Kingdom come (Lord’s prayer)

Matthew 12:28  Cast out demons and KOG comes

Matthew 10: 5-7  KOG at hand.   heal sick / cleans unclean / raise up / cast out

2.   PREREQUISITES TO HEALING

 Some basic requirements that should be exhibited in healing prayer (not an exhaustive list)  include:

   FOR THE MINISTER (PRAY-ER)

     2.1 Love

     2.2 Faith

     2.3 Compassion

     2.4 Confidence and Boldness

     2.5  Purity and Wholeness

     2.6 No Barriers

FOR THE RECIPIENT

     2.2 Faith

     2.7 Forgiveness

     2.8 Desperation

     2.5  Purity and Wholeness

     2.6 No Barriers

        2.1 LOVE  Praying for people includes loving them as the Second Commandment  "...love your neighbor as yourself."

           - The LOVE OF JESUS must be revealed thru us in the prayer engagement

           - Healing

           - Comes from GOD"S LOVE for manking

           - Our faith to pray is a declaration of that LOVE

           - A lack of love removes a primary platform from which to launch our prayer of FAITH

          - The recipient can acknowledge LOVE FOR GOD and open the receiving channel
       

                        Jesus was the master of  COMPASSION

-  Ultimate compassion / love was death on cross

-  COMPASSION for the sick and harassed came from an overwhelming sorrow and identity with the suffering

-  Jesus projected into the being of the sick – we need to do the same at an intensity one can best achieve

Matthew 14:14  Jesus had COMPASSION and healed the sick

Matthew 9:35-36  Describe the sick as harassed and helpless

Mark 1:40  overwrought (filled) with COMPASSION Jesus heard SICK cry.  If you are willing  Jesus accepted sick cry “I AM WILLING”

Notes on HEALING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD - a Two Lesson Teaching begins February 26, 2012 by John Rademaker.  
(The second Lesson will be on April 22nd.) 


HEALING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD by John Rademaker

1.1 VINEYARD VALUES EXPERIENCE – BRIEF HISTORICAL

-         John Wimber’s pursuit of a workable healing model launched the Signs & Wonders movement   in the 1970’s.

-         A paradigm shift from the western worldview to the Third World experience was a major shakeup of the evangelical grid on those who were open to change.

-         Personally, my experience of a major healing in the early 90’s convinced me that the Vineyard’s Healing Model was real and doable for all.

-         It seemed that those who were touched by the Power of God (miracles / prophetic / words of knowledge ) had little difficulty accepting the reality of the Kingdom of God in action now on earth.

-         The change was refreshing, powerful and fulfilling for those who responded.

-         The Vineyard Church flourished with growth to over 1000 Churches worldwide based on Worship / Signs & Wonders / and the freedom of Charismatic Spiritual expression.

2.   HEALING MINISTRY OVERVIEW

Praying for HEALING is only one facet of the Signs & Wonders value of the Vineyard.  The powerful impact and results of prayer over the years has attracted many to learn and engage in things that Jesus did.

Accepting the belief that the teaching/modelling and acts of Jesus are transferable to Christians today provided a new dimension of ministry in today’s Church.  Healing prayer became important because of the results and obedience of people to believe and act in faith to the promises of Jesus.

3.   POSTURING OURSELVES TO UNDERSTAND THE SPIRITUAL DYNAMICS

It is important to clarify our understanding of the SPIRITUAL WARFARE and the clash of powers around us. 

Theological and Biblical concepts about sin, sickness and healing (inherited wrongness of man’s condition).

The Jesus model of combatting evil with good, will assist us in developing a realistic and powerful healing ministry model. Our prayers for others can become much more effective if we are directed by the truth and influences surrounding sickness.

Praying correctly with the eyes of Jesus and the Power of the Holy Spirit supporting us will increase the possibility of a healing.  Speaking to the condition and possible causes is crucial for effective prayer.

3.1THE GOODNESS OF GOD AND JESUS

-     God desires the ultimate healing of all spiritual, psychological and physical sickness (Matt 7:11)

-     God sent Jesus to earth to live as man and die as part of the Godhead for our sins. (Luke 9:11)

-     Jesus drove out demons.  Matt 12:28  “If I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, the Kingdom of God has come upon you” (demons are Satans warriors.  SPIRIT OF GOD is the Power, KINGDOM OF GOD is the result of healing).

-     The establishing of the Kingdom of God on earth NOW is central to the healing ministry of Jesus (and ours).  (Matt 12:28)

-         Health and goodness were given to all who Jesus healed.  Freedom and deliverance brought wholeness.

-     Jesus does only what the Father wills. All healings come from God.  John 5:19   “The Son can do nothing by himself.  He can do only what the Father is doing.”

-     The commissioning of the 12 disciples Matt 10:7  and the 72 later Luke 10:9 is transferable to all believers NOW.  John 20:21  “As the Father sent me so send I you.”

Quote: Martin   p.64

“On every page of Luke’s Gospel, the deep sympathy of Jesus for people, ,  is apparent  with their wrecked lives, physical and mental sufferings, heart rendering sorrows, the tragedy of their sins and His determination to right their lot.”

CONCLUSION

The Power of God and Jesus through the Holy Spirit conquers the wrongness and debilitating effects of Satans demons onslaught on mankind.  The transferability of the Jesus model of Healing ministry is paramount to continuing the coming of the Kingdom of God to suffering humanity and the freedom and peace that comes from the faith in Christ and His healing.

3.2 SIN / SICKNESS AND SATAN’S PSEUDO KINGDOM

Quote: Ken Blue pg. 66  “Scripture teaches that the essential wrongness of original sin is at the core of the man’s suffering from sin and the exploitation of Satan.   Adam delivered mankind into the hands of Satan who became the false king of the earth.  (Satan’s pseudo kingdom)

      Psalm 51:5 “Surely I was sinful at birth.”

1 John 3:8  “The reason Jesus appeared was to destroy the works of the Devil.

Matt 8: 16-17  “They brought him many who were possessed by Devils.  He cast out spirits and cured the sick – fulfilling the prophecy.  ‘He took our sickness away and carried our diseases for us’

-  Jesus met Satan here on earth at the highest level of warfare

3.3 THE COSMIC BATTLE OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS

Matt. 12:28   “If I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you.

-     Healing prayer must reach into the core conflict of warfare.  The Kingdom of God is established (now but not yet) NOW on earth when Satan is rebuked and Jesus is victorious.

 Quote: Leech pg. 132

 “The coming of the Kingdom of God and the achievement of Spiritual freedom is seen in terms of setting individuals free from MANS’ SLAVERY TO SATAN’S  PROMISES.  Christ conquered these promises.  Jesus exorcisms stood at the heart of His healing work”. 

• Realizing the intensity of the spiritual battle raging in those who are afflicted can help us understand and pray correctly.    Casting out devils evil spirits has been a tentative area for many to engage in but boldness exhibited by Jesus can encourage us to step forward and engage.
  
  

-     Kingdom of God on earth is only partial (now and not yet)

-     Raging evil forces attack the advancement of the Kingdom of God daily.

-     Man has a free will to choose evil.  Not even God can prevent man from making evil choices  that result in suffering.

-     Matt. 12: 43-45   Jesus explains  “Even if the Kingdom of God drives out evil, the evil may return seven fold stronger if not prevented.”  (the battle heats up even after a healing and Satanic rebuke.)

-     Quote: Blue pg. 94   “The victor  of the battle is already crowned.  Still there are many sick and suffering, demonized and bound among us who are shackled by the unsanctioned and illegal power of Satan.

-     The effectiveness of the Kingdom of God against evil is in part contingent on the obedience of the Church to engage demonic forces.

   RAISING THE DEAD

Quote: Blue pg. 87  “Death is a by-product of man’s sin and is a particularly strong element in Satan’s dominion on earth.”

1 Cor. 15:26  Last enemy is death.

When Jesus raised the dead, he manifested strong intervention on that dominion.

WCV’s only encounter with raising the dead happened in the early 90’s when Noel Issacs’ father was raised from the dead by the passionate prayers of his family.  He recounts his visit with Jesus and frustration of coming back from glory.

-     Matt. 12: 43-45   Jesus explains  “Even if the Kingdom of God drives out evil, the evil may return seven fold stronger if not prevented.”  (the battle heats up even after a healing and Satanic rebuke.)

-     Quote: Blue pg. 94   “The victor  of the battle is already crowned.  Still there are many sick and suffering, demonized and bound among us who are shackled by the unsanctioned and illegal power of Satan.

-     The effectiveness of the Kingdom of God against evil is in part contingent on the obedience of the Church to engage demonic forces.

4.     JESUS’ COMMISION TO HIS DISCIPLE’S TO CONTINUE HIS WORKS OF HEALING   (This includes you and me)

John 14:12  “ Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. “

- Sent out 12:72 Disciples with power to heal. Strong presence of Holy Spirit & Faith  resulted in many more miracles happening.

- They commanded every believer to do it.  JOHN 20:21

- What are we waiting for?

   5. CLINIC  TRY THESE TIPS WHEN YOU PRAY FOR THE SICK THE NEXT TIME

5.1 INTERVIEW  Become aware of the exact nature of the sickness – engage with compassion /  Ask the person what they want to happen (healing).

5.2 SPEAK CLEARLY AGAINST THE EVIL FORCES  that bind the person / causing the sickness.  Be only as direct as you are comfortable with.  These are suggestions to pray out.

5.3 INVITE THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT  to come and become victorious over the sickness and heal.  Anoint this person with oil – a dot on the forehead is symbolic of the healing power of the Holy Spirit.

I pray for the manifest healing power of Jesus and the spirit of God to touch this person and remove this affliction.

I pray for wholeness for this person from this affliction.

I pray that the Holy Spirit would fill this person with His presence and healing power

5.4 ASK THE PERSON TO LIFT HANDS and reach up for healing from Jesus (an act of faith).

Ask the person to visualize touching the hem of Jesus’ garment (as an act of faith) and receive healing.

Ask the person to continue to ask Jesus for healing (an act of faith to ask Jesus for what he wants.)

Take risks / don’t be afraid to pray boldly / Making mistakes is part of the learning curve.

5.6  Your faith / confidence  and boldness will be rewarded by healings and the comfort of the Holy Spirit telling you He approves if you act on  Jesus.

5.   WHAT OUR HIMALAYAN VINEYARD CHURCHES HAVE TAUGHT US ABOUT HEALING / DELIVERENCE AND FREEDOM IN THE SPIRIT

The believers in the 24 churches of the Himalayan Region Vineyards (HRV) that have started in the last 16 years are all first generation Christians.

They have come to Jesus by experiencing the love and compassion of Christian friends.  Their desire for freedom from the bondage of spirits inherent in their Buddhist / Hindu past have provided fertile ground for Healing Prayer.  Their desperation to be healed from physical, spiritual and emotional sickness is a daily challenge for the churches and the Power of the Spirit of God is a lifestyle presence for the believers.

The effectiveness of the Kingdom of God against evil is in part contingent on the obedience of the Church to engage in demonic forces.

Most healing prayer in HRV involves deliverance from demonic oppression and the driving out of evil spirits.  Their prayers are direct and specific.  They know their idols and are willing to cast them off to find freedom.  The stories of healing abound including raising the dead.

The sweetness and gentleness of a believer’s spirit in HRV is refreshing and challenging for Westerners.  The simple lifestyle in an environment of poverty leaves little room for idols of wealth. 

COMMENTS / QUESTIONS?

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BIBLIOGRAPHY RESOURCE BOOKS &  QUOTES

     1.     Resource Books

Power Healing – John Wimber

Gods Word Heals – Derek Prince

Authority to Heal – Ken Blue

Healing – Francis MacNutt

Quest For The Radical Middle – Bill Jackson (The Story Of The  Vineyard Movement)

Smith Wigglesworth on Healing

 2.     Quotes

Kenneth Leech – Soul Friend

Karl Barth – Church Dogmatics

Hugh Martin – Luke’s Portrait of Jesus

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Many people complain today about the mainstream media, saying it only presents news of bad stuff happening around the world. And you and I both know, there’s a lot out bad things going on around our world. However, there is a cry for more positive news stories. From time to time in my work, I talk to people whose lives are nothing other than miracles from God.