Are Miracles, Healing and Deliverance “Peripheral Issues?”
A common teaching in the church today is the idea that the working of miracles, healing the sick, and casting out demons are “peripheral issues” that can distract our attention from the “real issues” believers ought to focus on. Some would go as far as to say that anyone who spends too much time learning about them is deceived. But is this true?
The first thing Jesus did after choosing the twelve was to send them out with instructions to heal the sick, cast out demons, raise the dead and proclaim the kingdom of God (see Matt. 10: 7-9). And here’s something to consider: This commission came before they had any real training in the miraculous. Their training was on the job—they learned as they went.
The twelve returned with a report of the many great things which they had seen. Jesus was pleased and no doubt, the testimony of the twelve encouraged the other disciples. The Lord immediately sent out seventy more disciples into nearby villages, telling them, “Heal the sick that are there and tell them the kingdom of God has come near you.” (Lk10:9.) The disciples were sent into these cities before Jesus visited them himself. They went to announce the arrival of the kingdom and the Messiah, through the healing and the working of miracles.
To reinforce what He had already told his disciples—before he ascended into heaven—He reiterated in the great commission what he wanted his disciples to do. You may have doubt as to whether the instructions He gave to the twelve and the seventy apply to you, but the great commission is widely accepted as the instruction Jesus gave to believers of all ages. Mark’s version of the great commission includes these instructions: “These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name …They will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:17a,18b)
The main issues Jesus wanted his disciples to focus on could not be any clearer. Rather than being peripheral issues, the working of miracles and healing the sick were intended to be central parts of the work He expected them to do. And nothing has changed since then.
In Luke 10:19, Jesus said, “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy.” As one of his disciples, you have all the authority you need to heal the sick and work miracles. The power you need is provided by the Spirit of God, who lives inside you. You simply need to learn how to release that power. Power is released when we exercise faith. When you’re faced with a need, believe in your heart that the thing you desire will happen, do not doubt, and you will see the power of God manifest.
As I’ve focused on the supernatural manifestations of the kingdom, rather than being drawn away from God, I’ve been drawn closer to him. I’ve learned so much about his ways and the incredible love he has for mankind and I believe the same can be true for you.
9 Comments
I'd love to hear your thoughts
My Books
Linktree
Support Us
Latest Tweets
-
RT @IAPolls2022: 2024 GOP primary head-two-head polling trends by YouGov (B+) Dec. 17: DeSantis — 48% (+8) Trump — 40% Feb. 22: T… https://t.co/nEDZHkYCU8
-
RT @KariLakeWarRoom: 58% of the machines failed during Maricopa County's illegal secret testing. 60% failed on election day. Maricopa… https://t.co/4SrfhqS0AV
Amen! The Church must stop trying to attract non-Christians the world’s way of attraction–through gimics like bake sales, sports events, and Easter egg hunts. Imagine how people would flock to Christ if we were to perform miracles and healings in our church parking lots and on every street corner in town. Jesus used signs and wonders to draw people to the Father by the power of Holy Spirit. If we truly are following Christ, we must obey His command to heal the sick, cast out demons, and raise the dead. Thank you for your post. I am in total agreement.
Amen – well said!
Yes, yes, and yes. Papa has empowered us to do His will.
I completely agree with you. I really needed this post today because I have had a lot of realizations about healing. I was born with a severe form of glaucoma in both eyes and have had many eye surgeries to try to lower the pressures. Throughout my childhood, people often laid hands on me for healing, and it was definitely one of the highlights of my childhood. Then, the church I grew up in indoctrinated me with beliefs such as redemptive suffering. So when I would get prayed for, I would always feel guilty because I always felt week. I denied that part of myself wanting healing and didn’t realize I was doing it until very recently.
So yes, healing is the best way, in my opinion, for god’s love to manifest so real. Unfortunately, many churches do not believe this, and it is sad because if you do research about the early Church, healing and deliverance were commonplace. Then the Catholic Church decided to teach about Purgatory, among other historical events that made healing and deliverance not so commonplace anymore. May we answer the call.
I’ve been speaking to my pastors about it. So far they haven’t taken any actions. I continue to pray for them.
Thank you, PM.
May the church get back to basics.
Yes! Lord, show me in my heart how to release that power!
This is the challenge I have. Knowing that healing and casting out demons is normal christianity 101, and yet giving too much opportunity for this can render you isolated from local fellowship. It is my proposition that this is piloted first in one on one encounters in everyday life until some results are evident, then find people of likeminded belief to do the same. Still be involved in Local fellowship, but don’t let that take you off the primary directive -Luke 10. thank you praying medic for serving the “person of peace”.
The writer of Hebrews refers to these things as the basics, the essentials. From chapter 6:1-3
“Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits.”