Healing the Sick

Healing the Sick
By Tommy Franks

Some of my first thoughts and words are birthed from Isaiah 35. I believe they are for our generation today. As we all know, the Old Testament always pointed toward the Messiah and was a type or shadow of things to come. Most of us as Believers know something about the wilderness or dry places. So did Jesus. So did Moses. So did Elijah. So did John the Baptist. The following is my rendition and interpretation of Isaiah 35:

The hot desert and parched land that was once filled with barrenness shall rejoice and be filled with My joy one more time before My return. Blossoms shall break forth as rose buds and flourish abundantly. My Church has gone through some rather dry places, but is once again beginning to move forward with the healing and anointing of My Holy Spirit. My Church is a mighty, powerful force that is no longer sleeping or weak.

My Church of today is in revival and has begun to blossom abundantly. People are rejoicing with joy and loud singing as in the days of old. Excitement is in the air. My glory, healing, and splendor have descended upon the Church as wind upon the white snowy mountains of Lebanon. His Excellency (the Holy Spirit) has covered My children with His magnificence, glory, and majesty. As Mt. Carmel is fruitful and productive, so is My Church. As the Sharon Valley is fertile and prosperous, so is My Church. My people are no longer confused or barren, but are receiving My wonderful healing, glory, honor, and victory. My Children are now receiving the power, Excellency, and beauty that they so richly deserve through My redemptive love and healing.

Strengthen and fortify yourselves...for revival and healing have come into your midst. Weak and slack hands have changed into hands of strength and fruitful productivity. They are now anointed hands. Your beautiful feet are being firmly established. They carry the Gospel. No longer will you have feeble or stumbling knees. No longer will you stumble or fall. Your feet are planted on the solid Rock, Jesus Christ, The Righteous One from Nazareth.

We as the Church…have a mandate from God. Say to them that have fearful hearts and are always in a hurry, "Be strong and courageous; fear not. Behold, My God has come and wants to save you, heal you, love you, deliver you, and set you free. Heaven will be your eternal reward and joy will forever be your sweet companion."

As you move in My Healing, the eyes of the blind shall come seeing. Deaf ears shall be opened. The dumb shall sing glory to My Name. The lame men and women shall leap as happy deer in the morning meadows.

The desert and wilderness have been turned into an oasis of pure sparkling spring water that is bringing a time of refreshing and healing upon the whole earth. As the Surgeon General of the Universe continues to heal, nations will fall on their knees before Me and I will hear their cries. As time continues, whole cities will turn to Me. The parched land is no longer a desert, but has become a delightsome pool for those that are hot, weary, and thirsty. “Drink, My dear Children. Drink. You shall be filled.”

A large expressway has been constructed and it shall be called The Way of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it, but strangers, wayfaring men, and foolish individuals shall stagger and wander into this super highway and find rest for their souls because they have come face to face with the only True Holy Way and have chosen to follow Him.

No violent criminal or ravenous beast shall travel upon this super highway. However, the redeemed...ransomed ones...purchased ones shall walk, leap, and run on this exclusive “freeway” with power and energy.

And the ransomed...preserved ones of the LORD shall soon see Me face to face…and be in Heaven with Me forevermore. YOU will be singing new songs of joy with proclamation. Everlasting joy will be upon your heads. YOU shall richly gain all the fullness that Heaven contains. You will be happy and filled with gladness. Sorrow, grief, poverty, pain, and human suffering shall flee and vanish away to be no more. Today is your day of JUBILEE!

As Christians, we have the same authority and the same privilege of healing the sick that Jesus had when He walked on this earth! Thanks be to God!

Jesus had a Ministry of Evangelism and Healing: 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. Eventually, Jesus turned this ministry over to the Church when He gave us the Great Commission.

Luke 4:16-21 says that Isaiah had prophesied that Jesus' earthly ministry would consist of preaching the Good News, healing the sick, and releasing the oppressed. In this passage, Jesus announced His evangelism and healing ministry by quoting Isaiah's prophecy: "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 the 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.""

Luke 7:20-23 says that in Jesus' evangelism and healing 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: "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 evangelism and healing ministry was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (Luke 4:16-21 above).

In Acts 10:38, the apostle Peter described Jesus' evangelism and healing ministry by saying that He went around doing good and healing people: "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: "At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to Him, "Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you." Jesus 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. Conclusion: Jesus had an evangelism and healing ministry before He went to the cross. Afterwards, He turned this ministry over to His Church!

Initially, Jesus trained twelve ordinary men to continue His evangelism and healing ministry. He sent them out on short missions’ trips 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 went out 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’ trips, the apostles preached the Gospel, healed the sick, and cast out demons. Jesus was preparing them to take over His evangelism and healing ministry. Notice in the passage above that the apostles healed the sick by the power of God. In the same way, we can heal the sick in Jesus' Name by the power of God.

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 were commissioned to preach the Good News, heal the sick, cast out demons, and train others to carry on this ministry. Jesus wanted His evangelism and healing ministry to continue until He returns, as the Great Commission declares.

In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus gave the disciples "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 today are actively trying to fulfill this commission. However, there is an important detail that is often overlooked here. 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 evangelism and healing ministry until He returns!

Jesus said that as we go and make new disciples, we are to teach them to obey everything that the original disciples had been told to do…which includes going out and preaching the Good News of 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 would be with us always, until the end of the age…to help us carry on His evangelism and healing ministry. Matthew 13:39, 40, 49, and 24:3 talks about "the end of the age" in reference to the return of Jesus.

In the Great Commission, Jesus said that He will always be with the Church…helping us to carry on His evangelism and healing ministry until He returns. 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 evangelism and healing ministry. They preached the Good News, healed the sick, and cast out demons. "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' evangelism and healing ministry was never meant to be just for the apostles!

Mark 16:15-18: "He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people and they will get well.""

Go into all the world. This is for today.
Preach the Good News. This is for today.
Those who believe and are baptized will be saved. This is for today.
Those who do not believe will be condemned. This is for today.
Signs will accompany those who believe. This is for today.

Since the above points are all for today, this must be also. If you begin obeying the Great Commission and believing for miracles then you can expect to begin having supernatural signs accompanying you.
Those who believe will cast out demons. This is also for today. There are many passages in the New Testament which teach us about casting out demons.

Those who believe can experience divine protection. This is for today.
Those who believe will heal the sick. This is also for today.
If you are a believer, then healing the sick is part of your "job description" as a New Testament disciple of Jesus Christ.
Conclusion: If you are a Christian, then the Great Commission applies to you!

The apostles interpreted the Great Commission to mean that Christians should preach the Gospel and set the captives free, just as Jesus did. This is why throughout the book of Acts we find numerous examples of the Gospel being preached, people being healed, spirits being cast out, and the power of the Holy Spirit being demonstrated.

The apostles and early Christians were continuing Jesus' evangelism and healing ministry until He returns, which is what Jesus commissioned the Church to do. Jesus has not returned yet, so we should be continuing His evangelism and healing ministry.

Some of the healings in the New Testament were done by ordinary disciples, demonstrating that the mission of the Church extends to all of Jesus' disciples…to include us.

For example, in Acts 6:2-5, 8:1, 4-5 the Bible says that Philip was not an apostle, but an ordinary Christian just like you and me. Yet Acts 8:6-7 says that Philip preached the Good News, healed the sick, and cast out demons, which means that He was continuing Jesus' evangelism and healing ministry in obedience to the Great Commission.

Acts 8:6-7: "When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said. With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed." Evangelism, healing, and deliverance were never meant to be just for the apostles.

Acts 9:10-18 says that Ananias was not an apostle, but an ordinary Christian just like you and me, yet he healed the apostle Paul by the laying-on of hands. This means that God healed an apostle through a non-apostle! "In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, "Ananias!" "Yes, Lord," he answered. The Lord told him, "Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul…for he is praying."... Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here…has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again."

Healing the sick was never meant to be just for the apostles.

In Mark 9:38-40, the apostles were upset because they saw a man who was not an apostle doing miracles in Jesus' Name. Jesus told them not to stop anyone from doing miracles in His Name. Mark 9:38-40: "Teacher," said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us." "Do not stop him," Jesus said. "No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us."

Miracles, healings, and deliverances were never meant to be just for the apostles!

Mt.9:18 While He spoke these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay your hand upon her, and she shall live. Mat 9:19 And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did His disciples. Mat 9:20 And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind Him, and touched the hem of His garment:

· A ruler among the Jews asks Jesus to heal his daughter. He is to be commended for coming to Jesus, but his faith pales in comparison to the centurion of Matthew 8. The ruler thinks it is essential that Jesus personally touch the little girl, while the centurion understood Jesus had the authority to heal with a word. Note that this man worshipped Him, and Jesus received this worship…which would have been blasphemous if Jesus had not Himself been God. In other instances in the New Testament where such worship is offered to a human (Acts 10:25-26) or to an angel (Revelation 22:8-9), it is always immediately refused.

Mat 9:21-22 For she said within herself, if I may but touch His garment, I shall be whole. But Jesus turned him about, and when He saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith has made you whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

A woman is healed by her faith and her touching of Jesus. Luke 8:43-48 gives a much fuller account of this miracle, but Matthew's account is enough to show the compassion of Jesus and the fact that His power was not "magical," but here, it was the power of God responding to the faith of those seeking Him.

Mat 9:23-26 And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise, He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleeps. And they laughed him to scorn. But when the people were put forth, He went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.

Jesus, despite scorn, raises the little girl from the dead. The flute players and the noisy crowd were probably paid mourners, who, in the custom of the day, would offer a flamboyant and showy display of mourning, but for a price, not sincerely. Jesus endures the scorn (their movement from "mourning" to "scorning" belies their lack of sincerity) from the crowd and raises the little girl to life. Why did Jesus do this? Jesus…in a simple act of mercy and compassion to the grieving father…healed the little girl. Jesus hated death and its cause, and enjoyed the opportunity to hand death a small "defeat" before He would defeat it altogether at the cross and the empty tomb.

Mat 9:27-31 And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us. And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus said unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straightly charged them, saying, See that no man knows it. But they, when they were departed, spread abroad His fame in all that country.

Jesus heals two blind men. Jesus responds to their simple, yet powerful appeal. They asked God for the best thing they could: mercy. Again, we see Jesus healing them in response to their faith. Undoubtedly multitudes are not healed because they lack faith. Despite Jesus' warning, they couldn't resist telling others. We admire their excitement over the work of God. May the work of God be so amazing in our lives that we feel compelled to tell others!

Mat 9:32-36 As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil. And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spoke: and the multitudes marveled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel. But the Pharisees said, “He cast out devils through the prince of the devils.” And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

Jesus' compassion on the multitudes: As Jesus encountered the depth of human need, He was moved with compassion for them. Jesus was not unfeeling or stoic in the face of people and their problems. "We are like sheep having no shepherd…which means that we are in a lot of trouble until we come under the care of the Good Shepherd!" Jesus saw the greatness of human need as also an opportunity, as a harvest which was plentiful…a harvest needing laborers. Today, we still have an opportunity to meet human needs. We still pray to the Lord of the harvest that He will send out laborers. Perhaps, it is I. Perhaps, it is you!

Jesus healed by no set formula because He was and is the Messiah…not some magician. Prayer helps prolong longevity. Many doctors agree! Studies show that religious belief plays a significant role in health, well-being, and longer life.

More and more doctors believe that (prayer) may work where prescriptions don't. A growing number of studies have found a link between longer and healthier life and religious belief. There's little doubt that healthy religious faith and practices can help people get better.

Recently, 5,000 Californians were surveyed who were church members and “pray-ers”. They had lower death rates than others...regardless of risk factors such as smoking, drinking, obesity and inactivity.People with religious commitments have fewer symptoms or better health outcomes in seven out of eight cancer studies, four out of five blood-pressure studies, four out of five heart-disease studies, and four out of five general-health studies. People with a strong religious commitment seem to be less prone to depression, suicide, alcoholism and other addictions.

Most experts believe that the religious element helps because it gives people social support, the ability to handle stress, and helps them relax...an aid in healing. Yet others believe that there is a more divine connection.

In another recent study, 400 heart patients at San Francisco General Hospital Medical Center were divided into two groups, with half being prayed for by Christians around the country. Those prayed for experienced fewer complications, fewer cases of pneumonia, and fewer cardiac arrests, less congestive heart failure and needed fewer antibiotics. Prayer is making “believers” out of agnostics! This is good!

In 1996 the American Academy of Family Physicians went on record and said they thought that religious beliefs could contribute to healing. Sixty-three percent said that God had intervened to improve their own medical conditions. Patients agree. Recent polls have shown that some 80 percent of Americans believe spiritual faith or prayer can help people recover from illness or injury...and more than 60% think doctors should talk more with patients about faith and with those who ask for it. The pendulum is swinging toward “prayer”.

Jesus Christ is the GREATEST Revolutionary who has ever lived on this earth. He wanted change. He wanted freedom for all mankind. He was radical. His teachings were astounding and absolutely life changing. He upset the religious sects. His radical views about “healing” and ideas about wholeness were indeed Truth, but the religious leaders could not handle the Truth or Him. Therefore, for them there was only one option. KILL HIM! This they did and said, "...His blood be on us, and on our children" (Mt. 27:25).

It is very important to know what Jesus said, "...the violent (energetic ones) take it (the Kingdom) by force (seize it)" (Mt.11:12).

God has already done everything that He is going to do for mankind.

He has protected man for 6000 years. He sent His only “Begotten Son” to earth to die for us. His Son Jesus paid the price for our sins and our healing. Jesus delivered us from the curse of the law. He set us FREE. We are NOW FREE indeed! When Jesus returned to His Father and sat down at His right Hand, His work was accomplished and FINISHED as far as our salvation (to include healing) is concerned.

Therefore, look in the mirror. YOU are “healed” by the stripes and wounds of Jesus. God is on your side. He is for YOU! He wants wholeness for you. Jesus brought about change in this world. He demonstrated this change by His actions, not mere words. Jesus confirmed His ideas of healing the sick, raising the dead, casting out devils, feeding the hungry, and opening blind eyes. Peter and John demonstrated this same power by the Holy Spirit (Acts 3:6). Paul also displayed this same power of the Spirit (1 Cor.2:4).

The word "demonstration" means: To show off, Exhibit, Accredit, Prove, Set forth, Make evident.

Now, you and I can go forth without fear, weakness, inferiority, guilt, condemnation, or lack, KNOWING that our Elder Brother is our Chief Example to follow. What He did, we can go forth and do today (Jn.14:12). The world is hungry for the power and Spirit of the Living God to be demonstrated in their presence. Healing the sick is what Jesus did. His ministry of healing is still “going on” today through His followers (you and me, His Church).

A few years ago in the state of New Jersey, I met a beautiful young couple who could not have children. They had tried to have children for over twelve years. We prayed over them and denounced the infertility and commanded healing over them. I prayed over them and felt impressed to tell them that they would have a child. Even though, the husband had had six doctors to tell him that he would NEVER have a child through his loins and his wife had been told by several doctors that she would NEVER produce a child in her womb. Nevertheless, over the next three years, THEY HAD A CHILD...not one, but two healthy children.

Tradition says that miracles and healings are over...that they do not happen today. We know better because we are still initiating, activating, and communicating miracles every day. God’s people are still praying. As long as we pursue healing with our prayers and command sickness to leave, we will continue to see miracles and healings. We do not have to conform to the world’s view of doubt and unbelief.

As we continue to talk healing, victory, health, prosperity, miracles, and deliverance, we will see God’s love in action. We must speak the oracles of God. We have more POWER locked up in us than we will ever need or use. As we go forth in courage, God will never fail us!

When people come to us for healing, we can point them to the Healer, Jesus Christ. We can lay our hands upon them and allow Jesus to use our hands as His healing agents (Ja.5:14-15). Jesus told us to lay hands on the sick and they would recover (Mk.16:18).

You and I were born for such a time as this. We are living in the best of times! Furthermore, the BEST is yet to come! You and I will live FOREVER with Jesus. We are in the powerful Army of God. As we pray and believe, we will see signs, miracles, and healings. We have become LIVING miracles ourselves. Our bodies contain 263 bones, 600 muscles, 970 miles of blood vessels, 400 taste buds… 20,000 hairs in our ears for sound, 10 million nerves and nerve endings, and 600 million air cells in our lungs. Our heart beats 4200 times per hour. The greatest miracle started with you...your physical birth...and then your spiritual birth. You are indeed a LIVING miracle!

We cannot go under for going over! Miracles and healings are all around us just wanting to spring forth. God has been waiting on us (you and me) to bring Heaven to earth. There is no disease or sickness in Heaven. We serve a compassionate God. How can we fail when we are obedient to Him?

Today, may our very words be filled with faith, healing, love, mercy, compassion, and God’s energy. May people come to you for answers and encouragement. May you speak forth the oracles of God. May miracles and healings happen all around you in the Name of Jesus. His ability is yours.

Signs will follow the Believer (Mk.16:17, 20). God wants the Church to live where miracles are as natural to us as breathing. Miracles and healings should be a part of the Church on a daily basis throughout the world. We are made in the image of God (Deity). We have His Spirit within us. We are a tri-part person…soul, spirit, and body. Miracles are as natural to God as breathing. They are supernatural to us because we still live in the natural realm, but we are learning to accept the supernatural. Miracles happen by supernatural means.

I believe that one of the secrets to Church Growth for the next decade will come as a direct result of the manifestation of healings and miracles in the Body of Jesus Christ. The world wants to see the power of Almighty God. The Church has gifted people. The Church has the resources. We have the power through the Holy Spirit. We have a fresh renewal and revival of healings within the Church. The Book of Acts is still going on. I believe that we are going to see healings and miracles on a much greater scale than before.

Why does God want us to be involved with healing the sick?
To confirm His Word (Will) and reveal His power.
To meet the needs of His people.
Identify with Jesus Who gave proof to Whom He was (Mt.11:4‑5; Jn.10:37‑38).
Is there enough power in our lives to prove who we are? Christian means "Christ like". To be Christ like is to have the power of God operating in our lives (Jn.14:12‑14).

I truly believe that if people knew that their needs would be met when they came to our churches across America, we could not keep them out of our churches. Most of our churches would be full if the NEEDS of the PEOPLE were met, regardless of what that need might be…healing, words of comfort, answered prayer, or a miracle. Remember Gideon? The Word says, “The sword of the Lord and of Gideon.”

Today, it is time for “The sword of the Lord and of the Church." Gideon performed his tasks honorably. Gideon is longer with us, but that same sword of the Lord is still going forth. We are the Church! We are the most powerful force on earth. We are a mighty Army that is marching across the land with the sword of the Spirit which is the WORD of God.

Healing and miracles should be a part of our nature. Praying for the sick and seeing people healed should not be the exception, but the norm for us. We need to see God as He is. We need to see ourselves as He sees us. We need to act on His word...and simply believe and receive His miracles and healings for the Church.

God has never called a single person on Planet Earth for over 6000 years to accomplish a mission unless He also equipped him or her with the power and resources to achieve it.

“He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness” (Mt.10:1). “Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God is near you’” (Lk.10:9).

JESUS prayed to the FATHER in John 17 and said the following:
The hour has come for ME and YOU to be glorified.
This is eternal life...that they may know YOU and ME.
I have given them the WORDS that YOU gave to ME.
They have received them...and BELIEVED.
I pray for them...that they may be one…as WE are one.
FATHER…AS YOU HAVE SENT ME INTO THE WORLD, EVEN SO I ALSO HAVE SENT THEM INTO THE WORLD. That they also may be one in US.
The GLORY that YOU gave ME, I have given to them that WE all may be ONE.

JESUS would never tell us to do something that we could not do. He would never tell us to do something without sufficient resources to accomplish the mission. That would be non‑productive. Jesus does not waste HIS time talking for naught. HE MEANT WHAT HE SAID and SAID EXACTLY WHAT HE MEANT. "...the works that I do shall (YOU) do also...and greater works than these shall (YOU) do; because I go to MY FATHER" (Jn.14).

God sent HIS WORD. "HOW GOD ANOINTED JESUS OF NAZARETH WITH THE HOLY GHOST and WITH POWER: WHO WENT ABOUT DOING GOOD, and HEALING ALL THAT WERE OPPRESSED of the devil; FOR GOD WAS WITH HIM" (Acts 10:38).

God is with us today!

First things first...Let me tell YOU something about me. I have lived in 15 States in this Union and three foreign countries. I have had over 32 different jobs or vocations in my lifetime. I have come close to death at least a dozen times. The devil tried to kill me almost from the outset, but I had a praying mother. As a child, my sister dropped me in the fireplace when I was just a baby. I was burned severely and almost died. I have been in 10 vehicle accidents during my lifetime. I have been in several airplanes that have almost crashed. Without God, I would not be here. But with HIM, I have learned that ALL things are possible. God wanted to do BIG things in my life and He has.

Living for God is fun! That’s right. It’s fun! Did YOU know that from the foundation of the world (Mt. 25:34)...God designed this whole world with YOU and me in mind? That’s right.

What about healing, health, prosperity? What about the oracles of God? It is far more than just saying the right thing. The WORD says, "FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NOT IN WORD, BUT IN POWER" (1 Cor.4:20).

Many Christians talk a good show, but they do not have enough POWER to blow their nose in the Kingdom of God! Are they saved? YES. Are they on their way to heaven? YES. What is wrong? They do not understand the Power of the Living God. THEY DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE RESURRECTION POWER OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. JESUS HAS ALREADY GIVEN US THE RESURRECTION POWER…THE SAME POWER THAT BROUGHT HIM FROM THE GRAVE…THAT POWER PERMEATES EVERY FIBER OF YOUR BODY, SOUL, and SPIRIT.

There's POWER in the NAME of JESUS. Jesus said, "Behold I give unto YOU POWER (authority) to tread on serpents and scorpions…and OVER ALL THE power of the enemy…and NOTHING SHALL BY ANY MEANS HURT YOU" (Lk.10:19).

What is a Miracle? I can tell you from experience; it is something wonderful, supernatural. It is an event that apparently contradicts known scientific laws (an act of God); a remarkable event. "...No man can do these miracles... except God be with him" (Jn.3:2).

"Who IS HE?"
By Tommy Franks

I was one that was dead,
But NOW I HAVE been re‑created.
I was on my way to HELL, but I am NOW on that road to Glory.
I was lost, lonely, and cold,
But NOW He has found me and set me FREE.
I was born into sin as a loser,
But NOW I am a born‑again WINNER.
I was empty, but NOW He has filled me with
HIS Love, Spirit, and Fire.
I felt so alone, but NOW He has
Given me a Comforter to abide with me forever.
My house was in shambles,
But NOW I have a brand new LANDLORD.
I felt so unloved,
But I now have a LOVER.
WHO IS HE?
HIS NAME IS JESUS.
HE IS THE LOVER OF MY SOUL!

YOU HAVE MORE POWER LOCKED UP IN YOU THAN YOU WILL EVER NEED OR USE. GOD LIVES IN YOUR HEART. JESUS LIVES IN YOUR HEART. THE HOLY SPIRIT LIVES IN YOUR HEART. HOW MUCH MORE POWER DO YOU NEED?

The world has never seen God’s power like it is going to see during this generation of Believers. God is going to heal the sick as never before.

How do we use the power of God? Recognize the Source: "...He gave them (12 disciples) power against unclean spirits...(power) to heal ALL manner of sickness...ALL manner of disease... " (Mt.10:1).

Jesus gave them POWER. Where did HE get it? Did He do this as GOD or as man filled with the Holy Spirit? Was Jesus under the Old Covenant or the New Covenant when HE walked this earth? TODAY, WE HAVE A FAR GREATER COVENANT THAN WHEN JESUS WAS ON THIS EARTH IN THE FLESH.

Did YOU know that YOU have the same power as Jesus? As a man (filled with the Holy Spirit), He imparted this POWER of God to others...and then they went out and did what He was doing...healing the sick, casting out devils, raising the dead...

Use the Power Source: "And as YOU go, preach, saying The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. (YOU) HEAL THE SICK, CLEANSE THE LEPERS, RAISE THE DEAD, CAST OUT DEVILS: freely YOU have received, freely give" (Mt.10:7‑8).

Did JESUS heal ALL manner of sickness and disease? Did HE cast out devils? Did HE raise the dead? Were the blind made to see? Were deaf ears opened? Were people delivered from bondage? Were financial needs met? Did He turn the water into wine?

Whatever we bind (disallow) on earth is bound (disallowed) in Heaven. Whatever we loose (allow) on earth is loosed (allowed) in Heaven (Mt.16:19, 18:18). We can bind it or we can loose it. This is all accomplished of course through the Name of Jesus. Our Executive Orders are signed by Him. Our Divine Assignment is carried out through His Power in us and by the legal use of His Name.

Men and women desire to live in the realm of the miraculous. Adam did. Eve did. Jesus did. We want to live in the Supernatural arena. Why? We were created just a shade lower than God (Ps.8). We will judge the angels. We will rule and reign with our elder Brother Jesus forever. Man was born to rule and dominate. We were not made to be dominated. We are royalty. We are not only servants to God, but also His sons. We are a royal priesthood. We are peculiar (purchased possession by the blood of Jesus Christ). We are peculiar since we are the most powerful dynamic FORCE infused with the ABILITY of God since Jesus walked this earth 2000 years ago.

As the Church goes, so goes the world. The world is no longer laughing at the Church. They are no longer mocking the Church. Through the Name of Jesus, we can do all things.

JESUS WAS ALL GOD AND ALL MAN, BUT EVERY THING HE DID ON EARTH HE DID AS A MAN (Phil.2:7). The "kenosis" of Christ: He emptied Himself of equality with God, His God‑body, His immortality, His authority in heaven and earth (Mt.28:18, Lk.2:40, Jn.17:5, Eph.1:20‑23, Col.1:15‑18), and His Divine attributes to do miracles until He received the Holy Spirit in all fullness (Jn.2:11, 3:34, Isa.11:1‑2, Lk.3:21‑22, 4:16‑21, Mt.12:28, ACTS 10:38). Jesus was God's Man using the Holy Spirit and the Power of Attorney of God.

Mt.8:1‑4...the leper CLEANSED
Mt.8:5‑13...the centurion’s (soldier's) sick servant
Mt.8:14‑17...Peter's mother‑in‑law healed.
Mt.8:24‑27...He controlled the elements.
Mt.8:28‑34...He cast out devils (Mk.5:1‑17).
Mt.9:1‑8...He healed and forgave sins (Mk.2:1‑12).

JESUS PROMISED US POWER (Acts 1:8): Power means: (1) Potent (powerful) (2) Possession of control & authority (3) Influence (4) Ability to produce an effect (5) Legal right (6) Energy (7) EXPLOSIVE FORCE.

YOU are a child of the Living God. YOU are NOW in the Family of God. YOU cannot LOSE. YOU CAN ONLY WIN. YOU NOW LIVE IN THE REALM OF THE SUPERNATURAL. YOU and JESUS are ONE. YOU move and walk together in unity. All things are possible to YOU. Your citizenship is in heaven. God is on YOUR side. God is FOR YOU. He is YOUR DEFENSE. You are His representative here on earth. You are an Ambassador empowered with the ability of God. YOU represent the Commander‑in‑ Chief of the Universe. DARE TO DO EXPLOITS (Dan.11:32)!

DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE? THE WORD SAYS THAT:

A. Your tongue is the pen of a ready writer (Ps.45:1).
B. You have the tongue of the learned and would know how to speak (Isa.50:4).
C. YOU are a "flaming fire" (Ps.104:4, Heb.1:7).
D. YOU HAVE BEAUTIFUL FEET (Rom.10:15, Isa.52:7).
E. YOU have the mind of Christ (1 Cor.2:16, Phil.2:5).
F. YOU are more than a conqueror (Rom.8:37).
G. YOU are complete in HIM (Col.2:10).
H. YOU are the salt of the earth (Mt.5:13).
I. YOU are the light of the world (Mt.5:14).
J. YOU are the righteousness of God (2 Cor.5:21).
K. YOU are BOLD AS A LION (Prov.28:1).
L. YOU speak the very oracles (WORD) of God (1 Pet.4:11).
M. YOU are body of His Body, flesh of His Flesh, bone of His Bone, YOU have His blood applied to your life, and YOU are filled with His Spirit (Eph.5:30, 18).

Let us examine the life of David in 1 Sam.17 against ALL natural odds. In the natural realm, he was fish bait for the giant, Goliath. Goliath was 13 feet, 4 in. tall. His armor weighed 318 pounds. His spearhead alone weighed 23 lbs. Without God, David was doomed for sure, but David knew his God.

First, David said it. David told the giant what he was going to do to him. "I'm going to cut your head off, boy" (V.46). We need to talk to the enemy sometimes and tell him what we are going to do to him!

Second, he acted on his faith (V.49). He told the giant what he was going to do to him and THEN DID IT.

David RECEIVED the VICTORY (V.50‑51).

David took the giant's head to Jerusalem as a testimony of VICTORY (V.54).

The world wants to see miracles, healings, people delivered from sin and satan. The POWER and FIRE of God will bring the world to the church. Remember the man that was over 40 years old that was lame from his birth (Acts 3 & 4)? Peter and John healed him. This one miracle brought 5000 people to repentance. In Acts 8, there was GREAT JOY in Samaria. WHY? Was it because Christians were out knocking on doors? Was it because some Gospel sing was going on? Was it because of some eloquent speaker in the Church? NO! It was because of the miracles, healings, signs, deliverances that Philip did.

Miracles and healings are a sign to the unbeliever. The world wants to see miracles. When they do, their hearts melt and the Spirit of the Living God moves in and they go from an unbeliever to a BELIEVER very quickly.

DID JESUS GO OUT KNOCKING ON DOORS TO INVITE THE PEOPLE TO THE SYNAGOGUE? What was His style? He always had crowds around him. WHY? I will tell YOU why...one word "MIRACLES". Miracles and healings were part of His lifestyle. Jesus spent 2/3's OF HIS TIME HEALING THE SICK. One out of three verses relating to Christ's public ministry deal with HEALINGS and MIRACLES. 58 References of HEALINGS are found in the Gospels and the Book of Acts.

BELIEVE and ACT: Passive faith accomplishes little or nothing. Action faith brings miracles. God watches over His Word to perform it (Jer.1:12). God has promised to prosper anything that YOU DO (Ps. 1:3). But YOU MUST DO SOMETHING. YOU MOVE...and GOD MOVES.

Healing Power IS IN YOU and YOU need to get it out of YOU and onto the sick, the diseased, the oppressed, and the crippled. THE ANOINTING THAT IS ON YOU HAS TO FLOW FROM YOU TO THEM. FAITH MUST BE PRESENT TO SEE MIRACLES or HEALINGS. There is no other way. The world needs to see miracles, but unless we are involved, they will not be done.

YOU AND I ARE THE HEALING AGENTS and MIRACLE WORKERS OF GOD ALMIGHTY!

Speak to the mountain (Mk.11:23). That mountain may be cancer, AIDS, heart disease, alcoholism, smoking, drug addiction, poverty, or any other problem. SPEAK TO IT. That mountain will have to go in the Name of Jesus (Mt.17:20). Jesus spoke to the fig tree and cursed it. It dried up at the ROOTS (Mk.11:20). That cancer will dry up at the roots. That heart will become a brand new heart filled with the compassion of God. Through Christ, the AIDS victim can be a robust specimen of vibrant and vigorous health…live and NOT die! PRAISE be to our Lord JESUS!

I personally believe that a child of God does not have to die sick. OUR SICKNESSES WERE BORNE BY JESUS. WE need NOT BEAR THEM.

God has always had a People...an anointed People. Today, He has His Church. We are His anointed. We will subdue kingdoms, quench violence, be made strong, fight valiantly, turn the armies of lucifer the LOSER so that they run like a bunch of scared cowards (Heb. 11:33‑34).

Miracles, signs, and wonders are all around us just waiting to happen. We are the anointed ones that can bring healing into existence. We can indeed bring heaven to earth. You and I were born to bring miracles and healings to this human race. Without us, this divine assignment will not be done. The word says, "...before (you) call, I will answer; and while (you) are yet speaking, I will hear" (Isa.65:24).

Decree a thing and it shall be established" (Job 28:22). "I will hasten MY WORD to perform it" (Jer. 1:12). "The eyes of the blind shall be opened; the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as a hart, and the tongue of the dumb shall SING" (Isa.35:5‑6). "...Whatsoever HE says unto YOU, DO IT" (Jn.2:5). ALL YOU NEED NOW TO BRING ABOUT Miracles and Healings is simple: "Just DO IT."

Jesus said in Mark 16:18 that those who believe in Him will lay hands on the sick and the sick will recover…and in the entire New Testament this promise was never canceled. Jesus said in John 14:12 that those who have faith in Him will do the same miracles He did…and in the entire New Testament this promise was never canceled.

Jesus said in Mark 16:17 that signs and wonders should follow believers as we obey the Great Commission…and in the entire New Testament this promise was never canceled. In the New Testament we see average, ordinary Christians operating in the gifts of the Spirit and demonstrating signs and wonders, just as Jesus promised.

All of these promises are still in effect! We simply have to believe Jesus and then step out in faith…just as Peter stepped out of the boat in faith and walked on water (Matthew 14:29).

Many Christians have the impression that the apostles were the only ones who healed the sick or who performed miracles or who had certain gifts of the Spirit or who wrote New Testament Scripture. None of this is true. There are many times more average, ordinary Christians in the New Testament who healed the sick than there are apostles who healed the sick.

There are many times more average, ordinary Christians in the New Testament who performed miracles than there are apostles who performed miracles. Many average, ordinary Christians in the New Testament operated in the gifts of the Spirit. The gifts of the Spirit which were not exclusive to the apostles.

You can easily verify these things for yourself by reading the New Testament because Divine Healing is still valid for us today. It is part of the evangelism and healing ministry which Jesus began while He was on the earth and which He turned over to the Church in the Great Commission. It is part of our "job description" as New Testament disciples of Jesus Christ.

In all of the examples of healing that God has provided in the Gospels and the book of Acts, please notice: There is not a single case where anyone who wanted divine healing did not receive it. There is not a single case where a person was told that his sickness was for the purpose of building character or patience in him. There is not a single case where a sickness was called a "blessing." There is not a single case where a sickness was left unhealed for the glory of God (this includes Lazarus…Jesus resurrected him back to life and health).

There is not a single case where God used a sickness…to bring one of His children Home to heaven. There is not a single case where a person was told that it was not God's will for him to be healed. There is not a single place in the entire New Testament which says that there is an "Age of Miracles" which will end before the end of the Church Age. There is not a single place in the entire New Testament which says that healing or miracles of the Holy Spirit will "die out" before the end of the Church Age. Isn't it strange that none of these things appear in the Bible, yet some of these views are taught in a number of churches today?

Notice what Jesus did: He healed them all (Matthew 4:23-24).
He healed them all (Matthew 8:16). He healed them all (Matthew 9:35).
He healed them all (Matthew 12:15). He healed them all (Matthew 14:14).
He healed them all (Matthew 14:35-36). He healed them all (Matthew 15:30).
He healed them all (Matthew 19:2). He healed them all (Matthew 21:14).
He healed them all (Luke 6:18-19). He healed them all (Luke 9:11).
He healed them all (Acts 10:38). He told us to do the same miracles that He did (John 14:11-15). He told us to heal the sick (Mark 16:15-18).

Jesus demonstrated that healing and health are God's will for everyone. In fact, every time Jesus commissioned people to preach the Good News of the Kingdom, He also commissioned them to heal the sick and cast out demons…Every single time! When Jesus sent the Twelve out on their first missionary journey, He commanded them to cast out demons and to heal all the sick (Luke 9:1-6).

When Jesus sent out the 72 ordinary believers to preach the Good News of the Kingdom, He gave them power and authority to cast out demons and to heal all the sick (Luke 10:1, 9, 17-19).

When Jesus gave us the Great Commission, He commanded us to preach the Good News, to cast out demons, and to heal all the sick (Mark 16:15-18). Not once did Jesus ever place any conditions on who was to be healed and who was not to be healed. Healing is for everyone, both then and now, as the Great Commission demonstrates.

Have you ever received a prayer request (perhaps by e-mail) for someone who was sick or injured? Did you pray for God to heal the person? If so, then you believe that God can heal, right? Well, if we believe that God can heal, then why is it so difficult to believe that someone might be healed right in front of our eyes?

After all, most of the healings recorded in the New Testament happened instantaneously! There is no example in Scripture of Jesus going away and praying privately for a sick person at a more convenient time. Instead, He healed the sick right then and there, usually by laying hands on them and speaking a command. Jesus is our Example! If Jesus was more effective in healing by touching people, then we will be more effective by touching people as well. Jesus said that anyone who has faith in Him will do the same miracles that He did (John 14:11-14). He is our example!

Remember, over 20% of the Gospel is about the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus taught his disciples how to pray and heal. He sent them to carry on his work. Jesus still wants His followers to pray for the sick. The healing ministry of Jesus is one of the most acknowledged and most controversial parts of His redemptive work. There are those who see healing as being "in the cross" and thus automatically and instantly available to the believer. Others see physical healing as outside redemption.

Even among unbelievers there is a general perception of Jesus as a healer of the sick. It is closely entwined with who He is and how He acts towards needy people. People see Jesus as someone who is supposed to meet their deepest needs including the need for physical healing. When people see healing take place in Jesus' name, it strengthens their faith in His nature and in the gospels thus enabling many to believe for salvation.

Healing the sick and preaching were often associated in Jesus' ministry. Christ has such compassion for the sick…the needy …the poor…the widows! His healing ministry was and is genuine. Jesus was truly moved out of compassion for the sick. For Him healing was an essential part of His ministry to hurting people and not merely an "opener" before the message. Jesus associated healing with the Presence of His Kingdom (Luke 10:9). Thus we can expect His healing ministry to be manifested today to some degree in the redemption of our physical bodies from the effects of evil. This will be finally accomplished at the resurrection but is accomplished in part and as a foretaste through His healing ministry today.

Therefore, we see that Jesus is still the same yesterday, today and forever and is still healing the sick. Each day thousands of people around the world experience healing in answer to prayer. Sometimes, not all are healed, but the Church is reawakening to the Presence of Jesus in our midst as our healing Redeemer.
As the incarnation of God, one of the names of God is YHWH…Rapha "The Lord Your Healer". Our God has always been a healing God and this is His nature. Therefore Jesus as incarnate deity represented this by healing the sick (Exodus 15:26 NKJV) and said, "If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians…For I am the LORD who heals you.”

As an intercessor against evil and bearer of sin, Jesus confronted all forms of evil and lifted it off people. As the confronter and demolisher of evil, He took on sickness and the toll it takes on suffering humanity (1 John 3:8 NKJV). He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.

As One who did "the Father's will" and only did what He saw the Father doing, Christ enacted God's "Father-heart" toward His Creation. If as human fathers we want our children healed and well, how much more does God want His children healed…both physically and spiritually (John 5:19-21 NKJV)? Then Jesus answered and said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.”

We know the Fathers will is to heal! Out of mercy, many of Jesus' miracles flowed from His compassion for hurting humanity. He demonstrated the Spirit's power and the Presence of the Kingdom of God by healing…(Luke 10:9 NKJV) "And heal the sick there, and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.'”

Exorcism: (Matthew 12:22-29 NKJV) Then one was brought to Him who was demon possessed, blind and mute; and He healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw. And all the multitudes were amazed and said, "Could this be the Son of David?"

There is increasing recognition today of an evil spiritual kingdom arrayed against the Kingdom of God. Movies such as "The Exorcist" and "The Omen" and sensationalized reports of exorcisms gone wrong have done little to help the Church. They have instead created a paralyzing fear of tackling the demonic realm. Yet for Jesus His authority over the demonic realm was undisputed and absolute. He cast out demons with a word (Matthew 8:16, Mark 1:27) and relieved the symptoms of their possession (Luke 13:11-13). He also passed this authority on to the Twelve and later to the 72.

Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name." And He said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. "Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven." In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. "All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him" (Luke 10:17-22 NKJV).

This puts things in perspective. It basically says that we have authority over spirits. It clearly states that even "babes" (ordinary Christians)…who are neither "wise" or "prudent" can operate in spiritual power and authority providing they operate within the scope of Jesus’ redeeming Name. Demons do not respect knowledge. They do not respect God’s creation; however, they do respect authority and power. God gave His authority and power to all who believe and operate in His name. The humblest believer can be endowed with great authority from God. Even the apostles were "unschooled" miracle workers. (Acts 4:13, 14).

The power to deal with the demonic comes from God through faith in the name of Jesus and is part of His works that He trained His Church to do (Matt 10:8). The Presence of the Kingdom demands the absence of the demonic. Evicting evil powers is a battle of heavenly proportions that the Church is called to wage. Though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NKJV).

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:10-12 NKJV). We cannot wage this battle in our own strength but only with weapons that are given to us from God and with His delegated power and authority. We only have a right to this authority because of what Jesus did on the cross in "spoiling", capturing and defeating and "looting" the "principalities and powers."

“And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross” (Colossians 2:15). Everything that Christ did, we share in it. General Jesus won the victory for us. Even if we are mere privates, we participate in the victory of General Jesus. During war, when a wartime commander defeats another…even a private on the winning side has authority over the general in the losing army. Christ has won the battle for us and God has given us authority to defeat evil. Demons are afraid of The Blood of Jesus Christ. When Christians resist evil, even satan himself is forced to flee (James 4:7)

Prayer: “Father, we thank You that You have made known the Truth to us. Make us whole. Make us well. We thank You that Christ has redeemed us from sickness. He was made “sickness” for us. By His stripes and wounds we are healed. We thank You that we do not need to bear our own sins or sickness. Christ is our eternal “Substitute”. You are the Lord Who heals our bodies and forgives our sins. We are whole because of what You did at Calvary. Father, we thank You that You have heard our prayer and granted our petition. We now claim the promise of healing and wholeness. We command any sickness or infirmity that is in our bodies “to go” in Jesus’ Name. Father, cover us with Your healing now…In the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen!”