I have come to understand that every Christian has the same ability to do the things I have been sharing. I know this not only because God says so in the bible, but also because I have watched many brand new believers pray for impossible things that instantly manifested.
Theologically, this is shown in Mat 10 when Jesus tells the 12 disciples that they can heal the sick, cast out demons, raise the dead, and share the Kingdom. He says the same thing to the 70 disciples in Luke 10. He says the same thing to “those who believe” in Mark 16. Jesus says it best in John 14 (my favorite chapter) when He says that “anyone who believes in me will do the same things I do, and even greater things,” referring to the miracles He was doing.
The reason we don’t see more of these things in the church isn’t because we haven’t been enabled, but rather because we don’t believe, or rather are not “persuaded,” which is what the word “faith” and “belief” in the bible means (greek: pistis).
The foundation for why we have this power through our faith is found in old testament scriptures like Isaiah 53 & 54, which states that the Christ will carry all sin, sickness and death, so that His children will be victorious over those things. Why did Christ do this? Because humans weren’t designed to have sin, sickness or death, so Christ came to reconcile mankind to God, and thus also to our original design.
In addition to the command from Jesus just mentioned to heal the sick, etc, Christians also have something very special about us. We ARE born-again. According to Jesus, and Ephesians 1 and 2, 2 Corinthians, etc, God re-birthed us into a new creation the moment we first believed, and now that new identity IS seated in heaven, in Jesus, where we have power over all principalities in this world – including sickness. This is important, because we are no longer who we used to be, but are spiritual creations that live in fleshly bodies. A good book to help understand what scripture says about this is Spirit, Soul, and Body by Andrew Wommack, or spend some significant time in Romans, Ephesians and 1 and 2 Corinthians while asking God to give you understanding on this. It’s a BIG deal.
Something I notice that inhibits results in our prayers is that we often pray in “hope” rather than in “faith”. Scripture, such as James 1, teaches that prayer only has authority if in faith. That’s not to say that we shouldn’t pray to God with our hopes and desires, but rather it is to say that we must also know what God has already given us, and declare those things rather than asking for them. I don’t ask God to heal a sick person, I rather (just like Jesus and the disciples) tell the sickness to leave or touch them with the expectation and certainty that the sickness will be driven from my presence. It’s not because I am something amazing, but rather because God is amazing and has chosen to unite Himself with me (and all Christians). I am simply stewarding His presence in me.
Does this make sense?
Go to Youtube, and watch everything you can find on the following people, and let it inspire you to practice doing the same sorts of things with people you run into that can use prayer. Tell people you are researching the power of prayer and ask if you can pray for them, and watch as God shows up. God will actually use your stepping out as an opportunity to reveal to you the areas of your soul that are still opposed to Him, and He will gladly help you to heal those areas as you pursue other people’s healings.
Check out my video list on YouTube of some of my favorite videos where friends of mine prayed for the sick with results (I put a few videos up as well).
Search Youtube for Todd White (I especially like the “Healing in New York” part 1 and part 2 videos). He has some great sermons as well. So does his pastor, Dan Mohler .
Check out the blog post “Is it true? Is Jesus raising the dead – Coffee and Confession.” You will find dozens of videos and testimonies from my friends that will encourage you. If you click “Home” on the website, you will find more testimonies as well from my experiences last year.
Watch “The Last Reformation” movie. Free and powerful
I think on Netflix, and elsewhere, watch these Wanderlust Productions movies:
It has a monthly cost, but www.Bethel.TV has some great sermons that touch on this subject
Books worth reading:
- Praying Medic: My craziest adventures with God
- Heidi Baker: Birthing the miraculous
- Ronny Heyboer: Miracle Zone in Borneo
- Watchmen Nee: Sit Walk Stand
- Danny Silk: Culture of Honor
Also, try reading the Gospels, each in one sitting, and ask God to show you the ways He wants you to do the same things He does. Do the same with 1 Cor, 2 Cor, Eph, Romans, 1 John, 2 John, 1 Pet, 2 Pet, and Revelations. Your entire life will change.