Holy Spirit gifts: GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

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THE SUB-PROPHETIC GIFTS

There are several gifts, which, in their effect, can also be seen within the ministry of prophecy. They are: tongues with interpretation - which amounts to prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:5), words of knowledge and wisdom, discerning of spirits, and encouragement (which is dealt with separately, under the heading of Serving Gifts).

K] SPEAKING IN TONGUES, 8

1100 Strong, glossa, gloce-sah’, language, tongue, not naturally acquired - by implication

2084 Strong, heteroglossos, het-er-og’-loce-sos, from 1100, other-tongued (1 Corinthians 14:21 only)

1258 Strong, dialektos, dee-al’-ek-tos, dialect, dialectic, language, tongue, used by the crowd in Acts 2:6

To read through Proverbs (and the Prophets, for that matter) noting the importance of the human tongue - both for immense blessing and for incredible evil - makes the obvious point that the submission of the tongue to the Holy Spirit, in this gift, is of huge significance. It is suggested that James 3 is virtually a summary of Proverbs relative to this subject of the tongue. Even in chapter 1, James is given these words: “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight reign on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.”

verse 26 “If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.” With this verse, the Holy Spirit introduces thoughts on the power of the tongue, the difficulty in taming it, and the conflicting hypocritical use we make of it. (James 3:1-12)

Our Lord’s promise: “they shall speak in new languages”. (Mark 16:17) It is a tragedy that two extremes exist in the Church, today: the belief that only a limited number of gifts are now available to Believers, and new languages is not one of them; the other is the abuse of the manifestation of the Spirit, by the misuse of tongues. In the one, there is the audacity of criticising God’s infinite wisdom in bestowing this charisma - in ridiculing His gift, we scoff at God; in the other there is the lack of informed discipline. I have seen one American television evangelist speaking in tongues, as a joke, and to no sensible purpose: only to show-off. This wastes valuable transmission time and money given sacrificially by God’s people, who trust that their money will be used wisely.

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them ... each one heard them speaking in his own language (dialect).” (Acts 2:1-6)

Words often serve several usages: “glossa” is used for the “tongues of fire” and for the “speaking in tongues”. (Acts 2:3, 4) In verse 5, however, the word “dialectos” appears. This is taken to mean a specific “dialect” of a language, but it is worth noting, that elsewhere in Acts it is translated as “dialectic”: reasoned statements, or discourses - Paul in synagogues at Thessalonica, Athens, Corinth, Ephesus; in the School of Tyrannus; the Troas Upper Room; and in the Jerusalem Temple, where he made a point of not arguing. (Acts 17:2,17, 18:4,19, 19:8,9, 20:7, 9, 24:12) This association is quite the opposite of “the ecstatic”, which some theologians, and translators, have imagined, basing their thoughts on Arabic, and Classical Greek cultures.

We can note that this is called “being filled with the Spirit” and “the baptism of the Holy Spirit”, promised “not many days hence” (Acts 1:5 [AV]); elsewhere it is referred to as “the sealing”, “guarantee”, “deposit”, or “down payment” of Salvation. (2 Corinthians 1:22, 5:5, and Ephesians 1:13-14, below)

1. Baptism in the Holy Spirit, reveals the unseen presence of the Spirit in a Christian: confirming our acceptance by God at conversion, in a subjective experience at the time, or soon afterwards (normally). Perhaps other gifts may be used, such as prophecy, but tongues is the most common in the New Testament. It is important as a means of assurance: that God has responded to our faith in his Son, by giving us this dramatic event - whether privately or publicly. One X-ray technique requires a dye to be inserted into the spinal fluid, so that the otherwise invisible flow of the fluid can be observed. In a similar way, the invisible Spirit of God reveals His presence by clear assuring evidence. This is not an optional extra! Lack of blessing in our lives may be due to lack of prayer in dialektos, and singing in tongues. Paul exemplars: I speak in tongues more than you all!

Just as with Baptism in water – we have all the blessings associated with Baptism, but God requires the obedience of the action: so with the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, there is the importance of formally inviting the Spirit into our life.

Jesus's promise of the Holy Spirit to His Disciples: John 16:7 But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.

[Some Muslim thinkers, apparently believe this part of the Bible. Although Jesus was speaking to a group of His Apostles, with Him at that moment and place: the Muslims apply it to their Prophet coming 600 years later. This is tragically dishonest and deceitful.]

On the Day of Pentecost, in Acts chapter 2, when the Holy Spirit came upon the Believers, they also had tongues of flame and a violent wind, in addition to the Gift of Tongues. We all need an individual “Pentecost” or sealing. Ephesians 1:13-14 in Moffatt’s translation reads:

“You ... have been stamped with the seal of the long-promised Holy Spirit, which is the pledge and [first] installment of our ... heritage…” God is placing His seal on our lives, and giving us the down payment of the greater glory, which will be ours at the resurrection. his experience could be instantaneous, or minutes, hours, days, or even years after conversion.

We may look at the other, similar, occasions of this initial coming of the Spirit into the lives of new Christians, as recorded in the Book of Acts - it must be pointed out, that it is an inadequate preaching of the Gospel, that fails to minister this vital aspect of the work of God, and it is dishonest to the whole counsel of God.

The examples in Acts:

8:15-16, laying on of hands at Samaria, where no sign is described;

10:44-48, Cornelius and his household, experience tongues and praise,

11:15-17, the above event is reported by Peter, and called “baptism” in the Holy Spirit;

19:16, at Ephesus, with the laying on of hands, there was both tongues and prophecy.

The last two verses of a Charles Wesley hymn (280 The Methodist Hymn Book) are on this theme of sealing:

“Come, Holy Ghost my heart inspire!

Attest that I am born again;

Come and baptize me now with fire, Nor let the former gifts be vain:

I cannot rest in sins forgiven;

Where is the “earnest” of my heaven?

Where the indubitable “seal”

That ascertains the kingdom mine?

The powerful “stamp” I long to feel,

The signature of love divine:

O shed it in my heart abroad,

Fulness of love, of heaven, of God.”

(“Earnest” is another word for down payment: as when we secure an item in a store by paying a part, of the whole purchase price - agreeing to pay the full amount, later. “Seal” and “stamp” are synonyms. These represent some of the collection of words used in the English Versions - translations.)

I could well imagine that if Paul collected leather at the docks in Lechaion (the nearest of the two ports of Corinth). It would have first been stamped to ensure it remained in the owner’s possession - everyone would know, who it belonged to. Later, the goods would be collected and transported up to the city workshop.

2. A second use of the Tongues, is as a sign to the unbeliever, as the apostle describes in 1 Corinthians 14:22: a miracle which totally astounds the unconverted, as I will show in examples later. The very opposite effect is seen, if everybody speaks in tongues - as in a very unruly meeting, which would do nothing but bring dishonour to our Lord’s name. This was starting to happen in the Congregation at Korinthos. Apart from a very special miracle of tongues, it is prophecy, which normally has more effect on the unconverted - certainly in cases approaching excess. As I said, in a television transmission, a preacher used tongues almost as a form of entertainment and showmanship: a gross example of its misuse - wasting valuable time and opportunity.

3. Tongues will be prophetic to the Assembly, and the individual, when combined with the gift of Interpretation. (1 Corinthians 14:5)

4. When the gift is used privately, the spirit of a Believer is: built up - strengthen, speaks mysteries, and prays to God in the spirit, sings, gives thanks, and praises, but the mind receives nothing. When I was engaged in a missionary maintenance course at Bible College, I overheard a fellow-student singing in tongues, in his quarters. He did not believe in the gift - theologically, and yet he often enjoyed this experience.

If we have the gift to use privately, note the following:
1. prayer in tongues can be used when we do not wish to think too closely on unsuitable subjects - such as friendships we regret pursuing, or events we wish to forget
2. new creative avenues of prayer will develop - but of course we need to interpret to ourselves; our prayer life can be greatly expanded
3. it can be very much "in the Holy Spirit"
4. this must never be an escape from responsibility, or laziness

Clearly it is desirable that the gift of interpretation is sought. I have found that the two gifts bring clarity, and innovative perceptive thoughts and insights generally. (1 Corinthians 14:2, 4, 13-17)

5. Singing in tongues in corporate worship sometimes sounds like the complex music of the 16

NOTE: There are angelic languages, not known on Earth - 1 Corinthians 13:1.

When recovering in hospital from a life-threatening illness (bacterial meningitis), I received a gift of tongues which was quite unusual: it could only be sung. I wondered at the time, if it might be an angelic language.

A key passage

Just as 1 Corinthians 14 deals extensively with prophecy in the Christian congregation, so this chapter gives parallel teaching on the part to be played by tongues in the corporate life of the Congregation: verses 5-12,18,19, God the Spirit would have everybody speak in tongues, but would have its use kept firmly in place

verse 6, “But now brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what will I profit you, except I speak to you either in revelation, or in knowledge, or in prophecy, or in teaching?” (Green’s Literal) It could well be understood as a contrast of tongues with other gifts, which are of more profit for the Congregation, or it could be saying that interpreted tongues can be more illuminating

verse 13, We should pray to receive the gift of interpretation to add to the gift of tongues

verse 21, Two Old Testament prophecies understood, within our biblical culture (and rabbinic, says Kittel), to be about tongues: Isaiah 28:11, Deuteronomy 28:49

“Very well then, with foreign lips and strange tongues

God will speak to this people.”

“The LORD will bring a nation against you from far away, from the ends of the earth, like an eagle swooping down, a nation whose language you will not understand.”

“This people” and “you”, could be understood as referring to just Israel; but, within the New Testament context, this point is never made: quite the contrary, tongues is discussed within the atmosphere of the a “mainly” gentile church - as at Korinthos.

verses 22-25, Tongues and prophecy in excess, and the effect - referred to above

verse 27, Only two people should speak in tongues, in a given meeting - three at most

verse 28. If there is no one with the gift of interpretation, “the speaker should keep quiet in the congregation and speak to himself and to God”- in other words, appear virtually silent. This is not an easy instruction for many to receive! The sound of tongues should be heard: as a prophecy - awaiting interpretation, as a miracle for the unbeliever, or in corporate singing.

Practical thoughts

Teaching on the logistics of the gift in the Congregation is: singing in the Spirit, Messages in Tongues, and Private Devotions (Private meaning: not interfering with the experience of others in the meeting, or when alone). The extensive, dominating, use of tongues by a speaker with a loud voice, or a microphone, is completely out of keeping with the New Testament instruction: it is an unfortunate abuse, does damage to the cause of the Gospel, and requires counselling, pastoring, rebuke, guidance, and teaching.

Paul sums up the correct attitude to all potentially intrusive manifestations, with these words (RSV): “For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.” (“We are beside ourselves unto God: for your sake we are sober.”) 2 Corinthians 5:13

Again, time must be allowed in meetings for the gift; and there is nothing wrong with periods of silence - put to good use in private prayer, meditation and waiting on God. When a message is given, there may be a wait: for someone to feel led by God to miraculously give the interpretation. It is not a translation, and may take more or fewer words. There are many human languages, Kittel suggests that “kinds” implies variety (sixteen is a rough count of dialects on the Day of Pentecost) - there is even the possibility of an extinct language, or a heavenly (1 Corinthians 13:1, 14:10-11). When I was seriously ill in hospital, a very beautiful language, in song, was given to me; it certainly sounded heavenly to me. Even though ill, I was able to worship and set my mind on heavenly things - psychosomatically contributing to my recovery, no doubt. There are Assemblies where the messages are recorded, taken down in shorthand, and published; certainly great respect must rightfully be shown. The Elders - as with prophecy - must carefully assess the messages.

I was preaching at a Methodist Church, which aspired to be Charismatic, but gave little evidence of it. The text for my sermon was:

1 Corinthians 14:26

We had done most of the things listed.

“Nobody believes in speaking in Tongues today!”

“Oh yes we do!” answered the congregation.

“Put your hand up, if you have the gift of Interpretation.”

And so we had a time of waiting on God, to await a message in tongues, and its interpretation.

Why did God choose to give us such a strange gift? We may note that it is: egalitarian, dramatic, miraculous, above and beyond intellect, and humbling - a surrender of a most powerful part of our physiognomy. There can be the most wonderful creativity and revelation, when linked with interpretation - but it must always be compatible with the cannon of Scripture - as indeed I have found it to be. Poetically it may be seen as a reversal of the curse at the Tower of Babel. It is probably the only gift, which Christ did not use, although in his deity, he knows all languages.

To argue against God, or to present ridicule, is very foolish. The Creator of the human mind has many hidden, and wise, reasons why this gift is beneficial to the human psyche. The senior business executive, being driven home after an exhausting trip, can relax and lift his soul to God in tongues. The aged man, finding it ever harder to waken up in a morning, enters the heavenly places with this gift. The man or woman, boy or girl, in whatever situation of life, can rise above this world and its horrors, and reach God in heart to heart communication, and revelation.

Arguments used against the current offering of the gift

Some reject the giving of any of the anointings of the Spirit, in this sense, and the Scripture they use is:

“Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.” (1 Corinthians 13:8-9)

As explained in the general introduction to the gifts, knowledge has not yet passed away; in fact libraries, the Internet, and computer information storage systems, are ample testimony that knowledge is increasing (Cf Daniel 12:4). Christians who take this critical attitude also want the words: “when perfection comes”, to refer to the Bible. It is strange irony, that the two chapters guarding the thirteenth chapter of First Corinthians mention prophecy and tongues in some detail - when taken together. (It is normal to find that these Christians, warm and dear though they are, are quite willing to accept two of the gifts, namely pastor and evangelist.) Their argument requires that tongues and prophecy have been discontinued: thus making chapters 12 and 14 obsolete - and implying that the present Bible would therefore be imperfect, and not “perfection”. Indeed, their long and devious arguments, which arrive at the opposite conclusions to the simple reading of Scripture, have a great resemblance to the cunning of the sects. This interpretation, which requires part of a verse in chapter 13 to be taken out of context, is like the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ attempt to make the Lord Jesus, the Archangel whose voice is heard in the final moments of human history. (There is equal justification, in this explanation, to make the Lord Jesus the “trumpet”, of the passage in 1 Thessalonians 4:16).

I took the trouble to read a book dedicated to the discontinuation of tongues. On borrowing the book from a church library, my entry had to read: “I speak in tongues more than you all”, followed by my signature; this would certainly be my ambition, as it was Paul’s confession. The title was malicious: because the author’s aim was to discourage the use of the gift; whereas Paul used the words: firstly to establish his authority to give rulings on the subject - to the Corinthian and to all Christians, and secondly to offer himself as a considered and guarded exemplar.

The book was characterised by ridicule; in my days of classroom and staff meeting debate, I came to suspect ridicule and insult, as the companions of weak arguments. Another suspicious aspect of the book was the lengthy and extremely involved theses: whereas most biblical doctrine is expressed in simple terms - so that ordinary people who are Christians, can start to understand something of the great and satisfying truths of God.

A major argument of the work is that tongues is singularly intended as a sign to Jews - that men and women of Israel were always present in the New Testament. Whereas this may have been the case, because of the nature of first century fellowships, and his key verse from Isaiah, is used by Paul in 1 Corinthians 14, this deduction is never made in Scripture (Isaiah 28:11-12, 1 Corinthians 14:21). There need be no fear that the churches in Athens and Corinth might be exceptions, both contained Jewish converts - indeed Paul rarely, if ever, went to preach the Gospel in places where there was not a synagogue to act as his starting point (Acts 13:5, 14; 14:1; 16:13; 17:1-4, 17; 18:4; 19:8; Romans 1:16).

The writer makes such complicated lines of discussion, that the direct meaning of the biblical text is totally lost. The book is unfortunately characterised by: poor (even evil) exegesis, lack of logic, absurd arguments, additions to the actual words of the Bible, dismissiveness, diversionary quips, a subjective style, derogatory remarks, and complete non-sequiturs.

This particular book turns to the kind of anecdote often applied in the case against tongues: a person uses a known foreign language in a Pentecostal meeting, and then ridicules the inaccurate interpretation. In this case, a Salvation Army Colonel spoke in Lingala, a West African dialect; the interpretation had nothing to do with the praise utterance of the Colonel. One has to ask the question: What were Christians doing employing a foreign language skill, in the context of a time of speaking in tongues and interpretation? Were they setting out to sinfully tempt God, and ridicule His servants? Or take another case given in the book: where a tape recording was played to test two “interpreters”, and two different “interpretations” were given. Jim Packer, the gentle and eminent evangelical theologian, told a similar story (in a talk recorded at Eden Chapel, Cambridge), in which an Ethiopian student attended a charismatic meeting in London. But, in his case, he did not appreciate what was happening, and so, in a break in the worship, he recited the Twenty-third Psalm in Guji - the ancient language of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, only to be followed by an interpretation of different content.

Another form of discreditation is to find that 90% of tongues are valid languages, but are actually blasphemous statements - showing that the speakers have demons. The statement in the above book is quoted from another writer, and no scientific details of methodology are given. Assuming the percentage to be true, one must ask: what kind of sample group was examined, and, how were the tongues analysed and translated? Certainly there is a cautionary element here for both sides.

My own examples of tongues, being understood as valid linguistic statements, offer evidence in support of the gift’s genuineness.

Some examples of the gift of tongues

1. An English Elim Pastor was holding an open-air meeting in Belfast, at which a young lady in the support team spoke in tongues, but there was no interpretation: this concerned the Pastor, and he intended to speak to her about it. As the meeting closed the attention of the lady was dominated by a Jewish man trying to talk to her in Yiddish - but she did not know the language intellectually, she had been given a miraculous tongue. The gentleman became a Christian as a result. (Described in a recorded sermon by Eric Gaudion.)

2. The Reverend Dennis Bennett, Episcopalian Minister and author of “Nine O’clock in the Morning” recounts that when he spoke in tongues: a woman, who had lived in Japan for four years, complemented his good Japanese accent. (Recorded sermon.)

3. My own experience at Bridge Street Four Square Church, Leeds, in about 1959. Another Christian had told Brian Dodsworth, an NSPCC Officer, at work, that his gift of tongues was “of the Devil”. In the Sunday morning service, Brian sat behind me, and to my right - across an aisle. When he stood to give a message in tongues, a cry came from the front of the congregation - rather as if a pin had been stuck in someone - as happens in the classroom sometimes! An elderly lady, in the transept, at the front and to the right, gave a prophecy, along these lines: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, to preach the Gospel to the poor...” The Pastors took this to be of God, and preached an evangelistic sermon.

The man, who screamed, was an Hungarian businessman. He had left the main hotel in the city centre – ‘The Queen’s’, he had asked the way to a Church for the morning service. The language was Hungarian, and he knew God was speaking to him. Although there had been no clear interpretation in the morning service – which worried Brian, the message had said: “I have spoken to you many times, but today is your last opportunity to respond.” One of the leaders explained to Brian that it was a different use of Tongues – as a Sign Miracle. The man became a Believer. At a fellowship, in his home city of Birmingham, he was eventually appointed an Elder. When I told this story to my classes, over many years, I gave the telephone number of one of the Leaders: so that anyone could confirm the details.

4. A graduate in Spanish attended the same Church, before taking up residence in Spain as a missionary. Whilst in Barcelona, he heard a lady praying in English: so convincingly, that he wanted to meet this fellow English person, after the service. To his surprise, he found it to be an uneducated peasant lady, complete with her black shawl. (Related to me by a mutual friend.)

5. “The Pentecostals”, by Walter J. Hollenweger, published by the SCM Press Ltd, 1972, begins with the following story, which in turn is taken from John L. Sherrill’s book, “They Speak”, pp 89 f. For seventeen generations, Rabbi Jacob Rabinowitz’s ancestors had been rabbis. He felt some fear at the conviction that Rabbi Jesus of Nazareth was the Truth. As a secret disciple he accepted an invitation to a meeting in an Assemblies of God Church in Pasadena, Texas. After a rich and noisy beginning, the service continued with a short address by an evangelist, who then invited members with problems, to kneel on the red carpet before the altar step, so that the congregation might pray for them specifically.

A few men left their places to lay hands on the Rabbi, as he knelt. Behind them, others stood. People were praying in English, and in tongues.

I quote from the book:

Suddenly Rabinowitz stood up and asked with tears in his eyes, “Which one of you is Jewish?” No one answered. “Which one of you knows me? You’ll forgive me: I don’t recognize you.” Still no answer.

Now the whole church became silent. “It came from right here, behind me ... Just exactly where you’re standing ... Are you Jewish?”

“Me?” The man smiled. “My name’s John Gruver. I’m Irish.” “That’s the voice ... but tell me where you learned to speak Hebrew so well.”

“I don’t know a word of it,” replied Gruver. “That’s where you’re wrong,” retorted Rabinowitz, “because you were speaking Hebrew just now. And how did you know my name and the name of my father? You said in perfect Hebrew, ‘I have dreamed a dream that you will go into big populated places and there you will preach. The ones who have not heard will understand you, Jacob, son of Rabbi Ezekiel, come in the fullness of the blessing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.’”

6. Jack Smith, a friend of mine, then quite recently converted knelt in a prayer meeting, at his local Assemblies of God Church, in North Manchester. Feeling disconsolate, he hardly joined in, but prayed in tongues. At the close of the meeting, a young Finnish lady with long dark hair, who had been sitting behind his chair - an au-pair in fact, came straight to him and asked when had he been to Finland for his holidays. The answer was, “Never” - how was it then that he had been praying in her mother tongue?

7. At a church in the same Lancashire town, a well-travelled Christian lady graduate heard a message in the Basque language, which she herself knew. The message was to the pastor: saying that if he did not repent, God would remove him within a few weeks. The man who gave the interpretation said that God was pleased with the Pastor, and would bless him. Within a short time the minister moved on....

8. Kensington Temple, even in its early days, had many nationalities. Eldin Corsie (a leader in the Church) was quietly praying in tongues. There was a man listening, who immediately afterwards started talking to Eldin in the same tongue - it was Modern Greek. After some explanation, the Greek gentleman told Eldin he had praying: “Lord, when will you bring revival to this place?”

9 and 10. Mike Stevens gave two interesting accounts in a recorded talk (on “Leaders and Elders”).

A lady in his fellowship was in discussion with a Rabbi who studied at the same university; he admitted to never having experienced a miracle, and challenged her to produce a message in tongues. Reluctantly she did; and spoke in a rare Persian dialect, which he had researched in his MA thesis - dealing with some of its content. He then argued that she had read his thesis and learnt the ancient language, in order to fool him!

A friend of Mike was working in Italy with Operation Mobilisation, selling Bibles. He carried a card: “Stop me and buy one”, as he spoke no Italian. First of all a large lady questioned his religion, and then struck him on the side of the head, knocking his stock of books and Bibles flying. A crowd gathered to ridicule him, and he felt decidedly depressed. In desperation he stood, and spoke out in tongues: mainly directed at a priest, who, by this time, had taken his place standing at the front. He had no idea of the content of his speech, but the priest suddenly took to his heels, mounted his cycle, and fled before the crowd. When the people returned they were delighted to purchase all his books.

11. An eight year-old Caribbean girl spoke in tongues, in fluent French. A gentleman, who did not have the normal gift of interpretation, simply translated using his knowledge of French. (Joel Edwards, Evangelical Alliance Chairman, interviewed by Sir Melvyn Bragg on British television, 15.03.98.)

12. David Pawson tells of a meeting in Bristol: a lady on the front-row miraculously spoke in Urdu. A Pakistani man thought it was someone from his own village.

13. Patricia St John is known and respected for her Christian children’s stories – two have been made into films. She served as a missionary nurse, and Head Mistress. Whilst travelling with her sister from the Levant to Tangier, a huge lorry, the driver of which had apparently dozed at the wheel, smashed into their car. He was then observed changing the angle of the front wheels so that he could escape blame. Miss St John continues: “It was here in that dingy office that I was given the gift of tongues. I knew very little Spanish, but I suddenly found that I could ask for what I wanted and give a lucid account of all that had happened. In spite of the lies told by the lorry driver, we were awarded full insurance costs six months later.” (page 191, “Patricia St John tells her own story,” 1997, OM Publishing, UK)

14. Canon David White’s wife, Ruth, has a friend who was also her Bridesmaid; this lady came from Malaysia, and was a Buddhist. At her first visit to a Christian church, in Liverpool (UK), she heard a person stand and give a message in tongues: in perfect Malaysian, a message from God’s heart for her. She gave her life to Christ. (sermon by the Canon, 31.May.2015, at St Andrew’s Chorleywood)

15. Derek Prince, the eminent Bible Teacher (see below), tells of a young man invited to a London church by his daughter. Derek preached a Gospel Sermon, and was about to give a challenge to respond, when an elderly man spoke in tongues and spoiled the flow of the meeting. The young fellow nudged the lady who had brought him. "Why is that old man telling everybody about my sins in public?" The young fellow was Welsh speaking, and the Tongues message was Welsh. He later became a Believer ... and became Derek's son-in-law. He gave two other examples of miraculous witness and ministry: in Canary Island Spanish, and Russian.

16. Bill Adair prayed for a man in hospital. The prayer was in tongues - Punjabi; the Asian man told Bill what he had prayed: it included Jesus's words, "I am the water of life, him that cometh to me will have eternal life." The Asian pointed to a jug of water.

17. A local lady vicar told this account. She was at the front of the sanctuary praying for a lady who requested intersession. The vicar prayed in tongues, as was her habit. “I didn’t know you spoke Polish.” “I don’t.” Again there was intercession in glossolalia. “There you are, you speak Polish with a good accent.” An explanation of the Spirit’s Gift followed.

18. Our local Vicar was leading a Tour in Israel. Quietly he spoke in tongues, as was his custom. The Israeli Tour Guide asked him where he had learnt to speak Ancient Hebrew.

Many people in churches have this gift covertly - using it only privately, and not in public.

John Wesley heard someone saying that the gift was no longer for today, and he wrote a scorching letter proving that it was indeed still a gift for the present. (“Wesley’s Works”, Volume V, page 744. “Sir, your memory fails you again ... It has been heard of more than once, no further off than the valleys of Dauphiny”. Quoted by Carl Brumback.)

Derek Prince spends much time on Tongues (four hours of lecturing); similarly, David Pawson, and Canon David Watson.

Miraculous Languages is a strange gift, but it is there in the NT, and if we are disciples, we had better come to terms with it - we need the “whole council of God”, and not 99% of it.

There are two questions, which might well have introduced this topic: Are you using your gift of tongues on a daily basis, and, is your congregation making regular and frequent use of this channel of communication with God?

The companion of tongues

[L] INTERPRETATION, 9

2058 Strong, hermeneia, her-may-ni’-ah, translation, interpretation. This is quite a large word group - including various subtle differences and parts of speech. Similarly there is wideness in meanings: to interpret, expound, explain, propound, indicate, express thoughts, to transfer from a foreign language, with the creative element being a possibility. There is no real question of expecting a syllable-by-syllable translation, when the richness of meaning is observed.

In pagan Greece it was associated with the interpretation of revelation from the gods: in occult practices. Indeed the word is derived from the name of the messenger of the Pantheon: Hermes (or Mercury). One should not be so foolish as to damn the spiritual gift, through “guilt by association” - that enemy of all justice and sound reason; but there will be those dishonest debaters who will be happy to cauterise their consciences.

The Greek version of the Old Testament has the “interpretation of dreams”: with Joseph and Daniel, both eminent heads of government who found the parallel gift, crucial to their service of God and man. (Genesis 40:8, 41:16 ff; Daniel 2:27 ff)

There is also the sense of interpreting, in the post-exilic readings of the Law of the Old Testament, by the Levites, to the people of Jerusalem. In its context, I feel that they did more than just read - they explained the meaning and paraphrased it, so that it was clearly understood. Levite priests were the teachers in ancient Israel. (Nehemiah 8:8, chapters 8 and 9)

Because of the close link with the gift of tongues, the two anointings overlap: many comments apply to both and there is no need to repeat what has already been noted.

Practically speaking: the question of the lengths of the message in tongues, and the accompanying interpretation, is covered by the wide definitions already referred to. Encouragement for several people in a congregation to develop confidence in interpreting should not be quenched by the dominance of one person. They would be well advised to start in a small meeting - and then move on to larger gatherings. The meaning may well come as a grasp of the message; it may be given sequentially as the person progresses with the revelation; or it may come as a vision - a “picture”. I have found this particularly useful and enlightening. It separates ones thinking from what has gone before; and there is less chance of an innuendo, if some strong opinions have been expressed. A friend and I often have discussions on faith and practice. If he then speaks a message in tongues, it would be all too easy for me to give an interpretation supporting my views; a vision prevents this danger. It is not a case of describing the vision, but giving its meaning. Occasionally, a separate prophecy may be confused with the intention to give an interpretation, and discernment is needed. Interpretation can be very hard work, and I often do not look forward to it.

Another set of twins

Here we continue what I called the sub-prophetic anointings: Words of Knowledge and Wisdom - which are like opposite sides of the same coin, followed by Discerning of Spirits (Encouragement, as a Helping Gift, is considered elsewhere.)

[N] WORD, MESSAGE OF WISDOM 1; and

[M] WORD, MESSAGE, OR COMMUNICATION, OF KNOWLEDGE, 2

4678 Strong, sophia, sof-ee’-ah, wisdom of various kinds.

1108 Strong, gnosis, gno’-sis, knowledge, science. It appears in agnostic - without knowledge.

Knowledge tells you that a tomato is a fruit; wisdom tells you not to mix it in a fruit salad

Eye catching: that “wisdom” follows Solomon in Kittel (Solomone – meaning ‘peaceful’, Sophia - wisdom). In the development of the Greek language, the adjective came earlier than the abstract noun, and the implication was of quality, rather than practicality. Wisdom was of great importance; there were the Sophists: wise teacher-philosophers.

The Old Testament has its “Wisdom Literature” - three fifths of the references are found here. Job and Proverbs have much to say on the subject - the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. There is sometimes a practical emphasis, especially in the Historical Books: “techne” occurs in the Greek translation, referring to artistic and technical skill, and is the term used to describe Jesus’s occupation in the Gospels, being wider than carpenter. There is also practical wisdom, ethical and religious conduct, and the interpreting of dreams. From the Hebrew there comes the thought of wise action, practice and conduct - in contrast to the typically Greek usage.

Our Lord grew in, and was filled with, wisdom - as a maturing child. It was the wisdom of Jesus, along with his mighty acts, which impressed the people who saw and heard Him. Jesus promised his followers: “For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.” It is seen in the godly of the Early Church, in the Book of Acts, and linked with the Holy Spirit’s presence - “theologically informed and irresistible utterance” (Ulrich Wilckens, in Kittel). (Luke 2:40, 52, 21:15, Mark 6:2, Acts 6:3, 10)

The rare qualities of true wisdom are given in James 3:13-18: a good life, deeds done in wise humility, purity, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, merciful, producing good fruit, impartial, sincere. The opposites of heavenly wisdom are the satanic characteristics: bitter envy, selfish ambition, and denial of the truth, disorder and every evil practice.

Apropos “knowledge”, Rudolf Bultmann writes in Kittel, that in ordinary Greek the meaning is: intelligent comprehension of an object or issue, understanding, to come to know, to become aware of. The Septuagint Old Testament uses a much wider meaning: come to know, detecting, feeling, and learning by experience, mere information, and contemplative perception. In the New Testament a common inference is “to know - in the sense of awareness”, to detect, to note, to confirm, to perceive.

It is said that “... God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.” Our Lord could say: “No-one knows the Father except the Son, and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” John’s words are telling: “But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all men. He did not need man’s testimony about man, for he knew what was in man.” Here is ultimate knowledge: a clear token of Christ’s Divinity. (1 John 3:20, Matthew 11:27 c, John 2:24-25)

It is the common experience that conversion leads to a flourishing of both wisdom and knowledge, particularly in spiritual areas. Indeed the whole Bible is about the godly of mankind being graciously bequeathed here. (1 Corinthians 1:5, 2:6 ff)

Because both these gifts - knowledge and wisdom - relate closely to the scope of several other gifts - Discernment of spirits, Apostleship, Prophecy, and, Tongues with Interpretation - there may be some difficulty in classifying any one of them from a single instance, and, indeed, the precise nature may only become apparent with the experience of several occurrences. This is true of the whole subject of Gifts. The list in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 contains nine gifts, six of which are in this close relationship.

Obviously, the Lord does not give access to all wisdom and all knowledge - God is notably discrete; and, once again, typically of all the gifts, a person may be limited to a particular area and style.

I noticed, and photographed, an elegant motor-launch, in the harbour of modern Corinth, which was well named: “Sophia” (wisdom).

This is a key word in 1 Corinthians chapters 1 and 2, where it is said that Paul gives the word a slightly different connotation each time he employs it. “Gnosis” (knowledge), besides playing an important part in the New Testament, represents the element so much encouraged in the Book of Proverbs. Indeed, a lack of knowledge is synonymous with being a fool! These two supernatural gifts are no excuse for laziness or cultivated ignorance. This would amount to tempting God, and irresponsibility. A Christian leader, I know, is proud of being a greenhorn about how his car works - even after decades behind the wheel. Hopefully the developing driving test will keep such dangers off the roads.

I will risk giving very simple definitions of the key terms:

Knowledge is information or understood data; wisdom, is the art of knowing how to use information!

These are gifts, which may embrace visions and dreams, so a brief word about these methods of Divine communication is appropriate. If, at this moment, you imagine a much loved beauty spot; then you have created a vision. Some visions are more dominating and dramatic, no doubt: such as brightness obscuring our physical surroundings – as with Saul on the Damascus Road, in which others heard the sound of the voice. But, for my own experience, they have been more like “day-dreams...” - even though they have dominated the mind at the time, and “filled the screen”, so to speak. Would Peter’s vision in Acts chapter 10 have fitted into this quieter pattern?

In seeking the Truth, at the age of nineteen, I was spending many hours a day reading the Scriptures, meditating and praying, in the Church building on our Royal Air Force Station. One morning, as I sat near the front of the room, there came a clear picture of an vertical shaft, down which I was falling: a picture I readily accepted as symbolising the just punishment for my sins - my being committed to Hell. I then saw, on a shelf of rock in the side of the shaft, the Lord Jesus with his arms outstretched. I clasped hold of his hands as I plummeted downwards: but it was only his own firm grip and stability that saved me. I then heard a voice, in my mind, saying: “You are prepared to take Jesus Christ as your Lord, guide, teacher and leader in life; but you must also trust him as your Saviour!” This, for me, was the Holy Spirit - this the moment of conversion - after many helpful discussions and experiences on the journey.

Sometimes in prayer, a clear picture comes to mind, which requires interpretation and application.

There is much about dreams in the Bible; not least that they come through the plethora of worry and work. (Ecclesiastes 5:3, EV) Dreaming apparently is essential to the healthy mind, and the many creative dreams are mostly unremembered, when we wake. Often they are the sweepings-up of the mind, or the influence of conditions, sounds and sensations whilst we are asleep. Ecclesiastes makes it quite clear that dreams, in general, are meaningless (5:7). When a dream is specially and clearly recollected, and we wonder if God was speaking to us, then the first check should be with the teaching of Scripture, then there is common sense, asking advice of senior Christians, and seeking the peace of God umpiring in our heart - a very important element before we act. Generally, I have found dreams, and visions in prayer, to be confirmation, rather than instigators of action. Do we hear God speaking to us? In a sense, yes; but not in the way that the insane hear dominating voices. All people think in terms of logical discussions - using voices more-or-less speaking sentences - in their minds. Into this “wavelength” of thought come original ideas, satanic temptations, and the voice of the Holy Spirit. The mature person can differentiate between each, and organise their life in accordance with their deeply held beliefs.

Colossians 3:15 let the peace of God umpire in our hearts.

Biblical examples:

Genesis 20:3, King Abimelech’s dream about Sarah; 28:12, Jacob at Bethel;

31:10-13, 24, Jacob’s guidance, and Laban’s warning from God; 37:5-10, Joseph’s dreams; 40:5-23, the cupbearer and the baker’s dreams; 41:1-40, the Pharaoh’s dreams about Egypt’s future; 46:2-4, guidance for the aged Jacob, at Beersheba;

Numbers 12:5-8, the point is made that Moses did not receive God’s word through this common prophetic channel; Deuteronomy 13:1-5, the stabilising theology behind prophetic dreams; Judges 7:13, Gideon is encouraged by a Midianite’s story; 1 Samuel chapter 10 THE GREAT PASSAGE ON WORDS OF KNOWLEDGE, 28:6 and 15, there was not even help for Saul in this way; 1 Kings 3:4-15, the blessing of Solomon; Job 4:12-21, 20:8, 33:15-17, references by Job’s friends; Psalms 73:20, 126:1; Isaiah 29:7-8, as similes; Jeremiah 23:25-32, 27:9, 29:8, dreams of the false prophets; Daniel 1:17, 5:12, 2, 4, 7, Daniel’s ability, and dreams, and those of Nebuchadnezzar; Joel 2:28, the Pentecost Promise for old men; Zechariah 10:2, lying visions of diviners; Matthew 1:20-21, the angelic guidance for Joseph to marry Mary; 2:13, 19-22, guidance apropos the flight into Egypt; 27:19, Pilate’s wife’s distressing dream referred to in her note to Pilate; Acts 2:17, the Pentecost quotation from Joel’s prophecy; 9:10, Ananias’s vision regarding Saul; 10, Cornelius’s vision, and Peter’s trance; 22:17, the call to reach the Gentiles - in the Temple; 16:9, Paul’s vision of a man from Macedonia - missionary leading; Jude verse 8, a metaphor for the wicked.

A lady asked an eminent Pentecostal missionary about her dream: she had been riding down some steps on the handlebars of a bicycle, and ended up swinging from a gas lamppost. “What did it signify?” she inquired. “That you should refrain from eating pork pies for your supper!” he replied.

In open discussions, I have found no shortage of fascination and interest, among all ages; but I have made a point of warning people to think twice before telling others of their dreams - the inner workings of the human psyche are not always for the public domain.

The Hellenistic mystery religions knew supernatural words of knowledge; just as two ladies, in my town, recently, went to a clairvoyant for guidance - for a fee. Truth and love in Christ Jesus are contrasted with the evil, cruelty, cunning and deception of the Occult. Horoscopes, Ouija Boards, and the like, are Satan’s counterfeits, which offer information and guidance, at a dreadful price - far beyond coinage.

What about Deja vu - a dream which seems to come true, will always be a common talking point: a schoolboy riding on the handlebars of his friend’s bike, suddenly remembered a dream of the night before - when he had been doing just this very act, but a red car had come from one side, round a corner, putting their lives in danger. He warned his friend just in time as it really did happen. Perhaps not particularly a Christian in connotation; or was it?

I once made a rather mistaken train journey to Grange-over-Sands, in Morecambe Bay - I should have gone to Grange in Borrowdale. At Skipton railway station, a Canadian lady settled in the compartment, and shortly enquired if I was “psychic”. I am certainly not; but I knew there must be something more to the question. She had dreamed the night before in the Leeds YWCA, of meeting a man in a railway carriage reading a Bible. (My friends suggest it must have been a nightmare!) We talked about Christianity: she was a Baptist and a schoolteacher; her sister was always annoying her by asking, “Do you know Jesus in a personal way? Are you born again?” Earlier the train had passed through Cononley, where I had just recently preached on the subject of “Spiritual Regeneration” (being born again), in the Baptist Church. As a schoolteacher, it was even easier to witness to her. Was this a word of knowledge to the lady, or a sign?

I must confess that many important decisions in my Christian life, have been preceded by a dream or a vision - which gave confirmation, as I say, rather than guidance. There was no need to act; rather I gained assurance.

Some examples

On arriving in a new post, I met a Christian man with whom I was to work in a significant way. I clearly heard the Holy Spirit tell me that this person was like a “walking refrigerator” - this conveyed to me various vital aspects of his character, which would cause me considerable hardship. This did much to comfort me in the difficult, but blessed times ahead of us.

A few moments before an urgent after-hours conference at work, I prayed to be in God’s will, and immediately knew what unusual critical issue would be raised. I wrote it down, and later showed it to one of my bosses. This was similar to a warning I received of a vicious, verbal, demonic attack, which would take place in a staff meeting. I was able to deal with the evil, and draw the sting from the onslaught, in advance. It was still quite spectacular, but completely ineffective - even amusing.

The houses on one side of our street started having power cuts.

A church worker, I was visiting had lost her back door key.

Ian Andrews thinks of it as asking God to switch on the television of the mind. He once observed in a meeting: “Somebody here has kidney trouble,” but no one responded. When he prayed he saw a person getting up, and a clock showing 3.20. “You couldn’t sleep last night; you got up at twenty past three, and you had a drink of water. You had a drink of water out of a pale blue enamel mug with a chip on it.” Still no acknowledgement! “Oh yes, and you have pale lemon curtains in your bedroom;” he also saw that the lady had a long flowing nightdress, and long brown curly hair ... A woman shot out of her seat saying, “Say no more you’ll be saying something...”

Canon David MacInnes told of an inter-change visitor from Nigeria, Bill I.S., working in a Birmingham inner-city parish. He was a Professor of Haematology, with degrees from Oxford, Cambridge and Princeton, and the author of numerous papers, which received world acclaim. Several years before, he had been converted through his mistress, who stopped the relationship at her own coming to faith.

Whilst in Nigeria, he started to transfer his time from medical work to Christian ministry. One day, a man came for help; he told a pack of lies and wanted money, and could not tell the same story three times over - as his social worker agreed. His claim apropos military service was a cover, to his wife and others, for a time spent in prison. Bill I.S. prayed for help: to face the man with what was wrong with his life; and in a quite extraordinary way there came into his mind a street, a date, a time and an action. The man had committed a murder at 3 o’clock in a particular street, on a certain day. “This is what you did, isn’t it?” But to his amazement the man said, “No, you’ve got it completely wrong! I know you are a man of God, and I know you have great insight into people, but, no, you’re completely wrong here. I didn’t do it... I never saw it.” Bill found himself praying, “What on earth do I do next?” Suddenly he found himself, again, aware that God was saying something to him: “Read Acts chapter 5 to him.” So he read aloud the story of God’s judgement falling on Ananias and Sapphira, and found himself saying - before he had time to weigh his words: “All right, off you go, but you’ll be dead before you get home, but I don’t want to see any more of you.” The man went down on his knees, and confessed to that murder, and another one. There started a marvellous work of God in his life.

Tony Fitzgerald tells about the knowledge and wisdom, which came to him whilst preaching in Argentina. He announced that four women were suicidal and should come out for prayer: only three came. Unusually, he shouted for the fourth: “Someone else who’s going to commit suicide, come forward!” Shortly, a lady came in from the street, through the rear doors of the hall, walked to the front, opened her handbag, took out a pistol, and gave it to him - she had been passing in the street, looking for a suitable place to end her life, when she caught the sound of his voice. (Recorded talk from “Cross Rhythms Festival” Devon, 1998.)

The point is well made here, that this gift is often in tandem with healings.

One has to admit the dangers of people naively claiming to have ‘words of knowledge’, and sowing untold harm. In 1995 the Evangelical Alliance held a consultation to look into several widely reported cases - in the press and on television - of cavalier words of knowledge, which led to innocent people suffering horrendous anguish. The main field had been accusations of ritual or sexual abuse: sometimes leading to police enquiries and court cases. A phenomenon called “false and recovered memories” (“false memory syndrome” in American usage), is at the heart of the matter. Forty-five professional people, including counsellors, legal experts and psychiatrists, attended the consultation. Dr Andrew Ferguson, General Secretary of the Christian Medical Fellowship, who presented a paper, said that there was a need for cool heads, more research and clear guidelines; whilst the Evangelical Alliance suggested these would be along the lines of: advice on how to deal with abuse allegations; guidance on when ‘recovered’ memories may be false; training counsellors, with reference to words of knowledge. (As reported in “Alpha” magazine, March 1995.) There is no doubt that abuse of the young takes place; but the courts are awash with the inability to handle evidence in these cases with certainty, and so obtain safe convictions against the guilty, whilst acquitting the falsely accused.

As I said earlier, it is a comforting fact to bear in mind, that God is discrete. Peter asked, “Lord, what about him?” “... What is that to you...” Jesus replied. (John 21:20-23)

Knowledge, then, is quite simply, information about the past, present or future; wisdom knows what to do, say, or think.

How does the communication come from God? It may be a thought placed in the mind - which can be checked of course, by Scripture reference, because God will never act contrary to His revelation of Himself in the Bible; if it is not the kind of information which has doctrinal, or moral, dimensions, the communication can be checked using the peace of God ruling in our hearts.

As I said, we must remember that the words of the Holy Spirit, the Devil, and ourselves, may form in our minds. A dream of the night, or a vision when awake, could bring the message. We must always be on guard against cranks, who falsely claim that God has spoken to them - in the past, whole congregations have been led astray, because there has not been discernment and strong, balanced, informed leadership. This is a reason for not having a single despotic leadership structure in a Church. We should always be prepared to seek God’s will for ourselves, with the help of the Elders, and not be swayed by unbalanced or forceful characters in the fellowship.

Sometimes in healing, the communication may come in the form of a sensation of the sickness or condition.

A Christian “woman’s intuition” may be much more seriously “a word of knowledge”. Both men and women often need encouragement to take note of words of guidance. However, we also should be aware of the dangers in such areas as criminality, matters covered by law, psychological, and which are health threatening: the answer is to “proceed with caution”. So far, in my experience, I have never totally and dangerously been reliant on a word of knowledge; and there is the peace of God ruling as confirmation, or not.

A selection of Old Testament references:

I find that, almost every time I read through the Bible, fresh examples come to notice.

The many references to dreams have already been listed.

Genesis 6-9 There was both knowledge and wisdom in Noah’s knowing about the future, and the building of the ark. Here, as in most experiences of prophecy, both elements are seen.

Genesis 27 Here there is, surprisingly, no word of knowledge: when we might have expected old Isaac to know the truth about the deception. He had his suspicion, and he followed the ruse with wisdom. In our experience, we may be amazed at the absence of revelation - when Christians appear to walk in the dark.

Exodus 2:1-10 The actions of Moses’ sister and mother have a touch of humour - but wisdom, there certainly was.

1 Samuel 9 and 10 In these chapters, about the lost asses of Saul’s father, and the anointing of the first King of Israel, we have the spectacular and classic use of these gifts. To summarise the text would be to spoil the unfolding of the events and the drama of the miraculous - please stop and read them.

2 Samuel 12 The words of the prophet Nathan to King David

1 Kings 3:16-28 The wisdom given to King Solomon to judge the famous case of the two women and their children

19:15-18 Elijah knew there were 7,000 true believers in Israel, and that Hazael, Jehu, and Elisha would fulfil God’s purposes

2 Kings 5:26-27 Elisha became aware of his servant Gahazi’s deception, and the divine judgement

8:10-15 Elisha’s insight into Hazael’s actions and King Ben-Hadad of Amram’s fate

A selection of New Testament references:

Luke 2:25-38 Simeon and Anna, in the Temple, had prophetic insights about the Holy Family

John 1:45-49 Our Lord knew the inner heart of Nathanael, and that he had been sitting under a fig tree, when Philip called him. This was the typical mark of a prophet or seer. Perhaps Jesus had “seen” a vision, or had a dream.

John 2:3-5 At the wedding in Cana, Mary had great wisdom to ask Jesus to intervene, and in guiding the actions of the servants.

John 4:13-19, 21-24, 29, and 39-42 Jesus was informed about the Samaritan lady’s private life, at the Well of Sychar.

Matthew 9:4, 12:25 Here are two examples of Jesus knowing people’s thoughts.

Luke 19:1-10 Jesus knew Zacchaeus’ name, and that He had to stay at his house, and the condition of his heart.

Mark 11: 27-33, 12: 18-27 The challenge on Jesus’s authority revealed His knowledge of the Pharisees’ ploy, and the wisdom to deal with their trick question. Similarly, with the Sadducees’ question about the resurrection of the dead.

John 11:4, 11, 14, 15, 23 Examples from the raising of Lazarus

John 12:7-8 Two comments by Jesus at the anointing in Bethany

John 13:38 The prediction of Peter’s denial

This can be seen as part of the prophet’s capability, or even our Lord’s apostleship

Mark 14:42 Knowing of the betrayer’s approach, and the action to be taken

John 21:22 Jesus refused to give an insight about someone else’s future

Here is the Divine Discretion.

Acts 5:1-11 Peter knew about Ananias of Jerusalem and his wife Sapphira, and the judgement, which would fall on them

Acts 9:11-17 Ananias of Damascus, in being called to visit Saul with guidance for his future

Acts 10:6, 19-21; 11:12 The detail of Peter’s address was given by the angel to Cornelius; and Peter’s information about the three men, and the wisdom of knowing what to do, in each case

Acts 14:8-10 Knowing that the man in the crowd had faith to be healed

Acts 20:25, 29-31; 21:10-14 Two clear examples of Knowledge and Wisdom being sub-sets of apostleship and prophecy; Paul knew that the Elders of Ephesus would face certain troubles (cf Revelation 2: 1-7) and would not see him again; and the prophecies of Agabus - in each case there was wisdom for action

Words of knowledge are not an excuse for laziness in Bible study, or finding out secular information by hard research.

Some obvious uses:

In evangelism - revealing people’s sin, and their special needs; accompanying gifts of healing - a sign to help in creating faith; revealing sin, and special needs, in the Church, guidance in relationships, logistics and in a myriad of different ways; as a sign of God’s presence; in prayer: showing us the heart and mind of Christ.

As with all the gifts, we may do exploits in a limited field: a friend, who probably has numerous words of knowledge in public meetings, often interrupts in private conversations to tell me what I am about to say next - and he is invariably wrong!

More everyday examples

An American farmer, who was a school governor, went to hear the evangelist who had hired the school premises in the evenings. He became extremely angry as the sermon developed: he thought someone had been telling the preacher about him.

A Methodist Minister had been trying to help a young lady overcome her fear of men. A picture came to him of a traumatic threat to her. He told her the details; she acknowledged them to be true, his counselling advised her to acknowledge Jesus’s presence at all times - including during the horrendous experience. Restoration came to her.

Denise, who was our house group hostess, told of her painful ankle. Chris the Curate arrived late. In a time of quietness, he had a word of knowledge about someone with a sore ankle. After much laughter, there was prayer for her healing.

A member of a visiting team from St Michael-le-Belfry, York, preparing for a church mission, pointed out a church officer who was living in adultery.

I was told that a boy - whose father was a prison warden - would soon be in prison himself. This was shortly to be the case.

Wisdom in open air preaching: “Can’t believe it!” said a man; “Don’t say can’t, say wont,” replied the preacher. At an open-air meeting, a drunken man came to the front, and shouted: “If there is a God up there, strike me dead!” The wise preacher replied: “Now thank Him that he didn’t.”

The concept of the Church as being like a human body implies the interdependence of the parts: we will need others to bless us with their use of the very gift in which we excel. There is humility in letting others be of service to us.

AN INCISIVE GIFT

[O] DISCERNMENT OF SPIRITS, 7

1253 Strong, diakriseis, dee-ak’-ree-sis, judicial estimation, discern.

4151 Strong, pneuma, pnyoo’-mah, breath of air, spirit, mind.

diakriseis pneumaton. An inner knowledge, an identifiable atmosphere, a feeling, or a vision, relating to this narrow field.

It is very close to having a Word of Knowledge, but a more specific area: a subset of the Word of Knowledge.

I would suggest that people are warned of demon activity, and are able to prepare by prayer and exorcism. The ability also includes recognising the Holy Spirit, and information about human spirits. Some see a vision, or sign, near people; others discern over many months what the truth is, behind the mask; others hear a word spoken into their mind by the Holy Spirit.

Deuteronomy 2:30 “But Sihon king of Heshbon refused to let us pass through. For the LORD your God had made his spirit stubborn and his heart obstinate in order to give him into your hands, as he has now done.”

1 Kings 3:9-12 “‘So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?’ ... So God said to him, ‘ ... discernment in administering justice ... a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.’”

John 1:42, 47 The Lord Jesus knew the kind of men Simon Peter and Nathanael were: “ You are Simon son of John. You will be called The Rock ... Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is no Jacob.”

Acts 14:7 The occasion when Paul saw that a man in the crowd, had faith to be healed.

Acts 16:16-18. At Philippi, Paul discerned an evil python spirit in a fortune-teller - the woman had screamed at them for several days!

Where words of knowledge have related to the Holy Spirit’s presence, the nature of a human spirit, or the working of an unclean spirit, we may well be seeing the gift of discernment of spirits.

There is a process of learning by experience - taking as much care as possible. All the dunameis, or spiritual powers, are for the glory of Christ, the building of the Church, and the winning of the lost: the blessing of people loved by God.

THE MISSING LINK: TEACHING

The Church has some very fine teaching, but this still remains one of its great omissions.

[P] TEACHER, TEACHING, 11

Ephesians 4:11.

1320 Strong, didaskalos, did-as’-kal-os, instructor, master, doctor.

"Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman who needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV

Implications behind the word group

“Teaching” is perhaps the easiest of the words, among the lists of Gifts, to understand, because it is in common daily use in its narrow sense - with no metaphorical connotations. In Greek it is attested from the time of Homer - from a root “to teach”. The obvious implications of the various nouns and verbs are: teaching, instructing, imparting information, the passing on of knowledge, the acquiring of skills, both practical and theoretical development, and it can mean to demonstrate - even to rehearse and act. In dealing with the noun, Kittel suggests that the rational and technical element is always strong, there is a strong intellectual bias with the teaching of skills and the development of innate aptitudes; systematic instruction is central. Within the Jewish and Christian faiths, it clearly means: interpreting, explaining, and applying the Scriptures.

One must never underestimate the power of teaching by example - “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me ...."

Karl Heinrich Rengstorf, in his contribution to Kittel, noted that the verb appears one hundred times in the Greek Old Testament, where it is concerned with training the whole person.

He also points out that “Teacher” occurs fifty-eight times in the New Testament, 48 are in the Four Gospels: 41 of which refer to the Lord Jesus - 29 are in direct address; once to the Baptist; once of Nicodemus (“you are Israel’s teacher”, John 3:10); and once to the teachers in the temple when Jesus was there as a boy.

In the New Testament the verb appears 95 times: two thirds in the Gospels and Acts, and ten times in the letters of Paul.

Some New Testament Teaching

Our Lord’s speaking is usually divided into Kerugma (Mark 1:14) and Didache: evangelism and teaching. Of course, the unconvinced needs to see “into” the Kingdom, in the full proclaiming of the Gospel - what the teaching of Jesus will mean for him; and the disciple must ever seek a fuller understanding of the Good News. Although we enter the Church through a gate named Kerugma - The Message; we continue to look more deeply into its meaning every step of our walk on Earth. The very nature of the Four Gospels shows that we need a growing instruction in the foundation of our faith. Incidentally, Hebrews 6:1-3 lists six basic areas of the Christian Faith, in this way:

* Repentance from the deeds which lead to death,

* Faith in God,

* Instruction about baptisms,

* Laying on of hands,

* Resurrection of the dead,

* Eternal judgment.

Teaching, obviously, formed a major part of the Lord’s work:

“Jesus went about all the cities and villages teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every weakness of the body among the people.” (Matthew 9v35, based on Green) This is the first “cluster” which includes teaching: along with proclaiming and healing; here also there is the distinction between teaching (didache) and proclaiming (kerugma).

The first most striking characteristic of the Lord’s teaching was His authority; the second was His use of parables. This was not something new; indeed the prophets employed them as in such famous examples as Nathan’s parable to King David, and Hosea’s life experience. (2 Samuel 12:1-25; Hosea 1:1-4:1; further examples: Judges 9:7-15; 2 Samuel 14:1-21; 1 Kings 11:29-32 ff, 20:37-43; 2 Kings 14:9 ff; Isaiah 5:1-7, 8:6-8, 14, 27:2-3; Jeremiah 13:12-14; Ezekiel 15, 16:1 ff, 17:1-24, 19:1 ff, 23:1 ff, 24:3-5).

Classical Greek writers and the Palestinian rabbis favoured them - the latter in a style culturally close to the Jesus. Professors Tasker and Marshall, writing on “Parables” in “The Illustrated Bible Dictionary”, point out that there are two kinds in the Gospels: the

TWO MODERN PARABLES

This is a story I have enjoyed telling to children (and the adults always listen).

Once upon a time (all children know what that means) ….

John Gooley was a disaster area: the brakes failed on his bicycle in the Main Street – he crashed it into a shop window and the place was strewn with bodies – tailors’ dummies.

It slowly dawned on the school that Gooley could fly!

The Head Teacher, always ahead of things, arranged a visiting lecturer for the whole school: Professor Sikorsky.

In the libraries, all the books on flying had long waiting lists.

[This is a form of allegory; and one never gives the explanation!]

Here is the “script” of a parable used only to show how to go from the known to the unknown.

“Is there anyone here this morning who has done aerobatics in a modern military jet fighter trainer?

Captain Neut, a Dutch Fleet Air Arm pilot was willing to let me join him in a test flight. I was given a flying suit of silk, a May West (life jacket), an inflatable dingy, a parachute (with a reserve chute), and I was told not to touch the red handle of the ejection device above my seat (you might see a certain pessimism here). We were strapped-in, the large cockpit cover lowered, and we taxied in ungainly fashion, to the end of the runway. There were final checks, and then Air Traffic Control clearance to take-off. It was rather like trusting Jesus to save.

The brakes were off, and the back of the seat pushes you with the full force of acceleration down the runway. After a short distance, the floor (ground) falls to become the back wall – we are going straight up into the sky: the blue ceiling like a wall before us.

We level out at several thousand feet. Firstly we perform several rolls. There are no physical sensations. The right hand wall moves to become the ceiling, and then the left hand wall, and finally the floor is back in place. We make several similar manoeuvres. (I am asked to make a 30-degree turn to port.) Now comes the loop: the floor comes up to become the front wall, but there is no sense of it coming closer. Then comes the painful bit: suddenly the floor in front, becomes the wall behind; and there is the strong sensation of a giant hand pressing down on your head, and your inside feels to be going through the floor! The sky is in front, until we reach our height again. AFTER SEVERAL AROBATIC MOVES, I feel sick, tell Captain Neut, and we land quickly!

(There is metaphor and simile, here; but not allegory.)

It is interesting to notice where people taught in the New Testament: in “their” synagogues (rather than in God’s) - implying a detachment from godliness perhaps, in Solomon’s Portico and courts at the Jerusalem Temple - known in Jesus’s boyhood and maturity and to the apostles, fields, the countryside, from a seat in a boat at the water’s edge, mountain plateau, mountainside, his house in Capernaum; and we have Paul in synagogues, market places, homes, school or lecture room - perhaps in the siesta time or evening, in a smoke-filled upper room, Athenian Government Hall, prison, and on board ship. Jesus is seen as following the style of a rabbi: standing to read the Scriptures, and then sitting to expound and apply them. As I say, Jesus had a unique authority, which impressed itself on His hearers. Also in the established style - of the prophets, he used poetry and parable.

All this makes it abundantly clear that the Christian life is about being accurately taught, and passing on that teaching to others - as we shall see.

The first sending of the apostles concluded with the report of all they had “done and taught” - implying: demonstrating the power of the Gospel before teaching it, as in the life of their Lord. (Mark 6:30, Acts 1:1)

The Great Commission was to pass on our Lord’s teaching; the apostles were soon conscious of a body of doctrine, or tradition of The Faith – not a Tradition added to the Faith. Notice the two uses of this word: the Orthodox Teaching (Tradition) and the unorthodox additions – it was this false kind, in Judaism, which crucified Christ!

^{Matthew 15:3} Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?

^{Matthew 15:6} he is not to ‘honor his father’’ with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.

^{Mark 7:3} The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders.

^{Mark 7:5} So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, “Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with ‘unclean’ hands?”

^{Mark 7:13} Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that.”

^{Colossians 2:8} See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ

Teaching is often mentioned as part of the work of apostles, along with evangelism. Within the writings of the New Testament it is invariably the apostles who are giving the instruction.

Teaching is set in a second cluster: Fellowship, Breaking of Bread, and Prayer. (Acts 2:42) A London church, which was said to have the finest preaching in the country, but sadly, seemed to have little of the other three.

Five men in the Church in Antioch are called “prophets and teachers”. (Acts 13:1-3)

To be ignorant is to be worldly: like children who are unweaned and still requiring milk rather than solid food - such was the Corinthian Church! (1 Corinthians 3:1-4)

Paul is led to give a severe warning to any who harm the Church - one would think, by introducing immorality, or false teaching: “If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple.” Just previously he had spoken of building (meaning teaching) carefully on the foundation, which is Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:10-17)

Near the beginning of his life of service, Paul wrote the two letters to Thessalonian Believers from Korinthos, within a year, or less, of their conversion; the maturity of thinking he expected from these young converts is a stunning feature. The topics in these two letters are as follows: wide ranging service of Christ, sanctification, holy and worthy living, suffering, love for the Congregation - and everyone, the resurrection of Believers, the return of the Lord Jesus, the judgement of the lost, the Antichrist, counterfeit teaching, honest toil, Church discipline, and a myriad of practical details on Christian living. In each letter he asks them to pray for his work. When we thing shortly about what should be taught, we might think of this syllabus for the newly converted - even for the children.

Leaving these two early epistles, we turn to The Pastoral Letters - among the last to be written, and see how they reveal the apostle’s great concern about teaching in the Church, in the present and in the future.

Timothy was to turn certain egotistical men from teaching false doctrines - which were based on myths and genealogies, and related more to the Old Testament Law. Paul had a sense of the “sound teaching” which had been entrusted to him. (1 Timothy 1:3-11)

God dealt with Paul so that his life could be an example to Believers - a means of teaching. (1 Timothy 1:16)

In another cluster, Paul describes himself as “a herald and an apostle ... and a teacher ... to the Gentiles.” (1 Timothy 2:7)

Ladies are to learn in quietness: presumably not debating in the meetings or talking among themselves, as they do in the synagogues and at secular events! Women teaching Christian Doctrine to the whole congregation are clearly forbidden to do this in Scripture: they are specifically ordered not to teach men, or to be in authority over men in the Church. Conversely: men are not to receive teaching from ladies, or to sit under their authority. It may be helpful to bear in mind that teaching is not the only kind of speaking found in church services: there is reporting, encouraging, testifying, a basically eclectic format, and evangelism. Ladies are commissioned to give themselves to teaching children and other women: what one would think of as being about two-thirds of the church family! What about the many skilled women theologians? Much of theological communication is eclectic (bringing together and evaluating ideas of others), research data, provocation to doctrinal thinking, didactic of information, which is not doctrinal, and apologetic reasoning (which ultimately relates to proclaiming the evangel). I would suggest that, in practice, men do find it difficult to accept doctrinal teaching from women: the Holy Spirit will not bless what amounts to disobedience and discord. Men may go away and think it out for themselves afterwards - this occurred in a Bible College I knew well: a fine lady Hebrew teacher could bring out the finer points of the OT text; my advice was that the men should note them but do their own research. This is clearly not to say that ladies cannot teach men New Testament Greek, the finer points of guitar playing or any non-doctrinal subject - or hold secular executive positions. Christian Doctrine and Church Government are the points in dispute. (1 Timothy 2:11-15 in context with 3:14-15, ignoring the chapter division)

I see it as essential that every Fellowship has Ladies Meetings, where Ladies can teach their own gender.

On September 17^th, 2017, the British Broadcasting Corporation made two significant points: in the Sunday Morning Service from a Church in Oxford, there was the Celebration of one hundred years since the Anglican Ordination of the first lady theologian; secondly, 25% of British schools are breaking Statutory Government Law, by not teaching Religious Studies to all scholars - a contributing factor being the shortage of RS teachers.

The New Testament teaches that ladies are not to teach Doctrine to the whole Church – they are responsible for teaching children, and fellow women. Church Society has a special division of its mission devoted to this area of ladies' ministry called "Priscilla".

“Able to teach” is a requirement of an Elder – although, by implication, some would do considerably more than others. (1 Timothy 3:2, 5:17)

The practically minded deacons had nevertheless to be well instructed in “the deep truths of the Faith”. (1 Timothy 3:9)

Just as there will be “super” apostles and pseudo-prophets, we must expect corrupting teachers: “The Spirit clearly says that in latter times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teaching comes through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been cauterised as with a hot iron,” strong terms indeed. The Holy Spirit follows this with some examples of the kind of doctrines to expect from these unclean sources, and the suitable style of rebuttal. “They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by believers who know the truth. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and by prayerful fellowship.” (1 Timothy 4:1-5, based on NIV and Green) In this “forbidding” we also notice the danger of the imperative as opposed to the subjunctive. Notice the sources of this iniquitous instruction: deceiving spirits, demons, and people who are hypocrites and liars. We can see this phenomenon within the established churches, and in the heretical cults - those who have known the truth, but since abandoned it. So we must constantly watch for these misleading teachers.

Also in chapter four, verses 6, 11, 13 and 16 point yet again to the importance of teaching - including by example of life and doctrine.

On numerous occasions, he directed Timothy, also an apostle, to teach; and to develop people who could in turn train other teachers. (1 Corinthians 4:17, 16:10; 1 Timothy 4:11, 6:2; 2 Timothy 2:2, 3:24)

“Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and to teaching.” (1 Timothy 4:13 cf. Green) Timothy’s ministry, as seen in this fourth cluster, was to comprise of two types of helpful kinds of speaking: to Believers, and the “public reading”. Four-fifths of the Bible was to hand - the Old Testament, plus the first New Testament documents - which were beginning to be recognised and circulated. (2 Peter 3:15-16) We should note this place given to the reading of the Scriptures in meetings: it would not be a short passage; the context suggests an hour or so of reading from the scrolls - taking us through about a third of Isaiah or of a book of the Law, along with several of the Psalms - as in synagogue services today. This concept requires a radical alteration in our present-day meetings: the kerugma and didache should be balanced by the reading of God’s Word!

Chapter five includes the synonyms: exhort or instruct, for teaching in verses 1, 11, and 16. Verse 17 shows two areas of speaking - “labouring in the Word and teaching” - to be obvious parts of the Elders’ service, and that they should receive payment for service. (4:18)

Seven mentions of teaching or synonyms appear in chapter six. Here Paul explains the evils of false teaching, and its origins - including the desire for financial or social gain. In nineteenth century Rochdale, there was the saying about some Ministers of religion: “more interested in the fleece than the flock!”

2 Timothy 1 contains another cluster: herald, apostle and teacher; and refers to the established “pattern of sound teaching” (verses 11-13)

2 Timothy 2 finds the theme continued; including the need to counter the false doctrine that the Resurrection has passed. (2:2, 15, 17-18, 24 ff)

Counteracting heresy was an area of teaching to which Timothy was often directed: “Those who oppose him (the Lord’s servant) he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” (2 Timothy 2:25-26) (Gentleness is very much the hallmark of the true Christian - as seen in the New Testament.) We might have imagined that the Corinthian Congregation, with its many failings and excesses, might have been dismissed as hopeless by the Holy Spirit; or that the Galatian Church having fallen headlong into an idea of “salvation by works” (a heresy prevalent in the established denominations today), would be beyond redemption; but in each instance, as with the instruction to Timothy, the apostle is led to see hope through accurate teaching. Indeed, as the very examples prove, heresy actually makes the truth stand out more clearly. The Holy Spirit takes us carefully through the complex issues troubling Corinthian Believers; and the crucial doctrine of salvation by faith is made precise in the Galatian letter. Even the apostles Peter and Barnabas had to be delivered from heresy!

Again we find a list, which includes our subject: teaching, way of life, purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, and sufferings. (3:10, 11)

The use of the Scriptures is seen in a wide related array: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Here also is the purpose of teaching - in these last words. (3:14-16)

Chapter 4:2-4, gives a useful analysis of teaching: “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction.” Again it is against the onslaught of false doctrine, which perverse, or ill informed, congregations can encourage.

As already mentioned, the letters from the older Paul are dominated by a cry for teaching - an impressive aspect of this subject: he saw it as the prime need. The fifteen verses of Titus chapter two contain 14 mentions in some form, or another.

Titus chapter 2:1 Titus is enjoined to be sound in his doctrine - highlighting the danger of straying into falsehood. His life must be exemplary; his teaching must be with integrity, seriousness, well thought out in acceptable words (without affectation, and logical, suggests J. B. Phillips) - leaving his enemies ashamed and with nothing to throw against him. (2:7-8) The exemplary Albert Davies, at the Fenton Street Gospel Hall, would spend an hour thinking out his message, and an hour finding the best words to make it understood.

2:2 Specifically he is to guide the older men into godly living

2:3 ff Similarly, the older ladies are to be instructed in holiness. Especially, they are called to train the younger women in blameless living

2:6 ff Young men are singled out as needing teaching in self-control. They must be encouraged and taught by example

2:9-10 Paul is concerned with the special needs of Christian slaves: that they might understand the outworking of holiness in their unique circumstances (we should transpose this teaching to employees, also)

2:12 ff The Grace of God teaches all to aspire to godliness.

A leading member of the church in Rwanda and Burundi said that a major factor in the horrendous genocide was the lack of open moral teaching in the Christian congregations. Here, in this chapter, in virtually the last of Paul’s letters, we find this list of qualities encouraged: temperate balanced life-style, worthiness of respect, self-control, soundness in faith, love and patient endurance, reverent in behaviour, without slander, not addicted to much wine, teachers of the good, love of marriage partner and children, purity, busy in the home (wives), kindness, submission of wives to husbands, doing what is good, the qualities of a good teacher - integrity, seriousness, rationality and good presentation, submission to masters/bosses at work, aiming to please employers, not answering back or stealing (billions of pounds were lost in Britain, in 1997, through internal theft in industry and commerce), trustworthiness, commending the Christian teaching, saying no to ungodliness and worldly passions, uprightness, and godliness. All this is built on the foundation of the Old Testament morality viewed in the light of Jesus’s instruction. Thirty aspirations!

False teachers were not absent. Jewish heretical teaching is one example, which created a problem in Crete. (Titus 1:10-16)

James 3:1-3, “Not many of you should be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what they say, they are a perfect person, able to keep the whole body in check.”

A fine OT example is Ezra: note his book: 7:6, 10, 11, 12; and Nehemiah 8:13

Ezra 7:6 this Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a teacher well versed in the Law of Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted him everything he asked, for the hand of the LORD his God was on him.

Nehemiah 8:13 On the second day of the month, the heads of all the families, along with the priests and the Levites, gathered around Ezra the scribe to give attention to the words of the Law.

TWO DOZEN POINTS TO CONSIDER

A person with this gift will always add to our understanding. Some who are misguided into teaching, will subtract from our grasp of doctrine - we go away feeling that we know less than when the experience started.

Some of the hardest tests for teachers are presented by the most difficult passages of the text. I remember taking a group through the Knosis concept in Philippians 2, only to find that the Tyndale Commentary, which we then looked at, made me apply my mind more carefully. Even Oskar Cullmann writing in Kittel on the “Petros” and “Petra” of Matthew 16:18, gives the two conflicting interpretations, and many so-called teachers will bring the same confusion. The two words can be interchangeable, but also refer to a massif, and to a building stone, respectively; one is feminine, the other is masculine. To trace the statement back to Aramaic/Hebrew parallelism would still require two synonyms. Punning was very much the equipment of the Old Testament prophet (Micah 1:8-14 Moffatt). To dramatise the conversation, and see the two separate subjects referred to - the nickname; and the Messianic Confession - is to make crystal clear that the intended pun is not making Peter the foundation of the Church. Deuteronomy (32:4) and Isaiah (26:4, 44:8) call God the Rock, “the Rock eternal”. The Post-Apostolic Fathers and the Apologists saw Christ, or God, as the Rock on which the Church was built. (Kittel Vol VI, pp 95-99 and 100-112)

References to the finer points of the Greek and Hebrew texts are often necessary - to clarify a translation in the English Versions; but we need to be aware of our limitations and avoid unsound deductions based on limited skill and research. We should use and quote respected textbooks, including commentaries - helping our congregations to use them also.

Heresy is only one step of human logic from sound doctrine.

One of the great sadnesses is that ranting and raving incoherence is tolerated as a substitute for clear biblical doctrinal teaching. Uninformed passion is not enough. Poor exegesis should have no place.

Another sadness is when teachers bend doctrine because of vested interest: ambition, concern over loss of income or status, their own circumstances, possible difficulties, or dogmatically held beliefs, which are truly in conflict with the whole tapestry of Scripture. A close missionary friend of mine changed his doctrinal concepts - for the better. This meant losing his total denominational support, at a critical time; but he had the courage to be open and honest. God wonderfully provided for him – his new Fellowship gave him a house!

Virtually the same is compromise of biblical doctrine: in the university or school Common Room, in the work-place, or to popular thought, consensus of national feeling, or even within the local church. Sometimes it becomes almost impossible to stand against a new and popular false teaching. It is like the fairy tale: in which only the innocent little boy will tell the truth which reveals the cunningly fabricated myth about the Emperor’s new clothes! Bringing every thought into subjection to Christ is the answer to all destructive forces - both satanic and earthly. (2 Corinthians 10:1-6)

Courage is required of every teacher. With a touch of humour, one might think of David Pawson speaking to the Women’s Aglow in Belfast, on the subject of the subjection of women in the Church. Or, more seriously, those who at times in history, have been called to present Jesus’s words to rulers, governments, leaders and monarchs. Martyrdom is the price some have paid.

Even if he is not better equipped intellectually than his students, the teacher can give his heart, his affection, and himself to them.

All who speak in public are well advised to have voice training, or risk the early curtailing of their ministry. The production of low notes from behind the lower teeth, rising to higher notes at the roof of the mouth and then back into the throat for still higher, can bring considerable enjoyment to both singing and speaking. To hum a tune or two, each morning is a “sound” discipline. Deep breathing, and holding breath for ten seconds, should also be developed.

A challenging exercise for all of us is to recollect how we learnt various truths - something to occupy our minds when unable to sleep at night. Shortly before conversion, I recollected two vital passages of the Bible: Matthew 7:7 and John 14:6 - just the words, not the references. Where had I learnt them: perhaps in Sunday school, or during a sermon?

Within his or her individual limits, a good teacher can teach something about anything to anybody. Derek Prince, recollecting his days as a Teacher Training College Principal, said: “Nothing is taught until it is learnt.” If a student, or listener, cannot understand the teacher, it is the instructor’s fault, not the student’s.

Generally, the Church is suffering from under-teaching. There are obvious reasons for this in the persecuted Church, but the issue also requires our attention in the free world. Each congregation must find its solution. Does the Sunday morning service allow for an extended acceptable effective teaching period - of at least half an hour? Are well-organised house groups the answer? Para-church organisations can provide Saturday morning teaching programmes, and many other formats, which should be used to the full; and encouraged. Specially constructed courses, a series on important topics, weekend events, holiday-time conferences (which have seen great success), audio-visual libraries, the Internet recordings and notes - which encourage people to learn in their own time and at their own speed, with a repeating of the course to bring a greater understanding (“understand” is a key word group in the New Testament), mid-week expositions (with refreshments); all these and more should be considered. Each generation will be innovative. Church study groups will probably generate their own syllabuses.

Designing a syllabus

1. An introduction to basics - such as a study of The Gospel According to Mark, the scope in Paul’s two letters to the Thessalonians, the list in Hebrews 6:1-3, or one of the numerous modern courses

2. Over many years, an introduction to all the books of the Bible, and a detailed study of them

3. Again over many years, an introduction to the major doctrines of the Church - the following list may give some ideas

Evidence for the existence of God

The nature and authority of the Scriptures: God’s opinion

The Nature of God as revealed in the Bible

[The complexity of the Divinity is to be expected: simplicity is to be suspected]

The Divine Names

The Father, Son and Spirit relationship

God and His Creation

The Person and Work of Christ:

Divinity and Sonship

Messianic Old Testament Prophecy

The Incarnation [cf Blog on “Christ the Slave of Yahweh”]

The Humanity of Christ

The Life of Christ

His Teaching: content and methods

His Signs, Wonders and Miracles

The Atoning Death

The Descent into the Place of the Dead

The Resurrection

The Ascension

Christ’s Present Work

His Coming Rule through Eschatology

The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit:

His Character and Deity

His Titles in Scripture

His Work in the Sinner - in the World, before conversion

His Work in the Church

His Work in the Believer – Sealing, Fulness, Fruit, Gifts

The Nature of the Church:

The One Church - the Body of Christ

The Nature and Logistics of the Local Congregation

Our Place in the Church

The Kingdom of God

The vocabulary of Praise

The Essential Nature of man:

The Fall

The Nature of Sin

Guilt and Punishment

The Love and Wrath of God [cf Blog on “Christ the Slave of Yahweh”]

God’s Eternal Purpose, Election, and human free will

The Kerugma/Kerygma - the Gospel Message:

Justification

Law and Grace

Predestination and Foreknowledge

Eternal security and perseverance

Baptism

Baptism in the Holy Spirit and Sealing

The history, nature, work and end of Satan

Our means of victory over him

The Last Things:

God’s plan for Human History in Prophecy

The Jews and the Church

The Gospel into all the World

The Antichrist

The Lord’s Return

The Millennium

The Last Battle

The Resurrections

Rewards

Judgements

The City of God - Heaven

Important Areas of Christian Living:

Worship

The Bible: reading, study, meditating, and memorising

The relation of the Old and New Testaments [repetition in the Historical Books, and the Four Gospels: in Old Testament Law, a serious case was only established on several testimonies, never just one, Deuteronomy 19:15, 2 Corinthians 13:1]

Prayer

Witnessing - Telling others

Missiology

The Spirit-filled life

Fruit of the Spirit

Holiness and Sanctification

Obedience

Faith

Repentance

Forgiveness

Suffering

The Submissions: home, church, work, country

Guidance

Assurance

Angels and demons

Healing

Christian character

The Christian in the family

Money and rules for giving

Prosperity and Poverty

Work

Awakening and Revival

Fasting

Victory

Counselling

Founding a new fellowship

Loneliness

Bereavement

Old People in the Church

Conflict in the Church

Justice and social responsibility

Creationism versus Evolutionism

Christianity and Science

Current Apologetics

Christian morality

Christian morality against the current World Consensus

Christianity against heresies

Christianity against the occult

Christianity against World religions

Christianity against the World’s philosophies

Christianity and Academic Disciplines

Biblical Archaeology

The Church and the Media

The Church and the Creative Arts

The Church and Music

An introduction to Theology

An introduction to Church History

Famous preachers and their sermons

The art of preaching

Leading various kinds of services

Study in Greek and Hebrew

Poetry in Prophecy - articles in Commentaries (Professor F. F. Bruce is particularly good)

Apocalyptic dreams and visions in Prophecy

[About 115]

I have drawn on T. C. Hammond’s book: “In Understanding Be Men”, IVF/IVP, first published in 1936. There are many similar publications, which give an idea of the scope of what is called Christian Doctrine. The word “theology” infers different ideas to different people: sometimes it is a synonym for objective biblical doctrine - sometimes a very secular creative entertainment for academics. This should be borne in mind when obtaining books for study - the reputation of the publishing house is usually a good guide. Prospectuses of theological colleges, and like-minded organisations can give guidance.

There are books on virtually every current subject; including many in the form of a group or private study. “Search the Scriptures”, IVP, since 1949, has been widely employed for Bible studies (individual, and group). The staffs in Christian bookshops are always ready to advise.

If your church leader thinks he or she can cover all the subjects, they are probably the wrong person for the task. Other fellowships may be asked to supply experts in particular fields, theological colleges perhaps will have courses - on-site, or distance learning, or be able to suggest a lecturer who will visit and run a course.

“Theological Education by Extension” now known as "

“TEE started in Latin America as a means of training pastors while in the ministry. It has rapidly spread round the World and diversified into distant learning courses at all levels from basic to degree-earning, often supplemented by travelling lecturers, cassettes, videos, web sites, and a wide range of relevant biblical, pastoral and social concern courses. By 1980 there were 250 known evangelical TEE centres with over 27,000 students around the World” (p 607, “Operation World”, OM, 1993). One of its advantages is that it operates for groups of people, not just for individual students.

The American, ICI University, linked with Regents (Elim) Theological College in Cheshire, is designed for individual use only, but does range from the basic level to degree qualification. ICI has offices in 127 countries and has 14,000 students on roll, and is often used by young American Christians living abroad.

Christians must be directed into serious Bible study at a suitable level. Memorising passages of Scripture is crucial. “Warner laments the lack of biblical literacy among British Christians today ... ‘Evangelicals don’t know the Bible very well’.” (“Christianity Magazine”, pp 29 ff, April 1998)

Although the reading of instructive books is important, some perspective is obvious: if I were God, and I saw believers reading piles of Christian publications more than the Bible I would weep! (How does God react when the Bible comes well down a reading list: below newspaper, novels, secular periodicals, professional textbooks and journals, and even horoscopes!)

Not every Christian leader is a teacher; full use must be made of those within a Congregation, and the wider church, who have this gift - with every encouragement given for their development.

The introduction of a common Lectionary (set readings covering much of the Bible over a period of time - three years, for example) among Methodists, Anglicans and Roman Catholics, is promising. There are, however, several dangers inherent here. The preacher may feel that on his sixth time through, he has an original and inspired insight: careful checking will reveal that the congregation are hearing the same sermon for the seventh time! Lectionary readings will often need a concentrated introduction to give them any meaning and sense of context, but the enthusiasm for a greater reading of the Scriptures cannot be bad. The editing of the biblical texts by certain versions of the Lectionary is insidious, and should be overruled. Members can be encouraged to read the full chapter at home. “The Bible Reading Record”, published by Scripture Gift Mission International, is a considerable help, and ensures that we wittingly read the whole counsel of God, as does “Our Daily Bread”, produced by The Radio Bible Class. To meet Christians of some maturity, and positions of leadership in the Church, who have not knowingly read the whole Bible, is unbelievable - to have read the Scriptures through several times in the last decade, is more appropriate. Some parts of the Bible require careful monitoring for public reading. I remember phoning the vicar for assurance that he did indeed want the passage dealing with Abraham’s nightlife read at the evening service - he did. There is the famous occasion when Ahmed Deedat, the cunning and sly Muslim debater, challenged an American evangelist to publicly read a sordid passage from Ezekiel - illustrative of Israel’s spiritual unfaithfulness. Ahmed lost his bet and paid up.

This suggests then that in addition to an on-going programme of the Lectionary passages, which can be thought of as giving balance to a meeting: the congregation will in fact benefit from the kind of comprehensive syllabus already mentioned. Such a scheme of teaching will cover: the exposition of most of the Bible (Chuck Smith suggests this is the major element for church growth), a systematic approach to the great themes of Christian doctrine, a serious look at morality, and important topics. I was once invited to join a team of young preachers, under the leadership of an older man. In committee it was decided to proceed through the Book of Acts in the morning services, and look at The Mountains of the Bible, in the evenings. The latter filled me with mild horror, but the discipline of doing something not of my own choosing, was beneficial indeed. At Bible College, students would ask: “What use is there in preaching this sermon to only a small student body?” It was pointed out that through these students, we were influencing thousands who would in the future be served by them.

Also sad, is when the pressure of a teaching programme, requires us to only read the Scriptures to find our next message, as opposed to being part of our own devotions.

“Controversial” is often taken as a complement regarding a Bible teacher. Here we should proceed with caution. A speaker may use a style of address, which invites debate with the introduction of seemingly controversial questions - a most valid stimulation, indeed. Others, quite correctly, may produce such a searing orthodoxy, that many of us are brought into line, somewhat painfully. But others will teach their own thoughts, and ideas which are far from Scripture: such are courting heresy; and we must reject this - however compelling and eloquent.

Finally, six classical Jewish Proverbs and a verse from a Psalm:

“He who scorns instruction will pay for it,

but he who respects a command is rewarded.”

“Every prudent person acts out of knowledge,

but a fool exposes his folly.”

“The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,

but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.”

“The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge;

the ears of the wise seek it out.”

“It is not good to have zeal without knowledge,

nor to be hasty and miss the way.”

“Apply your heart to instruction

and your ears to words of knowledge.”

“I have hidden your word in my heart

that I might not sin against you.”

(Proverbs 13:13, 16; 15:2; 18:15; 19:2; 23:12; Psalm 119:11)

ENTER THE MIRACULOUS

First of all, we look at the gift of faith

Read the text with care!

[Q] FAITH, 3

4102 Strong, pis’-tis, conviction, assurance, belief, faith

Four examples:

Luke 8:22-25 Faith: The Calming of he Storm

Mark 5:36 Faith: The raising of the little girl

Mark 10:52 Faith: Blind Bartimaeus receives his sight

Matthew 21:18-22 Faith: The Withering of the Fig Tree

1. Everybody has faith, and it is normal to use it in daily life.

2. We become Christians by faith.

3. Prayer is a normal exercise of faith for Christians.

4. There is a special dimension of faith – a Gift of the Holy Spirit.

The three gifts: Faith, Healings, and Working of Miracles, are obviously closely related, and often difficult to tell apart. A healing can be a miracle of power, or a prayer of faith. We may view FAITH as the overall gift, with Working of Miracles as a sub-set, and Healings as a sub-set of both. In the 1 Corinthians 12:27 ff list, there is a defined order for Apostle, Prophet, and Teacher; “workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healings”, follow these – which could imply a continuation of the order of importance: including the relationship between these two mentioned gifts. Only careful observation, experience, and revelation, will importantly lead to recognition of which divinely given charisma is being employed. It is important to identify precisely, because the “greater” gift may imply a wider ministry, and, therefore, a greater good.

For each person with this gift there will be a distinctive design: special areas, limitations, and, above all, the Sovereignty of God. Within the Body of Christ’s people, there must be submission to the divinely ordained leaders; and the aim is always, the building-up of God’s people.

We serve a Higher Authority, Who requires us to deliver His blessings to others: like the Centurion (Luke 7:8-9) who recognised the chain of command. We must always have God’s orders before us: both written, and through His Spirit. The words of the centurion to Jesus: “‘For I also am a man subject to daily authority, with soldiers under me; I say to one, Go! and he goes; and to another, Come! and he comes; and to my slave Do this! And he does it.’ Now when Jesus heard this He marvelled at him, and turned and said to the crowd that followed Him: ‘I tell you, not even in [all] Israel have I found such faith [as this].’” (Based on the Amplified Version.) The man understood that the orders he issued were required by a higher command. So we are all required by the Father to bring healing, faith works, and miracles to people – in obedience to specific commands. Do you agree, that we that we are like “the middle man” in commerce?

A yacht works because it has sails and a keel: with forces reacting together. The keel tends to keep it upright; but with only a keel, it would go no-where. With only sails, it would blow over.

The writers of Kittel are totally taken-up with the larger implications of general Faith, and rightly so.

A Note on Kittel

An American academic, no-doubt a fine Christian lady in other areas, has made a virulent attack on Kittel. A recording of her talk has, in my opinion done no good, though its circulation in our town. The lady recommends only the King James translation of the Bible, and appears not all that familiar with “The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament”. TDNT is widely used by published Commentators.

The attempt to defame this ten-volume work is based on the fact that Gerhard Kittel was a Nazi sympathizer, and that after WWII he was placed under house arrest. How far this might have influenced his editing of only the first four volumes, it is difficult to ascertain, if, indeed, any colouring does exist. Professor F.F.Bruce, who carefully checked the work, in both German and English (and corrected the German), was a member of an European Brethren Assembly, also attended by a Christian near relative of Adolf Hitler, and Bruce would have been better placed than most, to make such value judgments. FFB would have been most sensitive to any fascist presence.

In any case, the details are important: Gerhard Kittel began the compilation in 1928. Later, after arrest and banishment, he returned to his house in Tubingen. He died in 1948, having brought together the large number of articles for the first four volumes. In an almost patriarchal way, on his deathbed, he handed the baton to Gerhard Friedrich – who edited the last six books. It should be understood that a large team of theologians actually undertook the research, and their names are placed after each article, or part of an article. In the prefacing notes, it is requested that each writer is individually acknowledged, when a paper is referred to. Even though Rudolf Bultmann is among the contributors, for instance, the discipline required of the studies is such that, his scholarship, and not his theology, is evident.

Certainly discernment must always be employed, but the politics of the editors are hardly an issue.

Destructive criticism is much easier to dispense than constructive assessment. In logic, it is said that the argument of an “expert” will not always be, automatically, correct – only that they have a right to an opinion. To prohibit this scholarly work is to limit a healthy study of the text of the New Testament; to forbid all translations except the King James is to place a stumbling block in people’s path. A high percentage of Bible commentators, including Evangelicals, refer to Kittel.

A consideration of the word “Amen”

This is one of the most international of words, as Artur Weiser points out in TDNT. In both English and Greek we have an imitation, or transliteration of the original Hebrew word. Aw’mane

Statistically “Amen” is the fourth most used word for “faith” in the Old Testament. “Taking God with unremitting seriousness,” is Weiser’s helpful note. It is very much a confession of a relationship with God: “I believe and trust in God, totally.” In Anglican liturgies: “I believe in God” is often used with exemplary correctness. It is faith in God, on the basis of His clearly given promises – not in man’s invention of what God is like, or in promises we have foolishly made-up or assumed in carelessness or ignorance. We have in reality: God’s ability to fulfil, linked with our worship and obedience.

In the New Testament and the LXX, the Greek word “pisteuein”, “to believe in”, is the equivalent of “amen”. “Amen” is of far deeper significance than “I agree”, or “Yes” – a common usage. Sometimes we reduce it merely to a form of punctuation. The Hebrew root includes nuances of “amen” such as: build-up, support, to parent, to nurse, faithful, trust, believe, permanent, quiet, true, certain, assurance, establish, long continuance, steadfast, sure, truly, and verified. The word is developed in Psalms, and Isaiah is the Prophet of Faith. In the book of the prophet Jonah, the Ninevites “amened God”. Artur Weiser writes: “We thus see an expansion … to embrace the relationship with God and the whole attitude of a life lived in faith (Habakkuk 2v4; Jeremiah 7v28). Also there is the idea of the absoluteness, and exclusiveness of true religion related to the true God.”

As mentioned earlier, human beings exercise faith continually – it is a vital part of life. We trust buildings, vehicles, chairs, cooking, and even other people! Faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, however, brings about the most momentous event yet known to humanity. In this domain, Ephesians 2:8-9 is often read: “For by grace are you saved, through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God; not of works, lest any one should boast.”

J.B.Phillips translates it as: “… it was God’s gift of grace which saved you.” The same thought is stressed by Francis Foulkes (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries): “It seems better, however, especially in the light of parallelism [a carry-over from Hebrew poetry] between verse 8 and verse 9 (“not of yourselves … not of works”) to take all the qualifying clauses in contrast to salvation by grace.”

I have taken the time to look at the statement in Ephesians, because the concept of the Spirit’s gift of Faith is not being discussed in this verse. Those who think it is, bring confusion to the question of Faith. Looking at the First Century Church, it is clear that there is a faith, which all can exercise; and a special miraculous faith, given to certain Believers, as God decides in His Sovereignty.

The Principal of Ridley College Melbourne, Canon Leon Morris, brings his rich understanding as a New Testament scholar, to the issue: (on 1 Corinthians 12:9) “The difficulty here is that whereas ‘faith’ is characteristic of all Christians (they may be spoken of simply as ‘believers’). Paul is limiting it (in 1 Corinthians 12:9) to a certain group to whom it comes as a special gift. There is no difficulty about the idea of faith being a gift: all faith must be reckoned as God’s good gift to men. The difficulty is in seeing what this special faith is over against the common faith that all believers have. Unfortunately there is little to guide us. Paul proceeds to speak of things like healing and the working of miracles, so that that probably he has in mind a special faith which is associated with miraculous operations (cf. 13:2, ‘though I have all faith, so as to remove mountains’).” (Tyndale Press New Testament Commentary on 1 Corinthians, 1958.)

We might see this gift of Faith in the ministry of Intercession, faith for miracles, faith for healings, believing for God to intervene in our own, church, or international areas. It is being so assured of God’s will, that nothing can prevent it happening: it is a certainty, our prayer is irreversible, there is no alternative. It is the knowledge that He wishes to hear our prayer – wants to answer in the affirmative, more that we long for it.

We should quickly learn to discern when God is committed to granting our request; and stop our pleading: replacing it with thanksgiving, praise and worship. Ideally, prayer should not be an expression of worry or superstition.

Concern about how much faith we need is disastrous – our vision should be filled with the unlimited power of Yahweh. Jesus told us that we do not need a Mount Hermon sized faith (a huge area like Wales), but only the minute dimension of a mustard seed. Sometimes, God only needs a nod-and-a-wink, because His own desire to answer is so great.

One of the clearest examples happened in our church c. 1980. One of the Elders was a businessman and his warehouse was burgled of a thousand pounds’ worth of stock. A visiting Evangelist offered to pray for him, and there was a dynamic about the prayer: there was an inevitability that God would act. A young man who worked for the firm – although he was under age – was drinking in a local public house, and overheard a local dealer selling cut-price material. This led to a police raid on the criminal’s garage, from which most of the stolen items were recovered.

David Pawson tells of an orphanage near Tokyo, which needed to expand, but a steep impossible mountain stood in the way. Whilst the staff members were away on a month’s holiday by the sea, the City Council took it away for landfill, to reclaim an area near the harbour.

The nineteenth century saw some great leaders in the realm of faith: C. T. Studd, Hudson Taylor of the China Inland Mission, and George Muller.

To give details of the latter: George Muller

This nineteenth century altruistic worker eventually ran five large orphanages in Bristol, without ever asking publicly for funds or help. Within his lifetime he received one and a quarter million pounds, in answer to prayer. It was known for him to say grace for a meal before scores children, with no food in hand. Invariably, a deliveryman would be at the door, with an excuse for being late, and a large gift of suitable provisions. When he died, the streets of the city were lined with mourners, in his honour. He was travelling across the Atlantic, on a preaching tour, when the ship was delayed by fog off the coast. He told the Captain, that if God wanted him there, the fog would be cleared; and it was.

The Church abounds with many testimonies of the Gift of Faith.

The wonderful faith-gift of great missionaries led to some confusion in the next century. Young people entering missionary work felt they should live by a similar dimension of faith. Operation Mobilization had to formulate clear guidance on realistic support from the sending churches.

So then: knowing the mind of God – the Culture of the Kingdom – which comes with a commitment to reading the Scriptures, is essential. I would recommend reading the Bible through each year: 3 chapters daily, with 5 on a Sunday, will just about do it!

[R] GIFTS OF HEALINGS

2386 Strong, iama, ee'-am-ah, cures, healings

5486 Strong, charisma, khar'-is-mah, gift

xarismata iama

I have not had a ministry of healing, and I appreciate the obvious reasons why this had to be so, having in mind the kind of evangelism I was called to. Healings would have given me an unfair advantage in the environment, given me a great responsibility to devote time to the sick, and made my work impossible. We attended Bridge Street Foursquare Gospel Church, a few years after Smith Wigglesworth’s frequent visits. Members of his family were still in the congregation, and there were many “recollections of his activities”. Indeed, the large fellowship (500 on a Sunday evening) had been founded during the heady days of healing revival in the 1920’s, which had been front-page news in the Leeds papers - 2,000 were converted in ten days. In 2003 the church had four Ministers and two morning services. It had acquired an adjacent building for offices, and later moved to large premises away from the city centre. Later the city Centre property was sold, and a large disused secondary school and its land acquired in the vicinity of St James' Hospital. Obviously, I have known many people who have been miraculously healed by God, and on at least three occasions have experienced healing.

Note that there is no article and it is plural; some think this implies gifts to heal certain kinds of illnesses: such as a person with a gift to heal cancer, or blindness. I met a Pastor of the Pentecostal Church at Caen, Normandy (1979-80) who was particularly blessed in healing blindness. There is also the implication, that each healing – within this gift of the Spirit – is especially dedicated for just one healing at a time. It is not standing outside a hospital, and calling, “Everybody out!” Miracle Working and Faith have a wider scope of course.

It is not praying for sick people in the hope that they might suffer less, or recover “somehow”: it is bringing healing from God: "Be healed".

There will often be an element of MYSTERY.

Canon Professor Leon Morris writes in the Tyndale Press Commentary on 1 Corinthians (1958): “There is no article with ‘gifts of healing’ (nor with any other item in this list). The effect is to fasten attention on the quality of the gift, rather than its individuality. ‘Healing’ is plural in the Greek, which perhaps means there were ‘healings’ for various kinds of sickness and disease.” (p. 171)

Details of the words used, and the background of healing in the Greco-Roman era

In the “iaomai” (ee am’ah) group of words there is a wide range of associations: to wait on someone menially, to worship and adore God, but especially to relieve of disease, cure, heal, make whole, save, deliver, protect – there is an etymological link with “Iaso” (ee-aso), the healing daughter of the god of healing in mythology: Therapeia (which gives us “therapeutic”). Here there is the implication of attendance, healing, and a household domestic. “Soterion” implies: uncorrupted health, deliverance, that which is beneficial, a festive time, salvation, and a salvation offering.

Primitive man seems to have linked illness to some form of spiritual attack. Before 2,000 BC there was an accumulation of medical knowledge in both Greece and Egypt: leading to the later establishment of the eminent medical schools. Luke, the Gospel writer, may have studied in Alexandria (although his Alexandrian Greek may have come more directly from a saturation in the Septuagint Greek of the translation of the Old Testament, which was completed in the Alexandrian area, Third Century BC). The period beginning 600 BC saw the recognition and organisation of doctors, which crystallized in the famous “Hippocratic Oath” (Hippocrates c. 420 BC).

The god of healing, in Greek culture was Aesculapius (or Asclepieios), which gave Aesculapieon (or Asclepieion) as the name of temple complex dedicated to healing: the Medical Centre of the time. I find the second spellings, of the guidebooks, easier to say. Cast, or carved models of the poorly parts, were hung in the temple and are now displayed in the archaeological museum in Ancient Corinth. (This excavated site is three and a half miles from the modern city.) These are thought to be “thank” offerings for healings that have taken place; but my own theory is that they are prayer tokens to the god – for healing. On the map of first century Korinthos, the Medical Centre can be seen next to the Athletics Complex – the Gymnasium, with the distinctive shape of the Running Track. Paul the apostle may have visited this area frequently with leather goods – they were used in several sports: boxing - covering for the hands and punch bags, javelin throwing – wrapped round the staff to assist the throw, and armour in fighting. It is not surprising that he illustrates his letters with several parallels between the spiritual life and the Games. Indeed, the view from the Portico of the Medical Centre, with the models of the dismembered parts, towards the athletes on the track, may have contrasted for him, the living body of the balanced church, with the dysfunctional divided congregation.

Surgical instruments and remedies were developed, but the mystical ethos of the “Hospital” was utilised to the full. There was the importance of the laying on of hands, and touching with spittle – certainly of an eminence such as the Emperor Vespasian, or the Emperor Hadrian. Testimonies could be read whilst waiting, and humour was recognised as having a value, as in the Old Testament Book of Proverbs. There may be similar material available in the waiting rooms today. There were doctors in the ancient world who created a semi-divine mode, and no doubt secretaries who saw themselves as demi-gods! (TDNT, Albrecht Oepke, wrote the main definitions used here.)

“In Palestinian Judaism of the time there were no workers of miracles, nor were there any who were honoured as such.” Schlatter, TDNT, Vol. III, p. 129) In the following centuries there were surprisingly few instances on record of healings – in answer to prayer – in the synagogues. (ibid)

A friend returning from preaching in Ghana, observed: “It is expected that the ill are healed there, whereas, here in Britain it is the exception!”

A close friend, a fine evangelist, prayed for an elderly lady – only to find, to his surprise, that her back was healed. In the Book of Acts, healing was often part of the evangelist’s gift.

There is a beautiful verse in John’s Third Epistle:

“Beloved I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” NKJV

“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” NIV

Muslims are allowed to pray to Jesus (Isa) for their healing.

I suggest FIVE LEADING QUESTIONS:

1. Why do we suffer, initially?

2. Why are we healed?

3. How are we healed?

4. Why are we not healed, when we pray?

5. What about medical treatment?

It is impossible for a human to know all the answers about suffering in this life: no list can be encyclopaedic. The old illustration of the tapestry is applicable: all loose ends for those working at the back, but finally we will see the finished work from the front. No healing is forever; otherwise there would be people walking about 2,000 years old, who were healed in the Gospels.

The Scriptures, in particular the life of our Lord, abound with guidance on the practice of healing, and it is here that the person with the gift must learn to become skilled and informed. In a congregation of a hundred, one would expect several to have the dedicated gift of healing – in addition to the Elders, evangelists, those with Faith, and the workers of miracles.

Why do we suffer? Why are we ill in the first place?

I offer twenty-four possible reasons for illness – there are others, no doubt.

1. Sickness and suffering are in the World, because of the fall of humans into sinfulness. Atheistic Evolutionists will ask, “Why is the World not perfect, if made by a perfect God?” They need to read the small print: about the Fall of Man and the Curse that followed. We see a “once perfect World”, now spoiled by human sin. There is the popular illustration of a child’s set of toy bricks. The mother has spelled the words of a sentence; but later the child has carelessly walked across the floor and knocked a few letters out of place. The damage was not sufficient to hide the meaning of the original sentence, but it is no longer perfect. We experience a damaged World.

John chapter 9 verses 1-3 read: “As He went along, He saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked Him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’” Here are two more reasons for illness: our own sin, and the sins of parents – the sins of others. The first could not have applied to this man: he could not have sinned before he was born.

2. Judgement on our own sin.

When Jesus healed an invalid at the Pool of Bethesda, He concluded the occasion with these words: “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse will happen to you.” (John 5:9)

Abimelech, King of Gerar, and his people were under threat of death, because the King had taken Sarah, Abraham’s wife – albeit in innocence. Here are the two reasons for illness again – his sin, and the evil of others. (Genesis 20:3, within the context of the whole chapter)

Health as a blessing, and the contrast of cursing, were promised to the Israelites, on the basis of their obedience to God’s Laws: “If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His eyes, if you pay attention to His commands and keep His decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians….” (Exodus 15:26; Leviticus 26:14-16, 39 ff; Deuteronomy 30:1 ff; Psalm 1)

Psalms 32, 38, 41:4, 51, 88 and 107:10-22 show the importance of confession of sin related to healing.

^{Psalm 41:3-4} The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed
and restore him from his bed of illness.
I said, “O LORD, have mercy on me;
heal me, for I have sinned against you.”

Mark 2:9 indicates how Jesus forgave a person’s sin, in order to bring health. In the time of the Antichrist, those who receive the mark, and worship his image, will receive “ugly and painful sores” from a righteous God. (Revelation 16:2)

Practising male homosexuals are being advised by the British Medical Association, to have the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination to reduce the risk of anal cancer. In a letter from the BMA to the Health Minister: “The increasing incidence of HPV and development of anal lesions in gay men, particularly HIV positive gay men, is alarming.” (Viewed 24 January 2013, Christian Concern)

A Consultant in this field took early retirement, because he was so shocked by the situation with same sex practice in men.

3. Illness can be the result of our parents’ or ancestors’ sins: their responsibility, and ours to future generations. Put another way: we are warned to live carefully, otherwise future generations may suffer because of our waywardness. The Decalogue stipulates that God will punish “the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me”. (Exodus 20:4) These are the rules of hereditary, genetics, and life.

The sin might be general, or identifiable; and the suffering may be widespread. King David saw the death of his young son, because of his lawlessness: the slaying of Bathsheba’s child because he had committed adultery and murder. (2 Samuel 12:15-19)

Elijah heard these words from the Widow of Zarephath: “What do you have against me, man of God? Did you come to remind me of my sin and kill my son?” (1 Kings 17:18)

4. National, or Cultural Wickedness. 70,000 people died as a punishment for corporate evil: “Again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel….” (2 Samuel 24:1-17) The Old Testament abounds with examples: Numbers 21:4-9; 1 Chronicles 21:1 ff, to mention just two more.

5. Jesus’s reply to the question mentioned earlier: “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.”

These are the most beautiful words an ill person can hear: God is going to be honoured in your healing!

6. To halt the unconverted in their tracks, and make them think about God. C. S. Lewis called suffering “God’s megaphone” – this could also be true for Believers, who are not paying attention.

An old-time evangelist used to say: “Some people never look up, until they are laid flat on their backs.”

Cruel insanity came to King Nebuchadnezzar so that he would strive for a higher sanity, and be converted. (Daniel 4:1 ff)

7. As part of God’s discipline to refine our character: chastening and correcting (James 5:1 ff). Deuteronomy 8:5 reads: “Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you.” Suffering is a way to maturity. Isaiah 30:26 c "when the LORD binds up the bruises of his people and heals the wounds he inflicted." God may inflict illness, so that we turn to Him for restoration.

God wants to hear us give thanks: even in the hard times!

^{Ephesians 5:20} Always giving thanks to God the Father .

Even being delivered to Satan for the destruction of our flesh, that we might learn not to blaspheme, is ultimately for their good and, hopefully, restoration. (1 Corinthians 5:1-8; 2 Corinthians 2:5-11; 1 Timothy 1:20)

The aetiology of Job’s suffering is complex: God permitting Satan to afflict him virtually with every kind of ill, in order to prove Job’s integrity; but also to channel him into greater understanding and blessing. The quality of Job’s godliness could still be developed.

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, may have been written by Daniel, and mentions the word of God in almost every verse, and has 5 telling statements about ailments.

“Before I was afflicted I went astray,

but now I obey your word.” verse 67

“It was good for me to be afflicted

so that I might learn your decrees.” verse 71

“I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous,

and in faithfulness you have afflicted me.” verse 75

“If your law had not been my delight,

I would have perished in my affliction.” verse 92

“I have suffered much:

preserve my life, O LORD, according to your word.” verse 107

8. Here, with Job is a further use of hardship: to demonstrate the grace of God in our lives and the loyalty of His people: to men and to angels. God trusted Job in suffering!

9. To mercifully prepare us, and friends and relatives, for our death. Preparation for Bereavement.

10. To take us home: we must all die (apart from those alive at the Return of Christ). Paul had the hope that he would die, perhaps as a martyr, so that he could experience the full power of the Resurrection. In the Salvation Army it is called “Promoted to Glory”. I sit next to a very simple fellow at Church (so does he), and I explain Heaven to him in these terms: “Death is like an all-expenses-paid holiday – the holiday of a lifetime, which lasts for ever, and it becomes our home. The company is the best. I’ll see you there!”

I am going to transfer my membership to the Church in Glory.

The process of dying will not be nice for most, but God gives special grace. (1 Peter 1:13; Jude verse 21) Once, when I was dangerously ill, and very close to death, there was no grace to die, and I was confident that I would recover, because of this teaching.

AN EMAIL IN A TIME OF BEREAVEMENT

29^th October, 2020

I apologise, if this note is in any way inappropriate, but I am trying to save time and effort at a difficult time for the family.

Florence has been failing in health for some time, but wonderfully cared for, and supported, by Family and Friends, Springhill Hospice at Home, District Nurses, Care4U, Routes, and our Village Medical Practice. At 14.05 hrs today (Tuesday, 29 October, 2020) she quietly slipped away.

I have so much to thank and praise God for, in bringing, and keeping us, together for these fifty-nine truly remarkable years.

Two Meaningful quotations:

Therefore we are always confident and know that …. We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him. 2 Corinthians 5:6-9

Quite remarkably in my somewhat sequential reading of the Scriptures, in this morning’s devotions, I came to this passage:

“Son of man, with one blow I am about to take away from you the delight of your eyes …. my wife died.” Ezekiel 24:16 – 18

A BOOK REVIEW

“TALKING ABOUT DYING”, Help in facing death and dying, Philip Giddings, et al

Wilberforce Publications, a subsidiary of Christian Concern, London, 2017

Suffice to say that the four writers are eminently qualified: University Lecturer, member of the Church of England’s General Synod and Archbishops Council; Anglican Priest and Author; a medical Doctor treating children and adults suffering from cancer; Medical Director and CEO of a Christian Hospital, senior posts in the Macmillan Cancer Support, and Hospice establishments.

Recommended by Most Rev. Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, and others

We all have to face some of the many facets of the end of life and bereavement. This book of 182 pages covers virtually 99% of the bases: drawing from a wide spectrum of experience, and well-chosen sources, with tenderness and compassion. It will assist us in our own times of need, and to be there for others. Most people will find it a valuable source of information - things which we all should beware of, and there will be surprises, I think.

AIR TRAVEL – COMING IN TO LAND [A Parable]

As the aircraft was returning from the Mediterranean, he felt that they were starting to lose height – just after crossing the English Channel and the South Coast.

There are two things I have not told you.

Secondly, be warned, this is a parable.

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints.” (Psalm 116:15) Paul prayed: “…that Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” (Philippians 1:20) It is not good for people to look for some judgmental reason for the death of a Christian, and it shows disrespect for the dead, that even the world frowns on. The prime reason is the Glory of God.

11. To warn everybody of the brevity of life.

12. Illness can be a means of guidance. The classic example is Paul’s sickness requiring him to stay in Galatia: “As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you. Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus Himself … if you could have done so, you would have torn out your own eyes and given them to me.” (Galatians 4:12-15)

13. To help us in the struggle for humility. Paul, following his remarkable visionary experiences, required just such assistance – in the form of an illness.

“To keep me from becoming conceited because of my surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan (this could imply an angel of Satan), to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10; Paul mentions “weakness” three times in this short passage)

Here are two reasons for illness in the life of Paul, an apostle; a third would be the cost of discipleship – in persecution, or hard work and concern for the churches. A Christian doctor has identified the eye complain as a common condition of the time and place; it may have caused his large handwriting, used in his signature of the Galatian Letter (6:11).

14. The direct result of deep spiritual experiences: Daniel suffered from the visions he was given – lack of strength, helplessness, deathly paleness, and in a deep sleep with his face to the ground; his companions did not see the vision, but were overwhelmed, fled in terror, and hid. John, the apostle suffered similarly, when he saw Christ in Glory: “I fell at his feet as though dead.” (Daniel 8:27, 10:7-11; Revelation 1:17)

15. Suffering for the work of God: like Paul, Epaphroditus “almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help” the Philippians could not give through absence. (2:30)

“For it has been granted to you on the behalf of Christ not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for Him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear I still have. (Philippians 1:29, 30) Whatever the nature of this affliction, it would mean a diminution of health.

16. Suffering comes as a direct result of persecution: Paul experience stoning (Acts 14:19, 20) and imprisonment; there are long lists of suffering in 1 Corinthians 4:8-13 and 2 Corinthians 11:23-33.

“To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless, we are cursed … persecuted … slandered ….”

“… worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have laboured and toiled and often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.” In Damascus he escaped King Aretas by being lowered over the wall in a basket.

The Psalmist writes:

“Why must I go about mourning,

oppressed by the enemy?

My bones suffer mortal agony

as my foes taunt me,

saying to me all day long,

‘Where is your God?’” (Psalm 42:9 a-10)

17. Lack of preparation for taking the Bread and the Wine in the Communion Service can bring about illness and death. (1 Corinthians 11:27-32)

18. Our own carelessness, in not looking after ourselves, may cause ill health. Two international experts writing in “The Economist”, pointed out: “No single change would save more lives than if people routinely washed their hands before touching food.” “Winter may be the greatest public-health intervention in the world.” (The Economist”, August 4

19. Poverty is sadly the cause of malnutrition and its resultant illnesses, in an uncaring World. There are two collections for the poor of other nations in the New Testament – Acts 11:27-30, and 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9. In the first, the Charismatic Church in Antioch received a prophecy, which led them to help in averting suffering, brought about by famine, in Judea. The second was the collection that occupies the two chapters of Paul’s second letter to Korinthos. The Early Church was egalitarian: Acts 6:1-4 – “the daily distribution of food” to the poor, and Acts 4:32-37 – “No-one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had…. There were no needy persons among them. From time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.” Barnabas is a notable example.

20. Some refused to be healed – they enjoy it too much. For morbid reasons, they revel in the attention, and rely on Government support. Jesus often asked if people wanted to be healed, He was not in the habit of thrusting a cure on them. In 1992, there was an orchestration against the London healing campaign of Maurice Cerullo; here were disabled folk saying they did not want restoration. What right did they have to speak for all invalids? There is trauma in serious conditions, and also, to some extent, in miraculous deliverance. True healing will cover the whole spectrum. There will be the requirement to stop state invalidity pensions, and look for work!

21. There may be a public demonstration of God’s judgement on evil.

Scripture abounds with examples:

Numbers 21:4-9 The plague of venomous snakes killed many of God’s people.

1 Corinthians refers to the Israelites, who died in the desert because of idolatry, pagan revelry, immorality, putting God to the test, or grumbling.

1 Kings 13:1 ff King Jeroboam’s hand was shriveled

Acts 5:1-11, and 13:6-12 describes how Ananias and Sapphira, and Elymas were public punished

Acts 12:19-25 King Herod Agrippa the Elder was struck by an angel of God, so that he died eaten by worms. Josephus, the First Century historian, tells of the events in even more detail – “Antiquities” Book 19, chapter 8, paragraph 2.

Acts 13:4 ff. The temporary blinding of Elymus, who interrupted the preaching of the Gospel at Paphos, Cyprus (see above).

22. The action of Satan: “whom Satan has kept bound”, Jesus “went about doing good, and healing all who were under the power of the Devil”. (Luke 13:16, Acts 10:38)

23. The real need, to which we are being drawn, is that of exorcism.

24. One may further see the cause as the vicissitudes of life, accident, natural disaster, and many other origins.

The answer for some is to seek repentance and forgiveness in conversion to the Lord Jesus Christ, or even repentance within the Christian life. It may be to seek the real will of God in our lives. Church Leaders may be of assistance. It could be that we must have a term of rest and recovery. Such was the case of Elijah, who found rest, food, exercise, and finding a helper-successor.

As Satan is behind most suffering in our lives, it is often right to say, "The Lord rebuke you Satan!"

How are people healed?

The remarkable quality of Human Tissue to self-heal; medical skill; the miraculous

The wisdom and love of our Creator is shown in the natural healing characteristics of human tissue – something often overlooked in modern medicine. How delighted we would be if cars and televisions repaired themselves in a similar way. God has also granted that we can find medical cures. All this is summed up in the words of Psalm 103:3,

“He forgives all my sins

and heals all my diseases….”

A title of God in the Old Testament is “Yahweh Ropheca” – the Lord who heals you. Exodus 15:26

Why is there miraculous healing in the Church, today? The answer is that Jesus purchased healing for us in the Atonement. The English word is At-one-ment; the Hebrew means covering, reconciliation.

Isaiah 53:5 gives the doctrinal statement of healing:

“But he was pierced for our transgressions,

he was crushed for our iniquities;

the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,

and by his wounds we are healed.”

This passage is quoted in the New Testament as the basis for our Lord’s healing authority. (Matthew 8:16 and 17)

There are those in the Church today who claim a divine law here: which God Himself must obey; two points must be realized.by his wounds you have been healed”.

The Messianic Promise contained the Gospel of wholeness, as seen in the words:

“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,

because the LORD has anointed Me

to preach good news to the poor.

He has sent Me to bind up the broken-hearted,

to proclaim freedom to the captives

and release to the prisoners,

to proclaim the year of the LORD’S favour….”

(Isaiah 61:1 ff)

The German sixteenth century artist, Grunewald only painted religious subjects; over a third of his extant works depict the Passion. In his commission for the Antonites, known as the Isenheim Altarpiece, now in Colmar, the work of this order influenced the depiction of Christ on the Cross, in both painting and film. Their hospital cared for sufferers from St Anthony's Fire, a skin disease related to the plague and reckoned incurable. "Those disfigured worshippers would find consolation in a God whose torture had robbed Him also of all beauty and seemliness. ... this ... is common to all Grunewald's Crucifixions...; a reference to Isaiah[53].” Here Christ is seen bearing our sicknesses: He is on the Cross, and covered with the ugly and fatal skin disease. (Anthony Bertram, “Grunewald”, The World Masters – New Series, The Studio Publications, 1950)

The atonement sacrifices of the Tabernacle were a protection against illnesses. (Numbers 8:19)

The plague of venomous snakes required that the sick and dying looked to the Bronze Snake: a model placed on a pole. Our Lord Jesus referred to it in these words: “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.” (Numbers 21:4-9; John 3:4) In the holistic sense, the fullness of salvation and healing are linked to the Crucifixion, and its type – the Bronze Serpent on its pole.

Here is a striking statement, which needs some qualification: Jesus did not pray publicly for the sick – He brought healings to people with authority, I would suggest, from a secret life of prayer.

We might consider these words of King David:

“Morning by morning, O LORD,

you hear my voice;

morning by morning I lay

my requests before you

and wait in expectation.”

(Psalm 5:3)

At the raising of Lazarus, our Lord made a special point of praying before the crowd:

“Father I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” (John 11:42)

Even on this special occasion, the prayer is actually thanksgiving, and not an intercession. Jesus had already taught that supplication before a secular-public was unacceptable. (John 11:41-42; Matthew 6:5-8) Incidentally, we should always be ready to hear God telling us He has answered; and turn to thanksgiving and worship. Oepke writes: The most common means of healing is Jesus’s word of power, his command.”

Similarly, there is only one recorded occasion of Paul praying for a sick person, and then in relative privacy: Publius’s father on the island of Malta – tradition says that the main church in Mdina is on the site of the Chief Magistrate’s house. (Acts 28:8) True the “prayer of faith”, on the part of the Elders, will save the sick. Here we imagine a formal ceremony of confession of sins, anointing with oil, and prayer. Notice the initiation of the event by the sickly person, and the corporate gift of specifically the Elders – plural. (James 5:13-16)

Most churches fail to provide this facility. It urgently needs to be attended to.

Ananias came to Saul of Tarsus, in Damascus, with a clear gift – even a command – of healing: “Placing his hands on Saul … ‘so that you may see again …Brother Saul, receive your sight!’” (Acts 9:17-18)

I am very conscious that some Christians embarrass the poorly, by very public demonstrations of praying, without true permission – even in hospital wards! The tactful, quiet prayers of an official hospital visitor can, however, be most beneficial to a wide circle. The contrast is obvious: our Master, well prepared in prayer and revelation, beforehand; the current Christian practice of “hedging our bets”, by praying in vague hope of healing. The true spiritual gift of healing has a greater certainty than this.

So the cure may come through the Gifts of Faith, Working of Miracles, a Gift of Healing, as part of the Evangelist’s work, or the Elders using the authority of their office.

Restoration may also be ours through the Scriptures being specially illuminated to us by the Holy Spirit. The preacher quotes the passage:

“Strengthen the weak hands,

And make firm the feeble knees.” (Isaiah 35:3)

This was my experience, when rheumatism made walking very difficult.

Perhaps we read: “How long will you lie there you sluggard?

When will you get up from your sleep?” (Proverbs 6:9)

The Spirit of God impresses this word upon us – this word is for us now!

“He sent forth his word and healed them;

He rescued them from the grave.” (Psalm 107:20)

This suggests more than the written word, it implies the sovereignty of God.

“My comfort in my suffering is this:

Your promise renews my life.” (Psalm 119:50)

“I have suffered much;

renew my life, O LORD,

according to your word.” (Psalm 119:107)

Psalm 6 is a prayer of King David, at a time of illness.

Psalm 30:2: “O LORD my God, I called to you for help

and you healed me.”

Jeremiah 17:14: “Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed;

save me and I shall be saved,

for you are the one I praise.”

The private prayers of Elijah brought life to the Widow of Zarephath’s son, and validated the prophet’s service for God: “Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the LORD from your mouth is true.” (1 Kings 17:17-24)

Elisha brought the woman of Shunem’s son back to life. (2 Kings 4:8-37)

In an Old Testament example, obedience is a condition: Naaman, the Aramite Army Commander in Chief, had to wash symbolically seven times in the River Jordan. (2 Kings 5:1 ff)

The Book of Proverbs encourages a wise philosophy of life, which will protect us from several inroads of illness.

“Do not be wise in your own eyes;

fear the LORD and shun evil.

This will bring health to your body

and nourishment to your bones.” 3:7

“An anxious heart weighs a man down.

But a kind word cheers him up.” 12:27

“Hope deferred makes the heat sick,

but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” 13:12

“A cheerful heart is a good medicine,

but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” 17:22

Albrecht Oepke, of Leipzig University, also wrote, firstly about the Gospels: “Many of the accounts authenticate themselves by their vividness and simplicity (Mark 1:29 ff, 10:46 ff, etc).” He also observes that “The Gospel of Thomas”, and an apocryphal “Book of Acts”, illustrate the entrance of literary imagination into these pseudo-Christian inventions. John the Baptist required no such signs of attestation, and the first Believers did not have an avid and uncritical desire for the miraculous. (Mark 9:38; Acts 19:13) The fact that the miracles and the accounts of them, are intended to lead to faith in Jesus as Lord and Saviour, is a conscious antithesis to the Greek healing cults, such as those of Aesculapius and Dionysus. Oepke compares the miracles of Jesus with the records and accounts of the Epidauros healing sanctuary, where egotism, selfishness and fiscal gain, were the ethos – it was more of a luxury sanatorium. Apropos the Aesculapieion (the hospital) at Cos: “In comparison, the mode of healing practised by Jesus is infinitely simple, externally unimpressive, but inwardly so much the more powerful.” (pp 206-209, “Theological Dictionary of the New Testament”, vol. 3)

From his knowledge of contemporary attempts at healing, Oepke sees the ministry of Jesus as being on a totally higher plateau, in every sense. Further, there was no dependence on location, as Jesus rarely offered grace in the Temple or synagogue: more often than not, it was in a home or in the open air.

There is such a thing, I think, as the pre-grace, mercy of God (as at the pool of Bethesda, where an angel stirred the waters, but only the first person to fall in the water was healed. (John 5:1-15) There will be other examples of this in the world: but full information and discernment are vitally important: such as Acupuncture, and possible links with the occult.

HOW ARE PEOPLE HEALED?

For the man who had been blind from birth – up to this point – Jesus anointed his eyes with mud, made up of dust and spittle. (John 9:1 ff) Spittle alone was sometimes used; it may have been that the traditional olive oil was not to hand. (Mark 7:33, 8:23, 6:13) Saliva is amazingly, “miraculously”, active in oral hygiene, according to a poster seen in Dentists’ waiting rooms. Within the Empire, the spit of the Caesar was credited with healing properties. The laying-on of hands is the most common physical display of contact, in healing. There are other, quite often remarkable, cases of powerful grace: the mere touching of Jesus’s cloak, Peter’s shadow passing over the sick, articles of Paul’s clothing being taken to the suffering, and compassion at a distance. (Mark 5:25-34; Luke 6:19; Acts 5:15, 19:12; Matthew 8:5 ff, 15:21-28; Luke 7:10; John 4:46-54)

We must notice the deep feeling of our Lord Jesus’s “sighs” – in healing, compassion and prayer (see also Psalm 38:8-9). Our Saviour, in His humility, healed because God was with Him. (Acts 10:38) Luke tells us that “the people all tried to touch Him, because power was coming from Him and healing them all”: implying that this was not always the case. (Luke 6:19)

There is the need now for a digression. The danger exists of counterfeit healing by the arch-confidence trickster himself - Satan. The healing in Christ is real, and in love. There are, unfortunately, perilous fringe healers, such as Reiki practitioners, who are knowingly or unwittingly, pawns of the Evil One, and who use occult forces. They present a most confusing issue to all of us, and prayer, discernment, and sound teaching, are the order of the day. Balaam is such a case, in the Jewish Bible. (Numbers 22 and following chapters, Deuteronomy 23:4; Joshua 13:22; 2 Peter 2:15-16; Revelation 2:14 ff)

Another hazard is that of committing a crime in the name of curing: making false, unsubstantiated claims in advertising; or abusing children or the grievously sick, by

One may also meet the common false exegesis of 2 Chronicles 16, which tells of King Asa’s gestures of keeping God out of his military and medical affairs. The real warning is against seeking healing totally apart from God – in fact from those forces which are indirect opposition to God: as an act of rebellion.

“Chambers Dictionary” notes that in Hebrew, Asa means “Healer”. In the early part of this reign he had led a reforming revival.

250 years later Jeremiah wrote:

“Cursed is the one who trusts in man,

who depends on the flesh for his strength

and whose heart turns away from the LORD.” (Jeremiah 17:5)

AN EXAMPLE OF DANGER

This is a true story – written as a book, and then produced as a film, and shown during the early hours, in the UK. Larry Parker wrote this cautionary tale about his wife, little girl, and his son Wesley. Wesley required regular doses of insulin. The Minister of their Pentecostal Church had invited a healing evangelist to conduct key meetings that raised expectation of healings. A house group persuaded the parents to demonstrate their faith for the healing of Wesley, by discarding his insulin – into the dustbin. Although tests indicated that there was no cure, they persisted, and Wesley died within a short time (in 1973).

The Pastor had wisely advised seeing a Doctor at the crucial time. Their faith for a resurrection was unanswered. Neighbours trashed the home; the daughter was placed into social care, and the parents were taken to court charged with Criminal Neglect. The Barristers were gentle, the Jury included people with experience of healing in the Church, and the atmosphere of the Court was sympathetic. The United States Supreme Court ruled that children should not be denied essential medical care because of the guardians’ religious beliefs. Sentencing was withheld, and the two parents were placed on five years’ probation.

The words and concepts, pressures and encouragements, to demonstrate faith, offered in the House Group, were of the kind heard in thousands of church groups worldwide. Why were they wrong? It was tempting God – trying to force His Sovereign Will – it was sinful. When Satan tempted our Lord to jump from the Temple parapet, the rebuttal was: “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” (Matthew 4:7, quoting Deuteronomy 6:16) The latter verse added: “As you did at Massah”. This refers to the time when Moses brought water from the rock at Horeb by striking it, because the people had tested God by saying, “Is the LORD among us or not?” (Exodus 17:1 ff) Questioning, or trying to place God in an untenable position, giving no option, asking God to prove Himself, is not for Humans. It is setting an examination for God to sit, in an unsubmissive and rebellious spirit. God may test us: but we must never sin by trying to test Him. In the House Group one could hear the challenge: “If you really trust God, throw the medication away!”

Christ Jesus never forced people to place themselves at risk, before he would heal them. He did ask for verification after the miracle.

(“Promised a Miracle”, and “We let our son die” – the book and the film)

Philip Yancey's father had a similar disastrous experience. As an athletic and talented young man, he had 3,000 supporters for his plans to be a missionary; but at the age of 24 he was struck with polio, and placed in an iron lung to take over his breathing. The Christians around him, said they should act their faith and take him out of the medical equipment. He died shortly afterwards. Philip was one year old and never really knew his father.

(An interview at HTB, 25 May 14)

In our Lord's Temptations, He was directed by Satan to put his life in danger by leaping off the Pinnacle of the Temple - trusting the Father to honour His promise in Scripture. Jesus refused because this was tempting God - forcing Him to act. We should head this warning.

Another danger is that of Satanic Occult healing. There is a Blog on the subject of Reiki healing, to name just one such danger, at www.evxp119.wordpress.com - using the November 2018 Archive.

Why are people not healed?

John Wimber offered five points to be borne in mind in healing:

1. Interview the sufferer, but always listen to God’s voice on the illness

2. Look for reasons behind the sickness

3. Select an appropriate prayer approach

4. The act of faith: the laying-on of hands

5. After care: protection from the Devil’s lies that healing is not actual, the need to stop disability pensions, etc

We notice that Paul of Tarsus had a serious eye disorder. Mrs Salter (daughter of Smith Wigglesworth, and wife of the famous missionary), was stone deaf, but greatly used in teaching; Joni was massively disabled yet wonderfully gifted; one of our greatest hymn writers was blind from an early age – there are many such examples.

1. As mentioned, 2 Chronicles 16 describes the sin of King Asa of relying exclusively on human power, instead of God's. We should be prayerful and respectful, about medical treatment. A doctor friend pointed out that excessive use of a particularly strong pain-killer could lead to blindness; the excellent Registrar in hospital, who had helped to save my life, forgot, for the moment, that it would be inadvisable to pinch my nose and blow hard – my eardrum was in the process of healing.

2. It is not God's time, in His sovereign will. Perhaps we need to be disciplined by His love, first. Jennifer Rees Larcomb was interviewed on television regarding her serious disabilities. Months later, she was introduced in the same programme, at the identical location, totally healed. What a wonderful testimony to the nation!

3. There may be unbelief on the part of the ill person; or even more seriously, unbelief on the part of the community – Church or secular, where we need to see both compassion and faith. In Jesus’s miracles there was often His own compassion, and a compassionate community. (Example: Mark 6:6)

4. Sin, not repented of, and therefore unforgiven, can hinder healing. Psalm 32 takes us through the steps of repentance.

Psalm 103:3: “…Who forgives all your sins

and heals all your diseases….” See also, Psalm 107:17-22.

Psalms 38 and 41 show that even a man of King David’s importance could be sick as a punishment for sin, and again, that healing comes through confession. This theme of healing through confession is a major in the Jewish Bible, seen again James 5:16, in the New Testament.

5. There is a price to pay for Christian service, and for the effects of suffering for Christ: from the enemies of Christ, both inside and outside the Church. Once more to Psalms: enemies caused King David’s distress (Psalm 6). There can be no victories without enemies and battles: no healing and grace, without sickness coming first. (Psalm 30:2)

6. There is an illness for most, which is the one to take us home to Heaven. There are several graces: the preparation of friends and relations, for the parting, which will soon take place, the special help we need in order to die. (1 Peter 1:13)

7. Suffering may be required to help us with humility, or to take us somewhere in terms of guidance; as discussed elsewhere.

8. We need to repent of not offering the full benefits of the Messiah's Atonement.

One of the hardest aspects of illness, is the victory of giving thanks. God may occasionally wait for you to reach this point. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

What about Doctors and Hospitals?

We have already looked at 2 Chronicles 16, which tells of King Asa's gesture in keeping God out of his military and medical affairs - something we should never be guilty of!

Jeremiah was to say later:

“Is there no balm in Gilead?

Is there no physician there?

Why then is there no healing for the wound

of my people?” (8:22)

Our bodies have many remarkable capabilities of self-healing. Human medical skill will always have its limitations, but we should prayerfully show respect, whilst walking within the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Because we are a physical and mental unity, there are the effects of each on the other – we are a psychosomatic unit. Miraculous healing is quite apart from all these.

Mark 5:26 notes: “She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse.” Luke, perhaps because he was a doctor (Colossians 4:14), omits this detail, along with Matthew.

a. We need an accredited diagnosis and assessment of cure, if we are to glorify God intelligently.

b. God may choose to employ medicine - just as we eat necessary foods, for health. Here is a continuum which is well worth thinking about: firstly food of a good standard, with protection against allergies, nutrients, special foods, mild medicinal intake, serious medicine, hospital treatment, and even amputation. Most of us have had dental surgery. Luke is sympathetic to Jesus’s implications in The Parable of the Good Samaritan: oil, wine, bandages, expense, care and convalescence. Paul advises the medical use of wine, in the case of Timothy’s “stomach and frequent illnesses” (1 Timothy 5:23). Amusingly, an abstinence pamphlet in Liverpool suggested that the wine was for rubbing on his body! Various Christians will draw the line in different places: Smith Wigglesworth refused all forms of surgery, whilst Derek Prince had several severe forms of treatment. Many great healers of the recent centuries have respected doctors and nurses as God’s gift. Kathryn Kuhlman had medics in attendance at her healing services, in order to observe integrity.

c. When treatment fails - that is the time for a miracle.

d. Remember, we must not put God to the test - as if Jesus had jumped from the Temple Pinnacle, as apposed to an accident.

e. We must not be seen to have caused death by withholding treatment - as Jehovah's Witnesses, wrongly named, often do by refusing blood transfusions. “How many people has your religion killed today?”

f. It is easy for some, in the euphoria of a healing meeting, to decry medical treatment, but not quite as easy, when a loved one is dying in front of you! “I will acknowledge God’s healing, only when I know it!” should be our maxim; not, “I will throw my life supporting medicines away – to prove my faith.” The latter is the sin of tempting God – as observed earlier. The Bible is bereft of examples of this dangerous procedure – Jesus never did it. He did send people home to find their loved ones healed, or to visit the Levitical priest for confirmation – like going to the medical consultant for corroboration. To ignore medical advice and help may often be tempting God.

h. King Hezekiah’s heath returned by the grace of God, he was instructed to apply a poultice first, as a sensible means. (Isaiah 38:21; 2 Kings 20:7)

Chart of degrees of faith in the NT

Faith is crucial, and increases with the reading of the Scriptures.

GREAT FAITH LITTLE OR NONE

IIII II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

Resurrections.

The Widow of Nain's son, the whole village came out. Nazareth -

Healing and Exorcisms at a distance few people helped.

Aids to faith: oil, saliva, etc

Laying-on of hands

Touching clothing

Sweatbands and aprons from

Paul: healings AND exorcisms

(Acts 19:11, 12; but included in healings

Acts 5:16; cf. Luke 8:2, 6:18)

If healing does not take place, the cause may be an unclean spirit - requiring an exorcism. The spiritual gift of discernment is most useful in such cases.

A most valuable book, probably now out of print: “Demon Possession”, edited by John Warwick Montgomery, Bethany Fellowship, Inc, Minnesota, USA, 1976 This is a collection and discussion of academic presentations on the subject, with case studies – Christian Medical Society

FAILURE TO HEAL IS RARE IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

Mark 6:4-6, Jesus in Nazareth.

Paul's thorn in the flesh: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10; Galatians 4:13-16 - his illness guided him to Galatia! 6:11, "See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!"

2 Timothy 4:20, "I left Trophimus sick in Miletus."

Here is a question!

Your church has a lively healing ministry, including the several streams of healing mentioned below. Paul the apostle arrives with you, and he is cursed with his disfiguring eye infection; so you offer to pray for him. What will he say?

Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:8-9

David faced a bear and a lion, before facing the giant warrior, Goliath - God may prepare us in a similar way to use any of our gifts.

A FEW EXAMPLES OF HEALING IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

Moses and Miriam's leprosy, Exodus 4:6, 7; Numbers 12:10-15

Healing by looking at the serpent made of brass, Numbers 21:6-9

King Jeroboam's hand restored, 1 Kings 13:3-6

Elijah raises the widow's son, 1 Kings 17:17-24

Elisha raises a child, 2 Kings 4:18-37

Naaman cured of leprosy by Elisha, in a most casual way, with the refusal of any reward, 2 Kings 5:1-19

The list can be added to at your leisure.

HEALING IS A MAJOR AND CONSTANT THEME IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

Repentance, forgiveness, and willingness, must all be part of our preparation. A waiter taking an order, going to the Chef and bringing back the order - Jean Darnall, a very gifted healer, used this analogy. Quiet often there is humour in healing grace, and a special beauty, when God is at work.

John Wesley's Journals are full of testimonies of healings, and there are hundreds in the history of the Pentecostal Movement. Marvellous present-day testimonies can be found in books and recordings about: Kathryn Kuhlman, Ian Andrews (resurrection by mistake), Jean Darnall; and locally.

As with all the gifts, healing makes demands on our own strength, Mark 5:30.

COMPASSION is a major element in our Lord's healing, and should be in the Church's.

It is worth mentioning again: there are legal and criminal dangers of withholding medical inspection, diagnosis, and treatment, in false triumphalist attitudes of “faith-at-all-cost”. We are unfortunately reminded of this, from time-to-time, by cases coming before the courts - relating to Church as well as New Age practices. Scientific honesty about healing is crucial; God is a Scientist, and certainly honest. Divine healing will always be undisputable. If there is an absence of healing, and we are certain the aetiology is not specifically demonic, then we should be open to what else God has in mind, and not be sadly blinkered. There should be a very sincere seeking to know God’s will.

By way of summary: In “going to the doctor”, we must always walk in the Spirit, and be aware of three important factors: we will need a careful diagnosis first, before we can be certain of a healing from God; we must take all reasonable care before seeking a miracle (some healing comes through watching our eating habits, and discipline), and, thirdly, not all medicines and hospital treatments are safe – we must proceed prayerfully and wisely. Doctors are human, and therefore prone to make mistakes sometimes - occasionally we can help. When the lady in the baker’s gave me the wrong change, I joked: “I m glad you’re not an eye surgeon!”

Albrecht Oepke (Up’kai) wrote, within his comprehensive word study on healing: “But the true and only doctor is Yahweh. To define the relationship between His creative power and human skill is more difficult than in the non-biblical world. Yet the tendency is towards a both-and rather than an either-or, with the accent on the ultimately omni causal power of Yahweh.” (p 201, vol. III. TDNT)

The old Anglican matrix for Intercession has a time for remembering the sick "in body. MIND, and spirit”; which admits to the special problems of mental or emotional illness. There will be those with a special gift for healing in this area. Counselling is often done with the advantage of professional training; dabbling in pseudo-techniques is very dangerous, and can bring disastrous consequences. At one level, depression can be treated like any other illness: it may take its course and cure naturally, but we may need to see the doctor, and even have a referral to a specialist. Always, this kind of illness should be treated seriously. Some conditions relate to a nutritional lack in our metabolism (which is hardly surprising, having in mind our chemical complexity). Medical practitioners, being human (in spite of what some receptionists seem to think), approach their calling with some agenda. On occasions this can mean an anti-Christian disposition, on others, a very sympathetic attitude.

For several years I suffered from a particular source of depression; until the revelation came, that only Satan, and some of my other enemies, wanted me to suffer: God wished me to know joy in large amounts; and, fortunately indeed, that was an end the unpleasant experiences! So here the cure was a spiritual one, aided by knowledge of the Scriptures.

Serious physical illness, stress and tiredness, can bring a feeling of being "cast down” along with an unrealistic loss assurance. King David, for all of his warrior prowess, is very honest, and therefore helpful, in several of his Psalms. The King, like many creative geniuses, was somewhat vulnerable.

The learning and constant repetition of helpful Scriptures is invaluable:

Psalm 147:3:

“He heals the broken-hearted

and binds up their wounds."

As Pilgrim nears the Holy City, in John Bunyan’s "Pilgrim 's Progress", he suffers a lack of assurance, and experiences depression. It may be that Bunyan is portraying something he had observed in human experience.

In closing: it is

After listening to all this information on healing, perhaps the time has come for you to hear God say these words to you: “Be healed." And for you to prepare yourself, in prayer and Bible study, to bring healing to others: in Jesus's name.

If you have the gift of healing, it is a terrible thing not to use and develop it:

people will suffer, and you will answer to God for it
an aspect of Christ’s suffering in the Atonement is not implemented (Isaiah 53).

ILLUSTRATIONS

I was suffering from a severe chill in my gum following a multiple dental extraction - an operation under a full anaesthetic: the Treasurer of the Wiston Street AOG church, in Derby, laid hands on me, and prayed. God did what aspirin could not do.

Trigeminal neuralgia: the facial nerve of this name has three branches covering the nose, eye, throat, and scalp. My GP warned of the dire pain: “Most of my patients with this commit suicide.” At work I was allowed to report sick, and immediately a substitute would be found, and a taxi called to take me home. Between seeing the Consultant, and being called for the operation, I recollected on what should have been my stand on healing. I phoned a local Baptist Minister with a ministry of healing, and asked if he would come with an Elder of the Church to anoint and pray for me. The issue of Elders was a bone of contention between us, but he agreed to “find” one. Two days after their visit, the pain left for good. The Consultant said I could contact him, anywhere in the country, and he would operate. The pain had been occurring with breaks of a month – so a wait was necessary to be assured of restoration. The operation would require drilling at the rear of my cranium, halving the nerve, and severing one half – hopefully the correct one. Some said it left the face sagging at one side. I said on the first visit to the consultant that he could take my ear off: the pain was so bad. That was thirty years ago.

Rheumatism in my knees: healed in a morning service, when a Psalm was read (as mentioned earlier).

Smith Wigglesworth and the man with two broken legs: Bridge Street Elim Church can hold about seven hundred, and has two aisles running from the foyer to a space fronting the platform. Typical of Wigglesworth, he asked for the sickest person in the morning service. This produced a man with two broken legs. The preacher was a strong man, and had the man stand, before pushing him forward, with the command, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!” The man fell on his face. This happened twice, and the congregation were murmuring. The third time the man was healed, and ran round the auditorium, via the foyer.

Wigglesworth did the same in a meeting in Bradford, and having refused two people with common colds, he found a lady with a very painful eye condition. She was wonderfully and totally healed when he prayed for her.

In his home he had the habit of punctuating his day by picking up his Bible, and saying: “Let’s see what Father has to say!”

The 1920’s Revival in Leeds: Mr Harry Gregson was a notable cripple; he had fallen from the roofing girders of Kirkstall Forge, into the gears of a slewing crane – his body was so mangled that his colleagues were afraid to look at it. He walked with crutches. In the Healing Meetings, Principle George Jeffries, the evangelist liked the large Congregational Church at the bottom of Dewsbury Road (long since demolished) cleared of all but ushers, between services. This group of helpers allowed Mr Gregson to stay, whilst they ate their sandwiches. They were so enthused with the miracles they had seen, that they offered to pray for him. He firstly staggered, and then walked “as straight as a soldier”. As the people returned for the evening meeting, he was standing in the pulpit – crutches held aloft. Miracles like these were front-page news in the city’s press and testimony books.

Miss Scarth suffered from tuberculosis of the spine; she like others was raised from a spinal carriage, and served our church as a Deaconess for decades; we knew her well. When she was away, my wife, Florence, would take her Ladies Bible Studies. Testimonies like these, along with a detailed study of Divine Healing, are included in “Healing Rays”, by George Jeffreys, Kessinger Legacy Reprints [Internet booksellers].

Harry Toft was an international Rugby player, playing for Wales, Swansea, and Hunslet. He was healed of cancer, and toured Britain, testifying, and pointing many to Christ.

George Jeffries held meetings in London, which led to the formation of the present day Kensington Temple, a large influential Elim fellowship, which still sees miracles. In later years, when clearing the basement, wheel chairs and crutches left behind after the old healing services, were found.

Margaret Simpson: I first met her at a Shared Prayer Meeting, in the William Street Convent – in a Roman Catholic charismatic group. She wore trousers and slippers, to hide her condition, which made walking difficult. As a Social Worker, and a lapsed Catholic, she had been invited back to Church to “hear the music”, by a nun who belonged to a local order founded by Alice Ingham – she had argued cruelly with this nun.

Her congenital lymphatic ailment caused swelling of her legs: giving a calf measurement of 34 inches. She had suffered three thromboses, and when I met her in Rochdale Infirmary, waiting to see Mr Higham, an eminent Rochdale surgeon, she told me she had been healed! Actually the appointment was to arrange to have a leg amputated; she was only 26, and the other leg would probably have to go, later. Half her life was previously spent in a wheel chair or on crutches: she danced in to see Mr Higham. “I’ve been healed at a charismatic prayer meeting,” she told him. “How do you spell ‘charismatic’?” he asked, as he wrote his report. A three-inch ulcer creator had completely vanished: there was not even scar tissue. Her GP wrote: “This is a miracle,” in her records, underlined in red ink. The healing had taken place at a large charismatic rally in Dublin. Remarkably, the visitors from Rochdale came together in a street, and sang hymns. It was then that Margaret felt the change to her legs taking place. She went into a nearby bar (a very easy thing to do in Dublin), to remove the bandages. Back outside she could jump and dance in worship and perfect health.

Kathryn Khulman had a mighty healing gift, during the latter half of the twentieth century. I have a great regard for her, but no doubt there are critics of her work. The numerous books, recordings and archive film give insights; she often had doctors, apparently, to examine sick folk both before, and after, the laying-on of hands; there was often humour associated with God’s work, through her.

An elderly man, who had been a professional clown, was confined to a chair, and racked with rheumatism. A friendly family, the husband was a teacher of particularly talented children, offered to take him to a large healing service, to be held in a theatre. They left the crippled man with the stage-door attendant, and took their seats in the auditorium. To their disappointment, their friend never made it to the stage. They returned, promising themselves to repeat the offer later. The next day they called to comfort him, and found him languishing in his chair. The truth was, however, he had been healed sitting by the stage door, but had wished to be certain of his experience. He was sitting exhausted in his house; after a day of gardening!

Alex Tee conducted an evangelistic and healing campaign in Rochdale in about 1975: a lady who lived in Rooley Moor Road suffered from a heart condition that limited her mobility. At the evangelistic services, she was healed, and the front page of the local paper recorded her newfound ability to run up stairs and do the “Highland Fling” – in honour of Alex.

Jean Darnall recounted several miracles from her own experience, in recorded sermons.

In her own healing, as a child, she was suffering from a most serious kidney disorder. A healing-evangelist said he could not do anything for her, but he would go to his Lord: like a waiter going to the chef with an order. She understood this because of family connexions with restaurants, and she was miraculously healed, much to the disbelief of the medical experts.

Her first miracle was the healing of a tall country boy who was deaf. To her surprise, this first case in the healing line was hurt by the noise of the piano – which had to be silenced. Rather like a miracle which Cliff Allen was witness to, in Papua New Guinea: a deaf man who left a meeting unhealed; was suddenly overwhelmed by the songs of birds as he passed by a tree.

Francis McNutt tells the story of praying in a group, for a young person who suffered a shortened leg, the result of stepping on a rusty spike in a pond. The group kept seeing some growth, but kept breaking-off for coffee, before the legs were of equal length.

Sir Harry Seycombe witnessed a dramatic miracle, whilst filming his Sunday evening religious programme: “Highway”. He introduced Jennifer Rees Larcombe, sitting in a wheelchair, and showing great bravery in adversity. A year later, she walked, perfectly well, from the same patch of woodland – having been healed by a fairly new, and rather nervous Christian convert. Thousands of television viewers saw this transformation. (mentioned earlier)

T. L. Osborne saw many incredible miracles in his healing crusades in the 1940’s, 1950’s.

In his remarkable and influential book detailing missionary evangelism in the Caribbean, there is the story of Juan Santos: a man crippled in several ways – unable to use his deformed legs, spinal injury and a constant shaking. He was unable to sit at table, but was confined to moving with a small stool and a short crutch. He was desperate to die. T. L. Osborn came to preach in his town, but the large crowds required that the services were constantly moved to larger venues. In the process, Juan heard some of the messages coming through the night air. Eventually, four relatives took him by car to the baseball stadium, where he was carried to a terrace and placed beside a blind lady, who leaned on him thinking he was a hummock of grass. At the crucial moment of prayer for the sick, both were dramatically restored to full health. When his daughter heard of his healing, and came to see for herself, she fainted – never having seen her father standing upright on his own feet. He went home and quietly retired to bed. In the morning there was not the usual thump of him tumbling out of bed; instead he walked into the kitchen. His wife fainted: thinking he was an intruder. When the maid arrived, she also passed out. There were photographs and ample testimonies to the truth of this miracle.

Rev Dr Mark Stibbe recounted two remarkable miracles in his published recorded sermons. An African lady requested four friends to carry her, on a two day journey, to a Christian healing meeting. En route she died; but they thought it only right to continue. The main doors were locked, but they found a rear entrance open, and walked onto the stage; the speaker did not take in the situation fully, and casually waved his hand and said, “Be healed.” The woman slowly rose from the stretcher, and amazement fired the meeting.

A word of knowledge indicated a man with an injured ankle, but no one came forward. After persistence, a sound engineer, who thought he was not included in the congregation, came for healing. He was an athlete, and hospital treatment for an injury had been very damaging – he could hardly walk. After prayer, he took to running again.

Daniel Ekechukwu, a young Nigerian Pastor had been killed when the brakes failed on his car, at the bottom of a hill near his home. In the detailed video the full story is told, with film of some of the events included. The doctor who pronounced him dead, the mortician who prepared his body for burial, the wife who claimed a Scripture promise prophetically, family members, and the ministers who prayed for him and massaged his hands, all offer their stories. Although associated with a Reinhard Bonnke conference, a general prayer in the large auditorium upstairs was the evangelist’s only connexion.

Daniel also describes his after death experiences of Paradise and Hell.

From Canon David MacInnes we have this verbatim account. A young lad in his congregation worked in a Birmingham Asda supermarket. The fellow had often taken a stand against Management duplicity – for instance, trying to catch store-thieves; and yet substituting old groceries for new deliveries, and sending them back to the growers as supposed rejects. For his stand, the Managers had threatened him with the sack.

One day, he was helping to keep his sense of the love of Christ alive - whilst working alone in a storage room - by singing in the Spirit at the top of his voice. Suddenly he realized that one of his mates had come in, and was listening to him. His voice trailed off. He remembered that this chap had a painful chest infection of some kind, which he could not get rid of. The Lord moved him to go straight over and place his hand on his shoulder, with the words: “In the name of Jesus, may this sickness be expelled from your body - may you be healed by His power.” The chap looked slightly bewildered, but he straightened up and said, “You know, it’s funny - I feel better. No, it can’t be ... well let me test it out.” He ran up and down some steps: “I'm not even out of breath!"

News went round the store, and, the following day, another fellow came into the storage area for healing from acne. But the Lord gave the Christian a word for him: "Don't think that God is there just to sort out your little personal problems: he is Lord. But I would like to pray for you... if you will allow me. I want to pray that Jesus will show you that He is Lord.” The acne went, but he said, he 'could not' accept Jesus as Lord. The Christian replied: “Never again say can’t: say wont!”

Canon David White tells of walking down a corridor with John Wimber. Their path crossed and passed that of a blind gentleman. Suddenly Wimber turned round and shouted: “Be healed!” The man was cured, and they walked on.

The wife of a church leader working in Beirut among refugees – both Christian and Muslim – fleeing from the IS cruelties in Syria: met a Muslim lady whose child was at the point of death. She offered to anoint the child with oil and pray in the name of Jesus to the Father. Within the day, the child was bouncingly fit and well; there was much rejoicing. ("Open Doors" Prayer CD, 2015)

Colombia is a particularly hard nation for serious, witnessing Christians: autonomous Indigenous occult tribes have considerable power, as do the Paramilitary and Terrorists. Pastor Joseph and his wife Mary (fake names for security concerns) had become Christians as a young couple. Mary was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Her breasts, ovaries, and uterus had been removed to attempt the limitation of the disease. Chemotherapy had robbed her of her hair. Shortly after her conversion, she received prayer for healing; she went home to retire for the night, but woke after three hours to find that her hair had rapidly grown back to a fair length. Her breasts grew back, and she was able to have children. When she held her first child in her arms, she just cried, because she could not believe that God had been so kind and so merciful to her. When a Paramilitary gunman came to kill her and her child, the bullet jammed and would not fire.
Mary told this remarkable story to Beth, an "Open Doors" worker, who recounted it on the Prayer CD, October 2015, Track 6.

“The Jean Neil’s Miracle” Standing the test of time (30 minute video VHS) Christ for all Nations, Reinhard Bonnke Ministries, 1993

This British housewife had a catalogue of debilitating illnesses – walking about the house was near impossible; much of the day was spent confined to a wheelchair, there had been surgery for spinal conditions on several occasions, hiatus hernia pain, chemical inhalers for breathing difficulties, a heart attack, injuries from a serious car crash, and deteriorating sight. A further operation could have resulted in permanent paralysis. Jean had two meaningful dreams: one of dying, one of being at a healing event. Her Doctor confirmed the hopelessness of her condition. A fourth spinal operation had been planned to fuse the pelvic and spinal bones – keeping her hospitalised for a year.

It was after twenty-five years of suffering that she attended a large healing and evangelistic Youth Conference. The Holy Spirit told the speaker, Reinhard Bonnke: “That woman will be healed tonight!” From being a struggling, pain ridden lady, she became totally well - able to run, and kick a football with the children of her family.

In the meeting the scheduled end time had been passed, Reinhard ran over to her, and commanded her to stand in Jesus’s Name. Her husband admitted that as he stood behind the wheelchair, he was terrified. Mrs Neil fell to the floor under the power of the Holy Spirit – she felt as though under an anaesthetic. “Doctor Jesus is operating on you,” said Reinhard. He prayed for her a second time, and she stood, and shot off like an arrow, running round the crowded auditorium, and back to Bonnke.

In Frankfort, he realised the enormity of the miracle. At her home she ran up the stairs; her daughter cried out, thinking it was a burglar. Her Doctor was overwhelmed, when he observed the level of good health. At the Optician she could read the bottom line of the test Card.

Jean travelled widely to testify of God’s power to heal the sick. She had to relinquish her Government Disability Allowance, and Home Care provision.

The healing was reported in newspapers, magazines, and television interviews around the World.

A charming story of Healing

A young man whose life had presented him with many hard times, eventually found a church which encouraged him to believe the Good News and be saved. However, he suffered from serious insomnia – fell asleep during his A-level exams, and failed; and was often bad tempered. He was one of the back row chaps at the church. One morning service the Junior Church children came in, to the announcement, by the leader, that they had been learning about Jesus healing, and they would like to pray for anyone who was poorly. No-one went forward. The lips of one of the kids started to tremble in disappointment, so the young man went to the front. At first he could not think of anything – and then remembered his sleepless nights. “Please give him sweet dreams.” “Give him comfy sleep.” Since that morning he has not had insomnia!

EXORCISM

I am uncertain as to whether Exorcism is included in Healing. On several occasions it is separate, and therefore, perhaps should be included under Miracles. You may find me discussing it under both headings.

FINAL NOTES

The Temple was not normally a place for healing in Jesus’s time, but Matthew 21:14 records one time of grace.

Healing can come through the gifts of: faith, miracles, healings, evangelist, and the calling of Elders.

John Wimber’s “Five Points”, again:

1. Interview – hear the sufferer, and hear God

2. The Reason – find the cause or purpose of the illness

3. Select the appropriate prayer approach

4. Faith – the actual laying on of hands

5. After care – beyond the healing.

Royal illnesses: Hezekiah, Nebuchadnezzar, and David.

Church Discipline

A final resort is to deliver to Satan, for the destruction of the body, that people might learn not to blaspheme.

Showing to the Priests for confirmation of healing:

Leviticus 13; 14

Matthew 8:2-4

Mark 1:44;

Luke 5:12-16

MENTAL ILLNESSES

I would like to have ducked out of this difficult area, which perplexes many of us.

Bi-polar condition is a kinder name.

My inadequate notes on a lecture by:

DR PABLO MARTINEZ

THE CHRISTIAN AND EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS: DEPRESSION

The Doctor has been a working psychiatrist in Barcelona, Spain, since 1979. He has also spoken in over twenty European countries. He has served as an associate staff member of the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students, and as Chair of the Grupos Biblicos Universitarios - the Spanish equivalent of UCCF ... to mention a few of his contributions to Christian and medical work.

He feels that depression is very much a twentieth century complaint: World War II produced anxiety; the development of society since, has led to depression as a common human experience.

Sadness, or disappointment, is the characteristic of our time. [Note the long list of words starting with "psycho" in a modern dictionary. Is depression an eschatological plague?]

Two thirds of patients visiting Family Doctors are suffering from psychosomatic causation - depression constitutes a large percentage of these.

Three Degrees:

a) indifference to life, all is meaningless, not looking forward to anything

b) it would be better to be dead, death would be release from life - that is apart from the Christian understanding. [Actually a Christian would do well to reconsider this:

Paul does say that it is better to be at home with the Lord - 2 Corinthians 5:6-9, Philippians 1:21-26.]

c) suicidal thoughts, and intention - this should always be taken seriously; immediate medical help should be sought.

Three Symptoms:

a) poor self image, I am a disaster, God is punishing me, unable to laugh, unable to love, irritable, staying in bed or sitting around all the time, cannot cope, poor memory, weak concentration, sorry mood, loss of interest, nothing to look forward to. There are two wrong kinds of guilt, here: others are at fault; I am generally guilty - both are neurotic.

b) insomnia, physical effect, somatic:

i) difficulty in falling asleep - cannot turn the brain off; this may be anxiety rather than depression,

ii) sleeps and wakes, nervous when sleeping, nightmares - this also is anxiety.

iii) typical of depression: immediate falling asleep, but waking after 3 or 4 hours, and finding it impossible to sleep again, and unpleasant thoughts occur; this is serious.

c) loss of appetite - in most severe depression.

The real depression usually includes: suicidal feelings, insomnia,

and anorexia.

Ups and downs of mood are not necessarily depression.

FOUR TYPES OF DEPRESSION.

Experts do not agree, but Pablo sees one, which is external, and three that are internal.

1 From outside: reactive depression. This occurs rather like a common cold - three or four times a year. It is the reaction of our human nature to trials and hardships: death of a loved one, change of environment, failing an exam, being let down badly, a failed relationship, betrayed, unemployment. All are, in a sense, a form of bereavement - of blackness. It amounts to a recognizable normal period of several months of "mourning". If the condition persists over a year or so, then the condition is depressive or psychotic. It is usually a tunnel with a gleam of light at the end, which we approach slowly.

2 First of the three internalized depressions is the depressive personality, which is life-long. Like living permanently in a dry, dark desert: it maintains a poor self-image, inferiority, sense of failure, "no-one loves me", negative, seeing life darkly. It is an inherited predisposition, but just because a forebear had depression, it does not automatically follow, that we will.

Contributory factors: the influences in our first five years of life, education, environment, home life, alcoholic parents, and being treated worse than the cat. These are often lonely people.

3 The Psychotic, or Endogenous Depression is not a question of personality; but of bio-chemical imbalance. This is clearly a physical illness, and early testing should lead to treatment with the correcting compounds. It is acute, and can result in the patient remaining in bed, or sitting in a chair inactive, and with suicidal tendencies. There can be swings of mood, from superman image to low depression - "I do not know why I am down". There is a good prognosis, with excellent response to pharmacological treatment.

4 Secondary Depression can be caused by circumstances: exhaustion, great stress, care of a sick person - in which the sadness comes when the strain is over, organic physical illnesses, high business pressure, and social responsibility - as with a Member of Parliament, or Town Councilor. Those who have extra skill of serving others, often have great demands made on them.

Sometimes we place more burdens on ourselves, than God does.

Elijah suffered great stress: he wanted to die, he misrepresented the situation regarding the true prophets; God was gentle with him - giving him food, sleep, exercise, and then a quiet revelation, without rebuke or condemnation.

Seasons can affect people: Spring and Autumn - especially the endogenous aetiology. There are stressful times such as adolescence, middle age (40 to 50 in men) and menopause, and retirement - not much time free! Morning tends to be worst; with improvement during the day. The Moon and stars have no effect.

CHRISTIANS AND DEPRESSION.

My own thoughts

Christians are no more immune from depression than they are from any other illness.

Prosperity Theology, Immunity Theology - health and wealth, name it and claim it - has no biblical basis; quite the opposite. A poster announced: "Jesus Christ - (and then in small letters) eternal life, health and wealth"; the first Believers preached: eternal life and persecution! (1 Thessalonians 3:3-4) It is quite generally said that this is a heresy, and certainly it has caused some to backslide and lose their faith.

Special Causes

A specific identifiable sin may bring a low feeling - but this is unusual; a vague sense of sin is often evidence of a psychological origin, and not genuine guilt.

The extra sensitivity of the Righteous may increase the sense of concern - Jeremiah, David and Paul are good examples of this.

On the positive side, there are the Means of Grace, and the glorious hopes of the Believer.

Even in harsh circumstances, a Christian can know joy and peace.

How can we help?

Never harm people. Do not condemn; unless there is real sin.

Allow to folk to cry. Be near, especially in the Reactive Depression, but not always talking. God gives new eyes to see hope and freedom - a new self-image. There may be occasions when a strong challenge is needed - firmness and stimulation - only in Character Depression, because there is self-pity (this is not apposite in cases needing medicinal remedies). Emotion can be expressed with hope. It helps to know how the problem has arisen.

Professional help may be needed; indeed is essential!

The unskilled can offer considerable help in the form of sympathy and compassion: "Cry with those who cry."

The talk does not deal with the possibility of an amalgam of causes, the price of serving Christ, the means of maturation, or our own foolhardiness.

The joy and peace of the Holy Spirit can come in even the bleakest of times. Only God can give the true rest of spirit, in a close relationship with Christ. He gives his presence (Psalm 23), his faithfulness, right insights and attitudes, and he gives the hope of glory. There is also the possibility of demon influence, and healing in answer to the prayer of Elders.

^{Proverbs 23:18} There is surely a future hope for you,

and your hope will not be cut off.

"God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of love, and power, and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7)

Many years ago, after taking an ill judged late walk, I noticed a Christian from our local fellowship sitting on a seat in a small park area. As I delivered the question: “How are you?” I was conscious of the tears coursing down their face: they had come here to end their life! We talked; particularly round the text saying: “YOU ARE NOT YOUR OWN, YOU ARE BOUGHT WITH A PRICE.” 1Corinthians 6:19-20 "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." We agreed never to mention this event to anyone (with names). We agreed that further despair should lead to professional help, via a doctor.

We all use mental voices: as part of our reasoning, being tempted, or communications from the Holy Spirit, but serious cases of schizophrenia, probably require us to discern the evil, and say “The Lord rebuke you!”

The Devil and some enemies are the only ones who wish us ill. Christian friends, the angels, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, all are for us!

As said earlier: working hard for the Kingdom can reduce us to weariness.

I occasionally meet a man who suffers from severe depression, he has a loud voice, and our conversation reaches a sizable audience. I admire his wide witness, and how God uses him.

Notes from the William Wilberforce Trust, HTB, Focus 2013, Panel of Four Experts (may still be available on the Internet)

Signs of emotional illness and mental health:

Outbursts of anger

Extreme behaviour

Shyness – isolating themselves

Low mood expressed verbally or in body language

Conversation revealing low self-image

Lack of social boundaries

Appearance: unkept, lack of personal hygiene

Easily reduced to tears

Behind it are often fear, anxiety, and terror

Some can hide it very well

It is wise to point to Elijah's experience of being downcast: God gave him food, exercise, and sleep.

^{Joshua 1:9} “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified;
do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

[S] WORKING MIRACLES, 5

There are two mentions in the four lists: 1 Corinthians 12:10 and 1 Corinthians 12:28. Literally the term means “workings of powers” and “works of power”; notice the plurals. (The NIV has “miraculous powers” and “workers of miracles”.)

In the second list, the first three gifts are numbered in order of importance, if there is any significance beyond these, then it would be high on the register, as it comes fourth.

1755 Strong, energema, en-erg'-ay-mah, an effect, operation, working

1411 Strong, dunamis, doo'-nam-is, force, power, miraculous, mighty, wonderful

There is the thought of: ability, abundance, force, power, miraculous power – usually implied by the context, mightily, mighty, mighty deeds, worker of miracles, strength, violence, mighty wonderful work, miracles; a name for God

In the Greek words, when used together - energemata dunameon , there is even the thought of "power powers", as both words suggest POWER.

Energema In classical writing this implied: activity, energy, a stress on activity, cosmic or physical forces at work in human nature, supernatural power, powers in the heavens, powerful working.

Georg Bertram points out that “ergon” originates from the same Indo-Germanic stem as the English noun “work”. In Classical Greek usage, the word group is wide ranging: active zeal, action in contrast to idleness, useful, energy, cosmic or physical forces at work in human nature, supernatural power, powers in the heavens, powerful working, and is applied to agriculture, shipping, sculpture and poetry. Biblical writers employ it particularly for supernatural activity. (Kittel, Volume II, pp 635-655)

Dunamis Classical writers infer: ability, capacity, power. In the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament) there is the thought of: ability, power, and competence. Walter Grundmann observes, “In Greek and Hellenistic reflection concerning the world and its mystery this led increasingly to the acceptance of “dunamis” as a cosmic principle…. When we turn from the Greek and Hellenistic world to that of the Old Testament, we enter a different atmosphere. In place of the neutral idea of God we have the Personal God…. This difference, based upon the whole concept of God, is plainly expressed in the concept of power.” (Kittel, Volume II, pp 286-290)

The Scriptures are very much concerned with “power”. There is the power of God in Creation; in the Messianic Prophecies, Incarnation, Ministry, Crucifixion, Resurrection, Ascension and Present Rule of Christ in the midst of His enemies (Psalm 110:2); the equipping of Believers for the victory over Evil Spiritual Powers; and the Ultimate Reign of God, at the end of time.

The two words are often seen together in the New Testament: Galatians 3:5; Ephesians 3:7 and 20; Colossians 1:29; Mark 6:14; and Luke 24:19.

Faith and Gifts of Healing would overlap this gift, or be contained in this charisma. Miracles and Faith have a wider scope than healing, but could contain healings.

Three terms are used throughout Scripture: MIRACLES, SIGNS AND WONDERS. They are all miraculous. To define the three in simple terms:

Miracles are interventions of God for the obvious good of people.

Signs contain a strong element of revelation and doctrine – they are a statement about God's Nature. The Greek word “seemeion” [say’mion] may be translated in several ways: sign, indication, miracle, token, or wonder. Translators have not been pedantic, and “miraculous signs” is typical of the NIV.

Wonders (Greek noun, “teras”) are perhaps not essential to human welfare, or of materialistic value, but are CELEBRATIONS OF GOD'S GLORY, which awaken awe.

These definitions are often forgotten by the Present Day Sadducees in the Church: who want a practical result, in spite of their generally negative outlook.

References containing these terms: Exodus 7:3; Deuteronomy 4:34, 6:22, 26:8, 293; Nehemiah 9:10; Jeremiah 32:20; Daniel 4:2-3, 6:27; Matthew 24:24 (evil instances); John 4:48; Acts 2:19, 22 and 43, 4:10, 5:12, 6:8, 7:36, 8:13, 14:3, 15:12; Romans 15:19 (this is well worth looking at in the Greek text: “Christ through me … in word and work, in power of signs and wonders, in power of the Spirit of God”); 2 Corinthians 12:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:9 (evil origins); and Hebrews 2:4.

There are tensions between the Greek words and the English Language Versions. At their weakest, the two words “energeemata” and “dunameon” could mean “working ability”; but in their context, in the New Testament and the Septuagint, there is the stronger feeling of: “mighty working of powers”. Both are plural in 1 Corinthians 12:10; and each term can imply power. Because “working of powers” does not translate meaningfully, translators have done their best, and we have become accustomed to “workers of miracles”, as a reasonable substitute. The New Testament writers made the “dunamis” word group work particularly hard, and it is a good example of context defining the accurate meaning. A sensible translation of “dunamis” might be “demonstrations of power”; and our two words becoming: “PERFORMING DEMONSTRATIONS OF POWER”.

One must ask the question, I think, to what extent does the Christian with this gift, actually demand, or require it to happen. Or, does it happen because God is active in sovereign power, alongside the Believer. In other words: there is often a sense of the uncontrollable, unpredictable, wait-and-see, and above all: the sovereignty of God. The Believer may be aware with a certain kind of vagueness, in guidance and prayer. As part of the miracle there may be a word of knowledge or wisdom, a prophecy, or a vision/dream, prior to the event, and together they constitute part the Wonder. I feel there is much to be learnt about this. This was written recently: With virtually all the gifts, we may receive guidance apropos the will of God; we then have the choice to obey, or not. With Contributing, a person may feel led to donate £1,000 to a cause, but declines to reach into their Porsche for the chequebook. The Teacher may be clearly guided to preach on “The Judgement of God in the Church”; but fearing there may be no more invitations from the Church, they extol “The Love of God”.

However, with the Miraculous, Signs and Wonders, perhaps it is that God knows our heart’s desire and acts in His sovereign will – not needing to give us a choice. The gift is still associated with individuals, and on some occasions the Believer is required to introduce the miracle in some way: as can be seen in the biblical references.

Here is a possible example: the church prays for revival and blessing, the person with the gift has a vision of an angel of God with a sword drawn in judgement – a prophetic experience; and the church is cleansed for revival by acts of judgement and discipline. Eventually there is the awareness that the judgement has passed.

The balance of the “Divine Sovereignty, and human participation” is seen in Deuteronomy 34:10-end (NASBU, New American Standard Bible Update):

“Since that time no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the

I would suggest that Moses was fully aware of what Yahweh wanted to happen, but was party to the start, and finish, of each miracle.

Joshua, in the book of his name, chapter 10:12-14 (NASBU), similarly, takes an active, knowledgeable part in the event of the sun and moon, standing still in the battle against the Amorites:

“Then Joshua spoke to the

‘O sun, stand still at Gibeon,

And O moon in the valley of Aijalon.’

So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped,

Until the nation avenged themselves of their enemies.

Is it not written in the book of Jashar? ‘And the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day.’

There was no day like that before it or after it, when the

Joshua’s prayer to God is linked to the command to the celestial objects. We do well to observe this important area throughout Scripture.

Here is Samuel the Prophet taking a similar part in the ordering of a miracle: 1 Samuel 12:16-18 “Now then, stand still and see this great thing the

The twentieth century missionary Willie Burton, who experienced the miraculous in the old Belgian Congo, felt that it was common when there was a new move of the Spirit, in a nation. Perhaps, also, as suggested in Psalm 1, there are seasons of God’s sovereign work. Of Jesus’s day, we read: “They were all filled with awe and praised God…. they said…. ‘God has come to help His people.’” Revival is usually applied to a renewing of Church spirituality: Awakening to a new consciousness of a need for God in the unconverted. Of great encouragement is the passage, 2 Chronicles 29:35-36, one of several portrayals of revival in this part of Judah’s history: “So the service of the Temple of the LORD was re-established. King Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced at what God had brought about for His people, because it was done so quickly.” (based on NIV)

SOME OLD TESTAMENT EXAMPLES OF MIRACLES

Creation! The Flood, Destruction of the Tower of Babel and the Creating of Foreign Languages, Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the Increase of Jacob's Flocks, Jacob wrestles with the Angel, the Burning Bush and associated signs, The Ten Plagues, Parting of the Reed Sea and the killing of the Egyptian Army, the giving of Manna, Water brought from the Rock, Giving the Law on Mount Sinai, Miriam’s leprosy, Parting of the River Jordan, Destruction of Jericho, David’s punishment for his census, the hand of King Jeroboam shrivelled and the altar was split , Jonah and the Big Fish, and hundreds more - the LORD is a GOD OF MIRACLES. These all contain, in addition to the miraculous - statements about God, quite often containing judgement.

Wonders: The Shekinah Glory at the Tabernacle, the Pillar of Cloud/Fire, The Demonstration on Sinai, Moses' face shining, and Ezekiel's Visions, to name just a few!

SOME NEW TESTAMENT EXAMPLES OF MIRACLES

Jesus changing water into wine, John 2:1-11

Stilling of the Tempest, Matthew 8:23-27

Feeding the Five Thousand, Matthew 14:15-21

Walking on the Water, Matthew 14:22-33

The coin in the fish’s mouth, Matthew 17:24-end

Cursing the fig tree, Matthew 21:18-22

[Food, finance, weather, gravity, creatures, humans]

The death of Ananias and Sapphira, Acts 5:5-10

Deliverances from prison, Acts 5:19-23, and 12:6-11

Philip transported by the Spirit, Acts 8:39

Paul and Elymus struck blind, Acts 9:8, 13:11

Paul survives the Adder, Acts 28:5

Signs: The earthquake in Acts 16

Wonders: The star at Jesus's birth, the darkening of the sky and the resurrections at the time of the Crucifixion.

EXORCISM

If exorcism is beyond healing, and therefore the ability to work miracles, then the person who has a special gift in exorcism may look for even more to happen. There is the thought among some fine Bible teachers, that every Believer, walking in the light, has power over unclean spirits. The original text never said "possessed", but "has" an unclean spirit. “Demonised” is a common modern term. The word "miracles" is used of healing and exorcism in Acts 19:11-12. Non-Christian exorcism failed in Acts 19:13-17, with a great impact!

“Galilee Revisited” DVD, Chris and Lindy Hill, they have led over eighty tours to Israel.

Whilst at Gadara on the east coast of Galilee, Chris told this account.

He was in Nuremburg teaching at a conference, and had retired to bed quite exhausted, when a caller summoned him to come to another part of the Salvation Army complex to help with a demonized man, who had come in off the street.

On entering the room he could not mistake the strange sight of a man clothed completely in black, whose dark eyes and emaciated face, contributed to his look of total venom. As Chris prayed quietly in tongues, an impression came to his mind: “Ask this man about Katie.” When he did, the man momentarily shot up out of his chair, before slumping back, looking totally aghast. Earlier, outside in the rain, the man had called out to Jesus, “If you are real, tell these people about Katie!” It seems Katie was his spiritual director – a witch with controlling power over him. He confessed to being a Satanic Priest, and was totally set free.

The following year, Chris was back in Nuremburg, when he met Siegfried, whom he did not at first recognise; this was the man, now completely delivered, and working at the Salvation Army, to help others in similar need to himself.

On January 8^th-11^th, 1975, on the campus of the University of Notre Dame, the Christian Medical Society held an historic conference .... “A Theological, Psychological, Medical Symposium on the Phenomena Labelled As ‘Demonic.’” The papers presented are published in “Demon Possession”, edited by Professor Dr John Warwick Montgomery, 1976, Bethany Fellowship, Inc., Minnesota

Professor of Psychiatry William P. Wilson, M.D., presented one of the most useful papers.

He quotes Nevius, who drew on dealings with ancestor worshipping Chinese, on the subject:

1. The chief differentiating mark of so-called demon possession is the automatic presentation and the persistent and consistent acting out of a new personality.

a. The new personality says he is a demon

b. He/she uses personal pronouns; first person for the demon, third person for the possessed.

c. The demon uses titles or names.

d. The demon has sentiments, facial expressions and physical manifestations that harmonize with the above.

2. Another differentiating mark of demon possession is the evidence it gives of knowledge and intellectual power not possessed by the subject

3. Another differentiating mark of demonomania intimately connected with the assumption of a new personality is that with the change of personality there is a complete change of moral character (aversion and hatred of God and especially of Christ).

The Professor gives two case studies:

“A young black male of approximately 19 years was brought to the Electroencephagraphy Laboratory for examination. During the EEG examination he had three “spells” that were associated with the electrographic abnormalities. After the examination was completed, he was suddenly thrown from the chair, in which he was sitting, with a loud thud! He twitched several times and laid still. As this appeared to be a hysterical seizure, a pillow was put under his head and he was left where he fell. When the author walked by, he suddenly leapt to a squatting position and with a loud yell grabbed me by the legs and attempted to lift me up and throw me out of a window. As I was bigger, and because I had a head-lock on him, he desisted but tried to fight and hurt me. His facial expression was one of rage and hatred. He quieted with sedation.”

A 32 year old, twice married, pretty, but most troubled female, was given various examinations and treatments, and passed to the Psychiatric Service. Here she appeared normal, until her first “spell”.

One day she was thrown to the floor and became violent – eight people restraining her. As she thrashed about, her facial expression was one of anger and hate. Over the following weeks, the patient was treated psychotherapeutically. Her second marriage was unhappy, as she was the high living type. Many “spells” followed.

“The usual psychotherapeutic treatment for hysteria including interviews under sodium amytol only aggravated her spells. Seclusion in the closed section brought her assaultive and combative behaviour to an end but she would have spells in which she became mute, especially when religious matters were discussed. More dramatically, when the names of Jesus or Christ were mentioned she would immediately go into a trance. On one occasion while in a coma, in desperation, a demon was exorcised and her spells ceased. She subsequently accepted Christ as her savior and has been well since.”

As with most of the Symposium papers, there was an academic Response or Commentary. In this case it was Professor (of Law and Theology) John Warwick Montgomery, who has two earned Doctorates, was the editor of the book, and senior convenor of the Symposium. “”It is most refreshing to read a paper on demon possession by a professional psychiatrist who does not regard belief in the existence of personal supernatural evil as a hopeless anachronism.” He hoped that a wider definition would be considered – from a larger bibliography.

A local Elim Pastor performed an exorcism, and something shot through the glass window pane – from the inside going out: leaving a hole.

As well as I can remember:

Branse Burbridge, MA (Oxon), DFC, DSO and Bar, led groups of talented students (16 to 18 year old Sixth Formers), on Fine Art courses visiting Galleries in Holland. On one such occasion, in about 1969, he was alerted by a boy saying that a lad in the dormitory was in great distress. Branse found him uncontrollably, dangerously scratching at his eyes. He found that the only answer was to proceed with an exorcism, which resulted in complete deliverance. Along with others at his school, the fellow had been playing with a Ouija Board. The account was written up in the Scripture Union magazine

Years ago my good friend Harry Hill went to pray for a bedridden sick man, who suddenly sprang to his feet, standing on the bed, in a most threatening way. Harry realized this needed more than prayer – it required an exorcism.

An Islamic attempt at "exorcism", which came to my notice through an eyewitness, was a very inadequate negotiation, not an authoritative command – which constitutes a serious major flaw: A boy came to me, at the end of one afternoon, offering to tell this story, on condition that I would not reveal his name in class, if I retold it. To negotiate with unclean spirits, raises another serious question.

Through the disgusting film, "The Exorcist", which most people have probably seen, and a Believer should not see, the subject - along with that of Antichrist, fascinates all-and-sundry, and can be a good point of contact.

An unclean spirit does not necessarily cause epilepsy, in the Gospels and Acts, as a careful study will show.

If there is any challenge from an unclean spirit, in an exorcism, then it is good to remember that the authority standing at your right hand is the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the authority of His Name, which you use - He is the commissioning power which sends you forth.

"Christ is the Head over every Power and Authority." Colossians 2:10

We are warned that satanic miracles will characterise the last days:

Matthew 24:24,

(Cf 2 Thessalonians 2:9)

It goes without saying that careful discernment is needed. But not all last day miracles are evil, and have in mind that unforgivable blasphemy is the sin of wrongly attributing wonders of God, to Satan.

UFO's
Gary Bates of Creation Ministries International has done a thorough investigation into these phenomena. The Conclusion: they cover the full scope of exorcism: from devout believers with power and authority, to unbelievers with disastrous consequences (Acts 19:13-17 seven sons of Sceva, Acts 16:16-18 girl with Python spirit; see CMI papers, books and DVD).

A PRAYER:

"Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders, through the name of your holy Servant Jesus." Acts 4:30.

POST-NEW TESTAMENT EXAMPLES

Just as a complete survey of biblical miracles is a huge task – and the simple answer is “read the Bible with the subject in mind”; so events in subsequent history would fill many volumes. Even if we consider a short list, covered in publications and talks, it begins to impress: Awakenings connected with the Wesleys, Finney, Jonathan Edwards, Revivals in Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Congo, East Africa, Indonesia, China, Argentina, and European House Churches. In our own culture names will continue to be added to the list which includes: Smith Wigglesworth, Kathryn Khulman, Jean Darnall, Canon David Watson, John Wimber, Reinhard Bonnke, and the many American Healing Evangelists. There are countries, churches, and individuals, in whose daily experience the miraculous is common.

John Wesley discusses, in his Journal, the miracles seen by the Montanists, and the sad lack of the miraculous in his own day.

Wednesday, August 15

[A]

Llanelli, South Wales, 21.JL.1914

This account was told to Dr Victor Pierce by George Jeffreys, the eminent evangelist, and also recorded in a biographical work.

Whilst his brother Stephen was preaching, he noticed the attention of the crowd was riveted on something behind him. On leaving the platform, he saw, on the wall behind the platform, a clear vision of a Lamb. After a few moments, the face of Christ replaced the Lamb, with tears flowing down His face. The vision was of a living face, even the eyelids blinked. The hair was partly white. Jeffreys was preaching on the text, “That I may know Jesus, and the fellowship of His sufferings.” When he pleaded with people to repent of sin, and receive forgiveness, the face in the vision, became enshrouded with glory. A member of the congregation remembered the face as “most beautiful beyond description, kindly beyond words. And the eyes! They looked at you personally – those loving sad and glorious eyes which moved in the living face.”

The appearance lasted through the night and into the morning. Hundreds of people came to see it, and heard yet another evangelistic message from the preacher. Many attempts were made to examine it: a cloth was held in front of it, but the vision shone though it, the lights were switched off – it still shone, and even the windows were covered, but to no avail. Many of the young men who came, would be killed in the World War, about to start.

[B]

The Battle of Mons, 26.AUG.1914

A Lieutenant Colonel told of his brigade’s orderly retreat from the powerful German advance and onslaught. Many officers and men in the column saw a vision of a large army of horsemen, in the fields, on either side of the road. There was a report that called them angels. On one occasion the army horses refused to move: saving the soldiers from an enemy ambush. Many had seen another vision: of an angel keeping the forces apart. The enemy soldiers told of horses that refused to advance, but turned and fled, taking their riders with them. Among the enemy was a report of an army led by an officer on a white horse, which no bullet could kill. But for these signs, the British soldiers would have been annihilated. Enemy troops claimed to have seen a large army supporting the British from behind. In reality they had no such force, only a thinly spread line of defence – fifteen yards between each soldier, in the firing line. There were scores of witnesses of these visions.

In the spring of 1918, a similar event happened at Bethune. The enemy artillery pounded a deserted hill. As the foe’s infantry were starting to advance, with total supremacy, they suddenly dropped all their military equipment and fled. The adversaries had seen a huge cavalry brigade, in white uniforms, led by an officer in armour, with flowing fair hair like an aureole. Machine gun fire, and shelling raked this force, but none fell: they advanced unconcerned. The enemy troops, including the famous Prussian Guard, fled in disarray. In the silence, which followed the occurrence, a single skylark rose singing into the sky.

[C]

The only National Day of Prayer of this war, ordered by Parliament and the U.S. Congress, was on August 4

[D]

Many of the main acts of God, related to the Second World War, seemed to follow the seven National Days of Prayer. Also, there were two notable signs: the figure of Christ on a white Calvary cross with six angels, appeared over Ipswich (August, 1940). An angel was seen over Peckham during the extensive air raids by “flying bombs” (September, 1944). The miracle of rescuing a third of a million soldiers from Dunkirk, followed the first Day of Prayer, called by King George VI.

After the Day of Prayer on September 8

Huge storms in the North Sea and the Channel blew away the invasion barges being prepared by the Nazis at Bremen.

March 23

The day following the fifth Day of Prayer, the entire Italian fleet was sunk at Palermo. A month later, the Eighth Army saved Egypt and Israel, from the troops of Rommel.

On the night of the sixth Day of Prayer, Italy surrendered, and Mussolini was murdered.

[E]

A FAMILY EXPERIENCE

When my Daughter was in her early teenage years, she was sitting on her bed reflecting on philosophical and spiritual controversies. She prayed: “God you’re a wimp: you never really do anything!” It was only years after, that she connected the next few moments to that exclamation.

I was in the Hall of the house, when there was a blinding blue flash – as one would expect from the electricity fuse box exploding. Both my children saw the flash – my son saw it as outside the house. A quarter of a mile away, across the fields, a farmer acquaintance was thrown across his yard, by a blast. The sky was only slightly hazy, but clear of clouds. Only later did Claire recognise the reply to her outburst.

[F]

In my first year as a Christian I heard the story, via Billy Roper, of men on a building site who watched a Christian workmate fall from the scaffolding, and then miraculously return – confounding gravity. C 1953

[G]

Some years ago, Canon David MacInnes told the Cambridge Inter-Collegiate Christian Union this remarkable story:

"Recently, I came across a lad from Manchester ... he'd been working in a goods yard. He'd had no connexion with the Christian Church at all - he hadn't been even for a baptism or a wedding. But, he was working in this yard, and an accident took place: a truck, about twenty tons of weight somehow came loose ... he wasn't looking ... it came behind him ... knocked him over and he found it running up his right leg. It was clearly going to run over his whole body - there was nothing stopping it. When a Man stepped forward and put his hand up, and the truck was stopped. His shouts for help brought workers running, and as they wrestled to try and release him, the truck again began to move. And again, this Man stepped forward and stopped it!

"Well, two weeks later, he was in hospital ... his leg amputated ... recovering. And a small group of young people came round and took a service: one lad, and three girls - they sang to a guitar. A strange thing happened: as the lad was singing, he found himself singing along too. He hadn't heard the song, as far as he could remember, but the words seemed to come quite easily to his lips. The lad in the group looked surprised too. And then he noticed another Man with them; it was the same Man who had stopped the truck. And so he called to the lad, and said: "Look, come here! Who is that? Oh, He's not there. Who is that Man with you?"

The group member said, 'There are just four of us; there's nobody else.' And then the he said, 'How do you know the words of that song?' He said, 'Well I don’t know; perhaps I just heard it somewhere and it came to mind.' But the singer said. "You couldn't have done, I just made it up yesterday - it's the first time I've sung it.' And before long they were talking about Jesus. And that lad ... that fellow's now short of a leg; but he's richer with a Saviour, convinced that God encountered him.”

[H]

There was an intense fire at the British Western Sovereign Base area, Paramah, on Cyprus. Fourteen quarters were burned out, and many others damaged. Lieutenant-Colonel Richard Cobbold and his wife Yvonne had always prayed for protection: theirs was the only house to escape damage of any kind to house or garden. The fire stopped at the garden fence: halfway through the hedge [c 1990].

[I]

When my father was on military service, during the Second World War, he ostensibly disappeared for a large part of a year - as he had warned us. Aged ten, I was praying a childhood prayer for him, when I became aware or a person in the room, and saw a bright column of light - in spite of the thick Blackout curtains. Although I was working on a copy of a Burne-Jones type of drawing of an angel, this was simply a column of light – not what I might have imagined. I heard a voice saying that on the following day we would receive a letter. At half-past nine, I went outside to see my mother’s joy as she showed the letter to a neighbour. My limited knowledge of probability reckoned that there was only one chance in three hundred of the message coming true that day. It prevented me ever becoming “an honest atheist”.

[J]

Marie Monsen, the eminent Norwegian missionary to China recounts how remarkably tall angelic troops guarded their compound during a rebellion.

[K]

Brother Yun, in his autobiography “The Heavenly Man”, tells of many miraculous events: his remarkable escape from a prison, he and his cellmate were the only ones to escape a pernicious skin infection, people unharmed in winter baptisms in frozen water, having cut a hole in the ice, some did not feel the chill of the water – some felt it warm, an escape from the police. He fasted for 74 days.

[L]

At the Bella Vista Prison in Colombia, the White Flag Campaign brought to an end the killing culture. Prisoners had played football with human sculls, and there had been murders almost every day.

Bella Vista Prison was unfortunately named – in Medellin, a city in the heart of the drug infestation; in Colombia, the most dangerous nation in the Western World.

An horrendous cauldron of brutality was brought to an end – not by military intervention – but by a spiritual awakening to the Gospel. The breakthrough in 1990, which ended the riots, is referred to as The White Flag Campaign. There is a Bible Institute within the prison now. Prison authorities take their cue on moving Christian prisoners, when they have finished their training as evangelists and pastors in the Institute.

“Bella Vista Prison is a maximum-security prison that was often called ‘hell on earth’ where the murder rate often topped one per day. Through prayer and the bold witness of some anointed believers the prison has seen a remarkable turning of the most hardened criminals to Christ. Large numbers of the inmates are now believers, and round the clock prayer chains often function. The spirit of murder has all but disappeared, and the brutal conditions improved. Now, a Bible Institute has formed in the prison, training inmates for ministry once they are released.”

(Colombia, “Operation World”, an encyclopedic, reference book on World Missions)

Jeannine Brabon, OMS missionary, Professor of Old Testament at the Biblical Seminary of Colombia, and founder member of the Prison Fellowship of Antioquia.

This is an outline of her first, nervous, sermon in Bella Vista Prison.

“I wonder if you know what the word ‘mercy’ means?” she asked. “To illustrate, I would like to tell you the story of King David of Israel. The Bible describes him as ‘a man after God’s own heart’. He was the finest ruler his country had ever known. Nevertheless, he had his enemies.”

Jeannine told the story of David’s conflict with the jealous King Saul: of the many attempts on David’s life, by Saul; of the Saul’s son who was David’s best friend.

She recounted the tragic events of the Battle of Mount Gilboa: how Saul ended his life by falling on his sword, and the Philistine army wiped out the royal family. All this opened the way for David to become King.

When he was firmly enthroned, to honour the memory of his friend Jonathan; he brought his lame and impoverished son Mephibosheth (meaning “man of shame”) to live freely in his court. David found him in Lodebar (meaning “nowhere”). Normally kings of the time annihilated their enemy’s family. Jeannine saw nods of understanding, when she mentioned annihilating enemies.

But David had experienced the love of God. Hebrew has a special word for it: “hesed”. We translate it “loving-kindness”. It is steadfast love that never ceases, no matter how badly we behave or how little we deserve it.”

The King showed ‘hesed’ to the poor man, and brought him into his palace in Jerusalem (meaning “City of Peace”). This is a picture of God’s mercy. “God loves every one of us in exactly the same way, no matter how badly we behave or how little we deserve it.”

Twenty-three professional assassins and terrorists had tears streaming down their faces, as they stood to show their desire to receive God’s love, and be prayed with.

(Taken from page 82ff, “The Lord of Bellavista”, by David Miller, SPCK, 1998.)

[M]

In the missionary report film: “Vive Cristo Rey!”, the Roman Catholic and Pentecostal Believers, experienced several miracles on the Mexican-American border. A small joint of meat at a Christmas outreach fed a large number of people.

[N]

The south transept of York Minster set on fire after the induction of an heretical Bishop of Durham.

[O]

An American man said he would believe if God gave him a sign: the minister of a Church rang the wrong number and the man’s record indicated that (the church of) “God the Almighty” had called him.

[P]

As you will know the Church in China is seeing phenomenal growth. Observers say that they see four kinds of miracles:

1. Being delivered miraculously from dangerous plights. The Lamas caught an evangelist in Tibet. He was taken to a high mountain used for "sky burials": sewn into a tight yak skin and left to die, as the skin contracted in the sun. Vultures would eat his remains. The vultures came; but undid the stitching and he was able to crawl away.

2. Endurance to keep going. A typical example: beaten by bullies, over three years in a prison cell - yet survived against the odds. There were many such instances - 10 for every deliverance marvel.

3. Healing miracles. 50% of the converts in the house-churches came to faith in Christ because of physical healing.

4. Spiritual Warfare. In a village, dominated by 2.000 years of syncretistic folk religion, a couple were converted, and threw out the family gods, which were supposed to protect the rooms of their home. The village felt threatened by this supposed weakening of their spiritual protection by an ancestral god. At great expense a Taoist priest was brought in to pray for help outside their home. There was the banging of gongs, and setting off of firecrackers, for about a week. At the end of the week, the head priest received news that his son was wasting away with a mysterious illness. He returned the 35 miles to his house. But his spells could make no difference. The Christian couple asked permission to pray for the boy in the name of Jesus. This caused the priest to be very angry; and he slammed the phone down.

After a month, the illness had advanced close to death. In desperation the father called the Christians, and asked them to help. They prayed through the night. In the morning the boy woke-up recovered. The priest wondered if his own spells and incantations had worked after all. The boy, however, told how a man had visited him in the night and picked him up, saying: "Be well. My name is Jesus!" The story spread, to the glory of God: it was seen as warfare against the village gods.

[R]

A high class Muslim couple had often visited the home of two Christians for a meal and discussion, but to no effect. They were able to perform the Hadj, and saw the thousands massing round the Kabah, in the centre of Mecca. As they came in, a person stood before them: they said it was Isa - Jesus. He said, "You know that I am the Son of God. You know that I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: believe on me, and return to your home." No one else, but the two, saw the vision. They obeyed, and became shining lights for the Lord Jesus.

[S]

Revival involving RC's and AOG on the Mexican US Border

The two groups of Christians met to give a celebratory meal, served from the back of a vehicle.

[T]

“Reverend Michael” shared a startling and miraculous testimony. He was driving the church bus alone after taking members home from worship service when, suddenly an assailant in another car pulled alongside him and detonated a bomb. The explosion sent burnt pieces of the bus flying. Miraculously, the only part of the bus that survived was the driver’s seat where Revd Michael was seated. He had a few minor scratches, but was otherwise unharmed.

[U]

In the early nineteenth century a missionary couple found their home surrounded one night by shrieking roaring cannibals: the very people they had come to share the Gospel with.

About a year later, the missionaries had seen some fruit for their labours, and the Chief had become a Christian.

Recorded by John G. Patten: missionary to the New Hebrides in the South Pacific, where they had seen a spiritual awakening.

[V] LANCE LAMBERT’S TESTIMONIES

Lance required ten thousand dollars for a deposit on a house most suitable for his work in Jerusalem.

In 1967, in the Sinai, a finger appeared in the sky pointing out the escaping Egyptian soldiers to the Israeli army there.

On the Golan Heights during the 1973 Yom Kippur War, the Syrian tanks suddenly stopped, and the soldiers fled. This is reminiscent of two passages in the OT [New American Standard Bible]: ^{Deuteronomy 7:20} Moreover, the LORD your God will send the hornet among them until even the survivors who hide from you have perished.

^{Joshua 24:12} Then I sent the hornet before you and it drove out the two kings of the Amorites from before you,

Lance Lambert and his organisation used Halford House as a UK base.

Bahkt Sing, the eminent preacher, found that wherever he spoke in India the clocks always stopped; this happened to a timepiece at Halford, which had kept good time since 1710.

Several remarkable events concerned Bill, a maintenance worker at Halford:

Scores of chairs were spread around the floor of a downstairs room. An assistant had called Bill to leave the exposed roof, but Bill forgot that he had pulled up the lower half of the ladder. As he started to descend, as he felt for the rungs: he fell! The young assistant said it was a miracle: Bill fell into the only suitable chair – he floated down like a feather, turning over twice. “Yes, I came down like a feather,” he said, as calm as calm.

He was working four floors up on a six-foot high Queen Anne chimney. Some of the staff heard a huge crunch, and the whole building shook. One of the ladies screamed loudly: Bill was spread-eagled on the concrete; apparently dead. Lance saw him stand up and dust himself down; but thought it was a spontaneous nervous reaction, and he would really drop dead. There was no harm. They gave him a cup of tea laced with whisky; and he returned to work.

The only time Bill was seen really shocked: He lived in Blackdown, beyond Godalming, in Surrey. He would race up the hill to Halford House at over 100 miles per hour. This day, as he drove into the car park, the steering wheel came unfixed in his hand! “I’ll have a cup of tea, before I work,” he said. Lance observed that it could have been a terrible accident.

[W] Colombia is a particularly hard nation for serious, witnessing Christians: autonomous Indigenous occult tribes have considerable power, as do the Para-military and Terrorists. Pastor Joseph and his wife Mary (fake names for security concerns) had become Christians as a young couple. Mary was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Her breasts, ovaries, and uterus had been removed to attempt the limitation of the disease. Chemotherapy had robbed her of her hair. Shortly after her conversion, she received prayer for healing; she went home to retire for the night, but woke after three hours to find that her hair had rapidly grown back to a fair length. Her breasts grew back, and she was able to have children. When she held her first child in her arms, she just cried, because she could not believe that God had been so kind and so merciful to her. When a gunman came to shoot Mary and her child, the bullet jammed and failed to fire. Mary told this remarkable story to an "Open Doors" worker, who recounted it on the Prayer CD, October 2015, Track 6.

[X] Daniel Ekechukwu, a young Nigerian Pastor had been killed when the brakes failed on his car, at the bottom of a hill near his home. In the detailed video the full story is told, with film of some of the events included. The doctor who pronounced him dead, the mortician who prepared his body for burial, the wife who claimed a Scripture promise prophetically, family members, and the ministers who prayed for him and massaged his hands, all offer their stories. Although associated with a Reinhard Bonnke conference, a general prayer in the large auditorium upstairs was the evangelist’s only connexion.

Daniel also describes his after death experiences of Paradise and Hell.

[T] ENCOURAGING, 17

3870 Strong, parakaleo, par-ak-al-eh'-o, to call near, to invite, invoke, comfort exhort, beseech

3871 Strong, paraklesis. par-ak-lay-sis entreaty, imploration solace, comfort, consolation, exhortation, encouragement

3875 Strong, parakletos. par-ak-1ay-yos: advocate, intercessor, comforter, comforter

A verb and two noun forms

Kittel, vol V, pp 773-799 - Otto Schmitz and Gustav Stahlim

This is one of the most "versatile" word groups in our study. It ranges through at least four main areas: a pedestrian use for a physical position, a term often used of people coming to Jesus and beseeching him for help, the spiritual/emotional use - which is our concern, and

The everyday use is seen in: Esther 5:1 e, 2 b (LXX); Acts 8:31, 9:38, 13:42, 16:9, 15, 39, 19:31, 21:12, 27:33, 24:4, 28:14, 20; 2 Corinthians 8:4, 6, 17, 9:5, 12:18

Use by people, and even unclean spirits, approaching or beseeching Jesus for help: Matthew 8:5, 14:36, 26:53; Mark 1:40, 5:10, 18, 23, 6:56, 7:32, 8:22; Luke 7:4, 8:41; 2 Corinthians 12:18

There is also a wide range of the word's spiritual and emotional use, which is very much dependent on the context.

Can you spot the gift in these responses to my sermon on the subject? "You certainly have a gift for teaching": "Your thoughts really helped me"; "We have heard

Firstly there is the element of admonition: a positive critique to encourage improvement - an expression of true caring; "Faithful are the wounds of a friend." (Proverbs 27:6)

Secondly we have: to comfort and console, and to express sympathy. This may be from one human to another, or from God to a human. In the LXX, comfort
^{Psalm 41:4} I said, “O

heal me, for I have sinned against you.”

There is the honour of being

Kittel points out that in non-Christian Antiquity, there were the suggestions of: stop crying because it is pointless, think of your dignity, set an example. Much thought, and a whole genre of literature were devoted to the different kinds of comfort, but little hope of success was anticipated.

The Scriptures show that some are in a comfortless position: Job 21:34; Psalms 69:20, 77:2; Ecclesiastes 4:l; Lamentations 1:2, 9, 16, 21, 2:l3; Isaiah 22:4; Nahum 3:7, and Zechariah 10:2.

Perhaps the most wonderful of human experiences is the offer of God's consolation and hope, to those previously under His wrath. Kittel's writers observe: "Comforting is God's proper work. He turns earlier desolation into perfect consolation both in individuals and also in the people of God."

"God's comfort, like the comfortlessness which he causes, is ultimately an eschatological reality ... In the absolute it is deliverance in judgement, just as perdition is absolute desolation" (vol. V, pp 789-790).

The most effective comfort comes from God: Psalms 18, 23:4, 71:21, 86:l7, 94:l9. 119:l-176; Isaiah 28:29, 40:l ff, 51:3,12,19 ff, 54:ll ff, Two Old Testament metaphors picture God as a shepherd and a mother (Isaiah 40:l, 66:l3,11,12). His Servant is a source of comfort: Psalms 52. 76. 82, Isaiah 61:2.

Psalms, which contain the middle chapter and the middle verse of the whole Bible - its heart, teach more than elsewhere the Character of God and also His care and consolation for those in trouble.

Thirdly, a use found on many pages of the New Testament is that of encouraging: the apostles were continually encouraging spiritual and moral development by helpful instruction: (Luke 3:l0-18) Acts 2:40, 9:31, 11:23-24, 13:15 (to accept the Gospel) 14:22, 16:40, 20:1 f; 2 Corinthians 5:20, 6:1; Philippians 2:1, 1 Thessalonians 2:3; Hebrews 13:22. In 1 Peter 5:12 and Jude verse 3: it is the purpose of the letters, and especially in the final sections of epistles: Romans 12:8, 15:19, 30; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 2 Corinthians 10:1; Ephesians 4:1; Philippians 2:1, 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 2:11 ff, 3:2, 4:1; 2 Thessalonians 3:12; 1 Timothy 2:1; Hebrews 12:5, 6:18; 1 Peter 2:11, 5:1.

The means of encouragement was: the written word, a visit, or news (Romans 15:4; Colossians 2:2, 4:8; Ephesians 6:22; 2 Corinthians 1:3-11, 7:4, 6, 7, 13; 1 Thessalonians 3:7; Philemon verse 7).

Second Corinthians, chapter 1, is the great passage on the nature and purpose of suffering: so that we can receive, and minister, comfort in God's name. The Church is to comfort the repentant sinner: and find comfort in the healing miraculous grace of God, but especially in the future hope of Christ's return (2 Corinthians 2:7; Acts 20:12; 1 Thessalonians 4:8; Matthew 5:4). The rich have their transient comfort now; the oppressed can look for future redress (Luke 6:24, 2:38, 16:25). At the beginning of the Gospel, there were those who anticipated the "consolation of Israel" (Luke 2:25, 38; with Isaiah 40:1 f).

"Thus ... (the word) is used for the wooing proclamation of salvation in the apostolic preaching." (Kittel, vol. V, p 795)

A footnote in Kittel has this helpful summary: "Apostolic exhortation is a concerned and urgent address to the brethren which combines supplication, comfort and admonition" (note 174, p 796, vol, V).

Its use as a name for God is most moving: both in the hope it gives to us, and in the linking of the spiritual gift with God's own character: "The Father of Mercies and the God of All Comfort”; and the name for the Holy Spirit: "The Comforter". (2 Corinthians 2:3; John 14:16, 26, 15:26, 16:7)

This is a most beautiful of gifts - all the others improve with its use. How splendid to minister this gift, how glorious to be uplifted through its benediction.

Hebrews 3:12-13: "See to it brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage each other daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness."

The gifts of the Spirit merge into each other, like the seven colours of the Rainbow. So we can observe the close relationship of both teaching and prophecy, as well as among the caring gifts.

ENDNOTES

I think we need to look at the surprising question of FRUSTRATION.

On the one hand, there is the "new" awareness of callings, and on the other, the need to develop a NT Church Structure. Thousands of Christians, in this country alone, must live in a state of total anguish: they have gifts, but the tradition of the Congregation, even in quite young denominations, stifles their operation. Whereas women often feel this applies very much to them, rest assured, men have exactly the same problems. To put things another way: some leadership patterns severely limit the proper use of Gifts.

A SPECIAL LOOK AT THE OPERATION OF THE GIFTS AND WORK OF GOD IN THE CHURCH, RELATIVE TO MEN AND WOMEN

A LIST OF TASKS, GIFTS AND OFFICES

M Men only

** Normally men only, but exceptions

* Opinions in the Church differ regarding public speaking in Congregation.

+ Denominations differ officially

Capitals indicate larger divisions, or areas, which have often been overlooked.

M Elders - top leadership Organise Missionary Support

M Teachers in Congregation Organise Altruism Abroad

Organise Missionary Giving

Organise Altruistic Giving

Deacons, Deaconesses Organise Mission Abroad

**Apostle +5 people who help

*Prophet Run Mums' and Toddlers'

Workers of Miracles Help at Mums’ and Toddlers’

Healings Organise Lifts

Helps Help in giving lifts

ADMINISTRATORS Church Bus Driver

Tongues* COUNSELLING: unemployed

Interpretation* drug abusers

Word of Wisdom marriage

Word of Knowledge engagement

Faith abused women

Discerning of spirits abused children:

Serving abused sexually

Exhortation abused generally

Contributing families

LEADERSHIP-AID stress

Mercy Acts financial

EVANGELISTS+ legal

PASTOR+ - special NT usage! career

Literature - shop Interior design - home, church, TV set

Personal Work ORGANISING: church holiday

Instrumentalist Visits to events

Leader of Worship+ Schools Outreach

Leader of Public Meetings+ Drama

Market Witness

SECRETARIES - ORGANISERS Drop-in Centre

Treasurers - Bursars Conferences

Editor of Bulletin Youth Camps

Leader of Children's Work+ Seaside Missions+

Leader of Women's Teaching Uniform Groups+

Leader of Women's Outreach House Groups

Teaching Children Home-Evangelism

Teaching Ladies Home Fund Raising

Organising Home Education Assist with the above +13

Help for Carers Librarian

Public Relations Leading at Communion+

Organise Audio-visuals Helping at Communion+

Maintenance Printing and Reprographics

Environs - garden Organising Stewarding

Organise Catering Stewarding Meetings

Catering TEACHING: Singing,

Organiser of Social Outings Dance

Organiser of visitation Drama

Organiser of visiting the Elderly Helping in above +3

Organiser of visiting the ill Producing Children's Musicals

Visitation WRITING: Children's Books.

Visiting the elderly Ghost-writing

Visiting the ill Biography

WRITING: Devotional Officiate at Weddings

Poetry Assist at Weddings

Journalism Officiate at Funerals

Drama... Help at Funerals

PRODUCE: for local radio Testimony

for TV Lead Meditation+

Assist with the above +2 Lead Intercession+

MD Christian Firm Write Gospel Music

Head of Christian School Conduct Christian Orchestra

Teach in a Christian School Play in Christian Orchestra

Advisor in Christian Schools Outreach to specialist groups

Inspector of Christian Schools

Organise a Credit Union Lead Gospel Rock Group

Manage YP hostel Play in Gospel Rock Group

Manage Sheltered Homes Publicity, posters etc

Manage Home for Children Free Literature circulation

Run Church Help line Organise Home Helps

Outreach to Sport Manage Security: premises and homes

Supervise equipment Information Officer

Outreach to Industry Officiate at Baptisms+

Outreach to the Military Help at Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals, O&A

1 TIMOTHY 2:11 ff, "A woman must learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent..." The passage goes on to delineate the qualities, which could bring men and women to hold office in the Assembly, (women as Deaconesses, in the NT sense). "Authority over men" refers to within the Congregation - not in specialist areas, or secular fields. Church Leadership must be male.

I take "authority" to be different from "organise". Authority being policy, decision making and direction, organise being delegated administration.

The above list pictures a healthy Congregation of about 200-500 members. Estimated numbers within this fellowship: 5 plus Elders, 15-50 prophets of various calibres, 13-40 evangelists, 3-10 full-time workers, the Elders are not full-time, but receive some payment, as Scripture teaches in 1 Timothy 5:17. If you attend a Kirk which has no work for you: perhaps there is the need to look for a move.

Ladies must not teach Christian doctrine to men. This means that ladies may speak to the Congregation in certain areas: EVANGELISM, TESTIMONY, REPORTING, PROPHECY: ENCOURAGEMENT-STRENGTHENING-COMFORT-INDICTMENT-FORETELLING. There are SEVEN areas here, but careful thought will add to the list, no doubt. By implication, men must not learn Christian Doctrine from ladies. In line with this, there is the biblical and Holy Spirit instructed concept, that women must not hold leadership positions over men. The Church Society, within the Church of England holds firmly to this teaching, and it is called Complimentarianism. If there are no men available, one might have in mind Deborah (Judges chapters 4 and 5). (See 1 Timothy 2:11 ff above)

Sadly many ladies in Ministry are more influenced by Feminism than by God’s Word and its guidance to them: they have never made a dedicated study of the New Testament on this vital subject – as in the passage above. I heard a fine young lady speaker address a large crowd (mainly Christians) – her teaching was first class; but how would she exegete 1 Timothy 2:11 ff? Then again you ask: “Why does God give the teaching charism to ladies?” Three quarters of a church will be women and children; this is the area in need of their instruction! In some schools I found “Jehovah’s Witnesses”, Muslims, and Jewish, scholars well versed in their faiths; but not Christian teenagers!

I wrote to the Evangelical Alliance in a similar vein to the above - four leaders had addressed the issue of : How do we address the male deficit in the Church?

^{Titus 2:3-5} Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.

If a woman is giving instruction on an academic subject, say in a college, in which a doctrinal insight is conveyed, the men in the class would take note, but initiate their own research into the issue - and not accept it unquestioningly from the lady lecturer. This is a hard saying in a Feminist Society, along with Political Correctness; but we will be called to much braver stands for our Lord.

Prayer, prophecy, tongues and interpretation, are not being referred to in the injunction for women to be silent; the passage in its particular context seems to refer to chattering. I think of a local synagogue where the ladies in the balcony chattered away; only the lady in the middle of the front row – wearing a large pink hat, and was most likely the Rabbi’s wife – sat in rapped in silent attention. When women do teach the general congregation, the men may often feel that it "grates", that the Holy Spirit is not speaking to them through the teaching - almost as if another language is being used. True also in face-to-face conversation, and in house Bible Studies. It still remains one isolated area only.

With the coming of lady bishops in the Church of England (in fact lagging behind many Non-Conformists) the Church could not be further from the Pattern of Scripture. We are a million miles away. Here are Christians lacking the courage (a very serious fault – see Revelation 21:8) to say to the World, we are required of God to do things differently! What can we do? Place the authority, in the Church, in the hands of teams of men (Clergy and laity), who fulfill the simple qualities required by the Holy Spirit in the New Testament.

We see, in the New Testament, that the Leaders of the Jewish Religion had become opposed to the Divine Will

The major question facing the Ekklesia, is not the ordination of ladies, but the ordination of the laity!

26DEC14 Reform is a network of individuals and churches promoting the gospel of Jesus Christ by reforming the Church of England – we are committed to growing a nation of healthy, local, Anglican churches and believe that the Bible clearly teaches that this is best done when men take self-sacrificial responsibility for the spiritual oversight of the domestic and church family.

Churches in the Reform network are 30% larger than average and a third have planted new congregations or churches in the past ten years. Reform have consistently voted against the approach taken to appoint female bishops as it is divisive and has the potential to alienate the very churches which represent the future viability of the Church of England. Reform is now incorporated in the Church Society.

FURTHER ENDNOTES

[1] ANOTHER LOOK AT BUILDINGS AND CORPORATE WORSHIP

The early church tended to meet in homes. Where a business with slaves was carried out, the premises could be quite large, and awnings were used in Greece to give shelter from extremes of weather at the theatre, and at homes, etc. My landlady in Corinth, sheltered under a small awning, flats in Athens were equipped with them. A sad feature, near Ancient Corinth, at its north facing port of Lechaion, is the ruin of a huge ornate church – 179 meters long: illustrating how, after a few centuries, buildings had become too important!

At a church, which had known the preaching of Smith Wigglesworth, and the Jeffrey brothers, the morning service set a mature and spiritual example.

[2]

Currently, I see three areas of sinfulness, which could draw the wrath of an angry God – “our God is a consuming fire”.

Where the LORD has given clear instruction, and we choose to do things differently – in our own way.
We perform extra-biblical deeds for worldly or selfish reasons.
The clear commandments of God are broken – as with murder or adultery, for instance.

Jesus said: "Don't

[4]

Canon Michael Green wrote that the Early Church was: urgent, compassionate, flexible, open to the Spirit, lay orientated, untroubled by buildings, mobile, dialectic, and communal. The Church today is: dilatory, indifferent, rigid, man-centred, clerically dominated, building conscious, static, dogmatic, and individualistic.

We may also see the major denominations today, as being very broad - ranging from near total belief in the Scriptures and Apostolic Doctrine: to a secular view of faith and practice (where we have to question the reality and validity of their confession of Christ).

If we look at the time of the Lord Jesus Christ, as portrayed in the New Testament of the Bible:
there are the:
Pharisees (far too strict, adding Traditions, unorthodox, and not truly of God, but sincere);
Sadducees (demythologizing the Scriptures, belief in a reduced understanding of God and the spiritual, sometimes seeking status, and avoiding the challenge of the unbelieving World);
and,
Jesus, the Apostles, spiritually aware Jews, and true Believers (faced with persecution, orthodox in belief and practice, looking for the fulfillment of the biblical prophecies, and holding the whole of Scripture to be the true Word of God).

The enemies of all these tend to be: atheists, and other false religions.

[5]

Believers in the West have tended to lose the art of visiting each other’s homes: we need to regain this balanced habit of encouraging, and having Christian fellowship.

A Pakistani observes:

“I gave up everything, including my family, for Christ, and all I got was meetings"

"Mohamad feels that genuine fellowship and practical support is lacking in churches describing stories of Christians from all walks of life who have experienced a lack of care. These include a single friend in Scotland who has never been invited to visit anyone from her church, and an elderly man who was not visited by his church leadership or house group members while in hospital. Rather than making excuses for our own inactions, he calls on us to treat each other as we would our own family.”

(January/February 2015 IDEA magazine p25)

[6]

HOT TIPS FOR SINGING AND SPEAKING

Rather than a sudden shock to our vocal cords, humming a favourite tune is a great way to warm up – every day.
Breath with your diaphragm: situated between the rib cage and the tummy.
Humming produces the notes from the right part of the mouth cavity.
Enunciation: pronouncing words clearly and carefully – often this means sounding the first and last letters precisely.
Enjoy singing and speaking.

2Timothy 1:14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

******************************************************************************************

Holy Spirit gifts

Saturday 26 March 2022

GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT - PART THREE

^{Joshua 1:9} “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified;
do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

FURTHER ENDNOTES

[1] ANOTHER LOOK AT BUILDINGS AND CORPORATE WORSHIP

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Saturday 26 March 2022

GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT - PART THREE

Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified;do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

FURTHER ENDNOTES

[1] ANOTHER LOOK AT BUILDINGS AND CORPORATE WORSHIP

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Post a Comment

Blog Archive

About Me

^{Joshua 1:9} “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified;
do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”