HEALING IS FOR TODAY

Let's all turn to Isaiah 53:5. This scripture is referring to Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of our heavenly Father, the creator of all. Ready? Let's read together:

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: The chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”

This will be the foundational scripture for this week's message – entitled – Healing is for Today. Welcome to all who enter into this week's 24/7, week long, online church service. Everyone is welcome in this place. Let's look at this scripture carefully. Jesus was wounded for our transgressions, pertains to the manner in which he died and why. Jesus was not wounded nor did he die for his transgressions, simply because he had none. But, because of the Father's love for us, Jesus took on the burden and price of our sin. Transgressions means having turned away from God and following the ways of men, Satan and the world. In that state, we can't walk in the blessings and benefits God desires us to have. These benefits include freedom from sin, guilt and condemnation. His benefits also include love, mercy, grace and healing for our bodies and minds. Thank God for the love he has shown us.

The phrase – he was bruised for our iniquities, means all that he suffered was for us. The chastisement of our peace was upon him – means that the only way to restore peace to man's mind, body and spirit, is through Jesus Christ and the finished work of the cross. The whole purpose in Jesus' coming to the earth was to die. His death and resurrection are the whole foundation of the one and only salvation that is acceptable to God. In this reading, it clearly shows healing is for today and with his stripes, we are healed. Glory to God!

It does not matter how many preachers or churches teach that healing passed away when Jesus died. God has not changed his mind, my friends. Jesus took stripes on his back for our healing and it's time we get back to believing God's word and not fables of men. There is not one scripture in the Bible that indicates that God does not want his people well spiritually and physically. Jesus was always meant to be our example on how life should be lived and what we should believe about him and what he did for us.

Let's look at some Jesus scriptures. The picture will become more clear as we turn to him and the truth of the word. Turn with me to Matthew 4:23-24. Remember, Jesus is the example.

“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. And his fame went throughout all Syria: And they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with diverse diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.”

How many know God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow? Do you really think God would have Jesus going place to place, healing all manner of sickness (both physical and mental), if it was not his will that healing would be with us always? I believe if Jesus were physically walking the earth today he would be in Detroit, Michigan, in New York City, in the South and the West and all stations in between. And guess what he would be doing? He would be restoring love, mercy and grace. He would be preaching, teaching and healing. That is what God desires his children who have the Spirit of God in them to be doing. How do you know that, Bro. Bob? I know it because the Bible says so. Remember the Bible?

Jesus himself tells us that as believers, we are to do as he did. Turn with me to John 14:12. Let's read it together.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you. He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do: Because I go unto my Father.”

Oh believer, do not be deceived. God has not left us powerless. The church in the Book of Acts knew that. Their belief was that God said what he meant and meant what he said. Jesus said we would do the same works as he did. Did that not include healing? Of course it did and it still does today. Peter and John believed the words of Jesus, didn't they? Look at Acts 3:1-7.

“Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, (now get this) look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: And immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.”

The man then began to jump, walk and praise God, for surely he had been healed. Ladies and gentlemen, Peter and John had no more in them than we have in us today. They had the Spirit of God in them and they knew the power that is in the name of Jesus. This online church believes, as Peter and John believed, that they could do the same works Jesus did. And guess what? They took no glory for themselves, but gave God all the glory.

I would ask you to read Acts Chapter 3 for yourselves. The people were amazed at this miracle healing and began to look at Peter and John as something special, but Peter set them straight. Acts 3:12:

“And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? Or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?”

Peter went on to say in Acts 3:16:

“And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.”

In other words, Peter was saying to God be the glory, not us!! If more preachers would give God glory instead of basking themselves in praise, more healings would take place today. This message will be just one of many messages regarding the healing power of God and how and why it is for today. God wants us to know and understand his benefits that he has provided for us through his Son, Jesus Christ; healing being just one of many. God does not want us to forget all of his benefits. Please, turn to Psalms 103:2-3:

“Bless the Lord, Oh my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases.”

Preachers, teachers, churches please do not disregard this Psalm. It is the Word of God, isn't it? There is much more to come on this subject, but right now, there is praise to be given to God for his faithfulness.

You all know this online church stresses prayer, don't you? We constantly ask you to pray for the requests at the right side of the message. Today, to back up our message, we are very happy to report that your prayers for Tissy Miller, who was suffering from cervical cancer, have been answered. She received the good news this past week, that the cancer is gone and there is no trace of cancer left in her body. Praise God for his healing power!! Tissy we are so thankful God has answered the prayers of all who have been praying for you and your family. God Bless You!! Yes, my friends, healing is for today.

God Bless You,
Bro. Bob

New Prayer Requests:

Please pray for Nancy Stewart. Nancy lives just outside of Detroit, Michigan. She has just been diagnosed with liver cancer. We ask for urgent prayer, for a total and complete healing and we thank God for healing Nancy and we look forward to the good report.

Jessica Summerlin of the Treasure Coast in Florida is battling ovarian cancer. We ask everyone to pray very seriously for a complete and total healing.

We bind up the spirit of death and cancer and we command that they leave and give up all control over Nancy and Jessica. Jesus is the name above all names and that includes cancer.

Huge praise report:

We thank God for healing Tissy Miller from cervical cancer. This is an answer to the prayers of many that have lifted their voices to God in support of Tissy. The good news, Tissy is now free and clear of all cancer. She is healed and we thank God for it.