Introduction to Healing The Grace Center of Charleston Neal Arnold March 3, 2016 The Grace Center of Charleston

Overview- Introduction to Healing Prayer It is a privilege to participate with the heart of our Heavenly Father Establishing a Foundation for Healing Ministry Importance of the Holy Spirit in Healing Types of Healing Prayer Model Praying for Physical Healing Resources Why is healing important in the kingdom

Establishing the Foundation of Healing Ministry Healing is an essential element of all ministry – it is a matter of life and death both for the world around us and the church body Many people no longer believe the power to heal is available for all of us Healing is part of the resurrection of Christ which brought us into a new creation – he reclaimed the power and gave it to us Jesus was the best example for all of us to study. He was not driven predominately by a desire for “signs and wonders” rather compassion on the fallen world around him.

Restoration – The Heart of Our Father Reading the bible would lead one to believe that we cannot preach the gospel without healing the sick and casting out evil spirits, because the kingdom of God is at hand Matthew 10:8 NKJV " "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. The kingdom of God is being restored by His Spirit through you and I Matthew 10:7 And as you go, preach, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.‘ Matthew 17:11 He answered, "Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. The kingdom of darkness is being destroyed in these acts 1 John 3:8 …The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Important Biblical Foundations in Healing Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 1 Corinthians 2:1, 4, 5 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. John 16:13 "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own [authority], but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. John 14:12 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater [works] than these he will do, because I go to My Father. Luke 10:20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." Revelation 4:11 "You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created."

Importance of the Holy Spirit in Healing Many in the Church do not understand the need for the baptism in the Holy Spirit. It has gone missing from many churches The Holy Spirit provides the manner for God to communicate his will and direction in specific circumstances or encounters of prayer ministers The power of the Holy Spirit is required empowerment for healing and casting out demons. All the gifts of the Spirit can be used in healing prayer including wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, discerning of spirits, speaking in tongues and interpretation The work of the Spirit is based in love and compassion for those we minister

Types of Healing Required There are at least four kinds of healing Sickness or physical healing Inner healing – trauma and/or past abuse or abandonment issues Spiritual healing – forgiveness – close relationships Deliverance from evil spirit or demonic oppression Each of these may be interdependent Important to be familiar so we can recognize different needs Some people will need assistance beyond physical healing Other sessions will cover these topics

Five Step Prayer Model – Suggested Approach The Interview – understanding the need and listen to the Spirit Prayer selection – command and petition Prayer ministry – keep eyes open, follow the Holy Spirit’s lead, normal voice, always pray in the name of Jesus and use short specific prayer Stop and re-interview – listen to them and the Holy Spirt Post prayer suggestions – show Christ’s compassion, give direction if warranted regarding follow up This is not a formula but guideline – importantly – we must be lead by the Holy Spirit – his heart is better than my compassion.

Praying for Physical Healing This is a testimony of the resurrection of Jesus Two distinct elements in prayer for healing: Words – the prayer we say Touch – the laying on of hands Words – prayer Command prayer – possessing the authority of God, importance of hearing Ask and receive Touch – people can feel heat or see shaking or trembling, should ask Timing is important for us to understand – instant, progressive Important to have people try to do something they could not do

Encouragement – Practical answers Willingness – important – God does not use the most qualified Ability – it is all him – no pressure on you Courage – take a step – you will develop comfort, don’t just stay where you were comfortable Listen – the holy spirit and the person you are praying for To him be the glory – important we give all praise and honor to him Increasing kingdom – the spirit realm is not bound by our experience and our knowledge Lose the performance mentality – it is not a measurement of us The heart of our Heavenly Father is enough

Healing Resources Ever Increasing Faith – Smith Wigglesworth The Collected Works of John G Lake Christ the Healer – F F Bosworth The Essential Guide to Healing – Bill Johnson and Randy Clark Power to Heal – Randy Clark Healing – Francis McNutt

Questions to consider Why is it easy for us to believe in the supernatural creation of new life in salvation but it is hard for us to do the same in physical healing? Are we going to be constrained in his kingdom by our experience or understanding or the completed work of Christ and his promises? Something has been stolen from us – it must be reclaimed for us to bring the glory due our Father’s name