Healing Grace: Healing In the Gift of Righteousness

For it’s by God’s grace that you have been saved. You receive it through faith. It was not our plan or our effort. It is God’s gift, pure and simple. You didn’t earn it, not one of us did, so don’t go around bragging that you must have done something amazing. Ephesians 2:8-9 Voice

2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 John 2 NKJV

We've been studying as of late God's healing Grace bestowed upon us. What we have seen is that God our Father is a good God. We've seen that Christ and His blood has made us worthy to receive. Today, I sense the leading to reveal God's healing in His gift of righteousness.

 Understanding righteousness brings with it the knowledge that God is not accounting our sins against us. He honors our prayers as if Jesus Himself were asking. Righteousness gives us open access to Heaven. Let's see how Jesus reveals healing in righteousness.

25 Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, 26 and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. 28 For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well. 29 Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. 30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?” 31 But His disciples said to Him, “You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’” 32 And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. 33 But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. 34 And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.” Mark 5:25-34 NKJV

 This is the account of the woman with the issue of blood being healed. You may be asking what does this healing have to do with righteousness? Some may be saying I've heard great truths concerning faith and God's anointing in this passage. She reached out with the faith that takes and received her healing. His anointing wrought a great healing in her body. That's true but there is something that some have missed in this healing account.

 This event transpired during Old Covenant times. She was an Israelite living under the Mosaic Law. Do you realize she was breaking God's Law by even being out in public? How could she have the faith to be healed when she was purposefully disregarding the commandments in the Mosaic Law?

25 ‘If a woman has a discharge of blood for many days, other than at the time of her customary impurity, or if it runs beyond her usual time of impurity, all the days of her unclean discharge shall be as the days of her customary impurity. She shall be unclean Leviticus 15:25 NKJV

This woman was considered unclean. Prior verses in this chapter command that the unclean woman must be separated. In short, she was not supposed to be in public, let alone be in a crowd touching others. She was breaking God's commands and yet she still received. How could this be?

 The first clue to understanding this is where Mark's Gospel reveals she heard about Jesus. What do you think she heard about Jesus? Note, she didn't actually hear Jesus teach. She heard others telling her about Jesus. 

 What did she hear about Jesus? She must have heard Jesus is the healer. That Jesus heals the multitude. I can imagine her initial thoughts saying surely He won't heal me, I am unclean, He can't even come near me. There is nothing anyone can do for me. 

 She must have heard, don't think that, because Jesus heals all who come to Him. She had to hear He was healing even those unclean. She had to hear about the healing of the leper. That He touched the leper and he was completely cleansed. This woman realized Jesus wasn't disqualifying people from receiving healing. 

 There is another great truth revealed as to why she touched the hem of His garment. The prayer shawl the rabbis wore had tassels, these were sometimes referred to as the "wings" of the garment. In these wings was a streak of blue that represented God's Grace. Now, what does Malachi prophesy about wings?

But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings; Malachi 4:2a NKJV

She saw the glorious righteousness of God in those "wings" and knew if she embraced His righteousness and not her own she would be healed. This is what gave this woman the confidence to come out in public and to receive her healing. She received based upon Christ's righteousness. 

 So many today aren't hearing the good news of Jesus. What we hear today is that Jesus won't heal you if you are in sin. We hear more about how we are disqualified from receiving based upon our current conduct, or if the illness is of our own making. Religion says stay at home until you are clean. 

 Is healing then based upon our own goodness or Christ's goodness? When we understand we are the righteousness of God in Him, we will rest knowing that God isn't withholding any of His goodness based upon our conduct. Look how Paul reveals healing in God's gift of righteousness.

10 If the Anointed One lives within you, even though the body is as good as dead because of the effects of sin, the Spirit is infusing you with life now that you are right with God. 11 If the Spirit of the One who resurrected Jesus from the dead lives inside of you, then you can be sure that He who raised Him will cast the light of life into your mortal bodies through the life-giving power of the Spirit residing in you. Romans 8:10-11 Voice

 Our spirit is alive because of righteousness. Because of us being in right standing with God, His Spirit within us brings to life our mortal bodies. In righteousness, we have complete life and fullness and health. The same Spirit that resurrected Christ abides with us. If He can raise Christ from the dead, surely He can cure a common cold! 

 We have the perfect gift of righteousness in Christ. God isn't looking at ways to disqualify you from receiving. In the Finished Work, He exchanged our old nature with His. He exchanged our unrighteousness with God's perfect righteousness. God is faithful to this Finished Work. He isn't looking to see if we merit or deserve healing. He isn't waiting for us to clean up our act before we can receive. 

 Remember, we are just as righteous as Jesus. If Christ Jesus were to petition God for something, we know God would grant that answer to Him. So why do we struggle to believe God will answer our prayers for healing? Christ is in us. We are just as righteous as He is. Through the Blood of Christ, and by the Finished Work He has perpetually qualified us to receive. 

 Our conduct didn't merit us to receive salvation, therefore our conduct won't hinder us receiving the benefits of salvation. Rest in Christ's perfect righteousness. Freely receive from our Father's hand, He isn't withholding anything from us. 

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Healing Grace: Consider Jesus and not your imperfections and receive your healing

For it’s by God’s grace that you have been saved. You receive it through faith. It was not our plan or our effort. It is God’s gift, pure and simple. You didn’t earn it, not one of us did, so don’t go around bragging that you must have done something amazing. Ephesians 2:8-9 Voice

2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 John 2 NKJV


 In the recent weeks, we've been studying the healing Grace of Almighty God. So far we've seen that God is always good. That He is for us and never against us. That He isn't orchestrating evil in your life. We've seen He is there for us even in the darkest of times, bringing peace and assurance. 

 Why minister on the truth of healing? Why teach His healing Grace? Because we are boldly proclaiming the full Gospel of the Grace of God. Any gospel that reveals God sometimes heals and sometimes wants you sick, or sometimes brings deliverance and other times brings affliction isn't good news. 

 A gospel that only offers you forgiveness, and a guaranteed destination of Heaven, but is powerless to heal your body or abundantly bless you in this life is not the true gospel. This kind of "gospel" only serves to diminish expectations, dissipate hope, and deter faith. Where is the good news when we tell people God will only take care of you after you die, but until then you're on your own?

 Christ and His Finished Work has done so much more. He has provided for us all things that pertain to our life. That is good news, but you may be saying, "what if I don't merit Him doing anything for me?" Some may be wondering "what if this illness and infirmity were of my own making?" 

 This is of great importance that we address and answer these questions. Many in the Body of Christ have been taught that the reason they've not experienced the healing power of God is because their sins and shortcomings have disqualified them. Their faulty faith failures have short-circuited the receiving process. What is Jesus attitude on this?

21 Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 A Gentile woman who lived there came to him, pleading, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! For my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely.” 

23 But Jesus gave her no reply, not even a word. Then his disciples urged him to send her away. “Tell her to go away,” they said. “She is bothering us with all her begging.” 

24 Then Jesus said to the woman, “I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep—the people of Israel.”

25 But she came and worshiped him, pleading again, “Lord, help me!”

26 Jesus responded, “It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.”

27 She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.”

28 “Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.”And her daughter was instantly healed. Matthew 15:21-28 NLT

 This is an amazing example of God's healing Grace. At this time, Jesus was operating under the Old Covenant and hadn't yet paid the price for all mankind. He was ministering to the House of Israel only at this time. Yet we see the faith of this Gentile woman, who reached out and grabbed hold of God's Grace and power and received her miracle.

 At first glance, it seems Jesus was being cruel to the woman. I see deeper, that Jesus was leading her to a place where she could receive, even though she couldn't merit it. This woman was outside of the Commonwealth of Israel. She had no Covenant right to ask for anything. Yet, she received, how so?

 Jesus told her the Covenant didn't yet extend toward her. What she did is consider Jesus and His great Grace towards Israel and said surely with so much Grace I will simply take from the overflow, just the "crumbs" falling from the table. This is all I need to receive my miracle. She had so much faith in just a drop of His goodness and Grace that Jesus marveled at it. 

 This woman considered Jesus and not her imperfections and received. She didn't consider, "well I am not a Jew this healing is not for me." "I don't merit this healing because my people serve a different god." She looked past her demerits and embraced His goodness and kindness and Grace and received her miracle!

2 Now stay focused on Jesus, who designed and perfected our faith. He endured the cross and ignored the shame of that death because He focused on the joy that was set before Him; and now He is seated beside God on the throne, a place of honor.

3 Consider the life of the One who endured such personal attacks and hostility from sinners so that you will not grow weary or lose heart. Hebrews 12:2-3 Voice

 What is the answer for us when we find ourselves in the trouble of our own making? What do we do when we know we haven't been living lives that are honoring to the good name of the Lord? What about when we have believed by faith we are healed but as of late have been wavering and faltering? 

 Hebrews gives us the answer. Stay focused on Jesus and His faithfulness. Consider Jesus and not your faults and failures. Certainly, we don't celebrate living in a manner that is sinful and selfish. Yet, we must realize no one is able to merit one thing from God based upon performance. God's standard is 100% perfection 100% of the time. This is why our focus is Jesus and not performance.

 This Covenant was cut between God and the Son Jesus, not us anyway. Therefore it is Jesus performance and obedience that is the root or basis of this Covenant. Our performance has nothing whatsoever to do with our receiving. So many ministers want to find ways to disqualify and exclude God's people from receiving.

 Christ and His Finished Work provided a complete redemption. This Gospel of Grace isn't a half measure gospel. This Gospel doesn't provide for eternity only. This Blood that was shed isn't saying I purchased you an eternal address in Heaven but as for healing and provision you need to find your own help, I'll just be waiting for you when you get to Heaven.  

 In summation, if you want to receive your healing stay focused on the Lord Jesus and His Finished Work and not your sins and imperfections. His shed Blood has forever qualified you to receive all that Grace has purchased in eternal redemption. God isn't looking down upon you with folded arms and a frown of disappointment. He isn't looking for ways to withhold healing and provision from coming your way. He is a good Father who is perfectly and perpetually satisfied with Jesus Finished Work and receives good pleasure when He supplies all your needs. 

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Healing Grace: Worthy to Receive?

For it’s by God’s grace that you have been saved. You receive it through faith. It was not our plan or our effort. It is God’s gift, pure and simple. You didn’t earn it, not one of us did, so don’t go around bragging that you must have done something amazing. Ephesians 2:8-9 Voice

2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 John 2 NKJV

In the recent weeks, we been engaged in a study of God's healing Grace. The Grace that makes us whole, spirit, soul, and body. I'd like to make my heart's motive clear in sharing this important truth. 

 My desire is not to isolate any particular members of the Body of Christ. Meaning I am not simply addressing a truth aimed solely to members of the Church of Jesus Christ who believe that the Gifts of the Spirit are still active today. My heart is a heart that has been ambushed and captured by His amazing, over the top Grace. My passion is to express the goodness of God to all the Body of Christ.

 That stated I must offer a sincere apology if you will. Allow me to elaborate. This past week, I was rejoicing in a beautiful testimony of the goodness of God that had turned an impossible situation around for some parents who lived overseas. Their situation was  impossible for science and the ability of men to alleviate. God had other plans and moved mightily on their behalf.

 In this excitement, It dawned upon me that it was only God who could have changed things on their behalf. There was no hope in man or science. We thank God for medicine, and doctors and the breakthroughs in science, but there still exists conditions in the human mind and body that are without cure naturally. This is why it is paramount to share with all the goodness of God and reveal the majestic power of His healing Grace.

 While rejoicing in this miracle testimony the Lord impressed upon me strongly the need to share the full gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. He spoke these words in my spirit,

"Are you going to withhold the full truth of redemption for fear of losing some readers who have been molded by their experience and are stubbornly clinging to tradition or will you reveal the truth of  God and bring help to the hopeless and hurting and herald the good news that God has already done it, and healing is theirs in Christ?"

 So in light of this truth, I offer my apologies for holding back from revealing the full truth of Father's goodness and Grace concerning your healing. I have no desire to offend or anger or isolate any readers. On the other hand, I am not going to withhold the truth of the Finished Work to appease those who would rather uphold tradition and their experiences. God, our Father is a good God and it is His purpose and plan and complete desire that you walk healed and whole.

 With that, allow me to share a vital truth in receiving from our Father. One of the greatest hindrances to receiving healing isn't a lack of faith or being in fear but rather the mindset that we are unworthy to receive. That we must somehow be worthy of the gift. That our performance and current standing with God determines whether or not God will extend His healing hands towards us.

 Look at the healing of the Centurion's servant in the Gospels, (Matthew 8). This passage has been used mostly to reveal what strong faith looks like. It is true that this passage gives us the right definition of strong faith, simply taking Jesus at His word. However, the Gospel of Luke reveals another aspect of this account.

7 Now when He concluded all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum. 2 And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die. 3 So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant. 4 And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving, 5 “for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue.”Luke 7:1-5 NKJV

 Did you see this transaction between Jesus and the elders? They implored Him to heal because this man was deserving. When we rightly divide the Word we understand this event transpired under the Old Covenant. These elders were operating on the truth of the Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12). The centurion had blessed the people of Israel, therefore he was promised a blessing.

 While I have no issue with the events here, upon reading this passage it struck me that isn't this a similar pattern to what we have adopted, be it very subtly, in the modern Church?We have created a mindset that we must be first worthy to receive what God promises. In other words receiving healing is rooted upon our goodness, not Christ's. 

 Whenever the leaders call for the praying for the sick and afflicted many will encourage the respondents to examine their hearts and lives and ensure they are free from all sin, and that their performance as of late is up to par. People may not even respond to prayer because they know they've missed too many quiet times. They have been telling too many off-color jokes at work, surely God won't respond to my need for help and deliverance they reason. 

 Where we see this concept taking root strongly is when there is a "pillar" in the Church or community who has fallen ill or didn't receive their healing. If anyone should be healed it is sister so and so. They were such good Sunday school teachers. They did so much for the community. They were so pious. 

 The issue with these statements is they've based the reception of God's healing upon the performance of the afflicted one. What this concept fails to recognize is that apart from God no one can ever merit God's goodness and blessings. The basis of our receiving from God should be on Christ's goodness and faithfulness and not our own.

 We as believers must never be drawn into this trap laid for us by the enemy. When we look away from the Cross we will always default back to looking at performance and means by which we may merit God's goodness. We must continually keep the Finished Work before our remembrance. When we are Jesus focused we are no longer self-focused. 

 Jesus was already faithful and obedient on our behalf. He crossed the finished line for us. He is the victor who gives us the gold, even though we don't deserve it and lack the ability to merit it. When He paid for our sin debt and made us perfectly acceptable to the Father, He from that moment on has made us as worthy as God to receive all He has provided.

 In reality, He is always sending forth His healing power whenever the need arises. We just need to reach out, lay hold of it and receive it by Grace through faith. In His Finished Work, He purchased our complete healing. He doesn't need our permission as to who He heals and makes whole. We don't have to pass some denominational litmus test to see if we are worthy enough to receive. He purchased it on our behalf and freely gives it to all.

 We must not deflate the hope of others around us, just because our experiences don't align yet with the Word. Christ and the Finished Work are the only hope of healing and deliverance for so many. I refuse to take that hope away from those needing it by exalting traditions of men and experience. 

 Keep the Finished Work of Christ on the forefront. See Jesus in His perfection completing the work and meeting all the requirements on our behalf. Rest in His faith and Finished Work and receive all that He has procured for us. Jesus has made us worthy and acceptable to receive.

Healing Grace: Just Accept It?

For it’s by God’s grace that you have been saved. You receive it through faith. It was not our plan or our effort. It is God’s gift, pure and simple. You didn’t earn it, not one of us did, so don’t go around bragging that you must have done something amazing. Ephesians 2:8-9 Voice

2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 John 2 NKJV

 In the recent weeks, we've been in a study of God's healing Grace. Why the title of healing Grace? Because what He has accomplished on our behalf in the Finished Work of Christ was achieved not by our efforts, nor was the price paid because we merited it by our goodness. It was the full manifestation of God's love and goodness on our behalf. It is activated and received by His Grace through faith. 

 In this study we have seen how our Father in Heaven is a good Father. We saw He is not our tormentor. He is our life and victory. Today, I sense the guidance of the Lord to look at another passage in the ministry of Jesus. 

10 Now He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. 11 And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. 12 But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, “Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.” 13 And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. Luke 13:10-13 NKJV

 This passage perfectly captures God's heart and attitude towards infirmity and tormenting sickness and debilitating disease. He saw her affliction and how it adversely affected her life. Jesus drew her attention to Himself and away from her circumstances. Jesus removed the infirmity and her response was to give God the glory.  Now, what was the response of the religious leaders gathered in the meeting?

 14 But the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath; and he said to the crowd, “There are six days on which men ought to work; therefore come and be healed on them, and not on the Sabbath day.” Luke 13:14 NKJV

 The religious tradition-bound were indignant at this wonderful work of God. They resented the fact that Jesus interrupted their order of service. They were angry that Jesus revealed their way of doing things was incapable of producing any tangible fruit. Their way had never changed any lives for the better. 

15 The Lord then answered him and said, “Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it? 16 So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound—think of it—for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?” 17 And when He said these things, all His adversaries were put to shame; and all the multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by Him. Luke 13:15-17 NKJV

 Jesus response to the religious leaders reveals powerful truths for us today. Jesus rebuked religion because of their stubborn insistence upon tradition leaves people missing and broken. This woman was bound for the last eighteen years. Why couldn't you bring about the help she needed? The religious leaders were left speechless. 

 In this response, we also see Jesus identify the source of sickness and infirmities. He reveals the enemy is the root cause of affliction. Sickness and disease are never the work of our good Father. God created us to be whole not to be broken. 

 Jesus also didn't bring condemnation to her for being sick. He didn't rebuke her and say "where is your faith?" He didn't place blame upon her. He didn't say well if you had fasted more or confessed more Scripture this wouldn't have happened. In a fallen and fractured creation where the enemy roams about, brokenness is all too common. Although this is the way it is on Earth, Jesus didn't accept it as her lot in life.

 Jesus also stated a wonderful, hope-filled truth. This woman, being a child of the Abrahamic Covenant had a right to be healed. Today, as born again, children of God and heirs of the promise we have a right to healing. Infirmities and illnesses may rear their head but it is not God's design or will for our lives. 

 Take note how Jesus mentions the length of time she had been afflicted. Why is this of importance? This where I saw a truth capture my attention. The passage of that amount of time proved that the tradition ruled leaders just accepted this as the woman's condition. The enemy and religious tradition contend for us to just accept whatever circumstances come our way. Is this God's best for us?

 Now when talking about accepting circumstances this in no way advocates us to deny that our situation or circumstances are true. Faith doesn't deny the circumstances it just denies them the right to dictate our destiny. 

 There exist circumstances we find ourselves in that are brought about by our own choices. There are situations we encounter because of who we are with, be it in our employment, our relationships, or our location. The occasion sometimes causes for us to endure and through the power and presence of our Father, we go through these challenges, fighting from a place of victory, not for victory. 

 Still, there are many circumstances that are the result of the enemies plans, or because we live in this fallen world. God's plan for us is to live in His abundance. In His Finished Work, He perfectly redeemed us and gave us new life. He exchanged our weakness, brokenness, and infirmities for His abundance and strength and wholeness.

 If this is so, why are so many still broken and infirmed and not healed? We don't always know why some are healed and some are not. We will never have the full answers this side of eternity, as Paul said we see through a glass darkly. Yet, what is clear in an honest study of Scripture is that it is never God's will to afflict His own. It is not our Father withholding healing.

 One obstacle in receiving healing is the hopeless and religious double talk of men. 

"Yes God said in His Word by His stripes you are healed but this isn't a guaranteed promise for you."

"God's heals sometimes, but often sickness and disease can help mold you and make you a better person."

Can you imagine if we taught the lost this way about salvation? 

"True John 3:16 says you will be saved if you believe but it is not a guarantee for all..."

 The problem is we don't look to experience to determine God's will. I have studied the Scriptures and researched the original Greek language and it proves beyond doubt that salvation once sincerely received can never be lost. Yet, I have seen believers get angry at God and walk away. I have seen well-known ministers renounce basic Christian doctrinal truth and embrace far East mysticism. If I went by sight, by experience, I'd have to conclude salvation can be lost. Instead, I look to what the Word declares and let that be my source of truth.

 In summation, James chapter four says resist the enemy and he will flee. We resist the enemy and his schemes by believing and trusting in Christ's Finished Work. We actively trust in Jesus and readily receive all He purchased for us. Relinquish frustration and fear. Use all methods to receive wholeness. Add faith in His faith and Finished Work to physician's care, proper nutrition, and physical fitness. We can rest knowing if we don't fully receive in this life, we will on the other side of eternity.

Healing Grace: Jesus (Truth) vs Tradition (Religion)

 For it’s by God’s grace that you have been saved. You receive it through faith. It was not our plan or our effort. It is God’s gift, pure and simple. You didn’t earn it, not one of us did, so don’t go around bragging that you must have done something amazing. Ephesians 2:8-9 Voice

2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 John 2 NKJV

 We've been in a series studying God's healing Grace. That His goodness and Grace produces not only freedom and brings new life but also heals our bodies and restores our soul. We have established God is a faithful God. That He is always good and never has anything detrimental for us. 

 In our last study, we began dealing with Scriptures that suggest God makes people sick. Today I sense the leading to further address religious tradition concerning this area of healing. Tradition likes to remove God's goodness and replace it with their rules, regulations, and statutes. 

 We aren't immune from this onslaught of performance based faith concepts challenging us and our freedom in Christ. Jesus dealt with it in His time and so do we. There is a passage in the Gospels that illustrate this point. 

God wants you "Holy" not happy and healed?

 Religious tradition is most concerned with men keeping all the "rules". What is interesting to note is these "rules" seem to change or alter based on the particular denomination or ministry. One group suggests that women can't cut their hair or wear makeup. Another group isn't concerned about hairstyles or makeup, but they forbid women from teaching in a public church setting. They've bought into a concept that God isn't about a relationship but about maintaining the rules. Take note how Jesus handled tradition.

  Jesus went into the synagogue again and noticed a man with a deformed hand.2 Since it was the Sabbath, Jesus’ enemies watched him closely. If he healed the man’s hand, they planned to accuse him of working on the Sabbath.

3 Jesus said to the man with the deformed hand, “Come and stand in front of everyone.” 4 Then he turned to his critics and asked, “Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?” But they wouldn’t answer him.

5 He looked around at them angrily and was deeply saddened by their hard hearts. Then he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored! 6 At once the Pharisees went away and met with the supporters of Herod to plot how to kill Jesus. Mark 3:1-6 NLT

 This is a powerful passage. This passage reveals the true heart of Father God. This passage is clearly illustrating Grace vs the Law and traditions of men. 

 Jesus Earthly ministry had a manifold purpose. There are times when He illustrated the Law in all its true perfection. Thus revealing the impossible standard and proving our need for a Savior. Other times He revealed the Father's heart of love and gave a sneak peek of the New Covenant. This is why Jesus is perfect theology. 

 In this passage we see Jesus enter the synagogue. What did He see or focus on? His eyes were drawn to the needs of another. His heart of compassion, the perfect love of the Father, saw something withered and broken and desired to see it made whole. Take note that others were in the synagogue. What was their focus?

 Religious tradition, the enemies of Jesus, weren't drawn to the broken and hurting. They were watching to ensure all their rules were being kept. This is why religion's eyes are closed to the plight of lost humanity. They are so focused on men keeping a standard that they miss revealing the love of God, that when received is the only thing that produces true change. 

 Jesus wasn't moved by the "rules". In fact, He paraded the man out front. He was saying in essence,  My goodness and Grace and love trump any of your religious traditions. Note, this wasn't done out of rebellious strife and hate towards His enemies. He was attempting to reach them as well. 

 Jesus addresses His critics. He conceded to them yes the Word says this, however, He also revealed that they added to the Word with their traditions. He was saying your traditions aren't helping anyone. Your traditions are keeping men from walking in wholeness.

 What was their reaction? Yes, Jesus, you're correct. We've seen our error, we missed it. Was this how they responded? No, they remained silent. They chose their traditions over God's goodness and love and mercy. 

 Jesus, our good God of love and mercy, was angry at this. So many see God as angry at the lost in this World. Certainly, God is angry at injustice. However, He is pouring out His love to reach lost humanity. These here already knew the truth. Yet they exalted tradition over truth. This is what angered the Lord. Their hardened heart both angered and saddened Jesus. 

 Jesus brought life and wholeness and healing to this broken man. He healed the withered hand. What a sign and a wonder. God is good. You'd think there would be shouting and rejoicing at the goodness of God. What was tradition's response? They wanted to kill Jesus. Jesus wasn't moved by the fear of man and continued ministering His Healing Grace.

 Jesus and His all the time goodness and too good to be true but true, over the top Grace, anger religion but brings life and wholeness to the hurting and broken. His Word reveals the truth that topples the traditions of men. His loving kindness and mercy draw the masses whereas religion repels them. Truly, Jesus is greater than religion.

 God is a good Father who desires above all that you be made whole, spirit and soul and body. His loving kindness is extended toward humanity and He is inviting them to partake of His new life and experience a living, everlasting relationship with the creator of all the universe. Relinquish the traditions of men and embrace the truth of the Word. 

Healing Grace: Does God Cause Sickness and Disease? (What about Exodus 4?)

 For it’s by God’s grace that you have been saved. You receive it through faith. It was not our plan or our effort. It is God’s gift, pure and simple. You didn’t earn it, not one of us did, so don’t go around bragging that you must have done something amazing. Ephesians 2:8-9 Voice

2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 John 2 NKJV

 We've been in a study of God's healing Grace. We've seen that God is a good Father. We've put into remembrance the faithfulness of God no matter the situation or circumstance we face. Last time we saw that God is a miracle working God and we can trust in Him no matter what.

 Today, I would like to begin to answer some of the hard questions. I'd like to begin to look at those difficult Bible passages that seem to suggest God makes people sick or sends disease into His people's lives. Some of these passages tend to be roadblocks in the minds of some of God's people hindering them from receiving the truth that God is a good Father, who desires to see His Children healed and walking in wholeness.

 In the Gospel of Mark, we see an account of Jesus healing a leper. This account also illustrates how Jesus removed the barrier of trust in the individual. You can see the full account here. Paying closer attention to the narrative what can we see?

40 Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” 41 Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” 42 As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed. Mark 1:40-42 NKJV

 The leper had a barrier in his mind hindering his trust in the Lord Jesus. He said if you're willing, you can heal me. His trust couldn't move past this question. Take note how Jesus responds. He actually lays hands upon him. Nothing happens. It is not until Jesus speaks the truth, "I am willing, be cleansed" that this man receives healing. 

 The takeaway from this account is sometimes we all have questions and uncertainties. We need the truth revealed to us so we can fully trust God and His Word and promises. So it is in this arena of God's healing Grace. There are some passages that traditionally leave some with the idea that our good Father is behind sickness or disease. 

So What About Exodus 4:11?

What about what God told Moses?

11 So the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the Lord? Exodus 4:11 NKJV

 This passage seems to indicate that God is the one who makes people blind or mute or deaf. Before I continue, I must make one thing abundantly clear. If someone has been born with a disability such as deafness or blindness or any other birth defect, they all have infinite value and worth and purpose in this life. The disabled among us are not second class citizens or less valuable to society. God loves them with an everlasting love and they're just as capable of contributing to society as anyone else, and we should give them respect and dignity and honor just as we would anyone else.

 Going back to the passage, is it true that God is the one ordaining people to be born blind or deaf? Here is a good question, did God have any blindness or deafness or any other disability or disease in the Garden of Eden? Will there be deafness or blindness in Heaven? Understand we live in a fractured and fallen creation. Blindness and deafness and disease are never God's best or design for His creation.

 So how do we understand Exodus? We must not take a text out of context and try to create a theology out of it. Do we have any record of Jesus making anyone blind? We never see Jesus placing disease onto anyone. So how do we understand this challenging passage?

 In context, Moses was fearful of speaking to the Pharoah. If you have knowledge of Moses' life you recall he had a speech impediment. God was only telling Him I am the creator. He isn't teaching a theology of creating disabled people. He simply stated that He is the creator of all. If He created you He can strengthen you to carry out His purpose and plan for your life no matter your weakness or inabilities.

 Father God is a good and faithful Father. He isn't the source of our troubles or adversity. He is not the creator of sickness or disease or infirmity. He takes no joy from sickness or malady. He delights in loving kindness and mercy. He is the healer of all our disease and brokenness. God is the restorer of broken lives. He is the one who makes us whole. 

 In Him, we find life and love and wholeness. He is who completes us. He isn't breaking us with crushing disabilities or disease. In His hands we find healing. In His arms, we find unconditional love. His words speak life over us. He is the source of blessing and healing and never the source of death or destruction or disease. 

 Our life finds true fulfillment in Him. In Christ's Finished Work He exchanged our lack, our disease, our brokenness for His wholeness and abundance. Remove the roadblocks to receiving the truth that He is forever for us and never against us. We can rest confident and secure in His Word and Truth. He is the healer.

Healing Grace: The God of Miracles

 For it’s by God’s grace that you have been saved. You receive it through faith. It was not our plan or our effort. It is God’s gift, pure and simple. You didn’t earn it, not one of us did, so don’t go around bragging that you must have done something amazing. Ephesians 2:8-9 Voice


 In the recent weeks, we've been studying the healing Grace of Almighty God. In this study, we are endeavoring to reveal how His Grace manifests His healing in all areas of our lives. So far we've seen that God is a good God. That He is not the author of our pain, and that He is with us through adversity and He is faithful to the end.

 Today, I would like to once again reveal the goodness of our Father. Our good Father is a God of miracles. He is the Almighty and powerful Lord of Lords and King of Kings. There is nothing too hard for our Father. There is no situation or circumstance or adversity that the enemy, or this World system or even our own choices may bring about, that God hasn't made a way of escape or deliverance, or provided the strength to endure and overcome it. 

 Regardless of what religious tradition states God is still in the miracle business. A large portion of the Body of Christ ascribes to a view that teaches that when Jesus ascended and the twelve Apostles ministered and finalized the canon of Scripture, God ordered the Spirit to cease from utilizing His Gifts for the Church. God basically gave gifts to the Church but in His "wisdom", revokes them and their use today. Again, many believe this view strongly.

 I don't see it from the Word that God is giving gifts and then revoking them. I don't see a good Father who gives good gifts to men turn and then later rescinds them. 
8 Jesus Christ is [eternally changeless, always] the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8AMP

6 Because I am the Eternal One, I never change...Malachi 3:6a Voice

    It is clear from the Word that God is not one who changes. He gave us His gifts and He won't take them away. He worked miracles when He walked the shores of Galilee and He is still working miracles today. His love is still intervening in the lives of humanity. 

    Many will concede that there are things that have occurred in the lives of Christians that defy natural explanation. People have recovered from incurable diseases, have seen a miraculous provision in otherwise bankrupt situations. Others have seen favor in circumstances where this seems an impossibility. Even with all this some still stubbornly reject God's supernatural gifts today. 

    

    I urge you to relinquish traditions of men and receive all the fullness of His goodness and love and power. That said what about those of us who've believed in His miracles and have yet to receive or if we were believing for something and it didn't turn out the way we expected? What is the solution to disappointment? 

    We've all been in a place where it seemed God has forgotten us. I can tell you it is not easy going through situations like this. I also don't want you to believe I am saying something I have never experienced. Years ago my wife and I had to endure the loss of a pregnancy. She had an ectopic pregnancy that ruptured. This was a devasting blow to our hearts and minds.

    What did I do in this situation? Did I get angry or bitter? I could have. Yet my response was more like a reflex of what I had planted within my heart. I had seen that God is a good Father from His Word. I had seen that when I was born again, He guaranteed me that I would be saved forever. If He had done all this how could I blame Him or not place my trust in Him even in the hard times?

    I truly believe He is a good God. I firmly believe what the Scriptures teach that God is for me and not against me. I know we live in a fallen and fractured creation and that God was with me and not working against me. This produced strength to endure and gave me the confidence to hope in Him and His promises regardless If I ever see anything.

  

    God is a good Father that is always for us and is not working against us. His Word is true and trustworthy not because we experience it or see it. It is true because He has declared it and a good Father never lies. We, therefore, can look to Him and His Finished Work and look past our experiences and find rest, and strength and healing.

   Think of it. If He was faithful and loving enough to forever forgive us, make us completely righteous and acceptable to God, and purchased for us an eternally secure salvation how could we not trust Him in every other area of our lives? He is the God of miracles. He has the answers that we need for whatever we are facing. Nothing is too hard or impossible for our Father in Heaven.

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