November 2024: Healing

Healing and Deliverance

The most powerful statement made in my reading was that “Jesus saves”!  And while salvation is typically a reference to eternal life, this one statement by Francis McNutt gives perspective to all of our readings concerning God’s power towards the spirit, soul and body of man; and it is both encouraging and compelling.  It is encouraging because God has given His Son so that people can be completely delivered from the power and ravages of sin and death—we don’t have to live bound or powerless.  Jesus’ triumphant work on the cross affords victory in every area of life.  And, because of His sacrifice we are not only made alive spiritually, but we are compelled to live in wholeness and offer the same to those around us because the ministry of Jesus Christ continues for and through New Testament believers, not as an anomaly but as a norm (John 14:12).  

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is for a person’s complete healing and deliverance—from the curse of the law, from the oppression and power of sin and the unlawful attack of the enemy.  And, with this freedom, Christians can approach the great commission beyond the proclamation alone, but with the signs and wonders that Jesus said would follow those who believe.  If we can embrace the fullness of Christ and respond to the supernatural as a natural way of living; that is, live like God is alive, then we can be an extension of Christ’s mission in the world to set the captive free. 

So, I really appreciate the readings because it came with personal soul searching, and a prayer that we would all find the information insightful enough to fulfill the great commission where the blind see, because of our bold faith; the dead are raised, because we have expanded our capacity to believe; the deaf hear, because we follow Christ’s example and lay hands without reserve; where those with incurable diseases are healed, because we cast out the unclean spirit; and, the good news is preached to the poor, because we are not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  My prayer is that we’d all fear God more than we quiver at demonic activity and provide answers to people who are desperately broken, bound and without the knowledge needed to resist the devil.  So, I found the resources were an antidote, and prayerfully it’s been enough to push me out of my comfort and piety because I have the answer for freedom.  That regardless of the issues people face, I/we are truly equipped for works of ministry.

Which is the primary reason I appreciated Francis McNutt’s writings, particularly.  He shares in a way that any one of us should be able to relate.  We meet people who are tormented and oppressed by a lie commonly accepted in modern day society as a normal malady of the flesh; but through his transparency, he admits to shortcomings and failings before offering direction of process and testimony.  I felt validated by Charles Kraft’s assessment that because so many people suffer and are in great pain, we as a church must live holy and be willing to engage spiritual warfare with an earnest and vigilant period of intercession.  And, I was pleased with Fred Dickason’s willingness to offend in order to wake the church to the reality of demonic activity, easily overlooked, but reckoned with by the power of the cross.

I left the readings with greater clarity on the process that I need to consider when ministering to God’s people; not only so that I may live in freedom, but so that I can with confidence lead people systematically through a process of deliverance for their freedom.  Going forward I may begin with repentance, but I will be more aware of the need to renounce the past and break any and every affinity towards the lie.  

My prayer is that God will be glorified through my life and in the life of those I serve, and I believe this course shaped a bit more of how I can minister to God’s people more effectively.

​- Pastor Qwynn Gross