How can believers today be instruments of healing and deliverance? Setting the Scene Acts 8:7 paints a vivid picture: “With loud shrieks, unclean spirits came out of many who were possessed, and many of the paralyzed and lame were healed.” The same risen Jesus who empowered Philip still works through His people. Scripture is clear—what God did then, He can do now. The Same Jesus, the Same Power • Hebrews 13:8 reminds us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” • Acts 10:38 shows the pattern: Jesus, “anointed…with the Holy Spirit and power…went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil.” • Mark 16:17-18 promises that “these signs will accompany those who believe… they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will be made well.” A Heart Prepared Healing and deliverance flow through believers who: 1. Abide in Christ (John 15:5). Apart from Him we can do nothing. 2. Walk in holiness (2 Timothy 2:21). “If anyone cleanses himself…he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful to the Master.” 3. Are filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). Power for ministry comes from continual dependence on the Spirit. 4. Cultivate compassion (Matthew 14:14). Jesus healed because He was “moved with compassion.” Tools God Still Uses • The Name of Jesus (Acts 3:6). Authority is rooted in who He is. • The Word of God (Psalm 107:20). Declaring truth breaks lies and releases faith. • Laying on of Hands (Luke 4:40; Mark 16:18). A simple, biblical act God often honors. • Anointing with Oil (James 5:14-15). A tangible reminder of the Spirit’s presence. • Gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:7-9). Gifts of healing and miraculous powers are “for the common good.” • Unified Prayer (Matthew 18:19-20). Agreement invites the King’s authority. • Fasting (Mark 9:29). Some breakthroughs require deeper dependence. Practical Steps for Today • Stay in Scripture daily; let faith rise from hearing the Word (Romans 10:17). • Ask the Holy Spirit for sensitivity—He will prompt when to pray or speak. • Keep testimonies alive. Recalling God’s works (Psalm 77:11) builds expectancy. • Partner with others. Philip’s miracles happened in community; we’re not lone rangers. • Maintain humility. The power is His; we are simply instruments (2 Corinthians 4:7). • Persevere. Not every prayer sees instant results, but obedience is success. Guardrails and Wisdom • Always point people to Christ, never to yourself. • Submit to local church leadership and accountability (Hebrews 13:17). • Use discernment; not every situation requires identical methods (Acts 16:18 vs. 19:11-12). • Remember holistic care. Physical, emotional, and spiritual healing intertwine. Seek professional help when appropriate. Encouragement to Step Out Luke 9:1-2 shows Jesus giving ordinary disciples “power and authority over all demons, and power to cure diseases,” then sending them out. That same commission echoes for believers today. As we step forward—grounded in Scripture, filled with the Spirit, motivated by love—God delights to make us instruments of healing and deliverance, just as in Acts 8:7. |
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