The Bible.
It's the word of God. Sharper than any two edged sword. This sacred book is living and active and contains all that's needed for life and godliness. Stay with American Family Radio for the next hour as we study God's word and take your Bible questions. Welcome to Exploring the Word in the Old Testament book of Malachi. It's talking about the return of Christ really at the end of time. And it says, the Son of, the sun will rise with healing in his wings. Bert and I were talking about this just before the show. Now think about that. The Son of God returning one day with healing in his wings. Welcome to Exploring the Word. And today we are going to talk about the subject of healing and God's healings of people. And we've had questions about that and we welcome you to Exploring the word. Alex McFarland here with Bert Harper and the American Family Radio Network. And, this is the show. Exploring the Word is the show where we look at the word of God. so much of the broadcasting is about news and current events and rightly so, and we thank God for all that. But I just applaud Tim Wildmon and the leadership of AFA that they devote an hour a day to scripture and the eternal word of God. And Bert, we do get questions about healing. And very often, when people have questions about, you know, is God going to heal me or I've prayed for relief about this physical condition, does God still heal? My heart goes out to people. Because very often those types of questions come from a place of pain and suffering. And in the Christian life, even godly Christian, obedient people sometimes suffer. And so, I think this is a very worthwhile topic to get into and keep your Bible open, friend. We're going to look at a number of scriptures and we're going to talk about what, what is the biblical, as best as we can discern the biblical position on healing.
Alex, there's another scripture I'd like to share with. It's in Philippians about the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his suffering. and your friend Joni, Eareckson. Tada.
Oh, my goodness, yes.
And I've met her one time and heard her several times, and we're talking about her saying, had it not been for her accident that left her paralyzed, the accident that shaped the rest of her life, she said, I would not understand the fellowship of his suffering. She said, the deepest place spiritually that I've ever been is in the fellowship of his suffering. Not necessarily in the power of his resurrection. Now, again, the power of the resurrection changes our lives, gives us life. But after we've become saved, the fellowship of his suffering is intimacy with God, Alex. And so for us to say we don't want to suffer anymore, it's time for us to be healed. We've done enough. we want to discuss that. But I just want to say if you're hurting, you're suffering physically, and you say, I've prayed and you've done like Paul prayed several times, and yet that healing has not come. I'm going to use this word, Alex, and you may want to disagree or qualify this. Wrap, your arms around the fellowship of his suffering. By that I mean receive that and let God. I didn't say it'd be easy, but I've seen men and women who have the Word has embraced their suffering and has brought them intimate relationship with Christ and let them see some of the deep spiritual truths that they would have not seen otherwise. Have I expressed that anyway accurately?
I think that's beautiful.
Okay.
I think that's beautiful. And look, I know he is the God who healeth thee. I mean, God is our healer. And we're going to talk about this and I want to go over some scriptures that, directly speak to God's healing and some that are probably pretty famous. But let me just say this at the get go, and we know God heals, God loves, God is compassionate. But a part of the Christian life, I agree, is suffering. Joni Eareckson is a great example. She was paralyzed in an accident at a very young age and has spent 95% of her days in a wheelchair and having to have people help her. And initially she did pray for healing. And she would be the first to tell you that so much of what God has done in her and through her has come through her infirmity. And, you know, didn't, Paul say that he would rejoice in infirmities because in our weakness, the power of God is manifest. So God has a purpose for healing. God has a purpose when, from our perspective, we are not immediately healed, doesn't he?
He does, and it is for his glory. The ultimate purpose of a follower of Christ is to bring him glory. And, most folks think, well, he would get more glory by healing. I've been touched by those that have been healed and they have blessed my life, but I've also been touched by those who wanted to be healed and were not. And they've strengthened my life. Alex, God knows what he's doing. That's the bottom line. God knows what he's doing. Sometimes I get a glimpse of what he's doing, but I don't fully understand it. And when it comes to healing, I want to put me in that category. I got some truths, but I don't understand it all the time, but I trust him all the time, brother.
Well, and let me say this, folks, about healing, the need for healing. Because there are physical sicknesses and there are physical accidents, you know, and because of, it's a fallen world, and there are birth defects due to, you know, genetic, problems. there are sicknesses and cancers, and then there are accidents. So our physical bodies, are broken. And you know what? There are even things like emotional and psychological healings that we often need. So it is a fallen world, and we need to keep in mind that, this world is not our home. Now, the Bible says there will be no more sickness, no more death, no more tears in heaven. But down here, sometimes we do need touch from God. Bert, there's a number of scriptures I want to talk about, but One is Isaiah 53. 5. Because a lot of this now I've had people say to me, in fact, I had a listener yesterday say to me that, it is God's desire to heal everybody. It is God's will to heal everybody. And this listener, who I love, and I appreciate them listening, but he said, you know, you guys are off the mark a little bit to say that God is not going to heal everybody, because, you know, if people have enough faith, quote, unquote, they have a healing. And if they've missed it, that's not God's problem, but it's something wrong with us. So I want to sort of respond a little bit of that. Isaiah 53. 5 says, but he. And this is Jesus the savior that would come. Isaiah 55, 3. This was written about 750 years before the birth of Christ. But he was wounded for our transgressions. He was bruised for our iniquities. Okay, we got that. The chastisement of our peace was upon him. In other words, the necessary wrath of God that we deserve was put on Jesus. And Jesus paid for our sins on the cross. That's called the atonement. And Isaiah 53. 5 very famously concludes, and by his stripes we are healed. And the word in the Hebrew, there is the word Rapha. And so, there are other verses, but Bert, let's just talk about this for a little Bit. The primary purpose of the cross was to pay for our iniquity, our transgression, our iniquities. He was bruised for our iniquities, wasn't he?
He was. And notice the focus is on that. The focus is on Christ and the relationship. You understand? Relationship that is the primary need in every human's life is this real relationship with Jesus. And that is the focus. But it also, from that relationship comes, you could say consequences, blessings. But also from that relationship here on earth, Alex, comes difficulties. You know, in this world you will have what tribulation, you will have it. It's part of living in a fallen world, brother.
That's true. That's true. And, the word Rapha there, which also, interestingly enough, is repeated in first Peter, 2:24. All right, it can mean healed, like a physical healing, but it can also mean purified by his stripes. We are purified. And it can also mean taken care of by his stripes. We're taken care of by his stripes. It can also mean become fresh. All right? So don't just assume. And look, I believe in God the healer. I believe in miracles, and I've seen miracles.
Amen.
But don't just assume that, the purpose of the cross was to, get rid of colds and flu. God does heal, but the primary purpose of the cross was to pay for our sins. Okay, one Peter.
Well, Alex, before you go further, let me make one comment on that one about by his trust. If it is Rapha, if it is healed, I still have the issue of when, because you've already talked about in heaven. He's going to do what? He's going to wipe away tears. There will be no what? There will be no disease there, no more death. In other words, those are taken care of when in heaven, it doesn't seem like he's going to. It sounds like we're going to have tears down here upon earth, no matter when, how, or where. Sounds like we're going to have diseases down here no matter how, when, or where. And so by his stripes we're healed if it is healing, which, I agree with everything you said, the issue is still wind, brother.
Exactly. Good. Good point. And you know, when first Peter 2. 24 quotes that says, who, his own self bear our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness. By whose stripes you're healed? Okay, first Peter 2, 24 quotes Isaiah 53. 5. And I would say even in the first Peter quotation, of Isaiah 53, the primary emphasis is on the payment for sin.
It is. And like he bears in Isaiah. Yes.
He bear our sins in his own body. And the word healed in the Greek. Now in the Hebrew it's a word rapha. Interestingly, in, in the, the Greek there it's a different word, Iathate. And I'm probably not pronouncing that correctly, but do you know what the, the commentaries say of that word? That it can mean physical healing, but more prominently means spiritual healing now and again. In no way am I discounting that God's ability to heal physically. He does. But, and you're right, sometimes it's in this world, sometimes it's in the next. James 5:15. and I think this is speaking to the church's role in ministering to those that are sick. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick. And the Lord shall raise him up, and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. You know, the NewSong Testament talks about anointing with oil and having the church to come and pray. and I really do think that sometimes corporate prayer for a brother or sister is a ministry of the church that is often neglected. Bert.
Amen. Let me just share this with you. I believe that is not the only model, but the best model for a church. I've been there when an individual has called for the elders of the church and we have gone and we've anointed with oil. And I say we, and before we did, we would stand there, we would confess our faults to one another. And I said, if you have ought against a brother here, you need to either get it right or not be a part of this. And Alex, it's been one of the greatest joys of my life to see men get right with the Lord before they prayed for this brother or sister that they were praying for to be healed. And, when you do it this way, did God hear the prayers of all the people or did he hear the prayer of the one specific? We don't know. This way God gets all the glory. And that's the whole purpose, that he would get glory and honor. No matter in the suffering or no matter in the healing, all glory goes to him. We'll be back with more here on Experience Exploring the Word right after this break. Don't go away as we open God's Word concerning healing. Hello, I'm, Bert Harper. Did you know that this content is listener supported? Without people like you, this podcast would not exist. That's why we need you. A generous monthly gift of any amount will sustain American Family Radio and specifically this podcast. Please consider becoming a monthly financial partner today by visiting afr.net give that's afr.net
give welcome back to Exploring the Word on American Family Radio. What will I say when I'm held to the flame like I am right now? I know you're able and I know you can save through the fire with your.
Amen. What a song to talk about and sing when we're talking about God's healing. And, you know, God is an amazing God. The Bible says we're fearfully and wonderfully made. Made in his image. That has many ramifications. But fearfully and wonderfully made, our bodies. It's amazing how a scrape will heal. Janet and I have raised three sons, and now we got four grandsons, one granddaughter. she's kind of special. Not kind of very special. We got four grandsons. They're special, too. But listen, when you raise boys, you ready for scrapes, cuts, and bruises?
I was going to ask you, Bert, okay, You raised three sons. How many boxes of band aids did that involve?
Listen, they. That was a staple, you know? That's all you can say. It's a staple. And when our grandsons come over to stay, we. We better make sure we've got all the ointments and for the scrapes. But it's a marvelous thing how God has made our bodies to heal from that bruise, from that scrape. now, some things have to be set. Broken arms, they need to be reset. But then, guess what? They do. They heal, right?
They do. Hey, let me talk about the fearful and wonderful nature of every person. One of the reasons that we are so passionately pro life is because, God is glorified in the birth of every human being. All right, think about this. Fearful and wonderfully made. And so many healing, systems and processes in the body. Every single one of us starts out as only two cells. One from mom and one from dad. Okay? Think about this. Then we become 50 to 100 trillion cells in the human body and in the nervous system. Okay? Now think about this. Every second, every second, your body is producing two and a half million red blood cells, 250,000 white blood cells every second. And every neuron in your body is handling. This is amazing. And maybe you're sitting here and you're listening.
Those numbers are beyond understanding. Really. What's going on?
They are. All right? You're listening, you're thinking. Maybe you're in a room and you're cold. And while you're thinking and hearing, you're actually shivering or you're cold or you're hot or you're hungry or your back is hurting or you're, you know, you know, wiggling your toes. All right, the neurons in your body, every neuron is handling 800 plus impulses per second. And your liver is performing over 650 known functions every minute without you even being aware of it. And it really is amazing. That's why, we have unashamedly, we have a very high ethic of life and, you know, animals and plants, that's a whole other subject. But just the human body fearfully and wonderfully made. And you know, you're, every second you're making a quarter million white blood cells because if you cut yourself later on, let's say you're, you're picking up sticks in the yard and you scratch yourself on a briar and it begins to heal. The body is so intricately, amazingly made that, you know, cuts and scrapes heal. Like you said, if you have a broken bone, there has to be an external, stimuli to set the broken bone. I see a lot of X rays because Angie brings stuff home from work sometimes and I don't even know science or medicine. And I just have to often bow my head and pray a prayer of worship to God for the amazing design and functionality of the human body.
It is amazing. And so God's made us that way. So healing takes place just about every day. So do we say we believe in healing? You better believe it. just as I said, watch a little boy. You'll see that healing. Go ahead.
And we're talking about God healing. So much of the healing that takes place in our body is biochemical. But then like when you have to have a cast on a broken bone, that's called structural. Now I'm going to submit right now. And again, God does what he does. And on the mission field, I've heard amazing miracle stories and I've seen amazing miracle stories. It seems like nowadays, for, one thing, not everybody is healed of every disease in this world. Some healings do not take place until heaven. God a lot of what deals with our, you know, organs and things like that. The, the chemical healings, God does seem to work. Structural healing, the healing of a broken bone or the restoration of a lost limb. Or let's say you break a tooth, let's say you bite down on a nut or a hard candy and you break a tooth. as far as I know God is not doing the miracle of structural healings right now, do you, Bert? I don't know of, an amputated limb that was restored. I don't know of a broken tooth apart from a dentist that gets restored.
I'm not aware of any Jesus, we know he did with the soldier, the guard, I should say, with his ear. And Jesus did that. But is that the only time I saw any part of a body restored? Now, he restored strength to it and sight and mental capacity. But when it came to the structure, Is there another one anywhere besides the ear, Alex?
yeah. he restored the guard's ear in Luke 22:51. You remember, that was cut, and there was the man with a withered hand.
But it was withered. It wasn't amputated.
Right. so. And. And I don't want to get ahead of myself, because I'm going to talk about that, about.
Okay, go ahead. Okay.
Doing today. But right now, let's talk about, you know, let's make some. Some delineations here. There. There are natural healings and there are supernatural healings, and. And it's all done by the hand of God, even the things that operate within nature, because God set these things in motion when you cut yourself and it heals. Ultimately, God did that because he made us. And he put things like white blood cells and the ability to, you know, for healings to take place. But let's define a natural healing as a physical infirmity that is resolved within the bounds of natural law. And let's talk about miraculous healing things that God does outside of natural law. And I've heard of miracles. Now, let me give one example. there's a friend in. He lives in Georgia. And, Bert, I'm going to tell you, this is as credible a man as I have ever known. This man is very, very, very credible. And he had really bad laryngitis, and he couldn't speak. And he had a co worker that was, you know, kind of a lay pastor, and they were. And he called me and he asked me what I thought about this. He said, alex, he said, I am telling you I had laryngitis. I could not talk. And this man at work, he said, well, you need to ask God to heal you. And he said, can I put my hand on your throat and pray for you? And he said, this man prayed for me and put his hand on my throat, laid hands on my throat, prayed for me. And when he said amen, he said my voice was back and I could talk as good as new.
Amen.
And I said, well, God blessed you with a miracle right there. And so let me say in terms of, not only physical versus non physical, natural versus supernatural, but in terms of time. Now, laryngitis, for example, you give it enough time and it will heal. In the case of my friend, God apparently did a miracle of instantaneous rather than incremental healing right now. If most people are like me, I want it now, Bert. I'm impatient when I want to feel better, I want to feel better now. And sometimes God allows us to wait, doesn't he?
He does. you used to work for Focus on the family with Dr. Dobson and on what Janet and I avid have been. And we still listen. Not as much as we did at one time, but we still listen to Dr. Dobson. But he had this man, he was a preacher, and he started having difficulties with his speaking and he had to quit preaching. But he wanted to teach. So they had let him teach a Sunday school class. But it was so raspy, you could hardly understand him. But he was so filled with passion and knowledge, they put a microphone and you could hear him. And he was speaking and teaching on healing, just like we are. And while they were taping him and while he was saying, God chooses those that he can heal, he can heal, but he doesn't choose to heal all. And it's all for his knowledge and his glory. And right there in the midst that he doesn't choose to heal everyone, but he does some. He, his voice was restored. And you heard it on the tape as it was doing. It was just that clear and that precise, Alex, right then. And they broke out in worship because they were witnessing a miracle there, right in front of their eyes from the recipe, barely able to speak to clarity. God does that. Does he do it for everyone? And well, we want to talk about that, right?
Amen. What M a miracle. Praise God for that.
It was documented right there. years, years of being unable to speak clearly like that.
Amen. So let's talk about what a miracle is. And by the way, the very existence of this world is a miracle, because a miracle is an act of God. Now, a miracle, sometimes skeptics have asked me, they'll say, well, a miracle is a violation of natural law. I would say no. When God does a miracle in this world today. And listen, by the way, we all believe in miracles. If you believe in Christianity at all, you believe in miracles, because you at least believe in the miracle of conversion. I mean, for A lost soul to be saved. We're dead in our trespasses and sins, and we are regenerated and we turn to Christ and a dead soul is made alive. So everybody at least believes in some miracles. But, a miracle is a supernatural intervention of God's power over natural law. Now, there was a Scottish atheist years ago named David Hume, and he said a miracle was the most unlikely thing ever because it was, quote, a violation of natural law. And we know natural laws don't change, gravity, things like that. Let me just say this. when the Lawgiver changes the law, that's not, a violation. The natural laws are subject to the lawgiver. Now, can God overrule, override, or suspend natural law? Of course. Because, listen, the cause is bigger than the effect. The effect. This created world, the effect is not subject, I mean, the cause is not subject to the effect. The creation is subject to the Creator. So can God intervene within this world he's created? Of course. And he does. He does the miracle of salvation, and he does many miracles of intervention. So let's define a miracle as God's intervention in this physical world, the. The supernatural. God acts within the natural world. So, Bert, let's ask this question. Can God act in the world he has?
He does and he will. All three of those similar to our salvation, we have been redeemed. We are being sanctified and will one day be glorified. So here, when it comes to healing, physical healing, he has, he does, and he will.
Alex, let me give an example. Right here in my home state of North Carolina, in August, September and the first two weeks of October, for 10 weeks, it did not rain a drop. And that's unusual. We had a late summer drought. And it was in the paper that, the authorities were saying, okay, we're going to have some wells run dry for too long because there's a lot of places where the aquifers are very shallow. And several of the preachers were saying, okay, we're going to pray for rain. This was, I'm going to say, 10 days ago. And they did. A lot of churches have been praying because we, you know, 10 weeks. I mean, we did not have a drop of rain for 10 weeks. Well, it's been raining for the last week. I mean, we've had a lot of rain. Now, some people could say that that was a coincidence, but I believe God acts. And so we, we pray. And God does miracles, and God does intervene. Now, in the case of healing, can God heal? Yes. And I want to say regarding miracles and, you know, don't. Don't think we're, you know, getting weird on you. I mean, the, the church for 2,000 years, we've had a theology of the miraculous, of God acting. God can do anything that is in harmony with his nature, in harmony with his word, and is logically meaningful, you know, so God can act and God can heal. Obviously, God doesn't always heal. Sometimes he does, sometimes he doesn't. Again, everybody gets healed eventually. It's just some. Not till they get to heaven and get their glorified body. But God can do miracles. But I think it comes down to. And I want to talk about faith, which means trust. But let me just say this. If you're suffering, dear friend, and you've asked God to intervene, and it hasn't happened yet, I don't want anybody to think that it's because they have, the wrong kind of faith or not enough faith. Sometimes, Bert, I've met people that are very depressed and very despondent because they'll say, I haven't been healed. I guess I just don't have enough faith.
I've heard that as well.
That's not always the thing, is it, brother?
It is not. When you look at the NewSong Testament, you say, how does a dead man have faith? And he raised three. We, find out men that the guy that was at the pool waiting for someone to put him there. So the healing waters. And, you know, I don't hear that faith there. He was just waiting. And so, faith is not the necessary measuring stick for healing. I, think it does come by trusting him. Either way. I trust you, God. Either way. It's like the three Hebrew boys. Our God is able, but we're still not going to bow down in worship. Even if he doesn't heal. God, heal me, God. I'm still going to serve you. Alex. It is for his glory, his honor.
It is.
And we'll be back with more of this right after the break. As we talk about healing and God's purpose and his glory. Friend, we're living in a defining moment today. A woman facing an unexpected pregnancy can order the abortion pill online, often before anyone has the chance to tell her she is loved, she's not alone, or that there is hope. That's why you are needed right now. You were made for this moment. At preborn network clinics, mothers are welcomed with compassion, practical support, and a free ultrasound. And when she sees her baby and hears that tiny heartbeat for the very first time, fear often Gives way to hope. In fact, more than 80% of abortion vulnerable women choose life after seeing their baby on an ultrasound at a PreBorn Network clinic. That one moment can save a baby's life and open a mother's heart to the hope of Jesus Christ. This is our moment to stand. For those who cannot speak for themselves, just $28 provides one life saving ultrasound. $140 helps rescue five babies. Please don't wait. Dial 250. That's dial pound 250 and say the key word baby. That's pound 250 baby or gift securely. Preborn.com Bert Harper that's preborn.com Bert Harper together we can save lives one heartbeat at a time.
Word of God. speak. Welcome back. You're listening to Exploring the Word on American Family Radio. Finding myself in the midst of you. Beyond the music, beyond the noise. All that I need is to be with you and in the quiet, hear your voice. Word of God, speak. You know, in Matthew 15:30, Jesus was here ministering on earth and it says, and large crowds came to him, bringing with them those that were lame, crippled, blind, mute, and many others. And they laid them down at his feet and he healed them. Welcome back to Exploring the word. Alex McFarland here with Bert Harper. And we're talking about healing. And, you know, it's just precious. I mean, our heart melts when people are hurting. But the good news is that God too is compassionate and you might be listening to this show and you might be seeking healing from a physical infirmity. Let me just encourage you to not think that, God doesn't love you if you're suffering or if you're bearing your cross under some physical thing or a diagnosis. sickness does not mean God doesn't love us. It doesn't mean God's abandoned us. Sickness does not necessarily mean that we have unconditional confess sin in our life. We are to pray in faith and belief and trust. But, as we said earlier in the show, sometimes, God allows the circumstance to be a teacher to us. Bert, isn't it true that very often through pain and struggle and even sometimes sickness, we learn great things about the faithfulness of God that we otherwise might not have learned any other way.
I would say, Alex, pain has been one of the greatest teachers in my life and that pain has caused me to draw closer to the Lord. That pain has caused me not to repeat mistakes and even sin in my life. Yes, pain is beneficial now. Excruciating pain that is continual. I have not had to deal with that. Like, I know some people have, Alex. And so, I don't want to put myself up as the standard, no, Alex. And neither are I doing that. We're doing our best. As a biblical model. God heals today. He does it natural, but he also has supernatural. And sometimes that natural, Alex, is used by, I would say, some of the things that God. God has made plants that can aid in that, healing. A wasp sting. I found out a long time ago there were certain things my mom and my dad had that was just natural that they would put on that sting and cause the pain to be relieved and cause the swelling to diminish. That was something God had made to benefit the pain that we're in. And sometimes we find out those things that benefit us from the difficulty and pain. It's still God, isn't it?
It is. It is God. And so trust God for your needs, and be willing. Be willing to even trust him and keep on when we don't always understand. I want to go over four thoughts in the time that remains, four considerations, about healing. And let me just read them, and then we'll unpack a little bit. Number one, the question, does God still heal today? Number two, why aren't all healed? Number three, and we're really going to unpack this. Why doesn't God restore lost limbs? You know, why some types of healings but not others? And then finally, you know, what is the purpose of God's healing? And so let's go over these questions. For one thing, does God still heal today? Bert, what do you say?
Yes, that's an emphatic yes. And, it really doesn't need qualifications, but it may help. Does it heal every time? Does it heal? everyone? No, but guess God's healing. I've seen it. I've observed it, Alex. I've been a part of the group praying for healing. And I know someone that was healed beyond measure when she had the sentence of death on her and God raised her up. And, scientific world, I've seen it so many times where the diagnosis was, there's a tumor there, and they had the evidence of it. They had all the scientific evidence and them pray and seek God and then go back and they say the tumor is gone. I've heard them say, oh, it was a blip. It wasn't a blip, God. So the answer is yes, brother.
Yes, exactly. And you know, I'm thinking of friends right now that, one pastor friend of mine who went. Went to U.N.C. Chapel Hill. And they said, get your house in order, because you've got about a year to live. And his church fasted and prayed, and, his cancer went into remission, and he's lived 20 years. And, you know, one of the last times he went for a checkup, they just don't even see any, you know, cancer. And so we've all known examples of that. So God still does heal, and God can heal, and it's appropriate to pray for healing. I think it's. Let me say, we have a very high ethic of life, and life is worth living. I'm not being trite here or flippant. Life is worth living, and it's appropriate to ask for healings, isn't it?
It is.
So a second question. Why aren't all healed? Well, partially because God knows things we don't. You know, let me say this. God has his reasons. And I want to say this. Even when we don't always get the situation we had hoped for, even when we don't always get the answer we had hoped for, and even when, from our human perspective, you know, we just say things ought not be this way. And I understand that. But can't we trust God knows more about what's going on than we do?
He does?
It can be disappointing, and we have to refocus. But listen, even when circumstances are not to our liking, the Savior is. And sometimes when not everybody's healed, part of it is the curse, part of it is the fall. Part of it might be the repercussions of our own decisions. Some cancers, some injuries. We have to own the outcomes of our own decisions. But through it all, we know that God is constant and God is good.
When Jesus was on earth, he didn't heal everyone. When Jesus was on earth, he would leave the multitude who were desiring to be fed, who was desiring to be healed, to be alone with those 12 apostles. He did not do that. He did not heal everyone, but he died on the cross for everyone. One more thing about just what you said in Jon 6. After Jesus had some difficult teaching, and it says from that time, many of them walked away. Jesus turns to his apostles and said, will you also go away? Peter responded, to whom would we go? You have the words of life. So when God says, no, no healing, that's tough. When God says no, God said no to David. You're not going to build the temple. He didn't sulk and pout. He went and got everything ready so his son Solomon could build the Temple. That's what you do. You do it for others. But to whom would you go? Don't turn away. Don't turn away from the God who loves you and cares for you. And one day you will be made whole. You will be made right when you trust Christ as Savior.
And what a testimony it is when we worship God just because it's the right thing to do. Let's, you know, he loved us unconditionally. Let's not follow him conditionally.
Amen. Preach it, brother.
And I know, look, only the Holy Spirit can put this kind of love, joy and obedience in us. But let's love Jesus and be every bit as enthused about our salvation, you know, whether we are healed or not. Although God may. Now, here's the thing. Question 3. Why doesn't God restore lost limbs? Why some healings but not others? Now, we know Jesus, you know, he did some physical healings, and he did some healings of, the restoration of tissue. but let's say that we pray for somebody to be healed of a physical infirmity. as far as I know, and I know there are stories, but as far as I know, things like the recreation of an amputated limb, or, you know, let's divide things between operation and creation. I think God does many healings in the operation of the human body, but I'm not aware of God doing the creation of physical tissue. And what I'm about to say is a little bit speculative. But let's talk about this. In Colossians 1:16, Jesus is named as the Creator. It says, for in him all things were created, and all things in heaven and earth. All things have been created through him and for him. So Jesus, when he was here, he did some miracles of healing creation. But nowadays, it seems like the Spirit of God works in terms of operation. It says that, in Job 33:4, the spirit of God has made me, and the breath of Almighty gives me life. And let me quote Romans here. Now listen very carefully. Romans 8, 5, 11. the spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you. He who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. Now, the Spirit of God regenerates us. The Spirit of God indwells us, quickens us. So, Bert, is it fair to say, and, we're speaking in a general sense here, because the Trinity is not divided. God is one. But look, while Jesus did the creation of the physical world, it seems like the Holy Spirit presides over the operation of the physical world. The Holy Spirit does healings of operation. But God, right now, I'm not aware of doing healings of creation, of, like, an amputated limb. There is no more creation going on right now.
I'm not aware of it either. I have heard some stories of places where it was not documented that I know of, Alex. And, let me say this. The miracles and the healings in the Bible seem to come in groups. Have you noticed that not all the prophets in the Old Testament had the same gifts as Elijah and Elisha and Moses? you had some that did. But Amos, far as I know, just a preacher, you know, Obadiah, just preaching the word. And so in the NewSong Testament, you'll find out those healings and those miracles were more pronounced. I didn't say they were not. There were more pronounced when the Holy Spirit was coming in to a group of people, like at Pentecost, like in Samaria, like in. And then in Ephesus, and you see this great outpouring of the Spirit of God in, I would say, agreeing with you, an operation of gifts and healing. So the Holy Spirit is in charge of operations. You remember over in the Book of Corinthians when he was talking about the spiritual gifts, and it talks about the spirit operations of those that it seems to be the deli, the area of which the Holy Spirit operates. Brother.
Well, and let me just say this. I know two people, both, born blind, one who has sight now and one who doesn't. In fact, there was one of the greatest kids we ever had, Stacey Flowers is her name. She goes to Pleasant Garden Baptist. She was in my youth group, this is 20 years ago, when she was a little girl, and, the finest child we ever, ever had in a youth group, and she was blind. And, I was there to preach a couple years ago, and there she was. And I was like, stacy, you can see. And now she's a mom with kids. All right, she had. She was born with all of the necessary tissue. but there was a problem somehow in her eye. She, heard about a procedure, went to, I believe it was Duke University, and they operated on the existing tissue. And in her late 20s, she got sight and, in fact, has a, driver's license, drives a car. She was born blind, and yet she was operated on as an adult, and she got her sight. I've got another friend that I know of, and this person was born without some necessary components of the eye, and they've prayed but there's really humanly nothing that can be done. And they've asked God to heal. And apparently in this world, the miracle of creation of non existent tissue, God hasn't done. Could God do it? Yes, but God hasn't done it.
Alex, we're getting close to the end, ultimately. Let's talk about this, the purpose of God's healing, because I want to pray at the end. We've been talking about healing. I feel like we are supposed to pray, but the ultimate purpose of God's healing is his glory and to inspire us to believe in him and trust Him. Is that, would that be an, accurate statement?
I think that's very true. And you know, Bert, folks, if you're hurting and you're asking God, you know, I think about this hymn. Bert, you remember Krish Rice had an unbelievable hymn called Come to Jesus.
Yes.
Weak and wounded sinner lost and left to die. Raise your head for love is passing by. Come to Jesus. Come to Jesus and live. And there's this line at the end says, and when your final heartbeat with your final heartbeat and you kiss the world goodbye Go in peace to glory side and fly to Jesus. Fly to Jesus. You know what? Whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. I hope God will heal you.
Yes.
And I hope God will answer all your prayers to the way your heart is longing for them to be answered. But even when God has a different answer than maybe what we initially thought, lean on Jesus.
Amen.
The biggest need of all was for our salvation. And he has provided, and he provided that one. And he'll in his way, in his time, provide the other needs as well.
Father, I thank you, thank you for healing. The spiritual healing that takes place in redemption, the emotional healing that takes place in our walking with you and having others contribute in our life. Father, we thank you for that natural healing that you have given us. Where bruises and scrapes and cuts are healed, where bones can be, repaired. Father, in healed. But Father, we do pray for those people who are hurting beyond measure in pain and they're seeking you. And Father, I pray that you would bless them. I pray healing upon their lives. And Father, if not I, it's not. That's not an out. But if not, I pray they'd give you glory in their suffering, that they would embrace the fellowship you are suffering and let you be glorified. We thank you in Jesus name. Amen. Thank you, Alex.
yeah. We thank God that he is our healer. But most of all, he is our Savior and we praise him for, that. The views and opinions expressed in this broadcast do not necessarily reflect those of the American Family Association or American Family Radio.
The Bible.
It's the word of God. Sharper than any two edged sword. This sacred book is living and active and contains all that's needed for life and godliness. Stay with American Family Radio for the next hour as we study God's word and take your Bible questions. Welcome to Exploring the Word in the Old Testament book of Malachi. It's talking about the return of Christ really at the end of time. And it says, the Son of, the sun will rise with healing in his wings. Bert and I were talking about this just before the show. Now think about that. The Son of God returning one day with healing in his wings. Welcome to Exploring the Word. And today we are going to talk about the subject of healing and God's healings of people. And we've had questions about that and we welcome you to Exploring the word. Alex McFarland here with Bert Harper and the American Family Radio Network. And, this is the show. Exploring the Word is the show where we look at the word of God. so much of the broadcasting is about news and current events and rightly so, and we thank God for all that. But I just applaud Tim Wildmon and the leadership of AFA that they devote an hour a day to scripture and the eternal word of God. And Bert, we do get questions about healing. And very often, when people have questions about, you know, is God going to heal me or I've prayed for relief about this physical condition, does God still heal? My heart goes out to people. Because very often those types of questions come from a place of pain and suffering. And in the Christian life, even godly Christian, obedient people sometimes suffer. And so, I think this is a very worthwhile topic to get into and keep your Bible open, friend. We're going to look at a number of scriptures and we're going to talk about what, what is the biblical, as best as we can discern the biblical position on healing.
Alex, there's another scripture I'd like to share with. It's in Philippians about the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his suffering. and your friend Joni, Eareckson. Tada.
Oh, my goodness, yes.
And I've met her one time and heard her several times, and we're talking about her saying, had it not been for her accident that left her paralyzed, the accident that shaped the rest of her life, she said, I would not understand the fellowship of his suffering. She said, the deepest place spiritually that I've ever been is in the fellowship of his suffering. Not necessarily in the power of his resurrection. Now, again, the power of the resurrection changes our lives, gives us life. But after we've become saved, the fellowship of his suffering is intimacy with God, Alex. And so for us to say we don't want to suffer anymore, it's time for us to be healed. We've done enough. we want to discuss that. But I just want to say if you're hurting, you're suffering physically, and you say, I've prayed and you've done like Paul prayed several times, and yet that healing has not come. I'm going to use this word, Alex, and you may want to disagree or qualify this. Wrap, your arms around the fellowship of his suffering. By that I mean receive that and let God. I didn't say it'd be easy, but I've seen men and women who have the Word has embraced their suffering and has brought them intimate relationship with Christ and let them see some of the deep spiritual truths that they would have not seen otherwise. Have I expressed that anyway accurately?
I think that's beautiful.
Okay.
I think that's beautiful. And look, I know he is the God who healeth thee. I mean, God is our healer. And we're going to talk about this and I want to go over some scriptures that, directly speak to God's healing and some that are probably pretty famous. But let me just say this at the get go, and we know God heals, God loves, God is compassionate. But a part of the Christian life, I agree, is suffering. Joni Eareckson is a great example. She was paralyzed in an accident at a very young age and has spent 95% of her days in a wheelchair and having to have people help her. And initially she did pray for healing. And she would be the first to tell you that so much of what God has done in her and through her has come through her infirmity. And, you know, didn't, Paul say that he would rejoice in infirmities because in our weakness, the power of God is manifest. So God has a purpose for healing. God has a purpose when, from our perspective, we are not immediately healed, doesn't he?
He does, and it is for his glory. The ultimate purpose of a follower of Christ is to bring him glory. And, most folks think, well, he would get more glory by healing. I've been touched by those that have been healed and they have blessed my life, but I've also been touched by those who wanted to be healed and were not. And they've strengthened my life. Alex, God knows what he's doing. That's the bottom line. God knows what he's doing. Sometimes I get a glimpse of what he's doing, but I don't fully understand it. And when it comes to healing, I want to put me in that category. I got some truths, but I don't understand it all the time, but I trust him all the time, brother.
Well, and let me say this, folks, about healing, the need for healing. Because there are physical sicknesses and there are physical accidents, you know, and because of, it's a fallen world, and there are birth defects due to, you know, genetic, problems. there are sicknesses and cancers, and then there are accidents. So our physical bodies, are broken. And you know what? There are even things like emotional and psychological healings that we often need. So it is a fallen world, and we need to keep in mind that, this world is not our home. Now, the Bible says there will be no more sickness, no more death, no more tears in heaven. But down here, sometimes we do need touch from God. Bert, there's a number of scriptures I want to talk about, but One is Isaiah 53. 5. Because a lot of this now I've had people say to me, in fact, I had a listener yesterday say to me that, it is God's desire to heal everybody. It is God's will to heal everybody. And this listener, who I love, and I appreciate them listening, but he said, you know, you guys are off the mark a little bit to say that God is not going to heal everybody, because, you know, if people have enough faith, quote, unquote, they have a healing. And if they've missed it, that's not God's problem, but it's something wrong with us. So I want to sort of respond a little bit of that. Isaiah 53. 5 says, but he. And this is Jesus the savior that would come. Isaiah 55, 3. This was written about 750 years before the birth of Christ. But he was wounded for our transgressions. He was bruised for our iniquities. Okay, we got that. The chastisement of our peace was upon him. In other words, the necessary wrath of God that we deserve was put on Jesus. And Jesus paid for our sins on the cross. That's called the atonement. And Isaiah 53. 5 very famously concludes, and by his stripes we are healed. And the word in the Hebrew, there is the word Rapha. And so, there are other verses, but Bert, let's just talk about this for a little Bit. The primary purpose of the cross was to pay for our iniquity, our transgression, our iniquities. He was bruised for our iniquities, wasn't he?
He was. And notice the focus is on that. The focus is on Christ and the relationship. You understand? Relationship that is the primary need in every human's life is this real relationship with Jesus. And that is the focus. But it also, from that relationship comes, you could say consequences, blessings. But also from that relationship here on earth, Alex, comes difficulties. You know, in this world you will have what tribulation, you will have it. It's part of living in a fallen world, brother.
That's true. That's true. And, the word Rapha there, which also, interestingly enough, is repeated in first Peter, 2:24. All right, it can mean healed, like a physical healing, but it can also mean purified by his stripes. We are purified. And it can also mean taken care of by his stripes. We're taken care of by his stripes. It can also mean become fresh. All right? So don't just assume. And look, I believe in God the healer. I believe in miracles, and I've seen miracles.
Amen.
But don't just assume that, the purpose of the cross was to, get rid of colds and flu. God does heal, but the primary purpose of the cross was to pay for our sins. Okay, one Peter.
Well, Alex, before you go further, let me make one comment on that one about by his trust. If it is Rapha, if it is healed, I still have the issue of when, because you've already talked about in heaven. He's going to do what? He's going to wipe away tears. There will be no what? There will be no disease there, no more death. In other words, those are taken care of when in heaven, it doesn't seem like he's going to. It sounds like we're going to have tears down here upon earth, no matter when, how, or where. Sounds like we're going to have diseases down here no matter how, when, or where. And so by his stripes we're healed if it is healing, which, I agree with everything you said, the issue is still wind, brother.
Exactly. Good. Good point. And you know, when first Peter 2. 24 quotes that says, who, his own self bear our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness. By whose stripes you're healed? Okay, first Peter 2, 24 quotes Isaiah 53. 5. And I would say even in the first Peter quotation, of Isaiah 53, the primary emphasis is on the payment for sin.
It is. And like he bears in Isaiah. Yes.
He bear our sins in his own body. And the word healed in the Greek. Now in the Hebrew it's a word rapha. Interestingly, in, in the, the Greek there it's a different word, Iathate. And I'm probably not pronouncing that correctly, but do you know what the, the commentaries say of that word? That it can mean physical healing, but more prominently means spiritual healing now and again. In no way am I discounting that God's ability to heal physically. He does. But, and you're right, sometimes it's in this world, sometimes it's in the next. James 5:15. and I think this is speaking to the church's role in ministering to those that are sick. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick. And the Lord shall raise him up, and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. You know, the NewSong Testament talks about anointing with oil and having the church to come and pray. and I really do think that sometimes corporate prayer for a brother or sister is a ministry of the church that is often neglected. Bert.
Amen. Let me just share this with you. I believe that is not the only model, but the best model for a church. I've been there when an individual has called for the elders of the church and we have gone and we've anointed with oil. And I say we, and before we did, we would stand there, we would confess our faults to one another. And I said, if you have ought against a brother here, you need to either get it right or not be a part of this. And Alex, it's been one of the greatest joys of my life to see men get right with the Lord before they prayed for this brother or sister that they were praying for to be healed. And, when you do it this way, did God hear the prayers of all the people or did he hear the prayer of the one specific? We don't know. This way God gets all the glory. And that's the whole purpose, that he would get glory and honor. No matter in the suffering or no matter in the healing, all glory goes to him. We'll be back with more here on Experience Exploring the Word right after this break. Don't go away as we open God's Word concerning healing. Hello, I'm, Bert Harper. Did you know that this content is listener supported? Without people like you, this podcast would not exist. That's why we need you. A generous monthly gift of any amount will sustain American Family Radio and specifically this podcast. Please consider becoming a monthly financial partner today by visiting afr.net give that's afr.net
give welcome back to Exploring the Word on American Family Radio. What will I say when I'm held to the flame like I am right now? I know you're able and I know you can save through the fire with your.
Amen. What a song to talk about and sing when we're talking about God's healing. And, you know, God is an amazing God. The Bible says we're fearfully and wonderfully made. Made in his image. That has many ramifications. But fearfully and wonderfully made, our bodies. It's amazing how a scrape will heal. Janet and I have raised three sons, and now we got four grandsons, one granddaughter. she's kind of special. Not kind of very special. We got four grandsons. They're special, too. But listen, when you raise boys, you ready for scrapes, cuts, and bruises?
I was going to ask you, Bert, okay, You raised three sons. How many boxes of band aids did that involve?
Listen, they. That was a staple, you know? That's all you can say. It's a staple. And when our grandsons come over to stay, we. We better make sure we've got all the ointments and for the scrapes. But it's a marvelous thing how God has made our bodies to heal from that bruise, from that scrape. now, some things have to be set. Broken arms, they need to be reset. But then, guess what? They do. They heal, right?
They do. Hey, let me talk about the fearful and wonderful nature of every person. One of the reasons that we are so passionately pro life is because, God is glorified in the birth of every human being. All right, think about this. Fearful and wonderfully made. And so many healing, systems and processes in the body. Every single one of us starts out as only two cells. One from mom and one from dad. Okay? Think about this. Then we become 50 to 100 trillion cells in the human body and in the nervous system. Okay? Now think about this. Every second, every second, your body is producing two and a half million red blood cells, 250,000 white blood cells every second. And every neuron in your body is handling. This is amazing. And maybe you're sitting here and you're listening.
Those numbers are beyond understanding. Really. What's going on?
They are. All right? You're listening, you're thinking. Maybe you're in a room and you're cold. And while you're thinking and hearing, you're actually shivering or you're cold or you're hot or you're hungry or your back is hurting or you're, you know, you know, wiggling your toes. All right, the neurons in your body, every neuron is handling 800 plus impulses per second. And your liver is performing over 650 known functions every minute without you even being aware of it. And it really is amazing. That's why, we have unashamedly, we have a very high ethic of life and, you know, animals and plants, that's a whole other subject. But just the human body fearfully and wonderfully made. And you know, you're, every second you're making a quarter million white blood cells because if you cut yourself later on, let's say you're, you're picking up sticks in the yard and you scratch yourself on a briar and it begins to heal. The body is so intricately, amazingly made that, you know, cuts and scrapes heal. Like you said, if you have a broken bone, there has to be an external, stimuli to set the broken bone. I see a lot of X rays because Angie brings stuff home from work sometimes and I don't even know science or medicine. And I just have to often bow my head and pray a prayer of worship to God for the amazing design and functionality of the human body.
It is amazing. And so God's made us that way. So healing takes place just about every day. So do we say we believe in healing? You better believe it. just as I said, watch a little boy. You'll see that healing. Go ahead.
And we're talking about God healing. So much of the healing that takes place in our body is biochemical. But then like when you have to have a cast on a broken bone, that's called structural. Now I'm going to submit right now. And again, God does what he does. And on the mission field, I've heard amazing miracle stories and I've seen amazing miracle stories. It seems like nowadays, for, one thing, not everybody is healed of every disease in this world. Some healings do not take place until heaven. God a lot of what deals with our, you know, organs and things like that. The, the chemical healings, God does seem to work. Structural healing, the healing of a broken bone or the restoration of a lost limb. Or let's say you break a tooth, let's say you bite down on a nut or a hard candy and you break a tooth. as far as I know God is not doing the miracle of structural healings right now, do you, Bert? I don't know of, an amputated limb that was restored. I don't know of a broken tooth apart from a dentist that gets restored.
I'm not aware of any Jesus, we know he did with the soldier, the guard, I should say, with his ear. And Jesus did that. But is that the only time I saw any part of a body restored? Now, he restored strength to it and sight and mental capacity. But when it came to the structure, Is there another one anywhere besides the ear, Alex?
yeah. he restored the guard's ear in Luke 22:51. You remember, that was cut, and there was the man with a withered hand.
But it was withered. It wasn't amputated.
Right. so. And. And I don't want to get ahead of myself, because I'm going to talk about that, about.
Okay, go ahead. Okay.
Doing today. But right now, let's talk about, you know, let's make some. Some delineations here. There. There are natural healings and there are supernatural healings, and. And it's all done by the hand of God, even the things that operate within nature, because God set these things in motion when you cut yourself and it heals. Ultimately, God did that because he made us. And he put things like white blood cells and the ability to, you know, for healings to take place. But let's define a natural healing as a physical infirmity that is resolved within the bounds of natural law. And let's talk about miraculous healing things that God does outside of natural law. And I've heard of miracles. Now, let me give one example. there's a friend in. He lives in Georgia. And, Bert, I'm going to tell you, this is as credible a man as I have ever known. This man is very, very, very credible. And he had really bad laryngitis, and he couldn't speak. And he had a co worker that was, you know, kind of a lay pastor, and they were. And he called me and he asked me what I thought about this. He said, alex, he said, I am telling you I had laryngitis. I could not talk. And this man at work, he said, well, you need to ask God to heal you. And he said, can I put my hand on your throat and pray for you? And he said, this man prayed for me and put his hand on my throat, laid hands on my throat, prayed for me. And when he said amen, he said my voice was back and I could talk as good as new.
Amen.
And I said, well, God blessed you with a miracle right there. And so let me say in terms of, not only physical versus non physical, natural versus supernatural, but in terms of time. Now, laryngitis, for example, you give it enough time and it will heal. In the case of my friend, God apparently did a miracle of instantaneous rather than incremental healing right now. If most people are like me, I want it now, Bert. I'm impatient when I want to feel better, I want to feel better now. And sometimes God allows us to wait, doesn't he?
He does. you used to work for Focus on the family with Dr. Dobson and on what Janet and I avid have been. And we still listen. Not as much as we did at one time, but we still listen to Dr. Dobson. But he had this man, he was a preacher, and he started having difficulties with his speaking and he had to quit preaching. But he wanted to teach. So they had let him teach a Sunday school class. But it was so raspy, you could hardly understand him. But he was so filled with passion and knowledge, they put a microphone and you could hear him. And he was speaking and teaching on healing, just like we are. And while they were taping him and while he was saying, God chooses those that he can heal, he can heal, but he doesn't choose to heal all. And it's all for his knowledge and his glory. And right there in the midst that he doesn't choose to heal everyone, but he does some. He, his voice was restored. And you heard it on the tape as it was doing. It was just that clear and that precise, Alex, right then. And they broke out in worship because they were witnessing a miracle there, right in front of their eyes from the recipe, barely able to speak to clarity. God does that. Does he do it for everyone? And well, we want to talk about that, right?
Amen. What M a miracle. Praise God for that.
It was documented right there. years, years of being unable to speak clearly like that.
Amen. So let's talk about what a miracle is. And by the way, the very existence of this world is a miracle, because a miracle is an act of God. Now, a miracle, sometimes skeptics have asked me, they'll say, well, a miracle is a violation of natural law. I would say no. When God does a miracle in this world today. And listen, by the way, we all believe in miracles. If you believe in Christianity at all, you believe in miracles, because you at least believe in the miracle of conversion. I mean, for A lost soul to be saved. We're dead in our trespasses and sins, and we are regenerated and we turn to Christ and a dead soul is made alive. So everybody at least believes in some miracles. But, a miracle is a supernatural intervention of God's power over natural law. Now, there was a Scottish atheist years ago named David Hume, and he said a miracle was the most unlikely thing ever because it was, quote, a violation of natural law. And we know natural laws don't change, gravity, things like that. Let me just say this. when the Lawgiver changes the law, that's not, a violation. The natural laws are subject to the lawgiver. Now, can God overrule, override, or suspend natural law? Of course. Because, listen, the cause is bigger than the effect. The effect. This created world, the effect is not subject, I mean, the cause is not subject to the effect. The creation is subject to the Creator. So can God intervene within this world he's created? Of course. And he does. He does the miracle of salvation, and he does many miracles of intervention. So let's define a miracle as God's intervention in this physical world, the. The supernatural. God acts within the natural world. So, Bert, let's ask this question. Can God act in the world he has?
He does and he will. All three of those similar to our salvation, we have been redeemed. We are being sanctified and will one day be glorified. So here, when it comes to healing, physical healing, he has, he does, and he will.
Alex, let me give an example. Right here in my home state of North Carolina, in August, September and the first two weeks of October, for 10 weeks, it did not rain a drop. And that's unusual. We had a late summer drought. And it was in the paper that, the authorities were saying, okay, we're going to have some wells run dry for too long because there's a lot of places where the aquifers are very shallow. And several of the preachers were saying, okay, we're going to pray for rain. This was, I'm going to say, 10 days ago. And they did. A lot of churches have been praying because we, you know, 10 weeks. I mean, we did not have a drop of rain for 10 weeks. Well, it's been raining for the last week. I mean, we've had a lot of rain. Now, some people could say that that was a coincidence, but I believe God acts. And so we, we pray. And God does miracles, and God does intervene. Now, in the case of healing, can God heal? Yes. And I want to say regarding miracles and, you know, don't. Don't think we're, you know, getting weird on you. I mean, the, the church for 2,000 years, we've had a theology of the miraculous, of God acting. God can do anything that is in harmony with his nature, in harmony with his word, and is logically meaningful, you know, so God can act and God can heal. Obviously, God doesn't always heal. Sometimes he does, sometimes he doesn't. Again, everybody gets healed eventually. It's just some. Not till they get to heaven and get their glorified body. But God can do miracles. But I think it comes down to. And I want to talk about faith, which means trust. But let me just say this. If you're suffering, dear friend, and you've asked God to intervene, and it hasn't happened yet, I don't want anybody to think that it's because they have, the wrong kind of faith or not enough faith. Sometimes, Bert, I've met people that are very depressed and very despondent because they'll say, I haven't been healed. I guess I just don't have enough faith.
I've heard that as well.
That's not always the thing, is it, brother?
It is not. When you look at the NewSong Testament, you say, how does a dead man have faith? And he raised three. We, find out men that the guy that was at the pool waiting for someone to put him there. So the healing waters. And, you know, I don't hear that faith there. He was just waiting. And so, faith is not the necessary measuring stick for healing. I, think it does come by trusting him. Either way. I trust you, God. Either way. It's like the three Hebrew boys. Our God is able, but we're still not going to bow down in worship. Even if he doesn't heal. God, heal me, God. I'm still going to serve you. Alex. It is for his glory, his honor.
It is.
And we'll be back with more of this right after the break. As we talk about healing and God's purpose and his glory. Friend, we're living in a defining moment today. A woman facing an unexpected pregnancy can order the abortion pill online, often before anyone has the chance to tell her she is loved, she's not alone, or that there is hope. That's why you are needed right now. You were made for this moment. At preborn network clinics, mothers are welcomed with compassion, practical support, and a free ultrasound. And when she sees her baby and hears that tiny heartbeat for the very first time, fear often Gives way to hope. In fact, more than 80% of abortion vulnerable women choose life after seeing their baby on an ultrasound at a PreBorn Network clinic. That one moment can save a baby's life and open a mother's heart to the hope of Jesus Christ. This is our moment to stand. For those who cannot speak for themselves, just $28 provides one life saving ultrasound. $140 helps rescue five babies. Please don't wait. Dial 250. That's dial pound 250 and say the key word baby. That's pound 250 baby or gift securely. Preborn.com Bert Harper that's preborn.com Bert Harper together we can save lives one heartbeat at a time.
Word of God. speak. Welcome back. You're listening to Exploring the Word on American Family Radio. Finding myself in the midst of you. Beyond the music, beyond the noise. All that I need is to be with you and in the quiet, hear your voice. Word of God, speak. You know, in Matthew 15:30, Jesus was here ministering on earth and it says, and large crowds came to him, bringing with them those that were lame, crippled, blind, mute, and many others. And they laid them down at his feet and he healed them. Welcome back to Exploring the word. Alex McFarland here with Bert Harper. And we're talking about healing. And, you know, it's just precious. I mean, our heart melts when people are hurting. But the good news is that God too is compassionate and you might be listening to this show and you might be seeking healing from a physical infirmity. Let me just encourage you to not think that, God doesn't love you if you're suffering or if you're bearing your cross under some physical thing or a diagnosis. sickness does not mean God doesn't love us. It doesn't mean God's abandoned us. Sickness does not necessarily mean that we have unconditional confess sin in our life. We are to pray in faith and belief and trust. But, as we said earlier in the show, sometimes, God allows the circumstance to be a teacher to us. Bert, isn't it true that very often through pain and struggle and even sometimes sickness, we learn great things about the faithfulness of God that we otherwise might not have learned any other way.
I would say, Alex, pain has been one of the greatest teachers in my life and that pain has caused me to draw closer to the Lord. That pain has caused me not to repeat mistakes and even sin in my life. Yes, pain is beneficial now. Excruciating pain that is continual. I have not had to deal with that. Like, I know some people have, Alex. And so, I don't want to put myself up as the standard, no, Alex. And neither are I doing that. We're doing our best. As a biblical model. God heals today. He does it natural, but he also has supernatural. And sometimes that natural, Alex, is used by, I would say, some of the things that God. God has made plants that can aid in that, healing. A wasp sting. I found out a long time ago there were certain things my mom and my dad had that was just natural that they would put on that sting and cause the pain to be relieved and cause the swelling to diminish. That was something God had made to benefit the pain that we're in. And sometimes we find out those things that benefit us from the difficulty and pain. It's still God, isn't it?
It is. It is God. And so trust God for your needs, and be willing. Be willing to even trust him and keep on when we don't always understand. I want to go over four thoughts in the time that remains, four considerations, about healing. And let me just read them, and then we'll unpack a little bit. Number one, the question, does God still heal today? Number two, why aren't all healed? Number three, and we're really going to unpack this. Why doesn't God restore lost limbs? You know, why some types of healings but not others? And then finally, you know, what is the purpose of God's healing? And so let's go over these questions. For one thing, does God still heal today? Bert, what do you say?
Yes, that's an emphatic yes. And, it really doesn't need qualifications, but it may help. Does it heal every time? Does it heal? everyone? No, but guess God's healing. I've seen it. I've observed it, Alex. I've been a part of the group praying for healing. And I know someone that was healed beyond measure when she had the sentence of death on her and God raised her up. And, scientific world, I've seen it so many times where the diagnosis was, there's a tumor there, and they had the evidence of it. They had all the scientific evidence and them pray and seek God and then go back and they say the tumor is gone. I've heard them say, oh, it was a blip. It wasn't a blip, God. So the answer is yes, brother.
Yes, exactly. And you know, I'm thinking of friends right now that, one pastor friend of mine who went. Went to U.N.C. Chapel Hill. And they said, get your house in order, because you've got about a year to live. And his church fasted and prayed, and, his cancer went into remission, and he's lived 20 years. And, you know, one of the last times he went for a checkup, they just don't even see any, you know, cancer. And so we've all known examples of that. So God still does heal, and God can heal, and it's appropriate to pray for healing. I think it's. Let me say, we have a very high ethic of life, and life is worth living. I'm not being trite here or flippant. Life is worth living, and it's appropriate to ask for healings, isn't it?
It is.
So a second question. Why aren't all healed? Well, partially because God knows things we don't. You know, let me say this. God has his reasons. And I want to say this. Even when we don't always get the situation we had hoped for, even when we don't always get the answer we had hoped for, and even when, from our human perspective, you know, we just say things ought not be this way. And I understand that. But can't we trust God knows more about what's going on than we do?
He does?
It can be disappointing, and we have to refocus. But listen, even when circumstances are not to our liking, the Savior is. And sometimes when not everybody's healed, part of it is the curse, part of it is the fall. Part of it might be the repercussions of our own decisions. Some cancers, some injuries. We have to own the outcomes of our own decisions. But through it all, we know that God is constant and God is good.
When Jesus was on earth, he didn't heal everyone. When Jesus was on earth, he would leave the multitude who were desiring to be fed, who was desiring to be healed, to be alone with those 12 apostles. He did not do that. He did not heal everyone, but he died on the cross for everyone. One more thing about just what you said in Jon 6. After Jesus had some difficult teaching, and it says from that time, many of them walked away. Jesus turns to his apostles and said, will you also go away? Peter responded, to whom would we go? You have the words of life. So when God says, no, no healing, that's tough. When God says no, God said no to David. You're not going to build the temple. He didn't sulk and pout. He went and got everything ready so his son Solomon could build the Temple. That's what you do. You do it for others. But to whom would you go? Don't turn away. Don't turn away from the God who loves you and cares for you. And one day you will be made whole. You will be made right when you trust Christ as Savior.
And what a testimony it is when we worship God just because it's the right thing to do. Let's, you know, he loved us unconditionally. Let's not follow him conditionally.
Amen. Preach it, brother.
And I know, look, only the Holy Spirit can put this kind of love, joy and obedience in us. But let's love Jesus and be every bit as enthused about our salvation, you know, whether we are healed or not. Although God may. Now, here's the thing. Question 3. Why doesn't God restore lost limbs? Why some healings but not others? Now, we know Jesus, you know, he did some physical healings, and he did some healings of, the restoration of tissue. but let's say that we pray for somebody to be healed of a physical infirmity. as far as I know, and I know there are stories, but as far as I know, things like the recreation of an amputated limb, or, you know, let's divide things between operation and creation. I think God does many healings in the operation of the human body, but I'm not aware of God doing the creation of physical tissue. And what I'm about to say is a little bit speculative. But let's talk about this. In Colossians 1:16, Jesus is named as the Creator. It says, for in him all things were created, and all things in heaven and earth. All things have been created through him and for him. So Jesus, when he was here, he did some miracles of healing creation. But nowadays, it seems like the Spirit of God works in terms of operation. It says that, in Job 33:4, the spirit of God has made me, and the breath of Almighty gives me life. And let me quote Romans here. Now listen very carefully. Romans 8, 5, 11. the spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you. He who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. Now, the Spirit of God regenerates us. The Spirit of God indwells us, quickens us. So, Bert, is it fair to say, and, we're speaking in a general sense here, because the Trinity is not divided. God is one. But look, while Jesus did the creation of the physical world, it seems like the Holy Spirit presides over the operation of the physical world. The Holy Spirit does healings of operation. But God, right now, I'm not aware of doing healings of creation, of, like, an amputated limb. There is no more creation going on right now.
I'm not aware of it either. I have heard some stories of places where it was not documented that I know of, Alex. And, let me say this. The miracles and the healings in the Bible seem to come in groups. Have you noticed that not all the prophets in the Old Testament had the same gifts as Elijah and Elisha and Moses? you had some that did. But Amos, far as I know, just a preacher, you know, Obadiah, just preaching the word. And so in the NewSong Testament, you'll find out those healings and those miracles were more pronounced. I didn't say they were not. There were more pronounced when the Holy Spirit was coming in to a group of people, like at Pentecost, like in Samaria, like in. And then in Ephesus, and you see this great outpouring of the Spirit of God in, I would say, agreeing with you, an operation of gifts and healing. So the Holy Spirit is in charge of operations. You remember over in the Book of Corinthians when he was talking about the spiritual gifts, and it talks about the spirit operations of those that it seems to be the deli, the area of which the Holy Spirit operates. Brother.
Well, and let me just say this. I know two people, both, born blind, one who has sight now and one who doesn't. In fact, there was one of the greatest kids we ever had, Stacey Flowers is her name. She goes to Pleasant Garden Baptist. She was in my youth group, this is 20 years ago, when she was a little girl, and, the finest child we ever, ever had in a youth group, and she was blind. And, I was there to preach a couple years ago, and there she was. And I was like, stacy, you can see. And now she's a mom with kids. All right, she had. She was born with all of the necessary tissue. but there was a problem somehow in her eye. She, heard about a procedure, went to, I believe it was Duke University, and they operated on the existing tissue. And in her late 20s, she got sight and, in fact, has a, driver's license, drives a car. She was born blind, and yet she was operated on as an adult, and she got her sight. I've got another friend that I know of, and this person was born without some necessary components of the eye, and they've prayed but there's really humanly nothing that can be done. And they've asked God to heal. And apparently in this world, the miracle of creation of non existent tissue, God hasn't done. Could God do it? Yes, but God hasn't done it.
Alex, we're getting close to the end, ultimately. Let's talk about this, the purpose of God's healing, because I want to pray at the end. We've been talking about healing. I feel like we are supposed to pray, but the ultimate purpose of God's healing is his glory and to inspire us to believe in him and trust Him. Is that, would that be an, accurate statement?
I think that's very true. And you know, Bert, folks, if you're hurting and you're asking God, you know, I think about this hymn. Bert, you remember Krish Rice had an unbelievable hymn called Come to Jesus.
Yes.
Weak and wounded sinner lost and left to die. Raise your head for love is passing by. Come to Jesus. Come to Jesus and live. And there's this line at the end says, and when your final heartbeat with your final heartbeat and you kiss the world goodbye Go in peace to glory side and fly to Jesus. Fly to Jesus. You know what? Whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. I hope God will heal you.
Yes.
And I hope God will answer all your prayers to the way your heart is longing for them to be answered. But even when God has a different answer than maybe what we initially thought, lean on Jesus.
Amen.
The biggest need of all was for our salvation. And he has provided, and he provided that one. And he'll in his way, in his time, provide the other needs as well.
Father, I thank you, thank you for healing. The spiritual healing that takes place in redemption, the emotional healing that takes place in our walking with you and having others contribute in our life. Father, we thank you for that natural healing that you have given us. Where bruises and scrapes and cuts are healed, where bones can be, repaired. Father, in healed. But Father, we do pray for those people who are hurting beyond measure in pain and they're seeking you. And Father, I pray that you would bless them. I pray healing upon their lives. And Father, if not I, it's not. That's not an out. But if not, I pray they'd give you glory in their suffering, that they would embrace the fellowship you are suffering and let you be glorified. We thank you in Jesus name. Amen. Thank you, Alex.
yeah. We thank God that he is our healer. But most of all, he is our Savior and we praise him for, that. The views and opinions expressed in this broadcast do not necessarily reflect those of the American Family Association or American Family Radio.
In this episode of Exploring the Word on American Family Radio, hosts Alex McFarland and Bert Harper explore the biblical perspective on physical and spiritual healing. Diving into scriptures like Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:24, and James 5:15, they discuss the purpose of suffering, God's ultimate desire to be glorified through our pain, and how Christians can trust His divine timing whether healing comes on Earth or in Heaven.
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