By Brenda Groves
The Post Newspaper Contributing Writer
When I was in grade school I asked my mother, “What makes thunder?”
And with all the confidence of a meteorologist she answered, “When hot and cold air crash together it makes a loud noise called thunder.”
Well, there you go. End of discussion.
So, for some time I passed along this interesting “fact” to close friends, and a few family pets. Until one day, when I decided to share this valuable information with the entire world.
My class at school.
Now, I distinctly recall how our teacher chuckled as if to say, “Oh, that IS a good one!!!.” Pretty soon it seemed the whole classroom was in on the joke, except me, because they busted out laughing. (Ha! What did they know of the intricate science of weather? They ate paste!)
Nevertheless, I felt my face become heated, and a protective instinct rose up against those who DARED question MY MOTHER!!!!! I mean this woman could make play dough out of just cornstarch and water. She’s brilliant I tell you!!
But, after studying the evidence with the rest of the class even I had to come to the conclusion that Mom, though well meaning, was wrong. (Deep sigh.)
Since then, I have had to re-examine my own beliefs many times and admit when I was wrong, even if my intentions were right.
Especially, when I choose to make the word of God absolute in my life. And even though it challenged my own beliefs, I decided to “let God be true but every man is a liar.” (Even the beliefs that people I deeply love and respect had taught me.)
And this is what I wanted to talk to you about.
I attended a funeral where the Pastor explained away a man’s illness, and subsequent death, as an act of God. He said that God wanted this man in Heaven with Him so He allowed (or caused) his life to be taken at the age of 55.
(Most of us have also heard it explained, “That God needed another angel in heaven.” Or that “He was being merciful to this person and took their life so they wouldn’t be in pain anymore.” Etc. Etc.)
And when this explanation was given the first thought that came to me was, “the Bible does not support this theology.”
You cannot find any scriptures in the New Testament, under the New Covenant that supports this type of reasoning. It simply does not line up with Jesus’ ministry as our example to follow, or the true nature of God.
I know we have used these types of reasoning to try to bring comfort, and some kind of explanation of why bad things happen.
But again, this is someone’s opinion, or certain church doctrines, yet not Biblically correct.
Please understand that I am not mad at anyone, and I know the intentions are good hearted. And I used to believe this way as well, until I began to read the Bible for myself with an open heart.
This is a popular and well known verse … “If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Well, I believe that a damaging doctrine that introduces an element of doubt about who God is, and His will for our lives … IS is fighting against us.
Jesus said, “I can only do what I see my Father do.” “Healing all those who were oppressed by the devil.”
We do not see one example of Jesus leaving someone sick who wished to be healed. Jesus never said “No,” to anyone who wanted to be healed. In truth, “all the promises in Him are Yes and Amen.”
The only time He was limited in administering healing was in His own home town, and because of THEIR unbelief. Not because of His unwillingness to heal them. (Matt:13:58)
We do not see one example in the New Testament where Jesus/God refused to heal someone seeking His assistance. But you do see time and again faith working somewhere in the person who was receiving.
And He entrusted these examples, teachings and instructions so that through Jesus we can receive the power of His love, anointing us to do the same.
“And greater works than these ….”
You know, we preach the message of Salvation, right? That Jesus is the Son of God, that He lived a sinless life, died on the cross taking the punishment for our sins upon Himself, and God raised Him from the grave three days later, so that now any person can receive forgiveness for their sins, and be saved through faith in Him.
So, when were our sins paid for? When did that take place?
Do we tell them it is when they get to heaven? No. We preach the truth, that it happened over two-thousand years ago.
And when Isaiah the prophet writes in Chapter 53 that Jesus, “was stricken, carried our griefs, bore our sorrows,” and in 1 Peter 2:24 declares “by whose stripes we WERE healed.” When did that take place?
At the same time, over two thousand years ago.
Our healing took place at the same time- when Jesus took our sins upon Himself, He also took our sicknesses upon Himself as well. That is part of the atonement of Christ.
How can the congregations have faith, which comes by hearing, if they aren’t hearing it because it’s not being presented to them as a done deal here on earth.
I am not ashamed of the Gospel (good news). And I am asking every church leader/elder and teacher of God’s word to please re-examine the evidence of the Gospel.
God is not allowing tragedy in people’s lives. Jesus makes it quite clear in John 10:10- that Satan is the author of that, and Jesus came to “destroy the works of the Devil.”
We are the hands and feet of Jesus, He needs us HERE on earth to proclaim liberty to the captive, (such as the woman who had a spirit of infirmity for years), heal the brokenhearted (Jesus touched the casket and the young man sat up talking and He presented him alive to his mother, and healed her broken heart).
You know, God is not calling the qualified, just the willing, and if we love people, we should also be willing to put down any spirit of pride, or unbelief, and let the truth of the word of God affect, or redirect, our way of thinking.
Please ask the Lord for (and receive) the baptism of the Holy Spirit, (with the evidence of speaking in tongues), so you can experience the power of God to the fullest flowing through you, and watch Him work!!!
When people begin receiving healing because, a born again Believer laid hands on them , or prayed for their loved one, and they were healed- the churches would be full of grateful hearts, as the goodness of God is leading them to repentance.
The whole world is searching for the truth, let’s give it to them. The whole Truth!
We should stop trying to explain away sickness and death and give them hope for complete healing in this life! So they have an opportunity to lead a full life in the “here and now”, not just in the “sweet by and by.”
I am not ashamed of the FULL Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.
(You know, I loved my mother very much, but it would have been better if she had just told me straight out, “Brenda, I don’t know the answer to that, but we can find out.”)
(Romans 3:4, 8:31, John 5:19, Acts 10:38, 2 Cor. 1:20, John 14:12, 1 John 3:8, Luke 13:11, Luke 7:14, Romans 1:16)
Contact Brenda Groves at: bkgroves1996@yahoo.com
