PREMINISTERIAL AND CHRISTIAN WORKERS’

BIBLE COLLEGE CORRESPONDENCE COURSES

PREPARED BY A. A. ALLEN

COURSE NO.1: HEALTH - HEALING - HOLINESS

LESSON 8

HOW TO KEEP YOUR HEALING.

WHO HAS POWER TO HEAL?

God has not only guaranteed to heal you but He has guaranteed to keep you
healed. Like the rest of God’s promises, it is conditional. God has told us in His Word
not only how to receive our healing but also how to keep our healing. Some have
failed to realize that there was anything more to do after they received their healing,
and although God had really healed them, soon found that they were no better off
than if they had never been healed.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR HEALING:

1. REMEMBER THAT ALL SICKNESS IS OF THE DEVIL.

First, let us remember that, while all sickness cannot be attributed to demon
possession or even to demon oppression, God is not the author of sickness. Satan is
responsible in one way or another for all sickness. Satan is an active, crafty, intelligent
enemy. He gives no ground except what is actively taken from him by faith, and
having given up ground, he is constantly on the watch for an opportunity to take it
back again.

2. BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT:

Jesus gave not only promises and commands but warnings as well. One of
these is found in Matt. 12:43-45:

‘When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places,
 seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from
whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and
garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more
wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that
man is worse than the first.”

When you have been released from the power of Satan, whether it be from sin,
sickness, demon oppression, or demon possession, it is important that the house in
which you live, your body, be not only clean, but occupied. When Satan moves out, if
you are to keep him out, the Spirit of God must move in. Never let the demon find
your house empty.

If you have not yet been filled with the Holy Ghost, set out immediately to be
filled; then STAY FILLED. Let the Spirit of God dwell in you richly, keeping you,
directing you, possessing you, and using you for the glory of God. Then Satan cannot
return.

“Neither give place to the devil.” Eph. 4:27.

The devil cannot move in unless we give him a place. Those who abide in
Christ are safe from Satan’s power. Be so filled with righteousness that there is no
room for sin. Be so filled with faith that there is no room for doubt. Be so filled with
the Spirit of God that there is no room for any other spirit to dwell there.

THE PROMISE OF THE HOLY GHOST:

The last sermon preached by Jesus before His ascension was on the Holy
Ghost! He said, . . .wait for the promise of the Father, . . . ye shall be baptized with
the Holy Ghost not many days hence.” Acts 1:4,5b.

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and
ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in
Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8.

Luke records the last words of Christ as:

“ . . . behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city
of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” Luke 24:49.

This message must be very important, or Jesus would not have reserved it until
just before He ascended.
 John the Baptist promised, “. . . he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and
with fire:” Matt. 3:11b.

Eight hundred years before Calvary, the prophet Joel prophesied, “. . . I will
pour out my spirit upon ALL flesh; . . .” Joel 2:28a.

This promise was fulfilled in the second chapter of Acts, for Peter, one of the
hundred and twenty who was filled on that day said, “ . . . this is that which was
spoken by the Prophet Joel;” Acts 2:16. Later, Peter, speaking to a multitude said:
“...the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as
many as the Lord our God shall call.” Acts 2:39.

This experience is promised to saved people of every age. In Peter’s preaching,

the list included YOU, YOUR CHILDREN, THOSE AFAR OFF, and even as many
as the Lord our God shall call. Every Christian needs this experience and should
desire and earnestly seek it.

THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST IS A DIFFERENT

EXPERIENCE FROM CONVERSION

The fact that salvation and the baptism of the Holy Ghost are two separate and
distinct experiences is made plain throughout the Scriptures. Peter said, “Repent, and
be baptized (now) . . . and ye shall (future) receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts
2:38.

Jesus said to “wait for the promise of the Father,” Acts 1:4. There are many
other passages to substantiate this truth.

All who receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit speak in other tongues. “When
Paul laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with
tongues, and prophesied.” Acts 19:6.

INSTRUCTIONS TO THOSE SEEKING THE HOLY GHOST:

Remember that faith (on your part) has a part in the baptism of the Holy
Ghost. Concerning the Holy Ghost, Jesus said, “If ye then, being evil, know how to
give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give
the Holy Spirit to them that ASK Him?” Luke 11:13.

In asking, you MUST, “ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is
like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For LET NOT THAT MAN
THINK THAT HE SHALL RECEIVE ANYTHING OF THE LORD.” James
1:6,7.

There is but one way to ask in faith. This is found in Mark 11:24: “What things
soever ye desire, when ye pray, BELIEVE THAT YE RECEWE THEM, AND YE
SHALL HAVE THEM.” The moment you believe, you receive. God will fill you.

If you find it hard to believe that God will FILL YOU NOW, it would be wise
for you to search your heart for the reason. The Bible teaches that there are definite
hindrances to real faith. Review the teaching of Lessons #4 and #5 concerning faith.
Eliminate the hindrances to faith and the result will be FAITH THAT CANNOT BE
DEFEATED, DISCOURAGED OR FAIL! Sin, disobedience, and self will destroy
or murder faith (confidence).

Please note the following Scriptures:

“Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.”
I John 3:21.

“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear
heavy, that it cannot hear:” Isaiah 59:1.

“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:” Psa. 66:18.

“Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving

honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of
the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.” I Peter 3:7.

The Holy Spirit is given to them that obey him (Acts 5:32), and is not even
promised to the children of disobedience (Eph. 5:6). When you can present to God a
pure heart and clean hands, then you can approach Him scripturally, lifting up holy
hands (I Tim. 2:8), and praising God with a joy born of faith, knowing that the
promise is for YOU!

If your faith has not yet mounted to this point, seek God earnestly, and search
your heart. Do not condemn yourself and become discouraged, but wait in His
presence, where the light of God’s Word, applied by His Spirit, can reveal to you
those things which yet need to be corrected before you can have real faith.

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise:” Psalms
100:4. Praise Him for what HE IS, for what He has ALREADY DONE, and for His
faithful promise to give to YOU the power which He has promised (Acts 1:8), just as
soon as you are obedient (Acts 5:32), and ready. Wait patiently in His presence, in an
attitude of worship with praise, and holy hands uplifted. You will not be waiting long.
God will fill you or show you the hindrance. If He shows you some disobedience, or
some broken vow, do not think that you can buy the baptism of the Holy Ghost with
words of praise, without repentance, and perhaps even restitution If it be possible.
Words of praise will not buy it any more than could Simon’s money. (Acts 8:20).

Ask God to fill you with the Spirit, so that you can have real power to serve
Him. Purify your heart. Be obedient. Come boldly into His presence with praise. Then
let Him fill you.

Don’t flee in fear from the moving of the Spirit when the power of God begins
to take hold of your body.

When praying for the Holy Spirit, you will feel a mighty moving of the Spirit
upon you. It may cause you to shake (Jer. 23:9) or to tremble (Acts 9:6). Note that
when Daniel prayed and sought God, he said, “. . . I fell upon my face:” “I was in a
deep sleep.” (Dan. 8:17,18). Your lips may stammer (Isa. 28:11 with I Cor. 14:21). The
Holy Spirit’s coming may be accompanied by a vision (See Acts 2:17). You may even
stagger as one drunk (Acts 2:13-15). DO NOT BE AFRAID OF THESE
MANIFESTATIONS. Remember that they are scriptural and God-ordained. Others
have had one or more of these manifestations when they came into the presence of
God, and you may have them too.

Be obedient. Remember, the Holy Spirit is given to them that are obedient. “So
is also the Holy Ghost, whom God HATH GIVEN to them that OBEY HIM.” Acts
5:32. Yield so completely to the Spirit’s power that nothing else matters but doing
what God says, whether great or small, and be willing to follow God all the way no
matter where or how He may lead.

Pride will keep you from being obedient. Get rid of PRIDE. “God resisteth the
proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” James 4:6. “. . . the proud he knoweth afar
off.” Psa. 138:6b.

Do not resist. Remember that Satan knows if you yield to the Spirit, you will be
filled. It is Satan’s plan to tempt you to resist the Spirit. He will tell you, “This is not
necessary,” or “You can receive the Holy Ghost without all this foolishness.” Be on
your guard. Resist the devil (and he will flee from you), but DO NOT RESIST THE
HOLY SPIRIT! People who resist the Holy Ghost are called “STIFFNECKED.”
“Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always RESIST THE
HOLY GHOST: as your fathers did, so do ye.” Acts 7:51.

Yield yourself! This is important. YOU have a part in the baptism of the Holy
Ghost. John likened the baptism of the Holy Ghost to water baptism, for he said, “I
indeed baptize you with water . . . but . . . he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost,
and with fire.” Matt. 3:11.

The word “baptize” means “to dip” or to “put under.” When being baptized in
water, one must submit to the one doing the baptizing. One must be yielded if he
expects to be baptized with the Holy Ghost. The baptism of the Holy Ghost is Christ
submerging every part of our being-soul, mind, spirit, hands, tongue, lips, voice, and
ALL!

Then, yield fully and let Him possess ALL of your being.

Many yield to the Holy Ghost until they are partially under His control. Their
lips and tongue quiver under the control of the Spirit. The Holy Ghost is moving
upon them, and ready to come in and speak out, but they WILL NOT YIELD
themselves in the baptism. They are praising God in their native tongue, but the Holy
Ghost is trying to speak in another language. They stubbornly insist upon saying what
THEY WANT TO SAY, in the way they want to say it! If they find they cannot
continue to praise God in their native language, they refuse to speak at all. It is the
Spirit that gives the utterance, but you must furnish the SOUND, the LIPS, the
TONGUE, and the effort to SPEAK OUT. The Spirit furnishes the language. The
Holy Ghost possesses you, and He, from within, speaks back to God above, using
your speaking apparatus as a transmitter, as you yield to Him. This is why some speak
right out in “tongues” immediately, while others hold back from fully yielding,
because of fear or doubts.

Do not be afraid of receiving something you have not asked for! “If a son shall
ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish,
will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a
scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children:
HOW MUCH MORE SHALL your heavenly Father GIVE THE HOLY GHOST
TO THEM THAT ASK HIM?” Luke 11:11-13. God said He would give THE
HOLY GHOST! Don’t be afraid of getting something else. Just believe God! He
cannot lie! Then, in Jesus’ name, RECEIVE YE THE HOLY GHOST!

Is it necessary, since the day of Pentecost, to “tarry” or “wait” for the Holy
Ghost? Before Pentecost, the disciples tarried in the upper room at Jerusalem, waiting
for the “Promise of
the Father,” the Holy Ghost, which bad not yet been given (John 7:39). From the
time that the Holy Ghost was given, on the day of Pentecost, we have no record of
anyone tarring for the Holy Ghost. They RECEIVED!

The Samaritans did not tarry for the Holy Ghost. Peter and John prayed for
them, laid hands on them and they received the Holy Ghost (Acts 8:15-17). In the
tenth chapter of Acts, the Holy Ghost fell on all who heard the Word, even as it was
being preached.

At Ephesus, there was no long waiting, or tarrying, after they came to the
knowledge of the truth. As soon as they had obeyed the Word, Paul laid his hands
upon them, and they were filled IMMEDIATELY WITH THE HOLY GHOST.

It is not even necessary to wait for the laying on of hands before you receive
the Holy Ghost. At the house of Cornelius, in Caesarea, all who heard the word
received the Holy Ghost WHILE PETER WAS YET SPEAKING! It is entirely
scriptural to receive the Holy Ghost during the preaching. Start worshipping God as
soon as you come into a service. Come quickly into His presence, with a thankful
heart and praise on your lips, expecting God to meet your need. Yield to the Spirit
when you feel Him coming upon you, and you can receive the Holy Ghost then and
there, without waiting.

We may liken this experience to a man who is given a vessel, and told to go out
and hold his vessel up toward heaven until he has it filled with rain water. If the rain
has not started when the man goes out with his vessel, it is easy to see that he will
have to “WAIT” until it starts raining before he can fill his vessel. However, if the rain
is already pouring down, all he will have to do is to go out where the rain is falling,
keep his vessel right side up, and STAY THERE WHILE IT GETS FULL!

In Zechariah and James, the outpouring of the Spirit is likened to the natural
rain that falls from the sky.

“Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain; . . .” Zech. 10:1a.

“Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the
husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience
for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.” James 5:7.

The rain began to fall on the day of Pentecost. It is falling today. All you need
to do now is to get where the (spiritual) rain is falling, and get your vessel full!
WAITING IS NOT NECESSARY! WHY NOT BE FILLED NOW? THIS VERY
MOMENT?

I do not want you to think that I am discouraging prayer. I am not. Few today
pray as much as they should. There is a “waiting” upon God that is profitable and I
certainly encourage it. Isaiah said, “they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their
strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isa. 40:31. Daniel prayed or “waited” upon God
for three whole weeks. (Dan. 10:2). Jesus Himself “ . . . continued all night in prayer.”
Luke 6:12b.

Certainly God’s people everywhere today need to get back on their knees and
wait upon God In BELIEVING PRAYER! Waiting upon God in prayer will
condition one’s heart for the Holy Ghost. However, after one is ready to receive this
experience, the promise must then be claimed. The waiting or tarrying we should do
today should be only to condition our hearts in preparation FOR the Holy Spirit. In
other words, let us “wait” or tarry only as long as is necessary to get our vessel or
“temple” cleansed for the Spirit’s abiding place. Remember, He will come to dwell
only in CLEAN temples.

Waiting or tarrying in itself alone will never fill one with the Holy Ghost. If that
were enough, then why have some people “tarried” or “waited” for thirty-five years
and are still waiting and have received nothing? Furthermore, they may never receive
unless they do MORE than wait. If “tarrying” alone were enough to receive this
experience, then EVERYONE who tarried WOULD BE FILLED! Thousands
declare that they have been “tarrying” for many years and with all their tarrying, they
have not received. This is evidence that one must DO MORE than tarry. One must
consecrate, obey, yield, believe, and RECEIVE! Why not NOW?

3. LIVE A HOLY LIFE.

Sin and careless living on the part of one who has been healed is an open
invitation for the unclean spirit to move back into the house from which he was
driven out. Jesus warned one whom He had healed instantly and miraculously, in
these words: “ . . . Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come
unto thee.” John 5:14b.

I am aware of the fact that this is not the general teaching in most pulpits
today. The people are taught to expect to sin every day and repent every night. They
are taught that Jesus was truly a wonderful man, but no one now living can live as He
lived, nor walk as He walked.
 But the Word of God declares that, “. . . Even hereunto were ye called: because
Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should FOLLOW HIS
STEPS:” I Pet. 2:21.

What are those steps:

“Who DID NO SIN, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was
reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed
himself to him that judgeth righteously:” I Pet. 2:22,23.

Few people today believe in following “ . . . peace with all men, and holiness,
without which no man shall see the Lord:” Heb. 12:14. They have forgotten that God
has said, “Be ye holy; for I am holy.” I Pet. 1:16.

In an apologetic manner, they tell us the Bible is good and wonderful -- but no
one could really be expected to live up to its standards. They say religion is fine, but
be sure you don’t get an overdose!

The Word of God says, “BE YE HOLY:” I Peter 1:16.

Of course, at this point you may remember some Scriptures you have heard
quoted. Some religious teacher has said, “There is none righteous, no, not one. All we
like sheep have gone astray. All our righteousness are as filthy rags. If we say we have
not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not in us.” So you say, “Are these
not quotations from the Scriptures? How can you believe that we should be holy in
the face of all this?”

Yes, these are indeed Scripture quotations, but do you know that not one of
these quotations applies to or has any reference to the man who has been born again,
the man who has had a change of heart, the CHRISTIAN? They pertain to man in his
natural state -- the unregenerate. None of us can say we NEVER sinned. The great
Apostle Paul declared of himself that (before his conversion) he had been the chief of
sinners. Indeed, “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23.
Had this not been so, we would not have needed a Savior. There would have been no
need for the NEW BIRTH.

When I refer to HOLY living, and of abiding in Christ, of walking as Jesus

walked, I am not talking to people who have never been born again. Of course, it is
impossible for man in his unregenerate state to walk as Jesus walked. It is impossible
to abide in Christ without first being born into Christ. No wonder some “religious”
leaders grasp so readily at those Scriptures. Having never themselves been born again,
they are still among the group to whom such Scriptures apply!

How eagerly they hide behind such a scripture as Romans 3:10: “...There is
none righteous, no, not one:” I suggest that you read to the end of the portion of
Scripture for the rest of their description. “There is none that UNDERSTANDETH,
there is none that SEEKETH AFTER GOD. They are all gone out of the way, they
are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. There
throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of
asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are
swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace
have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Rom. 3:11-18.

Certainly this is not a description of a Christian!

Remember, it is God’s Word which declares that “HE THAT COMMITTETH

SIN IS OF THE DEVIL;” I John 3:8a.

A life of habitual sin is not the life of a Christian. If we are of Christ, we do not
sin every day and repent every night. Rather, we trust the power of God to keep us
from sin. To the born-again Christian, sin is a tragedy, something to be carefully
avoided, and its scars and ravages repaired as quickly as possible. It is unpleasant filth,
and if a Christian becomes contaminated with it, he must be cleansed as quickly as
possible.

It is for this reason we are told, “IF ANY MAN SIN, we have an advocate with
the father.” I John 2:1. (Note the word is IF, not WHEN.) We are encouraged to keep
on trying by the promise, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us
our sins, and to CLEANSE us from ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS.” I John 1:9. (Not
merely the guilt or the punishment, but from the unrighteousness itself.)

Let me quote a few more scriptures:

“Awake to righteousness, and SIN NOT;” I Cor. 15:34a.

“Sin NO MORE, lest a worse thing come unto thee.” John 5:14b.

“Go and SIN NO MORE.” John 8:11b.

“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye SIN NOT.” I John
2:1a.
 “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God
forbid. How shall we that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not
that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his
death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as
Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also
should walk in newness of life . . . For he that is dead is FREED FROM SIN.”
Rom. 6:1-4,7.

“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and
the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of
God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in
him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” I John 2:3-6.

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God
is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will
with the temptation also make a way to escape that he may be able to bear it.” I
Cor. 10:13.

Can these be the words of the same God? Are such statements as these
inconsistent with the Scriptures declaring that there are none righteous? Or could it be
that it is indeed the same God speaking, but speaking of two entirely different groups
of people?

Yes, that is exactly the case. One group of Scriptures refers to man in his
natural, fallen, degenerate state. The other group refers to the persons who are
standing firmly upon the promises of God, who have been born again and are no
longer children of the wicked one, but have been born into the household of God.
Their very nature is different. Their desires are different.

Certainly, it is impossible for the man or the woman who has never been born
again to live a life of victory over sin. That person’s very nature cries out to do the
things which are not of God. The only thing that can take these desires out of the
heart is for that person to HAVE A NEW HEART!

Describing the old, carnal, natural, sinful heart of man, Jesus said, “For from
within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications,
murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye,
blasphemy, pride, foo1ishenss: All these evil things come from within, and defile the
man.” Mark 7:21-23.
 It takes more than water baptism to cleanse away these evil desires out of the
heart. Church membership will never do it. Signing a card will never do it. You will
never be able to overcome all these evil things by merely shaking a preacher’s hand.
Reformation can never do it, for so long as these evil desires are in the heart, they will
eventually break through again. There is only one way that these things can be
overcome: that is to be born again--to receive from God a NEW HEART!

God has promised to do just that. He says, “A NEW HEART also will I give
you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of
your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you,
and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.”
Ezek. 36:26,27.

This is the only way that we can ever do the things that are right in the sight of
God. It is the only way that we can ever abide in Christ, and live above sin. It is
impossible to abide in God and to live a life of joyful victory, until you have first been
born again.

Too many people today join the church merely as a social organization instead
of coming to Christ to be truly born again, and to have a change of heart.

To that person who has never been born again, it is hard even to conceive of
any experience that could make a man powerful enough to overcome the temptations
of Satan, and to live a life of real victory over sin. It is hard for him to believe that
such a life could possibly be lived without a constant struggle--too much of a struggle
for him to even attempt! Such a person, instead of seeking to overcome temptation,
may even seek to find, in the Scriptures, justification for continuing to live in sin, and
at a low spiritual level.

Thank God for the way of escape which He has provided for any who really
WANT TO ESCAPE from sin and for those who want to live a holy life, to continue
to abide in the Lord, and to be ready when He comes!

To keep your healing, it is important to live HOLY. If you do not do so, the
danger is not only that of being no better but even of being worse, (Matt. 12:43-45).
Therefore, it is easy to see the importance of abiding in faith, feeding upon God’s
Word, keeping in communion with God through prayer, and of resisting the devil.

4. RESIST THE DEVIL.

“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7b.
 The Christian need not be in subjection to sin. “Sin shall not have dominion
over you:” Rom. 6:14a. By faith, the Christian has power to refuse the temptations of
Satan, and his suggestions to sin. There is something more commendable than daily
repentance from sin, and that is daily victory over sin.

It is also possible, by faith, to refuse sickness a place. There is something better

than being healed “many times,” especially of the same affliction, that is to get healed
and to stay healed.

If you ever receive healing for your body, it will be by faith. You will also stay
healed by faith. Faith is joyful. The sick person who lacks faith is sorrowful because of
his pain and sickness. The sick person who has faith is joyful because of the victory
which he realizes is already bought, paid for, promised, and on the way. He will be
rejoicing and praising God from his heart, regardless of what he can see or feel.

This kind of faith cannot fail to bring healing. Satan is aware of the fact that
faith is his enemy, and constantly goes about to destroy faith. Whenever you feel any
pain which remotely resembles the pain of your previous disease, Satan will
immediately suggest to your mind that you either were never healed, or that you were
not completely healed, or that your healing did not last.

5. KEEP BELIEVING GOD AND HIS PROMISES.

But if the promises of God are bright and clear in your mind, and you still
believe that God meant just what He said, you will answer Satan, as did our Lord
when He was tempted. It is written, (Matthew 4:4,7, 10). By whose stripes ye were
healed. (I Pet. 2:24).

As you review by faith the mighty promises of God, your heart will rejoice,
even as it did when you claimed His promise and received healing, and there will be
praise in your heart to God for His mighty deliverance. Stand upon a promise in
God’s Word, and praise God in the devil’s face. This is resisting the devil. He never
has been able to stay in the presence of this kind of faith, and he never will be able to
do so.

6. SEEK AN ATMOSPHERE OF FAITH.

Seek an atmosphere of faith. After you are healed, it is a mistake to go back

into a church where the pastor and teachers do not believe in the miracle-working
power of God. God describes these people and gives a warning concerning them in II
Tim. 3:5. “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn
away.”

There are a number of good churches where the full gospel is preached and
God’s power is recognized, not only to save but also to heal.

Identify yourself with one of these groups where you can find food for your
faith and where you can freely give your testimony for the encouragement of others
who may also need deliverance.

7. TESTIFY TO YOUR HEALING AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY.

Your testimony is important. Not only will it be a blessing and encouragement

to others, but it will be a help to you in overcoming the devil. (Rev. 12:11). As you
give testimony with your lips to the truth and reality of God’s promises, your faith will
increase, Satan will be driven farther back, and his chance of again overcoming you
will be lessened.

As Christ entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers.
They lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us . . . when he saw
them, he said, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they
went, they were cleansed.” Luke 17:13b,14.

Only one of the ten returned to give God thanks and glory for his deliverance.
“And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud
voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks:” Luke
17:15,16a. Jesus asked the one who returned, “. . .Were there not ten cleansed? BUT
WHERE ARE THE NINE?” Luke 17:17b.

There should have been ten returning and giving God glory, inasmuch as there
were ten who were miraculously healed. Only one out of ten came to give glory to
Jesus for his healing. What were the nine doing? The Scripture does not tell us, but it
does tell us WHAT THE NINE SHOULD HAVE DONE! They should have
returned and glorified Christ.

Many people attend services night after night until they can go through a
healing line and receive healing for their bodies. Then they never return to testify to
the miracle that Christ may be glorified. There may be times when it is impossible for
some to return and testify, but they should write their testimonies and mail them to
those under whose ministry they were healed, so that God can receive the glory.

Testily to your healing in every public meeting possible.

 Remember that when Christ healed the man at Gadara, Jesus said to him, “Go
home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and
hath had compassion on thee.” Mark 5:19.

This testimony is important. It will not only strengthen your own faith and help
you overcome Satan, but may also be the means of bringing deliverance to others who
may be encouraged to trust God.

WHO HAS POWER TO HEAL?

During His earthly ministry, Jesus healed “all manner of sickness and all
manner of disease among the people.” Matt. 4:23. The glorious ministry of
deliverance begun by Jesus was to continue through His disciples, His followers and
His believers.

Jesus called unto Him His twelve disciples and “gave them power against
unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and . . . disease.”
Matt. 10:1. He then sent them forth, “to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the
sick.” Luke 9:2.

“After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them . . .
into every city and place,” Luke 10:1. He commanded these seventy to preach the
gospel but that was not all He commanded them to do. He said, “And heal the sick
that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.”
Luke 10:9.

At the close of this journey, the seventy returned to Jesus with joy saying, “even
the devils are subject unto us through thy name.” Luke 10:17.

Before Jesus went back to heaven, He left with His followers the mighty
promise, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do
shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my
Father.” John 14:12.

Many preachers who deny the miracle-working power of Jesus Christ in His
church today admit that Christ healed the sick, but declare that the day of miracles is
past. They claim that the sick cannot be healed by the power of God today because
Jesus is gone, but He plainly stated that His going DID NOT mean the end of
miracles, but rather an increase in miracles.

Jesus’ last commission to those whom He left behind to carry on His work
(Mark 16:15-18) was, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every
creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not
shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall
they cast out devils; . . . they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”
Matthew adds: “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded
you: and, lo, I am with you always, EVEN UNTO THE END OF THE WORLD.”
Matt. 28:20.

According to Mark, as soon as he had spoken these words, Jesus was “received
up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they (the disciples to whom
He gave this commission) went forth and preached everywhere, the Lord
WORKING WITH THEM, and confirming the word with signs following.” Mark
16:19b, 20.

This was in fulfillment of His promise in Matt. 28:20. Although it is indeed true
that He is in heaven, it is certainly scriptural to say that He is still WITH THOSE
WHO BELIEVE and PREACH HIS GOSPEL, for He said He would be, even unto
the end of the world! He is with them, confirming His word with the same signs
following, that are listed in Mark 16:17, 18.

After Christ ascended into heaven, the church was born on the day of
Pentecost. (Acts 2). That church, filled with the power of the Holy Ghost and endued
with the gifts of the Spirit, continued the same ministry Christ had begun. We find in
Acts 3:2a, “a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid
daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful,”

When Peter and John came by, they said, “Look on us.” Acts 3:4b. Peter
continued, “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee; In the name of
Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” Acts 3:6. Peter took him by the hand and
lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. “And he
leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and
leaping, and praising God.” Acts 3:8. Here we find the spirit-filled followers of Jesus
continuing the same glorious ministry of deliverance, even after Jesus had returned to
heaven.

The people were filled with wonder and amazement at this mighty miracle that
they had witnessed. They had thought, even as do church members today, that since
Christ Himself was gone from the earth, they would see no more miracles. Many of
them began to ascribe divinity to those through whose hands the miracles had been
wrought. Peter, with rare but commendable humility, stopped them immediately,
answering them, “Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly
on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk . . . his
(Jesus) name, THROUGH FAITH IN HIS NAME hath made this man strong,
whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect
soundness in the presence of you all.” Acts 3:12,16.

No man has this power IN HIMSELF, but it is available to EVERY

BELIEVER.

“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving
us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was
guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he
suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth
righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that
we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were
healed.” I Pet. 2:21-24.

The gifts of the Spirit and the commandments of Christ to His followers cover
ALL THE MIRACLES THAT CHRIST EVER PERFORMED. He used no power
that He did not make available to His followers even unto the end of the world. (See I
Cor. 12:4-11).

Stephen was a deacon in the first church. He was, “full of faith and power,
(and) did great wonders and miracles among the people.” Acts 6:8. Philip, another of
the first deacons, went down to Samaria and preached Christ there. “And the people
with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing
the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of
many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were
lame, were healed.” Acts 8:6,7.

Twenty nine years after the ascension of Christ, Paul was still healing the sick.
(Acts 28:8, 9). Although Paul was not among those who heard the commission and
promises of Jesus on the Mount of Olives before He ascended, “God wrought special
miracles by the hands of Paul: So that from his body were brought unto the sick
handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits
went out of them.” Acts 19:11, 12.

Here, perhaps it would be well to introduce a word of warning: the miracles of

Paul became so outstanding that even some whose lives had not been purified by faith
came to believe that miracles could surely be done in the name of Jesus. (Acts 19:13-
18). These men had not been in contact with Jesus themselves but knew Him only as
“Jesus whom Paul preacheth.” Acts 19:13. When they attempted to cast out demons
in that name, they were recognized by the demons as men having no authority. These
people believed the miracles they had seen Paul perform, but they did not have faith
in God. They did not believe that God would work miracles by their hands because of
His direct word to them. They did not prove their faith in God by believing His
commands as well as His promises, and by living lives of consecration and holiness.

Many sincere people today have met with disappointment and discouragement
because they have tried to appropriate God’s promises without being careful to fulfill
His commands. The name of Jesus is not a charm. It possesses no magic. But it does
possess power when used by those to whom He has given His “power of attorney” --
the right, to do business for Him in His name. This includes all those who truly
believe and act upon ALL of God’s Word.

The early church was a powerful church because the members of that church
believed God. They believed in holy living because God said, “Be ye holy;” I Peter
1:16. They feared sin because they had seen sin revealed through the gift of
discernment, and had seen liars struck dead for their sin. (Acts 5). They believed that
they could do miracles in the name of Jesus because He had said, “the works that I do
shall he do also:” John 14:12. And because they believed God, God worked with
them, confirming the word with signs and wonders. God has not changed. Any
church today can have the same power if they will meet the same conditions.

Twenty-six years after the ascension of Christ, the Apostle Paul wrote to the
church at Corinth, saying, “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles,
secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that MIRACLES, then gifts of healings,” I
Cor. 12:28a.

That same church is still at work in the world today and will be until the
trumpet sounds and the first resurrection takes place. (I Thes. 4:13-18). As long as the
church, its pastors and members believe the Word of God, it will continue, in the
mighty name of Jesus, to heal the sick and to perform miracles. Jesus declared: “these
things shall follow them that believe: . . . they shall lay hands on the sick, and they
shall recover.” Mark 16:17a, 18b. The gifts of the Spirit have not been confined to a
few chosen people in the early church or to a few preachers today, but as long as there
is a believer on the earth, miracles can be performed in the name of Jesus.

Nowhere in the Scripture is the ministry of healing limited to any particular

time or to outstanding individuals. Even in the Old Testament, it was God’s plan that
all that he had set as shepherds over His people should heal the sick. “Woe be to the
shepherds of Israel . . . The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed
that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken,” Ezek. 34:2, 4a.
 If God was so displeased with the shepherds of Israel who did not heal the
sick, what must be His attitude toward the shepherds of His New Testament Church?
They, who having His commission to do the works that He did, not only refuse to
heal the sick, but criticize and persecute those who do!

There was more power in Elisha’s dead bones (II Kings 13:21) than there is in
some preachers who are very much alive today. Although only one man was healed,
by coming in contact with Elisha’s bones, still, that is more than can be said for the
entire lifetime of many today who call themselves the shepherds of God’s flock. In
ministering to the Church of Jesus Christ, there was more power in Peter’s shadow
than in the bodies of many of those who claim to be his successors. (Acts 5). There
was more power in handkerchiefs and aprons that had come in contact with the body
of Paul than in many great “fundamental” religious bodies today. (Acts 19: 11, 12).

HAS GOD CHANGED? No! The church Jesus purchased with His blood is
still performing miracles and healing the sick. Those who dare to believe God’s
promises and stand on His word can still, IN THE NAME OF JESUS, heal the sick.

God has given those who believe, AUTHORITY over all devils and to cure
diseases. (Luke 9:1). Many will declare that only God has that authority. In one sense,
that is true, but it is also true that God chose to delegate that authority to His Son.
Accepting that authority from the Father, Jesus, during His earthly ministry,
COMMANDED demons, unclean spirits, and diseases to depart. They recognized
His authority and were obedient to Him. Just before He returned to heaven Jesus
delegated the same authority to those who believe in His name. This gives the true
believer the right to use the name of Jesus in making requests to God and in giving
commands to demons and to disease. (See John 14:10-14).

There are very few Scriptures which refer to praying for the sick. In most cases,
a few words of command, spoken by the one having authority, was all that was
needed. Jesus did not pray for the sick. He HEALED the sick, and COMMANDED
THE DEMONS TO DEPART, Peter and John did not pray for the man at the
beautiful gate of the temple. They commanded him, in the name of Jesus Christ of
Nazareth, to rise up and walk. (Acts 3:6). Paul first prayed, then laid his hands upon
Publius’ father and HEALED him. (Acts 28:8).

Demons and diseases are still subject to the commands in Jesus’ name of them
that believe.

Since the day that we recognized this truth in God?s Word, we have seen
multitudes delivered from demons and set free from all manner of sickness and
disease at our command. It is done in JESUS’ NAME, by the authority that God has
promised to them that believe.

Although, in the majority of cases, the word of command in Jesus’ name is all
that is necessary to bring deliverance, there are also Scriptures that prove the necessity
of prayer in some cases. If, after you have gone through the healing line, hands having
been laid upon you and your disease commanded to depart, you still do not receive
deliverance, do not hesitate to take advantage of the provision in James 5:14-16. Your
failure to be delivered may be the result of unconfessed sin. If such be the case,
confess your faults, ask the trusted elders to pray for you that you may be delivered
from both sickness and sin.

The true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ is aware that God will not heal an
unrepentant sinner or an enemy of the cross. He will not knowingly use his authority
to do anything that Jesus Himself would not do if He were present in the body. Those
who are still in bondage to sin do well to first seek help in prayer that they may be set
free from sin. When they have done this, God’s promise is definite. “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.” James 5:15a.

Much sickness is a direct result of demon oppression. (Acts 10:38). Jesus did
not say, “pray for the demon oppressed and demon possessed.” He said, “Cast out
devils.” Mark 16:17. Prayer alone will not drive out demons. Fasting and prayer,
seeking the face of God, and repentance from all known sin is in some cases
necessary to prepare the hearts of both those who need deliverance and those who
come in the name of the Lord. So that they may be ready to enter the battle with
Satan and claim victory over him. Until those demons hear the word of command,
given by faith, in Jesus’ name, and by one who has authority to use that name, THEY
WILL NOT MOVE. They do not have to, and they know it.

The disciples had been given authority over demons so long as they had faith.
But when faith was allowed to become dormant because of a lack of communion with
God, they became powerless. When they inquired of Jesus why they had failed, He
replied, “Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain
of mustard seed, . . . nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth
not out but by prayer and fasting.” Matt. 17:20 ,21. Faith must be fed by frequent
times of being shut away with God, with all the demands of the flesh set aside -- times
of fasting and prayer -- in order that it may be strong to overcome the power of Satan
and deliver those who are oppressed of the devil.

Satan was defeated at Calvary. But he refuses to acknowledge defeat unless he

must. The ground must be taken step by step. To be able to do this, the Spirit-filled
minister today must have real faith in Calvary’s victory over Satan, must live a life out
of touch with sin, must not be concerned with any personal gain, but stand only for
God’s right against Satan. There must be no uncrucified flesh in his life. Then and
then only will Satan admit his defeat.

It is surprising that some good people desire to be able to exercise this power,
yet they reject the source of that power, THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST.
Jesus Himself did not do any miracles or cast out any demons until first God had
anointed Him with the Holy Ghost and with power. (Acts 10:38, John 2:11). His
promise to the disciples was, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is
come upon you: . . .” Acts 1:8.

The early church was a powerful church because it was a Spirit-filled, God-
centered, God-fearing church. Only when God can find a group of people who
answer this description today will revival come. God has not withdrawn the
delegation of His authority over demons and disease from those who believe Him. He
expects His people to obey his commands, claim His promises, act upon their faith,
heal the sick, and cast out devils in JESUS NAME.