I have a close friend who is going through some tremendous physical struggles. He and his wife went to dinner with another Christian couple and he shared some of his personal concerns. It was at that time that the wife of the couple started to tell him about a book that she had received concerning healing. And then some dialogue pursued in which there was discussion about how Jesus came to earth and all the healing that He performed.Of course not long after that the wife mentioned that she would suggest that he read this book because it was recommended to her by a spiritual mentor. First of all let me state plainly that I was not at the conversation and have no idea regarding the book on healing. However from personal pastoral experience, we as Bible believing evangelicals need to EXHORT our brothers and sisters in Christ back to the Bible and not a book. I know some people and theologies that are located within the large evangelical church that teach all sickness and suffering are direct results of sin. And therefore one simply needs to uncover the core sin, confess it and then have enough faith that God will heal the particular physical problem. Allow me to say that these are theologies from the pit of hell itself! There are other off shoots of these types of false doctrines which are dangerous and do match to sound Bible doctrine.
Shame on us as Christians when we have as our first recommendation, is a book, Oprah, Dr. Phil or some advice that we received from a friend in Seattle instead of the revealed word of God. It blows my mind how far off those within the church walls have gotten when it comes to the very things of God. They go to entertainment driven venues that can draw large crowds. They become engaged by dynamic speakers who rarely refer to the gospel, Christ, His blood, wrath of God or sin but instead tell great stories. And then before they even know it (self deception) they are traveling on the broad road that leads to destruction (Matthew 7:14). Do you know the conclusion of that story? This is where on that day these people will come to Him and say Lord, Lord did we not cast out demons, do miracles and speak prophecies in Your name. And Christ will look them in the eyes and say DEPART FROM ME EVIL DOERS FOR I KNEW YOU NOT!
The people of God, the truly saved are committed to an obedience under the very word of God. They are in the Bible constantly and continuously and the Bible is in them. The reading they do in other things should pale in comparison to the reading, understanding, embracing and living from God's word.
My prayer is that those who call themselves Christians would be drawn back to the basics of the Bible. It is in the Scriptures that God has ordained to allow Himself to be known. As we known Him, love Him and serve Him then the overflow of our lives will be in our obedience to Him and love for others. This means that love will be demonstrated in ways that honor and bring glory to Christ. I believe that God can use any means that He so desires to bring people to Himself. However it should be obvious to those who are of the faith that His word is primary in all the matters of faith and practice. Jesus Christ did not come to planet earth to heal people from diseases but came to save people from their sins.
So the next time you hear about a problem marriage, rebellious child, or physical problem how about a recommendation back to God's word which is inerrant, infallible and inspired! I rest my case.
