An Affliction From the Stress of Envy
Dr. Alan Sivells had so much pain in his shoulders that he could not lift his arms above his head. Often, his wife had to help him dress in the morning.
At the Total health Seminar, he learned of the relationship between osteoporosis and envy. Nine days later, after clearing up the envy and applying other principles, his pain went away to the point that he could play football with his two sons, throwing overhand passes.
He Anoints Our Head with Oil
In the famous 23rd Psalm, the Good Shepherd anoints the heads of all the sheep with oil. There is a health benefit to this, but there is also a special blessing implied, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life . . .” (Psalms 23:6).
Paul Received Healing and Commissioning after Annanias laid hands on Him
The Anointing of David
David is mentioned over 1100 times in the Bible-- more than any other man. His ministry began when he was anointed by Samuel, “. . . and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward . . .” (I Samuel 16:13).
A Resource for Spiritual Power
Further information on this important topic is contained in this booklet. It’s purpose is to encourage this Biblical practice, in order to enable believers with a deeper devotion to Christ and a greater power to carry out great works.
The Power
of
Anointing
An Example of Supernatural Healing
During the flight to a Total Health Seminar, Sarah Hood was doubled over with pain. This was not a new experience for her. She had been living with pain for more than fifty years. It was due to a birth defect that could not be surgically corrected.
On Thursday evening, March 2008, Pastor Roy Blackwood and Pastor Rich Johnson anointed her with oil, and the entire group cried out to God for Him to quickly heal her. That very night, her pain cleared up, and she has been pain-free ever since then. Her joy is abounding, and she delights to tell others of the love and power that God brought to her that night.
The Procedure Prescribed by God
Sarah is one of thousands of believers who have experienced supernatural healing by following the Biblical procedure of anointing that is taught in James 5:14-16, "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 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. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much [Makes much power available]."
The Purpose of Using Oil
Some have suggested that oil was used for medicinal purposes. There is certainly a place and purpose for the use of essential oils. However, to limit this reference to medical treatment creates several major problems. First of all, it would put elders in the position of practicing medicine. Second, it would promote the false idea that putting oil on the head of a sick person will cure all diseases, including those such as cancer and heart disease. The third problem with this interpretation is that the oil would be given credit for the healing; and, the passage distinctly states that it is not the oil that brings the healing, but rather, the prayer of faith, “. . . prayer of faith shall save the sick . . .” (James 5:15).
A far more Biblical and meaningful explanation for the use oil is to use it as an anointing for further ministry. God designed every believer for great works, and healing should be for the purpose of carrying out those great works.
Both kings and priests were anointed with oil for their God-given ministries. In the new covenant, Jesus has made us to become His kings and priests unto our Heavenly Father. (See Revelation 1:6.)
Also, Jesus testified of a personal anointing: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,” (Luke 4:18).
Jesus also said that as His Father sent Him out, so He is sending us out to do even greater works than He did. (See John 20:21.) For this, we would certainly need a special anointing.
The Power of "Laying on of Hands"
There is a gifting of spiritual power that comes when one who is ordained by God lays hands on a cleansed believer. Paul laid hands on Timothy and, later instructed him to, “. . . stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands” (II Timothy 1:6).
This "laying on of hands" may also involve healing, as in the case of Paul. After he was converted, he spent three days in prayer and fasting. Then God told Ananias to lay hands on Him so that he would be healed of His blindness. (See Acts 9:1-19.)
Is “Laying on of Hands” for all Believers?
In Hebrews chapter six, we read that the "laying on of hands" is a foundation principle of the Gospel of Christ which would therefore be applicable for all believers, “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works [for all believers], and of faith toward God [for all believers], of the [for all believers]of baptisms, and of laying on of hands . . .” (Hebrews 6:1-2).
Philip received the "laying on of hands" from the Apostles and with it, came supernatural power to do many mighty miracles. He went to Samaria and preached the Gospel. Many Samarians believed the Gospel and in "one accord," with joy were baptized.
The apostles in Jerusalem then sent Peter and John to Samaria, and they “. . . laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost” (Acts 8:17).
We know that there was a power given, because when Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given by the "laying on of hands," he said, “. . . Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost” (Acts 8:1-19).
How "Laying on of Hands" Gives Wisdom
Scripture states, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7.) God promises that if any of us lack wisdom, we can ask for it; and, God will give it to us. (See James 1:5.)
We also see that great wisdom comes by the "laying on of hands." In Deuteronomy 34:9, “. . . Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him.”