Why Did Jesus’ Ministry Include Healing?
(Message delivered by Pastor at the RELC 10.30 am Service, Dec 7, 03)
Text: Matt. 20:29-34
Jesus’ ministry of soul-saving was preaching the Word of God (Mk. 1:38, 39). This He did by quoting the Old Testament or by enunciating the Word Himself. But a great part included the working of miracle of healing of great multitudes to show He was the Son of God or simply out of compassion.
To the unbelieving Jews, the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus said, “If I do not the works (miracles) of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him” (John 10:37-38). In the opening of the eyes of the two blind men as Jesus was leaving Jericho on the last leg of His journey to Jerusalem to His crucifixion, this was near the end of His healing ministry.
Today there has arisen a Charismatic Movement that stresses the healing ministry of our Lord, so much so that Reinhardt Bonke the German Evangelist from Africa who came to Singapore many years ago was advertised by Anglican Bishop Moses Tay as one who would make the lame walk and open the eyes of the blind. But he never did anything of the sort. If he did anything at all it was relieving some common ailments as it is said among Beijing Christians: “For little sicknesses you see the Taifu (doctor). For big illnesses you see the Yesu (Jesus).”
Our Lord not only healed individuals like the two blind men, but multitudes of the lame and paralysed, lepers and those possessed by devils by the hundreds (Mk. 1:32-34, Matt.8:16, Lk. 4:40,41). Visit a well known hospital and you will find it fully crowded from morning to night.
It is true the Lord gave to the Church the power of healing and casting out devils, but this was limited to the apostles. “And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give” (Matt 10:7-8). “And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch. And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one” (Acts 5:12-16). What was the purpose of miracles by the apostles? In order that the Word they preached might be confirmed. “And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen” (Mark 16:20).
When the Church was well established after the apostles were gone, the miracles were withdrawn, observes St. Augustine, foremost Christian philosopher and Bishop of Africa. God substituted by improved medicine, year by year, so the eye surgeons could restore eyesight and artificial legs can restore walking. Two tablets of Panadol can relieve headache. It is foolish trying to pray off the headache when the doctor can help.
So doctors have played a great part in medical missions. Let me tell the story of the English Presbyterian Mission in her hundred years of evangelising three districts of South China, viz, Amoy (Xiamen), Swatow (Shantou) and Formosa (Taiwan). During the hundred years, 1847-1947, 48 doctors were sent to eight hospitals established throughout the three districts. China being a backward country, the medical missionaries from England won the hearts of the natives overnight. Hundreds treated by the hospitals for the salvation of their bodies were delivered in their souls. They became converts and were baptized.
The officer of the Swatow District was cured of typhoid fever and delivered from death. He was so grateful that he gave a piece of land situated on a hill overlooking the sea to build a new mission hospital.
But in a developed country like Singapore where medical facilities are widespread with specialist treatment aplenty the opening of mission hospitals is totally unnecessary. Neither is it effectual should you go to Nairobi, capital of Kenya, where a hospital is needed in Maasai Land a semicivilised wild country. Their people still carry spears, wear colourful long gowns.
Miss Chan Pui Meng has gone to Maasai Land to open a clinic out of compassion for the poor country people. It has met the needs of the people so much so forty of them per day come for treatment. But, being a nurse, her availability is limited. She cannot operate. A doctor is required. Dr Patrick Tan, founder of the Mission chanced to find a Maasai patient with a pus-swollen arm. One jab with his knife he released a stream of bad blood. Completely relieved the man offered to the clinic a goat. What was better was this act of mercy won him to Christ. What is the moral of this story? Is there a doctor here today? Who will go to Maasai Land for us? Medical missions in semi-civilised countries are still needed today and an effective means of evangelism. Not Charismatic healing at all.
HOW JESUS TAKETH PUNY MEN IN THEIR OWN CRAFTINESS
XXIV. “He that is not with me is against me” (Matt. 12:36)
(Why I say Westcott and Hort taking out of the Bible the passage of the Woman taken in the Act of Adultery (Jn 7:53-8:11) is accursed)
Let us take, for example, John 3:16, the most repeated verse in the Bible. The KJB renders monogenes as only begotten, but the NIV as one and only, clipping out the begotten. The doctrine of eternal generation of the Son, held time immemorial by the universal Church, is forever struck out by the NIV. By the anointing of the Holy Spirit you can judge between the KJB and NIV. You have the answer.
Although there is death in the pot, Elisha says, “Then bring meal.” And he cast it into the pot, and he said, “Pour out for the people that they may eat… And there was no harm in the pot.” God is powerful over all evil. God gives Elisha the power to neutralise the poison in the pot. God has now raised an international witness for His Truth. The King James Bible is the most accurate, devout English translation of the Bible and is now being restored against the 100 “perversions” of the English Bible –through fundamental scholars whom God has raised, men of integrity and men who love the Lord.
Today is a day of Victory for the Truth. My brother, Dr S H Tow, told me he had spent two years in research before he produced this 152-page book Beyond Versions to expose what is concealed in deceptive darkness. Please read it carefully and if you have been using the NIV or RSV, etc, cease taking their poison and be delivered from death in the pot. Use the KJB and rejoice in the Truth.
The proliferation of the One Hundred New Versions began in 1952 with the publication of the RSV (Revised Standard Version). Dr. Carl McIntire, President of the International Council of Christian Churches, was quick to challenge it. This modernist version based on Westcott and Hort, attacked the KJB point after point. The “virgin” of Isaiah 7:14 is changed to “young woman”. This is a frontal attack on the Virgin Birth of Christ. The RSV suffered a setback in its sales by the ICCC’s quick response.
When the NIV appeared in 1978, Dr. McIntire wanted to expose its dastardly character, but being surrounded by “fifth columnists” in the ICCC, his voice was stifled. The KJB’s supremacy was snatched by the NIV within one generation.
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:… A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak” (Eccl. 3:1-7). In August 1998, the ICCC held its 50th Anniversary in Amsterdam. I was invited to speak at the Conference. What was the greatest good that the 50th Anniversary Conference could do? It was the publication of messages and resolutions on problems of the Church and relevant to the times which were disseminated throughout the world.
The Resolution on the Bible with full exposure of the Westcott and Hort poison hidden in the Hundred Versions was adopted. It was worth all the time and expense of our coming to Holland, from the four corners of the earth. Where Dr. McIntire was blocked by NIV “fifth columnists” before, here in Amsterdam, the birthplace of the ICCC, he reached the crowning of his life-long struggle against Satan’s wiles to falsify God’s Word. The father of lies masquerading as an angel of light in the NIV is totally unmasked.
