The Laying on of Hands.

Transcription

1 Discovering Discipleship. No8 The Laying on of Hands. By Robert.B & Nicola.J.Dalton. Menorah Publications. Australia & New Zealand Revised, * Unless otherwise indicated, all Scriptural references appearing are quotations

2 from the Authorised Version of the King James Bible... computer software, God s Word for Windows V1.2 by Kevin Rintoul. Victoria, British Columbia. Canada. First Edition (May, 2003; Revised April, 2004, December 2011.) Copyright Australia & New Zealand by Robert.B & Nicola.J.Dalton. Apart from the purpose of private study or review for archive retrieval, no part may be reproduced without the expressed and written permission of the authors ( and/ or ) their agents for Menorah Publications. Menorah TM ==========Publications ===== 2

3 The Laying on of Hands. Hands speak of service or ministry, the hands are for giving. Webster defines giving our hands, as impartation. To impart, to give or grasp what one has by contact, association or influence, to communicate or transmit. When God calls a man to a special task, God also makes available to that man, all the means and the Grace required for the successful accomplishment and fulfillment of that task. The Touch of God... Acknowledgment. The hand is the vehicle of Blessing, we lift our hands in worship and praise to bless God. We lift our hands, extend our hands, and lay our hands upon others to communicate the Blessing of The Lord through us as a vessel of impartation. So, hands bring the Power and Love of God to the area of need. 3

4 1 Chronicles 29 Verse 12(b)... and in Thine Hand [is] Power and Might; and in Thine Hand [it is] to make great, and to give strength unto all. To give someone your hand meant to give yourself in commitment, for example, as in marriage, it used to be, that it was common respect to go to a young lady s father and ask for her hand in marriage. It is with our hands that we either withhold or release benefits to others. Paul states, Romans 1 Verse 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; You cannot impart or give, what you do not have! God will not fill an unclean vessel. We are described as having spiritual treasure in earthen vessels, 2 Corinthians 4 Verse 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 4

5 Psalm 24 Verses 3-4 Who shall ascend into the hill of The LORD? or who shall stand in His Holy Place? (4) He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. With clean hands and a pure heart, we become ministers or vessels for God s service, in the transference of... 1) A Blessing from God. 2) In setting apart or consecrating those for the service of God and for the impartation of The Holy Spirit. 3) In becoming the imparter of Christ s healing virtue, (you can only touch people for God, if you yourselves are... TOUCHING GOD:) Acts 10 Verse 38 How God Anointed Jesus of Nazareth with The Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him.... The woman who touched the hem of Jesus garment. 5

6 Matthew 9 Verse 20 And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind [Him], and touched the hem of His garment:... The release of healing through the Anointing of The Holy Ghost, Matthew 14 Verse 36 And besought Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment:... and as many as touched were made perfectly whole. God has ordained that people should pass on or confer to others, Blessing, through the laying on of hands. In the Old Testament, to lay your hands upon something was to transfer what you were and what you stood for, to the thing or object onto which you laid your hands. In fact, it was as a form of recognition or signature. 6

7 a) An elder would impart blessing to someone by laying hands on him, by prophesying or praying. b) A father would, in this way, pass on his strength and authority and his own personal blessing in conjunction with God s Blessing, his hands imparted that Blessing to his children. Genesis 48 Verses And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel s left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel s right hand, and brought [them] near unto him. (14) And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid [it] upon Ephraim s head, who [was] the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh s head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh [was] the firstborn. (15) And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day, (16) The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth. 7

8 (17) And when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him: and he held up his father s hand, to remove it from Ephraim s head unto Manasseh s head. (18) And Joseph said unto his father, Not so, my father: for this [is] the firstborn; put thy right hand upon his head. (19) And his father refused, and said, I know [it], my son, I know [it]: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations. (20) And he blessed them that day, saying, In thee shall Israel bless, saying, God make thee as Ephraim and as Manasseh: and he set Ephraim before Manasseh. From the reserves of the fathers prosperity, the elder son receives abundance in, the double portion! God s first word to His first man, were to be, Genesis 1 Verse 22 And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. The Hebrew word for Blessed, is the word; Barak meaning, God has Blessed pronounced (Baw - rak.) 8

9 This word means to humble and to kneel in order to bless abundantly. c) The priest communicated God s Favour to the people through an uplifted, open hand. Leviticus 9 Verse 22(a) And Aaron lifted up his hand toward the people, and blessed them... d) The Hebrew word, to consecrate means to fill the hands. 1 Chronicles 29 Verse 5 The gold for [things] of gold, and the silver for [things] of silver, and for all manner of work [to be made] by the hands of artificers. And who [then] is willing to consecrate his service this day unto The LORD? e) As a personal worship expression towards God. Lifting up the hand in praise and worship means surrender to another. 9

10 Psalm 141 Verse 2 Let my prayer be set forth before Thee [as] incense; [and] the lifting up of my hands [as] the evening sacrifice. f) The lifting up of hands in response to God s Word meant... commitment! Psalm 119 Verse 48 My hands also will I lift up unto Thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in Thy statutes. Identification, with repentance and sacrifice. According to the Old Covenant, personal guilt for sin was transferred to a sacrificial victim by the laying on of hands. God demanded that sin be paid for with the death of the sinner. However, He would accept a substitute sacrifice, and this substitute would die, with the shedding of the innocent victim s blood. The laying on of hands made possible the transfer or impartation of the sinners guilt to the animal he brought to be sacrificed. 10

11 Leviticus 1 Verse 4 And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him. When someone has been made a scape-goat, the implication goes right back to Old Testament times. When Aaron was instructed to take from the children of Israel, two goats for a sin offering. Aaron cast lots, upon the two goats, one lot for the Lord, the other lot for the scapegoat. Leviticus 16 Verse 8 And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for The LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat. The one on which the lot fell to be The Lord s was offered for a sin offering and the other one on which the lot fell to be scapegoat, was to be presented alive to make atonement with and was to be let go into the wilderness. 11

12 Leviticus 16 Verses 9-10 And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the LORD S lot fell, and offer him [for] a sin offering. (10) But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before The LORD, to make an atonement with him, [and] to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness. Aaron the priest, laid both hands on the head of the scapegoat and confessed over it the sins of Israel putting them upon its head, then sending it away, it was led out to the wilderness by the hand of a fit man. The scapegoat, became the sin-bearer and was to wander about in the wilderness. Leviticus 16 Verse 21 And Aaron... shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him... all the iniquities... of the children of Israel,... and all their transgressions... in all their sins,... putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send [him] away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness: 12

13 The people identified repentance and the sacrificed animal as the way back to God. The Lord Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, without spot, wrinkle or blemish, by His shed Blood through the New Covenant, we have remission of sins, so the Old Testament form of shed blood has been cancelled out by the one perfect sacrifice... The Lord Jesus Christ who gave Himself for us. In a New Covenant sense, when we are raising our hands toward Him, who IS HOLINESS PERSONIFIED; We are identifying with His sacrifice for our lives! 1 John 1 Verses 9-10 If we confess our sins,... He is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (10) If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not in us. If we confess our sins,... 13

14 Sins confessed - iniquities - transgressions - sins What a wonderful picture, Praise God for our Master s Sacrifice!!! John 1 Verse 29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. Hebrews 10 Verse 12 But this man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; Hebrews 10 Verses For by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. (15) [Whereof] The Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that He had said before, (16) This [is] The Covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith The Lord, I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; (17) And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. (18) Now where remission of these [is, there is] no more offering for sin. 14

15 (19) Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into The Holiest by The Blood of Jesus, (20) By a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh; (21) And [having] an high priest over The House of God; (22) Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of Faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. (23) Let us hold fast the profession of [our] Faith without wavering; (for He [is] Faithful that promised;) By... Impartation, we become the vessel of Life And Blessing from which Living water flows, to touch those around us. Are we touching folk with clean or muddied water!!??? Numbers 8 Verses And thou shalt bring the Levites before The LORD: and the children of Israel shall put their hands upon the Levites: (11) And Aaron shall offer the Levites before The LORD [for] an offering of the children of Israel, that they may execute the service of the LORD. 15

16 God speaks of His active power on the earth as His hands. Whenever God intervened mightily in the affairs of men, they sang of His praise in terms of what His hands had done. Psalm 118 Verse 16 The Right Hand of The LORD is exalted: The Right Hand of The LORD doeth valiantly. a) It is specific... Israel (Jacob) guided his hands specifically to bless Joseph s children. The right hand always contained the greater blessing. Usually, this was placed upon the first-born male child s head since he inherited the tribal blessing and the birthright... the double portion as the firstborn: b) It Is Permanent... Jacob himself had schemed to obtain both the birthright and the blessing. He knew through experience, the reality of a Blessing communicated through the laying on of hands. 1) The blessing for each child was specific. 16

17 2) Once given to Jacob, it could not be taken away. 3) Esau could only receive a minor blessing since Jacob had taken his portion. All of this, was not mere form, something real had transpired, and it still does! c) It Requires Faith... Laying on of hands to transmit Blessing requires Faith in God. Empty hands communicate nothing but good will. If a patriarch wanted to give something to his descendants, he had to believe God to flow through this human means. Spiritual blessing is not within us to give; we are but vessels. God has to give His Own Blessing through our hands... What are you passing on? 17

18 Hebrews 11 Verses By Faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. (21) By Faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, [leaning] upon the top of his staff. d) It Is By Authority... Laying on of hands, is related to position of authority. Only those with authority could pass what was imparted on to others, but more than this, the child who received the blessing, received that authority in the service of the Lord and those around him! Numbers 27 Verses And The LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom [is] the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him; (19) And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight. 18

19 (20) And thou shalt put [some] of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient. (21) And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask [counsel] for him after the judgment of Urim before The LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, [both] he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation. (22) And Moses did as The LORD commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation: (23) And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as The LORD commanded by the hand of Moses. The Right Hand of Fellowship. I do not purpose to be drawn into tangent discussion concerning this hand or that hand or in what manner the laying on of hands should occur. The point being made here must be stressed in the fact that Jesus is seated at The Right Hand of The Father, The Holy Spirit is the executive administrator of the Godhead in the world. 19

20 The Might and the Power of the Father s Right Hand, Christ Personified. Psalm 98 Verse 1 O sing unto The LORD a new song; for He hath done marvellous things: His Right hand, and His Holy Arm, hath gotten Him the victory. Acts 5 Verse 31 Him hath God exalted with His Right Hand [to be] a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. It is interesting to note, that the right hand has been classified as the sword hand, it is God who trains our hands for battle. And when the sword hand is emptied, it becomes extended as the hand of fellowship. The hand is the extension of the person himself. His power to labour with skill and his ability to fight against the enemy. It is in the hands that a man carries gifts to bestow on others, or to bring sacrifices to God. It is the hand that is joined with another to forge a friendship... the right hand of fellowship: 20

21 2 Kings 10 Verse 15 And when he was departed thence, he lighted on Jehonadab the son of Rechab [coming] to meet him: and he saluted him, and said to him, Is thine heart right, as my heart [is] with thy heart? And Jehonadab answered, It is. If it be, give [me] thine hand. And he gave [him] his hand; and he took him up to him into the chariot. Galatians 2 Verse 9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the Grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we [should go] unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. This was because the innermost person was believed to be honestly expressed through the right hand. Whilst the left hand was expressed as deceit, (It is significant that satanists always use the left hand in laying on of hands and in worship.) 21

22 The right hand speaks of honour. Psalm 16 Verse 8 I have set The LORD always before me: because [He is] at my right hand, I shall not be moved.... God stands at our right hand to protect us. Psalm 121 Verses 5-8 The LORD [is] thy keeper: The LORD [is] thy shade upon thy right hand. (6) The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. (7) The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: He shall preserve thy soul. (8) The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. The Holy Spirit bestowed by... The Laying on of Hands. An open hand means both favour and Blessing... God uses people that He has joined Himself to as vessels through whom He pours Himself. In the Old Testament, the Spirit came upon people sporadically. 22

23 In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit came to indwell permanently in men. When God came upon men to give special power and ability, this was called, The Hand of God. Ezekiel 8 Verse 1 And it came to pass in the sixth year, in the sixth [month], in the fifth [day] of the month, [as] I sat in mine house, and the elders of Judah sat before me, that The Hand of The Lord GOD fell there upon me. The Father speaks of Jesus The Messiah as His hand. Jesus similarly spoke of The Holy Spirit as His continued power to act on earth after His Ascension. Exodus 15 Verse 6 Thy Right Hand, O LORD, is become Glorious in Power: Thy Right Hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy. (distinctions mine) 23

24 Men and women, set aside for the purpose of service, to and for God, were given an Unction of The Holy Spirit. God moved in and through the Anointing of The Holy Ghost but the fulness of the Spirit... the enduement of power from on high... was not yet given because Jesus was not yet glorified. God at this time, placed His Spirit upon certain Holy men of God, used to bring His purposes to pass. Proverbs 1 Verse 23 Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known My Words unto you. The Lord Jesus Himself stated in... Luke 4 Verse 18(a) The Spirit of The Lord [is] upon Me, because He hath Anointed Me... When Jesus ascended to be with The Father, the words of prophecy in, Ezekiel 36 Verses 26-27, were fulfilled later, on the day of Pentecost... Ezekiel 36 Verses 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. 24

25 (27) 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]. Also, the prophecy of Joel 2 Verses stated, I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh. Please correct me if I am wrong, but Scripture does say ALL FLESH, does it not? Joel 2 Verses And it shall come to pass afterward, [that] I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: (29) And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. (30) And I will shew wonders in the Heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. (31) The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of The LORD come. 25

26 (32) And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on The Name of The LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as The LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom The LORD shall call. This is the Resurrection Power, imparting the Life of the Glorified Christ to the believer. The Holy Spirit poured out on all mankind, and infilling the believer... the treasure of God, in earthen vessels! Outwardly, the invisible but absolutely real presence and power of the Holy Spirit come down from above upon the believer and completely surrounding or enveloping and immersing him. 26

27 Inwardly, the believer, in the likeness of one drinking, receives the presence and the power of the Holy Ghost within himself. The Holy Ghost thus received, in turn, wells up within the believer and flows forth like a river from within the innermost depths of his being. John 7 Verses He that believeth on Me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow Rivers of Living Water. (39) (But this spake he of The Spirit, which they that believe on Him should receive: for The Holy Ghost was not yet [given]; because that Jesus was not yet Glorified.) Acts 2 Verses 1-4 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. (2) And suddenly there came a sound from Heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. (3) And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. (4) And they were all filled with The Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 27

28 Acts 11 Verses And as I began to speak, The Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. (16) Then remembered I The Word of The Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with The Holy Ghost. People seeking this experience were ministered to by other believers through the laying on of hands. In Samaria, the apostles Peter and John laid hands on the new converts and prayed for them that through laying on of the apostles hands the Holy Ghost was given. (distinctions mine) Acts 8 Verses Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: (15) Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive The Holy Ghost: (16) (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in The Name of The Lord Jesus.) (17) Then laid they [their] hands on them, and they received The Holy Ghost. 28

29 Certainly, this is not the only way in which people may receive the baptism in The Holy Spirit. In the Upper Room in Jerusalem, and in the house of Cornelius, people received directly without anyone laying hands upon them. However, on the basis of all scripture, we may say that it is both normal and scriptural for those seeking the baptism of the Holy Ghost to be ministered to by other believers through, the laying on of hands and prayer. It is sometimes suggested that it was only the apostles or special officers of the Church who were able to exercise this ministry of laying on of hands upon other believers that they might be filled with the Holy Ghost. This is not supported by scripture! Suffice to say, a man with an experience, is never at the mercy of a man with an argument! In Acts 9 Verse 10, Ananias, who laid hands for this purpose (according to The Word of The Lord) on Saul of Tarsus in the city of Damascus, is described merely as a certain disciple. 29

30 There is no suggestion that he held any special office or ministry in the Church, he was directed by God Himself! Yes, to the surprise of some, God does move on other people too! Acts 9 Verses And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said The Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I [am here], Lord. (11) And The Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for [one] called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, (12) And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting [his] hand on him, that he might receive his sight. (13) Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: (14) And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 30

31 (15) But The Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear My Name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: (16) For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for My Name s sake. (17) And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, The Lord, [even] Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. (18) And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. 31

32 The Hand of The Lord on Saul of Tarsus. Here we observe, the direct intervention of The Lord in a vision; The Lord speaking directly to Ananias, and Ananias response, to The Word of The Lord. Acts 9 Verses And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said The Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I [am here], Lord. (11) And The Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for [one] called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, Paul at prayer, and The Lord s response in a vision with the promise of healing through the laying on of hands. You might notice, that The Lord spoke to both Ananias and Saul of Tarsus: The Lord established His Own Word confirmed in two sources at the same time. Here we see a direct and specific word of instruction to two sources concerning the same coming event! 32

33 Acts 9 Verses And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for [one] called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, (12) And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting [his] hand on him, that he might receive his sight. In this, The Lord brings to Ananias, a declaration, that Paul was a chosen vessel, set aside for service. Acts 9 Verse 15 But The Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: That is, Divine intervention, to declare verbally the revelation of Jesus Christ by Paul. Acts 9 Verse 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for My Name s sake. 33

34 The laying on of hands to... receive healing. to... receive The Holy Ghost. Acts 9 Verse 17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, [even] Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. to preach Christ in the enabling of The Holy Ghost. Acts 9 Verse 20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that He is The Son of God. In this case, both physical healing and the baptism in The Holy Spirit were ministered to Saul by Ananias through direct response to The Word of The Lord. 34

35 A move of sovereign intervention, through the one ordinance of laying on of hands. Ananias, directed by God Himself, to lay hands upon the one who was destined to become the great apostle of the Gentiles, Saint Paul. This is in line with what Jesus Himself says, Mark 16 Verses And these signs shall follow them that believe; In My Name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; (18) They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. Here, Jesus joins closely together, the two supernatural signs of speaking with new (or other) tongues and of laying hands upon the sick for healing. By this, we see that The Lord did work with them, confirming His Word (The Word) with signs and wonders following. Acts 4 Verse 30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of Thy Holy child Jesus. 35

36 Let us remember that whatever man may do, all he can do is to do whatever God s hand and God s plan had predestined to take place. Daniel 4 Verse 35 And all the inhabitants of the earth [are] reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of Heaven, and [among] the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay His Hand, or say unto Him, What doest thou? The Lord Jesus Christ says that both these signs alike shall follow or accompany the testimony of them that believe. That is to say, the exercise of these supernatural signs is not confined to any special class of believers or the selective elective but is it open to the who-so-ever will, that is... to ALL THAT BELIEVE. 36

37 Acts 4 Verses And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where... they were assembled together;... and they were all filled with The Holy Ghost, and they spake The word of God with boldness. (32) And the multitude of them... that... believed were of one heart... and... of one soul:... neither said any [of them] that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. (33) And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of The Lord Jesus: and Great Grace was upon them all. Healing, by... the Laying on of Hands. New Testament results can be achieved only by New Testament methods! In the laying on of hands, Jesus was imparting both Life, Virtue and Blessing through His Word and The Touch 37

38 of His Hand. Acts 10 Verse 38 How God Anointed Jesus of Nazareth with The Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him. Jesus imparted healing by His touch... Mark 5 Verse 23 And besought Him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: [I pray thee], come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live. Mark 7 Verse 32 And they bring unto Him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech Him to put His Hand upon him. Luke 6 Verse 19 And the whole multitude sought to touch Him: for there went Virtue out of Him, and healed [them] all. Just as Jesus imparted life by His hands, healing and wholeness, so too did He pass this ministry on to His disciples. He has chosen us to be 38

39 His hands, to be His vessels to impart healing by His touch through us... today. for there went Virtue out of Him, The Hebrew word for Virtue, is the word, Chayil, (2428) which means, the power or substance required to achieve either healing, strength or the ability to do! If you think for a moment of the woman who wanted healing and reached out to touch just the hem of Jesus garment. I think that I am somewhat starting to get the picture. It is Him, not the touch by the person, neither is it the cloak, or the garments hem it s Jesus Himself!!! In the Greek, the word for Virtue, is agathosune pronounced as ag-ath-o-soo-nay, and is referred to as benefactor or the one who supports. Further, the rendering, relates very strongly to the word goodness, and goodness, we know, is a Fruit of The Nature and The Character of The Man Christ Jesus. It is, a Fruit of The Holy Spirit. Again, we read, 39

40 Acts 10 Verse 38 How God Anointed Jesus of Nazareth with The Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him. In passing on healing, the apostles were acting as stewards of God under authority, giving what they had been given for this purpose. For the utmost benefit, of those around both them, and us for that. Acts 5 Verse 12(a) And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people;... 40

41 The early Church practiced laying on of hands for healing, 1) By hand... Acts 9 Verses And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said The Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I [am here], Lord. (11) And The Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for [one] called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, (12) And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting [his] hand on him, that he might receive his sight. (13) Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: (14) And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. (15) But The Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My Name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: (16) For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for My Name s sake. 41

42 (17) And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, [even] Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 2) By hand and oil. James 5 Verses Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. (14) 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: (15) 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. (16) 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. 42

43 Mark 6 Verse 13 And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed [them]. 3) By anointing cloths. Acts 19 Verses And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: (12) 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. The laying on of hands in the Name of Jesus is appointed as a means whereby physical healing may be ministered to those who are sick. New Testament problems required the touch of The Author and Finisher of our Faith, The Hand of The Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Exodus 15 Verse 26(b)... I [AM] The LORD that healeth thee. The Church, the Body of Christ, is the active vessel on the earth today to impart that selfsame healing virtue, under the guidance and unctioning of the Holy Ghost. 43

44 Both these ordinances, are practical functions and as such are to be administered naturally, not as a religious exercise. The laying on of hands and the anointing with oil, are accompanied by the prayer of Faith. It s The Lord Jesus Christ who does the healing... James 5 Verse 16 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. Elsewhere, it is written that prayer covers a multitude of sins. Proverbs 28 Verse 13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall have mercy. In most cases, it would be natural to pray for the sick person, as well as laying on of hands. 44

45 This ordinance contains two lessons, Firstly, God expects every Christian... afflicted, to seek Him first for healing. It is absolutely necessary and proper, for any professing Christian who is sick to seek prayer and or medical aid. Luke himself practised the benefits of medical aid to those around him. And just like the Good Samaritian, there are times to cleanse the wounds of life, with the antiseptic qualities of wine and the healing touch of soothing olive oil: Secondly, God plainly expects that we shall be associated with our Church fellowship in committed relationship. Relational response to the Love of our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ made manifest in the fellowship of the brethren. In this, the leaders of the church, ready to minister in Faith, according to scripture, to the physical needs of their church members. Every Christian associated in such a way, that it s leaders both know him and are known to him. And both care, and support to meet each others needs. 45

46 The third person of the Godhead, The Holy Spirit, who imparts Divine life into the life of the believer, is typified by the placing of the oil for anointing upon the body. The Holy Ghost, typified by the oil, who actually administrates the work of healing. To summarise this section, we return to the words of... Mark 16 Verses And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach The Gospel to every creature. (16) He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (17) And these signs shall follow them that believe; In My Name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; (18) They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. (19) So then after The Lord had spoken unto them, He was received up into Heaven, and sat on The Right Hand of God. (20) And they went forth, and preached every where, The Lord working with [them], and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. 46

47 Jesus declares the five supernatural signs, ending with the healing of the sick through the laying on of hands. Intended by God to bear testimony to The Divine Truth and Authority of The Gospel message, especially in places where The Truth has not been previously heard or believed! 1) God s Message of Salvation, The Gospel. 2) In My Name shall they cast out devils; 3) they shall speak with new tongues; 4) any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; I all practicality, whether we live or die, we are The Lord s. 5) they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. 47

48 Romans 14 Verses 7-9 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. (8) For whether we live, we live unto The Lord; and whether we die, we die unto The Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are The Lord s. (9) For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. Impartation of Gifts... The Ministries of The Holy Spirit. There are very many in the traditional circles of religion that choose to ignore the sixteenth chapter of Mark s Gospel. Saying that it never appeared in the original manuscripts. To which I just wish to add that if you remove this, you remove the very heart of The Gospel, the function of His Right Hand! Dare you? 1 Corinthians 12 Verse 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 1 Corinthians 12 Verse 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will. 48

49 In the last section, we discussed the gift of Divine healing made manifest through, the laying on of hands. 1 Corinthians 12 Verses 4-11 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. (5) And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. (6) And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. (7) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. (8) For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; (9) To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; (10) To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another [divers] kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: (11) But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. The ministry gifts are direct manifestations from God given through the Holy Ghost. They are used to glorify God and to build up and edify the Body of Christ the Church. The preaching of the Gospel is to be followed by the manifestation of some or all of these gifts. They have been referred to as the credentials of the believer. 49

50 The Gifts of The Holy Spirit fall into three categories, Gifts of Revelation, Inspiration and Impartation. The word of Wisdom. The word of Knowledge. The discerning of spirits. Also known as mind gifts or gifts of Revelation. Prophecy. These three are also The gift of Tongues. known as vocal gifts Interpretation of Tongues. or gifts of Inspiration. Faith. These three are also known Healing. as gifts of Impartation. or The working of miracles. power gifts. Wherever there is a genuine gift or ministry, there will be a demand for recognised ministry. Proverbs 18 Verse 16 A man s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men. It will happen, because the Gifts and the Callings of God, are without repentance... in other words, every good and perfect gift cometh down from The Father of Lights. It is the responsibility of the vessel, to maintain its level of 50

51 cleanliness. Exercise of the laying on of hands by the elders is commonly associated with the exercise of the gift of prophecy. It is necessary to establish that there is scriptural authority for one believer imparting spiritual gifts to others. Romans 1 Verse 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; Establishing or strengthening them in their Faith and spiritual experience. Romans 1 Verse 12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual Faith both of you and me. The free operation of spiritual gifts within a congregation enables the various members to comfort, to encourage and to strengthen one another. Enabling the mutual ministry of the various members to each other under the guidance of church oversight, who are governed by the watch-care of the Holy Ghost. 51

52 1 Corinthians 1 Verses 4-8 I thank my God always on your behalf, for The Grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; (5) That in every thing ye are enriched by Him, in all utterance, and [in] all knowledge; (6) Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: (7) So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: (8) Who shall also confirm you unto the end, [that ye may be] blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God desires, that we be enriched with all spiritual gifts but, the apostle Paul particularly, specifies the gifts of utterance and of knowledge. Two results which follow in the church at Corinth are that the testimony of Christ is confirmed amongst them and they themselves are consolidated and strengthened through the operation of these gifts. It is the revealed purpose of God that these (all the gifts,) shall continue to operate in the Christian Church right up to the personal return of The Lord Jesus Christ for His Church. The Church, complete, or blameless, fully equipped with all the 52

53 supernatural gifts. The apostle Paul refers to his own co-worker Timothy, 1 Timothy 4 Verse 14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. (distinctions mine) 2 Timothy 1 Verse 6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the Gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. 1 Timothy 1 Verse 18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; This charge I commit unto thee... 53

54 A charge is more than a challenge, it is also a stimulation of the inner man as spiritual authority has been imparted. There has been stimulated into action, a stirring up of areas of previously untapped ability and enabling. Deuteronomy 34 Verse 9 And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the LORD commanded Moses. You cannot give, what you have not received, you can only touch people for God, to the degree that you... yourselves, are touching God! The one receiving such a charge, finds he is no longer acting on his own, and finds God is with him in such a marked way, that others respond to his leadership. The impartation has added weight and significance to his words. 54

55 People are set apart to specific areas of ministry (and ministries) working with God, the elders through the laying on of hands, sees them being prayed for, into God-ordained positions. Acts 6 Verse 6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid [their] hands on them. You cannot give what you don t have... Those set aside for the service of God are obviously empowered by the Holy Spirit and operate in the Gifts of The Holy Spirit. God uses the Creative Word, along with the Laying on of hands, to bring about His desired purposes at a specific time. The impartation that occurs, occurs with accompanying prophetic utterance. When impartation takes place, you know about it... without a shadow of a doubt! Something very real, has taken place! 55

56 The ordination of Deacons. The conferring of an office or ministry assignment according to God s Word, the same means, to direct, to encourage and to strengthen. These same means are still available today to God s people and especially God s appointed ministers. John 15 Verse 16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. God s callings were determined before birth but at some point in time, he communicates this to us. Faith comes through hearing... His Word creates receptivity within us, provides substance for our Faith, enables us to aim in a 56

57 specific direction of fulfilment. It is God s Will for us to know what He wants us to do... this comes, through prophecy and the laying on of hands. Ephesians 1 Verse 18(a) The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling,... God places ministers of His Grace over us to share God s Purposes for us. They must approve our calling and readiness to serve in that capacity. God often gives direction by Word of Knowledge. In the New Testament, overseers gathered together for the purpose of laying hands on people, and to prophesy in order to establish people in their ministries. Plurality of leadership gives clear direction. The word must be judged. 1 Corinthians 14 Verse 29 Let the prophets speak two or three, 57

58 and let the other judge. The New Testament does not give license to every believer to prophesy over others in the realm of direction, the procedure for appointing deacons is outlined in, Acts 6 Verses 3-6 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. (4) But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. (5) And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: (6) Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid [their] hands on them. 58

59 The result of this being... Acts 6 Verse 8 And Stephen, full of Faith and Power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. and... Acts 6 Verse 10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. With the commissioning of specially called Christian workers, the spiritual leaders of God s people are called upon to set a public example of waiting upon God with prayer and fasting. Acts 13 Verses 2-3 As they ministered to The Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. (3) And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid [their] hands on them, they sent [them] away. 59

60 Notice that they did not immediately send Paul and Barnabas off on their God-appointed mission. First they set aside further time for fasting and prayer, the Church leaders claimed for them the special spiritual Wisdom, Grace and Power which they would need for the successful accomplishment of their God-given task. Acts 13 Verse 4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. The church at Antioch with its leaders were the human instruments by which God revealed and worked out His will for sending forth these two missionaries. In the final analysis, it was He, the Holy Spirit Himself, as the executive agent of the Godhead, who was responsible for the commissioning and sending forth of these two missionaries, a perfect example of Divine and human co-operation... God and His church working together as partners together. The outcome of this first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas, thus entered into by the direction of the Holy Spirit, with prayer and with the ordinance of laying on of hands. 60

61 Acts 14 Verse 27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of Faith unto the Gentiles. The scriptures state that they fulfilled their God-given work. God s callings are God s enablings. Remember back to Paul s conversion, when The Lord spoke to Ananias and The Lord told him that Paul was a chosen vessel unto Himself. Acts 9 Verse 15 But The Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My Name... before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: When God calls a man to a task, it is God who enables the successful accomplishment of that task. Wherever they went, they found that God had gone before 61

62 them, to open the doors and to prepare the hearts. The power thus generated by prayer and fasting was made available to Paul and Barnabas according to the needs that lay before them, through the ordinance of laying on of hands. Summary, The Watch-Care of The Holy Spirit. The Greek word Logos means the Living Word. In the context of prayer and the laying on of hands, what you put in, is what you give out! Everything characteristic of our make-up, can be imparted by the laying on of hands. The ministry of laying on of hands to impart God s Blessing and Gifts and strength to the believer, is not for the novice! 62

63 It is possible to be a blessing (or a curse) to other people. The laying on of hands, is a blessed ministry and with it comes much responsibility. God cannot use men with bloodied hands, people who are not at peace with their fellow man and at variance through sin, with God. If we are not right, there is that impartation... Input brings output! 1 Timothy 5 Verse 22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men s sins: keep thyself pure. The apostle Paul joins together three distinct warnings. 1) Lay hands suddenly on no man. 2) Be not partaker of other 63

64 men s sins. 3) Keep thyself pure. In all cases, however, the ordinance of laying on of hands should always be exercised in a humble and prayerful spirit, subject to the leading of the Holy Spirit and to the scriptural safeguards indicated by the Word of God, under the covering of God ordained oversight. Where laying on of hands is intended, it should be preceded preferably by prayer and fasting. Acts 13 Verse 2 As they ministered to The Lord, and fasted, The Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. Furthermore, prophecies must be judged by elders for confirmation as to whether it be of man or of God. The believer who lays on hands must know how to claim, on behalf of his own spirit, the continual purifying and protecting power of The Blood of Christ. He must also be so empowered by 64

65 The Holy Spirit, that he is able to overcome any kind of evil influence, seeking to work in or through the one upon whom hands are laid. Be sure the person is asking for the right motives! Acts 8 Verses And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, (19) Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive The Holy Ghost. Simon the magician, seeking to buy the gifts. In this contact between two spirits, there is always the possibility of spiritual harm, resulting to one or both the believers concerned if the spirit of one believer is not altogether pure. Psalm 24 Verses 3-4 Who shall ascend into the hill of The LORD? or who shall stand in His Holy Place? (4) He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. We must learn to co-operate with The Holy Spirit as He works through us to accomplish His purposes. The laying on of hands may confirm God s calling upon an individual. It releases him to function with confidence, stimulates Faith by 65

66 opening up new areas and avenues of revelation. It will, by the unctioning of The Holy Spirit, stir up resident gifts into active operation. Even so, there is not supposed, that it is a substitute for personal growth, discipline, submission or Faith and service. Love is not a feeling, it is an act of the will. It is not a sign of spiritual maturity for us to sit around and wait for the laying on of hands before beginning to serve the Lord! - We must totally give ourselves. 1 Timothy 4 Verse 15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. - We must study. 66

67 1 Timothy 4 Verse 13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. - We must discipline ourselves. 1 Timothy 4 Verse 16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. - We must stir up the gift. 2 Timothy 1 Verses 6-7 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. (7) For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of Power, and of Love, and of a sound mind. A-men and A-men! 67

68 The Laying on of Hands... Revisionary Questions. Question 1. What is the function of the hand? Answer. We use our hands to grasp and touch. hands are for giving and receiving, hands speak also of service, contact and communication. Question 2. What does God s Word describe the hand as being? Answer. 1 Chronicles 29 Verse 12(b) & (c) i)... in Thine hand it is to make great... ii)... and to give strength unto all. 68

69 Question 3. Hands, become the vehicle of what seven things...? Answer i) - Blessing. ii) - Setting apart for service... iii) - Imparting both healing, and Gifts from God. iv) - Acknowledging authority from God before the sight of men; this is referred to as Induction. v) - Proclaiming public commitment. ( Ordination. ) vi) - As an expression of Worship,... Lifting up Holy hands: 69

70 vii) - An expression of Adoration before The Lord... Question 4. Compare... Hebrews 10 Verse 12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on... The Right Hand of God; (distinctions mine.) With... Psalm 118 Verses The voice of rejoicing and salvation [is] in the tabernacles of the righteous:... The Right Hand of The LORD doeth valiantly. (16) The Right Hand of The LORD is exalted:... The Right Hand of The LORD doeth valiantly. (distinctions mine.) And... Psalm 98 Verses 1-2 O sing unto The LORD a new song; for He hath done marvellous things:... His Right Hand,... and His Holy Arm, hath gotten Him the victory. (2) The LORD hath 70

71 made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen. (distinctions mine.) Finally... Acts 5 Verses The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. (31) Him hath God exalted... with His Right hand [to be] a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. (32) And we are his witnesses of these things; and [so is] also The Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. (distinctions mine.) Question 5. When the sword hand (the weapon hand,) is extended openly, it becomes the Right hand of what? Answer.... The Right hand of Fellowship. 71

72 Question 6. How did the disciples receive the Gift of The Holy Spirit? Answer. Acts 8 Verse 17 Then laid they [their] hands on them, and they received The Holy Ghost. Question 7. What two things were imparted to Saul of Tarsus by, The Laying on of hands? Answer. i) Acts 9 Verse 17(a)... receive thy sight,... (Healing.) ii) Acts 9 Verse 17(b)... and be filled with The Holy Ghost. 72

73 Question 8. Man may lay the hands, but what does scripture say concerning the healing? Answer. Exodus 15 Verses And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to The Voice of The LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in His Sight, and wilt give ear to His Commandments, and keep all His Statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians:... for I [AM] The LORD that healeth thee. (27) And they came to Elim, where [were] twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters. 73

74 Question 9. What are the five signs that follow the Faith of the believer? Answer. Mark 16 Verses And these signs shall follow them that believe;... i) - Verse 17(b)... In My Name shall they cast out devils;... ii) - Verse 17(c)... they shall speak with new tongues;... iii) - Verse 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them;... iv) - Verse 18(b)... they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. (19) So then after The Lord had spoken unto them, 74

75 He was received up into Heaven, and sat on... The Right Hand of God. v) - Verse 20(b) And they went forth, and preached every where,... The Lord working with [them], and confirming The Word with signs following. Amen. Question10. What three things did Paul caution Timothy regarding,... the Laying on of Hands? Answer. 1 Timothy 5 Verse 22 i) ii) iii) Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men s sins: keep thyself pure. 75

76 Question11. Paul puts us in remembrance of the Gift with which God has Blessed us, how are we to exercise its potential? Answer. 2 Timothy 1 Verse 6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance... that thou stir up The Gift of God, which is in thee... by the putting on of my hands. (distinctions mine) Question12. There are three things from God in our lives that we can use to combat fear, what are they? Answer. 2 Timothy 1 Verse 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; i)... but of Power, ii)... and of Love, iii)... and of a sound mind. 76

77 A-men! Bibliography of Reference Material. Dake, Finis. Jennings. Dake s Annotated Reference Bible Dake Bible sales. P.O.Box Lawrenceville, Georgia U.S.A. ( 11th edit ) Francis, Rodney.W. The Laying on of Hands. (Paper) Gospel Faith Messenger Ministry. Harbour Light Ministries. Hamilton. New Zealand. (1996 edit.) Henry, Matthew. Commentary on The Whole Bible. Hendrickson publications. (1991 edit.) Hira, Peter Home Group Study Series. Vol.2 N.Z.(1985 edit.) Lay Ministries. (Topical/Doctrinal Studies.) N.Z.(1985 edit.) School for Ministry. Vol.1 N.Z.(1985 edit.) Hughes, Ernie. The Laying on of Hands. (1985 edit.) N.Z. Orama Christian Fellowship Studies for Christian Growth. (a) Solid Foundations. (b) Growing in Grace. Publications from Orama Christian Fellowship, Great Barrier Island. New Zealand Prince, Derek. Foundation Series Vol

78 Sovereign World Ltd (1986 edit.) Strong, James. Exhaustive Concordance of The Bible. Hendrickson publications. (1995 edit.) Thompson, Frank Charles. Thompson Chain Reference Bible. B.B.Kirkbridge Bible Company Inc. (K.J.V edit.) Torrey, R.A. Vine, W.E. What the Bible teaches (the great doctrines of the Faith as found in Scripture). Vine s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words. Thomas Nelson, inc., Publishers. (1985 edit.) 78

79 About the authors. By way of introduction, the only heart desire of The Dalton family, is to see more folk, coming out of themselves, and going deeper into personal relationship with the person of our Lord and Saviour, The Lord Jesus Christ: Bob & Nikki, have compiled and published materials helpful for growth and development in regards to their vision of being an available resource to assist folk to be schooled and skilled in basic foundational doctrine... Our only desire before God is to honour and serve the Lord as a family. We love The Lord Jesus Christ and our Father God with all our hearts and are so grateful for the ever faithful ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Psalm 40 Verse 8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law [is] within my heart. Our injunction to you is therefore... Let us join together to, Church the Un-Churched, Teach the Un-Taught, and most of all, Reach the Un-Reached... for Jesus! 79

80 Go Ye...! Speak Ye...! Do Ye...! Copy-right... personal observations. To those Brethren, that have laboured long and hard in The Word of our God... we take time to bless them publically for their endeavours to pass on that Holy Ghost inspired Word throughout His Church... Hebrews 6 Verse 10 For God [is] not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. Therefore, edify The Body of Christ, encourage and exhort; but remember, if you are tempted to call the work of another your own, you are the one that will in the end be held responsible for your actions. The Spirit of Grace, gave the work to the hand of the scribe, who faithfully put pen to paper. Plagiarism, is not only illegal, it is immoral; above all, we must... Romans 12 Verse 10 [Be] kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; So we exhort you in the name of our Lord and Saviour, to feel quite free to use the material with which the Lord has so blessed us and those before us, bearing in mind that the preeminence belongs to The Lord Jesus Christ Himself... Your brother and sister in Christ s service, Bob & Nikki Dalton. 80