February 1, 2019 Brethren Letter
Dear Brethren,
Many years ago, I talked with a man who told me a personal story about his experience with a “faith-healer.” A relative had been in her final stages of cancer. She was told by various physicians that she had only a few months to live. Realizing that the medical profession could do no more for her, she asked another family member if they would take her to see a “faith-healer,” where she hoped to find a sign from God that she would be healed.
After arriving at the church building, they walked onto the stage where the “faith-healer” was standing. He placed both of his hands on her head, prayed over her, and asked God for her divine healing. During the process, she noticed a tingling sensation coming right from the pastor’s hands. Immediately, she thought this tingling sensation was surely a sign from God that she would be healed. Her FAITH grew instantly!
Sadly, sometime later, she discovered that the “faith-healer” had evidently deceived her. It turned out that the tingling sensation was NOT a sign from God. Allegedly, this pastor had some sort of battery pack and wiring hidden under his coat. The electrical current flowing into his hands was from a physical battery. It wasn’t supernatural at all.
Once she realized that the pastor had deceived her, her level of “FAITH” fell to a virtual “zero.” Her faith had been shattered. Later, as I understand, she died from the cancer she had and now awaits a future resurrection.
The man I had spoken to told me that the lady who died of cancer wasn’t just a relative, she was his wife. Later, God began to “CALL” this man (John 6:44), and he began to understand much more about the word “FAITH,” than he had once realized. Once again, the kind of faith God’s people must have is the living faith OF Jesus Christ, which only comes through God’s Holy Spirit!
When it comes to FAITH, it’s important that we understand what God’s WILL is. As Mr. Armstrong wrote in the Good News magazine, April 1980, “He [God] has promised to give us wisdom, to deliver us from every affliction, trouble or temptation, to fight our enemies for us and deliver us from their power, to guide and direct us in making right and wise decisions. He has promised to heal us when are sick.”
But, there’s more to the subject of FAITH than just knowing God’s will. It’s important that we OBEY Him! “And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that
are pleasing in his sight” (I John 3:22). Psalm 34:15 shows us: “The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.”
Also, when it comes to real faith, we must BELIEVE God. God does not lie. He always keeps His promises. “According to your faith be it unto you” (Matt. 9:29). Psalm 62:8 also shows: “Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.” Believing God is an essential part of real faith!
Next week I plan to finish this series of letters on FAITH. Have a wonderful Sabbath everyone!
Your Brother in Christ,
Gary Liebold