Let’s Do the Stuff
One of my heroes is John Wimber. Before going to glory in the 1990s he planted hundreds of Vineyard Fellowship churches. He was a catalyst of Healing and Revival in America, a world-wide teacher-evangelist with an infectious sense of humor. His full crop of white hair and neat beard were impressive. When he called for the Holy Spirit to fall afresh on the assembly, people seemed to bask in newfound peace and gentleness, as the worship team poured out their hearts singing simple songs to Jesus.
Tonight….Let’s Do The Stuff
When John announced, “Let’s Do the Stuff” he would begin speaking specific words of wisdom and knowledge. For example,” If your left elbow is broken, come forward. God is going to heal you. ” “If you are going broke with medical bills come forward. God wants to heal and provide you with financial provision.” Sometimes he prayed over people. More often than not, he would have members of Vineyard’s ministry team do the actual laying on of hands.
Keep your eyes and ears open
John would continue to speak aloud very specific ailments and
diseases. Dozens, sometimes hundreds of
people would come forward for prayer.
He would exhort all prayer teams to keep your eyes and ears open. “Look for God to manifest his presence
while you are praying. Sometimes
people’s face becomes very warm and pink. Don’t rush into prayer. Wait upon the
Lord. Let him guide you. Oftentimes, he will give you specific words
or information while ministering. ”
Power Evangelism
Jesus introduced the ministry of Signs and Wonders – especially while proclaiming the gospel. It is referred to as Power Evangelism. When the lame walk, the blind see, and the broken-hearted are healed in the local church, a crowd quickly gathers. Sometimes it looks like mass hysteria. People are laughing, crying, jumping with joy, while others are filled with wonder and awe. John Wimber followed Jesus’ example: ” Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all else will be given to you.”
The Gospel Is Proclaimed
While signs and wonders grab your undivided attention, it is Jesus’ salvation message that brings eternal healing. Countless people were healed by Jesus but most never bothered to believe or receive Him as Lord and Savior. Two thousand years ago Jesus said, ” I am the way, the truth, and the life, nobody comes to the Father except through me.” Yesteryear, and today, have something in common: many people ignore God’s holy invitation to be part of his family.
Today: Do The Stuff For The Love of Jesus
Jesus and his friend, John Wimber, expect us to Do The Stuff. Do you really want to love your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and people in the supermarket? When someone, anyone is sick or broken-hearted, asks permission to pray for them. Most people who are truly in need will allow you to pray for them. Gently put a hand on their shoulder. Look them in the eye, and speak a short, simple prayer of healing in the name of Jesus. That’s “Doing The Stuff” for the love of Jesus.
Author bio: Tony Kaiser is an ordained Elim Fellowship pastor and member of the Cathedral of the Intercessor in Malverne, NY. He and his wife Maureen have been married for 54 years with 4 children, 4 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. He served in the U.S. Navy for 4 years, a NYC police detective for 20 years, and an evangelist for almost 50 years.
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