Laying on of hands

Foundations of Faith Part 4: The Laying on of Hands - Pastor David Longenecker

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• published: 03 Jun 2013
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Laying on of Hands The next foundational truth in Hebrews 6:1-2 is the doctrine of the laying on of hands. The laying on of hands not only focuses on ceremonies—such as baptism or setting in place church officers—it more specifically focuses on personal ministry. Mark 16:17-18, 20 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 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 . . . . And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. These signs shall follow them that believe. This is part of the great commission. Jesus gave every believer the commission to heal through the laying on of hands. In other words, every believer is called to personal ministry. Therefore, every believer should understand the laying on of hands. Personal ministry is an important part of personal growth and development. Much of our personal growth occurs as we minister to the needs of others. The laying on of hands is used to transfer (or minister) healing, blessing, anointing, spiritual gifts, etc. It is also the primary way people are baptized in the Holy Spirit. The main way we are to transmit God's anointing and power is through the laying on of hands. Luke 10:9 (NIV) Heal the sick who are there and tell them, "The kingdom of God is near you." Jesus told His disciples to do two things: Preach the Gospel and minister healing. God has given us this same commission (Mark 16:17-18). Acts 10:38 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. Notice that Jesus had the power to heal because the Holy Spirit was upon Him. Although Jesus was God, He did not heal anyone on this earth as God. Jesus ministered to people as a man anointed by God with the Holy Spirit. In other words, Jesus ministered to people the same way we minister to people. This is one of the reasons why the baptism of the Holy Spirit is so important. Everything Jesus did is 100% possible for those who believe and are baptized in the Holy Spirit (John 14:12). The laying on of hands is a transmission of power, but everything in God works by grace through faith. Therefore, we should always share the good news, allowing people to believe, and then minister by the laying on of hands. First Timothy 5:22 says, "Lay hands suddenly on no man." Don't be in a hurry. Take the time to prepare people to receive from God. The laying on of hands makes more grace and power available, but remember, grace cannot be accessed without faith (Romans 5:2). Mark 6:5-6 And he [Jesus] could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching. "He could there do no mighty work" implies that Jesus ministered to some who did not receive. Therefore, Jesus started teaching them. The cure for unbelief is teaching. Luke 6:17-19 And he [Jesus] came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases; And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all. Here, the people were prepared. They came to hear and be healed. In this atmosphere there was a greater manifestation of the anointing. Therefore, prepare people to receive before you lay hands on them. This will help them connect to God's power. Also prepare yourself. Jude 1:20-21 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God . . . . Never lay hands on anyone until they are ready to receive and you are ready to transmit! Don't lay empty hands on empty heads. Put something in them! Acts 8:15-19 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. Here we see one of the main ways a person receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit is through the laying on of hands. The laying on of hands is used to transfer healing, blessing, anointing, spiritual gifts, authority, and to ordain. It is also the main way people are baptized in the Holy Spirit.