Anointing the Sick
© 08 Born-Again-Christian.info
Olive oil in the Bible
Q: Where can I get anointing oil?
A: Doubtless you will find pseudo-Christian snake-oil merchants selling "Miraculous Anointing Oil" to the gullible on the internet, I haven't looked.
Olive oil is what is used in the Bible, so that's what I use.
I get mine from the supermarket, it costs a few pennies a bottle.
I was in Asia the first time I went to anoint a sick person using the method prescribed in Jas. 5:14-16. The only olive oil I could find was a highly perfumed variety South Asian people use to keep their hair in place, and make it shine.
The person lay dying; there was no time to be fussy, so I bought it, and rushed to (what Satan intended to be) the victim's deathbed.
Using perfumed olive oil caused the hospital ward to smell like a barber's shop! But nobody complained, because the LORD healed the sick one just as He promised. Scented hair-oil worked perfectly!
Remember, the oil itself doesn't work the miracle, it is your faith in, and obedience to the Word of God that is honoured in the healing. The oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, it's not a ritual, magic, or "faith-healing".
I think the contact of anointing with oil also stimulates faith in those who rely on sense knowledge, but leave the details to God, He knows what He's doing, we just have to trust and obey.
Smith Wigglesworth is a great example to learn from in anointing the sick in Jesus' Name.
By the way, many "elders" in fellowships haven't a clue what the prayer of faith is, but God's Promises work for any believer who does know.
Going to Church
Q: Do you have to go to church to be considered a Christian, and go to Heaven? Tammy
A: I know what you're asking, but first let's make this clear:
Christians don't "go to church", Christians are the church. The church is flesh and blood, people, not buildings of stone and bricks. 1 Co. 3:16, 2 Co. 6:16, Col. 1:18-24. The church consists of born again believers in Christ, not a religious system, or place.
When you are truly born again, a Christian, you will want to meet with other Christians to enjoy fellowship, worship, and to hear the Word. If you don't want to meet with other believers, something is seriously wrong.
There's only one way to get to Heaven. Only one way to be saved from Hell. You must be born again!
"Going to church" never saved anybody. There are plenty of "church-goers" who are not born again, and they are Hell-bound.
So make sure you understand the Good News, are genuinely saved, and the rest will follow.
"Holy" Holidays Batman!
Q: Do Christians celebrate Christmas and Easter?
A: You'll discover the answer by carefully reading these replies: Is Easter Pagan, Pagan "holy days", and the Bible references given here; Why the date of Easter changes, also apply to Christmas.
I don't love her anymore
Q: Can married Christian couples live apart, but not divorced, if the reason for the separation is the love has gone?
A: Love isn't a commodity to be used up or lost; it is a decision and a life commitment. Love never fails. The Holy Spirit said, never. 1 Co. 13:8.
So the answer is no, because such a "reason" is scripturally invalid.
Once you understand that love has nothing to do with feelings, romance, or emotions, you will begin to see where you are both going wrong.
Get on your knees, and ask Christ to show you what love is, how God hates divorce, and God's plan for your marriage.
Remember, Satan is the destroyer, Christ is The Healer. Then decide who you will co-operate with: God or the Devil.
What should a Christian do if they become sick?
Go to the doctor?
