Thousands throng to William Branham’s meetings in Durban.
Milan, a pastor of Heartlands Church in South Africa laid hands on a mans paralysed leg and declared Jesus as Healer. Instantly the man began to move his leg and walk in circles in almost disbelief that he was healed. Milan, was part of a team of 80 evangelising the Monzi area in Kwa Zulu Natal with the gospel. A multi-church participation in, ‘Operation Saturation’, a gospel invasion, of training evangelists and doing the work of an evangelist.
Many experienced the power and compassion of the risen Lord Jesus. “Are you the One we’ve been expecting, or are we still waiting?” Mt 11:3 Was the voice of the disciples of John the Baptist in his day. Jesus said, ‘Hang around for the next meeting … here you have front seats, watch and make up your own minds’ KT.
They did and Jesus said; “Tell him (John) you have seen the blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers cured, the deaf hear, the dead raised, and the good news preached to the poor. Blessed are those who understand what is afoot and stay on My narrow path.”
It seems in the days that Jesus walked this earth He had similar questions we have today. Actually we should ask ourselves; “What are we waiting for?”
What are the elements of revival? As Gordon Lindsay, (The author of the ‘Voice of Healing’) puts it
The elements of such a revival are all found in the 4th and 5th chapters of Acts:
1. A revival where thousands were getting saved (Acts 4:4).
2. Judgment on wicked persons (Acts 5:1-11).
3. Gifts of healing being manifest through certain individuals—Peter in this case (Acts 5:1-15).
4. Multitudes coming in from cities round about to attend the healing campaign and bringing their sick with them (Acts 5:16).
5. Mass healing of the sick (Acts 5:16).
6. Fierce opposition arising from the jealous clergy (Acts 5:17).
7. A refusal by God’s ministers to give heed to the threatening of men, and their continued fearless preaching (Acts 5:21).
The healing revivals were not confined to the original Twelve. In fact, the Apostles are mentioned but rarely, with the exception of Peter. The healing ministries of such deacons as Philip and Stephen are described, and later on, that of Paul. This would seem to indicate the universal scope of this ministry. Actually, gifts of healings were placed in the Church, along with that of teaching and other ministries (ICor. 12:28). We see therefore, that the authenticity of the healing ministry stands or falls with the authority of the Scriptures.
What then is the distinguishing feature of the revivals, other than the ministry of healing? Is it some new doctrine? Emphatically, No! A few, in attempting to capitalise on the revival, have introduced doctrines which are suspect, and have drawn a few disciples after them, in the main, they have only succeeded in isolating themselves from the main body of believers. Certainly in these days God has no desire to share His glory with the flesh. God owes nothing to any man.
The real distinguishing feature of these revivals lies in the boldness of the men who minister, and the demonstration of the power of God.