Principles of the Doctrine of Christ: Laying on of Hands (continued)

Beloved, in continuance of our theme, “Laying on of Hands,” from our “Principles of the Doctrine of Christ” series – the Bible teaches us that the “woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years” was healed when Jesus “laid his hands on her.” Jesus had said to her, “Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity” (Luke 13:11-13). Yet, she was not healed until He “laid his hands” on her. Beloved, there are many people today who have not been touched by Jesus’ “two hands” – His “spiritual hands.” They may have felt His presence in the room or around them, but they have not been touched until they receive healing results by the Holy Ghost – healings of the body, mind, soul, and spirit. Beloved, unless Jesus can “touch” you, then you haven’t experienced His true power. Make no mistake about it – the prescription that Jesus said must be fulfilled for recovery from sickness is “laying on of ordained hands.” Jesus said, “They [the disciples, the ordained ones] shall…lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover” (Mark 16:18).

Precious Ones, we find the disciples of Jesus Christ practiced the “laying of hands” on individuals all through the Book of the Acts of the Holy Spirit. For example, scripture records that the disciples, in consecrating certain men for special service in the church, “when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them” (Acts 6:5-6). “When they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” This was done after “the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them” (Acts 13:2-3 – by the way, this was our Sunday school lesson 4 weeks ago). This teaches us that the Spirit advocates the practice of “ordination” even when the Lord calls us. In other words, Beloved, there may be some of you who the Lord has called to “lay hands” on others, but He has not “ordained” your calling yet. Don’t be impatient. Wait on your “ordination”! God knows when He wants to use you!

Chosen Ones, Paul taught us that the true gift of prophecy was given by the “laying on of hands.” Thus, it is important that this area of ministry must be conducted in the correct manner. Someone whose spirit is not right can ruin potential warriors in the Kingdom of God by “laying wicked hands” on them and transferring their wicked spirit to them. Their prophecies will not come to pass, causing people to doubt the existence of God! As Paul taught Timothy, “Neglect not the gift [Timothy’s gift was prophecy] that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy [see, told you!], with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery” (I Timothy 4:14). I would have the wrong spirit today if someone who was not of God had “laid hands” on me to minister!

I will write more later. Until then, know this…

I love you all SO very much.
In His love,

Pastor William L. McCoy

Principles of the Doctrine of Christ: Laying on of Hands (continued)

Beloved, in continuance of our theme from the “Principles of the Doctrine of Christ” series, entitled “Laying on of Hands” – it is evident that people expected hands to be laid on them for healing (see II Kings 5:11 and Matthew 9:18). Remember, Naaman thought that Elijah would “strike his hand over” him and heal him. Also, remember when a “certain ruler…worshipped” Jesus and asked Him to heal his “dead…daughter” by “lay[ing his] hand upon her.” Even in Jesus’ own country, “He could there do no mighty work, save [except] that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them” (Mark 6:5). What we are learning so far, Beloved, is that the “laying on of hands” was vital in the eyes of biblical saints in order to transfer the Power of God.

Precious Ones, in the scriptures, if you did not have the power to touch and heal, you were considered a hypocrite or an impostor pretending to be a vessel used by God! Beloved, I believe that the saints had a right to feel this way; otherwise Jesus would not have supported their conviction! Jesus’ testimony concerning the success rate when “laying on of hands” was this – “all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them” (Luke 4:40). Beloved, this should be the testimony of anyone who is ordained by God to “lay their hands” on you. When God inspires one to “lay hands” on someone, positive results will be achieved every time!

Chosen Ones, to God be the glory, but every time I have “laid my hands” on someone, through the help of the Holy Spirit, I have always seen results. For example, after Prayer Service on February 5, Sister Toni Bennett’s brother, Herve (who was recently baptized here at Anointed Harvest) asked me if I would pray for his foot that he broke while playing basketball. Then, when I went to pray for Mother Lewis (Sister Toni’s mother) at their home, Brother Herve said, “My foot feels better, Pastor.” Again, Beloved, I emphasize that all the glory goes to the Lord. However, you must understand that when ordained vessels (such as your Pastor) “lay their hands” on you, you will see results. Therefore, don’t waste your time allowing un-ordained vessels to “lay hands” on you!

Children of God, it’s all about ordinance when it comes to the “laying on of hands.” I will write more on this subject next week. Until then, I leave you with the biblical opinion concerning ordained “laying on of hands.” “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders [pastors] of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him” (James 5:14-15).

All of you are the wind beneath my wings.
In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy

Principles of the Doctrine of Christ: Laying on of Hands (continued)

Beloved, in continuance of our theme from the “Principles of the Doctrine of Christ” series entitled, “Laying on of Hands” – the Lord said to Moses, “Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him…and give him a charge in their sight. And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient” (Numbers 27:18-20). Beloved, this teaches us the honor of the “laying on of hands” when it’s done appropriately and correctly. We also see the benefit of “laying on of hands” as Joshua comes to his appointed place – “And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him” (Deuteronomy 34:9). When someone is as ordained to lay hands on you as Moses was to lay hands on Joshua, their anointing is transferable. By lifting up his hands toward the people, Moses blessed them. This teaches us that the laying on of hands was an old way of imparting blessings unto the people (Leviticus 9:22).

Precious Ones, today we are commanded to be like Jesus in all of our ways. Paul said, “prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2). Beloved, Jesus practiced the same “laying on of hands” in the New Testament as a way of imparting blessing and healing. According to scripture, “they brought young children unto him, that he [Jesus] should touch them…And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them” (Mark 10:13,16). Again, scripture records that “he [Jesus] led them [his disciples] out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them…And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy” (Luke 24:50, 52). In each of these instances, Jesus used His hands as the means of imparting blessings.

Chosen Ones, today Jesus only works through certain vessels that He ordains to “lay hands upon” you or to impart blessings to your life. Remember, Jesus was ordained to “lay hands.” He said, “The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me…” (Luke 4:18). Here lies the key ingredient for a successful impartation – one must be anointed to “lay on hands”! This is why Paul tells Timothy to “lay hands suddenly on no man” (I Timothy 5:22). Why? Because you must pray and ask if God has ordained you to do this. If you don’t seek God’s divine permission before you “lay on hands,” then the second part of this scripture will be your reward – you will be a “partaker of other men’s sins” (I Timothy 5:22). In other words, whatever infirmities, demons, or strange spirits they have will be “imparted” unto you.

I will write more on this subject next week. Until then, know this…

It’s a privilege being your shepherd.

In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy

Principles of the Doctrine of Christ: Laying on of Hands (Part 1)

Beloved, I’ve been led of the Spirit of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to minister unto you from a new theme entitled, “Laying on of Hands.” Again, we are ministering from “The Principles of the Doctrine of Christ” series. Beloved, the laying on of hands was considered a supplement in the work of God during the time of the early church. It was used as a form of benediction for the early church saints of all ages. Beloved, the “laying on of hands” was an act of the superior (through the direction of the Holy Spirit) positioning himself over the inferior (one who needed immediate assistance from God). Let us consider this subject from the Old Testament. We are taught that God ordained only Aaron and his sons to “lay hands,” not only on the people but on the offerings they brought to the temple to sacrifice unto the Lord. The scripture says, “Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting these upon the head of the goat…and the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities to a land not inhabited” (Leviticus 16:21-22). Now, Beloved, although Paul taught us that Jesus Christ is our “goat” that gains us “eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:12), let us be mindful of the fact that God has always ordained specific persons to touch anything that involved His people.

Chosen Ones, God has never allowed just anyone to “lay their hands” on things that pertain to Him. How much more does He value His children? This is why God sent us the warning (I Chronicles 16:22, Psalm 105:15), “touch not [without my permission] mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.” This is also why Paul tells Timothy, “Lay hands suddenly on no man…” (I Timothy 5:22). In other words, “make sure, Timothy – whether you are a bishop or not, don’t touch a man to lay hands for prayer unless God has ordained you to do so.”

Precious Ones, the “laying on of hands” is a wonderful remedy for the transference of God’s anointing and power, but it must be done by the direction of God. In the Book of Genesis, Jacob blessed Ephraim, the younger brother, above Manasseh, the older brother (Genesis 48:13-20). Notice, however, that although his hands were “guided wittingly” (v 14), Jacob was led by God. Jacob said, “God…fed me [anointed me] all my life long unto this day” (v 15). Beloved, this means that we should not just hop into everybody’s prayer line. Don’t let everyone place their hands on you to pray for you. Some people are not ordained and led by God on your behalf. Only God-ordained vessels should place their hands on you for prayer!

I will write more on this subject next week. Until then, know this,

I love you all SO very much,
In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy