Principles of the Doctrine of Christ: The Resurrection of the Dead (continued))

Beloved, in continuance of our theme from the “Principles of the Doctrine of Christ” series, entitled “The Resurrection of the Dead” – many scriptures in the Old Testament support the doctrine of resurrection. For example, Job said, “all of the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come” (Job 14:14). He also said, “I know that my Redeemer liveth…though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God” (Job 19:25-26). Again, it is recorded in the 19th chapter of the Book of Psalms that “my flesh also shall rest in hope” (Psalm 16:9). Other examples can be found in Psalm 17:15; Isaiah 25:8, 26:19; and Hosea 13:14.

Precious Ones, Abraham’s faith in the resurrection was clearly shown when he offered up his son Isaac (his most precious gift from God). According to Paul, Abraham did this, “accounting that God was able to raise [Isaac] up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure” (Hebrews 11:17-19). Beloved, in Paul’s time, resurrection was a well-established and proven doctrine. That is why Paul also wrote that “women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection” (Hebrews 11:35).

Chosen Ones, Paul appealed to our need to logically understand the doctrine of the Resurrection. He said of himself, “I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God, unto our fathers: Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come…Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?” (Acts 26:6-8). What Paul was saying is that if we believe in all of God’s promises and all of the miracles of the Old Testament, why should we not believe that Jesus was raised from the dead? We believe that God (1) parted the sea, (2) rained down quail, and (3) caused water to gush from a rock. So, why could He not raise the dead?

Children of God, you must clearly see that it makes no difference what situation seems to be dead (over, finished, done, with no chance of being accomplished); if you believe that God can raise Jesus from the dead, then you must believe that there is always hope for a child of God who puts trust in Him!

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

Principles of the Doctrine of Christ: The Resurrection of the Dead (continued))

Beloved, I feel inspired to write unto you from a new theme from our “Principles of the Doctrine of Christ” series, entitled “The Resurrection of the Dead.” Beloved, the doctrine of the “resurrection of the dead” is so paramount that all the other doctrines of Christ that I shall share with you will rest upon it! You must understand that if there is no resurrection, then we as Christians are found to be false witnesses of Christ, and we are yet in our sins. We also must understand that if there is no resurrection, then the entire New Testament and many of the prophecies of the Old Testament are great big lies!! As recorded in scripture, many disciples either prophesied or testified that Christ was raised from the dead. The great apostle Paul explained to the Corinthian church that our faith in Jesus is vain if “Christ be not risen.” According to Paul, “if the dead rise not…they which are fallen asleep [believing] in Christ are perished.” Then, Paul put an end to the lie that Christ did not rise from the dead – Paul said, “Now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept” (I Corinthians 15:12-20).

Chosen Ones, just like today, there were many in Biblical times who did not believe in the “resurrection.” Yet, the “resurrection of Jesus” was a firm conviction of both Old and New Testament believers. Again, I must borrow from the apostle Paul’s expertise on this subject. As Paul is quoted to testify before Felix (the Roman governor of Judea), he said “This I confess unto thee, that after the way which [many in this time] call heresy [or hear-say], so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: And have hope toward God, [which taught us]…that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just [Christ and the saints in the Rapture] and unjust [sinners on Judgment Day]” (Acts 24:14-15).

Precious Ones, I will write more on this subject next week. Until then, know this – it is and always will be a pleasure to be your servant.

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

Pastor William L. McCoy

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

Beloved, in conclusion of our theme from the “Principles of the Doctrine of Christ” series, entitled “Laying on of Hands” – God showed Paul in a vision a man coming in and “putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight” (Acts 9:12). Paul had been blinded by the illuminate presence of the Lord (Acts 9:3-5). When Ananias (the man Paul had seen in the vision) entered into the house where Paul was, he put his hands on him. Immediately, Paul received his sight and was “filled with the Holy Ghost” (Acts 9:17-18). Beloved, this shows us the power of ordained vessels like Ananias in “laying on hands.” When someone lays hands on you in accordance with God’s will, you will receive both spiritual blessings (such as the Holy Spirit) and natural blessings of “sight.” Remember, Paul needed his sight in order to travel on his three recorded missionary journeys. So, through the ¬hands of Ananias, the man of God, Paul received manifested blessings. This means that if you want a financial blessing, you should let the man of God pray over your checkbook, etc.

Precious Ones, this is why the “Laying on of Hands” was a common practice in the early church. Because of what happened to Paul, Goad was able to work special miracles by the “hands” of Paul (Acts 19:11). For example, “From [Paul’s] body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases…and the evil spirits [left] them” (Acts 19:12). Beloved, men today have counterfeited this power and transposed it into a marketing success for selfish monetary gain! Nevertheless, please understand that the scripture documents the ability of the man of God to transfer the anointing to an item by placing his hands it. The anointing is then transferred to anyone who touches the item, resulting in a blessing!

Chosen Ones, again we learn from scripture that after Paul was delivered from the serpent’s bite, he had the ability to “lay his hands” on the “the father of Publius [who] lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux [swelling due to his disease]…and healed him” (Acts 28:8). In conclusion, Beloved, we need to pray that God will give this generation the wisdom and true understanding of the concept of “laying on of hands.” I pray that you have studied this series and that it serves as a blessing to your scriptural library. When God chooses to show signs, wonders, and miracles, He often does this through ordained “hands.” This was very evident in the early church. “By [the] hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people” (Acts 5:12). As your Pastor, I would be delighted to “lay hands” on anything you desire to be blessed.

I will write from a new theme next week.

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

Pastor William L. Mc Coy

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 “The Laying on of Hands” – the scripture teaches us that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ breathed on the disciples and said unto them, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost” (John 20:22). We know that this happened on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). Scripture also records (Acts 8:14-15) that “when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost” [they laid their hands on them]. Beloved, we are taught that a man by the name of Simon desired to buy this power of “laying on of hands” when he saw people being filled with the Holy Spirit as Peter and John laid hands on them (Acts 8:18-19). Peter rebuked Simon and said, “Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money” (Acts 8:20). Beloved, this teaches us the source of many problems in the church today! There are many church leaders who don’t have the gift of “laying on of hands.” These leaders feel that they have purchased the gift of God because God has allowed them to amass a great following (in terms of numbers). Saints, an individual’s monetary success is not proof that his proclaimed “gift from God” is truly valid. Remember, Simon had money, but his wealth perished as soon as he thought to misuse it in God’s Kingdom. All of the false prophets who have misused their money to deceive people into believing that they can “lay hands” and receive an answer from God, will soon die, and in hell they will lift up their eyes.

Chosen Ones, don’t be deceived – if someone really has the gift of “laying on of hands,” God will confirm it by manifesting blessings that only He can give. Anyone can fake a healing, but you cannot fake receiving the Holy Ghost. Those who are filled with the Holy Ghost cannot be deceived. Paul really had the gift of “laying on of hands.” When the believers at Ephesus heard the teaching of Paul and were baptized, Paul “laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied” (Acts 19:6).

Precious Ones, I can’t tell you how many people the Lord Jesus Christ has allowed to receive the Holy Spirit when I “laid hands on” them. This is just one of many spiritual virtues that one must possess in order to have the gift of “laying on of hands.”

Children of God, I will write more on this subject later. For now, know this: Don’t allow anyone to “lay their hands” on you unless they have proven to you that God uses their hands to do works that only He can do.

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 “The Laying on of Hands” – most Christians believe that “laying on of hands” means “ordination of hands.” We come to this conclusion from such scriptural teachings as Mark 3:14-15, which says, “he [Jesus] ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils.” The scripture also records that Jesus told His disciples, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, [I] may give it [to] you” (John 15:16). All this means, Beloved, is that when anyone chooses to “lay hands on you,” the ingredient for success is to make sure that he or she is ordained (selected or chosen) by Jesus for you!!

Precious Ones, while the “laying on of hands,” the means of imparting blessings, is in evidence, we are warned that care should be exercised in its ministration. If hands are laid contrary to divine order, one becomes a partaker in the evil deeds of the other (see I Timothy 5:22 and Acts 19:13-16). Because of the confidence the apostle Paul had in Timothy, his son in the faith, Paul wrote to him, urging him to “be [a] partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath…called us with an holy calling…according to his [Jesus’] own purpose and grace” (II Timothy 1:8-9). Paul also says, “Wherefore I put thee [Timothy] in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands” (II Timothy 1:6). In other words, Beloved, Paul tells Timothy that he is so ordained that every time Timothy touches someone or “lays his hands” on someone, it is as though Paul himself laid his hands on them. Beloved, that’s what you look for when someone lays their hands on you. If they are ordained of God, every time they lay their hands on you, it is as if God Himself lays His hands on you!

Chosen Ones, even when you can’t get to your Pastor, make sure that your Pastor has ordained the individuals you choose to lay hands on you, because those individuals can deliver in his stead! Beloved, the Bible writers placed great importance on the laying on of hands. While it may be misused and misunderstood, it can never be removed from the “Principles of the Doctrine of Christ.”

I will write more on this subject next week. Until then, I cover you all with the Hand of blessing.

In His love,

Pastor William L. McCoy