Biblical Foundations for the Role of Healing in Evangelization
- Biblical Studies & Commentaries
- Evangelism & Missions
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Published: 2017
FritzSearch.com earns a commission on purchases made through Bookshop.org links.
Publisher's Description
It's almost undeniable that God is working miracles of healing in evangelization today. For theologians, pastors, and evangelists some questions arise: What is the relationship between physical healing and the message of salvation? Should the church really expect God to do healings in evangelization today? Father Thelen answers these questions by examining the relationship between the preaching of the gospel and physical healing in the New Testament. The gospel of Jesus Christ is not simply a message of fact; it is a message of power that is often expressed through the working of deeds that serve as signs of the reality preached: salvation. As signs of the kingdom, healings that accompany the preaching of the gospel play an indispensable role in bringing people to faith throughout the New Testament. The result of this biblical study is a clarion call for the church to renew its faith in God's desire and power to confirm his word through healing. As healing becomes more accepted and frequent in evangelization, a Catholic biblical and theological approach to healing as it relates to evangelization--an approach that can be different from its Protestant counterpart--is necessary. This modest book fits this need.
Endorsements (8)
“As the church in the West once again faces the prospect of being a 'little flock' surrounded by an increasingly hostile post-Christian culture, it is not surprising that some of the main features of the life of the early church should reappear that until recently didn't seem either relevant or realistic. Texts of the Scripture and main aspects of Jesus' ministry that were consigned to another age are beginning to be seen as extremely relevant once again. Thelen has done the church a great service by establishing the solid scriptural and theological foundations for the place of 'signs and wonders' in the mission of the church today.”
“Thelen gives us a convincing and forceful explanation of the evangelistic impact of Jesus' miraculous healing ministry and its continuation in the life of his disciples. By a thorough examination of the biblical text with recourse to the best current scholarship, he firmly grounds the practice of Christian healing in the New Testament narratives and letters of St. Paul. Based on his exegesis, he argues compellingly that the signs and wonders of Jesus and his disciples not only attest to his messianic identity but also are closely linked to the effective proclamation of the gospel. Essentially, miraculous healing leads people to be open to the gospel. He demonstrates the unique significance of divine healing for the evangelization of a postmodern culture and issues a stirring call for Christians to believe in Jesus' words, pray for the sick, and see amazing results.”
“"In a world enchanted with self-made religion, how should the church evangelize? As they did in the early church: by signs to confirm the word. After reviewing the abundant New Testament evidence regarding the strong relationship between preaching and healing, Thelen explores the audience to which the Word is addressed today. Since those touched by growing atheism and the cult of self are more open to tangible events like testimonies of healing than mere proclaimed truths, Thelen challenges preachers and evangelists to pray for signs, especially healings, when they proclaim the Word. Such an approach is not only deeply rooted in Scripture, but is also good advice.”
“The New Evangelization will not succeed without a revival of the healing ministry within the Catholic Church. Miraculous healing, as it was for Jesus, is indispensable in proclaiming the gospel for it bears witness to the gospel's saving power. Thelen's small book clearly and lucidly demonstrates the importance of healing in the ministry of Jesus and in the life of the Apostolic Church, and in so doing establishes the importance of the healing ministry in our own day. Thelen's book provides clergy and laity alike the needed theological foundation and the indispensable pastoral inspiration for them to proclaim boldly Jesus' Gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit to the glory of God the Father.”
“Throughout the gospels, Jesus is recognized as one who speaks with authority--his powerful deeds confirm the life-giving message he proclaims. In this short but power-packed book, Thelen proposes that the church must emulate Jesus, so that those within and outside the church may once again experience the power of the Holy Spirit and the divine authority of the gospel message. I encourage every reader to pray unceasingly as you take in the life-changing wisdom contained throughout this book. I strongly believe that its core message will transform the heart of church, as well as the hearts of many lost souls who are seeking God's love and truth.”
“Mathias Thelen makes a compelling case from the New Testament that signs and wonders and the ministry of healing are essential aspects to the proclamation of the gospel and hold particular promise for evangelization in a postmodern world. His exegesis is particularly astute, weighing judiciously the diverse interpretations of scholars, and noticing implications of texts that most readers miss. This work is well-researched, well-considered, and well-written. The author has a gift for persuasive argument and makes a strong case on an important subject.”
“People long to be touched by God. They want to know that God sees them and cares about their plight. Biblical Foundations provides a solid foundation for the continuation of Jesus' mighty works into the modern era. I truly believe that we are entering a period where healing and miraculous signs will cut through the political and social confusion many people face. My hope is that many will realize the refreshing grace of God as they are healed and they will themselves become fruitful disciples in the New Evangelization.”
See something wrong on this page? Report a problem