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22 hrs ago

What about prophetic soap and anointing oil?

Below is a copy of an email I received this last week. The question was, is there a biblical basis for such things as prophetic soap and anointing oil?
________________________________________
I am seeking guidance on a situation involving the use of prophetic soap and anointing oil, as instructed by a prophet. The prophet created a soap, referred to as prophetic soap, and mailed it to my family with instructions to use it every three days while making prophetic declarations while bathing with it… A church in the USA instructed the congregation to carry a bottle of anointing oil for a monthly anointing church service. We were directed to pray over ourselves and even drink a shot of the oil. Sometimes, we are told to anoint our points of contact with objects like business cards, resumes, and other items.

These practices concern me, as I am uncertain about the biblical basis for using physical objects like soap and anointing oil as means of receiving blessings or healing. Are there any biblical examples of objects being used in this manner, and how can one discern whether such practices are biblically sound or potentially misleading?
Helen

Answer from Mark Virkler
Helen, here are several Scriptures that shed light on the questions you raised...
1. It is biblical for the power of God to be infused into an object - God was performing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that handkerchiefs or aprons were even carried from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out (Acts 19:11-12).
Many healing evangelists have sent out pieces of cloth for people to place on themselves for healing. Oral Roberts would have people lay their hands on the radio as he was praying for healing. This was a point of contact to release their faith for healing, I would see both of these actions as congruent with biblical protocols.
2. I have never heard of prophetic soap - It could be a point of contact to release faith, but I don’t believe we see this in Scripture anywhere and I am not inclined to participate in using it.
3. Anointing with oil is found in Scripture - They were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many sick people and healing them (Mk. 6:13).

In the verses in James (below), you see that if you are sick, you call for the elders of the church, and several things are to transpire: They pray and anoint with oil in the name of the Lord, and if sins have been committed, you confess sins to one another.

Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much (Jas. 5:14-16).

4. Drinking healing oil - I am not aware of that being done in Scripture. You would want to know what was in the oil to ensure nothing is damaging to one's health. I have never done this, and am not inclined to do it.
5. Prophetic actions, like anointing points of contact with objects like business cards, resumes, and other items - One prophet told a king in Israel to strike the ground with a staff as a prophetic gesture of striking and defeating the enemy. The king only struck the ground three times, and the prophet was upset and told him he should have struck the ground 4-5 times, and because he didn’t he would not fully defeat the enemy (2 Kgs. 18;18,19). So yes, prophetic actions, when performed in faith, can be instrumental in releasing God's power.
6. Cautions, honor the leading of the Spirit - But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth (1 Jn. 2:20).
7. Cautions, never come under a person's domination or control - Nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock (1 Pet. 5:3).

Final thoughts: People are free to do different things than what I do, as long as those things are not forbidden in Scripture. I do not think any of the actions you listed are forbidden in Scripture. If I was in a great church that was ministering life to me, and the above actions were my only points of concern, I could easily set them aside as something they liked and I didn’t and that was fine. I would just enjoy the other aspects of the ministry I was receiving from them. We don’t need to agree on everything.
________________________________________
Register today for online access!
https://go.cluschoolofthespirit.com/cbg-event
April 15-24, 2024
Counseled by God 35th Anniversary Edition Free Video Event
________________________________________

Experience emotional wholeness through hearing God's voice!

go.cluschoolofthespirit.com

03/09/2024

Can the Bible Be Trusted?

I received this question in an email from England: "My friend believes you should believe what your spirit tells you above the scriptures because not all scripture is divinely inspired. My question is, is the Bible infallible?"

Infallibility of the Bible

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16,17).

But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God (2 Pet. 1:20-21).

Jesus said: Sanctify them in the truth; Your word (logos) is truth (Jn. 17:17).

Jesus said: Has it not been written in your Law, 'I SAID, YOU ARE GODS'? If he called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken)... (Jn. 10:34-35).

Jesus said: Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:17-19).

The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward (Ps. 19:7-11).

Do I live ONLY by the Spirit?

I do not recommend living totally by what you sense in your spirit, because you have no safeguard against pride and deception. The Bible says that God uses several means to bring us to truth. Below are a few of these:

Bible meditation (Josh. 1:8)
A multitude of Spirit-anointed counselors (Prov. 11:4)
The word of 2-3 witnesses (2 Cor. 13:1)
Testing things by their fruit (Matt. 7:16)
Prophecy, dreams and visions (Acts 2:17)

03/06/2024

March 6

Doing Good for God
Bible in a Year :
Deuteronomy 1–2
Mark 10:1–31
Remind the people . . . to be ready to do whatever is good.

Today's Scripture & Insight :

Titus 3:4–8
Though he didn’t normally carry money with him, Patrick sensed God was leading him to tuck a five-dollar bill in his pocket before leaving home. During the lunch hour at the school where he worked, he understood how God had prepared him to meet an urgent need. In the midst of the lunchroom buzz, he heard these words: “Scotty [a child in need] needs $5 to put on his account so he can eat lunch for the rest of the week.” Imagine the emotions Patrick experienced as he gave his money to help Scotty!

In Titus, Paul reminded believers in Jesus that they weren’t saved “because of righteous things [they] had done” (3:5), but they should “be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good” (v. 8; see v. 14). Life can be full, extremely busy, and hectic. Attending to our own well-being can be overwhelming. Yet, as believers in Jesus, we’re to be “good-works ready.” Rather than being overwhelmed by what we don’t have and can’t do, let’s think about what we do have and can do as God helps us. In doing so, we get to help others at the point of their needs, and God is honored. “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

By: Arthur Jackson

Reflect & Pray
What can hinder good-works readiness in your life? How can you reorder your life to be available for helping people who are in need?

Dear Father, please forgive me for the times I’ve ignored opportunities to do good. Help me to be more available to help others. Amen.

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22 hrs ago

What about prophetic soap and anointing oil?

Below is a copy of an email I received this last week. The question was, is there a biblical basis for such things as prophetic soap and anointing oil?
________________________________________
I am seeking guidance on a situation involving the use of prophetic soap and anointing oil, as instructed by a prophet. The prophet created a soap, referred to as prophetic soap, and mailed it to my family with instructions to use it every three days while making prophetic declarations while bathing with it… A church in the USA instructed the congregation to carry a bottle of anointing oil for a monthly anointing church service. We were directed to pray over ourselves and even drink a shot of the oil. Sometimes, we are told to anoint our points of contact with objects like business cards, resumes, and other items.

These practices concern me, as I am uncertain about the biblical basis for using physical objects like soap and anointing oil as means of receiving blessings or healing. Are there any biblical examples of objects being used in this manner, and how can one discern whether such practices are biblically sound or potentially misleading?
Helen

Answer from Mark Virkler
Helen, here are several Scriptures that shed light on the questions you raised...
1. It is biblical for the power of God to be infused into an object - God was performing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that handkerchiefs or aprons were even carried from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out (Acts 19:11-12).
Many healing evangelists have sent out pieces of cloth for people to place on themselves for healing. Oral Roberts would have people lay their hands on the radio as he was praying for healing. This was a point of contact to release their faith for healing, I would see both of these actions as congruent with biblical protocols.
2. I have never heard of prophetic soap - It could be a point of contact to release faith, but I don’t believe we see this in Scripture anywhere and I am not inclined to participate in using it.
3. Anointing with oil is found in Scripture - They were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many sick people and healing them (Mk. 6:13).

In the verses in James (below), you see that if you are sick, you call for the elders of the church, and several things are to transpire: They pray and anoint with oil in the name of the Lord, and if sins have been committed, you confess sins to one another.

Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much (Jas. 5:14-16).

4. Drinking healing oil - I am not aware of that being done in Scripture. You would want to know what was in the oil to ensure nothing is damaging to one's health. I have never done this, and am not inclined to do it.
5. Prophetic actions, like anointing points of contact with objects like business cards, resumes, and other items - One prophet told a king in Israel to strike the ground with a staff as a prophetic gesture of striking and defeating the enemy. The king only struck the ground three times, and the prophet was upset and told him he should have struck the ground 4-5 times, and because he didn’t he would not fully defeat the enemy (2 Kgs. 18;18,19). So yes, prophetic actions, when performed in faith, can be instrumental in releasing God's power.
6. Cautions, honor the leading of the Spirit - But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth (1 Jn. 2:20).
7. Cautions, never come under a person's domination or control - Nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock (1 Pet. 5:3).

Final thoughts: People are free to do different things than what I do, as long as those things are not forbidden in Scripture. I do not think any of the actions you listed are forbidden in Scripture. If I was in a great church that was ministering life to me, and the above actions were my only points of concern, I could easily set them aside as something they liked and I didn’t and that was fine. I would just enjoy the other aspects of the ministry I was receiving from them. We don’t need to agree on everything.
________________________________________
Register today for online access!
https://go.cluschoolofthespirit.com/cbg-event
April 15-24, 2024
Counseled by God 35th Anniversary Edition Free Video Event
________________________________________

Experience emotional wholeness through hearing God's voice!

go.cluschoolofthespirit.com

03/09/2024

Can the Bible Be Trusted?

I received this question in an email from England: "My friend believes you should believe what your spirit tells you above the scriptures because not all scripture is divinely inspired. My question is, is the Bible infallible?"

Infallibility of the Bible

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16,17).

But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God (2 Pet. 1:20-21).

Jesus said: Sanctify them in the truth; Your word (logos) is truth (Jn. 17:17).

Jesus said: Has it not been written in your Law, 'I SAID, YOU ARE GODS'? If he called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken)... (Jn. 10:34-35).

Jesus said: Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:17-19).

The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward (Ps. 19:7-11).

Do I live ONLY by the Spirit?

I do not recommend living totally by what you sense in your spirit, because you have no safeguard against pride and deception. The Bible says that God uses several means to bring us to truth. Below are a few of these:

Bible meditation (Josh. 1:8)
A multitude of Spirit-anointed counselors (Prov. 11:4)
The word of 2-3 witnesses (2 Cor. 13:1)
Testing things by their fruit (Matt. 7:16)
Prophecy, dreams and visions (Acts 2:17)

03/06/2024

March 6

Doing Good for God
Bible in a Year :
Deuteronomy 1–2
Mark 10:1–31
Remind the people . . . to be ready to do whatever is good.

Today's Scripture & Insight :

Titus 3:4–8
Though he didn’t normally carry money with him, Patrick sensed God was leading him to tuck a five-dollar bill in his pocket before leaving home. During the lunch hour at the school where he worked, he understood how God had prepared him to meet an urgent need. In the midst of the lunchroom buzz, he heard these words: “Scotty [a child in need] needs $5 to put on his account so he can eat lunch for the rest of the week.” Imagine the emotions Patrick experienced as he gave his money to help Scotty!

In Titus, Paul reminded believers in Jesus that they weren’t saved “because of righteous things [they] had done” (3:5), but they should “be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good” (v. 8; see v. 14). Life can be full, extremely busy, and hectic. Attending to our own well-being can be overwhelming. Yet, as believers in Jesus, we’re to be “good-works ready.” Rather than being overwhelmed by what we don’t have and can’t do, let’s think about what we do have and can do as God helps us. In doing so, we get to help others at the point of their needs, and God is honored. “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

By: Arthur Jackson

Reflect & Pray
What can hinder good-works readiness in your life? How can you reorder your life to be available for helping people who are in need?

Dear Father, please forgive me for the times I’ve ignored opportunities to do good. Help me to be more available to help others. Amen.

02/28/2024

Fresh and Flourishing
FEBRUARY 28, 2024

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord…. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters.
Jeremiah 17:7-8

Recommended Reading: Psalm 92
Most of us at some point stop growing taller. We reach our maximum height. Not so with trees. A new study has found that trees never stop growing during their lifespans. In fact, as they age, their growth accelerates. The study, published in Nature journal, involved 38 researchers from 29 institutions who said it’s the older trees and their massive size that most helps the earth keep its air recycled and clean.1

Psalm 92:14 says, “The righteous shall … still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing.”

When we’re rooted and grounded in Christ, we’ll keep growing in spiritual maturity, and God will use us in exciting new ways. This is encapsulated in 2 Peter 1:5-7 where the Lord tells us we should keep growing in our faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. “For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful” (verse 8).

Whatever your age—keep growing!

As a tree beside the water, has the Savior planted me; all my fruit shall be in season, I shall live eternally.
Alfred Ackley

N. L. Stephenson, et al. “Rate of Tree Carbon Accumulation Increases Continuously With Tree Size,” Nature, 507 (2014): 90-93.

02/24/2024

A Profound Plan

February 24, 2024
by Pastor Chuck Swindoll
Scriptures: Job 42:1–6
“I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you.

You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me.

You said, ‘Listen and I will speak! I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.’

I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes.

I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.” (Job 42:2–6)
That's what makes the climax of Job's life so satisfying. This dear man, who never deserved the suffering he endured, is dealt with justly. And those who made his life so miserable weren't overlooked either. The God of justice finally steps up, bringing great rewards and restoration to the righteous, and strong discipline on the unrighteous.

Job finally realized that God's plan is profound, that His reasoning is right, and that His ways are higher than he could ever understand. With that, Job waves the white flag of surrender and says in complete sincerity, "I retract and I repent. I've said things I shouldn't have been saying, I talked about things I knew nothing about, I became self-righteous in my own defense. Lord, please know that my heart is Yours. I humble myself before You. I place myself at Your disposal. Your purpose is right; Your plan is incredible; Your reproofs are reliable; Your way is best."

That did it. When the Lord heard the deepest feelings of Job's contrite heart, when the Lord witnessed the humility of his broken spirit and the openness and teachability of Job's soul, mercy kicked in, and justice rolled down. There is even poetic justice as the Lord decides to use Job in the process of bringing the other men to justice. This is a good place to insert an insight worth remembering.

You will be amazed at how the Lord will use you in others' lives once you adjust your life to His ways. You will be many things for them: a reproof, a refuge, a point of hope, a reason to go on, a source of strength, a calming influence, and so much more. It's wonderful to realize (to your surprise) how He chooses to use you as a vehicle to help restore those who've strayed so far. This often includes those who hurt you in their straying.

I'm reminded of the distraught father in Les Misérables whose only plea comes in a powerful song about his son as he cries, "Bring him home!" Our Father, too, pleads with us to help guide His straying children back home to Him: "Bring them home!"