Does God Still Heal Today? Understanding Divine Healing in the Assemblies of God.

Yes, God still heals today. The Assemblies of God believes divine healing is an integral part of the Gospel provided through Christ’s atonement. While not everyone is healed instantly, God continues to manifest His power through physical, emotional, and spiritual restoration for all who believe.

The Heart of the Matter: Healing in the 901

In the middle of our bustling Memphis life, between the rhythm of the city and the quiet streets of Cordova, many of us face seasons of physical pain or emotional exhaustion. We find ourselves asking, "Does God still care about my body?" or "Is the power we read about in the New Testament still available in the 901 today?"

At First Assembly Memphis, our mission is to help our neighbors find practical solutions to better their lives through the power of Jesus Christ. We believe that God is not a distant observer of our pain but an active participant in our restoration. Divine healing is not just a historical footnote; it is a present reality for the believer.

What We Believe: The Scriptural Foundation

The Assemblies of God holds to 16 Fundamental Truths, and the 12th point is dedicated entirely to Divine Healing. It states: "Divine healing is an integral part of the gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement, and is the privilege of all believers."

This belief is anchored in two primary passages of Scripture:

1. Isaiah 53:4-5: "Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed."

2. Matthew 8:16-17: "That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: 'He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.'"

Definition Block

Divine Healing: The supernatural act of God that brings health and wholeness to the human body, mind, or spirit, initiated by faith and grounded in the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ on the cross. The Atonement: The work Jesus Christ did in His life and death to earn our salvation and reconcile us to God, covering both our spiritual sins and the consequences of the fall, including sickness.

The Atonement: Why It Matters for Your Health

When we talk about the Atonement, we are talking about the "at-one-ment" Jesus created between God and humanity. When Christ died on the cross, He didn't just deal with the "spiritual" problem of sin; He dealt with the entire curse of the Fall. Because sickness entered the world as a result of the Fall, the victory of Christ includes power over disease.

For a believer in Memphis today, this means that healing is not something we have to "earn" or "beg" for as if God is reluctant. It is a "privilege of all believers." It is part of the inheritance Jesus bought for you.

Why Are Some Healed and Others Not?

One of the most difficult questions we face in the 901 community is why some people experience miraculous healing while others continue to struggle with chronic illness. We must approach this with Christ-like love and pastoral sensitivity.

Theology often refers to this as the "Already but Not Yet" of the Kingdom of God.

• Already: Jesus has defeated death and sickness. We see His power breaking through today.

• Not Yet: We still live in a fallen world awaiting the final return of Christ, where there will be no more pain or tears.

A lack of healing is not necessarily a reflection of a person’s "lack of faith." God is sovereign. Sometimes He heals instantly; sometimes He heals through the skill of doctors; and sometimes He provides the grace to endure until we receive our ultimate healing in His presence. Our job is to remain persistent in prayer, trusting His character even when we don't understand His timing.

Healing and Healthcare: Partners in Your Wellness

A common misconception is that seeking medical help shows a lack of faith. At First Assembly Memphis, we view doctors, nurses, and medicine as gifts from God.

If your car breaks down, you pray for God to provide, but you also take it to a mechanic. Similarly, if your body is hurting, we encourage you to seek the best medical care available in Memphis while simultaneously pressing into God for a supernatural touch. God often uses the "natural" to accomplish the "supernatural."

How to Seek Healing Today

If you are struggling with a diagnosis or chronic pain, the Bible provides a clear "roadmap" for how to respond. In James 5:14-16, we are given specific directions:

Step	Action	Biblical Purpose
Call	Call for the elders of the church.	Community support and spiritual authority.
Anoint	Let them pray over you, anointing you with oil.	A symbol of the Holy Spirit’s presence and power.
Pray	The prayer of faith will save the one who is sick.	Aligning our will with God’s promise.
Confess	Confess your sins to one another.	Removing spiritual barriers to wholeness.

Life Takeaway: Growing in Faith

Healing is often a journey of discipleship. It’s about more than just getting "fixed"; it’s about getting closer to the Healer. As you walk through your health journey in the 901, remember:

1. Stay Rooted in the Word: Read the stories of Jesus healing the sick to build your expectations.

2. Join a Community: Don't suffer in isolation. Our Life Groups are places where you can find support.

3. Keep Praying: Persistence is not a sign of doubt; it is a sign of relationship.

A Community of Hope in Memphis

First Assembly Memphis is committed to being a place where the broken find healing. Whether you are in Cordova, Bartlett, or downtown, we want you to know that you are a priceless child of God. We regularly pray for the sick during our services because we expect God to move.

If you are new to this journey, we invite you to explore what it means to live a Spirit-empowered life. You can sign up for our weekly emails to stay connected with teaching and encouragement that will build your faith.

Summary Quests for the Week

1. Scripture Memorization: Commit Isaiah 53:5 to memory this week.

2. Prayer Walk: While walking in your Memphis neighborhood, pray for the health and restoration of your neighbors.

3. Study: Look up the 12th Fundamental Truth on the Assemblies of God website to dive deeper into the formal doctrine.

Going Deeper

If you want to learn more about the history of how God has moved in our movement, visit our History page. For those seeking to start a fresh walk with Christ, our I'm New page is the perfect place to begin.

God's hand is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear. Whatever you are facing today, know that the Great Physician is ready to meet you right where you are.

Want to go deeper? If you're in Memphis or the 901, we would love to welcome you in person: 🌐 www.famemphis.org If you're outside our area or unable to attend locally, join us online: 🌐 www.boundlessonlinechurch.org If you need prayer or someone to talk to, you are not alone. 📞 Call or Text: (901) 213-7341

Need prayers? Text us day or night at 1-901-213-7341. (Note: This line is for prayer and pastoral support, not emergency services. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, please call 911.)