Yesterday at the DigiManc conference, the subject of the church advertising that people with HIV can be healed was discussed in a Q&A session.
I saw the coverage of the HIV healing church aka the Synagoge Church of All Nations, based in London. I was put in the interesting position today of commenting on the Sky investigation and whilst the media coverage was less than flattering, when I looked at what the people had been saying at the church, none of them promised a miracle.
The important thing to remember is that this investigation was a ‘sting’ operation, whilst the church should not be saying ‘stop taking medication’ I have to acknowledge that possibly Sky went looking for something. I have asked Sky when I sent my feedback could we see the unedited footage made available, so we can see the full context.
I do worry however at the rise of faith healers within the Christian world, the documentary Derren Brown did about Miracles for Sale also highlights some of people who are in the Christian world to make a buck and not really see lives transformed through Jesus.
I did hear on the grapevine however, that this church (scoan.org) were and may be still are trying to launch a TV channel on skytv. I have a general rule that if you choose to stand up for something you have to be prepared to be shot down too.
Whether this is a media witch hunt, the church was careless in it’s wording or this was a money making scheme, there are some important things to remember about healing…
1) Miracles are an act of God, no man can heal you
2) Healing is a gift of grace, you cannot buy it or work for it
3) If your healing is genuine your doctor will tell you to stop taking medication.
I believe God heals today, but I also accept that people are exploiting others sickness. I don’t know the full facts only Sky and the church in question do, but we can all be informed of the full extent of what was said, if Sky News air the full footage.
I sent my feedback to Sky distancing myself from those pastors who tell people to stop taking medication after being prayed for, but I support those pastors who pray for those who are sick.
Two questions….
In the footage I didn’t see anyone suggesting people to stop taking medication, did you?
Scoan.org why doesn’t your pastor speak to Sky News so you can reply to the allegations their footage portrays?
If you have ever had to make a difficult decision, you’ll probably empathise with me on this post.