THE GREAT CLOUD OF WITNESSES
The book of Hebrews, chapter eleven, is considered to be the Hall of Fame of those believers from the past. Many are listed there who did great and mighty feats by the Spirit of the living God. They challenge us with their faith and the great things they did, but we are also encouraged to draw upon the same God they did and we can do the impossible just as they did. The same God they trusted in is the same God we serve as believers in Christ Jesus. We actually have a better position in life than they did because we now have an indwelling Christ and not just Christ with us.

When we get to chapter twelve of this great book to the Hebrews we are encouraged not to just look to those who have done great things in the past, but we are told:

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, LOOKING TO JESUS, the author and finisher of our faith." (Heb.12:1-2)

No matter how mighty an act may be performed by any believer, our eyes should always be on Jesus. He is the source of anything mighty that might be done. I have put this page on our site, not to turn our eyes on the hero's of the faith from the past, but to encourage each of us to press on into a greater relationship with Jesus. Whatever God did through these men and women of faith He can do the same through anyone who can believe. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Heb.13:8)

There seems to be a mentality that has crept into the church that just seems content to cohabit with sickness and disease, with sin and corruption. I know there are those who have a groan in their spirit for the fullness of God and are not content with the status-quo, but even in the midst of those who have come into deeper truth there are those who have just settled in and accepted the way things are. Oh but friend, there are a people arising who will not settle for the way it is and they are pressing in to see the power of God released once again to set people free from sickness and disease; from sin and corruption.

I understand there is a glory of such a magnitude to be released through a people of God that will set creation free from the bondage of corruption and bring them into the glorious liberty of the children, born-ones, of God. It will take a people who have been developed in the very character of God to be able to stand under the eternal weight of such a glory. The glory of God which will be revealed is like nothing this world has ever seen. Yet, I also understand that this does not do away with the ability to believe God right now for His power to be revealed. If the children of Israel could come out of Egypt and there was none feeble among them; should we not be able to walk in the Spirit and not to expect to get feeble? (Ps.105:37) If Moses could live one hundred and twenty years and not lose any of his natural strength and his eyes did not wax dim; can we expect the same? (Deut.34:7) A resounding yes! If we will walk in the Spirit and believe God I believe we can live a healthy life free from sickness and disease. Our golden years will not be filled with doctors appointments; our diet will not be filled with a variety of pills. We can be strong in body and mind as well as in the Spirit.

"Jesus said to him, "IF YOU CAN BELIEVE, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE TO HIM WHO BELIEVES." (Mk.9:23)
The first person I would like to start with is John G. Lake. I suppose it is because of his feelings about death and sickness, which I will quote in a minute, that have really inspired me to take a stand about this subject. We must shake ourselves by the Spirit and quit accepting the natural view of life the world wants us to believe and the church has come to believe and step out and start believing God. We can reason away the realities of the kingdom of God or we can press in and believe what God has said. I choose to believe God. I will not be denied!
John G. Lake
1870-1935
To read about these men and women of faith just click on their picture and it will take you to facts about their lives and quotes from their writings.
Smith Wigglesworth
1859-1947
George Fox
1624-1691
CHARLES PARHAM
1873-1929
WILLIAM SEYMOUR
1870-1908
JAMES McGREADY
1763-1817