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Essential Guide to Healing Lib/E: Equipping All Christians to Pray for the Sick
Two premier renewal leaders help inspire and equip believers to receive and minister healing, stressing that God's miraculous healing is part of the Good News.
Audio CD
First published October 1, 2011
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About the author
Bill Johnson
765 books535 followersBill Johnson and his wife Brenda (Beni) Johnson are the Senior Pastors of Bethel Church in Redding, California. Johnson is a fifth generation pastor.
Johnson was born in Minnesota in 1951 and became a Christian as a young child. Soon after, Johnson read seven books on prayer, which significantly affected his perspective and subsequent ministry.
Bill Johnson and his wife have three children: Eric, Brian and Leah.
Johnson speaking at a conference
Bill Johnson and Beni (Brenda) began as singles pastors under his father at Bethel. In 1979, they became senior pastors of Mountain Chapel in Weaverville, California.
While pastoring in Weaverville, Johnson attended a 1987 conference led by John Wimber, founder of the Vineyard Church Movement. According to Johnson "A number of healings and manifestations broke out and I didn't know what to do with it. I didn't object to it, I wasn't opposed to it; I just didn't know how to pastor it in a way that it would continue and increase".
In 1995, Johnson attended the Toronto Blessing revival at the Toronto Airport Vineyard church. Johnson relates: "In Toronto I said, 'Lord, if You touch me again I will never change the subject.' So I went up for prayer every time it was offered. I didn't have anything dramatic happen, but I came home and said, 'I am going to give the rest of my life to this.'"
In February 1996, after 17 years of leading the Weaverville church, the Johnsons were invited to become senior pastors of Bethel. Today Johnson describes Bethel as a church where "everything we do either fuels revival or is fueled by revival." Under his leadership, Bethel left the Assemblies of God in 2006 to become a nondenominational charismatic church.
According to a recent book written by Johnson, "Face to Face with God", Bethel is "a church where supernatural encounters with God happen regularly, miracles are common, and the congregation has an infectious passion for spiritual growth." The church has approximately 1,500 members, and a School of Supernatural Ministry.
Their Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry has 1,200 students enrolled with over 370 from other countries. Johnson leads a network of churches dedicated to global, multi-generational revival, Global Legacy. Johnson has written a number of books and travels extensively as a featured revival conference speaker. Johnson is also involved with the Northern California Revival Fellowship, a group of north Californian pastors committed to revival.
Source: Wikipedia
Johnson was born in Minnesota in 1951 and became a Christian as a young child. Soon after, Johnson read seven books on prayer, which significantly affected his perspective and subsequent ministry.
Bill Johnson and his wife have three children: Eric, Brian and Leah.
Johnson speaking at a conference
Bill Johnson and Beni (Brenda) began as singles pastors under his father at Bethel. In 1979, they became senior pastors of Mountain Chapel in Weaverville, California.
While pastoring in Weaverville, Johnson attended a 1987 conference led by John Wimber, founder of the Vineyard Church Movement. According to Johnson "A number of healings and manifestations broke out and I didn't know what to do with it. I didn't object to it, I wasn't opposed to it; I just didn't know how to pastor it in a way that it would continue and increase".
In 1995, Johnson attended the Toronto Blessing revival at the Toronto Airport Vineyard church. Johnson relates: "In Toronto I said, 'Lord, if You touch me again I will never change the subject.' So I went up for prayer every time it was offered. I didn't have anything dramatic happen, but I came home and said, 'I am going to give the rest of my life to this.'"
In February 1996, after 17 years of leading the Weaverville church, the Johnsons were invited to become senior pastors of Bethel. Today Johnson describes Bethel as a church where "everything we do either fuels revival or is fueled by revival." Under his leadership, Bethel left the Assemblies of God in 2006 to become a nondenominational charismatic church.
According to a recent book written by Johnson, "Face to Face with God", Bethel is "a church where supernatural encounters with God happen regularly, miracles are common, and the congregation has an infectious passion for spiritual growth." The church has approximately 1,500 members, and a School of Supernatural Ministry.
Their Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry has 1,200 students enrolled with over 370 from other countries. Johnson leads a network of churches dedicated to global, multi-generational revival, Global Legacy. Johnson has written a number of books and travels extensively as a featured revival conference speaker. Johnson is also involved with the Northern California Revival Fellowship, a group of north Californian pastors committed to revival.
Source: Wikipedia
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
January 21, 2016
I found this book to be a perfect theological primer on the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. I agreed with 99% of what was written by the authors and was very thankful that what they taught was backed up by scripture. I have actually met and talked with Dr. Randy Clark and have found him to be a very grounded theologian. He came out of Baptist roots and is now one of the leading teachers on the subject of healing. He documents proclaimed miracle healings in his ministry and follows up weeks later to determine the actual validity of those who claimed healings in his meetings. Also, his Doctoral Thesis was on the supernatural effects of prayer on reducing pain and increasing movement for those who have metal in their bodies - healing that can be scientifically proven after prayer. Needless to say, he is bent on proving in an intellectual manner that Jesus Christ heals supernaturally today as He did when He walked in the flesh. This is a great read and one I keep handy for reference.
January 20, 2015
Very candid. Love the format. It was refreshing and different. Two great generals in the field of healing and the prophetic.
November 14, 2023
This book was a wonderful reminder of just how simple it is to heal the sick in the Name of Jesus.
Miraculous testimonies, practical examples, and lots of reminders why this is a natural part of the believer’s life.
Miraculous testimonies, practical examples, and lots of reminders why this is a natural part of the believer’s life.
June 6, 2021
This book claims that psychosomatic illnesses are caused by demons and that prayers can change our DNA.
And that is basically all you need to know about this.
And that is basically all you need to know about this.
May 4, 2012
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
~Excerpt from the Lord's Prayer
Healing seems to be the one thing for which everyone has prayed whether to benefit other people and themselves. As Christians, we believe God heals. He can heal, but the question that lingers is will He heal? The authors of The Essential Guide to Healing: Equipping All Christians to Pray for the Sick--may God bless them--have changed my perspective on this part of the prayer Jesus taught to his disciples. He prayed God's will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. I have always thought that was kind of saying that God's will is not done on earth as it is in heaven but we wish it were. I did not think about the scope of this simple yet awe-striking concept, until I read this book and now I will never perceive those words the same as I did before. We shall see God's will being done on earth (just as it is in heaven) when we live as if we are in the kingdom--as Jesus did--and believers are living in the kingdom, but Christianity has become a religion of "unbelieving believers" who do not recognize this.
Jesus said the Kingdom was at hand (here right now)...and He healed people here on earth because it is God's will. These are a few excerpts from the book:
"Healing was a major part of Jesus' ministry. There is no cancer in heaven. Neither is there any blindness or deafness or any other malady in that realm. Freedom from disease is God's will on earth. Period. God has not commanded us to pray for healing in order to frustrate us."
"Remember, healing is not just something God does. It is who He is. His name is Jehovah Rapha, the God who heals. (Exodus 15:26)"
"While it can truthfully be said that Jesus did not heal everyone alive in His day, it must also be noted that He healed everyone who came to Him. No exceptions. The measure of faith people expressed varied..."
The book tells a bit about the history of the church and about how it has come about that Christians today succumb to liberalism, not believing in anything supernatural ever happen whether as recorded in the Bible or today, and cessationism, believing that the gifts of healing and other works of miracles no longer exist in the sense of someone having these gifts or that such gifts were given to the apostles only. This book address these concerns as well as other misconceptions that most "unbelieving believers" have.
I cannot fully express how thankful I am to to have had the opportunity to read and review this book. I wish to thank Bill Johnson and Randy Clark for co-authoring this book, each giving his unique perspective within individually written chapters. It truly has been one that spoke to my soul and spirit. I was not raised in a charismatic church, yet having been sensitive to other people's pains for years now (in answer to a spiritual fast seeking to surrender to and receive guidance from the Lord), being given knowledge about things I could not possibly have guessed, and having prayed for healing with some healed, I am now more confident in these words of knowledge and healing prayers just knowing that others, like the authors, experience exactly the same things. This is not a book just for those who believe in healing, but it is a book I highly recommend for people who desire to be in a healing ministry, sensing guidance and the workings of the Holy Spirit. If I could, I would give this book to every member of my church...and every church!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Publishers book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
~Excerpt from the Lord's Prayer
Healing seems to be the one thing for which everyone has prayed whether to benefit other people and themselves. As Christians, we believe God heals. He can heal, but the question that lingers is will He heal? The authors of The Essential Guide to Healing: Equipping All Christians to Pray for the Sick--may God bless them--have changed my perspective on this part of the prayer Jesus taught to his disciples. He prayed God's will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. I have always thought that was kind of saying that God's will is not done on earth as it is in heaven but we wish it were. I did not think about the scope of this simple yet awe-striking concept, until I read this book and now I will never perceive those words the same as I did before. We shall see God's will being done on earth (just as it is in heaven) when we live as if we are in the kingdom--as Jesus did--and believers are living in the kingdom, but Christianity has become a religion of "unbelieving believers" who do not recognize this.
Jesus said the Kingdom was at hand (here right now)...and He healed people here on earth because it is God's will. These are a few excerpts from the book:
"Healing was a major part of Jesus' ministry. There is no cancer in heaven. Neither is there any blindness or deafness or any other malady in that realm. Freedom from disease is God's will on earth. Period. God has not commanded us to pray for healing in order to frustrate us."
"Remember, healing is not just something God does. It is who He is. His name is Jehovah Rapha, the God who heals. (Exodus 15:26)"
"While it can truthfully be said that Jesus did not heal everyone alive in His day, it must also be noted that He healed everyone who came to Him. No exceptions. The measure of faith people expressed varied..."
The book tells a bit about the history of the church and about how it has come about that Christians today succumb to liberalism, not believing in anything supernatural ever happen whether as recorded in the Bible or today, and cessationism, believing that the gifts of healing and other works of miracles no longer exist in the sense of someone having these gifts or that such gifts were given to the apostles only. This book address these concerns as well as other misconceptions that most "unbelieving believers" have.
I cannot fully express how thankful I am to to have had the opportunity to read and review this book. I wish to thank Bill Johnson and Randy Clark for co-authoring this book, each giving his unique perspective within individually written chapters. It truly has been one that spoke to my soul and spirit. I was not raised in a charismatic church, yet having been sensitive to other people's pains for years now (in answer to a spiritual fast seeking to surrender to and receive guidance from the Lord), being given knowledge about things I could not possibly have guessed, and having prayed for healing with some healed, I am now more confident in these words of knowledge and healing prayers just knowing that others, like the authors, experience exactly the same things. This is not a book just for those who believe in healing, but it is a book I highly recommend for people who desire to be in a healing ministry, sensing guidance and the workings of the Holy Spirit. If I could, I would give this book to every member of my church...and every church!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Publishers book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
April 5, 2013
I loved this book, the comments by some that it was "arrogant and.condescending" or that it lacked "grace and love", only show that we to concerned with ratifying, coddling, and appeasing people, than we are encouraging them to "love and GOOD WORKS". This is.a great book, and if it offended you, then know that Jesus said, He came to.be a stumbling block. Jesus will always offend your flesh and fear. So read this book, be informed, and go make disciples, heal the sick, cant out devils, and advance the kingdom of Heaven.
February 27, 2012
Really loved reading this book, both for the historical reference and theology, AND for the personal life stories shared by both authors.
September 5, 2015
It was a great book.
December 10, 2012
Already a bill and randy fan but this is a really great book.
July 11, 2013
Great read with some amazing stories!
July 21, 2013
A very poignant and honest telling of learning to flow in the ministry of healing. I loved it!
April 15, 2014
Very practical guide to understanding God's will for healing in our lives and those around us. Loved the personal examples, experiences, and transparency of both Randy Clark and Bill Johnson.
September 25, 2014
Excellent, excellent book. Very thorough, thoughtful and clear on the topic of moving in healing as you follow Jesus.
August 29, 2016
This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. I probably will reread (listen to audio book) to absorb all the info, especially the final chapter.
April 8, 2019
This book covered the theology of healing. Apparently there are Christian theology that claimed that there will be no more miracles after the Bible has been canonized! Clark and Johnson showed how God still brings people to him through His healing. We are to be instruments of His healing by praying for people to be healed. Many examples were given of people who has been healed.
They explained that prayer is very important to help diagnose the problem. Sometimes it is sin; sometimes it is demonic power; sometimes it is in forgiveness; all these must be dealt with in order for complete healing to happen. Furthermore if the person who is healed is not filled with God, afflictions related to demonic powers may we’ll return. They also explained that one must ask the sick what the problem is, and after each prayer ask whether they feel anything and whether healing had occurred. Sometimes the sick can be healed even without prayer.
What of those who are not healed? Well no medical treatment can heal everyone, but doctors give them anyway. It is no different with prayer; God’s will is for everyone to be healed, so it is never a problem of whether He wants it or not.
I felt so ministered when I was reading this book!
They explained that prayer is very important to help diagnose the problem. Sometimes it is sin; sometimes it is demonic power; sometimes it is in forgiveness; all these must be dealt with in order for complete healing to happen. Furthermore if the person who is healed is not filled with God, afflictions related to demonic powers may we’ll return. They also explained that one must ask the sick what the problem is, and after each prayer ask whether they feel anything and whether healing had occurred. Sometimes the sick can be healed even without prayer.
What of those who are not healed? Well no medical treatment can heal everyone, but doctors give them anyway. It is no different with prayer; God’s will is for everyone to be healed, so it is never a problem of whether He wants it or not.
I felt so ministered when I was reading this book!
September 25, 2017
As a concise discussion between two of the most prolific voices in healing ministries today, reading in their own words of their years of experience is a refreshing glimpse at the humility and audacity that each has had in praying for the sick. This book is a brief interview of two men who are amazed by God's grace that He would use them to make a difference in the lives of people around the world. I found this book to be very eye opening to their challenges as they have each led people in the joy of praying for the well-being of others.
This book is simple, yet profound. With years of experience behind them, they each share scripture basis for why we should all be praying for the sick, why we should expect healing, and how we can have confidence when we pray.
If you are needing encouragement to pray for others, this book will help you to find the passion for ministering healing for those who are sick.
This book is simple, yet profound. With years of experience behind them, they each share scripture basis for why we should all be praying for the sick, why we should expect healing, and how we can have confidence when we pray.
If you are needing encouragement to pray for others, this book will help you to find the passion for ministering healing for those who are sick.
February 21, 2020
What I so love about books by Randy Clark and Bill Johnson, is that they write from experience. Stories combined with scriptural references. This book is no exception, it is encouraging and uplifting, it brings hope and gives the necessary tools to begin operating in the gifts of healing. Clark starts with a statement that sets the stage for the book: "To properly understand healing, one must experience it. When it comes to healing, knowledge without experience is an inferior level of knowledge."
I recommend this book if you need healing, if you have experienced healing or you know someone who needs healing!
I recommend this book if you need healing, if you have experienced healing or you know someone who needs healing!
September 16, 2023
Been awhile since I posted 5 stars!
I would have gone 8+....
I am writing out by hand chapter 5, to slow down and make me look at every word - a total first..
It is so important to understand God's purpose for creating us and the very earth itself.
This chapter alone is worth the cost of the book!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bill teaches where we fit into God's plan to take authority of the planet, back from satan.
Jesus came and showed us how to heal. He died that we might enter in to His kingdom (which is here now) and enter in the battle against evil..
Only the last chapter is about 'how to heal' - the whole rest of the book is about the 'why'.
Simply awesome - you MUST read it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I would have gone 8+....
I am writing out by hand chapter 5, to slow down and make me look at every word - a total first..
It is so important to understand God's purpose for creating us and the very earth itself.
This chapter alone is worth the cost of the book!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bill teaches where we fit into God's plan to take authority of the planet, back from satan.
Jesus came and showed us how to heal. He died that we might enter in to His kingdom (which is here now) and enter in the battle against evil..
Only the last chapter is about 'how to heal' - the whole rest of the book is about the 'why'.
Simply awesome - you MUST read it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 24, 2017
This is a very practical book approaching the topic of healing through the power of God made manifest through the presence of the Holy Spirit and the name of Jesus.
There are several illustrations and examples of the principles that both Randy Clark and Bill Johnson present in each chapter. These stories and experiences highlight the basic idea that all believers are called and equipped as co-laborers with God to bring the manifestation of His kingdom through healing (signs and wonders). Read, be encouraged in your authority, and go do the stuff!
There are several illustrations and examples of the principles that both Randy Clark and Bill Johnson present in each chapter. These stories and experiences highlight the basic idea that all believers are called and equipped as co-laborers with God to bring the manifestation of His kingdom through healing (signs and wonders). Read, be encouraged in your authority, and go do the stuff!
June 17, 2021
Seeing Consistent Miracles Today
This book has powerful truths to share including practical steps rooted in scriptures and contemporary examples for praying for supernatural healing in the name of Jesus today.
This book walked me through step by step how and why to pray for others and since reading it I have prayed for others (saved and unsaved) who have been supernaturally healed by the power of Jesus instantly.
Yes there are other books on healing but Randy and Bill will help you build a strong foundation with lasting roots that is biblically based.
This book has powerful truths to share including practical steps rooted in scriptures and contemporary examples for praying for supernatural healing in the name of Jesus today.
This book walked me through step by step how and why to pray for others and since reading it I have prayed for others (saved and unsaved) who have been supernaturally healed by the power of Jesus instantly.
Yes there are other books on healing but Randy and Bill will help you build a strong foundation with lasting roots that is biblically based.
March 6, 2019
Through reading this book, reading the scripture, and prayer; I have become thoroughly convinced that the true experience and expression of the kingdom of God consists of 1) the truth of the gospel and 2) demonstration of God's power and dominion over this world in the form of healing and miracles. I am excited to see where this journey takes me and I want to experience the fullness of what God intended for the lives of those who follow Jesus.
September 22, 2025
in depth teaching
This book teaches about Godly healings, with many Biblical scriptures. It debunks many misconceptions about healings. It warns of ways of disappointments that could be uncounted and how to handle them. It gives the readers a basic plan to use to help others receive their healing. I am very impressed with the in depth teaching! It gives God the glory and praise He deserves.
This book teaches about Godly healings, with many Biblical scriptures. It debunks many misconceptions about healings. It warns of ways of disappointments that could be uncounted and how to handle them. It gives the readers a basic plan to use to help others receive their healing. I am very impressed with the in depth teaching! It gives God the glory and praise He deserves.
November 30, 2018
Inspiring AND Practical
I wasn't sure what to expect from reading this book and was ecstatic to learn that the knowledge in this book is transformative!! A must read for every true believer!! Everything from the content to the personal testimonies teach you HOW to do as Jesus commanded us to do in Matthew 10:8.
I wasn't sure what to expect from reading this book and was ecstatic to learn that the knowledge in this book is transformative!! A must read for every true believer!! Everything from the content to the personal testimonies teach you HOW to do as Jesus commanded us to do in Matthew 10:8.
October 12, 2021
Excellent Resource on Healing!!!
The Essential Guide to Healing gives biblical truths on how to pray for healing in God's way. The principles and model that you will learn will show you how to minister healing to others in a biblical way. By ministering healing, you will see many people in the Body of Christ healed from their infirmities.
The Essential Guide to Healing gives biblical truths on how to pray for healing in God's way. The principles and model that you will learn will show you how to minister healing to others in a biblical way. By ministering healing, you will see many people in the Body of Christ healed from their infirmities.
September 26, 2023
The book is very interesting and practical. What I value most about the book is how detailed, clear, honest and transparent it is in the practical ministerial part. The theoretical part on the fundamentals of divine healing could have been clearer in its structure and argumentation. In general, I highly recommend reading it.
September 26, 2018
Excellent!!
I got an explanation for something I just thought was strange! I'm actuality I was receiving a Word of Knowledge for my friend so I could pray for her but no one ever explained it before! Next time it happens I will definitely pray and I KNOW God will deliver her!
I got an explanation for something I just thought was strange! I'm actuality I was receiving a Word of Knowledge for my friend so I could pray for her but no one ever explained it before! Next time it happens I will definitely pray and I KNOW God will deliver her!
March 7, 2020
Full of wild, good information and guidance, but the format of the book is so messy and thrown together. An entire section even repeats itself. Please try harder, or at least hire an editor. Despite the terrible format, the world needs this information!
May 28, 2022
This is a brilliant book that provide practical examples with a good amount of life experience of the authors.
The fact that Healing manifested in multiple people during the author's ministries, provides for real life practical examples and advice that works.
All Glory to God
The fact that Healing manifested in multiple people during the author's ministries, provides for real life practical examples and advice that works.
All Glory to God
October 20, 2022
Foundational and Super Helpful
This is a must read. Many false notions will be broken. Healing is not a thing of the past. Jesus is doing the same miracles through us, as long as we are willing to be open to hear from Him. God is a good Father.
This is a must read. Many false notions will be broken. Healing is not a thing of the past. Jesus is doing the same miracles through us, as long as we are willing to be open to hear from Him. God is a good Father.
March 23, 2023
Excellent book
Best book to get you started on healing and started to have passion to see people healed, to bring glory to His Name that is what Christ paid for because the Father loves us so much! It is available today! I highly recommended to everyone.
Best book to get you started on healing and started to have passion to see people healed, to bring glory to His Name that is what Christ paid for because the Father loves us so much! It is available today! I highly recommended to everyone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews