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What a Christian Believes

may lay on hands. This is not particularly laid down in the
Bible but is seen as a protection for the church from strangers
coming in, who may not even be christians and have wrong
motives, laying on hands and praying for others and causing
harm not good. However any situation that requires man
made regulation is not ideal in the long term and the
Biblical pattern of spiritual discernment within the body
of believers is to be prefered.
There are four Biblical safeguards that provide the right kind
of protection to the ministry of the Laying on of Hands:

1. It should always be exercised in an attitude of prayer
and humility.

2. First seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit as to who to
pray for, and how and for what.

3. Confidence in claiming the protection of the Holy Spirit
through the shed blood of Christ.

4. When Laying on Hands, to be first so empowered by
the Holy Spirit to overcome any kind of evil spiritual
influence that may be in the one upon whom hands are
laid.

Having taken care to be wise, even so GOD MAY
SOVEREIGNLY COME ON SOMEONE WITHOUT THE
LAYING ON OF HANDS. Acts 2 v2-4 'Suddenly a sound
like the blowing of a mighty wind came from heaven and
filled the whole house.......All of them were filled with the
Holy Spirit.'

In other words, the blessing comes from God, not men.

But men are required to be faithful and obedient to the words
of Jesus. Mark 16 'And these signs shall accompany

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