[stephenkhoo]

the ministry of the Word is not to be regarded as an adjunct or secondary ministry. Rather, the ministry of the Word is essential insofar as it prepares for the ministry of healing to take place. Once again, when we read the gospel, we are told that the crowd came first and foremost “to hear him and to be cured of their diseases.” This means that real and lasting healing can only take place if people hear the Word first. Without the proclamation of the Word, it will be difficult for any healing to be effected. This is because the proclamation of the Word is necessary to instill faith in the infirmed, so that they can be open to the power of God and the power of the Risen Christ working in their lives.