Tongues are not of the devil and did not pass away! Get over yourself! YOU are not in control, sinner.
At times we hear well meaning believers (perhaps) saying that devils can give you tongues. hmmmmm My reply to such would be as follows:
That could be true and yet…. Jesus and His holy apostles never made such a statement. They DID though diligently testify of the baptism with the Holy Ghost and made sure every believer knew about it and were invited to receive it…. as in Acts 8:14-17 which we will look at in a moment.
The Misuse of Tongues Does Nothing to Negate the Genuine Baptism with the Holy Spirit and gifts of the Spirit ….. which the LORD never revoked and intends for His New Testament believers to receive.
For the record: By the grace of Christ alone, He saved and filled this once wretched man, this disciple with His Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38). This disciple is a whole-Gospel, full-Bible believer by Jesus’ grace. Like many today realize, authentic Pentecost is not the same as what is transpiring in the false charismatic or NAR cults which are a demonic mockery and counterfeit of authentic Pentecost. NO, I am not part of any organized church such as UPC, etc.
The Bible foretold of this hour of great apostasy as the return of our LORD draws nigh. Specifically speaking of those who claim to be Christ’s, the Word tells us that many of these professors would deny the power of their Creator to guide them, fill them, and be their all sufficiency (Colossians 1-2). This is the damnable sin of unbelief (Hebrews 3:12-14; Revelation 21:8).
“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:5
Saints, beware of any person speaking against the Holy Ghost or the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
While the FRUIT of the Spirit is most important because it can only be born out of an abiding relationship with Christ (John 15; Galatians 5:22-23), that in no way negates the baptism with the Holy Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:7-10). Paul says to covet those gifts and that’s in order to be used of God to help others: “But covet earnestly the best gifts…” (1 Cor 12:31). We must not make the classic mistake of negating anything from God’s Word and especially because some have abused things. Never abandon a biblical truth to abuse. Never negate something the Word teaches because others have twisted or misused it.
“Identifying the Word of Faith and NAR (New Apostolic) heretical movements isn’t to say all Pentecostals believe this or are false. I also believe many things to be examples of false dilemma/ dichotomy fallacies where people are deceived and assume they must pick between one of two deceptions when more than those two options exist. The truth is the whole of God’s Word.” Jason Frost
One writer notes:
“Is John MacArthur a heretic when he teaches the entire Pentecostal movement worldwide (over 400 million) is of Satan? Isn’t blasphemy of the Holy Spirit when one attributes the gift of God to Satan? When MacArthur boldly teaches all speaking in tongues done today is demonic he has no idea of the consequences he’s facing!
Beware saints. Paul encouraged all the saints to speak in tongues (1 Corinthians 12:1-11). He also instructed us how to properly give and receive an interpretation of tongues in a church service (1 Corinthians 14:23-33). Any believer can pray and receive the gift of tongues. Not all have the gift to give an interpretation of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:30). I cherish speaking in tongues because this gift was given to me by Jesus (Acts 1:5). Yet, pastors like John MacArthur, Charles Stanley, and David Jeremiah, have convinced millions of Christians that speaking in tongues is demonic. The truth is, God desires every believer to be baptized in the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues (Acts 1:5; 2:4; Mark 16:17; 1 Corinthians 12:10; 14:39).
After Jesus healed a blind man who was demon-possessed, the Pharisees accused Him of doing it by the power of Beelzebub (Matthew 12:22-32). They were speaking evil of the Holy Spirit by attributing the power of God to the Devil. Jesus called this blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Speaking in tongues is the initial physical evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4; 10:45-46; 19:6). This is why anyone saying the gift of tongues is satanic is blaspheming the Holy Spirit. Ministers believing in such heresy usually teach the Holy Spirit only speaks through the scriptures. Such deception is grieving the ministry of the Spirit. I can’t imagine living my Christian walk without being able to hear from the Spirit of God. He not only gave me the idea of this book but spoke to my spirit many times while I was writing it.”
Jesus says His sheep hear His voice (John 10). Though the Holy Ghost would never lead contrary to the Scriptures, He has a living, breathing relationship with each of Christ’s saints and leads us daily. Sometimes those impressions and promptings are very specific. In fact, we see this throughout the New Testament Scriptures. Remember when Ananias was told by the LORD to go to a certain street and find Saul? “And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth” (Acts 9:11). Also, remember how the LORD spoke (without but according to Scripture) to Phillip? – “And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. 27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia…“ (Acts 8:26-27). The examples are all over the New Testament. God bless you all. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Romans 8:14).
How could any true, born again believer possibly argue with the following? Decades into the New Testament era, Jesus’ apostle Paul wrote:
- “I would that ye all spake with tongues … “ 1 Corinthians 14:5
- “I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:” 1 Corinthians 14:18
- “forbid not to speak with tongues.” 1 Corinthians 14:39
Clearly, after reading these things Paul uttered, we can conclude that to say tongues is demonic would be to declare that Christ’s apostle Paul was demonic.
“Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. 13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.” 1 Corinthians 14:12-15
Of speaking in tongues and the error of teaching against it, Tim McCullough writes:
“Why can people not see this??? Paul plainly said he spoke in tongues more than all the Corinthians, albeit in privacy – between himself and the Lord. There is clearly a spiritual language that God has given to believers for non-corporate use – but for our own faith and benefit. MacArthur makes a deadly error confusing the two, and worse yet – writing it all off as demonic. This is a DEADLY false doctrine as it emboldens professing believers against the Word of God in the most dangerous area Jesus spoke of – attributing a work of Gods Spirit to the devil. This is a venomous error and John MacArthur desperately needs God to grant him repentance.” | John MacArthur Exposed
It seems reasonable that the first thing God takes over when HE immerses you with His presence is the most “unruly member” (James 3). Thank the LORD for that! God bless you all.
The baptism with the Holy Ghost and the gifts of the Spirit of God are vital, non-negotiable components of our LORD’s New Testament church plan/program. Are you baptized with the Holy Spirit? Dare we take away from the LORD’s stated, New Testament program? (Revelation 22:18-19)
MODERN TONGUES?
Jesus promises to give the HOLY Spirit and no evil spirit/demon to His children when they ask to be filled:
“If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? 12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” Luke 11:11-13
The misuse of tongues does nothing to negate (diminish) the divinely ordained, genuine baptism with the Holy Spirit. If tongues after Pentecost are false, that clearly makes the apostle Paul false. Decades after the Day of Pentecost, Paul said things that establish that the baptism with the Holy Ghost and praying in the Spirit is for all of Christ’s disciples throughout the New Testament era until Jesus returns. Certainly the following statements made by Paul are not only for the use of tongues in a group setting:
“I would that ye all spake with tongues … “ 1 Corinthians 14:5
“I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:” 1 Corinthians 14:18
“forbid not to speak with tongues.” 1 Corinthians 14:39
The counterfeit charismatic movement (word of faith and NAR – new apostolic reformation delusion) only further lends itself to the proof of tongues being for all believers today. Satan can only counterfeit what is authentic in order to twist and misled and distort and confuse.
PENTECOST, the baptism with the Holy Ghost is a non-negotiable, essential, central component of Christ’s New Testament program-yet not the things added by sinful wolves today. We are whole Gospel believers which would include discerning and rejecting additives – yet never dimishing aught, letting go of the true Pentecostal, Holy Ghost baptism Christ’s gives to His own. NOT the denomincation but the New Testament reality. When exposing the NAR (New Apostolic Reformation)/Bethel warlocks and their witchcraft, you may at times be called a cessationist by those deceived by the enemy of souls. A cessationist is one who erroneously believes that the bless-ed power of the Holy Ghost was only for the earliest followers of Jesus. False. Yet, the authentic baptism with the Holy Spirit is never manifested in God’s Word as that which is anything except pure, holy, and “in order.” – “Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40). Being baptized (immersed, clothed upon) with the Holy Spirit will always lead to more divine power to be holy, set apart unto Christ and not to misuse for things not sanctioned in and by His Word. Keeping it biblical!
“Calvinism is a lie and tongues are not demonic. The devil has a counterfeit for everything even tongues and the Holy Spirit. His counterfeit of the Holy Spirit is kundalini which is strange fire of the queen of heaven. Why do people get kundalini in many churches? It’s because they want the gifts of the Spirit without abiding in Jesus, wanting more of Him, and walking in holiness. They reject the daily cross and holiness while they selfishly want gifts from God for their own self-serving purposes. The gifts of the Spirit have not ceased.” Ryan Waldrop
Danielle Mangram writes:
“He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. Acts 19:2-6 KJV
The Holy Spirit is not demonic! That is blasphemy against the Spirit of God. There is demonic tongues but when one is filled with the Holy Spirit of God he speaks to him in a language of angels. The Spirit of God was promised to us from our Lord Jesus Christ. It did not go away. He says anything you ask in my name the father will give it to you (Luke 11:11-13). The problem is disbelief and doctrines of men, traditions. Jesus did not preform miracles because of their disbelief. If we as the body would just believe in Him truthfully, the church would arise so powerful. Unfortunately man and devils got in the way. I thank God that He is mightier than all that, in Jesus’ name, hallelujah.”
Did Christ’s Apostles Count the Baptism of the Spirit Important?
When the apostles heard that some people in Samaria had been saved, they counted the promised Holy Ghost baptism so vitally important that they sent Peter and John to see that those new Christians were filled with the Spirit.
“Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.” Acts 8:14-17
After Jesus rose from the dead and was seated at the right hand of the Father, Christ’s apostles made sure when Jesus saved souls, that those newly saved saints had the opportunity to receive the full measure of the Holy Ghost – an integral part of New Testament Christianity and without which the believer cannot and will not be powerfully used of God (Acts 1:8).
Firstly, the central issue is not about tongues but about the baptism in the Holy Spirit. If one denies the volumes of Scripture on this New Testament experience then he will deny the gifts and power the divine Person of the Holy Spirit has ordained to be present among His people for the whole New Testament period (Acts 2:37-39).
After thorough study of the New Testament Scriptures, I cannot deny this gift or His divine involvement in and among His beloved people and have no desire to limit God which is sin (Psalms 78:41; 103:2; Revelation 22:18-19). In the name of Jesus and by the grace of God, I will unapologetically speak of this holy truth from the Holy Scriptures.
“Unknown” Tongues = NOT a known language.
To those who falsely claim that tongues were only for Pentecost and were all known languages……
Such is a false teaching. Beware of the false teachers. The Holy Ghost is in no one making this false claim (Ephesians 5:9).
Men don’t understand the tongues that Holy Spirit filled saints speak unless God supernaturally chooses to give one the interpretation (1 Corinthians 14). Why else would we have the word “unknown” when referring to tongues? Only God understands and those He chooses to reveal things to. This alone proves that these tongues are not any known language known of any man like those mentioned in Acts 2:1-13. This was the only time we have on record where men speaking in “tongues” was a known language of men. All other tongues are to God and inspired by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 14).
The initial manifestation of tongues at Pentecost was when men heard others from other nations speak in their own tongue (Acts 2:4-8). A miracle. Yet it didn’t stop there. Notice … “tongues of men AND of angels” (1 Corinthians 13:1). Also, read closely: “For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh NOT UNTO MEN, but unto God: for NO MAN UNDERSTANDETH HIM; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries” (1 Corinthians 14:1).
In 1 Corinthians 12 the gifts of the Spirit are introduced and in 1 Corinthians 14 Paul teaches on the use and misuse of those gifts.
The gifts of the Spirit are temporal and to be accepted, facilited in this time when God saw fit that they are needed. “That which is perfect” is Heaven and such has not yet come.
One of the two usages of speaking or praying in tongues in 1 Corinthians 14 is to edify or build up the believer (v3; Jude 20). Then there is the tongue and interpretation gifts for use in the gathering of saints.
“For he that speaketh in an UNknown tongue speaketh NOT unto MEN, but unto God: for NO MAN UNDERSTANDETH him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.” 1 Corinthians 14:2
Note the word “UNknown” or not a known language of men. “For he that speaketh in an UNknown tongue speaketh NOT unto MEN, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.” (1 Corinthians 14:2)
God is also not forcing any of His precious gifts on anyone.
1 Corinthians 14:2 – “For HE THAT SPEAKETH IN AN UNKNOWN TONGUE SPEAKETH NOTTTT UNTO MEN BUT UNTO GOD: for NO MAN UNDERSTANDETH HIM; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.”
1 Corinthians 14:4 “HE THAT SPEAKETH IN AND UNKNOWN TONGUE EDIFIETH HIMSELF; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.”
“NO MAN understandeth him” and yet “in the spirit he speaketh mysteries”
When one prays in the Spirit/tongues, he is speaking mysteries. That’s what the Bible says and no mere man can explain such and only some are willing to live by faith and lean not to their own understanding.
An honest and objective look at 1 Corinthians 14 will plainly reveal that the text not once refers to any tongue known to man. The word “tongue” or “tongues” appears 13 times in this chapter (1 Corinthians 14), and not once is it referring to the languages of men such as Hebrew, Greek, Italian, Farsi, Spanish, Swahili, German, etc.
Many today ignore the Scriptures, including the whole context and truth revealed in 1 Corinthians 14, which speaks of tongues 13 times and not once speaks of tongues except for use among God’s people in corporate gatherings and in the individual lives just as the apostle Paul said that he spoke in tongues more than everyone else. Are you going to argue about Paul the apostle personally speaking in tongues? Is your pastor more authoritative than this great apostle? So, you are taking the word of vile heretics (those who taught you this lie – the Holy Spirit and Scriptures sure didn’t lead you down that road) over the apostle Paul and the LORD. Please tell those devils who taught you those lies what I stated about them.
A huge part of the problem of rejecting the fullness of the Holy Spirit is very limited learning – since Jesus sent Him to lead us into all truth (John 14:26; 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:13; 1 John 2:20, 27). Think about how this scenario plays out …. The young person grows up in an evangelical church setting where the baptism in the Spirit is denied. So, he then pursues God in his own limited strength, including going to seminary. In this “higher learning” facility, he continues to learn that he needs to accomplish the ministry in his own brain power, intellect, and feeble strength. He then gets a job as a pastor and blindly misleads those who themselves are not seeking the LORD enough to be enlightened to the New Testament teaching and experience of the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
Why Did the LORD Grant the Gift of Tongues?
“He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself … ” 1 Corinthians 14:4
“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27
“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Jude 1:20
Common Misconceptions and Scripture Twisting
“These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also.” Acts 17:6
After the tail-whipping Satan received when the earliest believers were baptized with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the enemy set out to shut it all down! Thousands of souls were being saved and Satan was being robbed. Precious eternal souls for whom Jesus died were being taken from Satan who has “the power of death” over those who are not saved out of the kingdom of darkness (Ephesians 2:1-3; Colossians 1:13-14; Hebrews 2:14). The enemy is able to exercise power over the souls of all who are unredeemed and yet, when the power of our Creator and LORD comes, Satan is utterly defeated EVERY time! God has ordained that this divine power operate in and through His people, the body of Christ. Jesus taught:
“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19
Jesus came to destroy Satan and his evil work:
“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” Hebrews 2:14
“He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8
The way Satan’s “works” are destroyed is by the power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of God’s people and this begins with the baptism in the Holy Ghost and not before (Acts 1:8). Any person who denies this Bible fact is denying Christ and His teachings.
Subtracting from God’s Word is a deadly pursuit that comes with a high and eternal price tag (Revelation 22:18-19). Stealing away the ordained relationship between Christ and His children is the work of devil-inspired wolves who are being used of Satan himself to rob the people of God of the divinely-ordained power of the LORD to be His witnesses.
“But ye shall receive power, AFTER that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8
Jesus taught that as His people went forth at His Great Commission command to “preach the gospel to every creature” that He would confirm “the word with signs following.” There is divine power present in the lives and preaching of all true disciples of our unchanging LORD and Savior!
What “signs” did Jesus tell us “SHALL follow them that believe”? Before Jesus answers that in His own words below, please ask yourself whether or not you truly believe Christ at His Word. Now, test the answer to that question by reading His very words:
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. 19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. 20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.” Mark 16:15-20 (KJB)
Another way Satan has stolen the divine power Jesus ordained for His people is that the new versions of the Bible either completely remove or cast doubt on the whole passage above (by a note in the margin that is actually a blatant fabrication). Why? Jesus taught us here that He was going to empower us to “cast out devils” and it takes divine power to do that (Matthew 12:28-29; Acts 10:38). Now, WHO didn’t want us to know how to cast him out? I’ll give you one guess 😉
So, if Satan didn’t want us to know we are supposed to cast HIM out and that God ordains His power in us against His enemy, who must be behind the new versions and the preachers who teach against the presence, baptism, and power of the divine Person of the Holy Ghost? Satan!
Oh, and what about Matthew 17:21? Again, the new per-versions remove this verse. Some have now deceitfully added it back due to being told on.
In the NIV and NAS (except in updated 1995 version of NIV) etc., this verse is missing! And why? Read the preceding verses where Christ’s disciples couldn’t cast out a devil. In verse 21, the ommitted/deleted verse, Jesus tells His people of all times how to cast out devils. He gives us the key here. Just WHO didn’t want us to know how to cast him out? One guess!
“Howbeit this kind (of devil and unbelief) goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” Matthew 17:21 (KJB)
Are you now seeing why millions of true disciples are burning their new versions and getting a King James Bible?
Thieving Wolves
Jesus told us that Satan has come to do three things:
“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10
The lengths some go to in order to teach their own brand of false theology is astounding and yet these same pharisaical wolves stand in positions of leadership and mislead others who refuse to study to show their own selves approved before the LORD (2 Timothy 2:15). Let’s take a look at some of the examples of their lame, obvious twisting of Scripture passage in order to pervert divine truth and teach falsely:
“He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. 1 Corinthians 14:4-5
The fact that prophecy is a greater of the nine gifts of the Spirit because it involves serving others, only re-establishes that serving others first is Christ’s example and will for us. Yet, this in no way negates or diminishes the fact of and need for edification of the individual in the Holy Spirit. – “He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself … ” (1 Corinthians 14:4)
QUESTION RECEIVED:
“But does everyone who is saved and baptized with the Holy Spirit have the gift of tongues? 1 Corinthians 12…………30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?”
REPLY:
This is a commonly misinterpreted verse erroneously used to cheat believers out of the blessing of God. Notice how Paul puts these 2 things together: “do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?” …. this is specifically speaking of corporate gifts not the individual gift of tongues. 1 Cor 12:31 is coupling those 2 things together which means it’s speaking of corporate use of gifts not individual. Jesus says “According to your faith be it unto you.” (Matt 9:29) Remember: “I would that ye all spake with tongues … “ (1 Corinthians 14:5) … “I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:” (1 Corinthians 14:18) … “forbid not to speak with tongues.” (1 Corinthians 14:39)
Okay, let’s investigate another passage that is used by deceivers who count their tradition more important than God’s Word:
“Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? 31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. 1 Corinthians 12:27-31
The deceit of the wolves who teach against the biblical experience of tongues becomes obvious when we simply read in context the passages that address the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
“We ask God for a revival but ignore our unpardonable arrogance of refusing his gifts!” – Leonard Ravenhill
Beloved blood-washed saint, don’t let some deceptive dupe of the antichrist evangelical system rob you of your simple faith in Christ concerning what He and His apostles taught and what we see in the earliest of His believers in Acts and the New Testament Scriptures. Repent of wrongly esteeming any mere human leader’s useless seminary degree (which simply taught him how to not believe God’s Word for what it plainly states). – “Let God be true and EVERY man a liar” (Romans 3:4).
Ask yourself a few simple questions and weigh this in the light of the New Testament Scriptures:
1) If the LORD doesn’t want His people to be baptized (immersed) with His Holy Spirit, why didn’t He simply come out and tell us this?
2) If the infilling of the Spirit is not for today, why did God not simply come out and tell us so?
3) If the baptism of the Spirit passed away with the apostles and early church, why did Christ’s apostle Peter say that this gift was for every believer throughout the whole New Testament era, which includes now? See Acts 2:37-39.
From the beginning of His church, Jesus never intended for any who believe upon Him to salvation to go without the gift of the Holy Ghost. It’s only as devil-inspired religious men came in and shut down the work, power, presence, and gifts of the divine Person of the Holy Spirit that we have a deafening absence of what Christ and His holy apostles taught.
“Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise (of the Spirit baptism) is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call (save).” Acts 2:37-39
Is God still saving souls? Yes! Well then, according to the apostle Peter’s utterance here – the LORD is still baptizing His people with the Holy Spirit.
And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. 7 And all the men were about twelve.” Acts 19:1-7
Like these disciples, many today have not even heard of the “gift of the Holy Ghost” which is clearly for all Christ’s disciples of all times under the New Testament era (Acts 2:37-39).
Every single born again believer can be baptized with the Holy Ghost which is simply a great measure of the Holy Spirit in their lives. This is God’s will for every one of His beloved children. This is God’s desire but He will only give this gift to the disciple who believers what His Word says and asked Him sincerely for it (Luke 11:11-13). The LORD also goes so far as to assure His children that no other spirit (evil) will be allowed in the life of His child who simply asks Him for the infilling of the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:11-13). There are always those who counterfeit the divine authentic but that does nothing to erode the truth or the things of God. Jesus promised that He would only give the Holy Spirit and that no other evil spirit could enter His child:
“If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? 12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” Luke 11:11-13
Who does God give His Holy Spirit to?
“And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.” Acts 5:32
Every single authentic believer can have the baptism of the Holy Ghost and the gift of tongues in their individual life. This is God’s will. Every Christian should desire to be baptized with the Holy Ghost and to yield his whole being over to the LORD. The true body of Christ upholds Jesus Christ alone as their “Head” and must not allow sinful men who write books and speak from pulpits to hinder the full work of Christ in their lives (Colossians 2:8-10, 18-19). Millions today are being cheated out of truth and the fullness of the Spirit due to adhering to those leaders who are dangerously speaking against the work and divine Person of the Holy Ghost.
“Ask and ye shall receive that your joy may be full” says Jesus (John 16:23-24). Now, a common verse that is often taken out of context to prove that not everyone can pray in tongues is 1 Corinthians 12:30. This of course gives those who deny Christ the reign in their personal lives an excuse to continue to live unto themselves, never surrendering wholly to Christ on His terms (which are clearly given in His Word). But take a closer look at the context of Scripture beloved saints. Paul is not speaking of individual tongues but rather ties tongues together with the interpretation of tongues which contextually he is speaking of concerning specifically a group setting. Hear what is being conveyed in the context of this passage and you will see that Paul is in no way contradicting himself and the whole of Scripture by negating the blessed gift of tongues for every saint.
“Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? 31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.” 1 Corinthians 12:27-31
You see, in this 1 Corinthians 12 chapter, the nine gifts of the Spirit to the body of Christ have already earlier been listed (v8-10). The last two gifts listed are “tongues” and “the interpretation of tongues.” (1 Corinthians 12:10) They are cited together for a divine reason. So, when Paul later speaks of tongues he is speaking of tongues in the setting of the function of the gifts in the body of Christ to be used in a CORPORATE SETTING and not individual tongues – “do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?”
“For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues.” 1 Corinthians 12:8-10
The Proper Use of Tongues
Yes as is the case with all of our LORD’s gifts, some have abused or misused them. I sure have seen the misuse of the gifts of the Spirit firsthand. Some people use this as an excuse to not fully surrender to do things God’s way and thereby blame the LORD for the abuse of sinful men. They therefore forfeit the blessings of the LORD, His power, and drastically reduce their ability to be fruitful in this life.
Correcting any misuse of the gifts of the Spirit is exactly why we have 1 Corinthians 14. In this chapter Paul the apostle of Christ gives us the LORD’s guidelines for using the gifts of His Holy Spirit.
Abuse does not negate the right use of the gifts of the Spirit which is what Paul deals with in detail in 1 Corinthians 14.
My goal is not to be right but rather to simply sort all things in Holy Scripture. We must continue to look at all of the counsel of the LORD’s Word and as we do our LORD’s truth will continue to unveil itself (2 Peter 1:19-21).
There is a specific use and instruction for tongues and interpretation of tongues in a group setting.
“Yet IN THE CHURCH I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.” 1 Corinthians 14:19
The church or congregational setting is the context of 1 Corinthians 14:19.
We must beware of our own tendency to have selective hearing based on the human teachers we have listened to in the past. People like John MacArthur have a strong personality and can be convincing, especially if the individual listening to him is not in the Word himself. MacArthur teaches some false doctrines. He is but a man as this writer is. God gave us His Word and we are to let Him be true “and every man a liar” (Romans 3:4). Yet John MacArthur’s personality or the way he seems to provide convincing information does not negate the very Word of God nor is MacArthur or any mere man the final authority. MacArthur negates the gifts of God and in doing so he is on dangerous ground as he is speaking against the divine Person of the Holy Ghost and His blessed work. Regrettably, many who listen to John MacArthur do not test his teachings against God’s Word for themselves and receive the due reward of being turned over to “strong delusion”for not personally loving and studying God’s Word for themselves (Acts 17:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12).
Back to tongues ……
If tongues are demonic, that means Christ’s very own apostle Paul was demonic. After all, Paul said:
“I would that ye all spake with tongues … “ 1 Corinthians 14:5
“I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:” 1 Corinthians 14:18
“forbid not to speak with tongues.” 1 Corinthians 14:39
If Paul is demonic, then 2/3 of the New Testament Scriptures were written by an ungodly, demonic man. Right?
Who will you believe, MacArthur or the great apostle Paul?
After introducing tongues concerning the individual’s use of them, Paul then speaks of the use of tongues in the congregational/group setting:
“I would that ye ALL spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. 6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?” 1 Corinthians 14:5-6
Here Paul is saying that in order to lift up others above ourselves, we should covet to prophesy because prophesying edifies other members of Jesus’ body as opposed to praying in tongues individually which which has the divine purpose of building up the individual believer (1 Corinthians 13:2-3; Jude 20).
That Paul is speaking of the use and order of tongues in a body or group setting is self-evident in this whole passage and yet there is not a hint of negation (denial) of tongues for the individual prayer life (Romans. 8:26-27).
“I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: 19 Yet in the church (congregational setting) I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.” 1 Corinthians 14:18-19
The fact that Paul here says that “in the church” setting he’d rather speak words that people can understand only underscores that he is contrasting tongues for his individual communion and edification with Christ and those tongues/interpretation of tongues for use among more than one member of the body.
It is not profitable to blurt out in tongues among more than one believer in a gathering of believers and that’s what Paul is getting at in this chapter. This guideline of tongues amidst a group of Christians does not do away with the blessing of individually praying in the Spirit (Romans 8:26-27; 1 Corinthians 14:5; Jude 20). Under divine inspiration, Paul the apostle says that all believers should speak with tongues which aligns with how the other apostles made sure all believers were baptized with the Holy Ghost after being saved (Acts 8:14-17; 1 Corinthians 14:5). Paul clearly speaks of his own personal praying in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:18). The apostle commands “FORBID NOT to speak with tongues” (1 Corinthians 14:39).
Biblically speaking, there’s more than one purpose and use of tongues. We cannot limit it to one. Such is a common error made by many today who are not thoroughly and honestly studying God’s Word but rather listening to false teachings from mere sinful men who have set themselves up as leaders and refuse to honestly teach the full-counsel of God’s Word. Some get stuck on one part of one doctrine and close their hearts to the whole of what the living Word says of the matter and therefore walk around with a skewed view. Others who are supposedly saved, are not hungry for more of the LORD, which is suspect. Wanting all that God has for us is what this is about, in part. The LORD will not force or push and will only fill those who by faith hunger and thirst for more of Him.
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6
Prayer to Receive the Baptism with the Holy Spirit
LORD Jesus, thank You so much for finding and saving my wretched soul from sin and Satan and sure damnation! I praise You right this moment for coming and dying on that cross, shedding Your precious blood for my sins. Right this moment, I humbly bow before You my LORD and ask You to take over my life completely. I yield all that I am to You right now and ask You to baptize – to fill me – with the Holy Spirit. I ask You to take over my being completely LORD Jesus. I yield my heart, mind, body, and tongue to You. Use me with Thy great power to do Your work from this moment forward. In Jesus’ Name! Amen.
todd tomasella
FEEDBACK:
“The best method of doing this is to be only, always, and all for Him. We must not offer Him a share of our heart and devotion. There must be no division between Him and others. Whenever iniquity, darkness, Belial, and unbelievers seek to share our nature with the Holy Spirit, and we permit the partnership, He withdraws. No idols must be permitted in any hidden shrine of the heart. The whole nature-spirit (that is, the Holy of Holies) soul (that is, the seat of our individuality), and body-must be the temple of the Eternal, who rules it from the Shekinah, which is enthroned on the Ark of the Covenant. God still walks the world in those who love Him and are wholly yielded to His indwelling. The loneliest spirit finds Him to be father, mother, brother, sister, all. What an incentive to cleanliness not only of flesh but of spirit! Heb_10:22. The Apostle concludes by expressing his intense thankfulness that his converts had not misunderstood the urgency of his former letter.” James Brutton
“When we first left the church (building) I questioned everything that I had been taught especially speaking in tongues. There are times when that’s the only way to pray because I don’t have the words to speak in the natural. I do notice though at church it is only women that give words in tongues and also give the interpretation and I don’t want to speak against it but I do wonder why it is the women and why is it not men giving words? Thank you for this article and speaking truth!” Lori
REPLY:
Hi Lori. I went through the same experience of sifting through what is biblical and what is not and the proper use of those things. 1 Cor. 12 introduced the gifts of the Spirit and ch. 14 tells us how they are to be used and how they are not to be used (misused, abused).
One disciples writes: “BEWARE that calling an act of the Holy Spirit demonic is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, the only sin that cannot be forgiven. To say tongues are demonic places you on severely dangerous ground.”
Mathew 12:22-32
“Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. 23 And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David? 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, THIS FELLOW DOTH NOT CAST OUT DEVILS BUT BEELZEBUB, THE PRINCE OF DEVILS. 25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: 26 And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? 27 And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. 28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. 29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.
30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. 31 Wherefore I say unto you, ?All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. 32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: ?but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.”
One disciples writes: “Tongues are completely biblical. Here’s what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 14:18-40:
‘I thank my God, I SPEAK WITH TONGUES more than ye all: 19 YET in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, THAT BY MY VOICE I MIGHT TEACH others (common sense) also, than ten thousand words in an UNKNOWN tongue.
20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. 21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. 23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? 24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: 25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. 26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. 28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. 29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. 30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. 31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. 32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
34 ‘Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law. 35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? 37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. 38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. 39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order.’
Here we see Paul placed all occurrences in their proper order. God is not the author of confusion, and there ARE false tongues, forced about by the flesh. This doesn’t do away with the fact there ARE true tongues. Please think about the following Scripture when calling people fools.
Matthew 5:22
‘But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, THOU FOOL, shall be in danger of hell fire.’”
Holy Ghost Baptism Study Guide (highly recommended) | Beware of the Gift Thieves | No Pentecost, No Power! | Power to Fulfill (audio) | Holy Ghost Baptism (audio) |
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LIE OF THE AGES: From the Garden to Glory [podcast]
Excerpt from the book Lie of the Ages
The First Lie and the Fall of Man
“Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” ~ Genesis 3:1-5
Have you ever wondered what the first lie ever told was? Who told it? Why was it told? What was the result of it? Can the fruit be seen and felt today? Can its effects be traced throughout history and even into the future?
According to the Genesis account, the Garden of Eden was the sanctuary of the Most High, where He communed with the first man and woman He had made in His very own image. The Garden was a sinless, guiltless sanctuary of unimaginable relational bliss between the LORD Almighty and the man and woman. The Garden of Eden was the place of pure truth and love—a place where lies were not even suspected.
Enter Satan.
Enter the lie.
Enter the seduction.
Enter no fear of God.
Enter stolen restraint.
Enter sin.
Enter the fall of man.
Enter alienation from the Creator.
Garden Scene—The First Lie
Do you think this first lie may hold some insight into the work of Satan and his war against God and His treasured people today?
“And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die…(Now here’s what the woman said:) But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. (Now here’s what Satan said:) And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die.” ~ Genesis 2:16-17; 3:3-4
In the book of origins (Genesis) where every major biblical doctrine is rooted (has its beginning), there can be found the keys and answers to life. Mankind’s Maker, his beginning, his ultimate enemy, temptation, sin, the resulting fall, and the redemption of man are revealed in the first chapters of this all-important first book of the Holy Bible.
Perhaps there could be no greater occupation than for the student of Scripture to undertake, pour over, pray over, and dismantle the first three chapters of the book of Genesis. In this endeavor, he will gain insight into the origins and purpose of creation, pitfalls facing mankind, divine restoration, and the keys to living a victorious life in harmony with his Creator.
Sin entered the human experience through the temptation and fall of the first man (Rom. 5). By this the enemy gained a foothold and has warred with that sole creation made in the image of the Maker Himself. But it is sin that is man’s problem, not circumstance or self-esteem nor any other diagnosis. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (See Jer. 17:9.)
Someone has wisely stated: “The heart of the human problem is the problem of the human heart.”
From the very beginning, Satan has tempted man to believe that breaking the commandment of His Maker was not to be feared or avoided and could not harm him. The temptation for man is if he is going to determine truth on his own terms and how it fits his own lifestyle, or repent and humbly accept and obey what God says.
Cain was a religionist. He refused relationship with the LORD because he chose to do things his own way instead of God’s (Gen. 4:1-7). In his pride, Cain wanted to make up his own rules – he was lawless. Religion is where men have created a god in their own image and follow those teachings which render obedience to that false god. The most deceptive and evil form of religion is that which is close to the truth and uses Bible Scriptures out of context to make up that doctrine which circumvents obedience to the plain truth of God. (See Jesus rebuke the Pharisees in Matt. 23.)
Who are we going to believe and trust? Whose report will you believe? Since the LORD and the devil stated something in direct opposition to each other, we know that one of them is a liar. As He gave the first man and woman the option, so the LORD gives us the choice to trust and obey Him or not to obey Him. Each of us will decide who it is that is going to be a liar in our hearts—the Almighty, or Satan.
God said (Gen. 2:17): “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE.”
Satan said (Gen. 3:4): “And the serpent said unto the woman, YE SHALL NOT SURELY DIE.”
The lie of the ages began in the very cradle of creation. The aim of the enemy of all souls was the first man and woman who were uniquely created in the image of the One who made all things. Adam and Eve were the subjects of Satan’s deadly lie—the first lie ever told. Apparently, this cunning enemy understood that if he could cause the man and woman to take things into their own hands and violate the instruction of their Maker, they would be ushered out of His Garden (presence) and forfeit their place with Him.
Mankind’s enemy led him to believe that he could violate the instruction of his holy Maker and still remain within His approval. Like Adam and Eve, it is readily observed that men naturally internalize this philosophy as “I can sin with no fear of consequences.” Is it possible that this lie is still leading men and women to believe that they “shall not surely die” if they live in direct opposition to the LORD?
Concerning this most insidious and destructive lie of the serpent, the Life in the Spirit Study Bible states:
“‘YE SHALL NOT SURELY DIE’…The first lie proposed by Satan was a form of antinomianism (lawlessness), denying the judgment of death for sin and apostasy. One of the basic sins of humankind is unbelief in God’s word. It is believing that somehow God does not really mean what He says about salvation, righteousness, sin, judgment, and death. Satan’s most persistent lie is that unrepentant, deliberate sin and rebellion against God will not necessarily bring separation from God and eternal condemnation.”
As he did with the first man and woman, the adversary tells us “Ye shall not surely die” (Gen. 3:4).
Escaping the judgment of a holy God has long been the vain imagination of depraved men, fueled by the enemy of all righteousness who has come “to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (Jn. 10:10).
“Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” ~ Ecclesiastes 8:11
“Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it.” ~ Psalms 10:13
Question: “Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God?
Answer: “He hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it.”
The hearts of those who are not in fellowship with the LORD say “The LORD will not ‘require it’ of me. He will not bring me into accountability for my life in this world. After all, He has not done anything to me for my wrongdoing thus far. I am okay in my sins; God will just overlook them.”
Lucifer’s lure capitalizes on the sinful nature of men, preying upon his desire to be his own god, controlling his own destiny. Somehow, according to this revelation and others, it is within man’s makeup to believe that because his Creator is not presently executing tangible judgment for his sin, he believes that God is not going to judge him at all. So, unregenerate man goes on sinning with reckless abandon, not realizing that that Great and Terrible Day of Judgment lies just ahead.
The first man and woman bought into the first lie that claims there is no consequence for violating the command of the one true God. Such self-deception is no new thing. Since the first man and woman, people have sought to define right and wrong on their own terms instead of simply acknowledging what the LORD says. As the first couple found out, it is a losing endeavor to determine truth by how it fits one’s lifestyle instead of by God’s non-negotiable counsel given us in His Word (Jn. 17:17; Rom. 3:3-4; 2 Tim. 3:16). Defining truth on one’s own terms is buying into the lie of the ages presented to every man by the evil one who “walketh about seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8).
When men seek to redefine truth on their own terms, they unwittingly create a god in their own image—one who accepts them in their sins with no judgment. They then migrate to pastors and teachers who will tickle their itching ears with smooth messages void of the full-counsel revelation of Holy Scripture (Jer. 5:30-31; 2 Tim. 4:2-4).
After Adam and Eve, it was their son Cain who sought to make up his own way to God on his own terms. He failed. To Cain and to all who seek through religion, whether self-styled or organized, the Almighty would ask: “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door” (Gen. 4:7).
The LORD says to Cain “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?” This simply means “If you will do things the way I prescribed, will I not fully accept you as I did your brother Abel?” Cain hardened his heart and refused to do things God’s way by offering the type of sacrifice God requires. Due to his own choice to rebel against the Most High he became so filled with the enemy that he killed his own brother (Gen. 4).
This is a classic example of how the enemy led this man Cain to believe that he could make up his own rules, violating the holy Creator and still escape His just judgment. Like Cain, millions of faithful religionists today have a mere formula of godliness while denying the power of a truly surrendered life to the one true God who sent His only begotten Son as the only sacrifice for the sins of men (2 Timothy 3:5).
When he was able to successfully persuade the first man to violate the command of the LORD, Satan gained access to authority over the man by the sin of the man (Isaiah 59:1-2; Ephesians 4:27; James 4:7). Jesus re-gained that authority for His highest and prized creation and all those who come into relationship with Him experience the abundant blessings that come along with being saved by His precious blood (Jn. 10:10; Rom. 5:17; 1 Pet. 1:18-19).
“For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)” Romans 5:17
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” ~ John 3:16-17
PRAYER: Father in Heaven, please unite my heart to fear Thy name and keep it from falling prey to this same lie that led to Adam and Eve’s fall. Quicken my heart in the fear of the LORD. Please teach me that there are many harsh consequences for disobeying You, by not doing what You say, by sinning against You. Convict my heart of sin, and I beg You to make my conscience extremely sensitive to Your conviction and leading. Change my heart, O LORD. Grant me a heart of flesh that delights to live in Your presence and do Your perfect will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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“They that were Scattered Abroad went every where Preaching the Word” [podcast]
When persecution hit Jerusalem where the body of Christ was dwelling….
“Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.” Acts 8:4
“Persecution hit Jerusalem in a few significant periods: first, in the years following Jesus’s death, when the early Christian church was persecuted by Jewish authorities led by Saul (Acts 8:1-3).”
Remember, God allowed great persecution in Jerusalem in order to get His people to scatter to the ends of the earth.
“Jesus promised his disciples three things: that they would be completely fearless, absurdly happy, and in constant trouble.” – GK Chesterton
“And he said unto them, GO YE INTO ALL THE WORLD, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15
This was right after the beloved deacon, servant of the LORD Stephen was murdered. See Acts 7:51-8:4.
Believer’s Bible Commentary
Acts 8:1
“A new era begins with the words, “At that time.” Stephen’s death seemed to trigger a widespread assault against the church. Believers were scattered throughout … Judea and Samaria.
The Lord had instructed His followers to begin their witness in Jerusalem, but then to branch out to Judea, Samaria, and the end of the earth. Up to this time their witness had been confined entirely to Jerusalem. Perhaps they had been timid about branching out. Now they are forced to do it by persecution.
From the human standpoint, it was a dark day for the believers. The life of a member of their fellowship had been laid down. They themselves were being chased like rabbits. But from the divine standpoint, it was not dark at all. A grain of wheat had been planted in the ground, and much fruit would inevitably result. The winds of affliction were scattering the seeds of the gospel to distant places, and who could estimate the extent of the harvest?”
In light of this biblical revelation, do we really think the LORD wouldn’t be allowing persecution to hit America in order to scatter His people across His earth in order to reach the billions who are unreached? The answer is obvious.
“Acts 8:4
They that were scattered – went every where preaching – Thus the very means devised by Satan to destroy the Church became the very instruments of its diffusion and establishment. What are counsel, or might, or cunning, or rage, or malice, against the Lord, whether they are excited by men or devils!” Adam Clarke
Of this passage, the Believer’s Bible Commentary notes the following:
“8:4-8 The dispersal of the Christians did not silence their testimony. Everywhere they went they carried the good news of salvation. Philip, the “deacon” of chapter six, headed north to the city of Samaria. He not only proclaimed Christ but performed many miracles. Unclean spirits were driven out and the paralyzed and lame were healed. The people gave heed to the gospel, and, as might be expected, great joy resulted.
The primitive church obeyed the explicit commands of Jesus Christ:
It went out as Christ had gone (Jhn_20:21; cf. Act_8:1-4).
It sold its goods and gave to the poor (Luk_12:33; Luk_18:22; cf. Act_2:45; Act_4:34).
It left father, mother, houses, and lands to go everywhere preaching the Word (Mat_10:37; cf. Act_8:1-4).
It made disciples and taught them to work and obey (Mat_28:18-19; cf. 1Th_1:6).
It took up its cross and followed Christ (Acts 4; 1 Thess. 2).
It rejoiced in tribulation and persecution (Mat_5:11-12; cf. Acts 16; 1Th_1:6-8).
It left the dead to bury their dead and went and preached the gospel (Luk_9:59-60).
It shook the dust from off its feet and moved on when men refused to hear (Luk_9:5; cf. Act_13:51).
It healed, exorcised, raised the dead, and bore lasting fruit (Mrk_16:18; Acts 3-16).”
“The Communication of thy faith”
“That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 7 For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.” Philemon 6-7
We are merely passing through saints. This is not our home.
“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;” 1 Peter 2:11
“New Creatures” …. given by God the “ministry of reconciliation” …. Christ’s “Ambassadors”
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-20
The body of Christ, each member, does our part in Christ’s Great Commission.
“WE are labourers TOGETHER with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:13-15
“Romans 10:14-15: ‘How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!’ The LORD saved me because someone preached the gospel to me! And I instantly knew that was what was missing in my life! How would I have known if I had not heard?” Karen Cochran
The body of Christ alone bears the Good News…. that in light of each of us being lost souls, sinners…. God sent His only begotten to die, be buried, and raised again from the dead for our justification! See Romans 4:25; 5:6-8, etc.
You are a bearer of this Good News beloved of God. No one else can be—except those who are HIS. With the love, joy, and peace of Jesus emanating from your heart, take off that lampshade and unleash that beautiful smile and let the world around you know of Christ’s love for them! He proved this love by dying on that cross for them! (John 15:13)
“The love of Christ constraineth (compels) us.” 2 Corinthians 5:14
The 3 Ways God’s People can Participate in Christ’s Great Commission
1. Praying (Matthew 9:35-38).
2. Witnessing, sowing and communicating the Word (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 8:11).
3. Supporting, supplying those of God’s people who are doing His Great Commission, preaching the Word (2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Philippians 2:25; 4:16-20).
The writing is on the wall for the wicked false professors.
IF you aren’t participating in the Great Commission, you are a lost soul/counterfeit.
In light of the fact that Jesus gave us His Great Commission command, what did Jesus tell us in Matthew 7:21? What was His warning to us in light of judgment to come?
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21
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Articles
“THAT REPENTANCE AND REMISSION OF SINS SHOULD BE PREACHED” [podcast]
“God … commandeth ALL men every where to repent.”
“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.” Acts 17:30-31
WHEN’s the last time your favorite preacher preached on the essential doctrine of REPENTANCE? Be sure of this – Christ’s true remnant is preaching repentance. Are you preaching that men must repent to be saved and ready for judgment? (Acts 17:30-31) If not, you are in need of repentance – before it’s too late. The lack preaching repentance is the fruit, the clear evidence that someone is not walking in the original Gospel of Christ but rather “another gospel” – a false gospel (Galatians 1:6-9)
With No Exception Christ’s True Body is Preaching that God Commands ALL Men Everywhere to Repent.
ALL who do not preach that men must repent to be saved are preaching “another gospel” and are “accursed.” (Galatians 1:6-9) Chamge my mind with Scripture!
Jesus commands His people to preach repentance. Did you know that? Oh and is there something else we are to preach? Yes. See if you catch it here in Jesus’ mandate to us:
“And that REPENTANCE AND REMISSION OF SINS SHOULD BE PREACHED in his name among all nations.” Luke 24:47
“Repentance and” what? – “repentance AND remission of sins” are to “be preached.”
Not just “repentance” but also “remission of sins.”
The whole message of repentance includes remission of sins (Luke 24:47). Are we preaching the whole or half the Gospel message Jesus commanded us to preach? See Acts 20:20, 27, 32.
Of necessity, the kingdom of Christ, “among all nations,” all peoples, must be preached and that Gospel begins with “repentance and remission of sins.”
“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:14
WHAT Gospel is to be preached by Christ’s disciples? – “this gospel of the kingdom.” And what must be preached as a necessity to enter Christ’s kingdom? Let us ascertain such.
God is unchanging. He gave us His Great Commission command to accomplish. Many are distracted and wasting their lives and resources on that which is not the Great Commission command Christ gave us and expects us to be fulfilling.
“I have set thee for a tower and a fortress among my people, that thou mayest know (discern) and try (test) their way.” Jeremiah 6:27
Today we have a less than neutered version of Christ’s Great Commission command…. It’s not even a faint resemblance of what Christ mandated. This is clearly the fulfillment of the great falling away from the faith of the Gospel foretold in Scripture. Jude 3
PREACHING and TEACHING the Gospel of repentance is the ONLY way men can be free from sin, cleansed, washed, and refreshed (Acts 3:19). REPENTANCE always precedes REFRESHING.
“REPENT ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of REFFRESHING shall come from the presence of the Lord;” Acts 3:19
By definition the band aid preaching of today has never dealt with the root of the issue and that means the issue will never go away. Nothing less than repentance from God’s people and obedience to his Great Commission command is going to change this nation.
Self-righteously screaming at people is not what we see Christ or His apostles and earliest followers doing. Such is ungodly. Yet in conversation, in any communication about Christ’s kingdom, the law to convict of sin and the divine call to repent should be included, along with believing on the LORD Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 16:30-31; 20:21; Galatians 3:24; 1 Timothy 1:7-10; Revelation 22:17, etc.).
God’s people are being called to be obedient to His Great Commission command. Jesus and His holy apostles never went around, set up clinics, and answered questions. They simply obeyed the Lord and preached His Gospel so that people could be saved into this Kingdom… His Father’s business.
BREAKING: THIS here is all that matters saints…… Jesus is coming and wants to be glorified in forgiving all sin and changing lives….
“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy 1:15
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10
Kingdom news is the only Good News and everything else is going to hell. Are you behind the KING and His work He sent us to do – so that He can forgive all sin and change lives?
This dear brother has been asking us lift him in pray for a while now. Thank God and that you answered that call to lift our brother in prayer. We all know that only God Himself can break us and separate us to Himself, away from the sin that otherwise has a death grip on our lives. Here’s what our dear brother sent this morning:
“Praise report…The Holy Spirit broke me down…and for the 1st time in 42 years I’ve left nothing on the back burner, I’ve left nothing in reserve … it’s not Jesus and…it’s not Jesus but…. No, it’s just Jesus … that cross of my salvation. I’m free indeed!
Thank you brother! I’m truly being made free for the first time… I’ve wasted years holding on to temporary sin…. but no more! The Holy Spirit has been flowing, even today at work! Thanks again brother …. pray for my strength and endurance. I preached it yesterday and people gave up drugs and all sin afterwards (they came to real repentance). Jesus has been so good to me! I can never thank Him enough for his life…” Chris
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” Luke 4:18-19
The Betrayal
This generation of “preachers” has betrayed God and their fellow man. They will set up gathering to answer questions but unlike Paul on Marrs Hill, refuse to preach repentance. And, the professing “Christian” church today loves it. Think about it…. for example, Turning Point USA has over 270,000 monthly supporters and aren’t even preaching the Word of God. That means no one is getting saved or even convicted of their sins. THAT is not the Great Commission Jesus mandated that His people fulfill. Teaching and preaching His Word and preaching repentance sums up our LORD’s Great Commission command to us – and for which He is holding us 100% fully accountable. See Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 24:47.
Jesus died for our sins, for the sins of the world so that repentance could be preached and souls be saved into His eternal kingdom family. He commanded that repentance be preached. No one can or will do this except His own people. And, He gave “the promise of the Father” to His people to empower them in this mission – the baptism with the Holy Ghost (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8). Read this closely:
“And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And THAT REPENTANCE AND REMISSION OF SINS SHOULD BE PREACHED in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And ye are witnesses of these things. 49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” Luke 24:46-49
The professing “church” in America wants to restore America – so they can go back to living their lukewarm hell bound lives in peace (Revelation 2:4-5; 3:15-16). They don’t want to repent and do things God’s way. Beware of the prevalent false gospel which is any varation from the original Gospel given us by our LORD on the pages of His Holy Word (Galatians 1:10). We are to earnestly contend against this grace-perverting false gospel and the “ungodly men” who peddle it.
“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 3-4
NOTHING good happens until we get honest and repent. “Times of refreshing from the presence of the LORD” come only to those who repent (Acts 3:19). They are the only happy people on this earth and will forever enjoy the splendor of eternal glory with their soon coming KING (Revelation 21). Boom Jesus!
Though nearly never heard in today’s apostate modern church world, according to Christ’s unchanging original Gospel, repentance is an absolute necessity.
Karen Cochran observes:
“It doesn’t seem the word repent is part of Christians vocabulary!! In th emodern church, it’s all about God accepting you the way you are without any requirements to repent and die to self.”
LOTS of miserable people in this fallen world. Why? Read the paragraph above again (Proverbs 13:15; Revelation 3:15-16). Remember what Jesus says to the lukewarm?
“Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and MISERABLE, and poor, and blind, and naked:” Revelation 3:17
Letting the truth be known.
People cannot be forgiven of their sins, set free, refreshed, blessed, etc., until they repent and so “how shall they hear without a preacher?” See Romans 10:14. How shall those living in sin hear the message of Gospel, to repent, unless the true body of Christ communicates this message?
Anyone not preaching sin and repentance is not preaching the original Gospel but rather is walking in “another gospel” (Galatians 1:6-9).
Preaching the essential of repentance eliminates easy believism. Anyone preaching a “salvation” without the necessity of real repentance that brings forth fruit, clear proof of that repentance, is preaching a false gospel (Matthew 3:7-10).
WE’VE helped no one till we have delivered God’s Word to them and they repent.
“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” Luke 13:3
No true disciple of Jesus should ever lay his head down to rest after a day wherein he hasn’t plundered the gates of hell by the declaration of the original Gospel of Jesus which begins with the non-negotiable divine command to “repent” (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 20:21, etc.).
WHAT to preach?
— Repent (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 20:21, etc.).
— Receive Christ (John 1:12).
“Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, REPENTANCE TOWARD GOD, AND FAITH TOWARD OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.” Acts 20:21
Were we saved by our own merit or good works? No.
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:5-7
“How beautiful that He canceled our debt. How merciful and Holy!” Susan Harrison
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
“We were the guilty ones! And God’s justice says we deserve punishment! But in God’s infinite love for us Jesus died and paid the price for us! Jesus Christ was our only hope for us to be reconciled back to the Father! The plan for our salvation was established! Alleluia!” Karen Cochran
Fresh Repentance
May God bless each of us to come to fresh repentance and remission of our sins:
“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:12
“O Israel, return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity. 2 Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.” Hosea 14:1-2
“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.” Ezekiel 18:30
“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” James 4:6-10
PRAYER: Father in Heaven, I come to You in the name of Jesus Christ, admitting I have been living for my own evil glory. I am a sinner. I’ve committed the sin of idolatry, having myself first instead of You. I admit here and now before You that I have been committing the damning sin of spiritual adultery. I have claimed to know You and yet refused to uncompromisingly adhere to Your Word. Here and now, right now if never before, I repent and ask You to forgive my sins and to wash me afresh from my sins in the precious blood of Jesus Christ my LORD. Into Your hands I commend, I submit my spirit, my life, right this moment and ask You dear LORD to fill me with Your Holy Ghost and use me to preach Your glorious message of repentance to those around me so that they can receive the forgiveness of all their sins and walk in the times of refreshing from Your holy presence dear LORD. I love You Jesus. I am all Yours and I know You are all mine. In Jesus’ Name amen.
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