sgys banner books

Beware of the self-congratulatory grandstanding of those who establish their identity on what they are against. They are very proud, self-righteous, full of pride and arrogance, and blind. …Soon as you get off that bash-happy bandwagon, you will be the outsider and also under their cult-like attack.

Some base their bashing on historical knowledge. WHY do some give such strength to the catholic church and other devils throughout history? Is this not idolatry? If these people were truly righteous by Christ instead of self-righteous, perhaps they wouldn’t be giving such strength to Tertullian and the phony popes of Rome. It’s like they worship these devils by making THEIR word and evil doings final authority instead of the Word of God (John 8:47).

NEARLY everything in this fallen world is pagan and it doesn’t take a spiritual giant to see this simply truth. So, this season, WHY NOT posture ourselves to simply shine the light into the darkness of men’s hearts and ask God to use us to do what He sent us to do – to win someone to Jesus!? Perspective. Why waste time protesting instead of preaching the Gospel?

From David Taylor:
“Mighty ancient angels, Wise wealthy Pagan magicians, Hebrew Shepherds poor, animals, parents and relatives, were all drawn to this Divinely orchestrated event – the birth of the Messiah into flesh. And even today His truth still sounds, ‘If I shall be lifted up I shall draw all men unto me’. Rejoice!! Our Savior and King is alive forevermore!! Serve Him. Are you and yours ready for His imminent return and judgment? May God continue to bless as you serve the Lord Jesus. In Christ’s love,” David

SOME OF THESE HARANGUING “BULLIES” ARE SO AGAINST DECEMBER 25TH THAT IF SOMEONE GOT UP ON THE MORNING AND READ ABOUT JESUS BEING BORN INTO THE EARTH, THEY’D STONE THAT PERSON! THESE PEOPLE ARE SCARY – MUCH MORE SCARY THAN THOSE WHO SIMPLY DO NOT REALIZE ALL THE PAGANISM SURROUNDING CHRISTMAS. YET, IF THEY ARE INNOCENT OF IT AND THEIR CONSCIENCE IS NOT DEFILED BY IT, IT’S NOT SIN. READ 1 CORINTHIANS 8 AND ROMANS 14 BEFORE YOU DRAW CONCLUSION ON THIS AND GET ON GOD’S PAGE!

The self-righteous christmas bashing zealots are quick and forceful in pointing out “that’s pagan!” …. but Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8 ARE BIBLE! Have you studied and do you understand them? OR are you too busy studying Satan’s paganism?

PERSONALLY, I AM NOT GOING TO HAND THE VICTORY TO SATAN/PAGANISM BY NOT CELEBRATING JESUS AND HIS BIRTH/1ST COMING DURING THIS OR ANY SEASON …. YOU KEEP PROTESTING EVERYTHING IF YOU WANT…. I WILL NOT JOIN YOU…. JESUS CAME TO PREACH HIS HOLY LIGHT INTO THE DARKNESS OF THIS FALLEN WORLD AND NOT TO WASTE A SECOND CURSING THE DARKNESS WHICH IS FUTILITY. DID HE NOT KNOW ALL THE PAGAN DARKNESS BEFORE HE CAME? GO READ WHAT JESUS SPOKE IN HIS MINISTRY? WAS HE FOCUSED ON THE DARKNESS OR BRINGING THE LIGHT OF TRUTH? DID HE SAY TO HIS CHILDREN, “YE ARE THE DARKNESS OF THE WORLD” OR “YE ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD”? (MATTHEW 5:13-16)

SO BORN AGAIN BELIEVERS ARE SUPPOSED TO STOP WORSHIPING JESUS CHRIST BECAUSE OF WHAT SATAN AND HIS PAWNS HAVE DONE???!!!! Man, some of you false watchmen need to repent and when you truly do, God will give you a kingdom clue! …

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Did Jesus say: “Let your light so shine before men EXCEPT DURING THE MONTH OF DECEMBER, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven”??? Yes or no please.

Some people will scorn you for not jumping on their condemnation bandwagon.

So, those who insist upon calling damnation down upon the immature Christians and the heathen during this season, are disqualified from being used of the LORD. God cannot used them to win anyone to Christ because they’ve self-righteously taken up an offense, a cause against obvious paganism and congratulate themselves for doing so in many cases. They have not learned a simple truth, captured profoundly in James 1:20: “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” (James 1:20) God never instructed any of His servants to go out and hate sinners. Such would be completely unbefitting to rescued sinners now saved by the mercy of Christ alone (Titus 3:3-7). When Moses did so, when he chose to have unwarranted anger against God’s sinning people, the LORD pulled his rug and Moses was then disqualified to lead God’s people into the promised land, right? The Bible says that “God is angry with the wicked every day.” (Psalms 7:11) The fact that GOD is angry because HE alone is “Holy, holy, holy,” gives no mere man license to walk around all mad and protesting paganism and sin. To those who insist on being unduly angry, Jesus says “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.” Then Jesus informs us “For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.”(Luke 9:55-56)

This unrighteous, undue reveals a total lack of the cross in such people. When the cross is truly at the center of our lives, self is crucified and the life of Christ lived out. Are you God or are you a mere man? These fail to recognize they they are mere men and that the LORD alone is “Holy, holy, holy.” (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8) Jesus is God and He didn’t act this way toward us “WHILE WE were yet sinners.” (Romans 5:6-8) No, the Son of God didn’t protest our evil but instead He left the glory of His Father and came and died for us. We were already in sin. He came to rescued, to save us (Luke 19:10; 1 Timothy 1:15).

WHO do we think we are?! You are no hero for seeing the very very obvious sin and paganism in this fallen world. But what did the ONE you claim to follow do about it? He died to conquer it. He didn’t walk around all upset and mad at the rampant sin in this fallen world…. He conquered it through death (Hebrews 2:14-15) and calls us to do the same – re-enacting His death, burial and resurrection in our daily lives – so that He can reign in and through us (2 Corinthians 1:9; 4:10-12, etc.).

He’s coming soon. Who are you personally leading to Him? Notice that it’s “He that WINNETH souls (who?) is wise” in God’s eyes and not those who yell at, unduly condemn, and harshly speak to them…. but the wisdom of God is proven to be in those who actually “WINNETH souls.” (Proverbs 11:30)

Beware of those who Beat Up God’s People

Perhaps Jesus would say to us today …”Shut your mouth, get on your face, lay down your life in this world, die the death, and go win someone to Me!”

Saints, we are not heroes or highly enlightened to recognize the evil around us – 24/7/365!

Again, in case some seek to say that I am justifying my own participation in Christmas, be informed that I do not participate….. yet worship Him, thank God for the gift of the eternal Word, and choose to ask Jesus to shine His light in and through His vessels during this and all seasons of the year (Matthew 5:16). Did Jesus or His holy apostles walk around all mad, with no divine joy, because of the myriad of paganism that was all around them as they walked the earth? Yes or not please. The Bible speaks of the great joy Jesus had (Psalms 45:7; John 15:11; Hebrews 1:9). Protesting paganism is going to lead not one lost soul to Jesus and is actually preventing them from being saved through the lives of those who are too immature to simply winsomely minister to them.

This topic brings out the legalism that still resides in many among us and their lack of being established in the grace of God (Hebrews 13:9). …. Is this an essential? Will those Christians who put up a tree be damned for such? No. That means this is a NON-essential. Putting up a tree, especially having no intention to worship that inanimate object, is on not one of the many lists of sins in the New Testament. Please study Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8.

SOME are saying that trees are evil because during this season people decorate them. So, they judge those who have Christmas trees today. Yet, do you know anyone who worships that tree? I don’t. No, I don’t have a Christmas tree. Just attempting to make a point. ……. To attempt to demonize ANY part of God’s creation – what He purposely created for His own purposes – is treading on thin ice. the MIS-use of anything by mere humans in no way negates the purpose for which God created the thing being misused. The misuse of any part of the LORD’s creation does not make that something evil. Only Satan, fallen angels, and the hearts of men can be evil because they are created being with choice, free moral agency. Inanimate objects cannot possibly be evil. They have no breath of life in them and therefore have no free will to exercise themselves for or against the Maker of all things. …. WE must truly submit ourselves afresh to the LORD, crying out to Him for His understanding and wisdom and to establish our hearts with His grace (Hebrews 13:9). See 1 Corinthians 8.

Jeremiah 10

Jesus and His apostles came around LONG after trees were used to perform idol worship (Jeremiah 10)…. Did Christ or even one of His holy apostles ever mention, much less call out this sin? chapters and verses please

What’s God getting at in Jeremiah 10? Notice that “the way of the heathen” He is addressing involves WORSHIPPING the inanimate object of a tree, not the tree itself. The LORD created trees and had Noah use them to build the ark and allow them to be used to crucify the LORD of glory. The LORD makes clear in this passage that trees have no free will and therefore cannot sin. Only man was created in His holy image and has the ability to worship Him or rebel against Him.
 
“Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.
Jer 10:3 For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.
Jer 10:4 They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.
Jer 10:5 They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.
Jer 10:6 Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art great, and thy name is great in might.
Jer 10:7 Who would not fear thee, O King of nations? for to thee doth it appertain: forasmuch as among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like unto thee.
Jer 10:8 But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock is a doctrine of vanities.” Jeremiah 10:2-8

FOR THE RECORD, to further denigrate the modern pharisees, this believer does not celebrate Christmas, does not have a tree or any associated decor. Yet will those who do be damned for it? This disciples DOES, with no apology ever to any mere man or devil, celebrate Jesus 24/7/365 …. and is defending the God-given liberties for each and every Christian in the way they worship, as long as it’s not an essential – which this is not. There is no hint or attempt to justify paganism and yet, if a person’s heart is not deliberately worshiping another god (false god), they’re not committing a soul damning sin. Read Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8.

“These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” – 2 Peter 2:7-22

NO AMOUNT OF ATTENTION PAID AND SPENT ON DIGGING UP THE EVIL OF PAGANISM NEGATES WHAT THE BIBLE TELLS US ABOUT CHRIST AND HIS FIRST COMING BY WAY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND A VIRGIN.

Think for a minute about the focus of those who insist on digging up the paganism in this season – something most Christians do not participate with in the first place. Where did they get that from? They got this from the SDA (Seventh Day Adventist) and JW (Jehovah Witness) cults. Those people are not saved.
So, their focus is not on Christ but rather they relish in paganism. In fact, they do not ever mention or acknowledge the Son of God who was born of the Holy Spirit through a virgin in fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2, etc.). These people shun Scripture which clearly, irrefutably reveals that the shepherds, angels of God, wise, men, and John the Baptist all celebrated the first coming of the eternal, divine Word of God (Matthew 1-2; Luke 1-2; John 1, etc.). Seems to me that “the spirit of antichrist” (x-ing out Christ) is behind these people. After all, just stand back and watch them …. they are not preaching Christ.

Is it pure idolatry to celebrate Christmas or birthdays? Does that not depend on the person’s heart as in all these non-essential matters? So if someone participates in some sort of Christmas celebration, does that mean they are not saved? Hardly. It’s a non-essential on either one of these and that’s the point. Read Romans 14; 1 Corinthians 8.

Ryan Dudley wisely writes: “Ignorance isn’t having a , ignorance is thinking a Jesus worshipper worships a .”

Ryan Dudley makes a good point saints. No, a tree won’t send anyone to hell so please get over that legalism. Idolatry is sin and ask yourself: Have you ever met a person who worships their christmas tree? I don’t even know any that is a lost soul who does such.

Was Jesus born on December 25th? No. …. “I don’t wanna be bound to a day for Christ Jesus being born, but everyday knowing that He was born into this world to save the sinners. Amen.” Jason Cherry

Personally, I don’t celebrate or protest either actually and yet and blessed that these holiday occasions present times for people to come together and for Christ’s love to be shown.

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. 24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. 25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. 26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.” Matthew 23:23-26 

Here Jesus makes it clear that pharisees over emphasize minors and under emphasize majors.

THE REAL SINNERS …. ARE THE SELF-RIGHTEOUS, BLIND, PHARISEES WHO MAKE A BIG ISSUE OUT OF 1) CELEBRATING ANY PART OF CHRIST, OR 2) SINNING BY JUDGING OTHER CHRISTIANS ON SOMETHING THAT IS NON-ESSENTIAL. AFTER ALL, WHO DO YOU KNOW WHO IS BOWING DOWN AND WORSHIPING A CHRISTMAS TREE? I DIDN’T DO THAT BEFORE I WAS SAVED, DID YOU?

SO YOU have more faith in Satan and his paganism than you do JESUS CHRIST? Wow! Is that not the sin of idolatry? If you are so discerning and so holy, why not preach Christ instead of dwelling on His enemy and paganism?

Those who are “weak IN the faith” are still God’s children and we should be praying for and feeding them and helping grow in grace and not wasting our time bashing obvious paganism. Mature Christians do not participate in blatant paganism and yet, they also help those believers who are “weak in the faith” learn and grow. “Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.” (Rom. 14:1) 

IF IN FACT this is Satan’s busiest time of year (December), why not preach Christ – the light of the world – into the midst of it? … WHILE pretending to be “holy,” the self-righteous, self-serving legalist is so weak that he fears that doing a neutral activity will cause him to backslide and so he seeks to impose restrictions on others instead of minding his own business and working out his own salvation with fear and trembling, allowing God to work in himself and others. Philippians 2:12-13; Psalms 138:8

These people who come out viciously concerning all the paganism they study about in Christmas are consumed with self-righteousness which is sin. It’s like all they can think of and worship is the paganism they dig up and focus on …. “An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.” Prov 16:27

So you are saying someone who gets a Christmas tree is going to hell? Chapter and verses please?

The word “heretick” concerns causing unnecessary divisions. Titus 3:10 Such are to be rejected.

Let’s get a clue saints: The world was covered in darkness for 4,000 years when Jesus fulfilled prophecy and came into this world. The world – every human being – was fallen, guilty before God and separated from Him. So why did Jesus say He came? Did He come to condemn? No, the world – all of us – were ALREADY condemned!

There is no Scripture that forbids Christians from celebrating Jesus on any of the 365 days He made …. the rebuke is biblical and is to those who seek to infringe upon the God given liberty of each believer in NON-essentials. Read Romans 14 please.

Memorize this truth and it will change your life:

“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3:17

Shine the light of truth saints! Show and communicate God’s love for those around you by ministering He who is “the light of the world” and sent you to be His “light” and “salt of the earth.” (Matthew 5:13-16)

These devilish pawns who run around pounding paganism have never led anyone to CHRIST! Do we not begin to see their darkness now? Who would want the false “jesus” they have anyway? No one. Prudes don’t know Christ who “was anointed with gladness (joy) ABOVE all his fellows.” (Hebrews 1:9) “The JOY of the LORD is your strength” to make Him known! (Nehemiah 8:10) When a person truly abides in Jesus, the Bible says they will have “the fruit of the Spirit” which is “Love, JOY, peace …” (Matthew 5:22-23) Do you have the joy of Jesus? (John 15:11; Hebrews 1:9, etc.)

“Prove (test) all things; hold fast that which is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21) 

SO MANY people hear some half cocked novice preacher say something and live by that message for years – never stopping to compare it to the whole counsel of God’s Word. For example, I’ve heard 10 people say lately things like: “We are not to celebrate Christ’s birth, only His death.”

Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus … His incarnation into flesh as He came to redeem us (John 1:14).

Jesus Christ is divine and had no beginning or end as such … yet He did have a day in which we were blessed beyond measure to have Him born into this world – to save us. THAT’s what Christians celebrate 24/7/365. We don’t know what exact day that was and so we magnify the Lamb of God every single day!

The Shepherds and the Angels

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 

10  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 

11  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:8-11 

Though we don’t know nor need to know the exact day Jesus was born into this earth, there was a certain day He was born into this world to redeem us as is indicated by verse 11 above – “this day.”

First let me say that we are to make no mistake that ANY and all attempts to draw attention away from Christ are coming from an antichrist who is under “the spirit of antichrist” who is Satan himself (1 John 4:1-3).

Beware of the Sinful, Savior-Denying Scrooges! Is there EVER a Time Not to Worship Jesus Christ? That is a Yes or No question please….. WHAT spirit is behind the protesting of Christ’s birth? It’s certainly not the Holy Spirit because that would contradict His own Word – where angels and His people greatly celebrated the first coming of Jesus, without which He could never have died for the sins of the world (Matthew 1-2; Luke 1-2).
Some who are self-appointed watchmen preach paganism. That is obviously their focus. They refuse to state or deal with SCRIPTURE concerning the birth of the Messiah into the earth – from Old and New Testaments. They set the very Word of God aside while claiming to be zealous for God! Wow, then they call everyone else pagan and sinful who refuse to join in. These angry, self-centered people come out of the woodworks every December to make this an issue of paganism – because THAT is their focus. Have you noticed? The true body of Christ simply takes this season and all seasons to celebrate Christ!
Want to test that Doctrine? Want to see if we are only to celebrate Jesus’ death?

Throw the first chapters of the Gospels away and the prophets and their prophetic utterances. They greatly glorified God for the long awaited Messiah. They certainly, incontrovertibly celebrated the very Word God becoming flesh to dwell among us and die for our sins (John 1:14).

One sister writes:

“No matter what time of the year it is, just thinking about the birth of Jesus is enough to put a smile on everyone’s face… His birth is as important as His death… From the throne room to the manger to the cross, Christ came so that in Him we might pass from bondage to freedom, from death to life. Thank God for His Son–His gift too wonderful for words. Most important for us is that the Son of God did come. He that made man was made man… And on that fact hangs our life. Christ came at the Father’s bidding to release us from the death-grip of sin. How He accomplished this is the story of the cross. Isn’t it that Christ first advent is a wonderful gift for us to celebrate?”

Throw the whole Old Testament away and all the prophecies of the Messiah away if you are going to vainly attempt to diminish aught from celebrating Jesus Christ’s birth. By audaciously attempting such, you are taking away from the Word of God (Revelation 22:18-19). When we read Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2, we see among others, the following divinely authenticated created beings celebrating the birth of the eternal Word Himself, Jesus Christ:

  • The angels
  • “a multitude of the heavenly host” (Luke 2:13)
  • The wise men
  • Mary
  • John the Baptist

So, you herald JESUS at His death but not His birth? Really? Wouldn’t a true Jesus worshiper not glorify the Son of God in every aspect of His pre-incarnate, the beginning of His incarnation (virgin birth), life, ministry, mission, teachings, death, burial, and resurrection? After all, all of it is in God’s Word, right?

It doesn’t matter exactly WHAT DAY He was born into His earth … it’s not a sin for any individual Christian to celebrate Jesus and any part of His life on any and all days. So are you going to rebuke a born again believer because he chooses to celebrate Jesus during this season? WHO even mentioned trees, ornaments or nimrod? What do they have to do with this?

It’s absurd to say it’s un-biblical to celebrate ANY part of the pre-incarnate, birth in the flesh, life, ministry, death, burial, and resurrection of the Messiah. Have you read Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2 to see all the biblical characters who celebrated His birth into the earth? Angels, Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, John the Baptist, etc. Seems like you are letting paganism neglect the LORD and the myriad of Scriptures – prophetic and the fulfillment of His first coming without which He could not have died for our sins…..

“Come now let us REASON together” (Isaiah 1:18) It’s simply unreasonable to judge others for using this season to thank God for the first coming of Christ – the eternal, divine Word made flesh to die for our sins.

IT’S LIKE SOME ACT AS IF GOD TAKES A VACATIONS DURING DECEMBER. THEY’D HAVE YOU THINK JESUS DOESN’T WANT TO DRAW IN AND SAVE SOULS THAT MONTH BECAUSE THIS THING CALLED PAGANISM IF BIGGER THAN GOD IS HAHA

Let’s stop passing on things that do not pass the test of the whole testimony of God’s Word. After all, let’s forget trying to find a Scripture in all of the Bible that forbids (calls a sin) celebrating the birth of the LORD Jesus Christ, Heaven’s King.

We are simply observing the Bible’s testimony of worship Jesus Christ every hour of every day of every year and also defending the God-given liberty for each and every believer to worship as he or she wishes in non-essentials. Those who infringe upon the personal liberties of other believers are in sin. Read Romans 14 and repent.

SOME PEOPLE ARE MORE HUNG UP ON CHRISTMAS TREES THAN THEY ARE ON JESUS! WOW THEY BASH THE PAGANISM OF CHRISTMAS TREES MORE THAN THEY PREACH CHRIST. DOES SOMETHING SEEM AMISS? ARE THEY NOT ACTING AS IF A CHRISTMAS TREE IS A SOUL DAMNING SIN? ARE THEY NOT ELEVATING A CHRISTMAS TREE ABOVE CHRIST HIMSELF?

Could it be the spirit of antichrist behind those who in the guise of protesting paganism get Christians not to appreciate and celebrate the very coming of the Messiah? …. as did the shepherds, angels, wise men, John the Baptist, and others (Matt. 1-2; Luke 1-2).

Seems to me that it could only be Satan who would draw attention away from Christ and people celebrating His 1st coming. …. All in the name of paganism. These people who protest the celebration of Christ’s birth seem to know all the facts about Satan’s paganism while completely ignoring the numerous Scripture passage in Old and New Testaments about the 1st coming of the Messiah and the many who celebrated it. In fact, such people must be under the control of “the spirit of antichrist.” 1 John 4:1-3

Allen Penner writes: “1) Celebrating Christmas is NOT a pagan tradition; its a celebration of our Lord and Savior’s birth. Let us not attribute to Satan the greatest gift of God. 2) What did the three wise men do immediately upon finding Jesus in a manger? They GAVE GIFTS! There is no evil in blessing others with giving and reflecting the character of Christ/act of God’s giving the gift of Jesus. 3) The true evil, is when one disregards the true nature and meaning of Christmas…to celebrate the birth of the perfect sacrifice. It is neither “wrong” nor unbiblical to follow the pattern and do acts of love, and kindness; selflessness and giving; or to create a festive atmosphere in celebration of Christ. 4) The secondary evil…is exhibited in those who choose not to reflect the type of love God displayed in Christ; instead choosing to hate, bash, belittle, and condemn others. Does Romans 8:1 not say:  ‘There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.’?? Then how is it we rashly and harshly condemn others for celebrating Jesus’ birth in a different way? Did Paul not insist that we as believers not belittle or judge others for their different method of worship? ( 1 Cor. chapters 8 & 10) In the end folks…calling Christmas evil is akin to calling Christ evil; since it is celebrating the birth of our only source of justification. Evil does not come from a “day,” nor from a “label” of what it is called…but from the enemy through the darkened hearts of those who choose to hate, to hurt, to belittle/bash, to demean/deny Christ, and to return condemnation for the grace we received in Christ. Christmas cannot be evil, yet one’s heart…greed….pride…bitterness…envy…. quickness to condemn are. The Pharisees also were condemned by Christ Himself for their legalism, lack of the greater elements of love/mercy, grace and forgiveness. They also chose to condemn mankind based on their own presumptions of a person’s faithfulness. Let us at the very least…intentionally choose to love, forgive, edify, and encourage…but ultimately, worship God for the birth of Christ. So long as this is our intention…no amount of decoration, shiny lights, fancy wrapped gifts….can be an instrument of evil.
Brother Brandon Elliott testifies to this following sanctifying work of Christ in His life:
“I used to get on my family even others about this. until the Lord opened my eyes about it. so much of the world wants to and tries to take God out of everything schools government and now we have Christians being seduced and ” watchman ” wanting to take Christ out of Christmas . while there is much paganism and as you mentioned the 25th isn’t the actual birthdate there is nothing wrong with celebrating the birth of Christ. we now have Christians wanting to take God out of things due to there endless continuous search of digging up evil . the enemy has cleverly and strategically distracted many to focus on non essential issues and the Gospel is neglected in that search and digging up of evil. the bible says a ungodlyman digs up evil. and its sad so many go out of their way to dig and search. and in that love waxes cold. its a painful process but needed. painful to see how wrong I was about certain things. being broken again is sometimes what it takes. for me I am in that being broken again process. I recently made a new facebook and closed the one I have had since 2010. I got caught up in these watchman sects legalism non essentials. at the time I didn’t see I was teaching but needed again to be taught. So with that being said please lift me in prayer because it is a battle daily I’m being fought against by the enemy of truth. I see now I wasn’t always living in liberty the freedom we have in our Lord Jesus Christ. I was bound by fear even compromised at times for fear of what these sects would say. but thanks be to God healing has began and freedom is winning because there is victory in repentance.”

IDOLATRY AND PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE:

IN LIGHT OF THE FOLLOWING BIBLE PASSAGE, IS A PERSON WHO SETS UP A CHRISTMAS TREE AUTOMATICALLY COMMITTING IDOLATRY? ARE THEY GOING TO HELL? THAT IS A YES OR NO QUESTION PLEASE.

1 Corinthians 8

“Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.

3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.

5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)

6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.

9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;

11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?

12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.

13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.”

One saint writes: “The Lord used trees to adorn His sanctuary. If I use ornamental trees to adorn my yard, does that make me a pagan and idol worshiper? If I string lights on those trees, am I paying homage to it? You see the logic? I am a gardener, so I love plants, trees, shrubs, flowers etc. It doesn’t make me a pagan.”

“The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious.” Isaiah 60:13 

More from this disciple here:

“FYI brother, the early church DID celebrate Christmas on the 25th of Dec, though it was not called Christmas. Here is what I discovered…

The birth of Christ or ‘festival of Christ’s birthday.’ Byzantine Emperor Nicephorus recorded this event:

‘At Nicomedia (a city of Bithynia) when the festival of Christ’s birth-day came, and a multitude of Christians in all ages had assembled together in the temple to celebrate that birth-day. Diocletian the tyrant, having gotten an advantageous occasion whereby he might accomplish his madness and fury, sent men thither to enclose the temple, and to set it on fire round about, and so consumed them all to ashes, even twenty thousand persons.”

John Selden in his monumental work, Theanthropos (1661, pp. 33, 34), confirms Nicephorus’ report, saying that ancient Greek and Roman martyrologies date this event to Dec. 25th. It is probable that this occurred in A.D. 303-304. -Levi Madison’”

Joy that is Fruitful!

Should Christians Celebrate Christmas?

Sign up for free email devotional HERE… The Moments with My Master email devotional is sent out for the edification of the body of Christ.

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

An Heart Established with Grace [podcast]

REALLY GOOD – BELOW: SKIP TO 18:00

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

Articles

Mercy. Mercy. Mercy. forgiveness Drop the Rock, Sinner!

mercy mandate

 

 

Lifting up the downtrodden. Restoring the fallen.

WE both know that if God weren’t mega merciful, we both would have been in the bottom of hell, long ago ….. Should we not return that mercy to others in our dispositions, thoughts, attitudes, and words? Memorizing Ephesians 4:32 in the KJB will change our lives. Body life! Heavenly Mercy! https://safeguardyoursoul.com/heavenly-mercy-and-love/

Memory Bible Verse

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32

“kind”

“tenderhearted”

“forgiving”

drop the rock by looking in the mirror

when you look into the mirror and see the vilest wretch on the planet, the motivation to give mercy will fill your heart

Fueled by our own great gratitude for how God has so mercifully dealt with us…. When we have the opportunity to show mercy, we must readily, forthrightly bestow it, even as God has been so merciful to each of us. – “For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.” (James 2:13) Jesus says: “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” (Matthew 5:7)

“Refusal to pray because of the guilt of your sins is like refusing to take you bath because you are dirty. Pray.” Augustine Mario

“God has a multitude of mercy (Psalm 5:7), is “plenteous in mercy” (Psalm 86:5), “rich in mercy” (Ephesians 2:4), and has “abundant mercy” (1 Peter 1:3). Wow! And I need all of that! But the real test is since He gives me all that mercy, do I extend mercy to others? If I don’t show mercy to others I will not receive mercy from God. James 2:13.” Karen Cochran

”  Romans 8:33-34
I was recently told by a dear sister in Christ that another lady had harshly judged her for a sin she had in the past committed – a sin God had already forgiven because the sister had repented and confessed it to the LORD (1 John 1:9). Here’s one of the things I reminder her of: There’s not one Christian who has not sinned AFTER Jesus saved them. She proves to be not walking in the saving grace of Christ, otherwise she’d have leveled no such thing at you. God is calling her to repentance. When we are personally experiencing the mercy, the grace of God in our lives in that abiding vital union, relationship, including in His forgiveness, we will show that same mercy to others.
“Justice will be served. Do not spend your life trying to clear your name. It is a wiser course of action to keep on with the task at hand, to trust God to vindicate in due course.” unknown
WHO is going to “obtain mercy”?
“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7

IF you are born again and presently abiding in Christ, all of your past sins are gone, they are washed away by Christ’s precious blood – as far as the east is from the west – to infinity!!! Ps 103:10-12 I like opening the Bible and reading Matthew 7:1-5 to these type self righteous devils.

 

Think we might need to joyfully unload mercy on others lest we forfeit the mercy of God on our own lives?

“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” Mark 11:25-26

Memorize:

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32

Now, pray, seeking God daily on the basis of what is written in Ezekiel 36:24-26.

“And didn’t we also put Jesus on the cross because of our sin? Isaiah 53:6. I think how many times over and over the Lord has extended, undeserved, mercy and grace to me! All I can do is fall on my face before Him in thankfulness. Because He did find me and save me. Yet I do not love Him enough. And I fail Him but He keeps extending mercy and grace to me. Thank you Jesus you are long suffering towards us. And your mercies never fail and are new every morning!” Karen Cochran

“OBEDIENT IN ALL THINGS”

Our attitudes are very important to the LORD (1 Samuel 16:7).

HOW are we viewing those whom GOD has forgiven for their sin?

How did Paul instruct the Corinthians saints to view the now forgiven, once fornicator? Read 1 Corinthians 5 then bounce directly to 2 Corinthians 2.

Summation of 1 Corinthians 5: Unrepentant fornicator who was turned over the Satan and then repented. Now that he’s forgiven, Paul tells these same saints who surrounded this man…..

2 Corinthians 2
Forgive the Sinner
5 But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all.
6 Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many.
7 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.
8 Wherefore I beseech you that ye would CONFIRM YOUR LOVE TOWARD HIM.
9 For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be OBEDIENT IN ALL THINGS.
10 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;
11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

Unbiblical bad attitudes of unforgiveness will bring Satan’s “devices.” And what does Satan do? – steal, kill, destroy (John 10:10).

“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” Mark 11:25-26

FORGIVE from your heart or go to hell. That’s your choice. Matthew 18:21-35
Mark 11:25-26 – It becomes easy to forgive when you look in the mirror honestly and see all your own sins. Repent now.

Be sure of this …. If you die having not forgiven EVERYONE “from your heart”, hell is your eternal home (Matthew 18:21-35). You will never escape. Repent now. God was and has been unfathomably merciful to you and I and He requires that we show mercy to others – or perish. Look in the mirror at all your own sin and how mercifully God has been with you. Drop the rocks, now. Pray for that person(s) till God’s love overflows in your heart, till you are broken in a million pieces and brought by Him to the place of total brokenness and dependence!

“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” Mark 11:25-26

The God Who Is Ready To Forgive [podcast]
https://safeguardyoursoul.com/the-god-who-is-ready-to-forgive/

safeguardyoursoul.com

IF you die having not forgiven just 1 person you are going to hell. Mark 11:24-25

HOW can God possibly use me to show His mercy to others if I am not walking in His mercy toward others?

IF YOU DEAL mercilessly with others, undiluted harsh judgment is coming upon your own life. That’s a divine promise:

“For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.” James 2:13

Read that again. Memorize it.

YOU set the measure of the judgment/mercy coming upon your life from God by how you show such to others.

“Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:1-5

A wise disciple has rightly stated:

“Before you use God’s Word as a sword, use it as a mirror.”

 

If you have been born again and yet presently believe you are going to Heaven without forgiving EVERYONE, you are in need of getting right with God. Read what Jesus says in Matthew 18:21-25. Until you repent for real and forgive everyone freely, as God forgave your wretched soul through Christ, your own eternal soul is hanging by a spider thread over the fires of hell, sinner. You are not forgiven until you forgive all (Mark 11:25-26; Ephesians 4:32). See yourself for who you really are – the most wicked, undeserving sinner on the planet in the eyes of a holy God (Genesis 6:5, 12; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3; 7, etc.). Take it all to the foot of the cross. Lay down your life – before it’s too late.

Forgiveness Category on SafeGuardYourSoul.com
https://safeguardyoursoul.com/forgiveness/

 

“I sure don’t have much mercy in myself. I need to get it from God who is Rich in mercy . Ephesians 2:4.” Karen Cochran

“A good test of humility is how quickly one will repent and forgive others. Lord, help me be patient and hospitable during rush hour, and to remember that my times are in thy hand. (Ps. 31:15) 🤲 In Jesus name, Amen.” Jon Crane

Refusing to forgive someone is 100% SELFISH and reveals that you are the one who is in need of true repentance – before you die and go to hell irrevocably. If this is you, if you have even one person you have not sought God to forgive, your eternal soul is hanging by a spider thread over the flames of eternal damnation.

Jesus wasn’t playing! The flames of eternal hell await you, sinner.

“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” Mark 11:25-26

Think about what we do when we dare hold a grudge, refuse to freely forgive – to show mercy as God has so mercifully shown we ourselves – the worst most vile, evil sinners ever to exist: “BUT HE/SHE hurt ME!” There it is! It’s all about you! Jesus is not reigning on the throne of your heart – presently you are your own little god, a false god that cannot forgive your own sins or save you from the fires of eternal damnation.

You only hold that grudge, you only refuse to forgive because they hurt YOU and your life is all and only about you. You are separated from God who is holy. You yourself have hurt others and you want mercy and yet refuse to show mercy to those who’ve hurt you.

“He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” John 8:7

Drop the Rock, Sinner!

Smite your own filthy demonic heart before a holy God – before HE slams, vanquishes your vile existence forever into the domain of the damned, never to see light or experience an iota of comfort again.

Hint: We live in a fallen world – that means we’ve ALL sinned and done evil as well as being the victim of the sinful evil of others. If you will cease being a self-righteous hell bound full blown hypocrite you must learn to throw the stone at yourself! (Job 19:28)

Study the book of Romans this week. See your own wicked, evil self in chapters 3 and 7. Shut up and repent, now.

Those who are guilty of this wickedness are living like they’ve never read the Gospels – because they are certainly not living the truths Jesus sets forth. He told us that they crack WHORES will be in Heaven before you will be ! See Matthew 21:31.

“All pride and self-righteousness must be stripped out of us! We must see our complete unworthiness! Our utter inability to meet God’s standards! Knowing and admitting we are nothing without God! We are to be completely stripped of self! These are the people who will enter the kingdom of heaven. The meek! The ones who hunger and thirst for God’s righteousness, because they know theirs is but filthy rags. The pure in heart! Those without spot or wrinkle.” Karen Cochran

RUN TO JESUS, NOW!

YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, I come to You now, as the most wicked, evil, merciless, vicious sinner to ever walk and breathe upon Your planet. I fall prostrate before Your Majesty now, confessing that no one who’s ever lived needs You, Your precious mercy, more than this wretch. Here and now I fall upon Your mercy, undeservingly, asking You to forgive me, to break me, to crush me into absolute humility, only to be raised up out of those ashes with a disposition of utter poorness of spirit. In Jesus’ name, amen.

 

 

Wrongly judging other is many times a projection of one’s own sins upon others instead of repenting, receiving Christ and being saved.

Romans 2:1-3
“Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. 2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.
3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?”

“cloudiness and condemnations” our evil un-crucified hearts project, cast upon, affix to others

Zec_7:10  And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.
Zec_8:17  And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the LORD.

Romans 2:1-3
WHEN we see ourselves as God sees us without Christ – depraved, hopelessly desperately wicked, filthy rags – only then will see the person in the mirror for who he truly is – the vile wretch, the evil despicable sinner most in need of divine mercy. It’s then that will shall cease wrongly judging others instead of forgiving them, showing mercy on them as God has done with us via the blood of Christ’s cross (Ephesians 4:32; James 2:13).
 
We must learn to “love mercy” even as we need mercy – from God and others. Micah 6:8 https://safeguardyoursoul.com//mercy/

Forgiving ALL others from our hearts is no small detail. No, rather, your eternity rests upon it.

”  Matthew 18:21-35

 

If we ever get a clue as to the REAL SCORE – the way things really are – we will be frantically running to others to pour out divine mercy and never sulking in the sinful bitterness of unforgiveness. If you need it – give it. Dump truck loads!

Divine motivation to unleash mercy. Memorize Ephesians 4:32 and James 2:13 now.

https://safeguardyoursoul.com//mercy/

 

IN A LITTLE WHILE WE’LL BE WITH THE FATHER: It’s important in this short life to reckon with the fact that EVERYONE DOESN’T LIKE US! It’s part of life. Jesus, Paul, John, and every disciple who ever followed Christ was “hated.” (Matthew 10:22) In fact, Jesus taught us to be very concerned when all men like us and speak well of us (Luke 6:26). That’s His kingdom perspective saints. safeguardyoursoul.com

 

”  Matthew 5:10-12

HOW Christ’s kingdom works: Those who repent and confess their sins are completely forgiven and washed by the blood of Jesus and free (1 John 1:9). Those who still judge them for their past sins are in bondage, separated from God in their sins, and going to hell, with no exception! Look in the mirror today to see the vilest, most iniquitous sinner who is utterly need of the mercy of God. Or, perish. Non-negotiably, if you don’t forgve ALL others from your heart, you are as sure for hell as if you were already there. Now let’s just repent saints and cease pretending to be saved by the One who died for our sins “while we were yet sinners” – in the face of our iniquities (Matthew 18:21-35; Mark 11:25-26; Romans 5:6-9).

Those who refuse to forgive another will not be with the Father.  Matthew 18:21-35

Today, we are in great need of large doses of divine mercy and to study this topic – which begins with our sin and how God gave His only begotten Son in the face of our sins in order to redeem, to forgive us. You may wish to memorize Titus 3:5-7 today and James 2:13. Learn it. Own it, Preach it!

Remember that Jesus died to save the person we may be tempted to judge in our heart attitude today.

“But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.” Luke 6:35

Jesus commands us to love even our enemies, right?

PRAYER: Father, please create in me a clean heart, a pure heart that is filled afresh with Your love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

1 John 1:9; Hebrews 4:14-16

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Boomerangs of Mercy [podcast] | ForgivenessFresh Start with God

 

Ephesians 1:

The eternal covenant

Nathan was acting according to the

2 Chronicles 12:  After David sinned and then repented, God gave David 3 choices

 

Romans 3:24-28; 4:   5:17   2 Corinthians 5:19-21

Act 13:38  Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
Act 13:39  And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

 

“Two Men Went Up into the Temple to Pray”: “God be merciful to me a sinner” [podcast] https://safeguardyoursoul.com//two-men-went-up-into-the-temple-to-pray/

 

You have to wonder if those condemning others have themselves experienced forgiveness. Seems they’d personally understand the mercy of God if they had experienced it. Well, we do know by Jesus’ parable of the unforgiving servant that a man can be forgiven and then turn and condemning another (Matthew 18:21-35).

 

 

 

 

Continue Reading

Articles

Are Tongues Demonic? [podcast]


Believing lies will ever hinder the blessing of God on our lives. If you are born again and yet not yet baptized with the Holy Ghost, you will forever lack the divine power God wants you to walk in. Acts 1:8 says what?

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 diminishing aught, letting go of the true Pentecostal, Holy Ghost baptism Christ’s gives to His own. NOT the denomination 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).

No Pentecost, No Power! 

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, facilitated 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).

By divine design, those who pray in the Holy Ghost will be overflowing with the presence and power of God.

“building up yourselves”

“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,” Jude 20

Edification – building up!

“He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself…” 1 Corinthians 14:4

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 omitted/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 (builds up) 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

Are tongues only for private use? No, both private and within a meeting of believers.
The phrase “tongues and interpretation of tongues” is speaking specifically for a body of believers (1 Corinthians 12:10).
 
“…he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.” 1 Corinthians 14:5 
 
“seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. …Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.” 1 Corinthians 14:12-13
 
“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.” 1 Corinthians 14:27

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) |

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | ChristologyJudging Prophecy | A Generation of False Prophets Unleashed [podcast] | Prophetic or Pathetic? | The Holy Spirit | Beware of False Gifts |

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Continue Reading

Apostasy

The Majestic Eternal Word [podcast]


“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:19-21

Did you know that God has magnified His Word even above His holy name?

“I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.” Psalms 138:2

Sign up for free email devotional HERE… The Moments with My Master email devotional is sent out for the edification of the body of Christ

Support | STORE | PodcastsBecause You Care Page | The Greatest of these is CharityBe Ready in the Morning [podcast]The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast]At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God  |

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Continue Reading

Categories

donate button round
sgys-books01

Trending