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One of the most controversial matters in church circles is the issue of the role and operation of the Holy Spirit. The most contentious issues are those that relate to His gifts and of the matter of speaking in other tongues. Quite frankly, it mystifies me, because scriptures are very clear about it.
We are prone to gloss over the fact that Jesus never started His ministry until He came to John to be baptised and when He emerged from the water, the Holy Spirit came upon Him. At that point, the Father gave His approval of Jesus. It shows me that God approves of the work of the Holy Spirit in the church and without His operation, we are just another religion. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Matthew 3:16-17.
He was approximately thirty years of age then and the question I raise is why did He not start His ministry before that? One of the reasons is quite simple. It is because He ministered as an ordinary human being, having divested Himself of all divine attributes (see Philippians 2:5-11). He had to be appropriately equipped for the task. This is similar to the principles He employed when commanding the disciples to wait at Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit to similarly endow them before they continued in His work on earth. Acts 1:4-8. They had to be equipped and we are no different.
In Mark 16:15-20, He clearly stated that those who follow Him, namely... all believers, would have or should have accompanying signs following their ministries. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 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. (emphasis mine).
A simple glance at this clearly shows that He was not speaking exclusively to the disciples, but to anyone and everyone who believed. Believing or holding to a belief pattern, or giving mental assent to something is not what God requires. The word Belief is derived from two other words- Be, meaning to live or exist and Lifan, which means something like according to a pattern, or accordance. The combined meaning then speaks about actively living in a way that is in complete harmony with something or someone. It is an action word. Believing is a deliberate choice process requiring action. Break it down... believe-ing. The Greek word is Pisteuō, which is very active in its meanings, requiring deliberate and calculated choice processes to put your trust in God in all areas of life.
When Jesus spoke Only to the disciples why did He not speak to them in the first person... (these signs shall follow YOU)? He meant this to all who believe and there is absolutely no indication of time given here. This same great commandment continues until He returns.
Unfortunately, excesses, error, misunderstanding, unbelief, pride, prejudice and simple ignorance of the truth have clouded the issue for hundreds of years and to be blunt... it is the work of the devil to bring lack of unity, division, and weakness in the church, but this will change.
This page is therefore devoted to one of the most controversial subjects in many parts of the church, but it need not be so. The phenomenon of speaking on other tongues has been fiercely debated and I believe that it is mostly due to lack of understanding of God’s word, unbelief, adherence to doctrines and traditions of man and perhaps fear, but the bible is very clear about it. The word Tongue appears 165 times in scripture, not all relating specifically to this subject of course, but it clearly reveals that this little member of the body is very important. It is so important that James speaks much about it. See James 3:1-9.
The debates vary, but have certain common characteristics, such as they are no longer valid or necessary, the perfect has come, love is the best gift, there are too many errors or excesses and the whole thing is of the devil (which is bordering on blasphemy and is thus a serious matter).
What is shared on this page is scripture based with some personal testimony without denominational opinion or heresay. After all, no on can argue with real experience and if the one arguing has never had the experience, then the debate is purely theoretical. The Holy Spirit’s action in the life of a believer is extremely important and it definitely takes on two major and separate functions; the salvation experience and the equipping experience.
Folk who are not enlightened think that those of us who do speak in other tongues have the belief that we are better than those who do not. This is not true. I will however state that it makes us better than we were before and as we pursue this study, we shall see what I mean as we reveal what God's full intentions are regarding such matters. It is time for the Church to shake off its man made rules, tradtitions, lethargy and complacency and allow the slumbering giant to arise and take her rightful place in these closing days of this dispensation.
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Childhood Experiences
I was raised in an Anglican (Church of England) environment. My parents were good folk and were faithful worshippers in our Parish. Several priests boarded with us in my early childhood and my father was a prominent leader in the Diocese. I was christened and confirmed according to church teachings, became the Priest’s protégée, a member of the Parish Council, took place in Synod and so was very actively involved in the Church. The only problem was that I was not born again or saved. It is very possible to do all those things and still not know God! I recited the Apostle's Creed very well, but never really knew what an Apostle was. I took communion and still have communion today, not as a sacrament as it was then, but as a vehicle to express my love and thankfulness as an act of worship knowing that I will drink the cup anew with Jesus one day in glory. Communion is now a family affair, partaken in an act stemming from intimacy of personal relationship with the Lord and not as a church tradition that says I have to be confirmed first, or be a catholic or an anglican or anything else. The blood of Jesus washed me and His vicarious sacrifice is my confirmation! When one has a deep personal intimate relationship with God, it is all different!
Jesus Appeared
I married and had two sons and two daughters. The younger of the two sons, Gary, has since gone to Heaven (see the account here) and when he was around five years of age, developed a mystery ailment that hospitalized him. The doctors were baffled and unable to accurately diagnose the problem. They called me to a meeting and showed x-rays of his left hip, which clearly revealed the degeneration of his left hip joint. The bone was decaying!
Friends who attended a full gospel church invited us to a series of meetings held by an itinerant evangelist and I kept refusing to attend. They asked for permission for them to pray for Gary, saying that they believed in Divine Healing. I agreed for that and within one week, Gary was discharged from hospital completely healed!
As scriptures attest… that got my attention. I have found that people really want a God with skin on.... a personal God who can touch us and will allow us to touch Him! People have real needs and need real answers that work and religion, no matter how nice, in any guise does not provide that. I realise that I may be treading on people's toes and touching their sacred cows, but it is true. The religious folk of Jesus' day got angry and debated over the smallest trivia, but He still healed folk and performed miracles and those things revealed the heart and mind of God. Nothing has changed.
On September 1st 1968 at 7:30 in the evening, I attended the meeting as I had promised. That night completely changed my life.
As the chorus of the opening hymn was being sung for the first time, Jesus appeared to me in a brilliant blaze of light and saved me. The experience was along similar lines to the conversion experience of Saul of Tarsus, later known as the Apostle Paul.
This was my first encounter with God.
A Message in Tongues
I eventually started to attend Church with my friends and on the first Sunday morning service I attended, a man to my right stood up and spoke in a very powerful voice in a foreign language and sat down. Immediately, another man on the left of the congregation stood up and spoke in English. What he said enthralled me. It was as if God Himself was talking to me and spoke wonderful words of comfort and encouragement. It was an awesome moment.
I later found out that this was exercising two of the Gifts of the Spirit of God… speaking a message in tongues and the interpretation of those tongues as per Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 12:1-11. This subject is dealt with in the topic The Holy Spirit and His Gifts elsewhere on this web site.
Something inside me said that this was God! I did not know anything else, but knew almost instinctively deep inside my being that it was from God and wanted it, whatever that was.
The following morning, my employment duties required me to visit the headquarters of a certain denomination in the north of the state in which I lived. In my naivety, I thought most other churches believed what I had just discovered and not yet knowing anything about anything, wanted to share my testimony and concluded with the experience about speaking in tongues. I was foolish and unwise then and have hopefully learnt a little since.
I did not realize at that time that it happened to be the annual meeting of the pastors of their churches and they turned on me with a vengeance saying that it was of the devil, not for today, I was deceived and on and on. It was a barrage that made me reel out of that place in shock.
I cried out to God for help in this thing asking to be shown the truth and picked up my brand new bible that I had not even read yet and it fell open at this passage. Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. 1 Corinthians 12:1. The word Brethren was not there! My name Robert was there and it was an immediate answer to an urgent prayer for help and understanding. It looked like this Now concerning spiritual gifts, Robert, I would not have you ignorant. God can answer our prayer before we have even finished speaking and this was the first of many such occurrences. Isaiah said- And before they make their request I will give an answer, and while they are still making prayer to me, I will give ear. Isaiah 65:24.
At that time, the Pentecostal experience was all but hidden under a bushel by the Pentecostal folk due to the antagonism and opposition I just mentioned, so I knew nothing about it. All I knew was that it was God and I wanted it.
The next week, my mentor visited for a bible study as mutually planned and as he was ready to leave after completion of the study, the Holy Spirit fell on me. I started to shake and then began speaking fluently in one foreign language after another and it was glorious!
Four hours later, I was getting tired and asked the Lord, I am getting tired. Can I stop now? I did not know then that I was in complete charge and this is dealt with in the subject of The Holy Spirit and His Gifts.
Tongues of Men and of Angels
Paul tells us that when we talk in tongues, we can speak a human language that we have never learned, or necessarily understand and that we can even speak how the angels speak. I think that is great! Imagine talking the language of the angels. He shared this in 1 Corinthians 13:1, explaining how it is best to operate in or by love as the motivating factor. Using the word Charity, which describes the God kind of love, or Agapē. Without understanding, people say that Love is the best gift, but is it actually not a gift as such but a by product of the working of the Spirit of God in our lives, to make us more like Christ. It is a fruit. See Galatians 5:22-24. The two cannot be confused.
The word Paul used is Glōssa and it refers to the tongue, specially a naturally un-acquired tongue or language.
When one speaks in tongues, he does not talk gibberish as some believe, but in a definite language that is readily understood firstly by God (see 1 Corinthians 14:2), by angels, and at times by other people.
Paul explains that we speak mysteries in the dimension of the spirit When a person speaks in another language, he doesn't speak to people but to God. No one understands him. His spirit is speaking mysteries. 1 Corinthians 14:2.
I am starting to come into the areas of the Gifts of the Spirit, which I strongly recommend you investigate, but at this point, i am laying the foundation for what I am about to share.
When we speak in other tongues, there are differing levels, degrees or applications and the uninitiated gets them confused. Some folk think that the Holy spirit takes over, or we do not know what we are doing, as if in an uncontrolled trance like state, but that is not true.
We do the speaking.
My lungs, My vocal chords, My tongue and My mouth are the instruments used. The Spirit of God gives the ability! He does not take over! I am always fully aware of what is happening and can hear my own voice as clearly as you hear your own voice when you speak.
Because the individual is always in full charge of his or her faculties, we can choose to speak or not if we wish.
When we speak in other tongues, we can talk in a human language that is readily understood by the people who know that language!
If you are Japanese and speak in the Hindu language, not having learned it, an unknown tongue to him would be Hindu.
My friends who first invited me to church were first generation, Australian born Greek folk.
One Sunday morning after service, they approached me somewhat shaken, but greatly excited. They told me that as they were sitting behind me, they overheard me worshipping God, exclaiming how wonderful and majestic He is... In Perfect Fluent Classical Greek! That is one purpose for speaking ion other tongues.
My spiritual father is Chinese. He told me that he has heard me speaking in a Chinese dialect and that he readily understood many phrases, all of which expounding the beauty and glory of God.
Other friends visited Russia and told me that on one occasion when I delivered a Message in Tongues, the language used sounded Russian!
I know that I occasionally speak in Hebrew, or an Arabic tongue... languages I do not yet know and I occasionally use a tongue that to me sounds Italian.
What am I saying?
I am saying that the bible tells us what it is... tongues of men... and of angels. Tongues that are unknown by natural means to us are a by product of receiving the holy Spirit and can also be one of the Gifts of the Spirit. The two are different and we shall deal in depth with these elsewhere.
I like what Paul said. I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: 1 Corinthians 14:18.
Benefits
Speaking in other tongues is not just a fun thing, or something to do to make us feel good. There are definite benefits. Paul said that they give personal benefit to the one speaking. He who speaks in a [strange] tongue edifies and improves himself, but he who prophesies [interpreting the divine will and purpose and teaching with inspiration] edifies and improves the church and promotes growth [in Christian wisdom, piety, holiness, and happiness]. 1 Corinthians 14:4 (emphasis mine).
He firstly stated that when someone speaks in other tongues, he edifies himself. The word used is Oikodomeō and it relates to building up, strengthening and giving boldness. It is like giving yourself a battery charge or spiritual top up.
Another aspect or benefit is along similar lines towards the brethren in the church, particularly when exercising the gift. This aspect is found in the page The Holy Spirit and His Gifts.
Paul stated that he spoke much in other tongues and exhorted the believer to seek the endowments of the Holy spirit for the betterment of all, saying I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all (1 Corinthians 14:18) whilst explaining the best way to go about these matters. He was actually correcting error or misuse in his letter. He said that we can pray in or with the spirit and also pray with the understanding. Similarly we can sing like a Psalmist, which is a wonderful thing and then sing by supernatural means as with all these gifts, what it means. 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 14:15.
Let me ask pointed questions now. Can you pray effectively? Do you want to pray better? Does you line of communication to God seem shallow and need room for improvement? I am sure that we all need to function better in such areas. I do.
Here is an answer for you. Pray in tongues! We have just seen what it is all about. Paul said in Romans that we really don't know how, so isn't it logical to rely on the one who does? If you want answered prayer, then pray according to the mind and will of God and the answer comes!
And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us.
And if (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him. 1 John 5:14-15.
This is a definite promise from God to you. Prayer that works is prayer that falls into line with what God wants and we know what He wants by what is revealed in the Word. You might not know chapter and verse yet, but here is one way... a great way for this to work. Allow the one who knows it all, by working with him. You do the speaking, but He does the rest and this is done by praying in the spirit... or praying in tongues! So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance.
And He Who searches the hearts of men knows what is in the mind of the [Holy] Spirit [what His intent is], because the Spirit intercedes and pleads [before God] in behalf of the saints according to and in harmony with God's will. Romans 8:26-27.
Oh yes, there are real and definite advantages to speaking in tongues. Try it!
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This is a common objection that is often fear based, or assumption based, with no biblical or practical substance. Most times, the ones with such erroneous assumptions have either never studied it fully, have had their thoughts clouded with denominational bias or have never had the experience.
The Holy Spirit, according to Jesus is the Spirit of truth, who has a specific Godly function.
However, I am telling you nothing but the truth when I say it is profitable (good, expedient, advantageous) for you that I go away. Because if I do not go away, the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you [into close fellowship with you]; but if I go away, I will send Him to you [to be in close fellowship with you]. John 16:7.
Everything He will do is to help us in all ways. The devil does not do that!
Jesus continued-
And when He comes, He will convict and convince the world and bring demonstration to it about sin and about righteousness (uprightness of heart and right standing with God) and about judgment:
About sin, because they do not believe in Me [trust in, rely on, and adhere to Me]; About righteousness (uprightness of heart and right standing with God), because I go to My Father, and you will see Me no longer; About judgment, because the ruler (evil genius, prince) of this world [Satan] is judged and condemned and sentence already is passed upon him. John 16:8-11
In simple terms, the Spirit of God points the way to Jesus and tell us we need to be saved. That alone is one thing the devil does not want. He does not want people to know the truth or get saved. See also John 15:27; 14:11; 14:26.
The Holy Spirit is the one who gives us Gifts and empowers us to live the Christian life. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12:7 that the manifestation of the Spirit is given to profit us. The words used by Paul are interesting. The word Manifestation is Phanerōsis, which relates to a bestowment or an exhibition. The word Profit or Sympherō means bring or bear something together, to be good and profitable or conducive towards betterment. The manifestations of the Spirit are thus an exhibition of the ability, power and nature of God to produce good outcomes.
Paul elaborates in 1 Corinthians 14.
Eagerly Pursue and seek to acquire [this] love [make it your aim, your great quest]; and earnestly desire and cultivate the spiritual endowments (gifts), especially that you may prophesy (interpret the divine will and purpose in inspired preaching and teaching).
For one who speaks in an [unknown] tongue speaks not to men but to God, for no one understands or catches his meaning, because in the [Holy] Spirit he utters secret truths and hidden things [not obvious to the understanding]. But [on the other hand], the one who prophesies [who interprets the divine will and purpose in inspired preaching and teaching] speaks to men for their upbuilding and constructive spiritual progress and encouragement and consolation.
He who speaks in a [strange] tongue edifies and improves himself, but he who prophesies [interpreting the divine will and purpose and teaching with inspiration] edifies and improves the church and promotes growth [in Christian wisdom, piety, holiness, and happiness].
Now I wish that you might all speak in [unknown] tongues, but more especially [I want you] to prophesy (to be inspired to preach and interpret the divine will and purpose). He who prophesies [who is inspired to preach and teach] is greater (more useful and more important) than he who speaks in [unknown] tongues, unless he should interpret [what he says], so that the church may be edified and receive good [from it]. 1 Corinthians 14:1-5 (emphasis mine).
I am sure that you can see that those sorts of things are not what the devil wants, so common sense alone should dictate the validity and necessity of speaking in tongues.
Jesus told us that the devil is the thief who came to steal, kill and destroy. John 10:10. Everything he does is designed to function along those lines. If the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, including speaking in tongues are of the devil, the result has to produce these results, which of course is contradictory to Paul's description of God’s intentions.
Common sense alone should tell us that the devil cannot give us good things that will help us get close to God. Tongues cannot be of the devil. If they were, it would make God schizophrenic and he certainly is not that! It is inconceivable. The Holy Spirit draws us to Christ and produces Godliness.
Another benefit we have is in helping us draw close to Jesus and to help us pray. If you are not sure how to pray or pray effectively, then this is one task the Holy Spirit has. Look at what Paul says-
So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance. And He Who searches the hearts of men knows what is in the mind of the [Holy] Spirit [what His intent is], because the Spirit intercedes and pleads [before God] in behalf of the saints according to and in harmony with God's will. We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. Romans 8:26-28 (emphasis mine).
The devil certainly does not want any of that, so what better way to steal this ability from us than to tell us a lie that it is not from God. Paul added more in this letter, saying
So those who are believers in Christ Jesus can no longer be condemned.
The standards of the Spirit, who gives life through Christ Jesus, have set you free from the standards of sin and death.
It is impossible to do what God's standards demand because of the weakness our human nature has. But God sent his Son to have a human nature as sinners have and to pay for sin. That way God condemned sin in our corrupt nature. Therefore, we, who do not live by our corrupt nature but by our spiritual nature, are able to meet God's standards.
Those who live by the corrupt nature have the corrupt nature's attitude. But those who live by the spiritual nature have the spiritual nature's attitude. The corrupt nature's attitude leads to death. But the spiritual nature's attitude leads to life and peace. This is so because the corrupt nature has a hostile attitude toward God. It refuses to place itself under the authority of God's standards because it can't. Those who are under the control of the corrupt nature can't please God.
But if God's Spirit lives in you, you are under the control of your spiritual nature, not your corrupt nature. Whoever doesn't have the Spirit of Christ doesn't belong to him.
However, if Christ lives in you, your bodies are dead because of sin, but your spirits are alive because you have God's approval.
Does the Spirit of the one who brought Jesus back to life live in you? Then the one who brought Christ back to life will also make your mortal bodies alive by his Spirit who lives in you.
So, brothers and sisters, we have no obligation to live the way our corrupt nature wants us to live. If you live by your corrupt nature, you are going to die. But if you use your spiritual nature to put to death the evil activities of the body, you will live.
Certainly, all who are guided by God's Spirit are God's children.
You haven't received the spirit of slaves that leads you into fear again. Instead, you have received the spirit of God's adopted children by which we call out, “Abba! Father!”
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. If we are his children, we are also God's heirs. If we share in Christ's suffering in order to share his glory, we are heirs together with him. Romans 8:1-17 (emphasis mine),
My dear brothers and sisters, don't be fooled. Every good present and every perfect gift comes from above, from the Father who made the sun, moon, and stars. The Father doesn't change like the shifting shadows produced by the sun and the moon. God decided to give us life through the word of truth to make us his most important creatures. James 1:16-18.
Right at the outset, I want you to know that your Heavenly Father will give you what you ask for. If you are a child of God and ask Him for the Holy Spirit, you are not going to get something else. I can state this with absolute confidence because the bible says so!
Now, do not mistake foolish behaviour of other people with the norm. Some folk are just plain flaky. Dumb or foolish displays of over enthusiastic people having a party, getting out of balance and into excess and the like do not mean that the genuine article has to be ignored. I'd rather have a little disorder than a graveyard where nothing happens.
We must understand that the Holy Spirit's activity in our lives is most important. He is the one who helps us get saved in the first place and another one of His roles is to teach us and guide us in all the truth. God is not a liar. Men are, but he is not, so if He said that He would do good at all times and only give us good things, then that is what will happen.
When Jesus taught His disciples about prayer, he told us to address our Father who is in Heaven. Who do you pray to? Do you expect God to answer? I certainly do.
Once when Jesus had been out praying, one of his disciples came to him as he finished and said, “Lord, teach us a prayer to recitea just as John taught one to his disciples.” And this is the prayer he taught them: “Father, may your name be honored for its holiness; send your Kingdom soon. Give us our food day by day. And forgive our sins—for we have forgiven those who sinned against us. And don’t allow us to be tempted.” Then, teaching them more about prayer, he used this illustration: “Suppose you went to a friend’s house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You would shout up to him, ‘A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit and I’ve nothing to give him to eat.’ He would call down from his bedroom, ‘Please don’t ask me to get up. The door is locked for the night and we are all in bed. I just can’t help you this time.’ “But I’ll tell you this—though he won’t do it as a friend, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you everything you want—just because of your persistence. And so it is with prayer—keep on asking and you will keep on getting; keep on looking and you will keep on finding; knock and the door will be opened. Everyone who asks, receives; all who seek, find; and the door is opened to everyone who knocks. Luke 11:1-10 (emphasis mine).
Jesus then continued explaining how any decent parent would act responsibly.“You men who are fathers—if your boy asks for bread, do you give him a stone? If he asks for fish, do you give him a snake? If he asks for an egg, do you give him a scorpion? Of course not! “And if even sinful persons like yourselves give children what they need, don’t you realize that your heavenly Father will do at least as much, and give the Holy Spirit to those who ask for him?” Luke 11:11-13 (emphasis mine).
In Luke 10:19, Jesus was talking about giving us power over the enemy, using snakes and scorpions as the example. Look, I have given you the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy; nothing will ever harm you. However, don’t rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
Permit me to ask a blunt question. Are you saved? Is your name written down in the Lamb's Book of life in Heaven? Mine is! If you name is there... then did not Jesus promise that He has given YOU similar power and that Nothing will harm you? It's written in red here, so it has to be true!
Look at what He said in this way.
If a son asks the Father for a fish, He will not send him a serpent (evil spirit).
If a son asks the Father for an egg, then the Father will not send a scorpion (evil spirit).
Therefore when a believer asks God for the Holy Spirit, he will receive the Holy Spirit!
Anyone who tells you otherwise is calling God a liar and He is not a liar is He? Let God be true but every man a liar. Romans 3:4.
If you ask for the Holy Spirit... you will receive the Holy Spirit and nothing else!
It is often said that tongues have ceased, referring to 1 Corinthians 13:8, which says- Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 1 Corinthians 13:8.
The problem with this statement is that the bible does not say that tongues Have ceased, but that they Shall cease. Paul also said that prophecies Shall fade away and the knowledge Shall also fade away. Permit me to point out that knowledge has not passed way at all. In fact knowledge is increasing. All you need to do to verify this is look around you with the massive changes in technology.
Paul was stating that these things Shall (in the future tense) pass away at a specific point in time, namely …when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 1 Corinthians 13:10. He said that our experience is partial and out of focus until the time comes for perfection to arrive.
But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 1 Corinthians 13:10.
People mistakenly believe That which is perfect, refers to the bible and now that the bible is here, we don’t need these things any longer. It does not mean this at all. Paul said When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 1 Corinthians 13:11-12.
It is evident that we still see things through darkened glass and that we still have a long way to go before we see clearly.
That which is perfect does not mention the word or bible at all.
The word used is Teleios, with its derivativesTelos and Tello. They relate to a state of completion, fullness of age, a man, a perfect man, labour, growth, mental and moral character, setting out for a definite point or goal, continuation, custom, an end or ending, final, finally, uttermost, a point aimed at, immediate, ultimate, the conclusion of an act and so on.
The Word of God helps us in attaining this stage and it is obvious that we have not yet reached it. That… which is perfect can of course refer in some manner to the Perfect one, who is Jesus and He sure has not returned yet.
The logical conclusion is quite simply this. Tongues have not yet ceased and are still a good and valid, even necessary element in our successful Christian walk.
There are two main trains of thought regarding apostolic delegation and that this was a once-off experience meant only for the apostles. One thought is that the apostles established the church and saw the bible come into existence, then their tasks were done, but the bible really never existed until people like Tyndale and the creation of the printing press. All one needs to do is trace the history and development of the bible to see what I mean.
Closely following this thought is the belief that only the apostles could pray for people to receive the Holy Spirit. The basic approach is that the apostles received the Holy Ghost and hen passed this onto others who in turn received, but were unable to also pass on the experience. That too is error.
For example the bible clearly tells us that there were 120 men and women in the Upper room when the Holy Spirit came, including Mary, the mother of Jesus. She too received the Holy Spirit and she also spoke in other tongues! Evidently there were many more people than the twelve. In fact, Jesus had in excess of 82 disciples... not only 12. In Luke 11:1, we see that Jesus despatched other seventy also, which means that at that point at least, He had 82 disciples. In John 6:66-71 many of Jesus's disciples left Him. Religious tradition does not always tell the truth. We build whole belief structures on supposition, tradition of man or simple lack of knowledge of the word of God and whole denominations are based on what I will bluntly call a lie!
Now, don't start stoning me, but her is a classic example.
The Christmas story we all love is wonderful, but much of our nativity stories are not true. The story of the three wise men who came to Jesus and presented gifts is erroneous.The bible never said that there were three men at all. It merely describes them as wise men and that they presented three groups of gifts to the baby Jesus. Check it out! Matthew 2:1,7,16.
Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey. And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. Acts 1:12-14.
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:1-4 (emphasis mine).
There are several instances in the bible when none of the foundational apostles were present to minister... not one.
For example there was a Certain Disciple called Ananias who ministered to another believer would receive the Holy Spirit. He was sent by the Lord Himself to do two things. The first was to lay his hands on Saul so that his sight would be restored! The second task was to lay hands on him so that he could receive the Holy Spirit. Ananias was not an apostle! So Ananias went and found the house, placed his hands on blind Saul, and said, "Brother Saul, the Master sent me, the same Jesus you saw on your way here. He sent me so you could see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Acts 9:17.
Peter had a vision one day and the Lord told him to go to a man called Cornelius. Cornelius organized a meeting where all his friends and family were present. They were Gentiles and not one of them was born again. Whilst Peter was speaking about Jesus… I’ll say that again… Whilst Peter was preaching Christ… the Holy spirit fell on the listeners in the same way He did on Peter and the others on the Day of Pentecost. Every single on of them spoke in other tongues! See acts 10. 44. While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all who were listening to the message.
How did they know that the Holy Spirit fell on them? The bible itself gives the answer.
And the believers from among the circumcised [the Jews] who came with Peter were surprised and amazed, because the free gift of the Holy Spirit had been bestowed and poured out largely even on the Gentiles. For they heard them talking in [unknown] tongues (languages) and extolling and magnifying God. Then Peter asked, Can anyone forbid or refuse water for baptizing these people, seeing that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we have? Acts 10:44-47 (emphasis mine).
Please notice that they were not yet born again and when Peter preached the Word, they got saved because they believed... AND the Holy Spirit fell on them... AND they were baptised in water as believers... (not infant sprinkling)! Believers baptism is another topic I deal with elsewhere.
The debates trying to negate the validity of this experience, with the initial physical evidence of speaking in other tongues are groundless.
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Nothing Has Changed
Before I was saved, I often looked at what we called The Stations Of The Cross in our churches. They were religious paintings or pictures depicting various stages of the ministry of Jesus, particularly His last days and the lives of the apostles.
I was always moved and wept, but one thing that really stood out was the distinct impression that nothing had really changed. We were taught that God does not change and that is true. He never changes. See Psalm 102:27; Malachi 3:10; Hebrews 1:12, 13:8; James 1:17.
We were told that the word of God never changes and that it is the revealed mind and will of God, yet most of us never read it!
O LORD, your word is established in heaven forever. Your faithfulness endures throughout every generation. You set the earth in place, and it continues to stand. All things continue to stand today because of your regulations, since they are all your servants. If your teachings had not made me happy, then I would have died in my misery. I will never forget your guiding principles, because you gave me a new life through them. Psalms 119:89-93. There are literally hundreds of references to the importance of God’s Word, yet we neglect the very thing that gives us life, guidance, protection, hope and a future.
Jesus said that His word would always be good and valid, despite the attempts to stamp it out. Heaven and earth will come to an end, but my words will not come to an end. Matthew 24:35.
I cried out, God, if the bible is true and does not change and if You never change, then why is there such a vast difference between them (those disciples and apostles) and why are we not seeing the same things happen now?
I later discovered that nothing has altered. Apostles and prophets are still with us now. They are set forever in the Church, given as Gifts to bring us all to full maturity in Christ and will remain so until He comes back. Ephesians 4:8-16 describe them and are covered in the study He Gave Gifts To Men. In essence they are the Apostle, the Prophet, the Evangelist, the Pastor and the Teacher. They are given u to bring us all to the unity of the faith and I am sure we aren't there yet. They are given for the perfecting of the saints (you and me) but I think you will agree with me that some perfecting is still required. They are given so that we will not be tossed around by every whim and dictate of man and I am sure that we see the need for this still remains.
There are many other gifts and graces given to us and we shall look at them also in that section, which is part of studies on The Glorious Church.
Over the centuries, we merely changed the rules but God is bringing us back to basics again and restoring all things as a prelude to the return of his Son Jesus Christ. Nothing has really changed.
Many Facets
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If you look at a diamond carefully, you will notice that there are many facets. The gem was dug from the earth and was carefully cut and polished by a craftsman to become the sparkling piece of beauty adorning many pieces of jewellery.
The finished product looks nothing like the rough and dirty original, but the example shown is truly magnificent.
Can you see how the light is refracted from the facets? By slowly turning the gem, different facets reflect the same light source and beautiful colours will be seen. It is the same light. It is the same gem, but when viewed form different angles a different manifestation is seen. Well, if God is Light (1 John 1:5), then we can similarly see different aspects of His character, nature and personality at differing times.
So too is the operation of the Holy Spirit.
He does certain things one way at one time and another way at another time, but is always faithfully representing the Lord Jesus christ at all times in everything. When the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you into the full truth. He won't speak on his own. He will speak what he hears and will tell you about things to come. He will give me glory, because he will tell you what I say. Everything the Father says is also what I say. That is why I said, ‘He will take what I say and tell it to you.' John 16:13-15.
This brings me to the point. Jesus clearly told us that the Spirit of God would do certain things.
So let me say it again, this truth: It's better for you that I leave. If I don't leave, the Friend won't come. But if I go, I'll send him to you. "When he comes, he'll expose the error of the godless world's view of sin, righteousness, and judgment: He'll show them that their refusal to believe in me is their basic sin; that righteousness comes from above, where I am with the Father, out of their sight and control; that judgment takes place as the ruler of this godless world is brought to trial and convicted. "I still have many things to tell you, but you can't handle them now. But when the Friend comes, the Spirit of the Truth, he will take you by the hand and guide you into all the truth there is. He won't draw attention to himself, but will make sense out of what is about to happen and, indeed, out of all that I have done and said. He will honor me; he will take from me and deliver it to you. Everything the Father has is also mine. That is why I've said, 'He takes from me and delivers to you.' John 16:7-15.
These matters are dealt with in the accompanying pages, but I want to draw your attention to two factors.
- The Holy Spirit is active in creating new life in a believer.
- The Holy Spirit empowers us to life a victorious Christian life and equips us for service.
The two are vastly different. |
Breathed Life
... the disciples were together behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jews. Jesus stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you!” When he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were glad to see the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” After he had said this, he breathed on the disciples and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit". John 20:19-22.
Salvation comes as an act of grace as a free and lavish gift and the agent in bringing it to us is the Holy spirit.
Jesus spoke with a man called Nicodemus about being born again. It is absolutely necessary to have this experience. Salvation can come by no other way. Charitable deeds, church membership, tradition, family lineage, living decent and clean lives are not what produces this. Salvation comes by Jesus Christ who is The way, The truth and The life and no other way.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6. See also Acts 4:12; Ephesians 2:8-9.
Nicodemus was a spiritual or religious man... a leader, but was not saved and Jesus told him all about it.
Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish council. He came to Jesus one night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that God has sent you as a teacher. No one can perform the miracles you perform unless God is with him.”
Jesus replied to Nicodemus, “I can guarantee this truth: No one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.”
Nicodemus asked him, “How can anyone be born when he's an old man? He can't go back inside his mother a second time to be born, can he?”
Jesus answered Nicodemus, “I can guarantee this truth: No one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.
Flesh and blood give birth to flesh and blood, but the Spirit gives birth to things that are spiritual.
Don't be surprised when I tell you that all of you must be born from above.
The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you don't know where the wind comes from or where it's going. That's the way it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” John 3:1-8 (emphasis mine).
Before Jesus died and rose again, no person on earth could be saved (born again). His vicarious death and bodily resurrection... the shedding of His blood and the brokenness of His body are the vehicles as a once and for all time sacrifice to give us salvation. The book of Hebrews, particularly chapters eight through to ten attest to this. Hebrews 8-10. When He rose from the grave and appeared to His disciples, they were afraid. Jesus breathed on them and said Receive the Holy Spirit. Now if He said that, they certainly received the Holy spirit. It was at this point that they were born from above in the way Jesus explained to Nicodemus.
Many people do not understand this simple truth, yet the scriptures are very clear in defining the two completely and distinct works of the Holy Spirit. Look at John 14. Jesus said If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. John 14:15-17. The term Another Comforter is Allos Paraklētos, which simply means, Another one who is just like Me!
Up to then, Jesus had been WITH them, but now something extraordinary was going to happen. The Holy Spirit was going to be IN them (and us).
Now if Jesus promised that the Holy spirit would be IN them, why did He then say that they should go to Jerusalem for something else? Look at this. The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. Acts 1:1-5 (emphasis mine).
At least Forty Days Perviously, Jesus breathed on them and they received the Holy Spirit!
If there is no subsequent or additional experience, why would Jesus make such a command?
Empowered Life
Would you go to a doctor who is not qualified for an operation? I sure wouldn’t! Neither would I go to a doctor for an operation if he had no surgical instruments! I would not take my motor car to what we calla backyard mechanic for important repairs. I would not take my car to a person who had all the certificates and diplomas imaginable, but if he had no equipment to get the job done… the job just wouldn’t get done. Any work that might be attempted would not be done properly. Similarly, when I wanted my home built, I wanted experts in their field to build the thing for me because I wanted the home built according to my specifications; the construction; finishing and decorating to meet my requirements.
All this may sound silly, I know, but this is precisely what we see in many parts of the church today. People with well meaning intentions are going about the things of God without using the right tools for the right job in the right way at the right time and many of them are in a real mess as a result! I do not want not sound offensive, but look around you. Isn’t this true?
What they are doing is like trying to sail a big ocean liner somewhere without instructions, a map, a compass or adequate fuel. The captain and crew may be the best available… well trained and qualified experts in their field, but that ship will go nowhere.
Jesus gave us specific instructions in the same way He told the disciples. We call it the Great Commission. For three years He had been teaching His disciples and sending them out on assignments. In Matthew 28:18-20, He sent them out on a permanent assignment. In Mark 16:15-18, He told them to go into all the world and preach the gospel, adding that certain confirming signs would accompany the word preached.
After His resurrection He appeared to them and breathed on them saying Receive the Holy Spirit. See John 20:21-22. If He said that, it happened. They must have therefore received the Holy Spirit.
In the Book of Acts, He was very specific. This is the account-
After his death Jesus showed the apostles a lot of convincing evidence that he was alive. For 40 days he appeared to them and talked with them about the kingdom of God. Once, while he was meeting with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait there for what the Father had promised. Jesus said to them, “I've told you what the Father promises: John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 1:3-5.
If they received the Holy Spirit 40 days beforehand, why, oh why would He command them to wait for the Holy Spirit, if they already “had” the Holy Spirit?
Look at what Luke said-
Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and he said. "Thus it is written that the Christ should suffer and rise again from the dead, the third day; and that repentance unto remission of sins should be preached in his name unto all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem." "You must bear testimony to this." "And I will send forth the promise of my Father upon you. But tarry in Jerusalem until you are clothed with power from on high." Luke 24:45-49.
Although they had been with Him for three years and both seen and performed mighty things and were taught great truths, they were not saved; they had no revelation of scriptures and the Lord had to return to Heaven to send the Promise of the Father. When this promise was fulfilled it would provide the equipping or empowering for ministry. Without the Holy Spirit's activity, proper comprehension or understanding of scriptures is impossible. There are excellent teachers around... theologians who are the experts in their fields, but without the Teacher... The Holy Spirit it is pure lifeless theory. When the Holy Spirit opens scriptures in the way Jesus did... they become vibrant and living and we receive revelation knowledge. The latter is by far the best!
A major problem has emerged in certain areas of the church however by believing that once we are saved, we have all there is. They say, I already have all the Holy Spirit I can have. One you are born again, you have all the Holy Ghost there is to have and that's it! There is no such thing as a second blessing. Well, that is partially true only by virtue that the Holy Spirit imparts eternal life to our spirits. The Holy Spirit acts on the reception of the Word of God to make the human spirit a new creature in Christ Jesus. This is one reason why Paul tells us that the Holy Spirit who is present in the new birth, bears witness with our spirits that we are now children of God. See Romans 8:14-16.
This new birth experience is Receiving Jesus. See John 1:12. It is Receiving eternal life. See 1 John 5:11. It is Receiving forgiveness of sins. See Acts 26:18.
As we shall see however, we find a different form of expression when it comes to the Holy Spirit. When people Receive the Holy Spirit, they are Filled with the Holy Ghost, are Baptized With the Holy Ghost or Receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit. The word Baptize is Baptizō, which simply means dipped, immersed, saturated, covered over, to make whelmed. In other words, we are completely enveloped, plunged into or saturated with...
To sum up, Jesus gave us life, typified by the way He breathed into the disciples... then He commanded us to be empowered with or by the Holy Spirit so that we could be equipped to carry on with His ministry here. We shall see more about this shortly, but before we do let us see what the bible really says by the testimonies of the witness of the early church.
Dynamite!
It is one thing to give one’s opinion about any matter, but that is merely a personal opinion, which may or may not be accurate. What really counts is what the Word of God says about it. Let us see what the Word really says about this talking in tongues thing. We have shared much already, but what about the experiences of the early church? It is recorded there for our benefit.
Paul told Timothy… They have the power to give you wisdom so that you can be saved through faith in Christ Jesus.
Every Scripture passage is inspired by God. All of them are useful for teaching, pointing out errors, correcting people, and training them for a life that has God's approval. They equip God's servants so that they are completely prepared to do good things. 2 Timothy 3:15-17.
He instructed Timothy to study diligently, which involves much more than merely reading the bible. It talks about accurately dissecting it and analysing it. The King James uses the words Rightly Dividing, which is like cutting a sharp, accurate and straight line… or a farmer plowing his field in straight and accurate lines.
Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth. 2 Timothy 2:15.
This implies that if the word can be “rightly divided” it can be “incorrectly divided”, so encourage the reader to always check things out for themselves in the way that the Church did at Berea and not blindly accept anything that any preacher tells you. See Acts 17:11.
Let us see what happened.
When Pentecost, the fiftieth day after Passover, came, all the believers (not only the 12 disciples, but 120 men and women including Mary) were together in one place. Suddenly, a sound like a violently blowing wind came from the sky and filled the whole house where they were staying.
Tongues that looked like fire appeared to them. The tongues arranged themselves so that one came to rest on each believer. All the believers were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit gave them the ability to speak.
Devout Jewish men from every nation were living in Jerusalem.
They gathered when they heard the wind. Each person (witness) was startled to recognize his own dialect when the disciples spoke.
Stunned and amazed, the people in the crowd said, “All of these men who are speaking are Galileans (who did not know those languages). Why do we hear them speaking in our native dialects (tongues of men. See 1 Corinthians 13:1)?
We're Parthians, Medes, and Elamites. We're people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the country near Cyrene in Libya. We're Jewish people, converts to Judaism, and visitors from Rome,
Crete, and Arabia. We hear these men in our own languages as they tell about the miracles that God has done (not preaching).”
All of these devout men were stunned and puzzled. They asked each other, “What can this mean?” Others said jokingly, “They're drunk on sweet wine.” Acts 2:1-13 (emphasis mine).
We can see that this experience firstly came upon every person in the prayer meeting... they began speaking in other tongue as the Holy Spirit enabled them… what they were saying was giving God glory… what they were saying was intelligible and not gibberish.
It was so powerful that those devout Jews were amazed and some of them mocked the physical evidence. There is always an outward physical evidence when a believer is baptized with or on the Holy Spirit.
When they asked what had happened, Peter immediately jumped up and preached so well that 3000 people were saved. That… is one reason enough to want their own personal Pentecost. It is a clear evidential proof that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit does what Jesus said it would do,which is to give the receiver power and ability to do what is beyond their natural abilities, training and talents. Remember that Peter had been trained for 3 years, but never preached like that. He also denied Jesus 3 times and cowered in fear because of the Jews. Something radical changed him and the others from weaklings into dynamos… equipped like dynamite sticks for explosive ability. Jesus said Ye shall receive POWER (Dynamis).
And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
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 1:4-8 (emphasis mine). The purpose is to enable us to BE witnesses and minister the way Jesus ministered! Peter never did that before.
He quoted the prophet Joel.
Rather, this is what the prophet Joel spoke about:
‘In the last days, God says, I will pour my Spirit on everyone. Your sons and daughters will speak what God has revealed. Your young men will see visions. Your old men will dream dreams. In those days I will pour my Spirit on my servants, on both men and women. They will speak what God has revealed. I will work miracles in the sky and give signs on the earth: blood, fire, and clouds of smoke.
The sun will become dark, and the moon will become as red as blood before the terrifying day of the Lord comes.
Then whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' Acts 2:16-21. Notice my emphasis. The prophecy was that the Holy Spirit would fall not only on the apostles, but on everyone who believed! God would pour His Spirit on man and women. Women were not mentioned in the Gospels as being disciples or apostles. Sons and daughters were also not specifically mentioned in the Gospels, yet here all groups are called out. It indicates that this experience is for everyone who believes. The last few words here reveal what I believe is the main purpose, which is equipping for effective ministry… so that people can get saved!
Did not Jesus breathe on them only a few days prior and tell them to receive the Holy Spirit? Yes. What did they receive? The Holy Spirit.
After that He told them to go to Jerusalem so that they could receive the Holy Spirit. Did they receive the Holy Spirit? Yes.
These are two completely different experiences. One gives the relationship and the other gives the ability.
But now, folk may say, That was just for them. No it was not. Look at the testimonies of others who were not even apostles. We start with Philip.
The Witnesses: Philip.
Now those who were scattered abroad went about [through the land from place to place] preaching the glad tidings, the Word [the doctrine concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God].
Philip [the deacon, not the apostle] went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Christ (the Messiah) to them [the people];
And great crowds of people with one accord listened to and heeded what was said by Philip, as they heard him and watched the miracles and wonders which he kept performing [from time to time].
For foul spirits came out of many who were possessed by them, screaming and shouting with a loud voice, and many who were suffering from palsy or were crippled were restored to health.
And there was great rejoicing in that city.
But there was a man named Simon, who had formerly practiced magic arts in the city to the utter amazement of the Samaritan nation, claiming that he himself was an extraordinary and distinguished person.
They all paid earnest attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is that exhibition of the power of God which is called great (intense).
And they were attentive and made much of him, because for a long time he had amazed and bewildered and dazzled them with his skill in magic arts.
But when they believed the good news (the Gospel) about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ (the Messiah) as Philip preached it, they were baptized, both men and women.
Even Simon himself believed [he adhered to, trusted in, and relied on the teaching of Philip], and after being baptized, devoted himself constantly to him. And seeing signs and miracles of great power which were being performed, he was utterly amazed. Acts 8:4-13
Philip Preached Jesus and, in accordance with what Jesus said in Mark 16, it was working for him the way Jesus said it would.
Then Jesus said to them, “So wherever you go in the world, tell everyone the Good News.
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. “These are the miraculous signs that will accompany believers: They will use the power and authority of my name to force demons out of people. They will speak new languages. They will pick up snakes, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them. They will place their hands on the sick and cure them.” Mark 16:15-18.
It was working for him. People saw miracles. Evil spirits were cast out. Many people were healed. There was great joy in the city. Let me tell you that if the Gospel is not preached like that, then great joy in your city will not really happen.
We see that a man called Simon was there. He was a sorcerer who amazed and bewitched the people, holding great power over them by his sorceries.
When Philip arrived, Simon heard the Gospel and he too got saved!
Everyone who believed was then baptized as believers. Infant baptism is not scriptural. Believer’s baptism is the scriptural pattern, but we will have to deal with this elsewhere as it is a most important teaching. Once Simon was born again and baptized, he became devoted and was also amazed at what he saw.
No one can deny the fact that people were saved and great things were happening.
Now something interesting happens.
When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the Samaritans had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them.
Peter and John went to Samaria and prayed that the Samaritans would receive the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:14-15.
Please notice that no one had received the Holy Spirit, yet they were all converted or saved and then baptized in water as believers!
(Before this the Holy Spirit had not come to any of the Samaritans. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and the Samaritans received the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:16-17.
Stop here.
How do we know that they received the Holy Spirit?
Let me explain.
Simon saw that the Spirit was given to the Samaritans when the apostles placed their hands on them. So he offered Peter and John money
and said, “Give me this power so that anyone I place my hands on will receive the Holy Spirit.” Acts 8:19.
Simon had been a magician and accustomed to certain amazing things, but he never responded to the miracles of healing to ask for such power and he never asked for power to be conferred upon him when evil spirits were cast out. He reacted when Peter and John prayed for the people and they received the Holy Spirit and then asked, I want this ability to do that too and was prepared to pay for it! You cannot buy such things because this is a free gift from God.
Peter told Simon, “May your money be destroyed with you because you thought you could buy God's gift. You won't have any share in this because God can see how twisted your thinking is. So change your wicked thoughts, and ask the Lord if he will forgive you for thinking like this. I can see that you are bitter with jealousy and wrapped up in your evil ways.” Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me that none of the things you said will happen to me.”
After they had boldly spoken about the message of the Lord, they spread the Good News in many Samaritan villages on their way back to Jerusalem. Acts 8:14-25.
Peter told him that he had no part in this matter, which is Logos and this refers to speech, utterance, sayings, words and the like. Simon observed something and wanted the power, which is Exousia, meaning right, ability, authority and so on to do likewise. He asked for the right or authority to lay hands on people so that they could receive Dunamis… the explosive dynamite that is received when the Holy Spirit comes upon people.
How did he know that they received it? Something amazing happened and it had to be words… the initial evidence of speaking in other tongues.
The Witnesses: Paul.
Meanwhile Saul, still drawing his breath hard from threatening and murderous desire against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest
And requested of him letters to the synagogues at Damascus [authorizing him], so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way [of life as determined by faith in Jesus Christ], he might bring them bound [with chains] to Jerusalem.
Now as he traveled on, he came near to Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him,
And he fell to the ground. Then he heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me [harassing, troubling, and molesting Me]?
And Saul said, Who are You, Lord? And He said, I am Jesus, Whom you are persecuting. It is dangerous and it will turn out badly for you to keep kicking against the goad [to offer vain and perilous resistance].
Trembling and astonished he asked, Lord, what do You desire me to do? The Lord said to him, But arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do. Acts 9:1-6.
Saul, later named Paul, was a religious man. He was a Jew’s Jew. He could honestly brag about his training and background. Here is part of his testimony.
I'm a Jew. I was born and raised in the city of Tarsus in Cilicia and received my education from Gamaliel here in Jerusalem. My education was in the strict rules handed down by our ancestors. I was as devoted to God as all of you are today. Acts 22:3.
Being religious does not cut it with God. It actually offends HIm!
He thought that he was doing God a favor by persecuting the believers. It makes me wonder if the Lord views the often vehement opposition and antagonism against the tongues talkers and their doctrines the same way, bearing in mind that He regards the way we treat each other as how we treat Him. We may differ here and there on certain aspects of our beliefs, but surely we can agree with each other where it really matters so that we can all get the job done, because the sooner we get our collective acts together, the sooner Jesus can return and we’re gone! I am sharing these teachings not to prove I am right and someone else is wrong, but as a means to better themselves to we can all reach the unity of the faith and show the world that it can be one.
Paul was on the way to exterminate the believers when Jesus crossed his path as He often does to us in life. He did that to me in September 1968 and He can do that for you too, if you have not yet had such an experience.
Anyhow, Paul had this confrontation with Jesus and the first thing he said to Him was Lord!
That is the best thing anyone can do. It is one way to be saved!
Romans 10:9-10 says-
If you declare that Jesus is Lord, and believe that God brought him back to life, you will be saved. By believing you receive God's approval, and by declaring your faith you are saved.
It is by believing...by faith… by acceptance of God’s plan of salvation… by repentance of sin and by making Jesus Christ the Lord of your life that you are saved and there is no other way whatsoever.
No one else can save us. Indeed, we can be saved only by the power of the one named Jesus and not by any other person.” Acts 4:12.
I am sure that you will agree with me that at that point, Saul became a Christian… born from on high by the Holy Spirit.
He obeyed the Lord’s instructions and went to the city and remained there in prayer for further direction.
This is the best thing you can do too. Never attempt a thing unless you have clear and precise directions form God. You can be what I call A Went One instead of being a Sent One and if you go in your own strength, God is not obliged to help you!
Whilst Paul was in prayer, Jesus met with a disciple by the name of Ananias saying- Get up! Go to Judas' house on Straight Street, and ask for a man named Saul from the city of Tarsus. He's praying. Acts 9:11. God knows everything there is to know about you. He knows where you live, who you are, what you do, your needs and problems and always has the right answerYou have the right and ability to receive such clear and precise instructions yourself, if you are walking in covenant relationship and attuned to His voice. It is being led by the Spirit and unless you are in the right place with God will never be so led.
Certainly, all who are guided by God's Spirit are God's children.
You haven't received the spirit of slaves that leads you into fear again. Instead, you have received the spirit of God's adopted children by which we call out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.
If we are his children, we are also God's heirs. If we share in Christ's suffering in order to share his glory, we are heirs together with him. Romans 8:14-17.
Ananias was hesitant at first, because he knew who Saul was, but at least the man had enough common sense to listen and obey. Please notice what he said to Paul when he arrived at the house, remembering that by now, Paul was saved! He was a believer!
So Ananias left and went into the house. And he laid his hands on Saul and said, Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, Who appeared to you along the way by which you came here, has sent me that you may recover your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Acts 9:17.
He addressed Saul as Brother. This indicates relationship. There is no such thing as the universal brotherhood of man, but there is family relationship when we are in Christ as part of the family of God. I am no more your brother than the chair I am sitting on, because we do not have the same mother and father, but if you are born again, then we have the same Heavenly Father!
Paul is thus saved...a brother of Ananias… my brother and a brother to Peter and John and the rest of them!
The second thing Ananias had to do was to lay his hands on Paul so that he would receive his sight. Jesus was very specific about this. If He told Ananias Paul had to receive his sight, then he got it. The Thorn that uneducated people say Paul had was not blindness at all. Jesus healed him! Paul later told us that it was a buffeting spirit, sent as a messenger… because of his abundance of revelation! If folk say it was poor eyesight or blindness, they should be careful. Are they calling Jesus a liar?
Paul was then born again, having received the Spirit by virtue of his salvation and then received his natural vision and then there is yet another ministry function a fellow believer had to fulfill. Jesus very clearly stated what it was. Ananias did as instructed.
And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. Acts 9:17. (emphasis mine).
Ananias laid his hands on Saul and prayed as commanded. It is on scriptural record that this happened imediately.
And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. Acts 9:18.
Imagine the conversation.
Brother Saul, I am Ananias. The Lord Jesus sent me to pray for you.
What for Ananias?
So that you would receive your sight.
Is that all?
No Saul. Jesus told me to lay my hands on you so that you will be filled with the Holy Ghost.
Paul agreed and Ananias prayed. He knew Saul was healed because he saw things that looked like scales fall off his eyes.
No where does the bible say that Ananias prayed for Paul to get saved. He was already born again by the time Ananias arrived!
Saul thus met all criteria required to be a New Testament believer. He repented, confessed Jesus as Lord, was converted, received the Holy Spirit, was baptized in water in the process received his healing.
The account does not specifically state that Paul spoke in other tongues then, but we do now that he did. Somehow Ananias knew that Paul had received the Holy Spirit. Paul later said- I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: 1 Corinthians 14:18, so we know that he did speak in tongues and do so often!
This is another testimony found in the New Testament Church, but there is yet more.
The Witnesses: Cornelius.
Now there was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort. He was a devout, God-fearing man, as was all his household; he did many acts of charity for the people and prayed to God regularly. About three o’clock one afternoon he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God who came in and said to him, “Cornelius.” Staring at him and becoming greatly afraid, Cornelius replied, “What is it, Lord?” The angel said to him, “Your prayers and your acts of charity have gone up as a memorial before God. Now send men to Joppa and summon a man named Simon, who is called Peter. This man is staying as a guest with a man named Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.” When the angel who had spoken to him departed, Cornelius called two of his personal servants and a devout soldier from among those who served him, and when he had explained everything to them, he sent them to Joppa. Acts 10:1-8.
This story reveals many things. It opens with a description of a righteous man, who, despite being a Roman officer, was a devout, God-fearing, praying man who trained his household to be the same. He did many charitable acts and God commended him for this, recording it in the bible.
The problem was however that he was not in intimate relationship with God. He was not born again.
No matter who any person is and regardless of what they do, no amount of religious activity and performing of good and commendable deeds of any kind will ever bring anyone into Divine favor and gain admission to Heaven. It is by faith and by faith alone in the work of the cross of Jesus Christ that will do this. Our righteous acts, noble as they may be are counted as filthy rags in the sight of God.
For we have all become like one who is unclean [ceremonially, like a leper], and all our righteousness (our best deeds of rightness and justice) is like filthy rags or a polluted garment; we all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away [far from God's favor, hurrying us toward destruction]. Isaiah 64:6.
He is looking for the blood of Jesus who is our Passover Lamb applied to us. Everything else is counted as works.
For it is by free grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God; Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law's demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself.] For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]. Ephesians 2:8-10.
Peter affirms his, saying-
And remember that your heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites when he judges. He will judge you with perfect justice for everything you do; so act in reverent fear of him from now on until you get to heaven. God paid a ransom to save you from the impossible road to heaven which your fathers tried to take, and the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver as you very well know. But he paid for you with the precious lifeblood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. 1 Peter 1:17-20. See also ephesians 1:7; Titus 3:5.
Please understand that it is by the foolishness of preaching that God has ordained men should be saved. See 1 Corinthians 1:17-21. Someone has to preach the Gospel. Someone has to tell about Jesus. That’s how it works and there is no other way, so God sent peter to this man to tell him about how to get saved! Peter did not sermonize, but preached Christ!
Whilst Peter was praying, the Lord gave him a vision and instructed him to go to Cornelius. Visions and other experiences are great and wonderful. I have had many, but the bottom line is that these things are not what we base our experience upon. We are to rely on the Word of God. The word must be our final arbiter… not what men tell us or by feelings and the like which can all change.
Peter was a religious bigot. He, like Jesus, was a Jew and thought that the Christian walk belonged only to Jews and God had to deal with his pride and prejudice by revealing the vision of eating food that was not kosher. As soon as he arrived, Cornelius and those with him bowed and revered him to the point of worship. Sadly this is a trait in many areas of the so-called Christian church. Never bow and worship any man. Give respect and honor where it is due, but never put any human being on too high a position.
Peter corrected them and then reminded them of the fact that he was a Jew and that Jews should not be associating with them! When Peter was about to enter Cornelius’ house, Cornelius met him, bowed down, and worshiped Peter. But Peter made him get up. He told him, “Stand up! I’m only a man.” Acts 10:25-26. Cornelius told Peter what had happened and why he sent for him, concluding with- So I sent for you immediately. Thank you for coming. All of us are here now in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has ordered you to say. Acts 10:30.
Again, we see that someone has to preach the word and also see that this is by commandment.
Peter then realized that God intended to bring salvation to every man, not only to Jews.
Then Peter said, “Now I understand that God doesn’t play favorites. Rather, whoever respects God and does what is right is acceptable to him in any nation. God sent his word to the people of Israel and brought them the Good News of peace through Jesus Christ. This Jesus Christ is everyone’s Lord. Acts 10:34-36.
Peter then told the story of Jesus and revealed the plan of salvation.
Something unprecedented happened.
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all who were listening to the message. And the believers from among the circumcised [the Jews] who came with Peter were surprised and amazed, because the free gift of the Holy Spirit had been bestowed and poured out largely even on the Gentiles. Acts 10:44-45 (emphasis mine).
How did they know that this happened? There was no earthquake, sound of rushing wind or tongues of fire or any other manifestation, so how did they know that they had received the Holy Ghost?
The bible gives the answer in the next verse… For they heard them talking in [unknown] tongues (languages) and extolling and magnifying God. Acts 10:46.
This cannot be denied. The Holy Spirit fell on them and they spoke in other tongues. This was not something that happened only to the apostles. They were Gentiles and they were not even saved yet! They heard the people talking in tongues! It cannot be any plainer than that!
Peter then said-
Can anyone forbid or refuse water for baptizing these people, seeing that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we have? And he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ (the Messiah). Then they begged him to stay on there for some days. Acts 10:47-48 (emphasis mine).
Several things happened on that day.
- The word of God was preached
- God revealed that his promises are for anybody who will believe
- The Holy spirit can fall on anybody who will receive Him
- When someone is baptized in the Holy Ghost… they always speak with other tongues as the initial outward physical evidence.
- They were saved. This reveals that there are two completely individual or distinct experiences available to us.
- They were baptized in water... as believers
- A hunger for more of God followed
If you have not yet had this experience...you can have it too... today!
The Witnesses: Certain Disciples.
In this account we see a great example of teamwork. The church is a body of believers and each member of the body occupies a particular place and has a certain function. By working in harmony or co-operation in a team effort, greater results can be achieved. In 1 Corinthians 3:1-15.
Brothers and sisters, I couldn't talk to you as spiritual people but as people still influenced by your corrupt nature. You were infants in your faith in Christ.
I gave you milk to drink. I didn't give you solid food because you weren't ready for it. Even now you aren't ready for it
because you're still influenced by your corrupt nature. When you are jealous and quarrel among yourselves, aren't you influenced by your corrupt nature and living by human standards?
When some of you say, “I follow Paul” and others say, “I follow Apollos,” aren't you acting like {sinful} humans?
Who is Apollos? Who is Paul? They are servants who helped you come to faith. Each did what the Lord gave him to do.
I planted, and Apollos watered, but God made it grow.
So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is important because {only} God makes it grow.
The one who plants and the one who waters have the same goal, and each will receive a reward for his own work.
We are God's coworkers. You are God's field. You are God's building.
As a skilled and experienced builder, I used the gift that God gave me to lay the foundation {for that building}. However, someone else is building on it. Each person must be careful how he builds on it.
After all, no one can lay any other foundation than the one that is already laid, and that foundation is Jesus Christ.
People may build on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw.
The day will make what each one does clearly visible because fire will reveal it. That fire will determine what kind of work each person has done.
If what a person has built survives, he will receive a reward.
If his work is burned up, he will suffer {the loss}. However, he will be saved, though it will be like going through a fire.
The foundation is of course Jesus Christ, but we all can have an individual input into this. Sometimes one person may start something, but his task is just that… for another may have to follow to continue the project. One man may dig a foundation for a building, another may pour concrete, another may come to erect the walls and someone else could put the roof on top. Everyone played their part and the building was completed.
In Acts 19 we see this happening.
While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior provinces to get to the city of Ephesus. He met some disciples in Ephesus and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?” They answered him, “No, we've never even heard of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 19:1-2.
First of all, we see that they were already believers! Someone must have preached Christ to them and they believed. That person may have gone his way to preach to others and then Paul arrived some tie later. The bible simply calls them Certain disciples!
He asked them a pertinent question, Have you been baptized with the Holy Spirit yet? Their reply was simply, We haven't even heard of a Holy Spirit! What are you talking about?
Paul then asked them another leading question. Paul asked them, “What kind of baptism did you have?” They answered, “John's baptism.” Acts 19:3.
They answered, “John's baptism.” Acts 19:3.
Please take note that they were already called disciples and that they had gone through a form of baptism, but they didn’t know much about the matters of which we are speaking, so Paul explained. Paul said, “John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. John told people to believe in Jesus, who was coming later.” Acts 19:4.
The bible talks very plainly about believers’ baptism. We have to always see what the Word of God says as our measuring standard. It never changes. It never loses its power and authority. It is God's revelation of His mind and will on a given matter. We are not baptized into a church or a denomination as some people tell us and we are definitely not baptized as babies, but according to scripture as believers or followers of Jesus, we identify with Him in His death, burial and resurrection by believer’s baptism which is total immersion. John baptized people like this as an outward act of repentance and that happened before Jesus arrived on the scene. Now that He died and rose again, everything is different. We are in a new and better covenant, so Paul then baptized them as Christians! After they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 19:5.
This now brings us to the central point of this study.
Here we have a group of twelve unidentified believers specifically described as being disciples. They were thus saved and so had received the Holy Spirit by virtue of spiritual regeneration. They were then baptized as believers in the waters of baptism and now Paul lays his hands on them for a very specific purpose. He did this so that they would receive the Holy Spirit!
And as Paul laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spoke in [foreign, unknown] tongues (languages) and prophesied. Acts 19:6. Notice my emphasis. The word of God clearly states that they spoke with other tongues at that point and it also adds that they prophesied.
Again, scriptures tells us that when someone receives the Holy Spirit, something tangible evident happens to reveal that they are baptized. The initial outward physical evidence is talking in tongues.
Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed?
No Need To Tarry
When I was born again, we really did not know much about these matters in the denomination which I adopted. We inherited the idea of holding Tarry Meetings and I am so glad that I never had to go through them. The Holy Spirit fell on me as we have seen in previous segments of this study, but generally speaking, most of us then held wrong concepts about receiving the Holy Spirit.
It is true that Jesus told His disciples to tarry or wait. I’m sending you what my Father promised. Wait here in the city until you receive power from heaven. Luke 24:49.
To put it simply, they had to wait because Jesus still had to return to Heaven as our Great High Priest to present His blood as the ultimate and final sacrifice for sin (see Hebrews 9:7-8; 12-14;22; 28) and to send the promise of the Father to us. It was like a great exchange. Jesus returned and the Holy Spirit then came and He remains here today.
Throughout the bible, certain people received special endowments or anointing for specific tasks. We see such references as The Spirit of the Lord came upon him, in reference to certain people; Gideon, Sampson, Jephthah and others come to mind. See Numbers 11:25; 24:2; Judges 3:10; 6:34; 14:6;1 Samuel 6:13; 19:20.
This anointing was however temporal. By that I mean that the Holy Spirit rested Upon certain people at specific times for specific purposes, whereas in the New Testament the Spirit of God dwells Inside the believer (1 Corinthians 3:16) as well as upon them for anointing purposes and every believer can have this privilege.
When Jesus started His earthly ministry it was only after his baptism by John and only after the Holy Spirit descended upon Him and remaining. His first public sermon was after quoting Isaiah 61, in Luke 4:18, when He said- The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, Luke 4:18.
When He sent His disciples out on assignments, they were like temporary measures only. He taught them and then sent them out for practical application and they returned. See Luke 10:1.
In John 7, Jesus was attending the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles, which took several days. He made an early reference to the promised Holy Spirit here. Now on the final and most important day of the Feast, Jesus stood, and He cried in a loud voice, If any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink! He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, From his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water. But He was speaking here of the Spirit, Whom those who believed (trusted, had faith) in Him were afterward to receive. For the [Holy] Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified (raised to honor). John 7:37-39.
It is evident that there was a proper time for the Holy Spirit to come. Jumping forward now to post Calvary events, Jesus appeared to HIs disciples after HIs resurrection and breathed upon them to receive the Holy Spirit, which we have already seen is spiritual regeneration, then instructed them to wait for the Holy Spirit so that they could receive power from on high.
This is an experience reserved exclusively for believers. Jesus said that if we truly love Him and keep His commandments... I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever— The Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive (welcome, take to its heart), because it does not see Him or know and recognize Him. But you know and recognize Him, for He lives with you [constantly] and will be in you. John 14:16-17. Jesus was not speaking about the salvation experience here, because the world, or those who are not yet saved CAN receive the Holy Spirit. That’s how they get saved! He was talking about the coming of the Holy Spirit to be His replacement who would both live With us and In us.
Please notice His words… when He is come in John 16:8. Everything He said about the coming of the Holy Spirit at that time was in the future tense!It reveals a very significant part of the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
Of sin, because they believe not on me;
Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. John 16:7-15.
Just before he returned to Heaven, He commanded the disciples to wait until the Holy Spirit came and then to go about the business of the ministry. I’ve said it before and will say it again… we cannot do Gd’s work without using God’s tools! It just does not work. The Holy Spirit is the agent to provide all the wherewithal to get the job done.
In Acts 1 He commanded them And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. Acts 1:4-5.
They had to wait for the Spirit of God to arrive.
The Holy Ghost arrived on the Day of Pentecost according to Acts 2:1. He has remained here to this day. On every other occasion in scripture when believers were filled with the Spirit, no one had to wait! He was already here and all they had to do was to Receive.
All I did in September 1968, was to receive. I never prayed, begged or pleaded. I didn’t know anything about this and, as He did to Cornelius and his bunch, He fell on me and baptized me. I spoke in tongues for four hours non stop and loved it, but I did not know a thing about it. I Asked the Lord, I am getting tired. Can I stop now? I did not know what do with it then, but I have grown some now and know more about it.
Look… you do not have to tarry. All you have to do is believe and then receive, because it is a free gift! 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. Acts 2:38. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Acts 10:44-46.
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Are you saved? This basically completes our study, but there is much more yet. I have merely scratched the surface, but what I have done is to show you the truth and reveal the biblical pattern. What you now face is a two stage choice process. Please ask yourself if you are absolutely certain of your eternal destiny. Are you saved? If you have to pause before replying, I kindly suggest that you rethink everything. If you have repented of your sin and accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, you are born again. That's it. If you are unsure, then look at what Paul said-
The Word (God's message in Christ) is near you, on your lips and in your heart; that is, the Word (the message, the basis and object) of faith which we preach, Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe (adhere to, trust in, and rely on the truth) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
For with the heart a person believes (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Christ) and so is justified (declared righteous, acceptable to God), and with the mouth he confesses (declares openly and speaks out freely his faith) and confirms [his] salvation.
The Scripture says, No man who believes in Him [who adheres to, relies on, and trusts in Him] will [ever] be put to shame or be disappointed. Romans 10:8-11.
Saying prayers like that from your heart is the key.
I like praying like this-
Heavenly Father, I come to You in the Name of Your Son Jesus Christ. You said in Your Word that whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Therefore Father, I am calling on Jesus right now. I believe He died on the cross for my sins, that He was raised from the dead on the third day and He's alive right now. Lord Jesus, I am asking You now, come into my heart. Live Your life in me and through me. I repent of my sins and surrender myself totally and completely to You. Heavenly Father, by faith I now confess Jesus Christ as my new Lord and from this day forward, I dedicate my life to serving Him.
Amen.
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Receive the Spirit Receiving anything from God is a free gift! Your salvation is free.Your healing is free. Jesus paid the price for those things at Calvary.
So too is the gift of the Holy Spirit.
To qualify, you must be born again and it is that simple.
To receive, all you have to do is receive. This sound simple I know, but that's how it works. A simply cry from your heart, Lord, I am hungry for more of you. I want what you offer me. I do not necessarily understand it (yet), but I receive it in the precious Name of Jesus, is all it takes.
Receiving the Holy Spirit is simple. Invite Him to fill you. Ask Him to do what Jesus said He would do. Tell Him that you want to be more like Jesus and to know Him and the bible better. Tell Him that you want to live a victorious life and be able to do and become the sort of person God wants you to be.
Tell Him that you receive Him and ask Him to fill you right now.
That is your part.
His part is to fill you.
Receive it by faith. Feelings and emotions are not the outward signs, although you might have some of those things. The evidence, if you want to call it that, is when you speak in other tongues, but please do not, oh please don't seek tongues! Seek Him!
Do not try to make a thing happen but relax and receive, because it is not difficult or hard. Just let Him do what He alone can do and then start to thank and praise the Lord.
Simply start talking in tongues! Just do it! He will not make you do it... because you are the person who speaks. It is your mouth; your tongue; your vocal chords and your lungs, so you are the one who speaks, but He is the one who gives you te ability.
If we were standing together right now, I'd place my hands on you and say Receive the Holy Ghost and then you would start worshipping God in the language of the spirit. I am however in front of you through your computer monitor, so by faith just go ahead and receive and start speaking in other tongues.
Hallelujah!
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More Than An Initial Experience Receiving the Holy Spirit is essentially the beginning of a whole new life in Christ. Speaking in other tongues is the initial physical evidence, but please do not stop there. Wonderful as it it, once you are filled with the Spirit and are able to speak in other tongues, there is more to it than that. For example you are a candidate to receive the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and we are encouraged to seek them. As far as I can tell, there is only one place in the bible that tells us to covet something! Eagerly pursue and seek to acquire [this] love [make it your aim, your great quest]; and earnestly desire and cultivate the spiritual endowments (gifts), especially that you may prophesy (interpret the divine will and purpose in inspired preaching and teaching). 1 Corinthians 14:1.
Remember of course that the Holy Spirit is the person who exercised His prerogative to give what gifts He wishes to whom He wishes.
The page The Holy Spirit and His Gifts will elaborate.
We are told that the more you use or exercise your ability to speak in other tongues, it is like doing a good workout at the gym. There are many benefits and ways to flow in God and I recommend that you see the page Working Out At The Spiritual Gym.
Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil.
Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is.
And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit.
Speak out to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise with voices [and instruments] and making melody with all your heart to the Lord, At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father. Ephesians 5:15-20.
Be filled and stay filled!
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PO Box 152 :: Mount Tamborine, Queensland, 4272, Australia :: Email:info@bashanministries.org
Web site designed by Robert Carter, Bashan Ministries. © 2010. All rights reserved
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