Can anyone with the Holy Spirit Speak in Tongues?

Recently, I shared with someone that everyone who has the Holy Spirit can speak in tongues.  The person, a long-time minister, replied 'Well, you may be right, but you may also be wrong.'  

I was shocked.  Some of you reading this may be saying to yourselves - well, isn't he correct?  

The answers to questions like these may only be found in Scripture.  This is our authority in all things.  So, let me share with you what the Word itself has to say.  [see John 1:1-14 to understand the scope, source, and authority of the Word]

Let's consider the following two passages:  

Firstly, Acts 10:

44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles.46 For they heard them speaking in tongues[b] and praising God.

Then Peter said, 47 “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” 48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.

We learn much from this small section of Scriptures!  First, they indicate that the Holy Spirit was poured out.  How did they know?  v. 46 FOR they HEARD them speaking in tongues and praising God.

Next, this was part of the baptism experience - one baptism which includes the washing and remission of sins, as we are buried with Christ, followed or preceded by fire from Heaven which is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and sign to them that they had indeed received the Holy Spirit, the baptism promised by John the Baptist when he said 'there is one coming after who will baptize with fire...' Note, too, that it was done 'in the name of Jesus Christ.'

In fact, it is no secret that the Catholic church changed the rite of baptism from full emersion as well as using Jesus' name.  A quick Google will provide the answer.  It's in their encyclopedia.  It is no secret because they believe that the church has the authority (meaning what they say goes even when it contradicts or changes the Word of God) because as Peter was told when given the keys to Heaven that whatever he said would loose and bind things, roughly speaking, ignoring the fact that not one word of Scripture will go away.  Later we'll address what Peter actually said.  

If that's not enough evidence, let's look at another passage in Acts 19.

1 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when[a] you believed?”

They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”

3 So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?”

“John’s baptism,” they replied.

4 Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues[b] and prophesied.7 There were about twelve men in all.

Clearly, these passages support the earlier observations of the events which took place in Cornelius' house, both the practice of baptizing in Jesus' name as well as the baptism of fire whose characteristics include speaking in tongues (vs. a tongue) and prophesying.  Were they disobedient to Matthew 28:19?  No!  God is a spirit.  The Holy Spirit is a spirit. Jesus is the name above all names. If we want to be technical, consider 'in the name of' as being singular - and so we ask 'What's the name?'  Of course, it is Jesus and we are instructed to do all things in His name (Col. 3:17) and we have this record of how the Apostles carry out those instructions properly and fully.

Certainly, there are many, many more.  If truly we are going to be a fellowship which follows the teachings of Scripture, are not the acts of the Apostles, taught by Jesus on how to birth new believers into the church, our starting point and model?  We also observe that there is an urgency to these events.  When the characteristics of belief (and Heaven's rebirth/approval) appear, the rites are performed.  No exception.  Nowhere in Scripture do we see people mulling over their decision to perform these rites once someone believes.  Nor do they argue or vary in how they minister the rites.  It's all done the same way according to Acts 2:38 - by Peter, who held the keys to the kingdom of Heaven! [See, I told you I'd get to this!]  His was the first message of the church age!  And the fruit of his preaching was that 3000 were added to the church that day.  Yes, as we sing, we need another Pentecost!  Fire from Heaven!  

We ought not to be surprised at these things.  Jesus foretold of them when he spoke to Nicodemus indicating that, as you pointed out, the Holy Spirit comes like the wind.  The part you've left off, however, is crucial to our understanding:  'you hear its sound and so it is with everyone born of the spirit.'  [John 3: 3-5] There is some kind of 'sound' evidence when the Holy Spirit comes into a new believer.  We find no exceptions indicated in Scripture where they specifically describe that neither tongues or prophesy were needed or spoken as a result of the believer's awakening.  

How can we ignore the foundation of church doctrine - the very instructions and acts of the Apostles in birthing new believers into the church?  The name of Jesus is the authority.  The Spirit gives life and all its benefits.  Are we equipped to work in ministry and leading other believers if we ourselves have not been obedient to Scripture? 

You may be saying to yourselves - but I've witnessed changed lives and heart healings!  We know from Scripture that Jesus is compassionate.  Did he not heal many?  Were they all saved?  Is God not good and merciful?  Why, yes he is.  Scripture tells us that God may be with us, but it's important that he be in us. [See Romans 8:9 for the warning there.]

I am well aware of the arguments against these teachings.  I've heard from seminary graduates, pastors and their kids raised in the church, preachers/teachers and more... What I always ask, myself first, is have I been obedient to the verses they show me?  And how do they line up, or agree, with the ones I've offered?  Oftentimes, the one arguing has obeyed the ones they've selected, but not, for example, these ones above.  

The fact of the matter is that we are still living in the church age and the Book of Acts is where the church, as an institution and as believers, begins.  

Furthermore, the picture of the church is that each of us has different gifts within the body.  Not everyone can be a hand or an eye, right?  So, isn't it amazing that entire congregations, around the globe and for ages and ages, have been given this same gift, speaking in tongues?  How can this be if it is a gift to some and not others?  Doesn't it make much more sense, however, to understand that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is part of the baptism experience - one baptism - of water (repentance) and fire (promised by John the Baptist, and described by Jesus to Nicodemus in John 3:3-5 as the heavenly rebirth of water and spirit, prophesied in Joel) as we call on the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? And that adopted into his family, recalling the picture of marriage where the bride takes her husband's name, we do this in Jesus' name?  This explanation aligns perfectly with all Scripture.  The reverse, not so much.  This is my testimony as a witness to the salvation of Christ through faith.  We cannot forfeit the glory God has shown us.

So, what is the use in arguing?  It does not change Scripture, does it?  I am at peace because, thankfully, these are not my teachings nor my sayings.  I have shown you the Word of God to which we are committed in our home.  We will follow these teachings and we will share these teachings wherever they are welcome.  If they are not welcome, we understand and are not offended.  

This is Just a Season... in a Safe Place

Sometimes, God has you in a safe place.

Several years ago, I experienced a layoff at work from my position as a marketing manager.  I was unemployed for 15 months.  I thought I was washed up and my career was over.  That said, I was finally able to get hired as an administrative assistant at a local university.  Just after my layoff, my former supervisor suggested that I read a book called 'Reinvention' which was a career advice book about changing careers.  It had some interesting advice, but in my heart, I just didn't think that was the right choice for me.  Change industries, perhaps, but no longer work in marketing or communications?  It was not what I wanted.

As a Christian, I can tell you that I could not see the way forward.  I knew there was a way forward, but I had no clue what the outcome would be or when the season would be over.  I just kept doing what I knew to do to move forward.

So, I did get a job as an administrative assistant.  It was a good job.  I enjoyed both my job and my co-workers.  I embraced new ways of using my skills to help the efforts of the professors and their students:  flyers, department brochure, video/video editing, facebook page, etc.  I had fun!

Then recruiters began to contact me.  What was this?  So, I felt - OK, God is telling me 'Now!  Now I have a position for you - the right team, the right salary.'  Within two weeks I had a new job, great salary and most everyone in the department - particularly the supervisor, were all new hires.

You see, sometimes, God tucks you away in a safe place and closes doors or creates 'weird' obstacles because you aren't meant to stay where he has you.  It is a temporary place.  A short season.

You may find that God has promised to open up a door to work somewhere or even worship somewhere, to marry someone - though you don't know their name - but in each case, you have a clear description of what that situation or relationship will be like.  You've prayed about it and you know God is faithful.  So as you pursue these various options to see which of these is the 'right' one, you may end up in a job where advancement is not an option, ministry opportunity or vision is misaligned, or communications and courting are just more difficult than they ought to be.

I want to tell you, friend, you are in a temporary place for just a season.  It is easy not to recognize your situation as temporary!  But be careful, in this place, you can become frustrated and give up (on your dreams).  I've been there! 

Jer. 28:19 tells us that God knows the plans he has for us - plans to prosper us and not harm us!

So, what do you do?  In that place, be calm.  Look up.  Nod and say to yourself  'I get it.  This is just temporary and what we've discussed is still in the works, but Your timing is perfect!'

Ps 91:2 says 'I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.'

Ps 27:14 says this: 'Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD."

Wait upon the Lord.  Do what is right and all you know to do allowing God to show you things, learn from those experiences and when the time is right, he will open that door - blessing you BEYOND what you've asked!

God has done this in my life time and time again.  I hope this testimony encourages someone.  If you are in a place which seems 'not quite right,' maybe you are in a temporary season or place while God is working out with the right resources, the right team, the right environment - for your benefit, according to your prayers.  So, be calm.  Look up.  Nod and say 'I get it.'

Realize, too, that when you depart one situation (and do this without malice and with all grace), people may not wish you well.  They may even curse you, shun you, or disparage your name.  Don't worry about it.  God's got your back - keep doing all you know to do as He is directing and guiding you to do!

Blessings to you!  If this encouraged you, will you please like and share this message?

Keys to the Kingdom for Believers

Keys to the Kingdom for BELIEVERS

When learning how a car operates, we learn that a key turns the ignition, oil must be at an adequate level in the motor and gas is required to turn over the engine so that it may run, then one must release the break and/or put it in drive and press on the gas pedal.  These instructions may not necessarily be together or presented in that precise order within your car's manual, yet we know these things must come together for the car to work properly and get you from point A to B.

Likewise, the Bible has instructions for the whole of human history divided into 'dispensations' where there were varying requirements for salvation.
 

So many well-meaning Christians stop too soon in the message of salvation - stopping at a prayer or a simple verbal confession.  Ever hear that your profession of faith was all you need to be saved?  The justification of this statement is that no one can profess Jesus as Lord unless he is born from above - meaning that you have already had your spiritual rebirth.  

 

But this was not how the early Christians birthed believers into the church.  No, this was changed later on - centuries later and has progressed down this road ever since and pervades all modern 'Christian' churches today, and not just evangelical ones.  This teaching comes from, among other places, Romans 10, an epistle to the church at Rome.  It is important to know that this is a letter and that it was to a church because the church are the born-again believers in Christ.  This portion of the letter discusses the belief of Israel who would not accept Christ as the Messiah.  If they would but confess, they would receive salvation because it would indicate that the hardness of their hearts had changed and turned toward God.  That is true repentance!  And 'be saved' or 'unto salvation' is a future event that would then follow their belief and repentance.  No one is saved prior to repentance, but there is the possibility to believe, repent and then receive the Holy Spirit followed lastly by water baptism where we take on the name of Jesus and die in Christ (Romans 6:6-9 - which comes before Romans 10...).  Romans 10 also continues regarding the need for belief first, but in order to believe, one must hear the gospel and in order to hear the gospel, one must have a preacher... this is the teaching.  It always works in this order:  instruction, then correction - all in gentleness and in love.

Here are some encyclopedic references for your consideration:

Britannica Encyclopedia, 11th Edition, Volume 3, page 365 – Baptism was changed from the name of Jesus to words Father, Son & Holy Ghost in 2nd Century. Canney Encyclopedia of Religion, page 53 – The early church baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus until the second century.
Hastings Encyclopedia of Religion, Volume 2 – Christian baptism was administered using the words, "in the name of Jesus." page 377. Baptism was always in the name of Jesus until time of Justin Martyr, page 389.
Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 2, page 263 – Here the authors acknowledged that the baptismal formula was changed by their church.
Schaff – Herzog Religious Encyclopedia, Volume 1, page 435 – The New Testament knows only the baptism in the name of Jesus.
Hastings Dictionary of Bible, page 88 – It must be acknowledged that the three fold name of Matthew 28:19 does not appear to have been used by the primitive church, but rather in the name of Jesus, Jesus Christ or Lord Jesus. 
http://www.upcbaypoint.com/Articles2/early_church_baptism.html (a GREAT link which includes Biblical references as well to Baptisms in the Bible - not a single one performed in titles, all in Jesus' name!)

Or how many stop at water baptism stating it's an outward sign of what's happened already inside?  If that were true then was the Ethiopian Eunuch sufficiently baptized?  The Scriptures do not indicate there were any witnesses - maybe there was an entourage with this Eunuch since he was in the Queen's service, but his presence was not of any official nature, he had come to worship when Philip found him.  Philip confirmed the man's belief first and then, thanks to his belief, agreed to baptize him.  Baptism is for believers - but belief alone is not sufficient for the Scriptures tell us that if we believe that's good, but even devils believe (James 2:19 - and this one goes so far as to say they believe in ONE God).  But what did you do with your belief?  Ready to put it into action? Remember, faith without works is dead.  (James 2:14-26)

Still not convinced?  How about the preaching and obedience of the Apostle Peter who had already had a revelation of Christ when Jesus asked the Disciples who do you say I am?  And yet his journey into salvation was not complete and he preached the first sermon of the Church age (after the 120 received the indwelling Holy Spirit in the upper room - that power and fire baptism promised to them):  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+2&version=NKJV

Or other Disciples who were not in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost?  They were specifically asked - have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed?  They answered no and were both baptized and received the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues:  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts+19%3A1-10&version=NKJV

 

Notice, too, their urgency and immediacy with obedience to the fullness of the instructions they received - there was no time gap from their belief/acceptance of the gospel message and their obedience to the instructions being made into disciples - receiving the fullness of salvation receiving both authority and power through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior!

Folks, this is the full message of the Gospel concerning salvation.  Less is simply less.  Now, who wants more of God?

#Salvation, #WholeGospel , #Acts2:38

Four Principles of Victory - 4/1/2014

Live in Victory!  Or your children will wander from the faith...

What a great message today from Adrian Rogers to encourage us that if we aren't living in the victory purchased for us, we are failing not only to live out a worthy testimony, but we are failing the next generation most assuredly!  It is a choice - turn to Him and live according to his design for your life by getting the Word in you and obeying it's teachings!

Four Principles of Victory - 4/1/2014

You
have an enemy, the biggest troublemaker in the church. In this message
Dr. Rogers describes him and even calls his name. Find out who your
enemy is (it's not who you think) and learn four ways you must use to
defeat him.



Find that recording on this link:



http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/love-worth-finding/player/four-principles-of-victory-399495.html

How Do You Recognize God's Voice?

His Word - Our Relationship

 I've been asked twice over the past week - how do you know it's God speaking to you?  Well, let's think about that from a practical experience to which everyone can relate.  Think about the people you know.  When you call them, do you recognize their voice?  When you were a child, did you recognize the voice of a parent or guardian?  Of course you did!  Why?  Because you knew them.  You had a relationship with them.

It's the same with Jesus.  When we spend time with him (reading his Word #1, prayer and worship), we, too, will recognize his voice.  The more we obey that voice, the more he will trust us and we him.

Folks, it's a relationship!

John 10:27-30
New King James Version (NKJV)
27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. 30 I and My Father are one.”

Know the Word, Know God, Control your Thought Life

2 Cor 10:3-5 (NIV) For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

"At this point of maturity, those practiced at knowing God's voice need not pretend or merely hope. They can speak with authority, conviction, and results (Rom. 12:2). They need not be double-minded or resort to psychological gymnastics (James 1:5-8). They can pray in real faith (James 5:15). For "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Rom. 10:17)." ~ Acts 17:11 Bible Study:  Hearing God

He will guide you and direct you, Trust in Him

Isa 30:20-21 (NIV) Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."

John 10:2-5 (NIV) "The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice."

The Works of the Lord are not necessarily earth-shaking

1 Kings 19:11 Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.

Spend time with Him and eventually you will know his voice for yourself!

Born With Strengths

The Joy of the Lord is my Strength

Were you born with weaknesses?

Once there was a man who was not very handy around the house. He couldn't build things, paint rooms or walls, or make any home repairs. 

For years, this was a major issue for him.  He said it made him feel stupid.  "As a man, I felt I needed to know how to do things like this.  I mean, shouldn't I?  I should be able to take care of my family doing simple things like fixing up my home!"  

For years, these kinds of thoughts plagued his conscience either from negative self-speak or from the enemy reminding him of this area of 'weakness.' Thoughts like these were crippling, both emotionally and spiritually.  It was a 'thorn' of frustration that was oftentimes vented in anger.  He was far from being any kind of handyman - it was his weakness.  But over time, he learned to accept his weakness until it bothered him less and less.  

As he began to grow in spiritual strength and maturity, the Lord gave him a ministry.  Using the extraordinary gift of teaching he'd been given, the Lord called him to marriage counseling which he accomplished by becoming a life coach.  What fulfillment he found from serving in this ministry!  But he was always careful to remain humble and give God the glory.  He tells everyone: 

"I cannot do this without the wisdom and knowledge of the Lord.  It is through the Holy Spirit that I receive direction and insight on people's problems.  When I reveal what the Lord has to say, they are profoundly moved and transformed by the instruction as they apply the teaching in their everyday lives. I cannot do it without Him!"  

Then a few weeks ago, a water pipe burst during a cold snap which caused a major leak in the bathroom of his home.  Water was gushing behind the wall!  Quickly, he tried to turn off the water but couldn't open the access door to shut off the water main.  Then he tried to thread the pipes back together to contain the leak, but it caused the water to spray everywhere.  So, without getting frustrated, he sent for his neighbor across the street as he thought: "Surely, he can fix this!"  

This neighbor was very talented with manual labor tasks.  He could do just about anything, from auto repair to landscaping.  The summer before, the man had hired the neighbor to restore the exterior of his home.  It was in desperate need of work - the paint was peeling badly and there was significant water damage.  After three weeks, the task was complete and the home looked as good as new!  He was talented at handiwork. 

At the same time, the neighbor became aware of this man's ministry and began to confide in him to get advice for his own family.  

Sure enough, on the day the water pipe burst, the neighbor responded right away to assist the man and together they repaired the pipe.  The man reflected on how fortunate he was to have such a neighbor!  He thanked God for having a resource like this so close by!  And he thought to himself "Perhaps it is no coincidence..."

It was then that the Lord gave him the following revelation:  I did not make you with any weaknesses.  I made you with strengths.  But look, what you think is your weakness, I have given as a strength to your neighbor.  And where he needs strengthening, you serve him with your ministry.

He began to look at himself in a whole new light! (John 1:1-14, 8:12, 12:46; Mt 5:14-16)  We are not given weaknesses, we were given strengths!

At this, the man worshiped the Lord for his goodness and shared this revelation with others.  No more need he dwell on weaknesses!  The revelation gave him great joy!  Joy gives him the strength to overcome negative thinking thanks to these loving words of the Father.  

You were made with Strengths

That's right, you were made with strengths!  That is to say that you were made with good qualities, not deficient ones.  And for everything else, the Lord has made provision.  [This does not contradict the doctrine that we were born in sin, however, and stand in need of salvation.  Many need to overcome the temptation of falling into self-loathing when they are taught or they realize the truth about our sinful nature.  This is self-pity, a well-hidden form of pride.]

1.  You are His Workmanship

"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous" (Psalm 139:13-14 NLT).

Ephesians 2:10

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁰ For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Our English word "poem" comes from this Greek word translated "workmanship." You're God's handcrafted work of art. You're not an assembly-line product, mass-produced without thought. You're a custom designed, one-of-a-kind, original masterpiece.  ~ Rick Warren, author of  The Purpose-Driven Life

2.  Belong to Him

Psalms 34:8 

"...taste and see that the Lord is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!"

 He will do all things according to his will.  He does all this for his children.  So, I ask you, are you his child?  Do you belong to Him?  The first step is to trust (have faith) and believe.  If you have faith to believe, then I invite you to know what you must do next by reading here in Acts 2 which describes the birth of the church, the age in which we live today.

If you do not know Jesus and therefore don't know whether or not you can trust him in anything, much less for your salvation, then I suggest you read the book of John from the New Testament.

3.  Jesus is God Revealed

Jesus' teachings 'astonish' the people because he spoke with authority.  By contrast, the Pharisees and scribes did not speak in this manner.    He tells them about the narrow way, and that he is God in the flesh.

John 14:5-7

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁵ Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”
⁶ Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

The Father Revealed

⁷ “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.”

 Dear reader, if you have need of anything today, Jesus is your answer.  It may seem trite or you may feel you've come to a dead-end in this conclusion, but when we see and understand that he is the manifestation of God the Father, the Creator God, author and finisher of our faith, the I AM, the Alpha and Omega.... we can be assured that in Him is all-sufficiency and power to meet that need.

4.  Ask in Jesus' Name

        Proverbs 18:10 (NASB)

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. 

Colossians 3:17

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁷ And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

5.  Great Faith has Great Authority

If, then, the church is lacking in something - we may boldly come before the Lord and ask it in Jesus' name!   Look at this lesson from Matthew 21:

The Fig Tree Withered

¹⁸ Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry. ¹⁹ And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again.” Immediately the fig tree withered away.

The Lesson of the Withered Fig Tree

²⁰ And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither away so soon?”
²¹ So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done. ²² And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”

 Or this from Matthew 7:

⁷ “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. ⁹ Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? ¹⁰ Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? ¹¹ If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

6.  Turn to your Church when you have Need

The Church is where elders, pastors, and teachers 'feed the sheep' (John 21:17)  The Word is preached for the maturing of the saints (Eph 4:11-13).  It is by the Word that our faith comes to life (Ro. 10:17).  And it is the place where God's people come together to worship in Spirit and Truth (John 4:24).  The ultimate character trait of a mature Christian is measured in the love they have for both God and one another (Mt 5:1-12).  Look how the early church demonstrated their faith and their charity (aka love) for one another:

Acts 2:44-46

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁴⁴ Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, ⁴⁵ and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
⁴⁶ So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,

The idea is that we need one another and Jesus in his wisdom has given us the Church, His bride.  It is the place where we come together in true fellowship (which is sharing, teaching and worshiping the Lord together) to minister to one another (John 13:1-17).   For the Christian, we have access to an abundant life!  (John 10:10)  

Summary

In summation, you were made for a purpose.  If you are a believer, become His according to His Word.  Jesus is God in the flesh which means in His name is authority and with our faith, we can achieve great things!  It is important to become part of an active church family (Heb 10:25).  It is one's church family which provides the framework and resources for growing and developing one's maturity.  It is also the place where one may develop a ministry under the guidance and covering of its elders, teachers, and Pastor.  There have been times in this author's life when I faced immense struggles and hardships.  It was thanks to the backing of my church family, that I received encouragement, guidance in the Word, and intercessory prayer which strengthened me so I could better face these situations with peace and grace.  In short, I was blessed by their love and support!

Finally, while it is proper to have a sober self-assessment that keeps one humble, dwelling in negativity is definitely self-destructive.  Instead

Philippians 4:8(NKJV)

Meditate on These Things

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

When we focus the light on our strengths and the strengths of others, all else fades in the shadows.  

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If this has blessed you in anyway, please leave a comment or share with others. 

The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit, The Beginning of the Last Days

A Lesson the Era of Last Days

Rarely do I blog about a sermon from another ministry or church, but one by Adrian Rogers (link provided at the bottom) caught my attention because it begins by identifying that we live in an era know as the church era, the era of Grace and often called 'The Last Days."

Sermons on the importance of love as a character trait, and indeed a sign of one's Christian heritage and rebirth, are not a new or unique themes.  My own church does a great many lessons on this topic so surely I had enough content to share!  But isn't it interesting that many denominations recognize the beginning of the church age with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, yet deny the need for the believer to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit?

In fact, you too may be having that reaction right now.  And others have had this reaction - yet here this preacher clearly states that we are still in that same era as when the first pouring out of the Holy Spirit occurred, baptizing the believers who were waiting on that promise from the Lord.  Some say today there is no such need.  That baptism in any form is not necessary for rebirth for you have already confessed Jesus as Lord and so you have received that rebirth through the awakening of your conscience.  And yet, the early church saw fit to baptize believers in their day - this same age which has NOT ended:  the Last Days. 

The Bible says in Joel 2:28-29 that he will pour out his Spirit upon all flesh. 

The promise is fulfilled as we read in Acts 2 and the Apostle Peter addresses the crowd, telling them about the event they've just witnessed.  The Baptism of the Holy Spirit had come upon those believers and with such a force that they prophesied in languages they had never studied so that they could be a witness to all the travelers in the city at that time!

 Acts 2:36-40

³⁶ “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

³⁷ When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
³⁸ Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹ The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
⁴⁰ With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” ⁴¹ Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

This promise will continue to endure, filling believers, baptizing them in the 'Baptism of Fire' of which John the Baptist spoke! 

Matthew 3:11

“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Of course the Apostles also warn us about the use of spiritual gifts.  First and foremost we are to love, and this sermon spends a great deal of time on how we are to love and the purpose of that love.  Below are many references as well to review for yourself.

So, why should you seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit?  Please refer to this study which I've put together that provides a full understanding of what the Bible says regarding salvation.

In short, because it is part of the plan of salvation which was first preached by the Apostle Peter in Acts chapter 2, verses 37-39.  Note that witnesses had heard the believers speaking in tongues when Peter got up to explain to them what had just happened and that their Lord and Messiah had been crucified.

Acts 2:37-39

New International Version (NIV)

³⁷ When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
³⁸ Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹ The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

You may read this and say "I have never heard that!"  I am saved by Grace alone because I confess the Lord as my savior - he did the work for me on the cross!

Friend, Grace is an unopened gift if that sacrifice is not applied to you!  The preponderance of evidence in Scriptures is that the Apostles told people to repent (sinner's prayer is wholly appropriate) and be baptized (full immersion under water to mimic Christ's death, burial and resurrection) for the remission of your sins (not a mere public sign of your testimony, but the name of Jesus is at that time applied to your life - you are now adopted into the kingdom as in a legal means - you name now is: 'put your name here' Jesus Christ.  His sacrifice is now all the Lord our Judge will see instead of your sins).  The Scripture continues "...you will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" (which is the Comforter, the Mighty Counselor who will come to reside in you, which is his power that you need to endure the race of life)...

You have a new perspective (repentance), new name (your name Jesus Christ) and have been legally adopted into the kingdom and a new spirit - the Holy Spirit.  [Note:  you do not have a new mind (soul) or body.  These two will be at war with the new spirit which is why we are taught how to mature and endure!]

Now before any naysayers cry out 'works do not save you!'  Let me reassure you that had Christ not made the Way for me, by His Grace, none of this would be possible!  It is by my faith that I receive God's Grace.  And friend, let us not forget that faith without works is dead.  

James 2:19-21

King James Version (KJV)

¹⁹ Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
²⁰ But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
²¹ Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

Once again, the preponderance of evidence in the Scriptures demonstrates that believers were made disciples in this manner.  Up to early in the 4th century, all believers were 'birthed' into the church this very way.  It's historical fact!

How do I receive this baptism?

First of all, read the passages of Scripture for yourself.  You may need or want to commit yourself to its careful study before you are convinced that what I'm sharing is true, real and relevant for you.  If you are not convinced, you are spiritually full and not ready to receive.

But if you have cast aside all fear and doubt then as you worship, friend, yield to His presence as you magnify His Holy Name!  Repeat "Halleleujah" (I surrender - and is this not the cry of repentance? Not my way, O God, but yours!) as you rejoice for Christ's sacrifice and his Grace (unmerited favor). 

What will happen?  How will I know?

As you repeat - and it's important to be using your tongue so that the Holy Spirit can then take control of it - You will feel a tingling like power (electricity) and as you verbally and vocally praise.  Your tongue will become tangled and you will trip up your words - allowing this to happen, you will speak in an unknown (angelic) language which may or may not have at that time a translation.  This baptism is for the unbeliever, according to the Bible, so that you may know that you indeed have been filled with the Holy Ghost as it was promised! 

You can read for yourself the stories of revivals (Welsh revival, ones which occurred here in the 19th century, many happening in Africa and overseas) and the great repentance (this is how it always starts), great worship and the presence of the Holy Spirit which marked these events.  It was visibly and physically obvious to every observer that God's presence was there!

Someone close to me said they felt as if they were taken up to the heavens!  As for myself, it was a very subtle experience and I didn't fall out or do anything which wasn't in my nature to do.  As time progressed, I began to speak in what sounded more like a language and less like 'baby' language.  Another person might produce sounds and 'stammering' lips.  Your experience will be unique to you and unmistakeable!  Do not let the enemy tell you otherwise!  And do not let anyone tell you that you don't need it!  Any believer who believes they are filled already with the Holy Spirit can yield (surrender - remember, Halleleujah?) to the presence of the Lord and speak in an unknown language just as I could talk with you right now in English.

Why should I speak in tongues? 
At times, life can so overwhelm you that you do not know what to say, think or pray.  Praying in tongues may be exercised at such as time as this (intercession - Jesus is the intercessor for man and he uses us in this way by His Spirit to continue that work through us).  Praying for others in the assembly may be done through the Holy Spirit in you because only the Holy Spirit can know exactly that person's heart and their needs.

But we must remember to be respectful!  The best time is to pray in tongues is before your day begins - to prepare you for what events or people you may encounter.  Pray before the service or any fellowship that all things may go well for you and you may be used mightily to minister and in the gifts you've been given!  Tongues exercised in this manner will help you be sensitive to the needs of others.  It will build your faith so that you can minister through help, encouragement or praying over them for healing and deliverance.

Mark 16:16-18

King James Version (KJV)

¹⁶ He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
¹⁷ And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
¹⁸ They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

No, do not abuse tongues, but be assured that tongues, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, is indeed for you unto this day and until our Lord's return! 

Hopefully you have or will soon have this same experience (which some may deny, but no one can ever take from you) very soon.  But the most important thing is that this gift is meant to give you the power to do all that Christ did and more.  The work of the Holy Spirit in your life is to counsel you, grow you in spiritual maturity and manifest the gifts of the Holy Spirit (9 are often quoted, but upon more careful observation and search, our church has found more than 20).

What then should we do?  First and foremost, love one another.  As we end chapter 2 of Acts, we find a description of what fellowship in our churches should look like even unto today! 

 The Fellowship of the Believers⁴² They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³ Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. ⁴⁴ All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵ They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. ⁴⁶ Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

The last half or more of this sermon discusses the mark of Christianity:  love for one another.

John13:35 & 1 John 3:14  it is proof of our rebirth
2 Corinthians 5:14   - we are compelled because Christ lives in us
Proverbs 10:12 - covers sin

Love seeks to cover sin, while not condoning it.  It endures all things.   Read more about the character and qualities of love from one of the most famous passages regarding true love:   1 Corinthians 13

We learn all good things from God, our Lord and Savior!   

To hear the entirety of this message, please go here:  http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/love-worth-finding/player/a-lifestyle-for-the-last-days-355962.html