Jump to content

KiwiChristian

Members *
  • Posts

    870
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Reputation

330 Good

8 Followers

About KiwiChristian

  • Birthday 01/22/1968

Contact Methods

  • Website URL
    www.calvarystudy.info

Profile Information

  • Gender
    Male
  • Location
    New Zealand

Recent Profile Visitors

4,954 profile views
  1. The King James Bible for sure. The Authorised Version ( later referred to as the King James Version ) was translated via the antioch manuscript textline, not the corrupted alexandrian textline as most modern perversions are. Around 64,000 manuscripts agree with the KJV. Thats a whopping 95%. The newer "translations" are supported by only 5%. modern (per)versions will say that their translation is "exact", "literal" "translation of the original languages. But, what they DON'T tell you is that they are using the CORRUPTED Greek texts of heretics Westcott and Hort, two unsaved men who hated the Word of God. The King James Bible came from an entirely different Greek text (the Textus Receptus) which originated from Antioch, Syria, where believers were first called "Christians" (Acts 11:26). The corrupted Greek text which Westcott and Hort used originated from Egypt. ------------------------ The KJV is translated from the Textus Receptus(TR) text. This text agrees with over 99% of the 5,686 Greek manuscripts. The ESV, along with all the other new versions is translated from the text of Westcott and Hort(W&H), which drastically different from the TR. The W&H text, that has been altered by the philosophy of men, removes complete verses and words, which explains why the new versions do the same. The new versions are not just "updating the language", they are corrupting the word of God with the help of the corrupt W&H text. Brooke Foss Westcott and Fenton John Anthony Hort are the two men behind the corrupt Greek text of the new versions. These two men were on the translating committee of the Revised Version(RV). By reading these two men's quotes any Christian would agree that these two men were heretics. For time sake, I will not quote all of their quotes, but leave it up to the reader to research these men. Here are just some of the false beliefs of these men. Both did not believe in the infallibility or authority of the Holy Scriptures. They denied the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ and did not believe in a literal eternal Hell. Both denied the literal account of creation in Genesis. Westcott believed in the worship of Mary, while Hort said that the worship of Mary and Jesus had a lot in common. Hort believed in the Roman Catholic sacraments and taught baptismal regeneration. Westcott did not believe in the literal Second Coming of Jesus Christ, nor believed in a literal heaven. Hort did not believe in the Trinity, nor believed in literal angels. Hort attacked the doctrine of substitution also. The list goes on and on, but I will stop there. Those are the men behind the new version's Greek text and after examining their beliefs one can see why the new versions corrupt major doctrines, such as the deity of Jesus Christ. Understand that it is not just the ESV that uses the W&H text, but all the other new versions, such as the NIV, NASV, ASV, RV, RSV, NCV, etc. The W&H Greek text consists of two corrupt manuscripts that disagree with the Majority text. These two manuscripts that are filled with errors are called the Vaticanus and Siniaticus, which include the Apocrypha in the Old Testament. The KJV translators made it clear that the Apocrypha was not inspired scripture by putting it in the middle for only historical reasons and noting that it was not scripture. The ESV uses the 4th edition of the UBS Greek New Testament and the 27th edition of Nestle's Novum Testamentum Graece, which follow the W&H Greek text. Deceitfully, the ESV claims lineage to the KJV. Again, nothing can be further from the truth because as you have seen, the KJV and ESV use completely different texts in translating. The ESV uses the same Greek text as the Revised Standard Version(RSV), which claimed the KJV had many mistakes when it was published. The Lord has warned people against subtracting and adding to his words. The ESV goes directly against God's command and takes out 17 complete verses. The fact is, the new version people are LIARS because they claim that they are just updating the language to make it "easier", but what they have done is used the corrupt W&H Greek text that corrupts doctrines and alters the precious words of God. ---------------------------------------------- Now, before anyone accuses me of being a "KJV-ONLYIST", i will pre-empt a reply. First, the Bible IS the infallible Word of God, but no translation is infallible. Second, I think the question really should be “Why do some people prefer the KJV when so many people hate it?” MANY people are anti-KJV and they vehemently hate the KJV. I think most say it is hard to read. Sorry, my friends but that is just a lazy excuse. It would take you 2 or 3 seconds to google a word that you don’t REALLY understand. “Thee” and “Thou” and “Ye” are VERY important words with slightly different actual meanings. They, in fact when you learn the definitions, make the Bible passages A LOT clearer. Plus, studies have shown that the KJV is EASIER to read by at least 2 or 3 grades. I think the second main reason people hate it is because they think that the new translations which are based in part on EARLIER manuscripts are better and more accurate. Again, sorry, my friends no offence, but this is nonsense. The AGE of a manuscript has NOTHING to do with whether it is accurate! A third point is that i think most people generally think that all the Bible translations can be traced back to ONE source. This is not true. The Authorised Version ( later referred to as the King James Version ) was translated via the antioch manuscript textline, not the corrupted alexandrian textline as most modern perversions are. The King James Bible came from an entirely different Greek text (the Textus Receptus) which originated from Antioch, Syria, where believers were first called "Christians" (Acts 11:26). The corrupted Greek text which Westcott and Hort used originated from Egypt. Around 64,000 manuscripts agree with the KJV. Thats a whopping 95%. The newer "translations" are supported by only 5%. modern (per)versions will say that their translation is "exact", "literal" "translation of the original languages. But, what they DON'T tell you is that they are using the CORRUPTED Greek texts of heretics Westcott and Hort, two unsaved men who hated the Word of God. So, even IF the KJV is harder to read, would you rather struggle a little with the TRUTH or easily read a LIE? serious omissions in the niv.pdf
  2. Can you quote me these verses from the NIV, please? Matt 17:21, Matt 18:11, Mark 15:28, Luke 23:17 and Mark 9:44? Also, can you please quote Ephesians 1:7 and John 3:16? Is the word "sodomite" in the NIV?
  3. Please download this excellent resource that will help you witness to jehovahs witnesses and prove that the watchtower is wrong: 117 JEHOVAHS WITNESSES the TRINITY.pdf
  4. How can Jesus Christ be the Son of God? In English, we have only one word for Son, which is “Son” meaning a boy derived from his parents by sex. The New Testament was written in the Greek language, and Greek has two words for “Son” being: 1. TEKNON means a boy, derived from his parents by sex. This word, TEKNON is never used in the New Testament to describe Jesus as the “Son of God,” because we all agree, both Muslims, Christians, Quran and the Bible, that God does not have sex, does not have a wife, girlfriend, or babies. True? 2. HUIOS means same nature as, eg. Son of peace (Luke 10:36) means you have the nature of peace, or sons of disobedience (Eph 5:6). Jesus as “Son of God” means that He has 100% the same nature as God. Jesus is also called in the New Testament the “only begotten” Son of God. In Greek this is mono genes huios 1. “mono” means “one and same”, for example the monorail travels on one rail. 2. “genes” means “genetics”. We have about 25,000 genes which determine our every detail. So, Jesus as the “only begotten Son of God” means that He has the same genetics and the same nature as God. How can Jesus Christ be God? In Genesis 1:26, “God said, let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” This shows that man has a similar image or likeness to God. What is it? I’d like you to think about yourself for a moment. You are one man, with three parts. 1) You have a body which gives you world consciousness through your five senses. Your body is 100% human. It allows you to interact with the physical universe. 2) You have a soul made up of your mind, emotions and will, also known as your personality. This gives you self consciousness. It is 100% human. 3) You have a spirit which gives you God consciousness making you think that there is a God. It is your “God detector.” It is also 100% human. So you are one man with three parts. You are a trinity, meaning three in one. (1 Thess. 5:23). We can represent God in a similar manner with 3 circles. Islam, the Quran, Christianity and the Bible all believe in one God. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus teaches that there is only one true God by the singular word name, not names, “baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost”. The one true God has three parts known as the Father, the HUIOS Son and the Holy Spirit. 1) As we have a spirit that is 100% human, so God has a Spirit called the Holy Spirit, who is 100% God. 2) As we have a body that is 100% human that interacts with the physical universe, so God has something like a body through which He interacts with the physical universe, called the Son who is 100% God. It was God the Huios Son that spoke and appeared to Adam, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Solomon, Isaiah and who was conceived into Mary as Jesus Christ. Before His conception, the Huios Son was only 100% God, but after His conception He was both 100% God and 100% man. It is like you having both an Iranian passport and an Australian passport. This makes you 100% Iranian and 100% Australian. 3) As you have a soul which is 100% human that tells your body what to do, so God has something like a soul called God the Father who tells the Huios Son what to do, such as to be conceived in Mary. Therefore, as you are one man with a spirit, soul and body, each being 100% human, so there is one true God made up of the Father, the Huios Son, and the Holy Spirit, each part being 100% God. As you are a trinity, so God is the Trinity, made up of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. This is in Proverbs 30:4; Psalm 2:12; Isaiah 9:6; 48:12,13,16; Daniel 3:25; Micah 5:2; Exodus 3:3-15; (24:9-18); John 8:58,59,24.
  5. The Ipuwer Papyrus Record of the Ten Plagues on Egypt Bible Reading: Exodus 8:1-23; 14:1-31. Aim: To understand the judgments of God on Egypt from the Egyptians point of view. Introduction: Most of us have read the account of God sending ten plagues on Egypt to persuade Pharaoh to let Israel leave Egypt to sacrifice to God in the wilderness. A question that is asked is what it would have been like to live in Egypt at this time as these plagues devastated Egypt. Some people doubt these plagues as they doubt other miracles in the Bible. What evidence exists from archaeology to confirm these plagues and the Bible’s account of Israel’s exodus from Egypt under God’s leadership? A scribe named Ipuwer living in Egypt’s 19th dynasty documented the events of the Exodus and the end of the 18th dynasty from the Egyptian’s point of view. This papyrus document is called the “Admonitions of Ipuwer” and is 3.47 metres long. It describes Egyptian society in total crisis and collapse, while the slaves have become rich with the wealth of their former owners. This exactly confirms the Bible’s record: “they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians.” Exodus 12:35,36. This provides astonishing proof of the Bible’s account, of God’s power and of how completely destructive and devastating the plagues were. Let us consider the events and plagues of the Exodus by comparing the Ipuwer papyrus statements with the Bible. This gives us amazing confidence in God’s care and deliverance of His people from trouble. I. Genesis 50:24,25 “Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence.” II. Exodus 1:7-17,22 Israel multiplied greatly in Egypt so that a new Pharaoh (Ahmose, p.125 The Exodus Case) made them slaves and drowned their sons in the Nile. III. Exodus 2:1-10 God raised Moses in Pharoah’s household. At age 40, he killed an Egyptian, then fled to the desert in Midian, where he married Zipporah, daughter of Jethro (Raguel) priest of Midian . IV. Exodus 3:1-14 God the Son, known as “I AM”, appears to Moses, aged 80, at the burning bush to call him to lead Israel out of Egypt. God calls us to do some important and difficult things. V. The Purpose of the Plagues were to show Jehovah as the True God, and Egyptian gods to be false. 1. Nile river turns to blood, the fish die, the river stinks. This was against the Nile god. Exodus 7:14-25. 2. Frogs everywhere in houses and cookware. This plague was gainst frog goddess. Exodus 8:1-15. 3. Lice in all of Egypt. Against the earth god. Magicians declare this is the finger of God. Exodus 8:16-19. 4. Flies corrupt all of Egypt and are in all houses. Exodus 8:20-24. 5. All cattle, horses, asses, camels, oxen, sheep die. This was against the bull god. Exodus 9:1-7. 6. Infected boils on Pharaoh, magicians and on all Egyptians. Exodus 9:8-12. See v.16 and Romans 9:17. “for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.” God raised up Pharaoh from a sick bed of boils to show God’s power to all men. 7. Thunder, hail and fire ran along the ground, destroying every man, beast, tree, flax and barley plant that were outdoors. Exodus 9:13-35. 8. Locusts covering all of Egypt, being unable to see the earth, eating all plants. Exodus 10:1-20,5,15. 9. Thick darkness felt in all Egypt for 3 days. Exodus 10:21-29. Pharaoh threatens to kill Moses. 10. Death of all the firstborn humans and beasts at midnight on 14th day of the first month. Exodus 11:1--12:43. God establishes the Passover feast for Israel. God said, “when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.” (12:13). VI. When did the 430 years “sojourning of the children of Israel” start and finish? Exodus 12:40 “Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years. And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt.” Exodus 12:40,41. Answer: The 430 years sojourn began when Abraham, aged 75, leaves Haran and enters the Promised land of Canaan, and when God made a covenant with Abraham (1921BC) (Gen 12:1-10). The 430 years ended when Israel left Egypt on the Feast of Passover. Galatians 3:17,18 ‘This I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect…..but God gave it to Abraham by promise.’ 1474 VII. When did the 400 years of “Abraham’s seed being a stranger in a land that is not theirs” start and finish? Genesis 15:13 and Acts 7:6. (1891 BC—1491 BC) “And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed (Isaac onwards) shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;” Genesis 15:13 “And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years.” Acts 7:6. The 400 years affliction started when Isaac became established as the seed lineage and heir at his weaning at age 5. Ishmael who is age 19 mocks and persecutes Isaac and is then cast out (Gen. 21:8-10; Gal.4:29 ). VIII. Statements in the Ipuwer papyrus confirming the Bible’s account: 1. “Let us go plunder”, “The mayor of the city goes unescorted”. This shows that Egypt had no police or military, having all been drowned in the Red Sea. “there remained not so much as one of them.” 14:28. 2. “Foreigners have become people everywhere”. Israelite foreigners increased so much that Pharaoh drowned many male babies in the Nile. “the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty.” (Exodus 1:20). 3. “Foreigners are skilled in the works of the Delta.” Israelites lived in the delta region as slaves, making bricks and constructing cities. “they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.” Exodus 1:11. 4. “What the ancestors foretold has happened.” Joseph, about 260 years earlier, prophesied that God would visit Israel to lead them out of Egypt. “Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence.” Genesis 50:24,25. 5. ‘We don’t know what has happened in the land.’ When the plagues fell on Egypt, Pharaoh’s magicians tell him: “This is the finger of God.” (Exodus 8:19), meaning that this was beyond their understanding. 6. “Poor men have become men of wealth.” “Gold is lacking.” “Gold, lapis lazuli, silver, turquoise, carnelian, amethyst, ibht-stone….are strung on the necks of female slaves.” At the Exodus, the poor, enslaved Israelites took much of the Egyptians wealth. “they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment:” Exodus 12:35. 7. “The river is blood” agreeing with Exodus 7:20, ‘all the waters in the river were turned to blood.’ 8. “There is blood everywhere, no shortage of death.” This may refer either to the Nile turning to blood, or the hail and fire that killed everything outdoors. “the hail smote throughout all the land of Egypt all that was in the field, both man and beast;” (Exodus 9:25). 9. “Many dead are buried in the water.” So many died in the plagues that it was impossible to bury them all, so they were thrown into the Nile. In the death of the firstborn, one in every family died (Ex. 11:4-10). 10. “Exhausted are materials for every kind of craft”, “Lacking are grain, charcoal,…brushwood”, “trees are felled, branches stripped.” After the ten plagues, everything is scarce, such as crops, raw materials and wood. Trees and branches have been knocked down. “the hail smote every herb of the field, and brake every tree of the field.” Exodus 9:25. 11. “Food is lacking”, “Great hunger and suffering”, “Ladies say, We want to eat”, “Women are barren, none conceive”, “Their bodies suffer in rags”, “The storehouse is bare.” These describe a serious famine. Starvation from the ten plagues may have made the women infertile. 12. “He who slept wifeless found a noblewoman.”, “See, noblewomen go hungry.” Hungry upper class women seeking the company of lower class men shows that their income source is gone and the male upper class soldiers, officers and civil servants supporting Pharaoh are dead. Exodus 14:26-29 explains this by the entire 250,000 man Egyptian army and support group drowning in Red Sea. 13. “Scribes are slain, their writings are stolen”, “Their books are destroyed”. Many scribes were firstborn. 14. “One says ‘Woe’ to the place of secrets”, “All is ruin”, “The land is deprived of kingship”. The despised secret places refer to the gods they worshipped and secret rituals that were powerless to protect them from God’s judgments. “All ther ranks are not in their place.” Egypt’s leadership has disappeared or is not functioning. The whole Ipuwer text is about this chaos. 15. “If only I knew where God is I would serve Him.” The writer has rejected the false gods of Egypt and is now convinced that the God of Israel is the true God, but he does not know where to find Him. 16. In the Tel-Amarna letters, Pharaoh Amenhotep III’s widow asks the Hittite king to marry his son, since her husband is dead (drowned) and that she has no son (her son Tutankhannum died at the Exodus ). reprinted with permission from Pastor Keith Piper. https://www.libertybaptistchurch.org.au/
  6. ASSUMPTIONS IN RADIODATING. Evolutionists rely heavily on radiometric dating to give them the billions of years required for evolution to have any chance of happening. Major radiodating methods are: i) Uranium – Thorium – Lead dating, based on the decay of Uranium and Thorium into Radium, Helium and Lead. ii) Rubidium – Strontium dating based on the decay of Rubidium to Strontium. iii) Potassium – Argon dating based on the decay of Potassium into Argon and Calcium. These dating methods are only accurate if certain assumptions always apply to every specimen tested, these assumptions being: i) Each system must be closed from any contamination of the parent or daughter products, from water, chemicals, changing radiation from space or rock pressure. ii) In the beginning there were no daughter products in the sample, only elements at the top of the radioactive chain were present. For example, all the U238 had no lead 206 in it; and no lead 206 existed anywhere else. At creation, all things were created with the appearance of age. Radioactive minerals would be partially decayed on the first day. How far decayed? No one knows. Evolutionists think that Polonium only occurred as a daughter product of Uranium decay, yet Robert Gentry’s studies show that Polonium 218 was in granite when it was created in solid form. It is impossible to know what was initially in any given sample of radioactive mineral. iii) The decay rate must have always been the same, and never have changed. The decay rate of any radioactive mineral can be altered: a) If the mineral is hit by high energy particles from space (such as cosmic rays, neutrons, etc) b) If there is, for a time, a nearby radioactive mineral emitting radiation. c) If physical pressure is applied to the radioactive mineral. d) If certain chemicals contact it. iv) If any changes occurred in the past in earth’s atmospheric protecting blanket. Cosmic rays, photons, high energy mesons, etc. enter our atmosphere continually, some travelling up to 100 metres underground and 1400 metres underwater. If our atmosphere was more heavily water saturated than today, it would produce a major change in radioactive minerals decay rates. Before the Flood, there was much more water in the air. v) The Van Allen radiation belt encircling the earth about 450 miles above us is intensely radioactive. It emits 3000-4000 times as much radiation as cosmic rays entering the earth. Any change in the Van Allen belt would greatly affect the decay rate of radioactive minerals. But we know little about this belt or whether it has changed in the past, since it was only discovered in 1959. vi) John Joly of Trinity College, Dublin found evidence that the long half-life minerals have varied in their decay rate in the past. This would invalidate all possibilities of age calculation by radioactive methods. (A.F. Kovarik, Bulletin 80, National Research Council, June 1931, p. 107). Why we cannot trust Uranium – Thorium – Lead Dating Methods. 3 types of U/Th dating are: a) Uranium 238 decays to Lead 206, with a half-life of 4.5 billion years. b) Uranium 235 decays to Lead 207, with a half-life of 0.7 billion years. c) Thorium 232 decays to Lead 208, with a half-life of 14.1 billion years. 1) Contamination: Lead could be mixed in with the Uranium or Thorium.(Faul, Nuclear Geology,1954) 2) Leaching: Some of the Uranium and its daughter products could have leached out. Lead can be leached out by weak acid solutions. 3) Neutron capture: Lead 207 (thought to have been formed only by decaying Uranium 235), could have been formed from Lead 206 by capturing free neutrons from neighbouring rocks. Also Lead 208 (thought of as forming only by Thorium 232 decay) could have been formed by capturing free neutrons from Lead 207. Lead 208 could have formed by capturing free neutrons from Lead 207. Cooke extensively checked this, and discovered that almost all radiogenic lead in the earth’s crust could have been produced by neutron capture instead of by Uranium or Thorium decay. This alone totally invalidates Uranium and Thorium dating methods. 4) Intense heat damages radiodating clock settings. Evolutionists think the earth was originally molten, yet molten rocks produce wild variations in radioactive materials clock settings. Question: “Why do the radioactive ages of lava beds, laid down within a few weeks of each other, differ by millions of years?” (Electromagnetics and the Appearance of Age, Glen R. Morton). Why we cannot trust Potassium Argon dating: Radioactive potassium decays into calcium and argon gas. 1) Argon gas has been found to quickly leave the mineral, escaping into other rocks and the atmosphere. (G.W. Wetherill, Science, Sep. 20, 1957, p.545). 2) Potassium can be leached out of rocks. Rancitelli and Fisher found that 60% of potassium can be leached out of an iron meteorite by distilled water in 4.5 hours. (Planetary Science Abstracts, 1967, p.167). Heavy rainfall transfers potassium from one location to another. It is unbelievable – but true – that potassium-argon dating is a key dating method used to date sea floor spreading from ocean bottom basalt lava. Key: Submerged volcanic rocks, produced by lava flows in 1800-1801 off the coast of Hawaii near Hualalai were dated using potassium-argon dating to range from 160 million years to 2960 million years (Science, Oct.11, 1968; Journal of Geophysical Research, July 15, 1968). Note: Just one major catastrophe – such as a worldwide Flood would have ruined the usefulness of all our radiodating methods because of: i) Massive contamination problems as water, chemicals and radioactive substances moved from one place to another. ii) Major Radioactive rate changing activities (such as atmospheric, magnetic and radioactivity changes) would have reset the radiodating clocks. iii) Redistributing of rock pressure above radiogenic rocks would have reset their clocks. iv) Reversals of the earth’s magnetic core was caused by shock waves from surface events such as earthquakes, volcanoes, giant geysers, seafloor shrinking, and massive mountain building. Note: H.C. Dudley, in laboratory tests, changed the decay rates of 14 different radioisotopes by varying the pressure, temperature, magnetic field strength, stress, etc. (H.C. Dudley, “Radioactivity Re-examined”, Chemical and Engineering News, April 7, 1975, p2). All these forces operated during and after the Flood. They would have dramatically affected rocks radioactive clocks, thus invalidating all radiometric dating methods used today.
  7. Bible Reading: Job 9:2-35. Aim: To teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to the wisdom of soul winning, to teaching others God’s word, and living like Christ. Introduction: The Bible compares our life to many things. Why? So that we may realise how short our life is, and how important it is for us to number our days (ie: to plan our life) so that we have the maximum impact on the world for Christ. In order to show us how short our life is, God compares our life to several things: 1. A Vapour. “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” James 4:14. All our plans depend on our life continuing. But what a frail and uncertain thing our life is. Who can build any solid plans on the permanence of a vapour or a mist? A vapour is a mist that is dissipated by the rising sun. “O remember that my life is wind….As the cloud is consumed and vanisheth away: so is he that goeth down to the grave.” Job 7:7,9. “For he remembered that they were but flesh, a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.”Ps.78:39 Notice that: 1) As a vapour or wind passes away quickly, so does the life of man. 2) As we cannot stop a cloud or wind, so we cannot hinder the speedy motion of our days. 3) As a cloud comes to its height and then vanishes, so does our life and our full strength. 2. A Flower. “Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down.” Job 14:1,2. “For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away. But the Word of the Lord endureth forever.” I Peter 1:24,25. Man’s life is compared to a fading flower. Many things describe a flower such as having sweet smell, beauty, variety of colour, and softness to touch. Job discusses none of these, but only of its cutting down. Note the following truths about it’s cutting down: a)A flower is often cut down or cropped in it’s budding. Many people are cut off in the flower of life by i) Natural death by sickness, or ii) Accidental death by violence, murder, road accidents etc. b) A flower if not cut off, soon withers away and is gone. The “Queen of the Night” flower blooms in one night, gives a beautiful fragrance, and is dead and withered by morning. c) As the owner of flowers knows best when to crop then, so God knows the best time when to crop off or take away by death any of his choice flowers. 3. A Swift Post. “Now my days are swifter than a post: they flee away, they see no good.” Job 9:25. a) As a postman rides swiftly, in a hurry, so man’s life passes away swiftly. b) A postman of years ago would - ride on the swiftest of horses, - he would change horses at every stage to keep up the speed, - he would take a morsel of food at each stop, then speed on, - he would only go to bed at the end of his journey, - all people would give way to the post rider. 4. A Swift Ship. “They are passed away as the swift ships.” Job 9:25,26. Watching a ship at sea, we notice how it passes very quickly, reminding us of our lives & opportunities. 5. An Eagle. “As the eagle that hasteth to the prey.” Job 9:26. An eagle is a very swiftly flying bird, but when it hastens to catch its prey, it makes the greatest speed. The life of man is compared to an eagle hurrying to catch her prey when hunger adds swiftness to her wings. So it is with swiftness that our days pass away. What have you done for Christ with your life? 6. A Weaver’s Shuttle. “My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle.” Job 7:6. a) A weaver’s shuttle is an instrument of very swift motion. b) When the weaver has finished his web, he cuts off the thread. So it is that when a man has run the length of his days appointed by God, his life is cut off. 7. A Shadow. “He fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.” Job 14:2. David said: “our days on the earth are as a shadow and there is none abiding.” I Chronicles 29:15. Man’s life today is short compared to human lifespan before Noah’s flood. Man’s life is much shorter compared to God’s eternity. This is a great motive for us to redeem our time. Conclusion: a) Our days on earth are few. b) Our days on earth are uncertain. c) The shortness of our life shows the folly of living only for material things as did the rich man in Luke 12:16-21 who said “Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink and be merry.” (v.19). “The fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others. Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue forever…This their way is their folly.” Psalm 49:10,11,13. d) Our minds must be focused on eternity “knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and enduring substance.” Hebrews 10:34. e) The shortness of life motivates us to use all our labours to get people to heaven, to teach the Bible, to plant churches, to train preachers, be at peace among ourselves, and live holy lives pleasing to God. Let us be “redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:16. “Redeem the time” means “to buy it up, rescue it from loss, improve every opportunity.”
  8. The Bible is not a book but a collection of 66 books, written over a span of 1600 years across 3 continents, by over 40 writers inspired by God in 3 languages yet it has ONE primary theme ( The Glory of God and salvation of mankind ) and zero errors or contradictions. It is scientifically, prophetically, archaeologically, historically and linguistically accurate. Ignore the word "trinity". its not important. God is everlasting, eternal, without beginning or end. God is unchanging, infinite, omnipresence, omniscient , self-existent, self-sufficient, immaterial and omnipotent There is only ONE God. God Himself says He knows of NO OTHER GOD and if He is all-knowing, He would know if there were any other Gods. The Bible says that God the father is God. Matthew 6:9, Jeremiah 31:9, The Bible says that Jesus is God. John 8:58, John 1:1, John 20:28, Hebrews 1:8, Isaiah 44:6 ( crossreference Revelation 1:17 ) The Bible says that the Holy Spirit is God. Acts 5:3,4. Romans 8:11 The Bible also says there is ONE God. DEUTERONOMY 6:4, DEUTERONOMY 4:35,39, DEUTERONOMY 32:39, 2 SAMUEL 7:22, 1 KINGS 8:60, 2 KINGS 5:15 , 2 KINGS 19:15, NEHEMIAH 9:6, PSALM 18:31 ( Which also states Jesus is God ), PSALM 86:1, ISAIAH 37:16,20, ISAIAH 43:10,11, ISAIAH 44:6,8, ISAIAH 45:21, ISAIAH 46:9, HOSEA 13:4, MARK 12:29-34, ROMANS 3:30, 1 CORINTHIANS 8:4-6, 1 TIMOTHY 2:5. Therefore, somehow, these three entities constitute the one, eternal, everlasting God. We are not told HOW God is God, that is not important. God just tells us thats the way it is.
  9. In Colossians 3:2 we are told to: "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." Too many people and Christians are so earthly-minded that they are of no heavenly good. Jesus told to us to “lay up treasures in heaven.” Matthew 6:20. In view of the difficulties of this world and of the treasures of heaven, we do well to focus constantly on heaven. Aim: 1. To show us what great things await us in heaven. 2. To comfort us concerning those who have gone to heaven. 3. To motivate us to tell people how they may get to heaven. 1. THE BIBLE TEACHES US THAT THERE ARE THREE HEAVENS The first heaven is earth’s atmosphere, "the heaven gave rain". James 5:18. The second heaven is outer space, "the stars shall fall from heaven". Matthew 24:29. The third heaven is the throne of God, "New Jerusalem which cometh down out of heaven from my God." Revelation 3:12. Paul says in II Corinthians 12:2-4, "I knew a man in Christ...caught up to the third heaven." 2. NAMES OF HEAVEN a) "Thine eyes shall behold the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off." Isaiah 33:17. b) "Ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance." Hebrews 10:34. c) "The city of the living God." Hebrews 12:22. d) "Receive the promise of eternal inheritance." Hebrews 9:15. e) "In my Father’s house are many mansions:...I go to prepare a place for you." John 14:2. f) "Far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." II Corinthians 4:17. g) "Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven." Matthew 6:20. h) "...a better...heavenly country...he hath prepared for them a city." Hebrews 11:16. i) "He was caught up into paradise." II Corinthians 12:4. 3. WHEN WE DIE WHERE DO WE GO? a) At death, the spirits and souls of believers go immediately to heaven, and the body "sleeps" in the earth until Christ's second coming when we will be caught up to rejoin our spirits &souls. “To be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” II Corinthians 5:8. “Them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.” I Thessalonians 4:14. “For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven.” Colossians 1:5. “But ye are come unto Mt Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem.” Hebrews 12:22. “But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly.” Hebrews 11:16. “Knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance” Heb. 10:34 “To an inheritance.....reserved in heaven for you.” I Peter 1:4. “I heard a great voice of much people in heaven.” Revelation 19:1. “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” Matthew 6:20. “Where I am (heaven), there shall also my servant be.” John 12:26. “I go and prepare a place for you.....that where I am (heaven), there ye may be also” John 14:3 “We know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved (physical death), we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” II Corinthians 5:1. b) At Christ’s return to earth in glory, believers will return to earth with Christ. "The Lord my God shall come, and all the saints with thee." Zechariah 14:5. c) After the 1000 years of Christ's rule on earth, God will destroy this first earth with fire. He will create a new heavens, new earth and a new Jerusalem city which will be 1500 miles wide, 1500 miles long and 1500 miles high. This is where our home with God will be forever. Revelation 21:1-3. 4. DESCRIPTION OF HEAVEN. a) Heaven is where God's Throne is. “Our Father which art in heaven.” Matthew 6:9. b) It is a sinless Holy Place. “He will hear him from his holy heaven.” Revelation 21:27; Psalm 20:6. c) Beautiful and clean. "The street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass." Revelation 21:21. d) River of Life and tree of life. Revelation 22:1,2. e) Angels reside there. "The voice of many angels about the throne in heaven." Revelation 5:11. f) Father, Son and Holy Spirit reside there. "They shall see his face." Revelation 22:4. g) Place of reward. "Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven." Matthew 5:12; Revelation 22:12. h) Place of separation from the wicked. I Corinthians 6:9-11; Galatians 5:19-21; Rev. 22:14,15. i) Believers reside there. "...an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." II Cor. 5:1. j) We return to the days of our youth, in resurrected, youthful and immortal bodies. Job 33:25. "This mortal must put on immortality." I Corinthians 15:53. k) Place of joy and happiness. "Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Isaiah 35:10; Matthew 25:21. l) All good earthly gifts come from God in heaven. "A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven." John 3:27. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights..." James 1:17. Question: Do you acknowledge God as having given you everything good? m) God assigns angels in heaven to each child who is born in order to bring that person to hear the gospel, so that they will receive Christ as Saviour and have eternal life. Matthew 18:10. n) God's Word which we have in our hands is settled forever in heaven. It is heavenly and without error. We can confidently build our life on it. "For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven." Psalm 119:89. o) The permanence of our heavenly possessions comfort us when we lose our earthly possessions. Hebrews 10:34. p) An inheritance reserved in heaven for you, that fadeth not away. I Peter 1:4,5. q) Saved people from every kindred, tongue, people and nation will be there. Revelation 5:9. We will be reunited with saved friends and relatives, children who have died, Jesus Christ and angels. r) We shall have a glorified body like Christ. "We shall be like him." I John 3:2. This is Christ likeness. Our new bodies will not be subject to the laws of gravity, time or ageing. John 20:19 s) Heaven is eternal. "an eternal inheritance." Hebrews 9:15. t) A place of memory. Question: Will we know one another in heaven? Yes, David will meet his son. II Samuel 12:22,23. We shall sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 8:11. u) Satisfaction of all our needs. Revelation 7:16,17. v) Sharing in Christ's glory. "When Christ who is our life shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory". Colossians 3:4. 5. ACTIVITIES IN HEAVEN: i) Intimate fellowship with God for all eternity. "They shall see his face." Revelation 22:4. "That where I am there ye may be also." John 14:3. ii) Rest from hard labour. "They may rest from their labours." Revelation 22:4. One of the results of sin was the curse of toil and the sweat of hard work. When we arrive in heaven, we will continue to work, but the agony of labour will be gone. iii) Exciting service. "His servants shall serve Him." Revelation 22:3. "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much." Luke 16:10. iv) Ruling. “We shall reign on the earth.” Revelation 5:10. "Because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities." Luke 19:17. "If we suffer, we shall also reign with him. II Timothy 2:12. v) Worship. "The 24 elders......worship him that lives forever and ever." Revelation 4:9-11. "The Father seeketh such to worship him." John 4:23. We will be so amazed with the greatness of God, heaven and eternity that we will respond in worship. vi) Singing. “They sung a new song, saying, “Thou art worthy.” Revelation 5:9. “The ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy shall be upon their heads.” Isaiah 35:10. vii) Eating. "To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna". Revelation 2:17. viii) Marriage supper of the lamb. "Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the lamb." Revelation 19:9. 6. THINGS ABSENT FROM HEAVEN. The "no-mores" in heaven are: i) "No more sea." Revelation 21:1. ii) "The first heaven and the first earth were passed away." Revelation 21:1. iii) No more tears. Revelation 21:4. iv) No more death. v) No more sorrow. vi) No more crying. vii) No more pain. viii) No more sun or moon. Revelation 21:23. ix) "No temple for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it."Revelation 21:22 x) No more insecurity. "The gates of it shall not be shut at all by day" Revelation 21:25. xi) "No night there." Revelation 21:25. xii) No sin will enter. "There shall in no wise enter into it anything that defiles, or works abomination, or makes a lie..." Revelation 21:27. xiii) No more sickness. "Leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." Revelation 22:2 xv) “No candle or light of the sun, for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign forever and ever.” Revelation 7:16. xvi) No more thirst, hunger or heat. Revelation 7:16. xvii) No one who adds or takes away from the Bible. Revelation 22:18,19. xviii) Outside are dogs, sorcerers, whoremongers, murderers, idolaters, and liars.Revelation 22:15 7. WHAT WILL BE THERE? i) Behold I make ALL THINGS NEW. Revelation 21:5. This means that everything will be new. It will be a new universe. ii) "He that overcometh shall inherit ALL THINGS." Revelation 21:7. iii) "The Kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it." Revelation 21:24. This means that there will be a new population on the new earth who will worship the Lord. iv) Mansions. "In my Father's house are many mansions." John 14:2. Question: How may we enter heaven? We must humble ourselves as little children, and ask Christ to be our Saviour. Matthew 18:1-6 "Thou would have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water". John 4:10. Are you really sure of going to heaven? Are you really living for Christ and for eternity? Are you working to get lost people saved and into heaven?
  10. The sabbath was the OLD COVENANT for the JEWS. We are now not under law, but under GRACE. Yes, Jesus went to the temple and taught. Was He keeping the sabbath? No! If one wants to witness to drunks, for example, you go to where they congregate. He went to the temple because that's where the Jews were! He also BROKE the sabbath, showing he was not fully keeping it.
  11. THE RAPTURE Jesus Christ’s Second Coming for the Church Bible Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; John 14:2,3; 1 Corinthians 15:51-53; Titus 2:13; Rev. 4:1,2. Aim: To comfort and motivate one another with the truth of Christ’s return to take us to heaven. Introduction: Jesus Christ’s return will be in two stages. One for His bride the Church, known as the “catching away” or “rapture”. (1 Thess. 4:13-18). The rapture will be followed by a seven year period known as the Tribulation. This will begin with the Antichrist from Europe making a treaty with Israel and breaking it after three-and-a-half years. The last three-and-a half years of the Antichrist’s reign will be the Great Tribulation spoken of by Christ in Matthew 24:21. This will be followed by the second stage of Christ returning to earth with believers to rule the world in righteousness. Zech 14:1-5; Jude 14 Definition: The term “rapture” comes from the Latin word for “caught up” in I Thessalonians 4:17. Before the seven year tribulation, Christ will descend from heaven, and catch up the Church to heaven to be with Himself. The Tribulation will then be unleashed on an unbelieving world. The Scriptures teaching the “catching away” are as follows: a) “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” I Thessalonians 4:16-18. b) Jesus said: “I go to prepare a place for you (v.2). And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself: that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14: 2,3. c) “We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and…must put on immortality.” I Cor. 15:51-53 d) “Looking for that blessed hope (rapture), and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:13. e) John experienced the rapture: “After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me: which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter…And immediately…..in heaven.” Revelation 4:1,2. We may summarise the main events of the rapture from I Thessalonians 4:6-17, as follows: i) One day, Jesus Christ will descend from heaven and we will hear a shout, a voice and a trumpet. ii) All dead believer’s bodies will be resurrected to rejoin their spirits and souls in the air. iii)All living believers will receive resurrection bodies, and be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. iv)We will receive immortal, resurrection bodies, a place Christ has prepared for us in heaven, comfort forever in the presence of Christ, and rewards promised in 2 Corinthians 5:10. The rapture is called a comfort and a blessed hope. Notice several things about the rapture. 1. Rapidity of the Rapture = Immediately (I Corinthians 15:51,52). “we shall all be changed in a moment (Greek: atomos 823),in the twinkling (Gk: rhipe 4493) of an eye.” The speed with which the rapture will occur is described by these two Greek words which mean: a) “atomos” = without a cut, indivisible. This is the word from which “atom” is derived, meaning “that which cannot be divided.” When referring to time it means “an indivisibly small instant of time; a point of time which cannot be divided.” It means “immediately.” b)“rhipe” = a quick motion, such as a fling or toss. A blink, wink, jerk, or twinkle of an eye. The least duration of time. People will not have time to call on Christ for salvation, or to do what they planned. Believers must serve Christ now so that we won’t be ashamed at His coming. (I John 2:28). 2. Reason For The Rapture = To keep the Church out of the Tribulation. The Church will be caught out of the world to be kept from the 7 year Tribulation period. The rapture will be as unexpected as a thief in the night. (I Thess.5:2-4). “God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation (deliverance from the tribulation wrath) by our Lord Jesus Christ.”I Thessalonians 5:9. Christ said to the faithful, Bible-loving Philadelphian church, “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from (Greek: ‘ek’ = out of) the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them which dwell upon the earth.” (Revelation 3:10). Christ will spare His bride from going through the wars, famines, Antichrist’s persecutions, earthquakes, and other judgments that will come on an unbelieving world. The purpose of the Tribulation is to bring Israel and unbelieving nations to repentance (Rev. 9:18-21). In Revelation 6:8, 25% of the world’s population are killed. In Revelation 9:18, 33% of the rest are killed. This leaves only 50% of the world’s population alive. 3. Requirement to be Raptured Only those who have been saved by calling on Christ to save them from their sins, will be raptured. “The dead in Christ shall rise first.” (I Thessalonians 4:16). “we (all living believers) which are alive and remain shall be caught up….” (v.17). Q: Are you trusting Jesus Christ to save you, or your good works to gain God’s acceptance? Some people in this room may be left behind if Jesus Christ returned today. Q: Would you be taken to be with Christ, or would you be left behind to enter the 7 year Tribulation? Can you imagine what it would be like to be left behind? a) You phone your Christian friends, and they are nowhere to be found. b) The newspapers and television report millions of missing people. c) Many driverless cars will have crashed on the roadside. d) People will panic about their missing family and friends. They will demand an explanation. Was it the rapture predicted in the Bible? Antichrist will offer a false yet plausible explanation that many will believe (2 Thess. 2:8-12), maybe that UFOs took Christians who were resisting the new world order. Q: Will you be saved and taken, or lost and left behind? Receive Jesus Christ as your Saviour today. 4. Rewards after the Rapture. Following the rapture, all Christians will appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10; Romans 14:10,12; 1 Cor. 3:10-15) to receive rewards according to the quality of our service to Christ after salvation. Some Christians will suffer loss of rewards that they could have earned. (1 Cor. 3:15). “every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.” (I Corinthians 3:8). Q: Will you win rewards, or will you lose rewards? 5. Revelation of the Sons of God. When Christ appears, we shall be just like Him, even though we may now appear unattractive and unimportant. We will have a glorious, immortal body just like Jesus Christ has now. “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” 1 John 3:2. “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.” Romans 8:18,19. God has predestined every believer to be conformed to the image and likeness of Christ. (Romans 8:29) 6. Our Response to the Rapture. ‘And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself (sanctification), even as he is pure.’1 John 3:3 Question: How should we now live? If we knew we’d be “caught up” next year, we should: a) Live pleasing to God by reading/studying the Bible, and praying daily. b) Learn How to win people to Christ so they’ll be caught up to heaven and won’t go through the Tribulation. Pastors should conduct a soul-winning training session this week. We want to rejoice with people in heaven who we have led to Christ on earth. We only have a short time to do soul-winning. We are in a war for eternal souls now. Don’t be lazy, but get busy rescuing people from hell. After the rapture you’ll have no chance to pluck people from hell. You’ll never see your unsaved family and friends again. You can rest forever in eternity, but now is the time to win souls to Christ. a) Confess and Forsake any known sins. 1 John 1:9. b) Dedicate your life wholeheartedly and completely to winning souls and serving Jesus Christ. 7. “Be ye also Ready, for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man cometh.” (Matthew 24:44). “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:16. Conclusion: Are you ready to face Christ? Are you saved? Are you winning souls daily or weekly? Is there any known sin in your life that you need to confess and forsake? Do so today. reprinted with permission from Pastor Keith Piper. https://www.libertybaptistchurch.org.au/
  12. 27 REASONS WHY CHRISTIANS SHOULD NEITHER SEEK NOR DESIRE TONGUES. The Charismatic Movement contends that: i) The New Testament gift of tongues should be sought and spoken by ALL Christians today. They seek to revive all gifts, but none are given so great importance as tongues. ii) The tongues gift is the true Biblical sign of the "Baptism in the Spirit." iii) Those receiving tongues receive a second blessing after salvation, enabling them to live more sanctified, powerful and joyful witnessing lives. iv) The tongues movement is claimed to be the "latter rain" revival foretold in Joel 2:23. We must test all religious movements on the basis of: a) Their doctrines. 2 Timothy 4:2,3 b) Their fruits. Matthew 7:15,16 c) Their spirits or powers behind a movement. “Test the spirits.” 1 John 4:1-4.. Note the following reasons why tongues are not needed for Christians today: 1. Tongues were classed as one of the lowest gifts. In 1 Corinthians 12:28 tongues are mentioned last in a list of 8 gifts. These are ranked in order of importance because we have "first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues." 2. God gives the gifts "according to his own will," not according to our seeking. "Gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will." Hebrews 2:4. 1 Corinthians 12:8-11 lists 9 gifts, the last being tongues and interpretation of tongues: "For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gift of healing by the same spirit,…. But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will." Note: Tongues were spoken on 3 occasions in Acts (2:4; 10:46; 19:6), but on none of these occasions are the recipients seeking, waiting or expecting to speak in tongues. At Pentecost, only the Apostles (12) spoke in tongues, but all who were saved (3000) received the Holy Spirit (2:38,39). a) "Covet earnestly the best gifts”(12:31); tongues are not the best gifts, but one of the least gifts.14:1 b) Spiritual gifts could be desired (14:1) but not claimed in faith as a birthright. There is no command to seek them. 3. Most modern tongues are a learned behaviour. People are told to blank out their mind and say whatever comes out; then go home and practice it. This is foreign to the New Testament. 4. Tongues speakers may be deceived. Because a person speaks unintelligible sounds, it is not proof that he has the N.T. gift of tongues. Few Charismatics are prepared to examine tongues. We must “prove all things” (1 Thess. 5:21). How do you prove that tongues are genuine languages? In 1 Corinthians 14:27-29, Paul discusses wrong tongues which are not interpreted in the church, and wrong prophecy, thus teaching that others need to judge a prophecy. Tongues have been spoken by heathen religions, Mormons, etc.. 5. Tongues were a sign of God's wrath, displeasure and judgment on unbelieving Israel, never a sign of His blessing and approval on Christians. "Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe,but to them that believe not"1 Cor.14:22 a) Acts 10:44-47; 11:16-18. Tongues used by Cornelius' household was a sign to unbelieving Peter and unbelieving Jewish Christians, that Gentiles were to be received into the family of God. In Acts 11:15 the phrase "as on us at the beginning" means that tongues had not been spoken since Pentecost which was 10 years earlier. b) "Forbid not to speak in tongues" (1 Corinthians 14:39) was always on the understanding that tongues was a valid sign to warn Jewish unbelievers, until judgment came in 70AD. You don’t warn people after judgment has come. c) In meetings where there were no unbelieving Jews, all teaching, praying etc. was to be in the language of those present (1 Corinthians 14:23-28). 1 Corinthians 14:19 states that in the church, 5 words understood are better than 10,000 words in tongues that are not understood. d) Israel wanted signs, but the church must live by faith. “An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign.” (Matthew 12:39). e) The Corinthians were using tongues as a mark of spirituality, for personal gratification, and to gain attention. Paul rebukes this childish, selfish practice. 6. Tongues is one of several temporary gifts. i) Apostles. "are built upon the foundation of the apostles ii) Prophets, …and prophets." Ephesians 2:20. Neither they nor the Lord appointed any successors to their office. "12 apostles of the Lamb." (Revelation 21:14). There are no Apostles or prophets alive today. iii) Knowledge. This was intuitive, revealed knowledge of doctrine before the Bible was completed. A completed, perfect Bible ended this gift along with prophecy in 96AD.1 Corinthians 13:8-13. Today we must study to gain Bible knowledge. 2 Timothy 2:15. (1 Corinthians 14:21,22. iv) Tongues. With the setting aside of Israel in 70 AD, tongues and other sign gifts ceased. v) Interpretation of tongues - ceased in 70 AD when tongues ceased. iv) Gifts of healing. Paul lost this gift, as he could not heal Epaphroditus in 64AD (Phil. 2:26,27), Timothy's stomach in 65AD (1 Timothy 5:23) nor Trophimus in 66AD (2 Timothy 4:20). In Acts 5:12-16, Peter healed every one in 33 AD. vii) Gift of miracles -no one can work miracles today at their will as could the first century apostles. viii) Discerning of spirits - no one today has this gift because discernment comes through Bible knowledge of strong meat, full age Christians who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil (Hebrews 5:14). No one today would claim infallible judgment always in every issue of life, which is what this gift demands (1 Corinthians 12:10). 7. Historically, tongues ceased after 63-70 AD. Tongues were withdrawn when Israel deliberately rejected the apostles testimony of Christ, as seen in Acts 28:22-28 where Paul pronounces God's judgment on Israel (63AD). Judgment fell in 70AD. In all New Testament epistles written after this pronouncement in 63AD (Romans; Ephesians; Philippians; Colossians; 1 & 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon; Hebrews; 1&2 Peter; John; 1,2 & 3 John; Jude and Revelation) there is no mention of tongues. Why? Because with the setting aside of Israel, and the confirming of the word of God, sign gifts were no longer necessary. These facts of the gospel and the apostles message of the Bible having been established, confirmed, and authenticated for all time, it is now an act of unbelief to seek for signs today. Early church writers such as Polycarp, Papias, Cyprian, Chrysostom, Augustine, Origen, Clement of Rome, Justin Martyr etc. never mentioned tongues. Why? Because they had been withdrawn. Chrysostom says: "tongues....used to occur, but now no longer take place." 8. Modern tongues and Charismatic Movement is not another Pentecost or "latter rain" of Joel 2:23. Joel's prophecy discusses Israel's restoration to their land in the Millennium. When this happens, and not before, the Holy Spirit will be poured out on all flesh. What happened at Pentecost was only an illustration, a small sample of what will happen in the Millennium. At Pentecost, there were no signs in the sun, moon etc, thus indicating that Joel's prophecy is to be fulfilled in the future Millennium. Joel said nothing about tongues being a sign of renewal. This age will end in apostasy and departure from the Faith, not in Joel's revival. KEY: “Afterward” in Joel 2:28 means that the Spirit will be poured on all flesh after Christ’s second coming, and not before. 9. Tongues is not a sign of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. "For by one Spirit are we all baptised into one body." 1 Corinthians 12:13. i) All believers have the Holy Spirit Baptism. "If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." Romans 8:9. ii) All believers have the Holy Spirit, but few believers spoke in tongues. If we have received Jesus Christ as Saviour, we also have the Holy Spirit in us, because we cannot separate members of the Godhead. 10. Tongues were never intended to edify the speaker himself or the church. i) "He that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort," 1 Corinthians 14:3. "For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted." 1 Corinthians 14:31. The edification, exhortation, learning and comfort of the local church was always the responsibility of the one who prophesied (gave instruction in an understandable language). ii) "He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself," (1 Corinthians 14:4) does not teach that personal holiness is found in tongues speaking. On the contrary it describes the Corinthians selfishness who used tongues for personal pleasure and public display. Tongues speaking in a church does not instruct, edify, warn or strengthen believers. Holiness through tongues will always be shallow because it is based on feelings, not on Biblical edification. iii) Of all the tongues spoken today, new prophesies, new revelations and visions, not one iota of truth have been added to the inspired scriptures. 11. Tongues were never intended for prayer, praise or worship of God. "For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the Spirit he speaketh mysteries." 1 Corinthians 14:2. God does not need to be spoken to in a foreign language. This verse teaches that the Corinthians were using the gift of tongues out of place. Tongues were meant to be spoken to men, that is to JEWS. A person praying or singing in tongues simply spoke "mysteries" in his own spirit. He received no real benefit, the hearers were not helped, and God was not glorified. Prayer and praise must be with understanding in the common language. "What is it then? I will pray with the Spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also.....Else.....how shall.....the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks?" 1 Corinthians 14:15,16. This is not two different kinds of prayer, but two conditions of all prayer, praying in the leading of the Holy Spirit and with an understanding mind. If understanding is not present, hearers cannot say "Amen" to your prayer. 12. Tongues is not a sign of salvation. Assurance of salvation comes from faith in God’s Bible promises, not from any feelings of tongues. 13. Tongues is not a condition of keeping us saved. Pentecostalism, as a movement, does not believe in the eternal security of the believer who trusts in Christ alone for salvation. Many Charismatics think that their future preservation depends on continuing in the Charismatic experience. Many fear of grieving the Spirit and losing the power, and hence losing salvation. Some Charismatics do believe in the security of a believer in Christ. 14. Tongues are not a means of attaining holiness. The nine fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22,23 have no relation to tongues. The Corinthians came behind in no gift (I Corinthians 1:7), yet Paul called them carnal and babes (1 Corinthians 3:1). True spirituality is not determined by one's experience, gift or feelings, but by inner godly character (e.g. 1 Peter 3:4, "a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price", for ladies.) It is right to be happy, joyful and to praise the Lord, but valuable character is better seen in times of testing, persecution, misunderstanding and suffering. 15. All spiritual gifts should exalt Christ, not the Holy Spirit. Many Charismatics exalt the Holy Spirit above Christ. The Holy Spirit seeks to exalt Christ (John 15:26; 16:14). Hence the mark of a Spirit filled believer is that in life and speech, he glorifies Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:3). “Christ shall be magnified in my body." Philippians 1:20; 3:8. All gifts are given so that we may grow to the "fullness of Christ." Ephesians 4:13. Charismatics use the earthly, human title "Jesus", as did demons. No disciple ever addressed the Lord as "Jesus", but as Lord, Christ or Master, or Lord Jesus Christ. Let us give Christ His full honour as the Lord Jesus Christ. 16. All gifts were given to produce church unity and harmony. All gifts were given that there be no schism in the body (1 Corinthians 12:25). Truth unites, error divides. The continual search for tongues, healing, prophecy, gifts etc., has split many churches, broken friendships and divided homes. The Charismatic Movement claims a new kind of unity not based on Bible doctrine, but on having the tongues experience. One can be a "spirit-filled" tongues speaker and believe almost anything. Many Christians who a few years ago opposed the heretical World Council of Churches, now cheerfully unite with Catholic Charismatic renewal, hence compromising essential Bible truths. 17. Tongues and all spiritual gifts were to promote order and peace. "God is not the author of confusion but of peace." 1 Corinthians 14:33. "Let all things be done decently and in order." 1 Corinthians 14:40. Church services should have one person speaking or praying at a time. In today's Charismatic meetings, there is much unrestrained noise, singing, clapping, shouting, tongues and dancing. 18. No Christian should surrender control of his mind and will. Paul insisted that tongues and prophecy speakers should retain control of their mind and understanding: "If there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church." 1 Corinthians 14:28. "The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets." 1 Corinthians 14:32. Famous Charismatic leader, Oral Roberts, instructs tongues speakers as follows: "We have to by-pass our mind and make it inactive for the moment. The mind slips into the background when we are praying in tongues and remains in a state of neutrality." [“Baptism With The Holy Spirit,” 1966, p. 42.] New Age occult seminars similarly tell people to blank out their minds to yield control to some higher force, which in reality is to demons. The New Testament never asks us to lay aside our sound mind, our self-control, our judgment or our reason, but to exercise these faculties in accordance with God's Word. Charismatics are told to overcome their inhibitions by by-passing their minds. People are brainwashed in cults like Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons and the Charismatic Movement by surrendering their minds and wills to the group or leader. The danger for a believer who submits his mind without resistance to outside influences to receive tongues, is: a) He opens himself up to psychic and demonic deception and control. b) He can place himself beyond the protection of the Holy Spirit, by asking for things contrary to God's will. 19. The last days will be characterised by deception, signs, lying wonders and more demon activity Satan has always opposed believers and God's work. Satan opposes us as an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14). The Corinthian believers were open to Satanic deception of another Jesus, another spirit, and another gospel (11:4) as Satan’s ministers come as ministers of righteousness (11:15). "There shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." (Matthew 24:24). In Old Testament times God permitted false prophets to work miracles in order to test His people. Two tests of false prophets are: a) If he performs signs to turn you away from the Lord. (Deuteronomy 13:1-5). b) If he speaks in the name of the Lord, but the prophecy does not come to pass. (Deut.18:20-22). Isaiah 8:19 describes familiar spirits that "peep and mutter", like tongues. Israel rejected the Word of God for more sensational dealings with the spirit world. Many see the Charismatic Movement as a Satanic deception permitted by God to test Christendom, and to pave the way for the Antichrist and the one world united Babylon religion of the last days. "Even him (Antichrist) whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness....." 2 Thessalonians 2: 9,10. "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me ye that work iniquity." (Matthew 7:22,23). 20. Charismatics confuse Baptism in the Spirit (a once only experience at salvation -1 Cor. 12:13) with the filling of the Spirit (a continual daily experience for service obtained by confessing sin, prayer, and yielding to Christ. (Ephesians 5:18). 21. Doctrinal compromise. Ministers who deny fundamental Bible truths such as the virgin birth, verbal inspiration, creation, etc. are often warmly welcomed and accepted if they claim a Charismatic experience. Charismatics warmly accept Roman Catholic priests and people who continue to seek salvation through the sacraments, who still pray to Mary, and still celebrate the mass. Doctrinal errors are ignored to keep Charismatic unity. 22. Most Charismatics are not diligent students of Scripture. One can remain comfortable in his false beliefs as long as he refuses to face Biblical evidence to the contrary. One Australian Charismatic pastor could not find the book of Daniel in his Bible. He had to look up the table of contents. He thought Daniel was near Exodus. 23. Emphasis on Experience. Personal experience is a great enemy of truth. When confronted with a mass of Biblical evidence, most Charismatics typically reply: "I know I am right. I have experienced tongues or healing myself. I have seen a prophet make correct predictions. I have seen people healed. The Bible teachings must have another explanation." Tongues is mostly a learned behaviour. If you blank out your mind, anyone can say gibberish. Most healings are temporary and are achieved by hypnotherapy. What about the false predictions? These make him a false prophet. Studies show that most Charismatic healings revert back to the illness. Hypnotise a person, tell them they feel better, and they will feel better, for a time, but later they revert back to the illness. 24. New Revelations. Charismatics continually claim to receive extra-Biblical revelations from God by tongues, prophecy, visions and dreams. Cults and Catholicism also claim revelations outside the Bible. 25. Damage to the local church. Many Charismatics use a local church as a base for propaganda purposes to invite people to a home Bible study and prayer group governed by self-appointed spiritual leaders who instruct in tongues and try to heal people. A local church seems too confined, compared with many people from many churches coming together for a Charismatic rally. 26. Laxity and moral danger. Some Charismatics think that they have "arrived" spiritually. They often lack motivation to press on further. The goal has been attained. Time for relaxation has come. Such carelessness explains much worldliness, sin and a rock music party atmosphere among Charismatics. Some receive "revelations" to divorce their spouse and remarry another person. Truth and reason then take a back seat. 27. Move back to Rome. The Charismatic Movement reversed the decline of the Ecumenical Movement from 1960. It is not a threat to Rome. Both emphasise emotionalism, miracles, healing, and the lack of final Bible authority. Charismaticism is not true Protestantism because it is not solely based on the Bible.
  13. They are deceived. ERRORS OF THE CHARISMATIC MOVEMENT Introduction: Some practices of the Charismatic Movement are not according to Scripture. These are: 1. Speaking in Tongues 2. New Revelations 3. Ecumenical Movement towards Rome 4. Slaying in the Spirit 5. Healing Question: Why do people become interested in the Charismatic movement or Pentecostalism? Answer: Because of worldliness, lack of vital, inspired ministry and spiritual deadness. Don't become backslidden, cold or lazy for God, but be on-fire for God, souls and the Bible. The main Charismatic/Pentecostal doctrine is that: "speaking in tongues is the initial evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit." They claim that one who has not spoken in tongues does not have the same power for service as one who has. If we show that tongues are not for today, we have disproved the Charismatic Movement. A fundamental law of life is that the Word of God must always govern our experiences. Tongues has divided the Christian world this century. The question is not "are tongues genuine?", but it is "are tongues Biblical?" When experience contradicts the Bible, then the Bible always takes precedence. Why? Because we can misinterpret our experience or have false experiences. Let us examine tongues as follows: 1. Reasons why Biblical tongues are real languages and not Charismatic gibberish. a) Tongues could be interpreted, gibberish cannot. b) The Greek word "glossa" in the New Testament used for tongues means real languages. c) In Acts 2:6,8 those Jews at Pentecost heard God's message spoken in their own language or dialect. “Every man heard them speak in his own language.” v.6,8,11. d) The same word "glossa" is used for tongues in Acts as in I Corinthians 12-14. e) "Glossa" is plural meaning many languages. Gibberish is singular as it is non-classifiable into more than one type of gibberish. f) 1 Cor.14:21 states that tongues were a foreign language given as a sign to unbelieving Israel. 2. Reasons for spiritual gifts. Why are spiritual gifts given? a) To glorify Christ, not to glorify the Holy Spirit. "He shall glorify me." John 16:14. b) To edify others, not to edify self. "Seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church." 1Cor.14:12. Paul rebukes them for their wrong use of tongues in 1 Corinthians 14:4 "He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself." c) To equip the church (Ephesians 4:12) for the work of the ministry. 3. Reasons for Tongues (see chapter 99 for a discussion of this). Tongues were given to: a) Warn unbelieving Jews. (I Corinthians 14:21). b) Confirm the word with signs. Mark 16:17-20. c) Confirm the Apostles as God's true messengers. I. PASSAGES MISUNDERSTOOD BY CHARISMATICS. 1. ACTS 2. TONGUES AT PENTECOST. Pentecost means "fiftieth" because it was held 50 days after the feast of Firstfruits (Leviticus 23:15-22). The Jewish calendar in Leviticus 23 is an outline of Christ's work. Passover pictures Christ's death as the Lamb of God (1 Cor. 5:7). Next ……… Firstfruits pictures Christ's resurrection (1 Cor. 15:20-23). Sunday (Day 1) Day 50 …….. Pentecost pictures the formation of the church. 50 DAYS INCLUSIVE ↓ PASSOVER ↓FEAST OF FIRSTFRUITS (RESURRECTION SUNDAY) ↑ ↑ SABBATH PENTECOST SUNDAY AFTER PASSOVER = 7 SABBATHS AFTER FIRSTFRUITS (SATURDAY) = 50 DAYS AFTER FIRSTFRUITS Passover came, then the Sabbath, then followed the Feast of Firstfruits which was always on the first day of the week (Sunday). • Jesus rose from the dead on the Feast of Firstfruits (Sunday) and "became the firstfruits of them that slept." (1 Corinthians 15:20). • Pentecost occurred 50 days after the Feasts of Firstfruits, which was the day that Christ rose from the dead (Leviticus 23:15,16). This was also a Sunday. • Christians meet on Sunday, the first day of the week, because: 1. On the Feast of Firstfruits (Sunday):→ 1. Christ rose from the dead, and 2. On the day of Pentecost (Sunday): → 2. the Holy Spirit indwelt believers, and 3. On the day of Pentecost (Sunday): → 3. the Church formed. • On the Feast of Firstfruits, the priest waved a sheaf of grain before the Lord. • On Pentecost, the priest presented two loaves of bread. Why? Because at Pentecost the church formed, which in this age is made up of Jewish and Gentile believers united in one body (I Cor. 10:17). Leaven (yeast) in the loaves (Lev. 23:17) indicates the presence of sin in the church on earth. • Pentecost, like Calvary, was a once-for-all event that will not be repeated. The Holy Spirit who came at Pentecost permanently indwells believers (John 14:16,17). • Wind, fire and tongues accompanied the coming of the Holy Spirit. • The filling of the Spirit gives believers power for witness and service (Acts 1:8). God never commands us to be baptised with the Spirit, because this happens at salvation when we receive Christ as Saviour. God does command us to be filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18) for power to serve Him. At Pentecost the Christians were baptised with the Spirit (Acts 2:18,38) and were filled with the Spirit (Acts 2:4). After that, they experienced many fillings with the Spirit (Acts 4:8,31; 9:17; 13:9,52; 6:3; 7:55; 11:24). Question 1: Did only the 12 apostles speak in tongues at Pentecost or did all 120 speak in tongues? Answer: The evidence supports only the 12 apostles speaking in tongues: 1. "They" in Acts 2:1 refers back to the "apostles" in 1:26. 2. The apostles only are addressed in Acts 1:1-13. Before Pentecost, only the apostles were promised that "ye shall be baptised with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." (Acts 1:5). "Ye" here only refers to the apostles. 3. "them" and "they" in Acts 2:3,4 on whom tongues fell refer to the apostles. 4. "every man heard them speak in his own language." (Acts 2:6). The crowd heard them (the apostles) speak in tongues. 5. "Are not all these which speak Galileans?" Acts 2:7. Those who spoke in tongues were Galileans, not men of Judah. Even an angel called them "men of Galilee." (1:11). 6. When the men of Judea accused "these men" (2:13) of drunkenness, the group that responded were, "Peter.....with the eleven." (2:14), that is, the apostles. 7. Tongues was one of the sign gifts given to the apostles. “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.” 2 Corinthians12:12. Note: There is no record that the 3,000 people saved at Pentecost spoke in tongues, yet they all received the Holy Spirit when they were saved. (Acts 2:38). No woman in Acts 2 is said to have spoken in tongues. Historical background. Question 2: Who were the devout Jews from every nation under heaven in Acts 2:5-12? Answer: After Alexander the Great had conquered Tyre (332BC), he came to conquer Jerusalem. To his surprise, Jaddua, the High Priest, followed by the priests and people of Jerusalem came out to welcome him. Jaddua showed Alexander how he was prophesied in Daniel 8:1-8, 20-22 as the first king of Greece who would conquer the Persians whom Alexander despised. So impressed was Alexander with these Jews that he appointed them as administrators of his far flung empire, as far as India. These Jews became prominent leaders in their communities. It was descendants of these Jews who had flocked to Jerusalem for the feasts of Passover, Firstfruits and Pentecost that Peter spoke to in Acts 2:5, "And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven." The Greek word "Katoikeo" (2730) used here for "dwelling" means to have a fixed and permanent habitation, in contrast to “paroikeo” meaning a temporary resident. This refers to many wealthy foreign Jews who had a permanent residence in Jerusalem for the convenience of being near the temple. They were pilgrims visiting Jerusalem. These men came from India, Africa, Asia Minor etc. Because they had been living in other countries for over 300 years, they no longer spoke Hebrew. They were devout men, religious Jews, observing Jewish rituals, but like Nicodemus, were not yet born again. These visitors on the day of Pentecost heard the wind and came to investigate it. They were amazed to hear simple, uneducated Galileans suddenly speaking perfectly at least 16 languages from where these pilgrims came. Few people outside Parthia spoke or understood Parthia's guttural language. The Medes came from high, wild, rugged plateaux beyond Assyria. To their utter surprise they heard their languages being clearly spoken at Jerusalem. Elamites came from east of Babylon. Pontus is now southern Russia. Arabians boasted many dialects. Each person on that day heard "the wonderful works of God" (the content of the Gospel) in his own language. (Acts 2:11). Question 3: "What meaneth this?" Acts 2:12. Answer: If the spectators had known Isaiah 28:11 they would have interpreted this to be a red alert danger signal of judgment soon to come. Peter presented the gospel, and concluded it with an invitation for them to be saved in Acts 2:39,40. "For the promise is unto you, and to your children (Jewish residents of Israel), and to all that are afar off (Jews of the dispersion), even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation." Jews were now being evangelised in Gentile languages. Note: First century Jews warned fellow Jews of judgment soon to come, and of the plan of salvation as the only escape. Tongues continued until Jerusalem fell in 70AD. Key: Wherever Jews lived throughout the first century world, the same means of evangelism was followed. Some believer who possessed the gift of tongues witnessed to them in the language of where they lived. Once God judged and scattered the Jews in 70AD, there was no further need for tongues. Consequently, the gift of tongues was withdrawn permanently. Hence "tongues were a sign not to believers, but to (Jewish) unbelievers!!" I Corinthians 14:22. Acts 2:14-21. Peter explains the Holy Spirit's coming. At Pentecost, no interpreter was needed since every man heard the message in his own native dialect. Peter denied the accusation of drunkenness by saying that it was only 9am and orthodox Jews did not eat or drink before 9am on a Sabbath or holy day (v.15). On the day of Pentecost, Peter quoted Joel 2:28-32 in conjunction with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. His introductory words, "But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel" (Acts 2:16), may seem to indicate that he considered Joel's prophecy as being completely fulfilled then. However it is apparent that the events of the day, though extraordinary, did not completely fulfil Joel's prophecy. The day of Pentecost events were only a partial fulfilment of Joel's prophecy. Joel's prophecy will be ultimately fulfilled just after the Tribulation when Christ returns to rescue Israel. The wonders in heaven and in earth (Acts 2:19,20) clearly did not occur on the day of Pentecost or on any other day in church history. Notice the events of Joel 2:28-32 and Acts 2:17-21 as follows: v.28 1. Afterward (in the last days (Acts)), I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh; 2. Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, (gender); 3. Your old men shall dream dreams, (age); 4. Your young men shall see visions, (age); v.29 5. Upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy, (Social class); v.30 6. I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. v.31 7. The sun shall be turned into darkness, 8. The moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord come. v.32 9. It shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered. 10. In Mount Zion, and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance for the remnant as the Lord hath said. Explanation of Joel 2:28-32. The Lord announced that "the great and terrible day of the Lord" (v.31) would see God "pour out my Spirit upon all flesh." The context shows that the "all flesh" refers more specifically to all inhabitants of Judah. Why? Because: a) the fourfold use of "your"(v.28)‘your sons and your daughters…your old men…your young men’ b) Ezekiel 39:29 is a parallel passage: ".....I have poured out my Spirit upon the house of Israel, saith the Lord God." c) Zechariah 12:10 is a parallel passage: "I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced." This pouring out of God's Spirit would be true regardless of gender, age or social class.Joel 2:30,31 The great and terrible day of the Lord will be preceded by wonders and signs of impending judgment (2:10 - “the sun and the moon shall be dark” and 3:15). • Blood, fire, and pillars of smoke suggest the effects of warfare, possibly nuclear warfare. • The sun turning to darkness occurs in Revelation 6:12 and 16:10. • The moon turning to blood occurs in Revelation 6:12 "there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; and the stars of heaven fell...." • Though these events will signal doom for God's enemies, God's people should interpret them as the precursors of their deliverance. a) Matthew 24:29. "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken; Then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man..." b) Mark 13:24-27. "After that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light...." c) Luke 21:25-28. “There shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars;..” Joel 2:32. At this time of judgment, whosoever (of the Jews) shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be delivered. "Whosoever" refers to repentant Jews, as seen in Zechariah 13:9, "they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people:" Note: In Acts 2:16-21, Peter does not say that this is the fulfilment of Joel's prophecy, because the signs and wonders predicted had not occurred at Pentecost. Joel's prophecy concerns Israel before Christ's glorious appearing. Peter saw in Joel's prophecy an application to the church. Peter was saying: "This is that same Holy Spirit that Joel wrote about. He is here!" "This is that", means the Holy Spirit's coming, not the events of Joel's prophecy as they will come later. Pentecost was a sample of what Joel predicted. Peter did not declare Pentecost as the complete fulfilment of Joel 2:28-32, but only as an illustration, a partial fulfilment, and a similar situation. Therefore, the supernatural signs that the multitude witnessed at Pentecost were the results of the Holy Spirit coming, yet only a glimmer of the future. Key: "Afterward" in Joel 2:28 pin-points the time of the Spirit's outpouring in this passage. It is after Jesus Christ has returned at His glorious appearing. The context of Joel 2 does not allow us to link this outpouring of the Spirit to events before Christ returns. This refutes the thought that today's tongues are a sign of Christ's second coming. Tongues at Pentecost prepared the way for Peter's message of salvation which brought 3,000 people to Christ that day. Charismatics often use Joel 2:28-32 to support the continuance of tongues today, as they quote Joel 2:23,24 of "the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. And the floors shall be full of wheat...." The former rain, they say, is supposed to be the initial outpouring of the Spirit in Acts 2, and the latter rain is claimed to be today's Charismatic Movement. The context clearly speaks of literal rain giving abundant crops. Spiritualising it, the former rain would mean the riches of David's and Solomon's kingdom, and latter rain would refer to even greater blessing of Christ's kingdom after His second coming. Conclusion:: a) Tongues at Pentecost were real languages understood by visitors to Jerusalem. b) Baptism of the Holy Spirit occurs at salvation. It is not to be sought, nor are tongues an evidence of this baptism. c) Tongues was a warning to unbelieving Jews to repent. d) Tongues was an evidence of the Holy Spirit coming to form the New Testament church, and to miraculously authenticate Peter's message of salvation. 2. THE CHARISMATIC DOCTRINE OF SUBSEQUENCE. Acts is a book of transition, changes and history. Changes happen in almost every chapter, such as: a) The Old Covenant fades out, and the New Covenant enters. Even Paul was caught in changes as seen by his Jewish vows (Acts 24:18 and 21:26) showing his tie to the Old Covenant. b) Acts passes from synagogue to church, c) Acts passes from law to grace, d) Acts passes from Old Testament saints to New Testament saints, e) Acts passes from Jewish believers, to the church made up of Jew and Gentile believers combined. The only teachings in Acts that are normal for the church age are those that are doctrinally confirmed elsewhere in the New Testament letters to the churches. Charismatics and Pentecostals take a different approach: They build their theology on the miracles of Acts 2,8,10,19 and on a misunderstanding of I Corinthians 12,13,14. (This is really a rebuke and criticism of tongues, not approval). Historical transition begins at Acts 2:4, the core point of all Charismatic teaching: "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." Doctrine of subsequence defined: Charismatics teach that at conversion a Christian receives the Holy Spirit in a limited way. Later on, in a subsequent experience the Christian receives the "fullness" of the Spirit, by being baptised with, in or of the Spirit. This experience is accompanied by speaking in tongues, new spiritual motivation, and sometimes miracles. They teach that the Baptism of Holy Spirit: 1. Is usually distinct from and subsequent to (after) the new birth. 2. Is evidenced initially by the sign of speaking in tongues. 3. It must be earnestly sought. Question 1: Which passages do Charismatics use to teach subsequence? Answer: 1. I Corinthians 12:13 cannot be used because it says that the Holy Spirit baptises every believer into the body of Christ at salvation. No tongues are mentioned, nor are we commanded to seek the Baptism. The gospels and epistles don't show subsequence. 2. Acts 2 and 8. Believers received the Spirit after salvation, an element of subsequence. 3. Acts 10. At Cornelius' household, believers were baptised in the Spirit at salvation. No subsequence. 4. Acts 19. John's disciples at Ephesus were baptised in the Spirit at salvation. No subsequence. • Believers spoke in tongues in Acts 2,10,19, but not in Acts 8 at Samaria. • Believers did not seek earnestly for the baptism in any of Acts 2,8,10,19. • None of Acts 2,8,10,19 ever commands tongues for anybody else. Question 2: Charismatics claim that the disciples had the Holy Spirit long before Pentecost, because they were already saved and because of John 20:21-22, their proof passage. Answer: To this we say "yes" the disciples were saved before Pentecost as seen from: a) Luke 10:20 "rejoice because your names are written in heaven," to the 70 sent out by Christ. b) John 15:3 Jesus to his disciples"Now ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken to you." but "No" they did not yet have the indwelling Holy Spirit because they were still pre-Pentecost. Question 3: If tongues are necessary, why did none of the 5,000 who believed and received the Holy Spirit in Acts 2-4, also speak in tongues? Answer: Because tongues are not an evidence of Baptism of the Holy Spirit. For something to be normal for everybody, it must happen to everyone. And it did not happen to everybody. Consider that of all the 16 salvation events described in Acts, only 2 groups spoke in tongues: 1. Acts 2........................... 3,000 at Pentecost................................. no tongues 2. Acts 3, 4....................... 5,000 at the Beautiful gate.................... no tongues 3. Acts 5:14...................... Multitudes saved................................... no tongues 4. Acts 8:17...................... Samaritan believers............................... no tongues 5. Acts 8:37-39................. Ethiopian eunuch.................................. no tongues 6. Acts 9........................... Saul on Damascus road........................ no tongues 7. Acts 10:46.................... Cornelius' household......................... tongues 8. Acts 11:19-24……….... Greeks saved at Antioch………………. no tongues 9. Acts 16:14, 15.............. Lydia.................................................... no tongues 10. Acts 16:16-19............... Demonised damsel................................ no tongues 11. Acts 16:25-34............... Philippian jailer and his household....... no tongues 12. Acts 17:1-4................... Thessalonian believers.......................... no tongues 13. Acts 17:10-12............... Berean believers.................................... no tongues 14. Acts 17:15-34............... Athenian believers................................ no tongues 15. Acts 18:8...................... Crispus and Corinthians at salvation..... no tongues 16. Acts 19:1-12................. 12 disciples of John at Ephesus.... tongues 17. Acts 19:18-20............... Ephesian believers................................ no tongues 18. Acts 28:23,24............... Roman believers.................................... no tongues Question 4: John 20:21,22, "he breathed on them,and saith unto them, receive ye the Holy Ghost" Charismatics think that after the resurrection, the eleven disciples received the Holy Spirit in the upper room, but that they later on received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost which then gave them their real power. Answer: This view is wrong because: 1) John 20:22 was not a permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit, but just a temporary filling of the Holy Spirit to supply their spiritual needs up to Pentecost, just like many Old Testament saints had for a short time. e.g. Samson, John the Baptist (Luke 1:15), Elizabeth (Luke 1:41), Zacharias (Luke 1:61) and Simeon (Luke 2:25). These gospel passages were not intended to be the norm for today. This filling of the Holy Spirit must not be confused with the Baptism of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Caesarea and Ephesus (Acts 2:1-13; 11:15-18; 19:1-7). It may have been just a pledge or promise that would be fulfilled at Pentecost. Chrysostom (345-407 AD) and others held this view. John 20:26,27 shows the disciples still fearful behind shut doors, and faithless, eight days later. 2) John 7:39 "But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on Him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified." This refutes the Charismatic idea that the disciples had the permanent indwelling Holy Spirit in John 20:22. They did not have the permanent indwelling Holy Spirit because Jesus had not yet ascended, nor was He yet glorified in heaven. The Holy Spirit would not come until after Jesus had ascended to heaven to receive the glory He had with the Father before the world began (John 17:1-5). 3) John 16:7 ".....if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you." Jesus ascended to heaven, then 10 days later, the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost. 4) Acts 1:8 "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me...." This teaches that in Acts 1:8 the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon the disciples. They were still waiting for the Holy Spirit to come on them. Here, receiving power to witness, came at the same time as they received the Holy Spirit. If the Holy Spirit had come on them in John 20:22, they would not have been waiting, nor would they be powerless. 5) Acts 1:4 "they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, ye have heard of me." This promise was made in John 14:16, "I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever." Here they were still waiting for the Holy Spirit. All these events occurred in a period of transition. The disciples believed in Christ and were Old Testament saints, but they never knew the full experience of the indwelling Holy Spirit until Pentecost. In the upper room there is no evidence that they were seeking or asking for the Holy Spirit, nor anywhere else in the New Testament. Christ had promised the Holy Spirit would come, they were just waiting for "not many days hence." Acts 1:5. No one asked for the Holy Spirit in Acts 2, 8, 10, 19 or anywhere in any letter to any New Testament church. Why? Because the Holy Spirit always indwelt a person at the point of salvation. Romans 8:9 "If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." How can a believer have Christ, but not have the Holy Spirit? You can't separate the Godhead. "Ye are complete in Him." Colossians 2:10. If we have Christ as Saviour, we are complete; we do not need a second blessing, nor a baptism of the Holy Spirit because we already have it at salvation. In Acts 2:2,3 Christians were first baptised by the Holy Spirit. In Acts 2:4 they were then filled with the Holy Spirit, and the apostles spoke in tongues. Tongues purpose was to: 1. Be a sign of judgment to warn unbelieving Jews to repent. 2. Authenticate the apostles as God's messengers and their message as being from God. Charismatics claim that Acts 2 should happen to everyone. If so, why do we never see a rushing mighty wind, and cloven tongues of fire on people? The Charismatic Movement has decided to use tongues, and then looks for verses to back up their practice. Reject this error as unbiblical. 3. ACTS 8:4-19. SAMARITAN SUBSEQUENCE “When they believed Philip, they were baptised.” v.12. The apostles at Jerusalem sent Peter and John, “who when they were come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Ghost (for as yet he was fallen on none of them...) (v.16) Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.” Acts 8:12-17. Charismatics use this passage to support two errors: a) Doctrine of Subsequence: The Samaritans received Christ and are baptised, followed by a time gap. Then they received the Holy Spirit. b) Slaying in the Spirit: They lay hands on a person’s head, for them to “receive the Holy Spirit”, the person falls over backwards, and they have supposedly received the Holy Spirit. Question 1: If the Holy Spirit can be given by laying on of hands, then why didn’t Philip lay hands on them, and save Peter and John the long journey? Answer: God wanted the Samaritans to link their receiving of the Holy Spirit with the apostles and the Jerusalem Church. Question 2: Why was there a delay in the Samaritans receiving the Holy Spirit after believing? Answer: 1) Background: Much hatred existed between Jews and Samaritans. If the Samaritans had received the Holy Spirit at the moment they believed, the terrible rift between Jews and Samaritans could have continued into the Christian church, as permanent disunity. Pentecost was made up of Jewish believers. If the Samaritans had started their own Christian group, the age-old rivalries could have continued. 2) God wanted the Samaritans to understand the authenticating power and authority of the apostles, as channels of divine truth. The time gap was there to show the Samaritans that they were under apostolic authority. 3) It showed the Jewish Christians that the Samaritans were in the same Church, had the same Christ, the same salvation, the same Holy Spirit, and the same acceptance by God. 4) Grammatical reason, in Acts 8:16: “For as yet he was fallen upon none of them.” The Greek word for ‘as yet’ is ‘OUDEPO’. Some lexicographers note that this word means that something that should have happened hasn’t happened yet. It was like saying that the Samaritans were saved, but for some strange reason, what should have happened (the Holy Spirit coming) had not occurred. ‘OUDEPO’ implies that the Holy Spirit should have come immediately. This was not a Samaritan Pentecost, but a step of growth for the Church. God wanted everyone to know that there were not two churches, but only one. God wanted to reverse the hatred barriers right at the start. God wanted to establish the apostles’ authority outside Jewish society. Question 3: Why is there no mention of tongues at Samaria? Answer: It is because there were no unbelieving Jews present. Jews would not live at Samaria, because they hated the Samaritans greatly. 5) This phenomena of believers not receiving the Holy Spirit until Peter came and laid hands on them, was never repeated anywhere in the New Testament. It was a transitional period. Hence it is wrong to conclude that receiving the Holy Spirit is a work subsequent to salvation, and that it requires the laying on of hands. Philip could not do it. Hence we cannot impart the Holy Spirit by laying on of hands. 4. ACTS 10. CORNELIUS’ HOUSEHOLD. NO SUBSEQUENCE. If there was a rift between Samaritans and Jews, there was an almost unbridgable gulf between Gentiles and Jews. A Jew would not enter a Gentile’s house. Peter and six Jewish brethren (v.11-12), went to Caesarea. Peter preached the gospel to Cornelius, a Roman Centurion, and to his household. “While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Spirit fell on 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 the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.” Acts 10:44-46. Many Charismatics falsely conclude from this that anyone who gets saved must speak in tongues, as proof of salvation. Question 1: Why did Cornelius’ household speak in tongues (languages)? Answer: Because there were Jewish Christians present who did not believe that the Spirit of God was for the Gentiles. Hence, this agrees well with 1 Corinthians 14:22 that tongues were a sign to Jews that believed not. Peter and his six Jewish friends were all astonished. Question 2: Why were they all astonished? Answer: Because the Holy Spirit fell upon a Gentile. Yet it happened here, and these Gentiles were speaking in tongues. Question 3: How did these seven Jews know that these Gentiles had received the Holy Spirit? Answer: “For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.” Acts 10:46. The fact that the Apostles understood the Gentiles’ tongues to be magnifying God indicated that the tongues were a known language to the Apostles. They knew the same gift of the Holy Spirit was given, because it was accompanied by the same sign, tongues, of Acts 10. The same tongues of Acts 10 were just like the tongues of Acts 2, as seen from these references. “On the Gentiles also.” Acts 10:45. “To have received the Holy Spirit as well as we.” Acts 10:45. “The Gentiles also.” Acts 11:1. “The Holy Spirit fell on them, as on us at the beginning.” Acts 11:15. “God gave the like gift, as he did unto us.” Acts 11:17. “God also, to the Gentiles, granted repentance.” Acts 11:18. The Jews could no longer claim spiritual superiority over the Gentiles, only equality. (Ephesians 3:6 and Colossians 3:11). Charismatics should note two things: a) There is no gap between belief in Christ and receiving the Holy Spirit. There is no subsequence here. b) Tongues are mainly a judgment sign to unbelieving Israel (I Corinthians 14:21-22). God also used tongues to convince unbelieving Christian Jews that the Gentiles could receive the Holy Spirit, and that they ought to be welcomed as equals into the Church. Without tongues, the apostles would not have been convinced that the Gentiles could be saved. Note: Acts 11:15 “As I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.” The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Cornelius’ house occurred eight years after Pentecost, yet Peter could not point to any continuous flow of tongues among the churches, when he explained to the Jerusalem church leaders what had happened to the Gentiles. After eight years, Peter still had to say “As on us at the beginning”, not “as on all the churches regularly”. Here is a case where the absence of tongues speaks volumes. If speaking in tongues was a normal experience in churches, Peter would not have had to reach back to Pentecost to cite a similar example. 5. ACTS 19:1-6. JOHN’S DISCIPLES AT EPHESUS. NO SUBSEQUENCE. Two Charismatic claims are made in this passage: A) That speaking in tongues is the initial evidence of the Holy Spirit baptism. B) That laying on of hands imparts the Holy Spirit to someone. This is used to support “slaying in the Spirit.” Both of these claims can be shown to be false, in that tongues and laying on of the apostles’ hands were for the following reasons, which are found in this passage: A) Tongues were necessary to warn the many Jews in Ephesus that God’s program had changed, and that the Jews needed to receive Christ as Saviour. Many Jews lived at Ephesus, as seen by: i) Twelve disciples of John the Baptist were Jewish. (19:3). ii) Paul spoke boldly to the Jews in the synagogue for three months, who hardened themselves, believed not, and spoke evil of that way. (19:8-9). iii) Paul separated his disciples to the school of Tyrranus for two years, so that all Jews and Greeks in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus. (19:9-10). iv) Vagabond exorcist Jews in 19:13 try to imitate Paul’s casting out of demons in 19:12. v) Seven sons of Sceva, the Jewish Chief Priest, also tried to imitate Paul’s casting out of demons, in order to establish their own authority as equal to Paul’s, and hence to counter Paul’s message. The demonised man leapt on them, and overcame them, so they fled out naked and wounded. (19:14-16). vi) This was known to all the Jews and Greeks at Ephesus. (19:17). vii) Alexander (v.33) was a Jew (1 Timothy 1:20; 2 Tim. 4:14). Therefore, Paul’s authority, as a messenger of God to be believed, and Paul’s message of Christ, to be received, was proven to all the Jews by signs of tongues (v.6), miracles (v.11), and casting out of demons (v.12-20). viii) Apollos, an eloquent Jew came to Ephesus and mightily convinced the Jews publicly that Jesus was Christ. (Acts 18:1-28). Because of the many Jews at Ephesus, eight groups being mentioned, tongues spoken by John’s twelve disciples was very much in keeping with its stated purpose in I Corinthians 14:21,22 as being a warning sign to unbelieving Jews at Ephesus to repent. This was the main reason why God gave tongues to these twelve men. KEY: On every occasion that tongues were given, there were unbelieving Jews that needed tongues as a sign to convince them of something. Acts 2: Unbelieving devout Jews at Pentecost heard the Apostles speak in tongues warning them to repent. Acts 10: Cornelius' household at Caesarea spoke in tongues to warn unbelieving Christian Jews (Peter) that the Gentiles had received the Holy Spirit and should be welcomed into the church on an equal footing with Jews. Acts 19:1-33: John's twelve disciples spoke in tongues at Ephesus to warn fellow unbelieving Jews to repent and believe Christ's gospel preached by Paul. Acts 18:1-17 and I Corinthians 12,13,14: In Acts 18, Jews are mentioned 6 times at Corinth. Hence the tongues of I Corinthians 12,13,14 were within the correct context of warning the many Jews at Corinth to repent. None of these men were seeking the gift of tongues. Tongues at Ephesus were a sign to Jews at Ephesus (and elsewhere) that salvation was now only possible by faith in Christ. Note: a) Faith in Christ yet to come could no longer suffice, since Christ had arrived and purchased salvation on the cross. b) Knowledge only of John's baptism (Acts 19:2) could no longer suffice. c) Mosaic legalism, having performed its purpose, must be abandoned. B) Charismatic error that laying on of hands imparts the Holy Spirit This passage may seem to teach that salvation occurs and then the Holy Spirit is received after or subsequent to salvation, because of Acts 19:2,6. “He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?” 19:2. “And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues and prophesied.” 19:6. If this error is not corrected by studying the context of Acts 18:24-19:7 of Apollos knowing only the baptism of John, another error is believed of making tongues a sign of receiving the Holy Spirit. Acts 2,8,10 shows that Acts 19 does not teach a second experience with tongues as evidence of such an experience. These 12 disciples of John and Apollos mentioned here were not New Testament believers (Christians), but only disciples of John the Baptist. Like their teacher Apollos, they only knew John's baptism, and knew nothing of Holy Spirit baptism. (18:25 and 19:3). Question 1: "Since ye believed" what? (19:2). Answer: These 12 disciples were Old Testament believers still living in the superseded Old Testament age, similar to Jesus' disciples before Pentecost and to Old Testament saints. They were baptised by John in water "unto (because of) remission of sins" (Matthew 3:11) yet to come in Christ. They believed in Christ to come, but this belief did not impart the baptism, indwelling, sealing, and filling of the Holy Spirit. They did not have the New Testament salvation provided by Christ's death. They were like many Jews living in the transition period between the Mosaic age and the Church age. They still performed and trusted Mosaic ceremonies for salvation, while looking forward to Christ (Acts 15:1,5). These 12 Ephesian disciples, (like modern Charismatics) did not lack faith, but they lacked correct doctrine for faith to take hold of. Paul's discussion with them was as follows: John's disciples: "We are believers." Paul: "Have ye received the Holy Spirit since ye believed?" v.2. (Paul knew that if they had've believed in Christ after Pentecost, they would have received the Holy Spirit). John's disciples: "We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost." v.2. Paul: "Unto what then were ye baptized?" v.3. John's disciples: "unto John's baptism." v.3 (Note: Paul here realised that their missing link was information about Christ, not information about the baptism of the Holy Spirit. So Paul preached Christ Jesus to them, not the Holy Spirit). Paul: John baptised with the baptism of repentance, saying that they should believe on Jesus Christ who was to come after John. John's disciples: They believed. They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Paul laid his hands on them. The Holy Ghost came on them. They spoke with tongues and prophesied. Question 2: Why did Paul lay hands on them? Answer: To show them that as Jews, they were no longer to follow John the Baptist's teachings, but they were to follow Christ's teachings as taught by the Apostles. Paul laying hands on them imparted the Holy Spirit to them. This would have strongly established the Apostle's authority to them. Question 3: Why were they given tongues? Answer: To connect them with Pentecost. To show them that they were now part of the church with every other believer in Christ. To warn other Jews at Ephesus to receive Christ, and that the Apostle's message was of God. Note Acts 19:11,12, "God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul." Many Jews were convinced by the tongues and miracles that established Paul's authority as a messenger of God, and with the message of God. Sceva the Chief Priest's seven sons tried to duplicate Paul's miracles of casting out evil spirits. This was done in order to neutralize Paul's authority to stop Jews leaving the synagogue for Christ. The demonized man beat them up. This led to many more Jews and Greeks coming to Christ.(19:11-20). Note: The anointing of the Holy Spirit is the initial act of indwelling of the Holy Spirit as seen from Luke 4:18; Acts 4:27; 10:38; 2 Corinthians 1:21; I John 2:20,27. “Anoint” means to apply. Question 4: Why was there a short time delay in them receiving the Holy Spirit after believing Paul's message? Answer: A similar time delay occurred with the Samaritan believers in Acts 8 for the same reason. Receiving the Holy Spirit by Paul laying his hands on them identified the Ephesian disciples with the Christian church established since Pentecost under the Apostle's authority. In Acts 8, no believers spoke in tongues because there were no unbelieving Jews in Samaria that needed the warning to repent. Jews hated Samaritans and would not live in Samaria Tongues at Ephesus connected this work with God's work at Jerusalem. God's program was no longer centred in Israel. The casting away of Israel in God's judgment was now underway. Acts is not a norm for the church age, but a narrative of the transition period: 1. From Synagogue to church, 2. From law to grace, 3. From Old Testament saints to New Testament Christians, 4. From mainly a Jewish body of believers to the body of Christ, with neither Jew nor Gentile. Once the transition between the old and new covenants had been accomplished, with the Holy Spirit poured out, the Holy Spirit was then available to all who believed in Christ at the time of belief. This is how God works today. Peter was present in Acts 2,8,10. There must be one church, as Jesus prayed in John 17:20-21, not a Jewish church, a Samaritan church, and a Gentile church. Jewish witnesses heard tongues spoken by Gentile converts in Acts 10, by John's disciples in Acts 19, and the Jewish witnesses Peter and John verified the Samaritans’ conversion in Acts 8. Paul wrote about the Holy Spirit many times, but he never stated that the normal Christian experience is the same as what people experienced in Acts 2,8,10,19. Paul was saved in Acts 9, and gave his salvation testimony in Acts 22,24,26, yet never does he say that he spoke in tongues at his salvation. The experience of the apostles is found in the transitional book of Acts, while the teaching of the apostles is in the epistles, which are our guide for today. In no New Testament epistle is there any teaching of a second blessing after salvation which is evidenced by speaking in tongues. Michael Green in “I believe in the Holy Spirit” says: "The Charismatics were always out for power. Paul's reply was to boast not of his power but of his weakness through which alone the power of Christ can shine". When I am weak, then am I strong. The power of a Christian comes from the patient enduring of suffering, reviling, hardship and of thorns in the flesh. 6. DOES LUKE 11:13 TEACH THAT WE MUST ASK GOD FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT? NO "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him." This was a valid request for the disciples up until the end of Christ’s earthly ministry just as with some Old Testament saints who received a temporary filling for a task. At the end of Christ's earthly ministry, he said: "I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever." (John 14:16). The disciples were now not to receive the Holy Spirit in answer to their own petition, but in answer to Christ's petition. Hence today the Holy Spirit is given to all who believe, because of Christ's prayer, without the individual asking for it. When we receive Christ as our Saviour, we immediately receive the Holy Spirit also. (Romans 8:9,14,16). Believers today are not to pray for the Holy Spirit because this prayer of the disciples (for the Holy Spirit) was answered at Pentecost. Charismatic’s Careless Handling of Scripture. Charismatics use these verses to keep people from questioning the movement. 7. THE SIN AGAINST THE HOLY SPIRIT. Matthew 12:22-32. When you oppose a Charismatic, they often become very angry, and reply with scriptures that are misinterpreted and misapplied. They claim that if you criticize tongues or Charismatic doctrine, you are doing what the Pharisees did who opposed Jesus in attributing Jesus’ work to Satan. They accuse you of coming close to committing the unpardonable sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Question: What does Matthew 12:22-32 really teach? Answer: Jesus had just healed a man possessed with a devil causing blindness and dumbness. The obvious meaning of this miracle was that Jesus was the Messiah. The Pharisees, however, not wanting to believe in Jesus, attributed His miracles done by the Holy Spirit to Satan. This blasphemy against the Holy Spirit can only be committed when one observes Christ physically on earth doing miracles. Since Christ is not physically on earth today, it is impossible to commit this sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, that is, the sin of attributing the works of Christ to Satan. Note: a) This sin was an historical event. b) It can only be applied to one who rejects the work of the Holy Spirit in presenting Christ’s salvation. c) It can never be used in challenging a Charismatic viewpoint. 8. JESUS CHRIST THE SAME YESTERDAY, and TODAY, and FOREVER. Heb. 13:8. Charismatics use this verse to teach that: What happened “yesterday” during Christ’s earthly ministry and during the apostle’s lifetime, is happening now. They use this to claim that: tongues are for today, new revelations happen now, healings continue, & miracles of first century magnitude still happen now. Does the Charismatic interpretation of this verse stand up to hermeneutic principles? Literally, Hebrews 13:8 means: Jesus Christ is unchanging yesterday, today and forever. This is true of Christ’s nature or essence. But it is wrong historically, which disproves their claim. Why should “yesterday” only go as far back as Jesus’ earthly ministry? Note these problems with their position: a) Jesus never spoke in tongues during His earthly ministry. b) As far as “forever” is concerned, none of the gifts are forever. I Corinthians 13:8-13 clearly states that the gifts of prophecy, tongues and knowledge will not endure forever. c) Do we still offer lambs as blood sacrifices? No, because while Jesus Christ is the same forever, God’s methods of operation change throughout history. d) Do we still walk about naked as Adam and Eve did in Eden before the Fall? No, because God’s method of operation was different then. So with tongues. Charismatics force a meaning into Hebrews 13:8 that is not there in order to justify their belief that tongues, miracles, healing and prophecies are happening today just as they did in the first century. 9. THE PROMISES OF POWER IN MARK 16:17,18 “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they 1cast out devils; 2they shall speak with new tongues; 3they shall take up serpents; and 4if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; 5they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” Charismatics claim that today, these signs follow the preaching of the gospel where it is preached in the Holy Spirit’s power and faith. These four “shalls” were deliberate proofs that the apostles performed to publically demonstrate their authority, yet nobody can do these at will today successfully. This is shown to be false because of our previous discussion on Mark 16:11-20 (p.499-500). 10. WILL BELIEVERS DO THE SAME and GREATER WORKS THAN CHRIST’S MIRACLES AS JOHN 14:12 SEEMS TO SAY? “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” Jesus’ miracles were: a) Creation - turning water into wine. b) Healing the lame, lepers, blind and deaf. c) Casting out demons. d) Control of nature - stilling storms, walking on water, cursing the figtree, multiplying loaves. e) Raising the dead. Question: Are there any documented cases of ordinary believers since 96AD doing the above miracles to the same degree as Jesus? No, never. No one comes close to Jesus’ miracles. John 14:12 means that Jesus referred to the total ministry of believers preaching the gospel after Pentecost. The greater works applied initially to the apostles that Jesus was speaking to. They were given power to perform special miracles as credentials of their office (Romans 15:18,19; Hebrews 2:3,4). For example, Peter preached one sermon and 3000 people were saved in one day. This may have been more than were saved in Jesus’ entire three year ministry. While Jesus’ earthly ministry was confined to Palestine, the gospel in the church age would go to the ends of the earth. These are the greater works that believers would do. Believers works are greater in scope of influence and in number, but not greater in quality. 11. QUESTIONS ANSWERED Question 1: What is the evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit? Is it speaking in tongues? Answer: This evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit is: a) Exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22,23 of “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance.” b) Walking worthy of the Lord as described in Ephesians 4,5,6. We are filled with the Spirit as we exhibit these 40 qualities. Tongues are not the evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit because: a) All believers did not speak in tongues (I Corinthians 12:30). b) The Holy Spirit distributes gifts as He wills (I Corinthians 12:7-11). Question 2: What about miracles being done by Stephen (Acts 6:8), Philip (Acts 8:5-8), Barnabas (Acts 14:3), the seventy (Luke 10:1,9,17,19), or in Mark 9:38-41? Answer: Sign gifts authenticated the apostles and their appointed representatives. Stephen and Philip belonged to the seven appointed by the apostles in Acts 6:1-7 by the laying on of hands (v.6). Paul and Barnabas had hands laid on them as commanded by the Holy Spirit to go on Paul’s first missionary journey. (Acts 13:1-3). The seventy that Jesus sent out did not have the office of apostle, but were “sent ones” to proclaim Christ’s Kingdom as Christ personally directed His program on earth. Both the seventy and the man casting out demons were before the church age started, and does not establish a precedent to be done by all church age believers. Question 3: Does 1 Corinthians 1:7 include miracle workers in the Corinthian church other than the apostles? Answer: “so that ye come behind in no spiritual gift.” “In no gift” means “in no favour, or gracious endowment.” The word used here (Charisma) does not necessarily refer to miraculous endowments, but includes all the kindnesses of God towards them in producing peace of mind, humility, steadfastness, etc. Paul is saying that they possessed, in rich abundance, all those endowments which were bestowed on Christians. This does not teach that non apostles did miracles. Question 4: Why would God allow error in Charismatic meetings where the Holy Spirit was blessing? Answer: We must not assume that because God is blessing a church, then all aspects of that church please Him. Many Charismatics assume that because people are being saved in Charismatic churches, and large numbers attend, then all aspects of Charismatic doctrine and practice are God approved. In Revelation 2 and 3, the churches at Ephesus, Pergamos, Thyatira and Sardis each had good and bad aspects. Hence we must not think that because a church looks good in some areas, then all aspects of that church are good. Many people have been saved in churches with false doctrine. Note: Satan’s attacks are most pronounced in churches seeking to uphold sound Bible doctrine, who win souls to Christ, who seek to live holy lives, who expose Satan’s lies, and who attack Satan’s Kingdom. Satan would not attack but help to build churches that teach error and promote Satan’s Kingdom, such as JWs, Mormons, New Agers, etc. Question 5: Do people have the genuine gift and power to “slay people in the Spirit?” Answer: This has no Biblical basis whatsoever. Any appeals to Daniel (Daniel 8:16-27), Peter, James and John on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-7), John on Patmos (Revelation 1:17), Ezekiel (Ezekiel 2:1-3), or the multitude coming to arrest Jesus in Gethsemane (John 18:1-6), will not do, because in each case these people fell to the ground because of direct contact with God or an angel of God. People instead fall on their face, (not on their back) and worship God, not become unconscious. “and so falling down on his face he will worship God.” I Corinthians 14:25. This slaying in the spirit (falling backwards) is mentioned in Isaiah 28:11-13 where Israel was warned to repent after hearing other tongues (v.11), “yet they would not hear” (v.12) so God judged them by them “falling backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.” (v.13). Hence, people falling backward is a sign of God’s judgment on those who refuse to hear God’s warnings. This is a strong warning against the evil of Charismatic slaying in the spirit. Question 6: How does the Holy Spirit lead us if not through revelations, visions, dreams & prophecies? Answer: 1) “Thy Word (Bible) is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105. God may use a passage of Scripture personally applied to our situation. 2) Circumstances. 3) Open and closed doors. 4) Wisdom of pastors. Some believers are bad advisors. God speaks to us through the Bible as we apply it to each situation. Avoid the advice of fools, ignorant and wicked people. Leadings, impressions, hunches etc. are not always reliable because we may have overlooked some facts which lead us to a wrong impression. So, get all the facts, match them with Scriptures and make the choice based on whether a situation is in line with Bible truth, or against Bible truth. The Holy Spirit will then give you peace as you act according to the Bible. Question 7: Isn’t it a good thing for the Charismatic Movement to unite with Roman Catholics if they are winning Catholics to Christ? Answer: The end never justifies the means. God calls us to be separate from sin and false doctrine. The Charismatic Movement has the approval of the Roman Catholic church who established the “Catholic Charismatic Renewal Office” in 1972. The Charismatic Movement will bring about unprecedented ecumenical unity, which will lay the foundation of and usher in the worldwide harlot church of Revelation 17, Mystery Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots and abominations of the earth. This church will bear the name of Christ, but give loyalty to the Antichrist who will be able to perform signs and wonders (Revelation 13:3,13,14,15). Popularity has slain more prophets of God than persecution ever did. In Christianity today, whatever is popular, whatever is accepted, whatever brings good feelings, whatever brings unity, all become the accepted norm for the church. Luther said: “Unity without truth is treason.” Truth is being set aside in the name of unity. Darkness and light are mixing and embracing. In John 17:17-21, Jesus first prayed that we would be sanctified by the truth of God’s Word, (v.17), then He prayed for unity (v.21) based on truth. The basis for unity is always the truth of God’s Word. Question 8: Why should we question the source of prophecies and knowledge if they come true? Answer: The test of a true prophet is 100% accuracy. We should consider all a “prophet’s” predictions to see if every one always comes true. If he correctly predicts 99 times and one time he is wrong, then he is a false prophet (Deuteronomy 18:22). Also his prophecy must agree with all of Scripture. Demons have access to much information and can make correct predictions to win people over. Question 9: Why do we have to go into such intricate and complicated studies to know the answers on these Charismatic issues? Why can’t we just accept the Scriptures at their first surface interpretation? Answer: The Bible has shallow parts and deep parts. Even Peter said that some of the Bible was hard to understand (2 Peter 3:14-16). Hence we need to study the Bible carefully and thoroughly (2 Timothy 2:15). The problem with the Corinthian church was that they were content with immaturity. Hence they could not understand other spiritual truths (I Corinthians 3:2,3). The Lord has given Bible teachers who must study the Bible to rightly divide it, so that Christians will not be tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine. Question 10: Are you saying that it is impossible to cast out demons today because of Mark 16:17-20? Answer: No. Nobody today has the gift of casting out demons (a type of healing). Demons are cast out today because of the prayers of Christians (James 5:14-16) and by the power of the Lord Jesus, not because someone has the gift of exorcism. Question 11: How do you explain that some people seem genuinely healed at Charismatic meetings? Answer: When John Wimber visited Sydney in March 1990. At his meetings he invited people to come for healing of disorders such as: a) Bad backs and necks. b) Problems with left big toe. c) Nervous disorders. d) Unequal leg lengths. e) Breathing problems. f) Barrenness. These conditions are not in the same league as Jesus’ and the Apostle’s healing the blind, lame, deaf, raising the dead, curing the insane, etc. When John Wimber was asked if he had success in healing Down’s Syndrome children, (a genetic disease which cannot be healed by psychosomatic factors), he replied that he had prayed over more than 200 such children, but he admitted that not one child had been healed. This shows the Charismatic healing Movement to be false. In the Indonesian revivals it was claimed that God raised people from the dead. The trouble was that the locals had different definitions for death. If a person was unconscious they deemed him as dead. Question 12: Doesn’t Joel 2:28-32 say that before Christ returns men and women will prophesy, etc.? Answer: No, it doesn’t. Read Joel 2:27 which tells us that after Christ has returned in glory, Israel gets saved; then read Joel 2:28 which says afterwards (i.e. after Christ’s return) your sons and daughters shall prophesy. This happens in the Millennium, not in the church age. 12. COUNTERFEIT ECUMENICAL UNITY OF TODAY’S TONGUES When tongues appears in fundamental and evangelical churches, strife and division result. Yet when tongues occur in liberal churches where doctrine is not important, then unity results. The Charismatic Movement produces a counterfeit unity. a) Instead of Christ being the centre, they give the Holy Spirit central attention. Jesus said of the Holy Spirit, “He shall not speak of Himself. He shall glorify me.” John 16:13,14. b) Instead of the Bible being the basis, their experience becomes the way of knowing God’s will. “If they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isaiah 8:20. Old liberalism and new Pentecostalism have joined and denominational barriers began to fall. 1) An Assembly of God Pastor refers to an Episcopalian priest who has recently received the Charismatic spirit baptism and ministry “power”, yet still does not believe in Christ’s virgin birth or resurrection. The Assembly of God Pastor well asks: “I can’t understand why God would give all that power to a fellow so far out on the liberal left.” 2) Pentecostal Christadelphians deny Christ’s deity, His pre-existence, and personality of the Holy Spirit, yet they speak in tongues. It does not matter what a person believes doctrinally, as long as he speaks in tongues as evidence of the “baptism of the Holy Spirit.” Question 13:How can this experience be available to anyone regardless of how heretical are his views? 3) Rome took in the Charismatic Movement, when in 1975 Pope Paul VI blessed a gathering of Catholic Charismatics. Both Rome and the Charismatic Movement hold to similar positions on the Bible in that they both allow new revelations from God beyond the Bible. Roman Catholic priest Edward O’Connor of Notre Dame writes in “The Pentecostal Movement in the Catholic Church”, p.23,28,32 that: “Although they derive from Protestant backgrounds, the Pentecostal churches are not typically Protestant in their beliefs, attitudes or practices. p. 23. Catholics who have accepted Pentecostal spirituality have found it to be fully in harmony with their traditional faith and life. p.28. It cannot be assumed that the Pentecostal Movement represents an incursion of Protestant influence.” p.32. O’Connor says that Catholic Charismatics have been brought back to Penance, devotion to Mary, and devotion to the Real Presence in the Eucharist, through their “baptism in the Holy Spirit.” The Charismatic Movement does nothing to unsettle Roman Catholic faith or traditions. The Catholic “spider” is about to welcome the Charismatic “fly” into its parlour. Charismatics may have been “slain”, but not “in the Spirit”. 13. TRIBULATION APPROACH TO TONGUES Tongues at best is a learned gibberish; at worst it is caused by demon possession as in occult tongues. The devil uses tongues to: a) distract from the real issue in salvation, which is faith in Christ as Saviour. b) distort spirituality, as people think that tongues produces spirituality. In Corinth, tongues had nothing to do with spirituality, but were associated with carnality. Satan counterfeits Christ as the Head of the church, with the Antichrist to be the head of ecumenism. In 2 Thessalonians 2:8,9 the Antichrist’s coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders. The antichrist will have a false gift of miracles, healings and tongues. Some illnesses can be demon induced, and cures can be achieved by Satan removing the demons from people in order to deceive the world. Hence the Satanic counterfeit of tongues and healing will confuse the lost and hinder them from receiving the gospel. They will reject the truth, hence 2 Thess. 2:11 says, “And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion that they should believe a lie.” As a person consistently rejects truth, his heart is hardened, and he is incapable of discerning truth from error, and chooses error. eg. Pharaoh, JWs, Mormons, etc. “When they (religious leaders of the day) shall say unto you, seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep and mutter: should not a people seek unto their God.” Isaiah 8:19. The Hebrew word for “familiar spirits” is “OB” and in the Greek Septuagint is “EGGASTRIMUTHOS”, both words meaning ventriloquist demons, fallen angels who control the vocal chords of their hosts. “Peep” means a high falsetto voice. o “mutter” means a deep hollow voice. The best documented modern case of this is Helene Smith in Switzerland who spoke in an ancient language of India. At first, many thought that she had the gift of tongues. However, her “gift” proved to be a clear case of demon possession, because when the demon left her (Luke 11:24,28), she had no recollection of what had happened. In 1 Kings 22:22, a wicked spirit appears in heaven, offering to fulfil a mission as a lying spirit in the mouth of false prophets on earth. Hence, a lying spirit can impersonate the Holy Spirit. Modern spirit-baptisms with tongues and healings are often due to demons impersonating the Holy Spirit. Question: How will Satan successfully deceive the world into worshipping him? Answer: By the Satanic healing of the Antichrist in Revelation 13:3,4,12-15, and by the miraculous gift of tongues that Satan gives to the Image (v.15). Hence, Satanic healing and tongues will become a worldwide delusion as the Antichrist draws near. In Matthew 24:4,5,23-26, “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” Question: How will they deceive? Answer: By signs and wonders. Question: What will they be trying to make people believe? Answer: That whenever they do these signs and wonders, it is the Holy Spirit manifesting His power. Refuse to go and see what is going on. Some Pentecostal preachers intentionally use hypnosis to temporarily heal people and to suggest to them to speak in tongues. eg. An American Pentecostal “evangelist” and “healer” named Valdez, offered Franquin the hypnotist $100,000 a year tax-free to be a Pentecostal evangelist and healer. Franquin refused. This was reported in the Sydney Daily Telegraph newspaper, Jan. 26, 1956. 14. HYPNOTIC IMITATION OF TONGUES AND HEALING. Many Charismatic preachers are religious hypnotists. Any good hypnotist can make his subject speak in tongues, or feel that he is healed of some illness (only to relapse later), or by a touch putting the poor victim into a trance (Charismatics call this “slaying in the spirit.”) A Charismatic preacher can hypnotize people if the following conditions are met: a) The person must be convinced of the hypnotist’s ability, b) The person must be a willing subject, c) Repetitive, rhythmic music, as occurs in many Charismatic rock music bands. d) The person must be expecting something to happen (e.g.: to be healed, or to speak in tongues, or be slain in the spirit). Most people can apply hypnotic suggestions if they knew how. When a preacher has unknowingly produced the necessary mental condition in a susceptible person, things happen which may deceive the preacher into thinking that he has some special gift of the Holy Spirit. When others think that he has this gift, they are ready to be the next victims. Hypnotists admit that it is very simple to give a person a headache, toothache, shorten a limb, remove pain, pass a needle through a man’s hand painlessly, impart the “gift” of tongues, make a person feel and think that he is healed. (This is always a temporary healing just as Charismatic healings are). Religious hypnotists go on deceiving others, calling it the “Baptism of the Holy Spirit.” Our body is like a prison to keep our spirit in, but it is also like a fortress to keep out the corruption of demon spirits. Normally our mind and body repels demonic attacks. But if we allow our mental fence to be broken down by surrendering control of our mind to another person or spirit or to group pressure (as in blanking your mind to speak in tongues, or allowing yourself to be slain in the spirit, or healed) then we are exposed to demonic attack. The victim is unable to restore the fence in his own power. He must re-submit to being only guided by the Bible, not by some religious hypnotist. The sad end of such a victim is that often, morality drops, Bible truth is rejected and error is embraced, spirituality wanes, tongues takes greater control, and mental breakdowns often occur. Enoch Coppin, who was a hypnotist in his unsaved days had practised many hypnotic healings, the giving and taking away of bodily afflictions and speaking in tongues, insists that their source is the demonic forces of Satan. 15. MENTAL SUSCEPTIBILITY and SURRENDER OF THE WILL. Once a person has been made mentally susceptible by: a) Wrongly applied, falsely interpreted scriptures (as in all cults), b) Listen to exciting testimonies of healings, tongues, and wonderful spiritual experiences, the door into his mind is open for Pentecostal seducing demons to enter, who impersonate the Holy Spirit. Many Charismatic healers imply that someone in the audience has a very sinful sex problem. Many people have a temptation to sexual sin. This is used to make the person feel inferior, as a second rate Christian in need of so-called “Holy Spirit Baptism”. This is a commonly used trick to make people’s minds susceptible to think that they need tongues, healing, slaying, etc. as a solution to their problem. This is a high pressure selling technique. Many Charismatic healers trick people to believing that they are healers by claiming to make a person’s legs equal in length, when they were equal in the first place. Example 1: Two old ladies on crutches came to the front of a Charismatic service to be healed. After the laying on of hands they were hypnotically convinced that God had healed them. On the way out they both fell down the steps breaking their hips. Friends then sent for the Charismatic healer to heal them, but he refused to come, nor did he visit them in hospital. Example 2: A young man claimed to be healed from sinus. When asked how he felt, he replied, “I am healed, but I still have the symptoms.” He was surely deceived. Question: What is the Charismatic spirit baptism? Answer: The human being has two nervous systems, the voluntary in the brain, and involuntary which controls involuntary actions such as heart muscle contraction, breathing, etc. Normally the voluntary system is in control, but in the so-called spirit-baptism when one speaks in tongues, he by-passes his brain, allowing the subconscious mind to become active. Hence tongues comes from the involuntary nervous system as gibberish which is disconnected from the conscious commands of the brain. Hence, control of one’s life is given to the subconscious involuntary nervous system, when real control should be given to the mind controlled by the Bible as it directs the voluntary conscious mind, and as it consciously weighs every decision in accordance with Scripture to be right or wrong. Question: Is healing in the Atonement? Charismatics claim that healing is in Christ’s atonement for sin, as a benefit available to all believers today. If this were true, then no believer should ever get sick or die. Physical healing has been secured by Christ’s atonement but we only get it at Christ’s return when we receive our resurrection bodies, not now in the Church age. “with his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5; “by whose stripes ye were healed.” 1 Peter 2:24 Peter tells believers that the healing we have is “past tense”, a spiritual healing received at salvation. We do not have complete physical healing today because: 1) Healing left Paul.“Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.” 2 Timothy 4:20. Paul couldn’t heal him. 2) “Epaphroditus ... was sick nigh unto death.” Philippians 2:25-27. Why did Paul let him get so bad?Why didn’t Paul heal him straight away?Why didn’t Epaphroditus heal himself, if every believer can do it? Did he not have enough faith? Paul never criticized him for lack of faith. His raising to health was an act of divine mercy, not an atonement right. 3) “Use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities (sicknesses)”. I Timothy 5:23. This would have been madness if Paul could heal Timothy. Why didn’t Timothy heal his own stomach and other often sicknesses by laying on of hands as Charismatics do? Why use wine? Did Timothy lack the faith to be healed? 4) “Luke the beloved physician.” Colossians 4:14. Luke would not have continued as a physician if he (along with all believers) could heal at will. 5) “Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him...” James 5:14-15. Why didn’t the sick man heal himself if healing is in the atonement? The “prayer of faith,” not the “gift of healing” shall save the sick. The sick believer was to call for the church elders, not the healer, or the person of great faith. 6) “I will glory in my infirmities (weaknesses, sicknesses)..” 2 Corinthians 12:9,10. 7) “The creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption.” Romans 8:21.
  14. Transubstantiation is a false doctrine because Jesus is not a liar: In Mt 26:29 after Jesus had said, "this is my blood" and prayed, he still referred to the contents as, "fruit of the vine". If transubstantiation of the juice into blood had occurred, as both Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches say it was at this time, then Jesus would never have referred to it as "fruit of the vine' but rather "blood". This proves that when Jesus said "take eat & drink" he LITERALLY gave them bread and juice. In like manner, Paul also refers to the elements of the Lord's Supper as "eat this bread and drink the cup" in 1 Cor 11:26 after they should be transubstantiated. The mass is a re-sacrificing of Christ. "And since in this divine sacrifice which is celebrated in the Mass, the same Christ who offered himself once in a bloody manner on the altar of the cross is contained and is offered in an unbloody manner," (CCC, 1367). What does the Catechism mean here? Heb.7:27 "Who needeth NOT daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did ONCE, when he offered up himself."
  15. It is mainly seventh day adventist cultists who try to say they keep the sabbath. SDA’s insist that we must keep the Sabbath as a day of worship. This is wrong because: a) The New Testament never commands Christians to worship or meet on the Saturday Sabbath. Instead, Christians meet on the first day of the week, Sunday, in the following Bible passages: 1. 1 Corinthians 16:1,2, to put money in the collection on Sunday. (no gatherings when I come). 2. Acts 20:7 Paul preached to Christians at Troas whose habit was to meet to break bread on the first day of the week. Paul preached to Jews in synagogue on Saturday; Christians on Sunday. 3. John 20:19,26 Jesus, after His resurrection met with the disciples on the first day of the week. 4. Romans 14:5,6 Paul, when discussing which day to meet, did not command meeting on the Saturday Sabbath, (as SDAs do).He said “Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.” 5. Colossians 2:16,17 “Let no man judge you in ... holy days or Sabbath days: which are a shadow of things to come.” SDA’s judge Christians as disobedient who keep Sunday as a holyday. Paul says that SDA’s are wrong to judge Christians for not keeping Saturday as a holyday. b) SDA’s claim that the Roman Catholic church after Constantine in 320 AD changed the day of worship from Saturday to Sunday. This is false, as seen by ten quotes from church writers from 90-300 AD who all say that the practice of Christians everywhere was to meet on Sunday, not the Jewish Saturday Sabbath. SDA’s have no early quotes to show early Christians meeting on Saturday.
×
×
  • Create New...