Ocean

16 When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and iSalome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. 6 And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. Mark 16

what are you saying here? I think you have this response confused with the one you posted in another thread where the word affliction is in the verse you applied the word addicted in the verse you quote here would actually be better translated as DEVOTED. However when someone wants to go ahead and do something that is not actually given by God to do, no stone will be unturned in procuring what they might consider as proof or permission to do the thing that is not helpful smh

So true which is basically deceiving oneself

I have not read the entire thread...maybe about one third of it. The word itself is not actually used to define anything good. I don't see how redefining the meaning of the word helps for a better understanding of the practices of some people either. I have never heard or read of that word being used in a positive way. As far as a 'witness tool' with regards to a Bible verse or something symbolic of Christianity, well, would you brand yourself if tattoos are not currently all the rage? An addiction actually involves changes in the brain that have negative effects upon the person with the addiction. People can and do make up reasons or excuses for things they want to do because they really want to do it....I speak from experience and observation. Studying the Bible is not an addiction. We are to renew our minds with what the Bible states in order to agree with God. So much more could be said but like I said, people will find a way to do something even if their conscience taps them on the shoulder. I think I see quite a bit of that in this thread.

really, the only way to God is through His Son and the only way to receive God's salvation is through His Son works do not save and the commandments do not save salvation is found only in Christ all those found in Christ are there by faith and without faith it is impossible to please God is God pleased then with those that are His? yes in fact He is because He has provided the most perfect way of salvation and frankly, He is a bit put off by those who claim their works have any merit other than to show growth in Christ and being led of His Spirit really, we have nothing at all without Christ's final act of obedience and even in our very best moments and achievements, we are still not justified in anything but the blood of Christ and faith in His work no use to debate it or argue about it. I mean go ahead and do so but you miss what is really being said if you choose to do that scripture will never agree with the statement that if you do not have works to show you are not really saved. an entire nation had nothing but works and we know how that went

nope

nope

That IS what was expressed in your op. Too many people seem to think the way to 'hear' God or from God, means you needs some ultra spiritual experience that gives you goosebumps for 2 weeks.

Just another skewed view of what scripture actually states...ho hum moving on is a good idea though

A little snappy then?

Well Paul said but we don't really know whether or not you do. And you also do not know whether others speak more than do you. What are you trying to prove exactly? There are ZERO commendations for those who speak in tongues in scripture Much to be said about the fruit of the Spirit though...tongues not being one of them but bridling the tongue most likely

Then don't!

God looks on the heart.

Cute, but not quite truthful ? ( my huskies do admire those athletes though; but the race does not start until March 4/23....so that would be a looooooong wait As for the not quite truthful part, you did not miss anything as you stated You acknowledged having read all my posts...as you know...which means you chose to just move on and not respond to the last one where I stated I do not see how you can take that prophecy from the OT and apply it to speaking in tongues in the new. That is your choice, but don't try to make it seem I am rude to you You might consider this though, with regards to tongues: 21 In the Law it is written: “With other tongues and through the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord.” 22 Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is not for unbelievers but for believers. I Corinthians 14 So we see that tongues are not all an indication that people are under judgement for using that gift No response necessary as you indicated you preferred to move on Thanks

Not at all. I am not nor have ever been Pentecostal. God is not Pentecostal, nor is Jesus and the Holy Spirit is not Pentecostal. All do not speak in tongues and all do not prophesy, interpret or think they are better because they do. None of the gifts are necessary for salvation. ONLY the blood of Christ cleanses us from our sin. The gifts are not worth a thing if they do not really represent the love of Christ. Many wish to be noticed and considered a prophet in this age. Or a teacher. They will have more to answer for then those who are humble before God and respect the fact that God gives the gifts through His Spirit. I would consider what you say 'false advertising'

Listen, don't switch tactics now. You object to acknowledging the birth of Christ no matter what the date How about those angels though, right?

I Corinthians 14 con't 22Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers. 23So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who are uninstructed or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your minds? 24But if an unbeliever or uninstructed person comes in while everyone is prophesying, he will be convicted and called to account by all, 25and the secrets of his heart will be made known. So he will fall facedown and worship God, proclaiming, “God is truly among you!” Orderly Worship 26What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a psalm or a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. All of these must be done to build up the church. 27If anyone speaks in a tongue, two, or at most three, should speak in turn, and someone must interpret. 28But if there is no interpreter, he should remain silent in the church and speak only to himself and God. 29Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. 30And if a revelation comes to someone who is seated, the first speaker should stop. 31For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. 32The spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. 33For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace—as in all the churches of the saints.d 34Women are to be silent in the churches. They are not permitted to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. 35If they wish to inquire about something, they are to ask their own husbands at home; for it is dishonorable for a woman to speak in the church.e 36Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only ones it has reached? 37If anyone considers himself a prophet or spiritual person, let him acknowledge that what I am writing you is the Lord’s command. 38But if anyone ignores this, he himself will be ignored.f 39So, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner.

Really? Where in scripture does it say tongues are babble? Paul also said we should not forbid speaking in tongues. He did say to do so properly and many fall short of that. But Bible never states what you are seemingly convinced of....what teacher do you follow? or perhaps you are self taught? you would really need to inform yourself of the biblical record in a more accurate manner and not just go about saying things that are not in the Bible. I also notice you do not include scripture. No one should take the word of another who cannot produce any scripture to back up what they say. 1Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. 2For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries in the Spirit. 3But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort. 4The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. 5I wish that all of you could speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be edified. 6Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? 7Even in the case of lifeless instruments, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone recognize the tune they are playing unless the notes are distinct? 8Again, if the trumpet sounds a muffled call, who will prepare for battle? 9So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. 10Assuredly, there are many different languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. 11If, then, I do not know the meaning of someone’s language, I am a foreignera to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me. 12It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church. 13Therefore, the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret. 14For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15What then shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind. I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind. 16Otherwise, if you speak a blessing in spirit,b how can someone who is uninstructed say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? 17You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other one is not edified. 18I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19But in the church, I would rather speak five coherent words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue. 20Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature. 21It is written in the Law: “By strange tongues and foreign lips I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to Me, says the Lord.”

Truly the birth of our Savior is a reason to rejoice and as I pointed out to mr Tree, the angels came and rejoiced at His birth...not to mention shepherds and others

And is His birth evil then? In the NT gospels we read that most of what Jesus did while on earth is not recorded If we follow your line of reasoning, we might conclude that anything He did that is not written, is evil You might recall that angels celebrated the birth of Christ and rejoiced that God sent His only Son to redeem mankind Are they evil? In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” Frankly if the angels rejoiced over the birth of Christ, wouldn't it be (according to what I have read in some of your posts) blasphemy? Perhaps you might look into the topic with a little more attention to the biblical record

Well it's really not all about you then. Really, it is not. It is also not all about me or all about any single individual. Your response does not really have any bearing on what I said. Really, it does not.

Says who? Certainly not to be found in scripture anywhere.

Etymologically, the name “Jesus” or “Joshua” derives from Hebrew roots meaning “the Lord is salvation.”7 The Scriptures couple God's name and salvation to communicate that the Lord, and he alone, saves his people from evil by his sovereign grace. You cannot proclaim heresy when no actual doctrine has been twisted or refuted. Just nonsense whether or not a person thinks Christmas is not to be observed

While I believe that the gifts have not ceased, I think you are adding to the gospel here by the above quote. Kind of sounds like if you do not believe just like I and my group believe, you have accepted either a fake gospel or an inferior gospel. I will go so far as to say that type of projection accounts for the difficulty some people have to accept spiritual gifts in the first place. You may not mean to, but you are automatically inferring yourself as superior to what others may believe. Frankly, I will never darken the doors of a Pentecostal church again as the worse experiences I have had in my life, are directly attributable to becoming involved with Pentecostals and the way they seem to believe they are infallible. I fully realize that not all Pentecostals are the same, yet with the statement you are making regarding Pentecostalism, you are confirming what I have already seen and want nothing to do with. Pentecost was a day in the Jewish calendar that marked one of 2 harvests and not the name of the gospel. Since no amount of spiritual gifts will ever save anyone and in fact they have been sadly abused by so many, it is best to focus on the One who made those gifts possible by His blood shed for us and not on power we may think we possess. The gospel is the 'good news' concerning God's Son and His substitutional death on our behalf and the fact He rose again and our belief in Him for our salvation. Maybe consider what Paul meant when he said this: 1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing. I Corinthians 13 No, the original gospel is not Pentecostal.

Seriously? LOL!