Peter's sermon at Pentecost, from God or Man?

[First and the Last]

If from God, which I believe, why accept repentance and baptism, but not want or desire to Speak in Tongues. That is the majority of the Christian Church today, why?

[Michael37]

2 hours ago, First and the Last said:

If from God, which I believe, why accept repentance and baptism, but not want or desire to Speak in Tongues. That is the majority of the Christian Church today, why?

One major reason is the prevalence of Ceasationist teaching. Even though Scripture says "Forbid not to speak in tongues", many elderships do just that.

[enoob57]

1 hour ago, Michael37 said:

One major reason is the prevalence of Ceasationist teaching. Even though Scripture says "Forbid not to speak in tongues", many elderships do just that.

This is not entirely scope...
Today's tongues do not give 100% interpretation and is accepted as Biblical tongues... the simple problem with this is:
God from the very beginning is concerned with communicable realities so as to know to the point of what cannot be known but abled to have faith in the promise... God has so established that what is perfect ->cannot be fully known in this that passes away but is sufficient to attach our being to such making us children of faith without the reliance of any this to continue... God speaks to this directly:
1 Corinthians 2:9 (KJV)

[9] But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

I trust God in this ... do you?

[First and the Last]

1 Corinthians 13:8, "Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away"

Highlights the enduring nature of godly love. This verse contrasts the eternal and unwavering quality of love with the temporary nature of spiritual gifts like prophecies, tongues, and knowledge. These gifts are essential for edifying the church and spreading the gospel, but they are finite and serve their intended roles within the church age.

Scripture also recognize that these gifts will continue until the end of the age when "that which is perfect is come" (1 Corinthians 13:10). This phrase is interpreted as referring to the culmination of God's plan and the return of Christ, (not the finished canon of Scripture) when believers will experience complete understanding and fulfillment in His presence. At that time, prophecies, tongues, and partial knowledge will no longer be needed as they will be surpassed by the perfect knowledge and revelation found in Christ.

In contrast, charity—selfless, sacrificial love modeled after Christ's love—is eternal and foundational to the Christian faith. It persists beyond the temporal expressions of spiritual gifts because it reflects the very nature of God Himself (1 John 4:8). Scripture emphasizes the importance of cultivating this love in all aspects of life, as it transcends the transient nature of gifts and endures throughout eternity. This perspective encourages believers to prioritize love above all else, knowing that it is the enduring mark of a life lived in communion with God and in service to others.

1 Corinthians 13:9, "For we know in part, and we prophesy in part" 

Acknowledges the limitations of human understanding and spiritual revelation in relation to the vastness of God's wisdom and knowledge. This verse underscores the belief that while believers receive divine insights and messages through prophetic utterances and spiritual gifts, these revelations are partial and incomplete compared to the fullness of God's truth. This as a reminder of the need for humility and dependency on God's Spirit in interpreting and applying spiritual revelations.

The phrase "we know in part" acknowledges that human knowledge and understanding are finite and subject to our current perspectives and experiences. It emphasizes the ongoing journey of growth and learning in faith, recognizing that our understanding of spiritual truths is progressive and evolving. Similarly, "we prophesy in part" highlights that the prophetic messages received are not exhaustive or complete revelations but are delivered according to God's timing and purpose. Prophecy is a gift of the Holy Spirit intended for edification, exhortation, and comfort within the church community (1 Corinthians 14:3).

1 Corinthians 12:29-30, "Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?"

Addresses the diversity of spiritual gifts within the body of Christ, emphasizing that not every believer will have the same role or gift. The church is likened to a body, with each member having a distinct function, and all are necessary for the health and growth of the church. This diversity ensures that the church operates effectively, with apostles, prophets, teachers, miracle workers, those with gifts of healing, and others each contributing uniquely to the mission of the church.

It is important to distinguish between the different types of speaking in tongues mentioned in the New Testament. The Bible teaches that speaking in tongues serves different purposes and contexts. First, there is speaking in tongues as the initial evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit, which is a private and personal experience for every believer baptized in the Holy Ghost. This experience is a sign of the New Birth and is distinct from the spiritual gifts described in 1 Corinthians 12.

The passage in 1 Corinthians 12 refers to the specific gift of tongues used in a public worship setting. This gift, meant for the edification of the church, typically occurs during quiet spiritual moments and requires interpretation. Not all believers will possess this particular gift, just as not all are apostles, prophets, or teachers. This public exercise of the gift of tongues, accompanied by interpretation, is different from the personal prayer language experienced by individuals when they receive the Holy Spirit.

In summary, while every believer is encouraged to seek and receive the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues as a personal experience, the specific gift of tongues used in church settings for communal edification and requiring interpretation is given according to God’s sovereign will and purpose. This distinction clarifies the different roles of speaking in tongues within the body of Christ, both for individual spiritual growth and for the edification of the church.

[First and the Last]

5 hours ago, enoob57 said:

1 Corinthians 2:9 (KJV)

[9] But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

Just some extra thought:

1 Corinthians 2:9, "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him,"

Emphasizes the profound and unimaginable blessings God has in store for those who love Him. This verse speaks to the limitations of human understanding and perception when it comes to the divine plans and purposes of God. Through the baptism of the Holy Spirit, believers are granted deeper insight and revelation into God's will and the spiritual truths that transcend natural understanding. The promise of this scripture is not just for the distant future or eternal life but also pertains to the abundant and transformative life God offers here and now. It encourages believers to remain faithful and loving towards God, with the assurance that His plans for them are beyond their greatest expectations, encompassing both present spiritual blessings and future glory. This perspective underscores the importance of a Spirit-filled life, where continual communion with God opens up a realm of divine experiences and blessings that are otherwise inconceivable to the natural mind.

[Mr. M]

12 hours ago, First and the Last said:

If from God, which I believe, why accept repentance and baptism, but not want or desire to Speak in Tongues. That is the majority of the Christian Church today, why?

 

6 hours ago, First and the Last said:

In contrast, charity—selfless, sacrificial love modeled after Christ's love—is eternal and foundational to the Christian faith. It persists beyond the temporal expressions of spiritual gifts because it reflects the very nature of God Himself (1 John 4:8). Scripture emphasizes the importance of cultivating this love in all aspects of life, as it transcends the transient nature of gifts and endures throughout eternity. This perspective encourages believers to prioritize love above all else, knowing that it is the enduring mark of a life lived in communion with God and in service to others.

Acts 2:

44 Now all who believed were together,

and had all things in common, 

45 and sold their possessions and goods,

and divided them among all, as anyone had need.

Why lament a lack of temporal gifts,

when charity is what is waxing cold?

Matthew 24:

12 And because lawlessness will abound,

the love of many will grow cold. 

13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 

[enoob57]

7 hours ago, First and the Last said:

Just some extra thought:

1 Corinthians 2:9, "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him,"

Emphasizes the profound and unimaginable blessings God has in store for those who love Him. This verse speaks to the limitations of human understanding and perception when it comes to the divine plans and purposes of God. Through the baptism of the Holy Spirit, believers are granted deeper insight and revelation into God's will and the spiritual truths that transcend natural understanding. The promise of this scripture is not just for the distant future or eternal life but also pertains to the abundant and transformative life God offers here and now. It encourages believers to remain faithful and loving towards God, with the assurance that His plans for them are beyond their greatest expectations, encompassing both present spiritual blessings and future glory. This perspective underscores the importance of a Spirit-filled life, where continual communion with God opens up a realm of divine experiences and blessings that are otherwise inconceivable to the natural mind.

There are two realities that play heavily upon these thoughts:
Absolutely all of this first begin will be removed physically by fire and all knowledge of...

Knowledge will cease:

1Cor 13:8 

Rev 21:1-5

Isa 65:17

Some contend that the earth will be renovated but according to God's Word 'all things will be made new' ... God is going to make all things new cf. 

Isa 42:9

Isa 48:6

Isa 66:22

2 Peter 3:13

Isa 62:2

1.            new things, Isa 42:9  Isa 48:6

2.            new song, Isa 42:10 (cf. Rev 5:9 Rev 14:3)

3.            something new, Isa 43:19 (cf. Rev 3:12)

4.            new name, Isa 62:2 (cf. Isa 56:5)

5.            new heavens and a new earth, Isa 65:17 

                        Isa 66:22 (cf. 2 Peter 3:13)

 

The "new" day (cf. Rev 21:5) was, in reality, the day that God always wanted for humans, but the Fall in Gen 3 caused a terrible disruption! It is surely possible that the Bible's imagery of heaven is a restored Garden of Eden (cf. Rev 21:2 ).

This is why God speaks to us in this fashion
1 Corinthians 8:2 (KJV)

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

It easy to understand God's hatred for sin and His complete removal of such extends even to the garment
Jude 23 (KJV)

[23] And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

This is why faith is the necessary element in this time and place as what will be is not now... and what will be is perfected thoroughly in God's promises...