2Timothy 2:15
Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
A Collection of Bible Studies to Help You Along the Way
(The following page provides links to different Bible Study Topics located at http://www.cfcmi.org/)
Baptism
God appointed water baptism to wash away man's sins (Mark 1:4, Luke 3:3, Luke 24:47, Acts 2:38). When we are baptized, all of our past sins are removed (Colossians 2:12-14, Romans 6:6). Our sins are not physically washed away by the water, but spiritually our sins are removed by our obedience to the words of Jesus Christ (Mark 16:16, Matthew 28:19, 1Peter 3:20-21). In the first message ever preached by the Apostles after Christ arose into Heaven, the Apostles taught that everyone needed to be baptized (Luke 24:47, Acts 2:38, Acts 8:14-16, Acts 10:47-48, Acts 19:1-5).
When we accept that we need to be baptized, we are accepting the need to turn away from (or repent of) our sins, which marks our spiritual death. When Jesus died on the cross, he who was without sin died in the place of each of us. So his blood was shed as covering for our sins (Hebrews 9:22-28, Hebrews 10:18-22). This blood is applied to our life, through belief, when we are baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:27, Colossians 2:10-15). Now, because of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, we have the victory over sin. When we are totally submerged under the water, we are following Christ's burial by burying our former life and its sins. When we come up out of the water, we are rising to live a new life in Christ, just as Christ resurrected (Romans 1:4-6, Romans 6:1-6, Philippians 3:8-11, 1 Peter 3:20-21). All of the above points show that baptism is essential for salvation. Without it, we still have our sins.
When a man baptizes another person, it is essential that the baptism is administered in the name of Jesus and not in the titles "Father," "Son," and "Holy Ghost." Doing so acknowledges the association of the baptism to Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-6, Galatians 3:26-27). The Father and the Holy Spirit did not die, get buried, then raise from the dead. Jesus Christ did. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). To baptize in the titles "Father," "Son," and "Holy Ghost" is not obeying what Jesus commanded. His words in Matthew 28:19 tell us to baptize in the one name that represents the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. That name is Jesus. Those that call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved from the wrath of God to come (1 Corinthians 1:12-16, Colossians 3:17, Matthew 28:19, Romans 10:9-13, Acts 4:12), and Jesus is Lord.
Every account of an actual baptism in the New Testament references the name of Jesus Christ. Baptism using the titles started in the early Fourth Century, in 325AD. There is no reference in the Bible of any person being baptized in the titles "Father," "Son," and "Holy Ghost," but rather in the name of "Jesus." The difference is important to understand: God has many titles, but only the name of Jesus has been given for salvation, and baptism is certainly a part of salvation (Acts 8:12-16, Acts 2:38-41, Acts 4:10-12, Colossians 3:17, Philippians 2:9-11, Acts 8:35-39, Acts 16:14, Acts 19:1-5, 1 Corinthians 1:13-16, Acts 16:32-34).
Baptism without belief and repentance towards God is not baptism; it is just getting wet. As long as a person believes the gospel, there is no time requirement before he or she can be baptized (Mark 16:16, Acts 8:35-39). What matters to God is that the person being baptized is putting their faith in operation (Luke 24:47, Acts 2:37-38, Colossians 2:11-14, John 14:15). Some people state that the Bible's reference to baptism is merely a figurative reference to a spiritual cleansing, and is not referring to physical water at all. But Jesus said to be "born of water and of the spirit" (John 3:5). We see from scripture that water baptism, when done in faith, is bringing water and spirit together (Hebrews 10:22, Colossians 2:11-12, Titus 3:5). The Bible also refers to spiritual baptism, which is the overwhelming of the Spirit that God gives to us. This is not what the Bible is referring to when it commands us to be baptized. Only in water baptism can we obey the commandment by choice. Spiritual baptism is an act of God which we receive through faith, not our own act of obedience as water baptism. (See the study titled "The Holy Ghost" for information on spiritual baptism).
Biblical baptism is total submersion in water. The word baptize comes from the Greek word baptizo, meaning "to make whelmed, fully wet." The word sprinkle comes from the Greek word rhantizo, meaning "to render besprinkled, aspersed." The mode of baptism in the religious world was changed in 1311 AD, to allow the sprinkling of water to substitute for baptism. No man has the right or authority to change God's word and judgment. We didn't have the right or authority to do it in 325AD, nor in 1311AD, nor will we ever. Yet many people do believe and accept these changes because the put their trust in man's understanding and not in God's word. Only those who put their trust in God's word will be able to stand before God in judgment.
The significance of water in baptism is better understood when one sees the historical use of water in the Bible. In several places throughout the Bible, water is used to signify renewal, sanctification/separation from sin and evil, and even birth/rebirth, which are all elements of baptism (Genesis 1:6-10, Genesis 6:5-8, 12-22, Exodus 1:22-2:10, Exodus 14:15-17, 1 Corinthians 10:1-2, 2 Kings 5:10-14, Ezekiel 36:24-25). We can see by this that the water of baptism is the spiritual fulfillment of all these other uses of water (John 3:3-7, John 19:32-35, 1 John 5:5-8).
God appointed water baptism to wash away man's sins (Mark 1:4, Luke 3:3, Luke 24:47, Acts 2:38). When we are baptized, all of our past sins are removed (Colossians 2:12-14, Romans 6:6). Our sins are not physically washed away by the water, but spiritually our sins are removed by our obedience to the words of Jesus Christ (Mark 16:16, Matthew 28:19, 1Peter 3:20-21). In the first message ever preached by the Apostles after Christ arose into Heaven, the Apostles taught that everyone needed to be baptized (Luke 24:47, Acts 2:38, Acts 8:14-16, Acts 10:47-48, Acts 19:1-5).
When we accept that we need to be baptized, we are accepting the need to turn away from (or repent of) our sins, which marks our spiritual death. When Jesus died on the cross, he who was without sin died in the place of each of us. So his blood was shed as covering for our sins (Hebrews 9:22-28, Hebrews 10:18-22). This blood is applied to our life, through belief, when we are baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:27, Colossians 2:10-15). Now, because of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, we have the victory over sin. When we are totally submerged under the water, we are following Christ's burial by burying our former life and its sins. When we come up out of the water, we are rising to live a new life in Christ, just as Christ resurrected (Romans 1:4-6, Romans 6:1-6, Philippians 3:8-11, 1 Peter 3:20-21). All of the above points show that baptism is essential for salvation. Without it, we still have our sins.
When a man baptizes another person, it is essential that the baptism is administered in the name of Jesus and not in the titles "Father," "Son," and "Holy Ghost." Doing so acknowledges the association of the baptism to Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-6, Galatians 3:26-27). The Father and the Holy Spirit did not die, get buried, then raise from the dead. Jesus Christ did. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). To baptize in the titles "Father," "Son," and "Holy Ghost" is not obeying what Jesus commanded. His words in Matthew 28:19 tell us to baptize in the one name that represents the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. That name is Jesus. Those that call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved from the wrath of God to come (1 Corinthians 1:12-16, Colossians 3:17, Matthew 28:19, Romans 10:9-13, Acts 4:12), and Jesus is Lord.
Every account of an actual baptism in the New Testament references the name of Jesus Christ. Baptism using the titles started in the early Fourth Century, in 325AD. There is no reference in the Bible of any person being baptized in the titles "Father," "Son," and "Holy Ghost," but rather in the name of "Jesus." The difference is important to understand: God has many titles, but only the name of Jesus has been given for salvation, and baptism is certainly a part of salvation (Acts 8:12-16, Acts 2:38-41, Acts 4:10-12, Colossians 3:17, Philippians 2:9-11, Acts 8:35-39, Acts 16:14, Acts 19:1-5, 1 Corinthians 1:13-16, Acts 16:32-34).
Baptism without belief and repentance towards God is not baptism; it is just getting wet. As long as a person believes the gospel, there is no time requirement before he or she can be baptized (Mark 16:16, Acts 8:35-39). What matters to God is that the person being baptized is putting their faith in operation (Luke 24:47, Acts 2:37-38, Colossians 2:11-14, John 14:15). Some people state that the Bible's reference to baptism is merely a figurative reference to a spiritual cleansing, and is not referring to physical water at all. But Jesus said to be "born of water and of the spirit" (John 3:5). We see from scripture that water baptism, when done in faith, is bringing water and spirit together (Hebrews 10:22, Colossians 2:11-12, Titus 3:5). The Bible also refers to spiritual baptism, which is the overwhelming of the Spirit that God gives to us. This is not what the Bible is referring to when it commands us to be baptized. Only in water baptism can we obey the commandment by choice. Spiritual baptism is an act of God which we receive through faith, not our own act of obedience as water baptism. (See the study titled "The Holy Ghost" for information on spiritual baptism).
Biblical baptism is total submersion in water. The word baptize comes from the Greek word baptizo, meaning "to make whelmed, fully wet." The word sprinkle comes from the Greek word rhantizo, meaning "to render besprinkled, aspersed." The mode of baptism in the religious world was changed in 1311 AD, to allow the sprinkling of water to substitute for baptism. No man has the right or authority to change God's word and judgment. We didn't have the right or authority to do it in 325AD, nor in 1311AD, nor will we ever. Yet many people do believe and accept these changes because the put their trust in man's understanding and not in God's word. Only those who put their trust in God's word will be able to stand before God in judgment.
The significance of water in baptism is better understood when one sees the historical use of water in the Bible. In several places throughout the Bible, water is used to signify renewal, sanctification/separation from sin and evil, and even birth/rebirth, which are all elements of baptism (Genesis 1:6-10, Genesis 6:5-8, 12-22, Exodus 1:22-2:10, Exodus 14:15-17, 1 Corinthians 10:1-2, 2 Kings 5:10-14, Ezekiel 36:24-25). We can see by this that the water of baptism is the spiritual fulfillment of all these other uses of water (John 3:3-7, John 19:32-35, 1 John 5:5-8).
Charity
Charity can be defined as godly love expressed from one person to another. We are nurtured in the love of God from faith to faith (Romans 1:17, 1 Timothy 1:5). Charity is God's love in action within our lives (Galatians 5:22). The more we mature in Christ, the more charity we will have in our life (Colossians 3:12-14, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13).
God has given to us a commandment to love one another as he loves us (John 15:12-13, Matthew 22:37-40). This love is the greatest gift that we have and that we can share one with another (1 Corinthians 13:13, 1 John 4:18-21). When this special love for each other is seen in our life, other people will know without a doubt that we are children of God (1 John 4:8, John13:34-35).
"Brotherly love" is a term used not just for 'brothers' but all brothers and sisters in Christ, and it is a necessary part of charity (2 Peter 1:5-8). If a person loves his brother from his heart--not based on personality or appearance but from a common love for God--then that love comes from God (1 John 3:10-17,23, Mark 12:31, Proverbs 10:12, Proverbs 18:19, Romans 12:10, Romans 13:8-10, Philippians 2:2-4, 1 Peter 1:22). When we have fervent charity, it allows us to forgive the faults and offences of others (2 Thessalonians 1:3, 1 Peter 4:8-10, Ephesians 4:2-3).
When we have a strong bond of charity in the body of Christ, we will be more effective in our work for God (Hebrews 10:24-25, Ephesians 4:16, 1 John 4:7-21). We will then be the examples of godly love for others to see and emulate (1 Timothy 4:11-12).
When we love, we are willing to make the sacrifices required to get the will of God accomplished (1 John 3:16, Hebrews 6:10). All the work done for the glory of God will be done out of a heart of love (John 15:13, 1 Corinthians 16:13). If we are to have a perfected love, we must also love our enemies (Luke 6:27-37, Psalms 74:12-22). Before we were Christians, we were certainly all sinners. If Christ died for us while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8), then we should seek to minister that unconditional love to others (James 2:2-4), and be willing to make the necessary sacrifices to see all others saved.
Charity can be defined as godly love expressed from one person to another. We are nurtured in the love of God from faith to faith (Romans 1:17, 1 Timothy 1:5). Charity is God's love in action within our lives (Galatians 5:22). The more we mature in Christ, the more charity we will have in our life (Colossians 3:12-14, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13).
God has given to us a commandment to love one another as he loves us (John 15:12-13, Matthew 22:37-40). This love is the greatest gift that we have and that we can share one with another (1 Corinthians 13:13, 1 John 4:18-21). When this special love for each other is seen in our life, other people will know without a doubt that we are children of God (1 John 4:8, John13:34-35).
"Brotherly love" is a term used not just for 'brothers' but all brothers and sisters in Christ, and it is a necessary part of charity (2 Peter 1:5-8). If a person loves his brother from his heart--not based on personality or appearance but from a common love for God--then that love comes from God (1 John 3:10-17,23, Mark 12:31, Proverbs 10:12, Proverbs 18:19, Romans 12:10, Romans 13:8-10, Philippians 2:2-4, 1 Peter 1:22). When we have fervent charity, it allows us to forgive the faults and offences of others (2 Thessalonians 1:3, 1 Peter 4:8-10, Ephesians 4:2-3).
When we have a strong bond of charity in the body of Christ, we will be more effective in our work for God (Hebrews 10:24-25, Ephesians 4:16, 1 John 4:7-21). We will then be the examples of godly love for others to see and emulate (1 Timothy 4:11-12).
When we love, we are willing to make the sacrifices required to get the will of God accomplished (1 John 3:16, Hebrews 6:10). All the work done for the glory of God will be done out of a heart of love (John 15:13, 1 Corinthians 16:13). If we are to have a perfected love, we must also love our enemies (Luke 6:27-37, Psalms 74:12-22). Before we were Christians, we were certainly all sinners. If Christ died for us while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8), then we should seek to minister that unconditional love to others (James 2:2-4), and be willing to make the necessary sacrifices to see all others saved.
Christian Example
The term "Christian" (Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28, 1 Peter 4:16) means to be "like Christ." When we live our lives as Christ lived, others will see that God is real and able to deliver them from sin (Philippians 2:15-16, 2 Corinthians 4:1-4). By the effective testimony that we live in front of others, they will know that God is able to bless and guide them too (1 Corinthians 2:1-5, John 13:15, James 2:21-26).
Our testimony will also give hope to other Christians around us (1 Peter 3:15, Matthew 5:14-16). When two Christians are going through the same struggle and one of them desires to give up, the stronger Christian will encourage the weaker that God's grace is able to sustain him (2 Timothy 2:3-5). Therefore, we must be faithful to God, because other people are either encouraged or discouraged by our example (1 Timothy 4:11-13).
It is required that all Christians remain faithful to God as Christ did (1 Corinthians 4:1-2, 1 Timothy 4:16). If we do not maintain our Christian example, not only will we die out of the will of God, but we may also hinder those who looked to us as an example (Matthew 24:13, 1 Corinthians 9:12, Galatians 5:7).
Every Christian must know Christ before he can share Christ with others (1 Corinthians 9:13-14, 2 Timothy 2:6-7). Every person who
grows in God will grow in his respective ability to minister, but he must first be ministered to before he can minister to others (Romans 12:4-8, 2 Timothy 2:2).
The "fruit of the spirit" will manifest the spirit of God within our lives. Every fruit seen is a testimony of the spirit of God (Galatians 5:22-25, Ephesians 5:9, Matthew 7:17-20, Matthew 12:33, John 15:2-8, Matthew 13:3-9).
Our Christian example is also determined by the way we identify and respond to our mistakes and to those of others (Luke 17:3-4, Matthew 18:21-35, Galatians 6:1). If we are not willing to repent of our own sins, how can we minister the word of God to others. If we cannot forgive others their trespasses, our heavenly Father will not forgive us ours (Matthew 6:14-15).
The term "Christian" (Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28, 1 Peter 4:16) means to be "like Christ." When we live our lives as Christ lived, others will see that God is real and able to deliver them from sin (Philippians 2:15-16, 2 Corinthians 4:1-4). By the effective testimony that we live in front of others, they will know that God is able to bless and guide them too (1 Corinthians 2:1-5, John 13:15, James 2:21-26).
Our testimony will also give hope to other Christians around us (1 Peter 3:15, Matthew 5:14-16). When two Christians are going through the same struggle and one of them desires to give up, the stronger Christian will encourage the weaker that God's grace is able to sustain him (2 Timothy 2:3-5). Therefore, we must be faithful to God, because other people are either encouraged or discouraged by our example (1 Timothy 4:11-13).
It is required that all Christians remain faithful to God as Christ did (1 Corinthians 4:1-2, 1 Timothy 4:16). If we do not maintain our Christian example, not only will we die out of the will of God, but we may also hinder those who looked to us as an example (Matthew 24:13, 1 Corinthians 9:12, Galatians 5:7).
Every Christian must know Christ before he can share Christ with others (1 Corinthians 9:13-14, 2 Timothy 2:6-7). Every person who
grows in God will grow in his respective ability to minister, but he must first be ministered to before he can minister to others (Romans 12:4-8, 2 Timothy 2:2).
The "fruit of the spirit" will manifest the spirit of God within our lives. Every fruit seen is a testimony of the spirit of God (Galatians 5:22-25, Ephesians 5:9, Matthew 7:17-20, Matthew 12:33, John 15:2-8, Matthew 13:3-9).
Our Christian example is also determined by the way we identify and respond to our mistakes and to those of others (Luke 17:3-4, Matthew 18:21-35, Galatians 6:1). If we are not willing to repent of our own sins, how can we minister the word of God to others. If we cannot forgive others their trespasses, our heavenly Father will not forgive us ours (Matthew 6:14-15).
Communication
Communication requires two-way interaction. God has given man the means to communicate with him through prayer and through studying His word (John 6:63). As we pray and study God's word, God speaks to us through his Spirit so that we may know and understand His will (Psalms 19:14, 1 Corinthians 2:10-16, Matthew 6:6-7, Romans 8:26-27).
As healthy human body must have a good coordinated flow of all of its needed supplies, the body of Christ likewise needs a good coordinated flow of information and understanding to be healthy and edified in Christ (Ephesians 4:14-16, 1 Corinthians 3:6-9 Philippians 1:27).
Communication with our pastors is a vital part of a healthy church, especially when in regard to spiritual matters in people's lives or when in regard to the function of the ministry (Jeremiah 3:15, Ephesians 4:11-12). The pastor is the man that God holds accountable for the perfecting of each soul within his congregation. Each person should, therefore, maintain a healthy channel of communication with his pastor (Romans 13:1-6).
When someone is not working within a ministry, they are working alone. When individuals work in the collective effort of a ministry, then everyone's strengths are added to one another's work. By this, the overall effectiveness of the ministry increases (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, 1 Corinthians12:14-23, 4:13-19, Hebrews 3:13, Romans 12:5-13).
When a person misses a church service without first communicating, the pastor may become concerned for that person's physical or spiritual state. This may cause the pastor to inquire of this person's welfare. Also, any time a person misses a church function, his input into the body of Christ is missed. For these reasons, to be an effective and supportive part of our church, we should inform our pastor anytime we anticipate being absent from church and its ministries. (Hebrews 13:16-17, Act 20:28, Hebrews 10:25, 1Thessalonians 1:5-8). Some activities that may not involve the church will affect our availability to the responsibilities that we hold within the church. Therefore, we should not only communicate but also coordinate with our pastor regarding matters that affect our obligations to ministry (1 Corinthians 14:40, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). Communication should be 'two-way,' from the pastor to the individual and from the individual to his pastor.
If a brother or sister has been offended by another, and the offence has created ill feelings; the one offended needs to communicate to his or her offender in a prayerful and constructive manner (1 Peter 5:5, Matthew 18:15-18). The offending person may not know the hurt or the trouble that was caused. We all owe it to each other to communicate in all humility and honesty (Proverbs 18:19).
Communication requires two-way interaction. God has given man the means to communicate with him through prayer and through studying His word (John 6:63). As we pray and study God's word, God speaks to us through his Spirit so that we may know and understand His will (Psalms 19:14, 1 Corinthians 2:10-16, Matthew 6:6-7, Romans 8:26-27).
As healthy human body must have a good coordinated flow of all of its needed supplies, the body of Christ likewise needs a good coordinated flow of information and understanding to be healthy and edified in Christ (Ephesians 4:14-16, 1 Corinthians 3:6-9 Philippians 1:27).
Communication with our pastors is a vital part of a healthy church, especially when in regard to spiritual matters in people's lives or when in regard to the function of the ministry (Jeremiah 3:15, Ephesians 4:11-12). The pastor is the man that God holds accountable for the perfecting of each soul within his congregation. Each person should, therefore, maintain a healthy channel of communication with his pastor (Romans 13:1-6).
When someone is not working within a ministry, they are working alone. When individuals work in the collective effort of a ministry, then everyone's strengths are added to one another's work. By this, the overall effectiveness of the ministry increases (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, 1 Corinthians12:14-23, 4:13-19, Hebrews 3:13, Romans 12:5-13).
When a person misses a church service without first communicating, the pastor may become concerned for that person's physical or spiritual state. This may cause the pastor to inquire of this person's welfare. Also, any time a person misses a church function, his input into the body of Christ is missed. For these reasons, to be an effective and supportive part of our church, we should inform our pastor anytime we anticipate being absent from church and its ministries. (Hebrews 13:16-17, Act 20:28, Hebrews 10:25, 1Thessalonians 1:5-8). Some activities that may not involve the church will affect our availability to the responsibilities that we hold within the church. Therefore, we should not only communicate but also coordinate with our pastor regarding matters that affect our obligations to ministry (1 Corinthians 14:40, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). Communication should be 'two-way,' from the pastor to the individual and from the individual to his pastor.
If a brother or sister has been offended by another, and the offence has created ill feelings; the one offended needs to communicate to his or her offender in a prayerful and constructive manner (1 Peter 5:5, Matthew 18:15-18). The offending person may not know the hurt or the trouble that was caused. We all owe it to each other to communicate in all humility and honesty (Proverbs 18:19).
Eternal Judgement
On Judgment Day, all sinners will stand before God, and their deeds will be judged by His word(John 12:44-50, Hebrews 6:10, 2 Corinthians 5:10, 1 Corinthians 6:3). The righteous will not have to give account with the sinners on Judgment Day because they are judged as they live (1 Peter 4:17-18). The penalty (or "wages") for sin will be pronounced upon all sinners (Romans 6:23, Revelations 20:11-15). Judgment is final: there is no appeal or repentance afterwards (Ecclesiastes 8:5-8).
Every day that we live, we are establishing our own judgment. How we treat and judge others is how we will be judged and rewarded on Judgment Day (Matthew 7:1-5). The term "saved" refers to the fact that we are all sinners and, therefore, destined to the Lake of Fire; but, because we have received grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8), we are given eternal life in Heaven. By our repentance and obedience to baptism, we were granted God's gift of salvation (Acts 22:16). We are in a saved state, but we can give up our status if we choose to live contrary to God's word (Ezekiel 33:7-20). Baptism is only a part of salvation. A person must continue to abide in Christ (Mark 13:13, John 15:6-10).
All people will experience a resurrection--either to Heaven or to the Lake of Fire. Those who are found in a "righteous state" (living in God's will at the coming of Christ or at the time of their death), will be in the first resurrection (2 Timothy 4:6-8, Revelations 22:11-14). Those who are found in a "sinful state" (living contrary to God's will at the coming of Christ or at the time of their death), will be in the second resurrection (Romans 2:1-11,16, Jude 14-19, Matthew 25:8-13).
A person will know from the point of death whether they will have a favorable judgment or not (Luke 16:22-23). There is a place of torment for those reserved for the Lake of Fire, and a place of comfort for those reserved for Heaven (Luke 16:24-25). Jesus never spoke of a middle ground. There is no such thing in the scriptures as purgatory. There is an impassable separation between the good and the evil (Luke 16:26). Those who have died and are awaiting judgment at Christ's return are still able to hear the voice of the Lord (John 5:28-29); therefore, God's word is the eternal judgment of all.
On Judgment Day, all sinners will stand before God, and their deeds will be judged by His word(John 12:44-50, Hebrews 6:10, 2 Corinthians 5:10, 1 Corinthians 6:3). The righteous will not have to give account with the sinners on Judgment Day because they are judged as they live (1 Peter 4:17-18). The penalty (or "wages") for sin will be pronounced upon all sinners (Romans 6:23, Revelations 20:11-15). Judgment is final: there is no appeal or repentance afterwards (Ecclesiastes 8:5-8).
Every day that we live, we are establishing our own judgment. How we treat and judge others is how we will be judged and rewarded on Judgment Day (Matthew 7:1-5). The term "saved" refers to the fact that we are all sinners and, therefore, destined to the Lake of Fire; but, because we have received grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8), we are given eternal life in Heaven. By our repentance and obedience to baptism, we were granted God's gift of salvation (Acts 22:16). We are in a saved state, but we can give up our status if we choose to live contrary to God's word (Ezekiel 33:7-20). Baptism is only a part of salvation. A person must continue to abide in Christ (Mark 13:13, John 15:6-10).
All people will experience a resurrection--either to Heaven or to the Lake of Fire. Those who are found in a "righteous state" (living in God's will at the coming of Christ or at the time of their death), will be in the first resurrection (2 Timothy 4:6-8, Revelations 22:11-14). Those who are found in a "sinful state" (living contrary to God's will at the coming of Christ or at the time of their death), will be in the second resurrection (Romans 2:1-11,16, Jude 14-19, Matthew 25:8-13).
A person will know from the point of death whether they will have a favorable judgment or not (Luke 16:22-23). There is a place of torment for those reserved for the Lake of Fire, and a place of comfort for those reserved for Heaven (Luke 16:24-25). Jesus never spoke of a middle ground. There is no such thing in the scriptures as purgatory. There is an impassable separation between the good and the evil (Luke 16:26). Those who have died and are awaiting judgment at Christ's return are still able to hear the voice of the Lord (John 5:28-29); therefore, God's word is the eternal judgment of all.
Faith and Works
Faith is defined in scripture as the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1), because faith is what allows us to believe in something for which there is no evidence (John 20:19-20, 24-29). As we walk in faith, and exercise it, we can then pass faith on to others (Romans 1:17). The scripture teach us that works are the evidence of our faith (Matthew 5:16, Ephesians 2:10). An example of faith is having a victory over a battle from the very start of it(Jude 3, Romans 10:17, Romans 4:20-21, Romans 8:38-39).
To walk (one step at a time) by faith is to be able to take each step of your life with Christ (one victory after another), according to his word and Spirit, no matter what the circumstances may be (2 Corinthians 5:7, 2 Corinthians 4:18, Proverbs 3:5-7, Luke 5:5-6). You may hear people talk about "releasing their faith," but what is holding their faith back that it needs to be released? What is hindering them from doing the work of God completely (Hebrews 12:1-2, Judges 6:36-40). Our faith must always be "released" so that it can be active. It is one thing to talk about walking by faith, but it is a totally different thing to do it (there is a difference between intentions and actions) (Matthew 14:28-31, Proverbs 3:5-7, Mark 11:20-23, 2 Corinthians 5:7, Matthew 21:21-22). Walking in faith must have a manifestation of works (or deeds). Faith without works makes faith meaningless and dead (James 2:14-26, Matthew 5:14-16, 1 Timothy 5:9-10, Titus 2:7, 3:8). Having faith is more than having knowledge of what could happen, it means having self-motivation to act on that knowledge (Mark 11:20-23, Mark 9:19-24). It also means having belief that, with God's help, your action will ensure the best possible outcome (John 4:34, Hebrews 6:10, Mark 9:19-24, Romans 12:1-2, Philippians 2:12, 1 Corinthians 3:13).
God will "increase" our faith, when we are faithful to do the things that we know we should do for God, not when we just say that we believe and do nothing (Luke 16:10-13, Mark 12:30-31, Ecclesiastes 9:10, 1 Samuel 17:34-36). Faith is not best measured by the amount that we have but by how we use what we have (Luke 17:5-10). When we learn to exercise our faith more, it will bring an increase of victories over harder battles (James 1:2-4).
God is well pleased when we grow or increase in our faith in him. When situations cause us to trust in God by faith, they provide an opportunity for God to prove his power to us (2 Chronicles 16:9). The testimony of our faith is also a judgment toward those around us that go through the same things we do but do not stay faithful (for we are just as human as they are) (Hebrews 11:1-6, Hebrews 11:13-16, Hebrews 4:2, Matthew 24:45-51, Luke 12:31-32, Colossians 1:10, Hebrews 13:21).
Faith is defined in scripture as the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1), because faith is what allows us to believe in something for which there is no evidence (John 20:19-20, 24-29). As we walk in faith, and exercise it, we can then pass faith on to others (Romans 1:17). The scripture teach us that works are the evidence of our faith (Matthew 5:16, Ephesians 2:10). An example of faith is having a victory over a battle from the very start of it(Jude 3, Romans 10:17, Romans 4:20-21, Romans 8:38-39).
To walk (one step at a time) by faith is to be able to take each step of your life with Christ (one victory after another), according to his word and Spirit, no matter what the circumstances may be (2 Corinthians 5:7, 2 Corinthians 4:18, Proverbs 3:5-7, Luke 5:5-6). You may hear people talk about "releasing their faith," but what is holding their faith back that it needs to be released? What is hindering them from doing the work of God completely (Hebrews 12:1-2, Judges 6:36-40). Our faith must always be "released" so that it can be active. It is one thing to talk about walking by faith, but it is a totally different thing to do it (there is a difference between intentions and actions) (Matthew 14:28-31, Proverbs 3:5-7, Mark 11:20-23, 2 Corinthians 5:7, Matthew 21:21-22). Walking in faith must have a manifestation of works (or deeds). Faith without works makes faith meaningless and dead (James 2:14-26, Matthew 5:14-16, 1 Timothy 5:9-10, Titus 2:7, 3:8). Having faith is more than having knowledge of what could happen, it means having self-motivation to act on that knowledge (Mark 11:20-23, Mark 9:19-24). It also means having belief that, with God's help, your action will ensure the best possible outcome (John 4:34, Hebrews 6:10, Mark 9:19-24, Romans 12:1-2, Philippians 2:12, 1 Corinthians 3:13).
God will "increase" our faith, when we are faithful to do the things that we know we should do for God, not when we just say that we believe and do nothing (Luke 16:10-13, Mark 12:30-31, Ecclesiastes 9:10, 1 Samuel 17:34-36). Faith is not best measured by the amount that we have but by how we use what we have (Luke 17:5-10). When we learn to exercise our faith more, it will bring an increase of victories over harder battles (James 1:2-4).
God is well pleased when we grow or increase in our faith in him. When situations cause us to trust in God by faith, they provide an opportunity for God to prove his power to us (2 Chronicles 16:9). The testimony of our faith is also a judgment toward those around us that go through the same things we do but do not stay faithful (for we are just as human as they are) (Hebrews 11:1-6, Hebrews 11:13-16, Hebrews 4:2, Matthew 24:45-51, Luke 12:31-32, Colossians 1:10, Hebrews 13:21).
Fellowship
Godly fellowship is when believers witness and express the Spirit of God in their lives from faith to faith, from person to person (Romans 1:17, 1 John 1:7). Fellowship will spiritually nourish every Christian that applies himself to it (Hebrews 3:13, Matthew 18:20). Christians get spiritual strength and encouragement when they draw from the strengths of each other (Hebrews 10:24). We also learn from each other's good and bad examples (John 15:4-7, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Ecclesiastes 4:9-11).
Fellowship will make a new Christian strong in a short time (1 John 4:17-21, 1 Peter 4:8). Forsaking fellowship will spiritually kill us by our own negligence (Hebrews 10:25). When we come together in a worship service, we not only receive edification from the sermon, but we should also draw encouragement from others around us (Malachi 3:16). God is able to keep those that do not have the opportunity to fellowship (those who don't have contact with other true Christians) (2 Timothy 1:12) and can also supply fellowship to those who don't have it (Philippians 2:19).
The word "fellowship" means "to participate with"; therefore, we should not seek our fellowship with those that are not true followers of God (1 John 1:6, Amos 3:3, Psalms 133:1-3). We can be friends with unbelievers, but we cannot fellowship with them (2 Corinthians 6:14-18, 1 John 2:15-17, Titus 1:16, Ephesians 5:11, 2 John 9-11, Matthew 7:15-20, 1 Corinthians10:20-22). By being someone's friend (to be kindly interested with goodwill), we can share with unbelievers about God's love, which will allow our friends the opportunity to be saved. As we seek to minister to the lost, we must be sure not to be vexed by their carnal lifestyles and perspective.
If someone has walked away from the fellowship, we should pray for that person, but not fellowship with him. One person's deceptions could mislead others, including us (Romans 16:17, 2 Peter 3:17-18, 1 Corinthians 10:12). It is better to faithfully live a good testimony in front of the backslidden than to concede to any negativity (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15).
Likewise, a believer should not fellowship with those who walk in the same carnal lifestyle that he has forsaken (1 Peter 4:1-4, Ephesians 4:14, Ephesians 5:11, James 4:4, 2 John 10-11). If a person just escaped the world of drugs, it is foolishness for him to fellowship with those who use drugs. A person cannot expect God to deliver him from sin if that person doesn't seek to remove himself from his weaknesses. Additionally, God has commanded that His sons and daughters come out from the world and be separate (2 Corinthians 6:14-18).
Godly fellowship is when believers witness and express the Spirit of God in their lives from faith to faith, from person to person (Romans 1:17, 1 John 1:7). Fellowship will spiritually nourish every Christian that applies himself to it (Hebrews 3:13, Matthew 18:20). Christians get spiritual strength and encouragement when they draw from the strengths of each other (Hebrews 10:24). We also learn from each other's good and bad examples (John 15:4-7, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Ecclesiastes 4:9-11).
Fellowship will make a new Christian strong in a short time (1 John 4:17-21, 1 Peter 4:8). Forsaking fellowship will spiritually kill us by our own negligence (Hebrews 10:25). When we come together in a worship service, we not only receive edification from the sermon, but we should also draw encouragement from others around us (Malachi 3:16). God is able to keep those that do not have the opportunity to fellowship (those who don't have contact with other true Christians) (2 Timothy 1:12) and can also supply fellowship to those who don't have it (Philippians 2:19).
The word "fellowship" means "to participate with"; therefore, we should not seek our fellowship with those that are not true followers of God (1 John 1:6, Amos 3:3, Psalms 133:1-3). We can be friends with unbelievers, but we cannot fellowship with them (2 Corinthians 6:14-18, 1 John 2:15-17, Titus 1:16, Ephesians 5:11, 2 John 9-11, Matthew 7:15-20, 1 Corinthians10:20-22). By being someone's friend (to be kindly interested with goodwill), we can share with unbelievers about God's love, which will allow our friends the opportunity to be saved. As we seek to minister to the lost, we must be sure not to be vexed by their carnal lifestyles and perspective.
If someone has walked away from the fellowship, we should pray for that person, but not fellowship with him. One person's deceptions could mislead others, including us (Romans 16:17, 2 Peter 3:17-18, 1 Corinthians 10:12). It is better to faithfully live a good testimony in front of the backslidden than to concede to any negativity (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15).
Likewise, a believer should not fellowship with those who walk in the same carnal lifestyle that he has forsaken (1 Peter 4:1-4, Ephesians 4:14, Ephesians 5:11, James 4:4, 2 John 10-11). If a person just escaped the world of drugs, it is foolishness for him to fellowship with those who use drugs. A person cannot expect God to deliver him from sin if that person doesn't seek to remove himself from his weaknesses. Additionally, God has commanded that His sons and daughters come out from the world and be separate (2 Corinthians 6:14-18).
Godhead
The word of God says that God is a Spirit (John 4:24). He is the Creator, the Father of all that exists, from the heavens to the humans, down to the simplest life form. (Genesis 1:1, Isaiah 45:18, Revelation 4:11, John 1:1-3; Fills his creation: Jeremiah 23:23-24, Philippians 2:9-11; God of all flesh: Jeremiah 32:27, 2 Corinthians 5:19-21, Colossians 2:8-9, Job 38:1-39:30; Father of Spirits: Hebrews 12:9, Mark 12:29, Matthew 22:31-32). God is not a man nor limited to the physical form of a man, so we cannot think of God like a natural father (God is not a man: Numbers 23:19, Isaiah 55:8-11, Romans 1:20-23, Acts 17:29-30). In the Old Testament, God used many ways to manifest himself. In the New Testament, God is described primarily in three expressions: the Father, the Son of God, and the Holy Ghost (1 John 5:6-8, John 1:14, John 14:26, John 15:26).
The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost describe the ministry of one Almighty God to a sinful man. Since man first allowed sin to separate him from God, God has taught us, fed us, clothed us, and strengthened us as a Father. He walked with us in a human form, made himself an example for us to follow, and paid the debt of our sins as the Son. And, as the Holy Ghost, he reunited us with him by placing his spirit within us. (1 John 5:7, John 1:1-14, Matthew 1:18-23, Isaiah 9:6, 1 Timothy 3:16).
God is one (Mark 12:29, 1 Corinthians 8:6, Ephesians 4:5-6, 1 Timothy 2:5, James 2:19), yet there are many scriptures that refer to different manifestations of God in the natural (walking in the garden: Genesis 3:8; one of the three men that met Abraham: Genesis 18:1-3; the burning bush: Exodus 3:4-6). A manifestation is something that is made known to the carnal senses, such as through sight, touch, and sound (Luke 7:22, 1 John 1:1-3, Exodus 3:4-6, Hebrews 7:1-3, Daniel 3:24-25, Isaiah 9:6, 1 Timothy 3:16, Acts 10:45-47, Acts 3:19-20, 1 Corinthians 12:4-10). God uses these manifestations to relate to mankind at man's level of understanding (Hebrews 1:1-3).
God manifested himself as a man in the person of Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 3:16). The body of Christ contained the spirit of God (Colossians 2:9). God was manifest through Christ's actions because the works that Jesus did were works that only God could do (John 10:24-25). The purpose for God's manifestation was that he could show us how to follow him from our heart and be delivered from our sinful nature. To complete this purpose, Christ was crucified, died, was buried, but then rose from the dead. Now our sinful nature can be conquered when we submit our lives to the will of God . With our sins destroyed, God can then live in each of us as the Holy Spirit (Romans 6:1-11).
God is everywhere at all times and even dwells within the heart of his saints (John 14:16-23). The Spirit of God cannot be seen with the natural eye nor heard with the natural ear. The Spirit of God is spiritually discerned (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, 1 Corinthians 2:9-16, Hebrews 5:14). This means that we perceive the presence of God through the sincerity and humility of a prayerful attitude.
There is a false teaching called "Trinity" which is used by some to describe an incorrect concept of the godhead. This teaching takes the three ways that God has ministered to man--as the Father, the Son (or the Christ), and the Holy Ghost--and claims that these are actually three persons of one God, which are all co-equal, co-majestic, and co-eternal. This description is similar to that of one person with three personalities. This teaching has no biblical foundation[1]; in fact, many scriptures directly contradict the Trinity. Throughout the Bible, God is always shows to be one in all aspects: as Lord, as Father, as King, as Creator, as Savior, as Judge (Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 43:10-11, 40:28, 54:5, Malachi 2:10, Romans 3:30, Ephesians 4:5, 1 Corinthians 15:25-28).
Throughout the Old Testament, God used many names to describe his essence (Exodus 34:5-7, Isaiah 7:14; 9:6). Among these names is "Jehovah," which means "the Lord, Self-existant and Eternal" (Exodus 6:3, Psalm 83:18). The word "God" comes from the Hebrew word "Elohiym," which refers to the sum of all majesty and power (Genesis 1:1). Today, the name that God has given to us is "Jesus," which means "the salvation of God" (Matthew 1:21, Ephesians 3:14-15, John 5:43, John 17:11-12, Philippians 2:10-11). God gave us this new name to know him by because, through Jesus Christ, God performed something new--he brought us the way of salvation. There are many names and titles that God used in reference and prophesy, but in the New Testament, there is only one name that will bring salvation to a sinner. That name in the English language is "Jesus" (Acts 4:12).
[1] New Encyclopedia Britannica, 15th Edition (Volume X, Pg. 126)
The World Book Encyclopedia, (Volume 16, Pg. 7270)
Canney Encyclopedia (Pg. 53)
Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics (Volume XII, Pg. 458 [b])
Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics (Volume XII, Pg. 461 [5])
Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics (Volume XII, Pg. 461 [b])
Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics (Volume XII, Pg. 461, 462 [f])
New International Encyclopedia (Volume 22, Pg. 476)
The word of God says that God is a Spirit (John 4:24). He is the Creator, the Father of all that exists, from the heavens to the humans, down to the simplest life form. (Genesis 1:1, Isaiah 45:18, Revelation 4:11, John 1:1-3; Fills his creation: Jeremiah 23:23-24, Philippians 2:9-11; God of all flesh: Jeremiah 32:27, 2 Corinthians 5:19-21, Colossians 2:8-9, Job 38:1-39:30; Father of Spirits: Hebrews 12:9, Mark 12:29, Matthew 22:31-32). God is not a man nor limited to the physical form of a man, so we cannot think of God like a natural father (God is not a man: Numbers 23:19, Isaiah 55:8-11, Romans 1:20-23, Acts 17:29-30). In the Old Testament, God used many ways to manifest himself. In the New Testament, God is described primarily in three expressions: the Father, the Son of God, and the Holy Ghost (1 John 5:6-8, John 1:14, John 14:26, John 15:26).
The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost describe the ministry of one Almighty God to a sinful man. Since man first allowed sin to separate him from God, God has taught us, fed us, clothed us, and strengthened us as a Father. He walked with us in a human form, made himself an example for us to follow, and paid the debt of our sins as the Son. And, as the Holy Ghost, he reunited us with him by placing his spirit within us. (1 John 5:7, John 1:1-14, Matthew 1:18-23, Isaiah 9:6, 1 Timothy 3:16).
God is one (Mark 12:29, 1 Corinthians 8:6, Ephesians 4:5-6, 1 Timothy 2:5, James 2:19), yet there are many scriptures that refer to different manifestations of God in the natural (walking in the garden: Genesis 3:8; one of the three men that met Abraham: Genesis 18:1-3; the burning bush: Exodus 3:4-6). A manifestation is something that is made known to the carnal senses, such as through sight, touch, and sound (Luke 7:22, 1 John 1:1-3, Exodus 3:4-6, Hebrews 7:1-3, Daniel 3:24-25, Isaiah 9:6, 1 Timothy 3:16, Acts 10:45-47, Acts 3:19-20, 1 Corinthians 12:4-10). God uses these manifestations to relate to mankind at man's level of understanding (Hebrews 1:1-3).
God manifested himself as a man in the person of Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 3:16). The body of Christ contained the spirit of God (Colossians 2:9). God was manifest through Christ's actions because the works that Jesus did were works that only God could do (John 10:24-25). The purpose for God's manifestation was that he could show us how to follow him from our heart and be delivered from our sinful nature. To complete this purpose, Christ was crucified, died, was buried, but then rose from the dead. Now our sinful nature can be conquered when we submit our lives to the will of God . With our sins destroyed, God can then live in each of us as the Holy Spirit (Romans 6:1-11).
God is everywhere at all times and even dwells within the heart of his saints (John 14:16-23). The Spirit of God cannot be seen with the natural eye nor heard with the natural ear. The Spirit of God is spiritually discerned (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, 1 Corinthians 2:9-16, Hebrews 5:14). This means that we perceive the presence of God through the sincerity and humility of a prayerful attitude.
There is a false teaching called "Trinity" which is used by some to describe an incorrect concept of the godhead. This teaching takes the three ways that God has ministered to man--as the Father, the Son (or the Christ), and the Holy Ghost--and claims that these are actually three persons of one God, which are all co-equal, co-majestic, and co-eternal. This description is similar to that of one person with three personalities. This teaching has no biblical foundation[1]; in fact, many scriptures directly contradict the Trinity. Throughout the Bible, God is always shows to be one in all aspects: as Lord, as Father, as King, as Creator, as Savior, as Judge (Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 43:10-11, 40:28, 54:5, Malachi 2:10, Romans 3:30, Ephesians 4:5, 1 Corinthians 15:25-28).
Throughout the Old Testament, God used many names to describe his essence (Exodus 34:5-7, Isaiah 7:14; 9:6). Among these names is "Jehovah," which means "the Lord, Self-existant and Eternal" (Exodus 6:3, Psalm 83:18). The word "God" comes from the Hebrew word "Elohiym," which refers to the sum of all majesty and power (Genesis 1:1). Today, the name that God has given to us is "Jesus," which means "the salvation of God" (Matthew 1:21, Ephesians 3:14-15, John 5:43, John 17:11-12, Philippians 2:10-11). God gave us this new name to know him by because, through Jesus Christ, God performed something new--he brought us the way of salvation. There are many names and titles that God used in reference and prophesy, but in the New Testament, there is only one name that will bring salvation to a sinner. That name in the English language is "Jesus" (Acts 4:12).
[1] New Encyclopedia Britannica, 15th Edition (Volume X, Pg. 126)
The World Book Encyclopedia, (Volume 16, Pg. 7270)
Canney Encyclopedia (Pg. 53)
Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics (Volume XII, Pg. 458 [b])
Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics (Volume XII, Pg. 461 [5])
Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics (Volume XII, Pg. 461 [b])
Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics (Volume XII, Pg. 461, 462 [f])
New International Encyclopedia (Volume 22, Pg. 476)
Holy Ghost : What is the Holy Ghost?
John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
The Holy Ghost is the spirit of God (God is a spirit: John 4:24) that moves upon the face of the earth to lead and guide all mankind unto God.
John 16:13-15 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
John 14:15-18 If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
We receive the Spirit of God when we by faith obey the Scriptures in water baptism. The word of God tells of three that bear witness in earth to us from heaven:
1 John 5:7-12 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
Galatians 3:26-27 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Jesus Christ gave the Apostles the Holy Spirit and gave them power over all the devils before Jesus was crucified. Yet, after Jesus rose from the dead, He breathed on them and the indwelling of the Holy Ghost was then within them.
John 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
Yet, the pouring out of the Gift of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues was not yet until the day of Pentecost in the upper room.
Acts 2:1-4 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Here we have the Apostles that had already received the Holy Ghost (Spirit) when Jesus had breathed on them, yet are now receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost that comes with the evidence of speaking in tongues.
Acts 2:5-8 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear
we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
Acts 2:14-18 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
From that day forward, the spirit of God was freely poured out to all flesh. A person must have the Holy Spirit to be saved! The gift of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues and the spirit of God that comes into you when you are baptized are the same spirit, yet different administrations of that same spirit.
Acts 2:38-39 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.
1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
John 7:37-39 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (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.)
1 Peter 1:22-24 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 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:
1 Peter 1:25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
The Holy Ghost is the spirit of God (God is a spirit: John 4:24) that moves upon the face of the earth to lead and guide all mankind unto God.
John 16:13-15 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
John 14:15-18 If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
We receive the Spirit of God when we by faith obey the Scriptures in water baptism. The word of God tells of three that bear witness in earth to us from heaven:
1 John 5:7-12 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
Galatians 3:26-27 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Jesus Christ gave the Apostles the Holy Spirit and gave them power over all the devils before Jesus was crucified. Yet, after Jesus rose from the dead, He breathed on them and the indwelling of the Holy Ghost was then within them.
John 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
Yet, the pouring out of the Gift of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues was not yet until the day of Pentecost in the upper room.
Acts 2:1-4 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Here we have the Apostles that had already received the Holy Ghost (Spirit) when Jesus had breathed on them, yet are now receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost that comes with the evidence of speaking in tongues.
Acts 2:5-8 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear
we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
Acts 2:14-18 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
From that day forward, the spirit of God was freely poured out to all flesh. A person must have the Holy Spirit to be saved! The gift of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues and the spirit of God that comes into you when you are baptized are the same spirit, yet different administrations of that same spirit.
Acts 2:38-39 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.
1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
John 7:37-39 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (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.)
1 Peter 1:22-24 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 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:
1 Peter 1:25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
What is the Gift of the Holy Ghost?
Acts 10:44-46 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God...
Acts 2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
1 Corinthians 14:22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
Acts 8:14-20 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them 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 upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
What is the Gift of Tongues?
1 Corinthians 12:4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:10-11 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
1 Corinthians 12:27-30 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 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?
1 Corinthians 14:1-2, 5 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 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. I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
1 Corinthians 14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
1 Corinthians 14:18-20 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
1 Corinthians 14:38-40 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order.
New Tongues?
Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
Ephessians 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
1 Peter 1:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
The term "new tongues" refers to our new life in Jesus Christ; we will speak with a clean, new vocabulary and will have a changed language.
Other Tongues
Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
1 Corinthians 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
1 Corinthians 14:21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the LORD.
The term other tongues refers to a person speaking in a language other than their own, normal language.
Do You Have to Speak in Other Tongues to be Saved?
The question usually comes from the scriptures that refer to manifestations of the spirit.
John 3:3-8 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
There is a point of being born of water and of spirit. The analogy used here is the wind. We can hear the sounds of the wind by the manifestation it makes. Though we cannot see the wind, we can see and hear the manifestation of it. Some people will try to say that this proves that a person must speak in tongues to be saved. If tongues were the only manifestation (or evidence) of the spirit, then there may be a case for this point. But, there are 16 other listed manifestations of the spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
1 Corinthians 12:7-11 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 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 gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
As we can clearly see here, tongues are not the only manifestation of the spirit. A person can have signs of being born of the spirit without speaking in tongues.
There is not a single scripture anywhere in the Bible that says that a person has to speak in tongues to be saved. This belief is based on conjecture and splicing scriptures together.
Every person must have the death, burial, resurrection, and circumcision applied to their lives.
Colossians 2:10-15 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Tongues are for a sign to the unbelievers and has a purpose in the body of Christ.
Acts 10:44-48 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
1 Corinthians 14:19-22 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
You will never read anywhere in the Word of God where Jesus spoke in tongues. You will find, however, that Jesus was baptized in water to fulfill righteousness. Also, when Mary was being overshadowed by the Holy Ghost, she wasn't speaking in tongues.
There are no scriptures that directly say that we have to speak in tongues to be saved or to obtain righteousness.
Mark 7:6-8 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
Acts 15:1-2 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
Acts 15:7-9 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
Just as it was then, there are those today who will continue to say that a person has to speak in tongues to be saved. The Bible would have come out and shown "clear, cut, and dry", examples of people not being saved until they spoke with tongues. Since there are no such scriptures, the people that have placed this added requirement on salvation are in danger of driving people away from the cross of Christ unto a physical, emotional, standard, that not everyone is even able to partake of.
Revelations 22:18-19 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Acts 10:44-46 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God...
Acts 2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
1 Corinthians 14:22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
Acts 8:14-20 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them 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 upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
What is the Gift of Tongues?
1 Corinthians 12:4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:10-11 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
1 Corinthians 12:27-30 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 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?
1 Corinthians 14:1-2, 5 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 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. I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
1 Corinthians 14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
1 Corinthians 14:18-20 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
1 Corinthians 14:38-40 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order.
New Tongues?
Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
Ephessians 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
1 Peter 1:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
The term "new tongues" refers to our new life in Jesus Christ; we will speak with a clean, new vocabulary and will have a changed language.
Other Tongues
Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
1 Corinthians 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
1 Corinthians 14:21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the LORD.
The term other tongues refers to a person speaking in a language other than their own, normal language.
Do You Have to Speak in Other Tongues to be Saved?
The question usually comes from the scriptures that refer to manifestations of the spirit.
John 3:3-8 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
There is a point of being born of water and of spirit. The analogy used here is the wind. We can hear the sounds of the wind by the manifestation it makes. Though we cannot see the wind, we can see and hear the manifestation of it. Some people will try to say that this proves that a person must speak in tongues to be saved. If tongues were the only manifestation (or evidence) of the spirit, then there may be a case for this point. But, there are 16 other listed manifestations of the spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
1 Corinthians 12:7-11 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 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 gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
As we can clearly see here, tongues are not the only manifestation of the spirit. A person can have signs of being born of the spirit without speaking in tongues.
There is not a single scripture anywhere in the Bible that says that a person has to speak in tongues to be saved. This belief is based on conjecture and splicing scriptures together.
Every person must have the death, burial, resurrection, and circumcision applied to their lives.
Colossians 2:10-15 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Tongues are for a sign to the unbelievers and has a purpose in the body of Christ.
Acts 10:44-48 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
1 Corinthians 14:19-22 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
You will never read anywhere in the Word of God where Jesus spoke in tongues. You will find, however, that Jesus was baptized in water to fulfill righteousness. Also, when Mary was being overshadowed by the Holy Ghost, she wasn't speaking in tongues.
There are no scriptures that directly say that we have to speak in tongues to be saved or to obtain righteousness.
Mark 7:6-8 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
Acts 15:1-2 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
Acts 15:7-9 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
Just as it was then, there are those today who will continue to say that a person has to speak in tongues to be saved. The Bible would have come out and shown "clear, cut, and dry", examples of people not being saved until they spoke with tongues. Since there are no such scriptures, the people that have placed this added requirement on salvation are in danger of driving people away from the cross of Christ unto a physical, emotional, standard, that not everyone is even able to partake of.
Revelations 22:18-19 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Living Sacrifice
As Christ sacrificed himself and then rose to life again, we must die so that we may live. We do this by "crucifying" the desires of our will and following the will of God (Mark 10:28-30). We sacrifice ourselves by living for Christ each day (Romans 12:1-2, 1 Peter 2:5).
When Jesus prayed, "Not my will, but thine be done" (Luke 22:41-44), he showed us that the will of the flesh must be subject to the will of the Spirit. Jesus told us to take up our cross and follow him (Luke 9:23-26). This means that we willingly bear the burden of serving Christ (Colossians 3:17, Philippians 4:6).
Our body and our spirit oppose one another (Romans 8:5-7). The one that prevails is the one we make stronger. The Apostle Paul taught that all Christians must crucify their flesh with the affections and lusts (Galatians 5:24). Through sacrifice and devotion, we strengthen the spirit and weaken the flesh. For example, the exhortations we receive from our pastors and their sermons feed our soul and to make us spiritually strong (Jeremiah 3:15, Ephesians 4:12, 2 Timothy 2:1-7). If we do not use the means to nourish our soul, we will become spiritually weak and, eventually, deceived (Hebrews
10:25, Hebrews 3:13, Luke 21:36).
If we sacrifice our own will as Christ sacrificed his, others will see the testimony of Christ in us (1 Thessalonians 4:1-7, 5:21-22). To establish this testimony, we must allow God's will to guide all of our thoughts and actions (Matthew 6:33, Proverbs 3:5-7). Other people see our testimony and judge the God we serve by the lifestyle and examples they see in us (1 Peter 2:9-11, Matthew 5:14-16, 2 Corinthians 4:1-6, Daniel 3:23-29). If we maintain a sacrificial life in all we do, we will be an example to others and will always be ready to meet the Lord in peace (2 Peter 3:11-14).
Jesus lived a life of sacrifice his entire life, not just at his death. Apostle Paul spoke of how he died daily (1 Corinthians 15:31, John 12:24-25). Likewise, we must offer our sacrifices to God on a daily basis (Psalms 61:8, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18). We must pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), or we will fall into Satan's cunning traps (Luke 22:40). Unless we die daily, we cannot be alive in Christ and freed from our sins (Romans 8:1-14).
One cannot serve Christ and himself at the same time (Matthew 6:24); therefore, no self-righteous sacrifice will be accepted by God. We cannot sacrifice the flesh by glorifying it (Luke 18:9-14, Matthew 23:14). The prayers of self-righteousness are repulsive God (Isaiah 58:1-4). The term "self-righteous" implies that we are trusting in our own righteousness and not God's. However, God cherishes the prayers of the righteous (Revelations 8:3-4). Our sacrifice and devotion to God will not compare to the reward we will receive when Jesus comes to take us home to be with him forever (Hebrews 6:10).
As Christ sacrificed himself and then rose to life again, we must die so that we may live. We do this by "crucifying" the desires of our will and following the will of God (Mark 10:28-30). We sacrifice ourselves by living for Christ each day (Romans 12:1-2, 1 Peter 2:5).
When Jesus prayed, "Not my will, but thine be done" (Luke 22:41-44), he showed us that the will of the flesh must be subject to the will of the Spirit. Jesus told us to take up our cross and follow him (Luke 9:23-26). This means that we willingly bear the burden of serving Christ (Colossians 3:17, Philippians 4:6).
Our body and our spirit oppose one another (Romans 8:5-7). The one that prevails is the one we make stronger. The Apostle Paul taught that all Christians must crucify their flesh with the affections and lusts (Galatians 5:24). Through sacrifice and devotion, we strengthen the spirit and weaken the flesh. For example, the exhortations we receive from our pastors and their sermons feed our soul and to make us spiritually strong (Jeremiah 3:15, Ephesians 4:12, 2 Timothy 2:1-7). If we do not use the means to nourish our soul, we will become spiritually weak and, eventually, deceived (Hebrews
10:25, Hebrews 3:13, Luke 21:36).
If we sacrifice our own will as Christ sacrificed his, others will see the testimony of Christ in us (1 Thessalonians 4:1-7, 5:21-22). To establish this testimony, we must allow God's will to guide all of our thoughts and actions (Matthew 6:33, Proverbs 3:5-7). Other people see our testimony and judge the God we serve by the lifestyle and examples they see in us (1 Peter 2:9-11, Matthew 5:14-16, 2 Corinthians 4:1-6, Daniel 3:23-29). If we maintain a sacrificial life in all we do, we will be an example to others and will always be ready to meet the Lord in peace (2 Peter 3:11-14).
Jesus lived a life of sacrifice his entire life, not just at his death. Apostle Paul spoke of how he died daily (1 Corinthians 15:31, John 12:24-25). Likewise, we must offer our sacrifices to God on a daily basis (Psalms 61:8, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18). We must pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), or we will fall into Satan's cunning traps (Luke 22:40). Unless we die daily, we cannot be alive in Christ and freed from our sins (Romans 8:1-14).
One cannot serve Christ and himself at the same time (Matthew 6:24); therefore, no self-righteous sacrifice will be accepted by God. We cannot sacrifice the flesh by glorifying it (Luke 18:9-14, Matthew 23:14). The prayers of self-righteousness are repulsive God (Isaiah 58:1-4). The term "self-righteous" implies that we are trusting in our own righteousness and not God's. However, God cherishes the prayers of the righteous (Revelations 8:3-4). Our sacrifice and devotion to God will not compare to the reward we will receive when Jesus comes to take us home to be with him forever (Hebrews 6:10).
Prayer
Prayer is personal communication between a person and God. There are basically four different types of prayer: 1) Solicitation 2) Praise and Thanksgiving 3) Repentance and 4) Intercession. These prayers can be explained as follows:
1) Solicitation prayers are prayers in which we ask God for something or to do something (Ephesians 6:18, Philippians 4:6). In these petitions, we might use the words "Lord, I need" or "Lord, I would like."
2) Prayers of praise and thanksgiving are prayers expressing adoration and thankfulness to God (Colossians 3:17, Luke 2:36-38, Romans 16:3-4, Acts 27:34-35). These prayers might begin with “Lord, I thank you for…,” or the prayer might use words of praise like “Hallelujah,” which means “praise the Lord.”
3) Repentance prayers involve very specific confessions of our sins as we seek forgiveness (Psalms 51:1-19, Luke 21:36, 1 Kings 8:28-40, Nehemiah 1:4-11). In these prayers, we may say, “Lord, please forgive me for …”
4) In prayers of intercession, we seek God on behalf of others (Jeremiah 42:1-4, 1 Thessalonians 5:25, 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2, Hebrews 13:18-19). The people for whom we pray do not have to ask for prayer to receive benefit from these prayers (Acts 12:5, Romans 10:1-3). These prayers might begin with “Lord, please bless my friend …”
When the disciples asked Jesus Christ how to pray, he responded with words we now refer to as “The Lord’s Prayer” (Matthew 6:9-13). All four types of prayer are represented within the Lord's Prayer.
Though God knows the thoughts and intents of our hearts before we pray (Hebrews 4:12-16), He still desires us to communicate to Him (Matthew 11:28-30). Our attitude when we come to God in prayer is also important. King David prayed that the Lord would accept the meditation of his heart (Psalms 19:14). As God's children, we pray to Him to have the weight of sin lifted from us (Hebrews 12:1-29, Psalms 32:1-6, Romans 14:11-12). We must be completely honest with God in order to reveal our heart to Him and to receive his direction. After baptism (the initial cleansing from sin), we must continually confess our sins in order to have them forgiven (1 John 1:9-10). When a person neglects to pray, he starts to loose the desire to pray. The longer a person avoids prayer, the more distant he feels from God. Since it is through prayer that we receive forgiveness of our sins (1 John 1:9), if we neglect to pray, we will eventually cease to regard our sin and will therefore begin to allow more and more sin into our life. However, the more we pray, the more we see the need to pray and the closer we draw to God. It is important to note that it is by prayer that God's judgments are revealed to us. If we stop approaching the "light" of God's judgment, then we will then abide in darkness (John 3:19-21).
To fast is to deny ourselves of something that our body needs. In the truest form, fasting involves denying the body of food and drink. Voluntary and willful fasting is of great spiritual value when we pray. Fasting without prayer is nothing more than a diet. But if we pray as we fast, then every hunger pain compels us to draw closer to God through our prayers. Jesus demonstrated that God desires us to fast (Matthew 6:16-18). In the Book of Isaiah, God describes the purpose of fasting (Isaiah 58:3-6). Jesus also teaches us that we should feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, take in the stranger, cloth the naked, and visit the sick and imprisoned (Matthew 25:31-46). Therefore, in order to accomplish this, we must maintain a life of service to Christ (Romans 12:1-2). There are other kinds of sacrifice and means of self-denial which are discussed more in the Living
SacrificeBible study.
Prayer is personal communication between a person and God. There are basically four different types of prayer: 1) Solicitation 2) Praise and Thanksgiving 3) Repentance and 4) Intercession. These prayers can be explained as follows:
1) Solicitation prayers are prayers in which we ask God for something or to do something (Ephesians 6:18, Philippians 4:6). In these petitions, we might use the words "Lord, I need" or "Lord, I would like."
2) Prayers of praise and thanksgiving are prayers expressing adoration and thankfulness to God (Colossians 3:17, Luke 2:36-38, Romans 16:3-4, Acts 27:34-35). These prayers might begin with “Lord, I thank you for…,” or the prayer might use words of praise like “Hallelujah,” which means “praise the Lord.”
3) Repentance prayers involve very specific confessions of our sins as we seek forgiveness (Psalms 51:1-19, Luke 21:36, 1 Kings 8:28-40, Nehemiah 1:4-11). In these prayers, we may say, “Lord, please forgive me for …”
4) In prayers of intercession, we seek God on behalf of others (Jeremiah 42:1-4, 1 Thessalonians 5:25, 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2, Hebrews 13:18-19). The people for whom we pray do not have to ask for prayer to receive benefit from these prayers (Acts 12:5, Romans 10:1-3). These prayers might begin with “Lord, please bless my friend …”
When the disciples asked Jesus Christ how to pray, he responded with words we now refer to as “The Lord’s Prayer” (Matthew 6:9-13). All four types of prayer are represented within the Lord's Prayer.
Though God knows the thoughts and intents of our hearts before we pray (Hebrews 4:12-16), He still desires us to communicate to Him (Matthew 11:28-30). Our attitude when we come to God in prayer is also important. King David prayed that the Lord would accept the meditation of his heart (Psalms 19:14). As God's children, we pray to Him to have the weight of sin lifted from us (Hebrews 12:1-29, Psalms 32:1-6, Romans 14:11-12). We must be completely honest with God in order to reveal our heart to Him and to receive his direction. After baptism (the initial cleansing from sin), we must continually confess our sins in order to have them forgiven (1 John 1:9-10). When a person neglects to pray, he starts to loose the desire to pray. The longer a person avoids prayer, the more distant he feels from God. Since it is through prayer that we receive forgiveness of our sins (1 John 1:9), if we neglect to pray, we will eventually cease to regard our sin and will therefore begin to allow more and more sin into our life. However, the more we pray, the more we see the need to pray and the closer we draw to God. It is important to note that it is by prayer that God's judgments are revealed to us. If we stop approaching the "light" of God's judgment, then we will then abide in darkness (John 3:19-21).
To fast is to deny ourselves of something that our body needs. In the truest form, fasting involves denying the body of food and drink. Voluntary and willful fasting is of great spiritual value when we pray. Fasting without prayer is nothing more than a diet. But if we pray as we fast, then every hunger pain compels us to draw closer to God through our prayers. Jesus demonstrated that God desires us to fast (Matthew 6:16-18). In the Book of Isaiah, God describes the purpose of fasting (Isaiah 58:3-6). Jesus also teaches us that we should feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, take in the stranger, cloth the naked, and visit the sick and imprisoned (Matthew 25:31-46). Therefore, in order to accomplish this, we must maintain a life of service to Christ (Romans 12:1-2). There are other kinds of sacrifice and means of self-denial which are discussed more in the Living
SacrificeBible study.
Rewards of a Christian
God has rewards for those who will do what is required to obtain them (Revelations 22:12). The rewards we are given by God are proportionate to the serv ice we have given to God (1 Corinthians 3:6-15, Matthew 16:27, 1 Timothy 5:18, Matthew 10:40-42, James 1:17). We must continually practice good works in order to be pleasing to God (Ephesians 2:10, 2 John 1:8). There are also rewards for evil works (Revelations 18:4-6, Galatians 6:7).
What you get out of something is proportionate to what you put into it: if you plant wheat, you will reap wheat. This is true also in the spiritual things: if you sow spiritual seeds, you will reap spiritual benefits (2 Corinthians 9:6, 1 Corinthians 9:9-11, Galatians 6:7-9). We read in God’s word that, if we put our best effort into something, doing it for God’s glory, we will get the best results (Deuteronomy 4:29, Deuteronomy 10:12, Ecclesiastes 9:10, Hosea 10:12-15).
When we pray to the Lord in honesty (Luke 8:15), we will receive peace of mind (Philippians 4:6-9, Hebrews 13:18, 2 Corinthians 8:21, Matthew 6:16-18, Isaiah 26:3). When we pray, we should honestly tell God exactly the way we feel. By doing so, we allow God to address every concern and need (Hebrews 4:13-16).
It is important for us to understand that some people prefer to hide from truth rather than be enlightened by truth; in other words, they love darkness rather than light (John 3:19-21). They will not go towards the light of God because their deeds will be judged (1 Peter 4:3-6). If we bring light into the presence of those that love darkness, they will challenge us and even contend that we are wrong because the light in our lives will manifest how evil their deeds really are (Ephesians 5:10-13). With this in mind, we know we will be persecuted because of the truth we live (John 16:1-4, Mark 10:28-31, 2 Timothy 3:12, Matthew 5:10-12, John 15:18-20, 2 Thessalonians 1:4-6).
There is a reward from God for overcoming these persecutions (Revelations 2:1-7, Revelations 3:5,12,21, Revelations 21:7, James 1:12). God himself gives us, as his children, the power to overcome adversity (John 16:33, 1 John 4:4, 1 John 2:13-14). In turn, people who receive hope from our testimony are depending on us to be strong and very courageous (Joshua 1:9, Proverbs 24:10-12). We can overcome evil by doing what is right and good (Romans 12:19-21, James 4:7 -10). The ultimate reward, of course, will be whenwe as faithful, en during Christians hear, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant"(Matthew 25:14-23, Revelations 22:14).
God has rewards for those who will do what is required to obtain them (Revelations 22:12). The rewards we are given by God are proportionate to the serv ice we have given to God (1 Corinthians 3:6-15, Matthew 16:27, 1 Timothy 5:18, Matthew 10:40-42, James 1:17). We must continually practice good works in order to be pleasing to God (Ephesians 2:10, 2 John 1:8). There are also rewards for evil works (Revelations 18:4-6, Galatians 6:7).
What you get out of something is proportionate to what you put into it: if you plant wheat, you will reap wheat. This is true also in the spiritual things: if you sow spiritual seeds, you will reap spiritual benefits (2 Corinthians 9:6, 1 Corinthians 9:9-11, Galatians 6:7-9). We read in God’s word that, if we put our best effort into something, doing it for God’s glory, we will get the best results (Deuteronomy 4:29, Deuteronomy 10:12, Ecclesiastes 9:10, Hosea 10:12-15).
When we pray to the Lord in honesty (Luke 8:15), we will receive peace of mind (Philippians 4:6-9, Hebrews 13:18, 2 Corinthians 8:21, Matthew 6:16-18, Isaiah 26:3). When we pray, we should honestly tell God exactly the way we feel. By doing so, we allow God to address every concern and need (Hebrews 4:13-16).
It is important for us to understand that some people prefer to hide from truth rather than be enlightened by truth; in other words, they love darkness rather than light (John 3:19-21). They will not go towards the light of God because their deeds will be judged (1 Peter 4:3-6). If we bring light into the presence of those that love darkness, they will challenge us and even contend that we are wrong because the light in our lives will manifest how evil their deeds really are (Ephesians 5:10-13). With this in mind, we know we will be persecuted because of the truth we live (John 16:1-4, Mark 10:28-31, 2 Timothy 3:12, Matthew 5:10-12, John 15:18-20, 2 Thessalonians 1:4-6).
There is a reward from God for overcoming these persecutions (Revelations 2:1-7, Revelations 3:5,12,21, Revelations 21:7, James 1:12). God himself gives us, as his children, the power to overcome adversity (John 16:33, 1 John 4:4, 1 John 2:13-14). In turn, people who receive hope from our testimony are depending on us to be strong and very courageous (Joshua 1:9, Proverbs 24:10-12). We can overcome evil by doing what is right and good (Romans 12:19-21, James 4:7 -10). The ultimate reward, of course, will be whenwe as faithful, en during Christians hear, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant"(Matthew 25:14-23, Revelations 22:14).
Security of the Believer
God has given us many promises throughout the Bible. One of these is the hope and security of knowing that God is able to save us to the uttermost, as long as we desire to be kept (Hebrews 7:25, 1 Thessalonians 5:8-9, Hebrews 3:14, Hebrews 10:35-39, Romans 8:38-39). Notice that none of these scriptures state that a believer has given up his choices. Until the Lord takes us home, we will all have a choice to nurture the desire to stay unspotted from the world and be saved (James 1:27, 1 Peter 2:1-2, 2 Peter 3:16-18, Matthew 5:6, 2 Corinthians 6:17-18), or we can neglect that desire and let it become cold (Matthew 24:11-12, Hebrews 2:1-4, 1 Thessalonians 5:14-23, Revelations 3:15-21).
The word of God judges us all (John 12:48). We have theopportunity to ex amine ourselves and receive our judgment now, instead of the last day with those who reject God (2 Corinthians 13:5-6). With knowledge of judgment and salvation, we are able to prove our salvation to ourselves, and to anyone, according to his word (Acts 24:24-25). There are many scriptures that are salvation specific, and they must be taken together as a whole; one scripture is not lesser or greater in importance than another, and no scripture voids out any other (Mark 16:16, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 10:9-13, Mark 13:13, 1 John 1:9).
There is a difference between “feeling saved” and “being saved.” Our flesh is not going to make it to heaven, therefore it does not always feel saved. Our salvation is based on the obedience to God’s word and doing that which we know to be right in His sight. Satan will use our feelings (which are carnal) against us if we let him (Romans 7:14-25, Romans 8:1-10, Hebrews 4:15-16).
It is against our nature to trust in something that we cannot see, feel, or touch. Yet, by the spiritual senses, we can know that God’s word is true, and we can stake our soul on it (John 20:29, 2 Peter 1:19-21, Hebrews 7:25, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Matthew 28:18, Hebrews 4:12-13).
It is possible for a saved, born-again people to get himself into an unsaved state (see the study on Grace and Forgiveness for in-depth study on this). The grace of God, that covers our shortcomings while we earnestly contend for the faith in God, will not cover willful sin left without repentance (Acts 8:18-24). There is also a sin referred to as ‘blasphemy of the Holy Ghost,’ which will never be forgiven (Matthew 12:31-32, Mark 3:28-29, 1 John 5:16-17). See your mentor or pastor for a more in depth discussion on this topic.
Keeping a repentant heart will keep us in the love and merciful grace of God. This kind of respectful submission will keep us secure in God’s hands as we do all that he requires (John 10:28-30, John 14:15, John 15:4-6, 2 Timothy 1:12-14, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Jude 20).
God has given us many promises throughout the Bible. One of these is the hope and security of knowing that God is able to save us to the uttermost, as long as we desire to be kept (Hebrews 7:25, 1 Thessalonians 5:8-9, Hebrews 3:14, Hebrews 10:35-39, Romans 8:38-39). Notice that none of these scriptures state that a believer has given up his choices. Until the Lord takes us home, we will all have a choice to nurture the desire to stay unspotted from the world and be saved (James 1:27, 1 Peter 2:1-2, 2 Peter 3:16-18, Matthew 5:6, 2 Corinthians 6:17-18), or we can neglect that desire and let it become cold (Matthew 24:11-12, Hebrews 2:1-4, 1 Thessalonians 5:14-23, Revelations 3:15-21).
The word of God judges us all (John 12:48). We have theopportunity to ex amine ourselves and receive our judgment now, instead of the last day with those who reject God (2 Corinthians 13:5-6). With knowledge of judgment and salvation, we are able to prove our salvation to ourselves, and to anyone, according to his word (Acts 24:24-25). There are many scriptures that are salvation specific, and they must be taken together as a whole; one scripture is not lesser or greater in importance than another, and no scripture voids out any other (Mark 16:16, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 10:9-13, Mark 13:13, 1 John 1:9).
There is a difference between “feeling saved” and “being saved.” Our flesh is not going to make it to heaven, therefore it does not always feel saved. Our salvation is based on the obedience to God’s word and doing that which we know to be right in His sight. Satan will use our feelings (which are carnal) against us if we let him (Romans 7:14-25, Romans 8:1-10, Hebrews 4:15-16).
It is against our nature to trust in something that we cannot see, feel, or touch. Yet, by the spiritual senses, we can know that God’s word is true, and we can stake our soul on it (John 20:29, 2 Peter 1:19-21, Hebrews 7:25, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Matthew 28:18, Hebrews 4:12-13).
It is possible for a saved, born-again people to get himself into an unsaved state (see the study on Grace and Forgiveness for in-depth study on this). The grace of God, that covers our shortcomings while we earnestly contend for the faith in God, will not cover willful sin left without repentance (Acts 8:18-24). There is also a sin referred to as ‘blasphemy of the Holy Ghost,’ which will never be forgiven (Matthew 12:31-32, Mark 3:28-29, 1 John 5:16-17). See your mentor or pastor for a more in depth discussion on this topic.
Keeping a repentant heart will keep us in the love and merciful grace of God. This kind of respectful submission will keep us secure in God’s hands as we do all that he requires (John 10:28-30, John 14:15, John 15:4-6, 2 Timothy 1:12-14, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Jude 20).
Tithes and Offerings
Abraham started the practice of tithing to God when he gave a tenth (or 10%) of his spoils to Melchisedec (Hebrews 7:1-6). Jacob also vowed a vow to the Lord stating that, if God would deliver him, he would give God a tenth of all that he gained (Genesis 28:20-22). In the Levitical priesthood, God commanded that the people would give a tenth of their first fruits to him; therefore, their tithes (which means a tenth or 10%) were brought to the priests who ministered in the house of God (Leviticus 27:30-34). In the New Testament, God has fulfilled the carnal commandment of “tithing” with the concept of natural and spiritual “offerings.” An offering in the Old Testaments was that which was above and beyond ten percent (Exodus 25:1-8, 1 Corinthians 16:1-3). In the New Testament, offerings include all of a person’s resources, because we are commanded by love to totally give our life to God (Mark12:29-31). God is asking for the best, in the “first fruits” (that which first comes to your possession) of income and in complete spiritual dedication (Romans 12:1-2).
Giving tithes and offerings is more than just a carnal commandment: God wants us to give so that we can gain spiritual blessings from heaven (Luke 6:38, 2 Corinthians 9:5-15, Hebrews 6:10, 1 John 3:17, Matthew 25:34-40). It is the quality of the offering and not the quantity that pleases God (Mark 12:41-44). It is also the attitude in which it is given that will decide whether God will bless the offering or not. Although offerings are most often considered to be money, we should offer our whole self— our time, talents and money (Romans 12:1-2).
Just like disobeying any other commandment of God, not obeying the commandment of giving is a sin (Malachi 3:8-9, 1 Timothy 6:10, Matthew 19:16-22).
God places great importance on giving. God expects his people to contribute of their substance, thus enabling the church to minister (Acts 2:44-45, Acts 4:33-37). When we give, we are acknowledging that it is God who gives to us all that we have (Malachi 3:10, Acts 5:1-11).
The subject of tithes and offerings has been greatly abused by many modern-day preachers. Some people are reluctant to give to a ministry because they think that their money is going straight to the minister’s wallet. This concern is understandable when one looks only at the physical aspects, but the giver must understand that there is a difference if his giving is truly unto God. Once we freely give our offering, it belongs to God, not man; and we receive our reward from God (Matthew 6:3-4). Every person that has respons ibilities to account for the money that has been offered to God will
give account to God as the stewards of God (Luke 12:33-43, Titus 1:7).
There are many examples in the scriptures of people giving their tithes and offerings (Mark 12:41-44, 2 Kings 12:2-5, Acts 2:44-45, Acts 4:33-37).
Abraham started the practice of tithing to God when he gave a tenth (or 10%) of his spoils to Melchisedec (Hebrews 7:1-6). Jacob also vowed a vow to the Lord stating that, if God would deliver him, he would give God a tenth of all that he gained (Genesis 28:20-22). In the Levitical priesthood, God commanded that the people would give a tenth of their first fruits to him; therefore, their tithes (which means a tenth or 10%) were brought to the priests who ministered in the house of God (Leviticus 27:30-34). In the New Testament, God has fulfilled the carnal commandment of “tithing” with the concept of natural and spiritual “offerings.” An offering in the Old Testaments was that which was above and beyond ten percent (Exodus 25:1-8, 1 Corinthians 16:1-3). In the New Testament, offerings include all of a person’s resources, because we are commanded by love to totally give our life to God (Mark12:29-31). God is asking for the best, in the “first fruits” (that which first comes to your possession) of income and in complete spiritual dedication (Romans 12:1-2).
Giving tithes and offerings is more than just a carnal commandment: God wants us to give so that we can gain spiritual blessings from heaven (Luke 6:38, 2 Corinthians 9:5-15, Hebrews 6:10, 1 John 3:17, Matthew 25:34-40). It is the quality of the offering and not the quantity that pleases God (Mark 12:41-44). It is also the attitude in which it is given that will decide whether God will bless the offering or not. Although offerings are most often considered to be money, we should offer our whole self— our time, talents and money (Romans 12:1-2).
Just like disobeying any other commandment of God, not obeying the commandment of giving is a sin (Malachi 3:8-9, 1 Timothy 6:10, Matthew 19:16-22).
God places great importance on giving. God expects his people to contribute of their substance, thus enabling the church to minister (Acts 2:44-45, Acts 4:33-37). When we give, we are acknowledging that it is God who gives to us all that we have (Malachi 3:10, Acts 5:1-11).
The subject of tithes and offerings has been greatly abused by many modern-day preachers. Some people are reluctant to give to a ministry because they think that their money is going straight to the minister’s wallet. This concern is understandable when one looks only at the physical aspects, but the giver must understand that there is a difference if his giving is truly unto God. Once we freely give our offering, it belongs to God, not man; and we receive our reward from God (Matthew 6:3-4). Every person that has respons ibilities to account for the money that has been offered to God will
give account to God as the stewards of God (Luke 12:33-43, Titus 1:7).
There are many examples in the scriptures of people giving their tithes and offerings (Mark 12:41-44, 2 Kings 12:2-5, Acts 2:44-45, Acts 4:33-37).