Is Speaking in Tongues Essential for Salvation

[Luke 7:35]

Burden of Proof (an expose on Acts 1 & 2)

A new perspective on speaking in tongues:


In 1859 Darwin published “the Origin of the Species” The claims he made in this book were immediately attacked from all sides by both scientists and Church leaders alike. The “Burden of Proof” for Darwin’s theories was placed firmly at Darwin’s feet. It was for Charles Darwin to establish that life evolved, with evidence. The burden was not for other scientist or religious leaders to prove evolution false.

Now; almost 150 years later the “theory of Evolution” is still just that; “a theory” But an interesting thing has happened in the wider scientific community. The “Burden of Proof” has now shifted from the Darwinist to prove their claims, to the Church and other scientist to disprove evolution and prove the existence of God or some other alternative.

As a result of this, shift in the “original” placement of burden. Large numbers of people now find themselves defending evolution from the standpoint that it is a basic axiom of biology. (Which it is not)


The same type of Burden shift has occurred in relation to the receiving of the Holy Ghost and Speaking in Tongues. When the outpouring of the Holy Ghost first occurred ALL of the 120 disciples began speaking in tongues. After observing this event others also received the Holy Ghost. It is reasonable to state that those observers had an expectation of the same outward manifestation.

The FACT that this event was the FIRST occurrence of the outpouring of the Holy Ghost.

The FACT that Speaking in tongues was identified by the Apostles as the “promised” outpouring of the Holy Ghost, as promised by the prophet Joel.

The FACT that this was witnessed by people who had a reasonable knowledge and understanding of the meaning of said promised outpouring of the Holy Ghost.

The FACT that this had just been witnessed by hundreds, perhaps thousands of eye-witnesses.

All of these resulted in the FACT that there was no “burden of proof” for the Apostles or any of the 120 to prove that those who receive the Holy Ghost will speak in tongues. For this had just been verified in fulfilment of Jesus’ statement Mar 16:17 and these signs shall follow them that believe…..They shall speak with new tongues.

In recent years many religious leaders believe and teach that the “burden of proof,” lies with those who profess that ALL who receive the Holy Ghost WILL speak in tongues. In reality the burden of proof” belongs to those who say “YOU DON’T HAVE TO speak in tongues”. To prove their case by showing where this is stated in scripture.

It is clear as a matter of law according to the rules of legal evidence that those observing this event on the Day of Pentecost, had a reasonable expectation of the same outward manifestation as the one they had just witnessed; which was clearly confirmed to them as the promised outpouring of the Holy Ghost, given by God and explained by Peter the Apostle.

Those who say that you do not need to speak in tongues are saying in effect. “It is not conclusive enough to warrant us to have this expectation”.

To fully test this argument, one must go to the beginning of the Church and look at the FACTS.

Remembering all the while the “burden of proof” lies with the negative in this debate.

What is: “Burden of Proof?”
An evidentiary burden of proof or burden of leading evidence is an obligation that shifts between parties over the course of the hearing or trial. A party may submit evidence that the court will consider prima facie proof of some state of affairs.
This creates an evidentiary burden upon the opposing party to present evidence to refute the presumption.

Why is this important?

Speaking in Tongues was first observed in 33AD on the Day of Pentecost.

The events, testimonies and eye witness accounts on that day, in Jerusalem; is all we have to establish on whom to place the “Burden of Proof” (as at 10am on the Day of Pentecost 33AD)

All subsequent testimonies and experiences are to be examined on the premise that "when The FIRST members of the Church received the Holy Spirit “ they ALL spoke in tongues"
Evidence is gathered and measured against this "premise" as they were established by the eye witness accounts beginning on that first day and onward.


In layman’s terms: If anyone were asked at 12 midday on that day "what happens when you receive the Holy Spirit?"

The answer is without question "you will speak in different languages"

WHEN; IF AT ALL DID THIS CHANGE? That is the Key Question that the negative MUST answer.

First of all let’s start our debate with Acts one and two. We will progress through the rest of the accounts of the Holy Spirit being poured out in coming weeks. What you will see is that the Church was infiltrated by wolves in sheep’s clothing with the express purpose of robbing people of a relationship with God and his son Jesus Christ.


Let’s examine the EVIDENCE:

Luk 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures,
Important: Understanding can only come as a gift of God. You can’t learn your way to heaven.

Luk 24:46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
Luk 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Luk 24:48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
Luk 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

We know from the Gospels that the Holy Spirit had not been given before Jesus had risen from the dead.

John 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
John 7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should (or were to) receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

Jesus here is telling the Apostles that they would have to wait a little longer. The reason for this has much to do with the 50 days from the Passover in Egypt to the deliverance. (“Through the Water and the Fire”) Psalm 66:5-15

This must have been frustrating for the disciples for this event had been promised for centuries.

In 586BC The prophet Ezekiel wrote:

Eze 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh.
Eze 36:27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
Eze 36:28 And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.

Ten years prior to this the prophet Jeremiah wrote:


Jer 31:31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:
Jer 31:32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they broke, although I was a husband unto them, saith the LORD:
Jer 31:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

[Luke 7:35]

The expectation of the disciples was that the Holy Spirit would be poured out on the day of Pentecost. (50 after the resurrection) for Jesus said “tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem”.

On that note let’s establish the Burden of Proof. By looking at the FIRST piece of EVIDENCE available. (Acts chapters one and two)

Act 1:1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
Act 1:2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
Act 1:3 To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

Note: The chapter begins by confirming that Jesus had in fact risen from the dead and that this had been confirmed “By many infallible proofs”

Jesus instructs the disciples on what comes next:
Act 1:4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. (Remember the ealier comments by Jesus: “behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.”

Act 1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. (referring of course to Matt 3:11-12)
They were expecting “baptism of Fire”



Act 1:6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
Act 1:7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
Act 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Many say that the Apostles received the Holy Spirit in Joh 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. Joh 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
This claim is clearly and irrefutably found to be false given what we have just read “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you”
The comments of John 20 were prophetic in nature similar to John 7:37-39.

Verses 9-11 Jesus finally was raised to the right hand of God and the disciples continued to wait in Jerusalem.

Act 1:9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
Act 1:10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
Act 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

Verses 12-15 Those that are the “witnesses” to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit are nominated.
Act 1:12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.
Act 1:13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
Act 1:14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
Act 1:15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about a hundred and twenty,)

Verses 16-26 the election of Matthias to replace Judas in the 12 Apostles.
Act 1:16 Men and brethren, this Scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
Act 1:17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
Act 1:18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
Act 1:19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.
Act 1:20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishopric let another take.
Act 1:21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
Act 1:22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
Act 1:23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
Act 1:24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, show whether of these two thou hast chosen,
Act 1:25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
Act 1:26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.


This is the First time in history that the Holy Spirit is poured out. In the past the Holy Spirit came upon different ones to perform tasks for God. But this event was different because as Jesus said: John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

[Luke 7:35]

Act 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
Act 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
Act 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
Act 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

This is where you need to put yourself in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost 33AD. You are observing the 120 speaking in Tongues.


Act 2:5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
Act 2:6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
Act 2:7 And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
Act 2:8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
Act 2:9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
Act 2:10Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
Act 2:11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
17 different nationalities hearing EVERY one of the 120 speaking EVERY one of the 120 languages.

Act 2:12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
Act 2:13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
You are observing this event and you too are asking “what does this mean?” I’m sure you would not have been one of the ones mocking.


Act 2:14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:

Pay attention to Peters words here because they are critical in establishing “burden of Proof.

Act 2:15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.

Act 2:16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

The 17 different nations were reacting to the speaking in tongues. And Peter responded by saying “But this” (SPEAKING IN TONGUES) is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel.
The 17 different nationalities (perhaps thousands of people) and the 120 disciples are eye witnesses to the Evidentiary Fact that Speaking in tongues are “that which was spoken by the prophet Joel.”
For anyone who was uncertain about what Joel said Peter goes on to quote from that scripture.

Act 2:17 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:
Act 2:18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
Act 2:19 And I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke:
Act 2:20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:
Act 2:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

NOTE: From this point; 9am on the morning of the Day of Pentecost 33AD. The “burden of proof” lay with those who say “you don’t need to speak with tongues” to prove that they have received the Holy Spirit without that outward sign.

That deserves repeating: From this point; 9am on the morning of the Day of Pentecost 33AD. The “burden of proof” lay with those who say “you don’t need to speak with tongues” to prove that they have received the Holy Spirit without that outward sign. The next verse Peter speaks to this sign!


Why is this moment critical? Answer: Because of the Witnesses.

A witness as a matter of Law, is someone who has firsthand knowledge about a crime or dramatic event through their senses (e.g. seeing, hearing, smelling, touching) and can help certify important considerations to the crime or event. A witness who has seen the event firsthand is known as an eye-witness.

Act 2:22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

Verses 23-36 Peter really gives it to the religious leaders. (Probably in Aramaic)
Act 2:23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
Act 2:24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
Act 2:25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:
Act 2:26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:
Act 2:27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Act 2:28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.
Act 2:29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us unto this day.
Act 2:30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
Act 2:31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.

Act 2:32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
Act 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. (Remember what a witness is as a matter of Law. A witness is someone who has firsthand knowledge about a crime or dramatic event through their senses (e.g. seeing, hearing, smelling, touching)
Peter has Just said that “which ye now see and hear.” (SPEAKING IN TONGUES) is the promise of the Holy Ghost.
The Burden is firmly established for you to prove that there is a separate salvation that excludes “speaking in tongues.”


Act 2:34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
Act 2:35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool.
Act 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
Act 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

The question is asked “what shall we do?”

Act 2:38 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.
Act 2:39 For the promise (Peter has Just said that “that which ye now see and hear.” (SPEAKING IN TONGUES) is the promise of the Holy Ghost.)
Is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
Act 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

Act 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

The critics try to twist the “Burden of Proof” to say that because we read here “they that gladly received his word were baptized” that this somehow changes the previous ESTABLISHED BURDEN.

Act 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Act 2:43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
Act 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

If some of the Church had Spoken in tongues and others had not they would hardly have “all things in common”. Would they!

Act 2:45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
Act 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Act 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Now having established on whom the “burden of Proof” belongs. We need to carefully examine EVERY instance of the Holy Spirit being given. So as to establish “Beyond a reasonable doubt.” whether the initial evidence of the Holy Spirit infilling; is speaking in tongues.

[Luke 7:35]

WITNESS ONE: - THE DAY OF PENTECOST

We have already looked at Acts 2:1-4. This “set the bar”.
As at 9am on the Day of Pentecost all who received the Holy Spirit had spoken in tongues.

Act 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
Act 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
Act 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
Act 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.


WITNESS TWO: - FIRST OUTREACH

The next time anyone received the Holy Spirit was Acts 4:31.

Act 4:20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

Act 4:27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
Act 4:28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
Act 4:29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
Act 4:30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

This is the first time in the book of Acts that someone received the Holy Spirit WITHOUT speaking in tongues. The previous verse however does say “forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus”.

This verse is critical to those who oppose speaking in tongues. The reason being that the omission of “the MENTION” of tongues is enough to place tongues in the “optional extra” basket.

It is also noteworthy that those who use this reference to refuse speaking in tongues also use it to refuse Baptism and repentance. Ultimately it is up to the individual to rightly divide the word of truth..

Act 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.



Act 4:32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
Act 4:33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
Act 4:34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
Act 4:35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
Act 4:36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,


WITNESS THREE: - SIMON THE SORCERER.

Similar to Acts 4:27-36 these verses DO NOT mention speaking in tongues.

Act 8:9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: NOTE: HE WAS NO STRANGER TO THE SUPERNATURAL BECAUSE HE USED SORCERY.

Act 8:10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.
Act 8:11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. NOTE: HE WAS EXPERIENCED IN SORCERY.

Act 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
NOTE NO CHILDREN ONLY ADULTS WHO WERE CAPABLE OF REPENTENCE.

Act 8:13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
AT THIS POINT MANY CHURCH GROUPS WOULD TELL THEIR MEMBERS THAT THEY ALREADY HAVE THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Act 8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

Act 8:15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
Act 8:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
HERE IS THE BIG POINT; HOW DO THEY KNOW, AND HOW COULD WE, IN THE SAME SITUATION KNOW THAT THEY HAD NOT RECEIVED THE HOLY SPIRIT AS YET?

AGAIN MANY CHURCH GROUPS TELL THEIR MEMBERS AFTER THEY BELIEVE THAT THEY HAVE THE HOLY SPIRIT AFTER THEY CONFESS THEIR BELIEF IN JESUS. I BELIEVE PEOPLE WHO TEACH THIS FALL SHORT OF THE FULL GOSPEL.

Act 8:17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
NO MENTION OF TONGUES, HOWEVER LOOK AT THE NEXT VERSE…..

Act 8:18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
Act 8:19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

IF THEIR WAS NOT AN OUTWARD EVIDENCE OF THE INFILLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. WHY DID SIMON OFFER MONEY?

ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING THAT HE HAD JUST SEEN MANY SIGNS AND MIRACLES AND DID NOT OFFER MONEY WHEN HE SAW THOSE.
Act 8:20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
Act 8:21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
Act 8:22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
Act 8:23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
BAPTISTS TAKE NOTE: AFTER SIMON BELIEVED AND WAS BAPTISED HE WAS STILL “in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.” HOW COULD THIS BE?
THAT SOMEONE COULD BE BOUND BY THAT WHICH JESUS BORE ON THE CROSS (THE BOND OF INIQUITY) IF SALVATION CAME WITH INITIAL BELIEF AND BAPTISM?

Be honest with yourselves. Picture the setting, draw pictures if it helps. This story is perhaps one of the greatest proofs of the need for VERIFIABILITY of Holy Spirit Baptism.

Act 8:24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.
WITNESS FOUR: - THE ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH.

Act 8:26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.
Act 8:27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,
Act 8:28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Isaiah the prophet.
Act 8:29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
Act 8:30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Isaiah, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
Act 8:31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
Act 8:32 The place of the Scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
Act 8:33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.

Act 8:34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
Act 8:35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same Scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

NOTE: TO THIS POINT PHILIP HAD ONLY “PREACHED JESUS” THE NEXT STATEMENT HOWEVER SHOWS US WHAT “PREACHING JESUS RESULTS IN. “See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized”?

Act 8:36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
Act 8:37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Act 8:38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
Act 8:39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
Act 8:40 But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

Though speaking in tongues is NOT mentioned, has the negative proven that the Eunuch did not speak in tongues?
We are not told exactly what Philip said when he preached Jesus. He certainly mentioned baptism in water. It would be only conjecture whether he mentioned baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire.

[Luke 7:35]

WITNESS FIVE: - CONVERSION OF THE APOSTLE PAUL

Act 9:6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
Act 9:7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
Act 9:8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
Act 9:9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
Act 9:10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
Act 9:11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
Act 9:12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
Act 9:13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
Act 9:14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
Act 9:15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
Act 9:16 For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
Act 9:17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
Act 9:18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

Like the Eunuch story, Paul responded to the words spoken by Ananias by getting baptized. (whether in water of Spirit or both) we are not told at this time.) We do know however that Paul did speak in tongues.

How? Paul said in 1Co 14:18 “I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:”

Act 9:19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
Act 9:20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

WITNESS SIX: - THE COVERSION OF THE GENTILES.

Act 10:38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

Act 10:39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
Act 10:40 Him God raised up the third day, and showed him openly;

Act 10:41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
Act 10:42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
Act 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
Act 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
Act 10:45 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.
Act 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
Act 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
Act 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

Note: Paul here “commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord”

WITNESS SEVEN: - IMPORTANT TESTEMONY

Act 11:1 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.
Act 11:2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,
Act 11:3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.
Act 11:4 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,
Act 11:5 I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:
Act 11:6 Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
Act 11:7 And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.
Act 11:8 But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.
Act 11:9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
Act 11:10 And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.
Act 11:11 And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.
Act 11:12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:
Act 11:13 And he showed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;
Act 11:14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.
Act 11:15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.
Act 11:16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Act 11:17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?
Act 11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
Act 11:19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
Act 11:20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.
Act 11:21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
Act 11:22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
Act 11:23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
Act 11:24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
Act 11:25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
Act 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
Act 11:27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
Act 11:28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.
Act 11:29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judea:
Act 11:30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

WITNESS EIGHT: - THE COVERSION OF THE GENTILES 3

Act 15:7 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.
Act 15:8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
Act 15:9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
Act 15:10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

[Ninna]

This is better suited for Bible Chat...I am moving it....

[godsgirl]

Not a lot of time right now, but NO it isn't essential for salvation-just like baptism in water isn't--it is however, something we as Christians should seek and receive.

The disciples were saved first
The Samaratians were saved and baptised in water first
The Ephesians were saved first
The Gentiles were saved first.

While each Christian receives the indwelling Spirit at salvation-John 20-there is to put it simply, MORE!

[John146]

17And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. - Mark 16:17-18

If speaking in tongues is necessary for salvation then I guess casting out devils, taking up serpents without being hurt and laying hands on the sick is also necessary for salvation. How many here have done all those things?

No, speaking in tongues is not necessary for salvation and that is easily proven.

8For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
9To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
10To 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: 11But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. - 1 Cor 12:8-11

This passage alone shows that not all believers speak in tongues. Everyone has different gifts of the Spirit, of which speaking in tongues is just one.

28And 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.
29Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
30Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? 31But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. - 1 Cor 12:28-31

Paul asks "do all speak with tongues"? And the answer is no as is clearly implied in the rest of the passage which indicates that some receive that gift and some receive other gifts and some are apostles and some are prophets and so on. No everyone is an apostle and not everyone speaks in tongues.

[justsurfing]

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and ye shall be saved.

Period.

Nothing can be added nor can anything be taken away from Jesus Christ and saving faith in Jesus Christ.

We are justified by faith.

Period.

We are justified by faith and we are saved as we confess that which we believe in our hearts, "Jesus is Lord".

(And we don't need to "speak in tongues" to say with true faith in our hearts by the Spirit believing "Jesus is Lord")

If any is so proud of a spiritual gift of "speaking in tongues" that they would like to make that a requirement of salvation... by what spirit are they speaking?

Satan can counterfeit the true gifts of the Spirit.


I've read that people under the power of demons have been documented to "speak in tongues".

Anyone speaking by the Spirit of the Lord confessing "Jesus is Lord" with faith in their hearts believing is saved.

The Bible didn't say "anyone speaking in tongues shall be saved."

It's just that simple, imo.

The only thing that distorts the simple truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ is Satan coming against justification by faith alone and salvation by faith alone in Jesus Christ alone, imo.

We can add or take nothing away from Jesus Christ and what Jesus has done for us on the cross, in His death, burial, and resurrection the 3rd day.

He has provided a perfect salvation to all who believe in Jesus and His name in true saving faith by grace by the power of the Holy Spirit to those who believe.

Love in Christ,

justsurfing

[Luke 7:35]

God's Due ORDER of Operations

Introduction: In the OT Israel were to demonstrate to the nations around about them how to conduct themselves in righteousness and justice. In the NT the Church is the Showroom floor (so to speak) for presenting God's will for his people. We would expect that God would be very detailed in how the Church should run in the meeting together.
We know that God does everything for a reason. We also know that God does not tolerate deviation from his pattern. (If we deviate, he simply steps back and lets us play religion)
Many today have read Chapters 11-14 out of the (during the meeting) context, choosing to take statements, that were designed to promote conscientious use of the gifts (IN THE MEETINGS) and develop doctrines to say that one can have this gift and another can have that.

IMPORTANT: If I wrote a letter to a Church who were ALREADY supposed to be operating "decently and in order" a structured operation of spiritual gifts. And in this letter I was commanding them to correct disorderly behavior. It would be erroneous to miss-apply that letter to and OUT OF MEETING SETTING.

For example; To write to a church congregation where, at any given meeting ONLY 2 or 3 would operate the gifts of (Tongues, interpretation and Prophecy) and ask the question "do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?" the answer is obviously NO. Because some may never have operated these gifts IN THE MEETING.

To conclude however that this says that (not all will speak in tongues OUTSIDE the MEETING) from this verse; which is obviously NOT OUT OF THE MEETING is deceptive and out of context.

Jesus said that Tongues would be a "Sign" that would follow believers. Tongues were also a prayer language for the edifying of the believer. The 120 who received the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost ALL spoke in tongues. There were 3000+ added to the Church that day. I am sure They would have desired the same measure of what they "saw and heard" In the next few posts I am going to go verse by verse through chapters 11-14 one chapter at a time and explain what I believe is the CRITICAL ERROR being made by most on this site.

For those who think I am making too big a deal of this ponder this. Jesus warned us that in the last days apostasy would rob the majority of relationship with God. How does deception work? If we believe we are right with God we consolidate our position and sit still. As time goes on we defend our position because we see many people, friends and family who live godly lives. Jesus said many will say “Lord Lord; I have prophesied in your name” and yet still go to hell. (Not saying this is you, only emphasizing the age we live in) BE CAUTIOUS.

Rom 10:1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. Rom 10:2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. Rom 10:3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

On that note let's get started:

1Co 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
1Co 11:2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.

The beginning of Chapter 11 there is instruction to” keep the ordinances" or traditions. Same word as Colossians 2:8. I suggest we need to be very careful before following after "traditions" contrary to the "order" the next few chapters lay out for us.
Col 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. (What did we just read? "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ".)
Col 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
Col2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: (We are COMPLETE in him (all the gifts!)

Verses 3 to 16 cover physical appearance and general; area specific customs

1Co 11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
1Co 11:4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoreth his head.
1Co 11:5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoreth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.
1Co 11:6 For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.
1Co 11:7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.
1Co 11:8 For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.
1Co 11:9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.
1Co 11:10 For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.
1Co 11:11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.
1Co 11:12 For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.
1Co 11:13 Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?
1Co 11:14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?
1Co 11:15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
1Co 11:16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

Verses 17 through 34 Show us clearly the SETTING. The "ordinances are specific to the structure of how meetings are run. The first order of business is the "The Lord's Table" or the Communion service.

Coming Together

συνέρχομαι sunerchomai soon-er'-khom-ahee

From G4862 and G2064; to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or (specifically) cohabit (conjugally): - accompany, assemble (with), come (together), come (company, go) with, resort.

Obviously the following chapter is instruction of "traditions" or "ordinances" with respect to the Convening or assembling together.
(sunerchomai) appears 8 times in the epistles. 5 times in this chapter and twice in chapter 14 and 1 time in chapter 7. NOT in any other epistle.

1Co 11:17 Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that (ye come together) not for the better, but for the worse.
1Co 11:18 For first of all, (when ye come together) in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
1Co 11:19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
1Co 11:20 (When ye come together) therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper.
1Co 11:21 For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.
1Co 11:22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.
1Co 11:23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
1Co 11:24 And when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
1Co 11:25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
1Co 11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come.
1Co 11:27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
1Co 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
1Co 11:29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
1Co 11:30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
1Co 11:31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
1Co 11:32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
1Co 11:33 Wherefore, my brethren, (when ye come together) to eat, tarry one for another.
1Co 11:34 And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; (that ye come not together) unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.

Obviously this section is speaking of the assembling of ourselves together for communion. The question for me here is: For Paul to move from the proper Communion structure and motives to The manifestations of the spiritual gifts at this point suggests that the Corinth fellowship already followed the Corinthians 14:26 model. This is merely a re-focusing of what our proper motives are to be. (Not some new thing) We read in 1Co 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. ("ALL the CHURCHES of the SAINTS")

[RogerW]

17And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. - Mark 16:17-18

If speaking in tongues is necessary for salvation then I guess casting out devils, taking up serpents without being hurt and laying hands on the sick is also necessary for salvation. How many here have done all those things?

No, speaking in tongues is not necessary for salvation and that is easily proven.

8For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
9To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
10To 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: 11But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. - 1 Cor 12:8-11

This passage alone shows that not all believers speak in tongues. Everyone has different gifts of the Spirit, of which speaking in tongues is just one.

28And 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.
29Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
30Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? 31But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. - 1 Cor 12:28-31

Paul asks "do all speak with tongues"? And the answer is no as is clearly implied in the rest of the passage which indicates that some receive that gift and some receive other gifts and some are apostles and some are prophets and so on. No everyone is an apostle and not everyone speaks in tongues.

I totally agree John. One more passage to consider in 1Co 13 tells us tongues cease. Why would we look for something that ceased with the last of the Apostles, and the completion of the Bible?

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

RW

[Luke 7:35]

1Co 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
1Co 12:2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.

Note: Paul draw attention to "dumb idols" as opposed to God who Proves himself. 1Co 2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 1Co 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. (Demonstration of the Spirit) the antithesis of Dumb Idols. Also note: Dumb meaning silent, not speaking.
Also Note: The word "gifts" is not in the original Greek. What is being said is Concerning Spiritual manifestations (in the Meeting)

1Co 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. (You cannot call Jesus Lord without the Holy Spirit)

Is this ability for a select few or all? The former would lead to resentment perhaps and maybe even a spiritual hierarchy.
I have noticed that in many Pentecostal groups who practice the "grading of gifts i.e. Tongues is the least and prophecy the greatest. have a large amount of "non-participant members. While the more extraverted make all the noise. Unequally yoked. This may not seem a big deal to many however the purpose of fellowship is to present the gospel to unbelievers, exhort and edify. Many in these groups are placed in the position of "spectators" to the show. The Corinthians 14 model is INCLUSIVE as opposed to EXCLUSIVE. Allowing the weaker to edify the strong and vice vercer.

1Co 12:4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

We who have received the Holy Spirit are partakers of ONE Spirit. We are born again, our lives are not our own. Jesus lives through us. The concept of each person receiving more or less DEPENDANT on their FAITH is more about SELF GLORY than that of GOD. Anonymity in receipt of the gifts of God, and our use of them bring with them greater rewards in the world to come. That is consistent with Jesus' nature

1Co 12:5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
1Co 12:6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. Note: ALL in ALL!

This can be read a couple of ways.

(1) "ALL in ALL" meaning: ALL (each and every one of the gifts) in ALL (Each and every Christian)
(2) "ALL in ALL" meaning: ALL (each gift that is operated) in ALL (Each Christian through whom the gift is operated.)

Eph 1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
Eph 1:23 Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.

This verse in Ephesians supports interpretation (1) but flys in the face of (2)


1Co 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

Key verse: Opens with "But the manifestation" ("But" included to contrast previous verse) The Christian is "filled" with all the capabilities available.(verse 6) BUT the manifestation ( DURING the OPERATION) of the spiritual gifts is not displayed by all, but is for EVERYONES good. (verse 7)


1Co 12:8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

1Co 12:9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

1Co 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:

1Co 12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

Key verses: 9 gifts mentioned, The context is "the manifestation of the Spirit" [IN THE (sunerchomai Gk) or MEETING.]

Let me say that again: The context is "the manifestation of the Spirit" [IN THE (sunerchomai Gk) or MEETING.]

To apply these 9 gifts in the greater "Body of Christ" is stepping away from the grammatical order. To say that these 9 listed gifts represent the entirety of the grace of God is also untrue. There are many more gifts that come with the infilling of the Holy Spirit. God is NOT a RESPECTOR of persons. (the separate gifs doctrine is opposite to this statement from God. We are "thoroughly furnished" so as to not "come behind or LACK any gift".

Further and most importantly; to say that one has the "gift of FAITH" and another has "The gift of Miracles" and so on, has created a position of spiritual ladder climbing which is the opposite of the intended purpose of this chapter.
Besides that without FAITH it is impossible to please God. So we all MUST have that Gift.

Miracles are performed by GOD not our special abilities. Further if someone is healed of blindness it is the patient who has the GIFT of healing not the person praying for another.



1Co 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
1Co 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.
1Co 12:14 For the body is not one member, but many.

Unity of the Body is emphasized. The Context is specifically (dysfunction in the "meeting or assembling together")

Verse 12-14 is however true in application to the greater Boy of Christ. But the application in this chapter is IN THE CHURCH.


1Co 12:15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
1Co 12:16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
1Co 12:17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?

1Co 12:18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

IMPORTANT: I am an eyewitness to the operation of this pattern or structure running very successfully over the last 17 years. Some of the gifts are only manifested in the meeting. "Divers kinds of tongues, interpretation and prophecy. Of course If someone never interprets it does not mean that they don’t have the Holy Spirit. The difference with tongues is that tongues had several purposes not the least of which is a confirmatory sign. Note tongues in the meeting is “Divers kinds of tongues”. We don’t all manifest these gifts in the meeting but according to the “measure of faith” we will manifest them. The gift is already present within us it is unlocked by OUR FAITH!

Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
Rom 12:4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
Rom 12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
Rom 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
Rom 12:7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
Rom 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.
Rom 12:9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Rom 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another;

My kids have video gamed that have special features that can only be unlocked by reaching higher LEVELS. (the special features were always there) The gifts are the same they are there they only need to be unlocked by our faith.
Tongues are the least or easiest “special Feature” because we all received that feature upon belief as seal of the Holy Spirit.


I am not fanatical or extreme in my approach I am simply reading these chapters as relating to a "real life group of people in Corinth"

[Luke 7:35]

My kids have video gamed that have special features that can only be unlocked by reaching higher LEVELS. (the special features were always there) The gifts are the same they are there they only need to be unlocked by our faith.
Tongues are the least or easiest “special Feature” because we all received that feature upon belief as seal of the Holy Spirit.

1Co 12:19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
1Co 12:20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
1Co 12:21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
1Co 12:22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
1Co 12:23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
1Co 12:24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked:
1Co 12:25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
1Co 12:26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it.
1Co 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

When read in context all the members encourage one another and there is NO SCHISM. It is a wonderful experience to see God work amongst his people. Jesus said "I have many things to say to you but you cannot bear them yet" Interpretation and Prophecy have saved marriages, prevented backsliding, saved lives, converted believers and unlocked mysteries before my eyes.

1Co 12:28 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.
1Co 12:29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
1Co 12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
1Co 12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.

Yes Not all have all gifts "in the Church" But this cannot be a foundation of the belief that All only get 1 gift or that we are not fully equipped with the potential for all. Of the 9 gifts; tongues was given other functions. Sign following believer, prayer, edification of our inner man. It surprises me to hear men of God fighting so hard against it; for the sake of winning the argument driven by ego and pride.

False religion is rampant, if ever a people needed confirmatory evidence of entry into God's plan and the infilling of the Holy Spirit, it is today. Our motivation needs to be careful, studious, loving leadership in the church.

[justsurfing]

Is the focus on Jesus Christ and the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ?

Is the focus on the cross?

If the focus is on anything else - including any gift of the Spirit - we are told to focus our faith on Jesus Christ.

Look to Jesus Christ! The Author and Finisher of our faith!

Tongues doesn't save anyone.

Jesus Christ does.

It's the preaching of Jesus Christ and the cross that brings saving faith.

The Holy Spirit doesn't draw attention to Himself or to gifts of the Spirit.

The Holy Spirit draws to Jesus Christ.

The Holy Spirit points to Jesus Christ.

Love in Christ,

justsurfing

[Luke 7:35]

Often non-believing religious people explain away the signs following gospel by saying that "if you don't pick up snakes with your hands then you are not Christian" wrongly citing Mark 16. Let's examine that scripture...

The 5 Signs that follow Believers

Mar 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mar 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Mar 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;Mar 16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.Mar 16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

Looking in the word of God, especially New testament lets see the signs following doctrine in action.

1) casting out devils
Act 16:17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation.
Act 16:18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
Act 19:13 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.
1Jo 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

We all agree casting out devils was present in the early church. Jesus was saying that believers would have the God given ability to cast out demons.

We read in John "where light is darkness cannot dwell. When we are filled with the Holy Ghost all darkness leaves and we are fully clean.

2) Speaking in new tongues

The speaking in tongues of Acts 2:8 and 1 Corinthians 14:2. It appears that those present in Jerusalem at Pentecost made the observation, "And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?" There is no suggestion here that this was anything other than a sign to those from other countries prompting them to ask, "What meaneth this?"

It was Peter who described what was happening as he preached to them about the promised outpouring of the Spirit. He spoke in a language common to all (probably Aramaic) as the observers asked for an explanation.
In 1 Corinthians 14:2 we have the answer to this dilemma, "For he that speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not unto men, but unto God: for no man understands (comprehends) Him; howbeit in the Spirit he speaks mysteries." When the church comes together and the gift of speaking in tongues is operated, God gives another Spirit-filled person the gift of interpretation, to speak out and thereby edify all.
Unbelievers do not understand just how speaking in tongues can happen. How can they? There is much advice from Paul in Romans chapter eight about the inability of the carnal (without the Spirit) mind to comprehend spiritual truths. Rather than look for loopholes and make excuses for rejecting speaking in tongues we should emulate Paul who wrote: "I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all."

SPEAKING IN TONGUES IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
The Israel nation constantly defied the Lord and fraternised with pagan nations. Isaiah 28:11,12 describes some of the problems that resulted from this disobedience. Israel was invaded time and time again and over-run by foreign enemies. The strange tongues of the invaders heard among them reminded them of their misdeeds. It was a contrasting preview of the "rest" (from their enemies) and the "refreshing" (from the Lord) which was yet to come.

The writer to the Hebrews reminds Spirit-filled people of God's "rest", of the necessity for entering into this rest, and of Israel's failure to appreciate the promise (Hebrews 4). Peter referred to conversion at Pentecost as " ... the times of refreshing ... from the presence of the Lord" (Acts 3:19).

Paul reminds the Spirit filled that, as in the Old Testament, " ... tongues are for a sign ..." (indication, miracle, token, wonder) and explains that this manifestation of the Holy Spirit evident in believers would be a sign " ... to them that believe not ... " (1 Corinthians 14:22.) In the preceding verse he quotes our original scripture from Isaiah 28. Speaking in tongues is to remind us that Israel was subjugated by her enemies because of unbelief and that likewise those who will not hear (comprehend because of personal experience) will fail to enter their rest (Sabbath) unless they receive the Holy Spirit as directed.

Speaking in tongues is not an incidental, unnecessary additive, but is a profound, wonderful, God-given, prophesied experience resulting from obedience to God's Word.
Speaking in tongues is not only a gift of the Holy Spirit, it is the identification of the indwelling Holy Spirit in believers and is to be seen and heard. (Acts 2:33). speaking in tongues is also used as a manifestation in the Church for the purpose of indicating the presence of the Holy Spirit.
"But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every (Spirit filled) man to profit withal." (1 Corinthians 12:7.) and which manifestation includes the gifts as listed in the next verses. But not according to the critics!

NOT DUMB IDOLS !
Paul wrote to the Spirit-filled (all speaking in tongues) Church and made a point of reminding them that before they moved into this Pentecostal scene they were worshipping dumb idols. (I Corinthians 12:2.)
The Greek word for dumb is 'aphonos', meaning 'mute' or 'voiceless'. The same word is used to describe our Lord when he willingly died so that salvation (the Holy Spirit) could come. " ... He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth" (Acts 8:32).

Speaking in tongues in the Church is a manifestation of the Spirit. It is God speaking through His chosen vessels. Many mystics like to sit around and meditate, assuming that God will speak to them in some way as they endeavour to make their minds a blank. To communicate with God the Bible says to "... bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). In the Old Testament God promised that He would communicate with us. Since the Holy Spirit was given on the day of Pentecost nearly 2000 years ago, He communicates with us through the Holy Spirit manifestations.

In the episode at the well in Samaria Jesus said to the Samaritan woman, "Ye worship ye know not what: (but) we know what we worship ... But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in (by the) spirit and in (according to) truth: for the Father seeketh such, to worship Him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in (by the) Spirit and in (according to) truth.'' (John 4:22-24.) The Word of God is truth. To worship the Lord in Spirit and in Truth is to worship Him as Paul directs in Corinthians where he describes the operation of the Holy Spirit.

Critics endeavour to use the advice Paul gave to the Spirit-filled Church about the importance of speaking in tongues and its orderly use, to eliminate speaking in tongues from their considerations. By doing this they revert to the worship of dumb idols.


We clearly can see that Speaking in Tongues was the Christian norm in the early Church. Jesus was saying in Mark 16 that believers would speak in tongues.


This next Sign is interesting. The reason is, because I don't believe that God would ask us to "temp the Lord our God" by picking up poisonous snakes.
DO YOU?
Lets look into those verses, And please do so with eyes and ears open.

3) They shall take up serpents

Only one Biblical case of a serpent or viper confronting one of the Apostles in the NT Act_28:3-7
Act 28:3 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.

Certainly there were no acts of "Taking up" serpents evident from this verse. That is Paul did NOT PICK IT UP!

Some translations translate Mark 16:18 {they will pick up snakes in their hands} ISV

This flies in the face of verses like:

Mat 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Mat 4:7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

Perhaps a better application can be found by exploring the Acts of the Apostles through whom these signs would be evident.

Luk 10:17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.
Luk 10:18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
Luk 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Jesus called the religious leaders of his day "Serpents and Vipers"

Psa 140:3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah.
Psa 140:4 Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.

OBVIOUSLY THE TERM SERPENTS MEANS PEOPLE (violent man) WHO ARE DECIEVED WHO TRY TO ROB YOU OF YOUR SALVATION.



Firstly breaking the term up in the Greek can be helpfull.
A) The Act {taking up}
αἴρω
airo¯
ah'ee-ro
A primary verb; to lift; by implication to take up or away; figuratively to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind); specifically to sail away (that is, weigh anchor); by Hebraism (compare [H5375]) to expiate sin: - away with, bear (up), carry, lift up, loose, make to doubt, put away, remove, take (away, up).

Joh_10:24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt?( αἴρω airo ) If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.

So "taking up" in this instance was the same as "make to Doubt"

This "sign" was certainly evident in the early Church Christians. COLLECTIVELY ALL OF THEM!

But if you want to bury your head in the sand and say " well if you don't go around picking up cobras or what ever than you don't have a case for tongues either." I can't change your mind! BUT GIVEN ALL THE EVIDENCE ON THE DAY OF PENTECOST ONWARDS THE BURDEN OF PROOF IS ON YOU TO PROVE YOU DO NOT NEED TO!

Mat 21:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed,( αἴρω airo ) and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
So "taking up" in this instance was the same as "Be thou removed"

This "sign" was also certainly evident in the early Church Christians. COLLECTIVELY ALL OF THEM!
Here are a few more no mentioning of (Picking up with hands) there either.

Luk 17:12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:
Luk 17:13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.

Act 4:24 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:

Act 21:36 For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him.
Act 22:22 And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.


Now let's look at the object! & see if Jesus mean't REAL SNAKES!B)

The object { Serpents}

Mat 23:33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?

Luk 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

1Co 10:9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.

Rev 9:19 For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt.

Gen 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

Psa 58:4 Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear;

Psa 140:3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah.

Conclusion: Serpents represent opposition to God. Jesus was saying that believers would expose spiritual wickedness and put them away. Using the word of God of course!

4) Drinking any Deadly thing:

This next one is also interesting. The reason again is that I don't believe that God would ask us to "temp the Lord our God" by "Drinking any Deadly thing".

DO YOU?

G4095
πίνω, πίω, πόω
pino¯ pio¯ poo¯
pee'-no, pee'-o, po'-o



The first is a prolonged form of the second, which (together with the third form) occurs only as an alternate in certain tenses; to imbibe (literally or figuratively): - drink.
To imbibe; absorb; Take in & Keep Mentally;(The deadly poison of the World!)

Jam 3:5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
Jam 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity; so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
Jam 3:7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
Jam 3:8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

Rom 3:12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Rom 3:13 Their throat is an open sepulcher; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
Rom 3:14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:


Psa 58:3 The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.
Psa 58:4 Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear;

Psa 140:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;
Psa 140:2 Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war.
Psa 140:3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah.

Conclusion: Believers would be able to withstand false teaching and false doctrine as long as they are looking to Jesus. They will be able to take in and keep mentally the deadly poison of the world.

5) They shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover:

Act 5:15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.
Act 5:16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

Act 5:17 Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, Note: the serpents were opposed to the healing.


Jam 5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

Jam 5:15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

Jam 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Please somebody tell me; am I crazy or does the Bible contain mysteries that the Holy Spirit offers to solve!

Pro 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter.

Conclusion: The 5 Signs that follow Believers

Mar 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mar 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Mar 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe;

1) In my name shall they cast out devils;
2) They shall speak with new tongues;

Mar 16:18

3) They shall take up serpents;(expose spiritual wickedness, and put it away)
4) and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; (be protected from the firery darts of the enemy as well as false doctrine)
5) They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Mar 16:19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

Mar 16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen