upgraded on August 9, 2008
God’s Love is partially displayed in the panorama of gifts that He gives to His children. God's only Son was His greatest gift. Jesus is the good and perfect, heavenly gift.
James 1:17 (NIV) Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Jesus declared that He is the bread of life.
John 6:35 (NIV) Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.
Jesus was born in Bethlehem. In the Hebrew language, "bet" means "house of" and "lehem" means bread. "Bethlehem" literally means "house of bread". Jesus is the heavenly gift of bread that must be tasted and eaten.
Hebrews 6:4-5 (NIV) It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age,
Jesus is the Word of God that must be tasted, referred to in Hebrews 6:4-5 printed above, because of John 1:1.
John 1:1 (NIV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
God's only Son, grace, eternal life, Righteousness, and the blessed Spirit of God are all specifically stated as some of God's gifts.
Ephesians 2:8 (NIV) For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--
Ephesians 3:7 (NIV) I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power.
1 Peter 3:7 (NIV) Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
Revelation 22:17 (NIV) The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.
Romans 6:23 (NIV) For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 5:15-17 (NIV) But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! Again, the gift of God is not like the result of the one man's sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.
Acts 1:4 (NIV) On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.
Acts 2:38 (NIV) Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 10:45 (NIV) The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.
Acts 11:17 (NIV) So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?"
2 Corinthians 9:15 (NIV) Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
God loves the members of the Body of Christ beyond human comprehension, and has given the members gifts from the Spirit of God for the edification of the church. These are the gifts from the Spirit of God (those things given by the Spirit of God), and are distinctly different from the gift of the Spirit of God (the Spirit of God Himself).
1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
Romans 12:6 (NIV) We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.
1 Corinthians 7:7 (NIV) I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.
Hebrews 2:4 (NIV) God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.
Romans 1:11 (NIV) I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong--
1 Corinthians 1:7 (NIV) Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.
1 Corinthians 13:2 (NIV) If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
One of the gifts spoken of in God's Holy Word is the gift of tongues. There are three different kinds of speaking in tongues referenced in the Holy Word of God. The first kind is referenced in Acts 2:1-11, when on the day of Pentecost, the Spirit of God was given, evidenced in part by the speaking in tongues. The miracle of Pentecost is that every man heard in his own language. This was a miracle where every man completely understood the speaker. To interpret that the statement: "these men are full of new wine" was precipitated by the speaking of an unknown tongue is simply an erroneous interpretation. It is more credible to believe that the comment was precipitated by the complete and indescribable joy, euphoria, and wild uproar of the believers being filled by the Spirit of God.
Acts 2:1-11 (NIV) When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. 5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs--we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!"
The second kind of speaking in tongues is referenced by Paul in 1 Corinthians chapter 12. Paul is discussing the various gifts of the Spirit of God, including the gift of tongues, and the gift of interpretation. These are gifts to be used publicly for the edification of the members of the Body of Christ, and to prove to unbelievers that God is present. Paul states clearly that every Spirit of God filled believer does not individually have all of these gifts.
1 Corinthians 12:4-30 (NIV) There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. 7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. 12 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15 If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?
The third kind of tongues referenced in the Holy Word of God is spoken of by Paul in 1 Corinthians chapter 14. This is an unknown tongue whereby the believer speaks to God for the believers own personal edification. This tongue is not understood by anyone else, and is a "prayer language" between the believer and God. This unknown tongue is clearly for private use. The two previous kinds of tongues referenced are clearly not given to every believer. This "prayer language" could possibly be available for every believer if they pursue it. It is not the Scriptural evidence of the infilling of the Spirit of God. I speak what I know. I do not at this time have this particular gift; I am filled with the Spirit of God because I live a Holy life, which I and you know is impossible without the complete infilling of the Spirit of God (1 John 2:3,4).
1 Corinthians 14 (NIV) Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. 2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. 3 But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified. 6 Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? 7 Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? 8 Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? 9 So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. 10 Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. 11 If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me. 12 So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church. 13 For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15 So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind. 16 If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say "Amen" to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? 17 You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified. 18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue. 20 Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults. 21 In the Law it is written: "Through men of strange tongues and through the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me," says the Lord. 22 Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.
Tongues are a sign for unbelievers only if
there is an interpreter present. The reason is that the unbeliever does not know God, and
does not believe in His power. If God speaks through a believer in an unknown tongue, and
the interpretation is given in proper order by another believer, the unbeliever is forced to
accept that the power of God is present and working through men. Prophecy however, is for
believers, because the believers already know that the power of God is present and
working, and they are expecting a word from God. They do not need to be convinced through
tongues and interpretations that God exists, and works through men. If there is not an
interpreter present when the unknown tongue is spoken, the unbeliever will be unconvinced
and say that "you are out of your mind," as per verse 23.
23 So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who do not understand or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? 24 But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, 25 and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!" 26 What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, two--or at the most three--should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. 28 If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God. 29 Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. 30 And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. 31 For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. 32 The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. 33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. As in all the congregations of the saints, 34 women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. 35 If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church. 36 Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? 37 If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord's command. 38 If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored. 39 Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
This "prayer language" is again referenced in Romans 8:26:
Romans 8:26 (NIV) In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.
It is significant to note that Peter and John, after the day of Pentecost were filled with the Spirit of God, and spoke the Word of God boldly, with no mention of an unknown tongue:
Acts 4:29-31 (NIV) Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
There are places in Scripture where the Spirit of God is referencing all three kinds of speaking in tongues:
Mark 16:17-18 (NIV) And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."
There are places in Scripture where it is not clear what kind of unknown tongue was being spoken. It is possible that there was an interpreter present, however, it seems more likely that the Body of Christ in its infancy had not yet been brought to the order referenced in 1 Corinthians 14. The Book of Corinthians was written after the book of Acts. At the time of the writing of the Book of Acts, the Spirit of God had not been able to give the light, understanding and directions that He was able to give through Paul in 1 Corinthians chapters 12 and 14.
Acts 10:44-47 (NIV) While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, 47 "Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have."
Acts 19:1-7 (NIV) While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" They answered, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." 3 So Paul asked, "Then what baptism did you receive?" "John's baptism," they replied. 4 Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." 5 On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all.
We have three options for the sources of all "unknown tongues." The first option is God. The Scripture is clear that there is "unknown tongues." The second option is the devil. With the exception of a Holy Life, the devil is able to counterfeit every evidence of the Spirit of God. The third option is emotion. In this case, a person allows himself to be carried to an emotionally supercharged state. Because of man's original purpose of being created to worship God, with the desire for worship involved, the emotions can be impacted to a greater extent than at any other time. Many Pentecostal churches today whip their people up into an emotional frenzy whereby the people can be confused between emotion and the Spirit of God. Adolph Hitler was most effective in using the method of whipping the people into an emotional frenzy through endless repetition of the same phrases of hate. The far eastern religions of Buddhism, Taoism, and Transcendental Meditation also use vain repetition, chanting and meditation in order to vacate the mind, and release the emotions. In the case of the Pentecostal churches, this is a harmless release of emotions with this qualification:
1 John 2:3-4 (NIV) We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. 4 The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
If a person is walking in all the light that they have, and is speaking in tongues through pure emotion as they seek a closer walk with Jesus Christ, the Spirit of God will protect them.
1 John 1:6-7 (NIV) If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
If however, they back away from God, and backslide, they lose the protection of the Spirit of God, and are subject to the infilling of an evil spirit, whereby they continue the emotional release of talking in tongues, but the communion and praise is with and to a demon.
Luke 11:24-26 (NIV) "When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.' When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first."
The tragedy at this point is that the person may be deceived into believing that everything is right with God because they are still speaking in tongues. It is the same tragedy for the person who genuinely has the gift of tongues, and backslides. Once God gives one of the gifts of the Spirit of God, He will not take it.
Romans 11:29 (NIV) for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable.
No person can rely on the gift that the Spirit of God has given them as proof of their salvation. Your faith must be built on the Giver of gifts, and not the gifts themselves. If a person has been given the ability to prophesy, evangelize, preach, teach, or minister in any of the gifts of the Spirit of God; he will be able to continue to function in that gift even though he falls into sin, and ends up in hell. This explains why some well known preachers are able to continue to preach while living a life of sin.
Matthew 7:22-23 (NIV) Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
Paul was certainly aware that he could continue to minister and then fall.
1 Corinthians 9:26-27 (NIV) Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
If you have relied on your continued ability to minister with the gifts of the Spirit of God, and have become deceived into thinking that God will accept sin in your life, know that HE WILL NOT. Though people are saved, and the church is edified through your ministry, if you do not repent, YOU WILL END UP IN HELL.
Proverbs 14:12 (NIV) There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
The Spirit of God gives gifts to an extent that we ask for, and develop:
1 Corinthians 14:1 (NIV) Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.
1 Corinthians 14:12 (NIV) So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.
2 Timothy 1:6 (NIV) For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
1 Timothy 4:14 (NIV) Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
In most Pentecostal churches today, the gift of tongues is being overemphasized to the detriment of the other gifts. Jesus Christ desires a complete body with wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophesy, discernment, tongues, and interpretations. If one particular gift is overemphasized, it is to the detriment of the development of the other gifts that are available. Since the gift of tongues is the least beneficial to the Body of Christ of all of the gifts, Satan has been successful in stunting growth in the Body of Christ through the gift of tongues emphasis. It has left most Pentecostal churches as unorganized, diseased, ignorant, illiterate, faithless, weak, crippled bodies, unable to function in the way God ordained, and defenseless against the attack of Satan. With the Body of Christ functioning in its proper way, the emotional manipulation of man will be replaced by the joy, euphoria, and ecstasy brought about by the Spirit of God imparting wisdom, imparting knowledge, increasing faith, healing people, performing miracles, prophesying, giving discernment, and speaking through tongues and interpretations.
1 Corinthians 14:39-40 (NIV) Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
Allan Svensson of Sweden has pointed out that when God poured out His Spirit on the Azusa Street Revival, the recipients of the Gift of Tongues institutionalized the gift into another denomination of Judeo-Christian Organized Religion now known as the United Pentecostal Church.
The people of Azusa Street did exactly what Peter in his ignorance and spiritual blindness wanted to do on the Mount of Transfiguration. They experienced a powerful manifestation of God’s presence, and immediately started to build a denominational structure.
Matthew 17:1-4 (NIV) After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters-- one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah."
Luke 9:28-36 (NIV) About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, "Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." (He did not know what he was saying.) While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. A voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him." When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves, and told no one at that time what they had seen.
There is a parallel between what occurred at the Azusa Street Revival, and what occurred on the Day of Pentecost referenced in Acts. On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was given to man.
Acts 2:1-21 (NIV) When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. 5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs--we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, "What does this mean?" 13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, "They have had too much wine." 14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: "Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 " 'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. 20 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. 21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'
God desired to bring the Body of Christ into the fullness of all of the gifts of the Spirit. As on the Day of Pentecost, at the Azusa Street Revival, the Holy Spirit began with the least valuable of all of the gifts, the gift of tongues. In any advancement, or new concept, you begin with the easiest to understand, the least difficult, the most elementary; and then you advance to the harder, more difficult, and that of greatest benefit. Man accepted the Gift of Tongues, took it and ran from the revival in order to institutionalize the gift of tongues into still another denomination, by gaining a distinctive marketing advantage over the rest of Judeo-Christian Organized Religion with the gift of tongues. They left everything else that God wanted to do with, for, and through them on Azusa Street, and essentially went their own way. The Body of Christ settled for a fraction of what God wanted to do.
Even that gift was rejected by most of Judeo-Christian Organized Religion. In the formative years of the Church of the Nazarene, it was actually named the Pentecostal Church of the Nazarene. There was a political war between the “tongues” people and those who were not charismatic. Those that were not charismatic won the political war, whereupon the word “Pentecostal” was dropped from their name, the people who had the gift of tongues were ostracized or told to “go down the street and find another place to worship”, and the gift of tongues was rejected from the Nazarene mores, folkways and their church manual. The Nazarene Church today continues to reject even the least valuable of all of the gifts of the Spirit of God. Consequently, it is very difficult for the Spirit of God to manifest any of the greater gifts of the Spirit of God in the Church of the Nazarene.
There is also a clear parallel between the Azusa Street Revival and the conversation that occurred between Peter and Jesus. When Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him, the original Greek text reflects that Jesus asked with the term for Agape Love on the first two occasions. Peter answered Jesus with the Greek term for Filial Love on all three occasions. On the third time, Jesus asked Peter using the term for Filial Love. Peter did not come up to the level of Agape Love, so Jesus communicated with Peter on Peter's level.
John 21:15-17 (NIV) When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love (agape) me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love (filial) you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love (agape) me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love (filial) you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love (filial) me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love (filial) me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love (filial) you." Jesus said, " Feed my sheep."
Peter failed to come up to the level of Agape Love referenced in John 21:15-17, and most people at the Azusa Street Revival failed to come up to the level that God wanted them to go to. Like in the occasion with Peter, God was forced by man’s hard-heartedness to work with man at a lower level.
God desires to bring all men to the level of living in Agape Love. God desires to bring the Body of Christ into the FULLNESS of the Spirit, living in the Holy Spirit and functioning in ALL of the Gifts of the Spirit.
Every person who is not filled with the Spirit of God needs to pray, fast, and seek the infilling of the Holy Spirit with all of their heart; until the Spirit of God fills them. When the Holy Spirit fills a person with Himself, the Holy Spirit will give that person at least one gift from the Holy Spirit in addition to the gift of the Holy Spirit. That gift is to be used for the edification of the Body of Christ. Develop your gift. The Body of Christ is suffering, and being destroyed because they are not being adequately ministered to, in the gift that God wants to give you.
Hosea 4:6a (NIV) my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.
Proverbs 29:18a (KJV) Where there is no vision, the people perish;
Proverbs 29:18a (NIV) Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint,
Like Peter, you cannot feed God’s lambs at the level that He wants them fed at, because you are not feeding at the level that God wants you to feed.
James 4:2-3 (NIV) You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. You have not, because you ask not.
Luke 11:9-13 (NIV) "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. 11 " Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
John 16:24 (NIV) Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
God's creation is infinitely perfect from the micro to the macro. Physics is the study of that perfection. The study of physics teach us that elements under identical conditions function exactly alike every single time into infinity. God has designated faith as the only instrument that can alter the perfect laws of physics.
Mark 11:22-25 (NIV) "Have faith in God," Jesus answered. 23 "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
James 5:14-18 (NIV) Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. 17 Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
The spiritual is always superior to the physical, as the spiritual Adam is superior to the physical Adam.
1 Corinthians 15:44b-49 (NIV) If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 45 So it is written: "The first man Adam became a living being" ; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. 46 The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. 47 The first man was of the dust of the earth, the second man from heaven. 48 As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the man from heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. 49 And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven.
To function in faith, is to function in the meta-physical or spiritual realm. You cannot function in the spiritual realm and the physical realm at the same time:
Matthew 6:24 (NIV) "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
It was Peter's lack of faith that made him sink:
Matthew 14:22-33 (NIV) Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. 25 During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. 27 But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." 28 "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." 29 "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" 32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
It was the disciples lack of faith that rendered them unable to cast out the demon.
Matthew 17:14-20 (NIV) When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. 15 "Lord, have mercy on my son," he said. "He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. 16 I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him." 17 "O unbelieving and perverse generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me." 18 Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" 20 He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
God is able to do more through man when man has less, because when man cannot depend on the physical, man must look to God.
Mark 6:30-44 (NIV) The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." 32 So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. 33 But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. 35 By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. "This is a remote place," they said, "and it's already very late. 36 Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat." 37 But he answered, "You give them something to eat." They said to him, "That would take eight months of a man's wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?" 38 "How many loaves do you have?" he asked. "Go and see." When they found out, they said, "Five--and two fish." 39 Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42 They all ate and were satisfied, 43 and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. 44 The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.
Mark 8:1-9 (NIV) During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, 2 "I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. 3 If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance." 4 His disciples answered, "But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?" 5 "How many loaves do you have?" Jesus asked. "Seven," they replied. 6 He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people, and they did so. 7 They had a few small fish as well; he gave thanks for them also and told the disciples to distribute them. 8 The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 9 About four thousand men were present.
Mark 8:14-21 (NIV) The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. 15 "Be careful," Jesus warned them. "Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod." 16 They discussed this with one another and said, "It is because we have no bread." 17 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: "Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don't you remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?" "Twelve," they replied. 20 "And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?" They answered, "Seven." 21 He said to them, "Do you still not understand?"
The less we have, or the weaker we are, the more dependent on God we are, and the more God is able to do through us. Hence fasting weakens us physically, in order to strengthen us spiritually. The heaviest lifting spiritually requires you to be physically weak, and spiritually crucified.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NIV) But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Hebrews 11:1-2 (NIV) Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for.
Food, sex, and sleep, the body desires all of these things. The struggle is where does need end, and self indulgence begin? A sinful wicked person is able to compromise one or even two lusts in order to satisfy the third lust. They may restrict food, sex, and sleep in order to accumulate the lust of the eyes, or the pride of life. Others will accept the loss of their pride and dignity in order to satisfy their lust of the flesh. It is the metaphorical balloon that you squeeze the air out of on one side, only to have it pop out on the other side. The air in the balloon will go somewhere. The challenge of the Spirit Filled Christian is to keep all three lusts in subjection to the will of God at all times. Thanks be to God that through faith in Jesus Christ, this is not only possible, it is required.
When you force the lust of the flesh into subjection through prayer and fasting, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life submissively follow into that same subjection.
1 Corinthians 9:26-27 (NIV) Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Abstain from sexual relations for a period and then come back together to keep the devil from tempting you.
1 Corinthians 7:3-5 (NIV) The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife's body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband's body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife. Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
As your focus on yourself diminishes, then you are more able to focus on God. When you cease worshipping yourself, then you are able to worship God. After the crucifixion of the crippled selfish will, you will still have the desire for food, sex, sleep; you will be tempted in the desire for material things and the desire for people to think well of you, but you will be able to resist all of those temptations, and place proper priorities on all of those things, keeping the True and Living God as your God. Prior to the crucifixion of your selfish will through faith in Jesus Christ, you were your own god through the pursuit and exercise of these lusts. When the True and Living God is your God, you will be able to live a Holy life. If you are living a Holy life, the True and Living God is your God.
1 John 2:3-4 (NIV) We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
If you are not living a sinless life, the True and Living God is not your God. You through the worship of your sinful lusts are your own god.
We have all seen people who believed something and were wrong - Muslims for one. Under what conditions will a person's faith not effect the physical world? Mark 11:22-25 printed above directs to "not doubt in your heart." Most people believe in their head. All human heads have error. You must believe and not doubt in your heart, and your heart must be pure, holy and righteous in order to truly have faith.
The examples of healing in the Word of God are given as physical proof that Jesus is the Son of God and can heal the spirit.
Matthew 9:1-7 (NIV) Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. 2 Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven." 3 At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, "This fellow is blaspheming!" 4 Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, "Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? 5 Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? 6 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins. . . ." Then he said to the paralytic, "Get up, take your mat and go home." 7 And the man got up and went home.
"Most" of the theology of Judeo-Christian Organized Religion today is based on the deception of Satan credited to John Calvin and labeled "Calvinism." (This word "most" is the same word used in Matthew 24:12.)
Matthew 24:12 (NIV) Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold,
One of the concepts of "Calvinism" is predestination. The devil would have us believe that your eternal destiny is set before time began. Because of the sovereignty of God, you cannot in anyway control where you will spend eternity. After life, you are brought before God's justice bar, and sent to eternal punishment for what you had no control of.
There is no place in the Word of God that speaks of a person coming to Jesus Christ, or His disciples, that was desiring physical healing that was not ultimately healed.
There is no place in the Word of God that speaks of a person coming to Jesus Christ, or His disciples, that was willing to pay the price for spiritual healing that was not ultimately healed.
In our guidebook for life, there is not one single example given for failure, either in the area of physical healing, or spiritual healing.
To take the position that God does not desire to heal everyone is to take the position that God does not desire to save everyone.
This is not a scriptural based position.
2 Peter 3:9 (NIV) The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Revelation 3:20 (NIV) Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
So why can't members of the Body of Christ go to the hospital, pray, and have everyone be healed?
For the same reason that members of the Body of Christ can't go to the hospital and pray, and have everyone be saved.
Some people do not want to be saved.
Some people do not believe that Jesus can save them.
Some people do not believe that Jesus desires to save them.
Some people do not know about Jesus.
Some people are not saved because of a lack of prayer and fasting.
As God sometimes uses human instruments to aid spiritual healing, so God sometimes uses human instruments to aid physical healing.
Some people do not adhere to the instructions of their physicians.
Some physicians do not know enough about what they are trying to do.
Some physicians do not care about their patients.
A large number of physicians are more concerned with their own personal lifestyles and finances than with the health of their patients.
So also is it in the spiritual realm. Most ministers are very much like most physicians in a lack of concern for the people they are serving.
The scripture is very consistent, and very clear.
John 14:12-14 (NIV) I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
If we are instructed to do what Jesus was doing, we must take His report on what He was doing:
Matthew 11:4-5 (NIV) Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.
We can take direction from Jesus' counsel to the twelve.
Matthew 10:7-8 (NIV) As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.
We can take direction from Jesus' counsel to all believers.
Mark 16:17-18 (NIV) And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."
The scripture states:
James 5:14-16 (NIV) Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
The scripture does not state:
James 5:14 (NIV) Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And pray that the Lord's will be done.
To those who want to add "And pray that the Lord's will be done" to James 5:14, the scripture does state:
Revelation 22:18-19 (NIV) I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. 19 And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
The last church age is referenced in Revelation 3:14-19:
Revelation 3:14-19 (NIV) "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. 19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.
In this last Laodicean church age, there is a clear difference in "Judeo-Christian Organized Religion" and "the church." The Body of Christ is the true believers in many denominations that make up "the church." There is a distinct difference in elders ordained by Judeo-Christian Organized Religion, and elders ordained by God. If it were not so, there would be no stinging rebuke from the Savior when He states that this last church age makes Him want to vomit. When you are attempting to comply with James 5:14-18, insure that you are calling elders ordained by God, and not elders ordained by Judeo-Christian Organized Religion.
It is certain that a person who is not sure whether it is God's will that you be saved is disadvantaged in praying for your salvation. It is also certain that a person who is not sure whether it is God's will that you be healed is disadvantaged in praying for your healing.
Matthew 13:58 (NIV) And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.
If there is no physical or spiritual healing, it is not because of the desire, or capabilities of the Great Physician. I challenge you to get a concordance, look up the word "healing" and allow your faith to be strengthened.
Romans 10:17 (NIV) Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.
Ruins of the Bethesda Porch where Jesus healed the invalid
