• “TONGUES” – A SCRIPTURAL CRITIQUE

    Posted on by Roger Luther Comment

    Preface

        Let me begin by saying that I am a firm believer in the reality that Christianity overflows with exciting experiences and many wonderful feelings at times.  Secondly, this thesis is in no way implying that God is limited in His actions.  Thirdly, I must declare with all honesty in God’s presence, that judgment for tongues must be the Word of God and not feelings, even though Christianity does contain experiences and certainly has feelings at times. 

        This, like every other Bible subject, demands us have an open mind and study by comparing scripture with scripture prior to forming a particular belief. We must never utilize phrases like “I think”, “I feel”, “I believe”, or even that of “I’ve been taught”. One cannot study Bible doctrine by going into scripture with pre-conceived ideas about a subject.  The proper way to study a Bible doctrine is to study each Scriptural reference in the context where it is found. Next bring all verses or passages together to see what they have in common. Then these findings will determine what a doctrine, or Bible based teaching, is all about and has to say.

        Even though I’ve inserted scripture for the reader’s convenience, I must encourage you to use your BIBLE in order to see the context of the scriptures being quoted. Remember, God’s Word has the final say about what we Christians believe, practice, and proclaim. “Blessed [are] they that keep his testimonies, [and that] seek him with the whole heart. (Psa. 119:2)” 

    Why the Need

        Our natural tendency is to avoid or argue about things we know so little about. Most Scriptural avoiding and arguing seems to be due to our own laziness, which in turn produces ignorance. God expects all of us, living in these later and confusing days to be a student of His Word and not take for granted what every religious Tom, Dick and Harry who comes along has thrown our way!  

        Joseph Smith (founder of Mormonism) taught his people to speak in tongues, “Arise upon your feet, speak or make sounds, continue to make sounds of some kind, and the Lord will make a language out of it.”…

    “Tongues Of Men And Angels”, Macmillian Pub. Co. p53.

        A famous preacher taught his people the following:  “As the willing comes to you, open your mouth and submit your tongues to God. Lift up your voice but do not attempt to speak in your own language. You cannot speak in two languages at the same time.  You may actually hear or see words.  Or you may feel something moving in your mouth.”

    “The Baptism Of The Holy Spirit” by Oral Roberts, p35.

        Did you know that many pagan cults spoke in tongues?

    Ency. Brit. 1968 ed. Vol. 22,p.78.

        During the middle ages, alchemists (people who experimented with chemicals & remedies) spoke in tongues and were feared as men of sorcery.

        Today, Mohammedans, Eskimos of Greenland, Tibetan Monks, and God only knows who, else speaks in tongues.  The scary thing is:  They all sound alike!  Is it possible they have the same source? I don’t think so! According to Scripture, only believers in the family of God have God’s Holy Spirit. “So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” (Rom.8:-9)  

    Let’s Begin

        As mentioned before, in order to Critique a subject one must first have, at his (or her) hands, access to all references about the subject at question.  It is literally impossible to gather this from the secular world but, we  can gather it from God’s Word.  Thus, my first objective is gathering all the Biblical information possible.  Secondly, God expects each one of us, who profess faith in Him, to rightly divide the word of truth.  Paul told the young preacher Timothy, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2Tim.2:15) 

        This study is merely a tool that can, if God so desires, be used to help accomplish this task. In addition,    these notes are brief, but Biblical.  The value of this study will only be measured by the student’s efforts.  May God use this for His glory!  In the words of a famous little fellow who used to be on T.V., “go for it Willy.”

    I.   Occurrences of Tongues in the Bible                          

     A.   used 20 times in the New Testament.  

        1.  one reference in the Gospels: “Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. 15. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved;  but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17. And these signs that follow them that believe;  In my name shall they cast out devils;  they shall speak with new TONGUES (γλῶσσα – glossa = language or dialect used by a particular people distinct from that of other nations – specifically one naturally unacquired) ; 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.”   (Mk. 16:14-18)

        2.  used five times in the book of Acts:

          (1) Acts 2:3 “And there appeared unto them cloven tongues (γλῶσσα – glossa, same as above ) like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.”                                                                                         

         (2) Acts 2:4 “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues   (γλῶσσα – glossa – same as above ) , as the Spirit gave them utterance.”                                        

         (3) Acts 2:11 “Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues (γλῶσσα – glossa – same as above)  the wonderful works of God.”                                                                                   

         (4) Acts 10:46  “For they heard them speak with tongues, (γλῶσσα – glossa – same as above) and magnify God. Then answered Peter,”  

         (5) Acts 19:6  “And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, (γλῶσσα – glossa – same as above)  and prophesied.”      

        3.  fourteen times in only one New Testament epistle

    ( 1 Cor.12:10)  “To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues (γλῶσσα – glossa – same as above) ; to another the interpretation of tongues:” (γλῶσσα – glossa – same as above)     …( 1cor.12:28-30)   “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.” (γλῶσσα – glossa – same as above)     …[Are] all apostles? [are] all prophets? [are] all teachers? [are] all workers of miracles?  Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? (γλῶσσα – glossa – same as above)  do all interpret?  …(13:1) “Though I speak with the tongues (γλῶσσα – glossa – same as above) of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.”   … (13:8)  “Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues(γλῶσσα –  (glossa – same as above), they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.”   …(14:5) “I would that ye all spake with tongues (γλῶσσα – glossa – same as above), but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues (γλῶσσα – glossa – same as above) , except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.”     … (14:6) “Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues (γλῶσσα – glossa – same as above) , what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?”  … ( 14:18) “I thank my God, I speak with tongues (γλῶσσα – glossa – same as above) more than ye all:”   … ( 14:21)  “In the law it is written, With men of other tongues  (ἑτερόγλωσσος – heteroglōssos – other tongued, that is, a foreigner: – man of other tongue) and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.”    …(14:22) “Wherefore tongues (γλῶσσα – glossa – same as 1st usage)   are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not  for them that believe not, but for them which believe.”     … (14:23 ) “If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues (γλῶσσα – glossa – same as 1st usage), and there come in those that are  unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?”      (14:39 ) “Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues (γλῶσσα – glossa – same as 1st usage).”                                        

    B.  There is no mention of tongues in the Revelation.

    C. The texts:

        1.    Mark 16:17 = “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues (glossa) ;”  In the context, these tongues were to be new to the speaker and would not be a learned language by the speaker. “New Tongues” was to be a sign to the new believers of the new faith presented to them in a way they could understand.  The text only mentions tongues but, it does not describe its use.  Without a doubt this promise was fulfilled in the book of Acts and as recorder in the epistles.  This text also seems to apply to a first generation convert under an apostle.

        2.  Please read the following in Acts 1:1-2:18

          a.  “1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 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: 3  To whom also he shewed 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: 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. 5  For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.   6 ¶ When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 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. 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 Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 9  And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10  And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 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. 12 ¶ Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey. 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. 14  These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. 15 ¶ And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) 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. 17  For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. 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. 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. 20  For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick letanother take. 21  Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 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. 23  And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. 24  And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, 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. 26  And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. 1 ¶ And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 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. 3  And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4  And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues (glossa), as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 ¶ And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 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 (dialektos). 7  And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8  And how hear we every man in our own tongue (glossa), wherein we were born? 9  Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10  Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11  Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues (glossa) the wonderful works of God. 12  And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? 13  Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. 14 ¶ But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: 15  For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. 16  But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 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: 18  And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:” _Now go back over the above passage and note very carefully the words “they” and “them” and to whom these words refer.  Also, note “other tongues” (not unknown) in 2:4.  Thirdly, in v.6 we encounter a new word – “language” (διάλεκτος – dialektos = the tongue or language peculiar to any people).  This was a distinct and understandable language as illustrated by different regions of languages represented in vs.9-11.  People were from all over.  Please also note: there are no interpreters mentioned.  Those hearing could fully understand everything.

          b.  The next section of scripture in Acts10: “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.46 For they heard them speak with tongues (γλῶσσα – glossa – same as 1st usage) , and magnify God. Then answered Peter,  47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48  And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.”  

        In Acts 10:45-48  Please also note the word “unknown” is not to be found anywhere.  Here the Holy Ghost fell on the Gentiles  (“That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” –  Gal.3:14 ) but, in Acts 2 the Holy Ghost fell on the Jews.   It is extremely note-worthy for us to remember that Jews were present in Acts 10 as well!

      c.  Let us now look at another: (Acts 19:1-6)  “1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2  He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3  And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. 4  Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5  When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6  And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues (glossa), and prophesied.”                                     

    _Once again the word “unknown” is missing again.  The question being asked is:  were they saved at this time?  Up until this time they were not saved. Note two more things: (1st.) no interpreter is mentioned and (2nd ) Jews were present.

      d. Now or largest of sections: (I Corinthians chapters 12,13,14) : “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. 2  Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. 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. 4  Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5  And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6  And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 7  But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8  For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9  To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10  To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues (glossa); to another the interpretation of tongues (glossa): 11  But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. 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. 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. 14  For the body is not one member, but many. 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? 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? 17  If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? 18  But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 19  And if they were all one member, where were the body? 20  But now are they many members, yet but one body. 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. 22  Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: 23  And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. 24  For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: 25  That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 26  And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. 27 ¶ Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 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 (glossa). 29  Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30  Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues (glossa)? do all interpret? 31  But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. 1 ¶ Though I speak with the tongues (glossa) of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3  And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 4 ¶ Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5  Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6  Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7  Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 8 ¶ Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues (glossa), they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9  For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10  But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11  When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12  For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 13  And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. 1 ¶ Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 2  For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. 3  But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 4  He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 5  I would that ye all spake with tongues (glossa), but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues (glossa), except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. 6 ¶ Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? 7  And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? 8  For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? 9  So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. 10  There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. 11  Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. 12  Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. 13  Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. 14  For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 ¶ What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. 16  Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? 17  For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. 18  I thank my God, I speak with tongues (glossa) more than ye all: 19  Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. 20  Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. 21 ¶ In the law it is written, With men of other tongues (glossa) and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. 22  Wherefore tongues (glossa) are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. 23  If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues (glossa), and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? 24  But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: 25  And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. 26 ¶ How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. 27  If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. 28  But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. 29  Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. 30  If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. 31  For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. 32  And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33  For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. 34 ¶ Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. 35  And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. 36 ¶ What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? 37  If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. 38  But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. 39  Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues (glossa). 40  Let all things be done decently and in order. 

        1.  Tongues were a gift to the Corinthian Church =  12:10.

        2.  Paul lays down very strict regulations for its use. 

        3. All did not have the gift  =  I Cor. 12:30.

        4.  Tongues was recognized as an inferior gift =  12:28; 14:5,19

        5.  It was to be used for the church edification = I Cor. 14:4,5,12

        6.  The word “unknown” is always found in italics in the K.J.V.  This means that it was not found in the original manuscripts but was added by the translators to help complete the thought of the statement.

        7.  Paul also told them that tongues were to be interpreted = 14:5-7,12,13

        8.  If no interpreter was present, the speaker, one, two or three at the most, was to keep quiet =  14:27,28

        9.  This text’s  view in its entirety teaches that women were not permitted to speak in tongues in the church at Corinth =  14:34

        10.   In spite of strict guidelines, the gift was not to be forbidden in the church = v.39

    II.  Why Tongues Was A Sign   (I Cor 14:22)

     A.  Tongues have an Old Testament basis.

       1. Please compare the following verses: 1Corinthians 14:21     “In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.”     Isaiah 28:11-12 “11. For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. 12. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing:  yet they would not hear.”                             

    _Thus we see two very important things never to forget: (1st ) Tongues were a sign of warning and prophecy of coming judgment upon Israel.  (2nd ) This Old testament prophecy gives the purpose for tongues in the New Testament.  It is noteworthy that Paul uses I Cor. 14:21 before he refers to Isa 28:9-10.  It would do us good to keep in mind the references to tongues in both the Old and New Testaments is not a sign of salvation, but rather one of coming judgment.  If this gift were improperly used weak, believers and the unsaved who might be present would see this gift as a sign of madness.  Note:  I Corinthians 14:23.

     B.  The New Testament Purpose of tongues is easily seen in Acts.

        1. In Acts 2, unbelieving Jews were present.

        2.  In Peter’s sermon, he is asserting that Israel is under judgment:

    (Acts 2:36) Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.    _The tongues of Acts 2 was a sign upon which Peter built his sermon and produced the cry of Acts 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?”  and the response of Acts 2:41 – “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”

    _Please compare this with I Cor. 14:12-22 – “ Even so ye forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.13. Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown TONGUE, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15. What is it then?  I will pray with  the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also:  I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. 16. Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? 17. For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. 18. I thank my God, I speak with TOGUES more than ye all: 19. Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown TONGUE. 20. Brethren, be not children in understanding:  howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. 21. In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. 22. Wherefore TONGUES are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.”

          3. In Acts 10, we discover that many came with Peter (Acts 10:45-46 – “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. 46. For they heard them speak with TONGUES, and magnify God…”  

    _The thought is again emphasized in Acts 11:15-17 – “And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.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. 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?”    Here it is important to note that tongues were a sign of the national blessing to Israel.

        4. Let’s us read  Acts 19:16 – “And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.” _From Acts 19:8-9 “And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. 9  But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.”) we learn that there were many unbelieving Jews in Ephesus.  This thus connected the work with the work in Jerusalem. Therefore, all three accounts in Acts happened according to Paul’s teaching in I Corinthians 14:22 – “Wherefore TONGUES are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.”

     C.  Corinthian Problems:

       1. Why were there problems in Corinth with tongues?  Paul had ministered there before this letter was written: (Acts 19:18 = “And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.”) but apparently they had forgotten the original purpose  of tongues.  (I Corinthians 14:20-22 = “Brethren, be not children in understanding:  howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. 21. In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. 22. Wherefore TONGUES are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.”)

    III. When Things Cease

    I Corinthians 13:8 = “Charity never faileth:  but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be TONGUES, they shall cease; whether there be knowlege, it shall vanish away.”

     A.  “Prophecy”

        1. Spiritual Gift = “prophecy” (to forth-tell).  This was an authoritative revelation given directly by God to the local church.  It consisted of both present and future things.  This information was communicated both verbally and in written form.

       2. English Word for its Cessation =  “fail”;  The Greek Verb =  “katargoo” which means sudden removal or abolish

     B.  “Tongues”

       1. Spiritual Gift =  “tongues” = glossa = a language;  This was a message from Heaven in a language other than the native tongue of the speaker. After I Corinthians, there is no other mention of tongues in the Bible.  Sixteen years after this letter, Titus completely destroyed Jerusalem (A.D. 70).  This seems to have fulfilled in its entirety the Old Testament prophecy and the New Testament usage of the genuine gift of Biblical tongues.  Since the New Testament is completed, there is no need for any “extra Biblical” revelation today.  Please note John’s warning from Christ against extra-Biblical revelations Rev. 22:18-19,  “ For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, I any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19. And if any man shall take away from the works of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his  part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.”

    _Phillip Schaff in his 8 volume set, History of the Christian Church, in volume #1, page #236 states : “We do not know how long glossolalia, as thus described by Paul, continued.  It passed away gradually with other extraordinary strict supernatural gifts of the apostolic age…We have but a few allusions to it at the close of the second century.  Irenaeus speaks of many brethren whom he heard in the church having the gift of prophecy and of speaking in diverse tongues… .  At the time of Chrysostom (4th. century), it had entirely disappeared;”    Thus, the gift of tongues seems to have disappeared early in the church history.

        2. English Word for its Cessation =  “cease” ;   TheGreek verb =  “povo” = This means  a gradual passing away

     C.  “Knowlege” = This is the ability to comprehend and to know the mind of God.

    This was not a learned gift, but it was rather a truth by the aid of the Holy Spirit.  Spiritual Gift = “knowlege”;  The English word for its Cessation =  “vanish away”

    Greek Verb : “katargoo” = This means a sudden removal or abolish

    IV.  Tongues Today ?

     A.  A desire to reproduce that gift today demonstrates a craving to return to the babyhood of the Church of Corinth

     B.  If real care is not taken, there is a possibility and the danger of yielding to occultish powers.   In chaprer 6 of  Ronald Baxter’s book he states, “A man who was born and reared on the border of Tibet tells of hearing Tibetian Monks speak in English while performing  their ritual dances.  They would quote from Shakespeare and use profanity like drunken sailors.  They would also speak in German or French or in languages unknown.”

     C.  If we fall into the trap of depending upon personal feelings and experiences to interpret the Bible, very shortly in our mind, they will reach the same level of dependency and authority as the scriptures themselves.  Always remember that God honors His Word first and foremost!

     D.  There is no doubt to the realness of tongues used in religious meetings today.  _The writer’s question is and should be the question of all of us:  are the tongues that we hear around us today the tongues of the New Testament as we find them set before us here in this study? This work has not been done to pick on any group or believer, but rather it was put together to stimulate our thinking about a subject we should not be ignorant of.

    Bibliography :

    Many good books are available on this subject both pro and con, but these two are very good if one is daring enough to read them: Charismatic Gift of Tongues by Ronald E. Baxter   Kregal Publishers. The Charismatics  by John McAuthur Jr.  Zondervon Publishers An article by John R. Rice  ——     http://www.dividedbytruth.org/FD/sitnnc.htm

    Dr.R.L.Luther

    02-26-22

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  • A Backyard UFO and, Front Yard UFO’s

    Posted on by Roger Luther 4 Comments

        Today, I am briefly pausing from what I normally write about (Scriptural matters) in order to expose you to what started three full years ago and continues to this day.

        This posting consists of two articles: one Backyard UFO; the second is Front Yard UFO.    Let me assure you that the matters and pictures in these two articles are the real McCoys. I haven’t time and desire to make up and write fiction. As a matter of fact, I firmly believe that many fellow Americans spend way too much time and money living and playing and pursuing fantasies rather than learning and applying eternal truths that cannot lie.

        Thus let us get started.  On Oct. 30 at two am I took our dog out back to fulfill his desire on the back privacy fence. To help prevent tripping, in my hand I had by little flashlight pointed toward the ground. Suddenly, I heard the wind blowing very strongly but I did not feel any wind. Finally, I noticed that the tall 40 foot pine tree on the North East side of the back yard was frantically whipping around. Toby did his thing and we headed southward across our patio toward the back door of our one story home. I looked up and, to my surprise, a craft hovered about 2 meters above the roof of our home. My mouth dropped open and stuck there as I was almost paralyzed from fright. The left side of the craft appeared to be in line with the top of the comb of our home. The red maple in the from yard was clearly visible between the craft’s bottom and the top of the house. I took Toby inside and carefully backed down two steps to the bottom. Then I cautiously backed up a few more steps to get by the roof’s overhang, in order to see. There it was no more than 20 feet from me. With no lights or sounds it just sit there as a dark solid object against the clear bluish skyline. After staring for about 15 or 20 seconds the craft must have seen me. It shot off eastward toward Lake Erie making a sucking sound much like a vacuum, as it went. As I stared at its tail end, with the exception of a small tail-like fin in the middle, the width of the craft appeared to be about the same as its length. In approximately three or four seconds it was completely out of sight.

      The next day, I looked at the roof again and using the many roof vents as reference points, I surmised that its length to be about 40 feet.

        Thus far, this has been the only triangular craft I’ve have seen. As far as I can remember all of the rest have been circular in shape.  

    On the below date I filled this report with MUFON headquarters in Texas.

    MUFON Report – 12-04-18

    case number –  96776

    Friends,

        Here are a few pictures I recently took. No photo shop was used.

    _The 1st shot is all three crafts together. 

    They were a good 1/8-1/4 mile out. I wanted a closer shot, but I was freezing! There are a number of difficulties involved in shooting these things: One is the need to find one either coming head on or one standing still. If they are tilted when travelling the glow from the bottom will appear like a great bright circle. Secondly, if they are moving sideways, the camera’s aperture setting needs constant adjusting to let in the proper light and the shutter speed to prevent blur. There are more difficulties, but the bottom line is this – they seem to be constantly moving which causes the bottom to be bright or brighter. Over the years I have wasted multiplied dozens of shots just to delete them. Note also that the top and second one has a burning haze to them. These colors are probably cause by generating heat. The real colors look to be a light grey. Their nuclear gravitational generator looks to be struggling or perhaps this is normal- thus a glow. I recently watched Bob Lazar lecture about the gravitational generator on board each craft. He and another physicist at area 51 were assigned to back engineer one of the generators.

    Bob said that it was completely impossible for this to be done on earth because the knowledge to do so has not yet been discovered. He said that the crafts used this device to reverse it and expose this force to earth’s gravitational pull. By reversing the fields of what was being generated in the craft against those of earth it would have the same effect as putting two magnets with like poles together. They would push each other away. Thus, this is their propulsion system. One last thing on this generator— This device had no wires connecting it to anything onboard the craft. It just stood on the floor. Bob was eventually terminated for being a whistle blower. For years the government tried to wipe out his complete identity. Thus far, the powers that exist have not succeeded.  Now, let us move on.

    _ The top shot is just that. 

    Once again, no photo shop is used. You can begin to see a green ring around the outside and a darker ring a short way around on the inside. On my camera this shadowy ring looks like a ring of windows around the craft. This is a bottom view enlarged from a long way out. If made smaller the ring would be more defined and obvious.

    _The middle UFO

    One adjustment before total distortion shows colored electrical wire-like fire jetting out from all over the bottom. These look to be enormous, exceedingly hot, and extremely frightening. The craft next to this one appeared to be having trouble with something. Not only did they get close together, but the fiery electrical waves became larger as they approached the ground. I’ve been around the block a few times and in all honesty, I can say that I have seen a lot of horrifying things (especially the 15 months in Vietnam) but I have never watched anything that brought a horror to me deep inside like the bottom of this UFO!

    _3rdly is the bottom one

    When this one got close to the ground something went wrong. He went to the ground behind the house of my neighbor across the street. As he and I approached, this driver tried to hide behind the house of his neighbor to the west- actually parking on or a few feet above the ground. When the driver saw my neighbor he somehow managed to slowly lift off. Once up, he boogied off. Again, we note the green outside corona and the shadowy grey inside circle.

    _Here is a craft with visitors that did not show until I snapped the shot.

         Needless to say, I got a tremendous amount more to learn about my camera and taking shots at these guys. I do wish I had better to show at this time, but I promise more in the future. I’ll take any shot they give me! Recently I missed two excellent picks: one on the ground hiding from my neighbor behind another neighbor’s house (the dumb driver forgot to turn his lights off!) and another being carried by the biggest helicopter I have ever seen. I’m ashamed to tell of other good shots that went down the tube because my camera was in the house.

        Here are a few things I would suggest remembering. These characters are on some kind of mission. They are not sightseeing. On clear nights they work in a grid-like fashion. Secondly, do not use or have flashlights on and please do not use any type of flash.  They will see you, turn off their lights, and appear like a star or else move away. Last but not least, if you go out a night with or without a dog, please take you camera along. You cannot recover a lost camera shot that was not taken. Absolutely last, be careful! Although they are on our turf, we cannot get on theirs. Their capabilities are, without question, absolutely unknown.

    God bless,

    Roger

    Please feel free to leave comments are questions here. Sometimes they get lost or out of sequence on Facebook. Thank you!


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  • The Book of Life, As It Effects Babies, The Mentally Challenged, And the Rest Of Us

    Posted on by Roger Luther Comment

    There is only one authoritative source for this small but profound doctrine. It is God’s Word. The text is II Sam.12:7-23. Instead of being with his army, for some unknown reason David was back in Jerusalem. From his vantage point, David gazed upon the beautiful young Bathsheba as she bathed. Eventually lust gave way to fulfillment.

    As the war progressed with David’s army even a greater one grew back home. When Bathsheba announced of her pregnancy to David he devised a scheme to rid himself of dealing with her husband and facing open shame as king. Little did he realize this only compounded matters between him and God. God sent the prophet Nathan to expose David’s sin and to pronounce God’s immediate future upon him because of it. Part of God’s plan was for the baby not to survive. [Stay with me now!] Soon after the child’s birth, the infant became seriously ill and David started fasting on the child’s behalf. On the seventh day the child finally died. The servants went in to tell David but were afraid of his possible reaction. After learning that the child had died David arose, cleaned himself, worshipped, and sat down to food. His actions confounded those around. Listen as David responded, “And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell [whether] GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?  But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me. (2Sam.12:22-23)”

    Rest assured that not only is death a one-way door but God has special provision for innocent children and others who are born with mental limitations that prevent them from understanding sin. Their destination is not some type of baby limbo but rather it is the same place as the rest of the redeemed. In many ways, the work of the Holy Spirit was vastly different in the Old Testament from that in the New Testament. Although time will not permit us to examine this in detail, please remember that one functions of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament is that of permanently sealing the redeemed. However, in the Old Testament we observe that the Holy Spirit came upon people to accomplish things (like delivering a message) and then departed. The only Old Testament exception to this is with David. David was completely aware of this and I believe that it is one reason we find it mentioned in David’s lament about this entire mess in Psalm 51. Note carefully verse eleven

    Even Moses, thousands of years ago, had a tremendous theological understanding of such a book. Listen to what he expresses to God after realizing Israel’s terrible sin. “…Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold.  32  Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.  33  And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.” (Ex.32:31-33)” From this we note several important things in regards to the book. This book is real and that resides in Heaven. God designed it, and to this very day, retains a perfect record within its covers!  Thus far, we have established that God removes the first time anyone sins, even once, his or her name.

    As we move to the New Testament, clues about this book add to its splendor! “And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow labourers, whose names are in the book of life (Phil.4:3).” Paul considered those who served with him as having their names in, what Moses referred to as “thy book”, Paul now calls “the book of life”.

    Without a doubt, another glorious fact about this most intriguing subject is recorded the last New Testament book. “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels (Rev.3:5).”

    Now we must add, to our little growing doctrine,  the eternal truth that God promises never to remove the name of anyone who overcomes. The prevailing question is – and how does one become an overcomer?   The answer – “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.  Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” (IJn.5:4-5)  The object that needs overcoming is our sinful condition and the way we come over to God’s side is by accepting The Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Savior. In Revelation 13:8,  we note, “And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” A time is rapidly approaching unlike any before. During this era, all, with the exception of those in this book, now referred to as belonging to the “Lamb,” will be forced by earthly powers to worship a satanically possessed false messiah. Since “all” on the earth will be required to worship him and those in the “book” will not, we must conclude that the latter will be far beyond all earthly searches. In Revelation 17:8, we note a reference to this “book” in events during this great tribulation period. “The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.” It is noteworthy that not only will this member of the satanic trinity be cast in “perdition” but also all those on the earth do not have their names recorded in “the book of life”.

    Although there is no general judgment described in Scripture, every soul, who has or will tread upon this earth, will at one point pass by the creator and face judgment! In the following passage, we read about the great white throne judgment. “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is [the book] of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. (Rev.20:11-14)” The text reveals a number of things but please follow along as I point out only a few. At this judgment only the unredeemed will be present, God’s record “books” will be present, “the book of life” will be there, all passing by will be judged out of the “books” not out of “the book of life”, and all present will have the same destination.  Without question, God keeps perfect records and pronounces perfect judgments!

    Revelation has two final references. “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life. (Rev. 21:27)” “And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book.(Rev. 22:19)” 

    Now let us tie all of this together. God has a book called “the book of life.” Scripture teaches us that at birth every soul has their name recorded by God in this book. At some point, a child’s indwelling sinful nature comes alive and causes that soul to rebel against God. When this rebellion occurs so does sin and with sin comes the erasing of that person’s name from God’s book. From that unknown point onward, that same soul needs God’s redemption in order to have his name placed back into God’s family register.

    Without any question, the Bible clearly teaches that prior to salvation, one must one must acknowledge their sins, repent of their sins, and trust the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ. On the other hand, children who die in a state of innocence have not sinned, therefore, they cannot, and need not, be redeemed. Once a sinning soul is redeemed, or bought back, God re-enters that soul’s name back into His book and assures the recipient that, not only will he never be removed again but also that He was granted eternal citizenship in His city with Him, His entire family, and all the celestial beings! Only those in God’s book have God’s gift!

       Compiled by Dr. R. L. Luther

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  • Discovering a Godly Surprise

    Posted on by Roger Luther Comment

    (Jn.7:46) “The officers answered, never man spake like this man.” Ever wonder what it would have been like to have literally heard the lips of Jesus read, quote, teach and preach? Just a word of two from Jesus could do wonders in the lives of those who heard and obeyed HIM. In our text we find that the pharisees and priests had sent officers to find and retrieve Jesus. These hypocritical spiritual leaders were possessed with putting an end to Jesus at the Passover in Jerusalem. We suddenly find the men encountering some big challenges. First, instead of arresting Jesus, they listened and their lives were attracted to His eternal teachings! Secondly, they returned to the priests and pharisees empty handed. Last but not least, these officers could not ignore that which they heard from Jesus. Even in our time, folks often desire to look at and expose themselves to reading the Bible without getting involved just to find themselves being drawn to and establishing a Bible based conviction about what they read! Dear friends, when was the last time you exposed yourselves to the Words of God – just searching for something; later returning, having the conviction I must have heard for God? Let me encourage you to never forget, “… Never man spake like this man”

    Roger


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  • What You Can’t Start the New Year Without

    Posted on by Roger Luther Comment

    “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, you and your household”.

        If you’re not saved, your first step in this new year must be giving your heart and life to the Lord          Jesus Christ. If I had a thousand lives to live, I’d give Him every one of them. I really would. I came to Jesus Christ as a teen. If I had understood it sooner, I would have come sooner. I don’t care how young you are or how old you are, if you are reading this, you can be saved. I don’t care how good you are or how bad you are, there’s no one so good they don’t need to be saved and no one so bad they can’t be saved.

        The Bible says, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.” That doesn’t mean mere intellectual belief or just accepting some facts about Him. It means trust. You can believe an airplane can fly; you don’t trust it until you get on it. Come to Jesus and I promise you, on the authority of the Word of God, He will save you instantly. He will be with you continually. He will keep your eternally.

        Commit your life to Jesus. Believe on Him. Trust Him and a transformation will take place. He will save you. He will satisfy you. He will secure you if you trust Him.

    by Adrian Rogers – Love Worth Finding


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  • Connected With God’s Grace

    Posted on by Roger Luther Comment

    “Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For [it is] a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. (Heb.13:9)”

    God’s writer for the above verse warns us that it is possible for our heart i.e. our intellect, emotions, and volition, to be carried from one strange and foreign doctrine to another. How can this be? I am a child of God! Every real child of God knows deep within that only God’s rich grace presented and permitted us to partake of His precious salvation! “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Eph.2:8-9)” To many, I am afraid, that God’s grace is only associated with salvation. Certainly, we must and should frequently praise our Lord for His benevolent act of personally meeting and bestowing His wonderful gift of redemption upon us but does grace end there! My dear friends this is only the beginning! IICor.1:22 proclaims that salvation is merely the down payment (“earnest”) for what is to follow. Perhaps it is time we all hang our heads and deeply examine where we stand spiritually. Maybe we can only remember the love and zeal we used to have.

     

    The “carried about” in Heb.13:9 introduces a scary thought. If we become passive, in our walk and talk with the Lord, we give permission to outside influences to rule us, in spite of our Biblical knowledge and the occasional interaction. In a world filled with multitudes of anti-God ways, we must assume the responsibility, with fear and trembling, of scanning our own lives. Never forget that God has daily grace for each of us – first, for salvation (Rom.10:13) if we are void of it, and ,secondly, He ever so desires to meet with ever child of His for daily strength that He might see and hear our daily praises for His movements and comfort.

     

    To the church of Ephesus and to our souls today God says through Paul,

    “To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

    Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: (Eph.1:6-9) 

    God ever so desires to connect His grace with us. Are we willing?

    R.L.

     

     

     

     

     

     


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  • Excerpt from “Tracking Kings” – Following the Kings of Israel and Judah

    Posted on by Roger Luther Comment

     

     

    Chapter 7 – “A Stone of a Lasting Standard” – David (reign -40 years – BC 1055–1015), pp 47-48

    …Shortly after David’s victory over the Amalekites, a desperate Amalekite came to Ziklag and was granted permission to approach David with news of Saul and Jonathan’s death. Believing that he was doing David a favor, he announced that he had assisted King Saul in ending his life on the battlefield. Even though the stranger had handed David Saul’s crown and bracelet, the entire story had been fabricated. In reality Saul had taken his own life (ISam.31:4) and the Amalekite had evidentially arrived on the battlefield after the fact. David was perplexed as to why the stranger seemed to possess no fear of falling on God’s anointed. Due to David’s high regard for Saul’s position and the death of his dear son, he had the man executed and then spent time grieving over the deaths of the king and Jonathan. After his time of lamenting, “…he bade them teach the children of Judah [the use of] the bow: behold, [it is] written in the book of Jasher” (ISam.1:18). The death of Saul and Jonathan appears to have triggered David’s memory of this ancient work.1  David sought God and was told to go up to Hebron (community). Upon arriving at Hebron anxious leaders soon acknowledged David as Israel’s new king.

    From our perspective of David’s family in Hebron it appears to be anything but ordinary. The Bible does not hesitate in introducing us to David’s six wives and sons – all living in Hebron: (1) Ammon (faith­ful) by Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, (2) Chileab (restraint) of Abigail, (3) Absalom (father of peace) by Maacah (oppression), (4) Adonijah (my lord is Jehovah) by Haggith (festive), (5) Shephatiah (Jehovah judges) by Abital (fresh), and (6) Ithream (residue of the people) by Eglah (heif­er).2    (IISam.3:2–5)

    corresponding end notes for above (pp 403-404)

    1. The mention of this book in itself is most interesting. (1st) It has historical significance, even though it is not part of our inspired text. (2nd) It is mentioned here and in Joshua 10:12–13. (3rd) The title of the book, Jasher, is not a proper name (such as the name of a man) rather, it basically means the book of the upright, or righteous man, or the acts of true Godly people following God. (4th) This book of many writers is a vast collection (91 chapters) of about 90% Scripture covering a period of time from Adam through the Judges. It was a kind of secular chronicle of a major section of Old Testament history. (5th) In our text at hand David is referring to the dying words of Jacob to Judah. In Jasher 56:9 we read, “…only teach thy sons the use of the bow and all weapons of war, in order that they may fight the battles of their brother who will rule over their enemies.” One has to certainly admit that King David was very familiar with the book of Jasher.
    2. Old Testament polygamy appears to have been something God tolerated rather than endorsed. Note the following prophetic passage which foretells of Israel’s desire for a king and its associated warnings:

    When thou art come unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt possess it, and shalt dwell therein, and shalt say, I will set a king over me, like as all the nations that [are] about me; 15 Thou shalt in any wise set [him] king over thee, whom the LORD thy God shall choose: [one] from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which [is] not thy brother. 16 But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the LORD hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way. 17 Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.” (Deu.17:14–17) In the new Testament we read: “And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made [them] at the beginning made them male and female, 5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? 6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. 7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? 8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. (Mat.19:4–8)

    Josephus remarked, “For it is an ancestral custom of ours to have several wives at the same time.” In paragraph 19 he recorded that King Herod was married to nine wives at the same time. (Op. cit., volume III, book 17, section 1, paragraph 3, p.472) Wherever we find polygamy we find trouble, confusion and, in the case of the Old Testament, hearts turned many directions away from God.

     

    (pp50-51)

    … Although outsiders may have seen David as being invincible, God quickly taught him that he was a sinner prone to sin just like all the rest of us. God exposed David’s sinful nature and actions to him through Nathan when Nathan addressed David’s affair with Bathsheba (IISam.11–12:7). David’s lament of this entire scenario can be found in Psalm 51. Before fast forwarding in David’s life, one quick observation of God’s revelation must be addressed: After the death of the infant child from this affair, listen to David’s God-given convictions, “But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.” (IISam.12:23) Even way back we read of the innocence of children: Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it. (Deu.1:39).

    There is no question but that God has special provision for the in­nocent children and this provision has the same destination as the re­deemed adults!5

    corresponding end note (pp 404-406)

    1. A wonderful study can be found in examining what God has to say about the “book”. Moses would pen –

    And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. 32 Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin–; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. 33 And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book. (Ex.32:31–33)

    Under God’s guidance David would record –

    For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. 15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. (Psa.139:13–16)

    In the New Testament God reveals additional information by using Paul and John.

    And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow labourers, whose names are in the book of life. (Phil.4:3)

    He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. (Rev.3:5)

    For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? (IJn.5:4–5)

    And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. (Rev.13:8)

    The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. (Rev.17:8)

    And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. (Rev.20:12–13)

    And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life. (Rev.21:27)

    And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. (Rev.22:19)

     

    Scripture teaches that at birth one’s name is placed in God’s special book. Unless this same soul dies in infancy (please note ISam.12:16–23), at some unknown point and age this same name is removed from God’s book because of that soul’s sin. Apart from God’s help, that same soul’s name is forbidden back into the book and will remain in said condition through out eternity. The only thing that can re-write that name back into God’s book is a personal cleansing and pardoning by God upon that same soul if and when that same soul personally hears about, believes upon, and trusts in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Based fully upon the merits of Christ, the name therefore remains in God’s book forever!

    Availability

    Although this publication is available from Amazon and Barns and Noble, may I suggest contacting me at Rllroger1948@gmail.com, roger@rogerluther.com, or feel free to call 810. 569.3327.  Also, consider visiting the publisher’s web site. There you will discover an abundance books that will surely grab your attention, edify your soul, and lift up The Lord. pho. 864.836.4111 ext. 104  (the office)fax: 864.610.8047   sspillman@truepotentialmedia.com  or https://www.facebook.com/TruePotentialMedia / or tppress.com   /Digital copies are now available from the publisher, Amazon, or iTunes books. The cost is $9.99.  Tracking Kings sells for $19.95+ S.&H.

    God Bless,

    Roger

     

    Death-Of-A-Child.pdfft click to read or right click to download

     

     

     

     


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  • The Secret of Adoration

    Posted on by Roger Luther Comment

         

    “Take time. Give God time to reveal Himself to you.  Give yourself time to be silent and quiet

    before Him, waiting to receive, through The Spirit, the assurance of His presence with you,

    His power working in you. Take time to read His Word as in His presence, that from it you

    may know hat He asks of you and what He promises you.  Let the word create around you,

    create within you a holy atmosphere, a holy heavenly light, in which your soul will be refreshed and

    strengthened for the work of daily life.”

    by Andrew Murray

     

     


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  • What about Christmas?

    Posted on by Roger Luther Comment

         Over the years, believers have watched as the world’s system annually emphasis Christmas as being about feeding the flesh, feeding lust of the eyes and the pride of life. The gospel writer, John, informs us that this is not the way of God but rather the way of the world’s system that is supernatural and religious in its core elements. “For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (1Jn 2:16)”

        The late Adrian Rogers reminds us, “Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14.
    The educated man is ignorant, the strong man is weak, and the wealthy man is poor who doesn’t understand the true meaning of Christmas.
    What good does it do us to put a man on the moon if we can’t get God in our hearts? What good is it to know astronomy, how the heavens go, and not know Jesus, the Bright and Morning Star, and how to go to Heaven? What good is it to know botany and the study of flowers and not know Jesus, Heaven’s sweetest rose, the Rose of Sharon, who can perfume any life? What good is it to know the events of history, yet not know that history is His story? What good is it to know geology and the ages of rocks and not know Jesus, the Rock of Ages? “For it is in Him we live and move and have our being.”
    Jesus was not just another child. He was not just the Galilean peasant, the great teacher. He was supernatural.
     You won’t understand Christmas until you understand that this child was born of a virgin. This child is the very Son of God. Never forget this. Read the words of Isaiah 9:6-7. Let his prophecy about this child speak to you today.

     Even though the first paragraph reminds us of the norm for the unsaved, we must be aware that a faction of that vast number does very well in blending in for the season then departing for another year. On the other hand, if believers neglect personal bible reading, personal prayer, and personally fellowshipping systematically with other believers, one day they may very well shamefully discover that their Christian life has reflected themselves more than that of their Saviour!

        Rather than experiencing another ho-hum Christmas season, it does us well to examine ourselves. Perhaps some may see the need and accept Him as the real Christmas gift, transforming from the inside to the outside in this marvelous new birth! The rest of us may   benefit greatly by handing the reigns back to Him, trusting fully in His leadership from this day forward!

        Always remember that true Christmas is 100% centered in Christ! Let Jesus set the standard and watch what happens!

     


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  • The Book of Life, As It Effects Babies, The Mentally Challenged, And the Rest Of Us

    Posted on by Roger Luther Comment

    There is only one authoritative source for this small but profound doctrine. It is God’s Word. The text is II Sam.12:7-23. Instead of being with his army, for some unknown reason David was back in Jerusalem. From his vantage point, David gazed upon the beautiful young Bathsheba as she bathed. Eventually lust gave way to fulfillment.

    As the war progressed with David’s army even a greater one grew back home. When Bathsheba announced of her pregnancy to David he devised a scheme to rid himself of dealing with her husband and facing open shame as king. Little did he realize this only compounded matters between him and God. God sent the prophet Nathan to expose David’s sin and to pronounce God’s immediate future upon him because of it. Part of God’s plan was for the baby not to survive. [Stay with me now!] Soon after the child’s birth, the infant became seriously ill and David started fasting on the child’s behalf. On the seventh day the child finally died. The servants went in to tell David but were afraid of his possible reaction. After learning that the child had died David arose, cleaned himself, worshipped, and sat down to food. His actions confounded those around. Listen as David responded, “And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell [whether] GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?  But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me. (2Sam.12:22-23)”

    Rest assured that not only is death a one-way door but God has special provision for innocent children and others who are born with mental limitations that prevent them from understanding sin. Their destination is not some type of baby limbo but rather it is the same place as the rest of the redeemed. In many ways, the work of the Holy Spirit was vastly different in the Old Testament from that in the New Testament. Although time will not permit us to examine this in detail, please remember that one functions of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament is that of permanently sealing the redeemed. However, in the Old Testament we observe that the Holy Spirit came upon people to accomplish things (like delivering a message) and then departed. The only Old Testament exception to this is with David. David was completely aware of this and I believe that it is one reason we find it mentioned in David’s lament about this entire mess in Psalm 51. Note carefully verse eleven

    Even Moses, thousands of years ago, had a tremendous theological understanding of such a book. Listen to what he expresses to God after realizing Israel’s terrible sin. “…Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold.  32  Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.  33  And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.” (Ex.32:31-33)” From this we note several important things in regards to the book. This book is real and that resides in Heaven. God designed it, and to this very day, retains a perfect record within its covers!  Thus far, we have established that God removes the first time anyone sins, even once, his or her name.

    As we move to the New Testament, clues about this book add to its splendor! “And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow labourers, whose names are in the book of life (Phil.4:3).” Paul considered those who served with him as having their names in, what Moses referred to as “thy book”, Paul now calls “the book of life”.

    Without a doubt, another glorious fact about this most intriguing subject is recorded the last New Testament book. “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels (Rev.3:5).”

    Now we must add, to our little growing doctrine,  the eternal truth that God promises never to remove the name of anyone who overcomes. The prevailing question is – and how does one become an overcomer?   The answer – “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.  Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” (IJn.5:4-5)  The object that needs overcoming is our sinful condition and the way we come over to God’s side is by accepting The Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Savior. In Revelation 13:8,  we note, “And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” A time is rapidly approaching unlike any before. During this era, all, with the exception of those in this book, now referred to as belonging to the “Lamb,” will be forced by earthly powers to worship a satanically possessed false messiah. Since “all” on the earth will be required to worship him and those in the “book” will not, we must conclude that the latter will be far beyond all earthly searches. In Revelation 17:8, we note a reference to this “book” in events during this great tribulation period. “The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.” It is noteworthy that not only will this member of the satanic trinity be cast in “perdition” but also all those on the earth do not have their names recorded in “the book of life”.

    Although there is no general judgment described in Scripture, every soul, who has or will tread upon this earth, will at one point pass by the creator and face judgment! In the following passage, we read about the great white throne judgment. “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is [the book] of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. (Rev.20:11-14)” The text reveals a number of things but please follow along as I point out only a few. At this judgment only the unredeemed will be present, God’s record “books” will be present, “the book of life” will be there, all passing by will be judged out of the “books” not out of “the book of life”, and all present will have the same destination.  Without question, God keeps perfect records and pronounces perfect judgments!

    Revelation has two final references. “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life. (Rev. 21:27)” “And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book.(Rev. 22:19)” 

    Now let us tie all of this together. God has a book called “the book of life.” Scripture teaches us that at birth every soul has their name recorded by God in this book. At some point, a child’s indwelling sinful nature comes alive and causes that soul to rebel against God. When this rebellion occurs so does sin and with sin comes the erasing of that person’s name from God’s book. From that unknown point onward, that same soul needs God’s redemption in order to have his name placed back into God’s family register.

    Without any question, the Bible clearly teaches that prior to salvation, one must one must acknowledge their sins, repent of their sins, and trust the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ. On the other hand, children who die in a state of innocence have not sinned, therefore, they cannot, and need not, be redeemed. Once a sinning soul is redeemed, or bought back, God re-enters that soul’s name back into His book and assures the recipient that, not only will he never be removed again but also that He was granted eternal citizenship in His city with Him, His entire family, and all the celestial beings! Only those in God’s book have God’s gift!

       Compiled by Dr. R. L. Luther

     


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