Speaking In Tongues

GEORGE L. FAULL

Dear Brother Faull,

It is my understanding that you do not practice "Speaking in tongues." Why?

Let me give you the reasons why I do not wish to "speak in tongues."

1. I could not defend it as having practical value. It does not prove that I am saved, nor that I'm spiritual, nor that I have the truth, for men of every creed claim this gift.

2. I could not defend it as an aid to devotions. It does not do anything the Holy Spirit does not do for every believer. He searches out our unspeakable requests and make intercession for us.

Romans 8:26-27, "26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what [is] the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to [the will of] God."

3. I could not defend it as a sign for unbelievers. If I do it publicly, men of all conflicting doctrines do the same. If I do it in my prayer closet, how will the unbeliever know of it?

4. I could not defend its "continual existence" from the Word of God. The Scriptures neither imply nor promise the continuance of the gift, but, in fact, states that they will cease while faith, and hope yet abide.

I Corinthians 13:8-13, "8 Charity never faileth: but whether [there be] prophecies, they shall fail; whether [there be] tongues, they shall cease; whether [there be] knowledge, it shall vanish away. 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 under-stood 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."

5. I could not defend its "continual existence" from Church History. History records that the gifts did cease. History records when and how the gift was supposedly revived. History records the deceitfulness of the modern day movement to increase the supposed gift among churches.

6. I could not defend its "continual existence" by commonsense. Since prophecy and divine knowledge have ceased, [I neither know, nor know of anyone with these gifts] commonsense assumes that the lesser gift has ceased.

7. I could not defend its "continual existence" by the clichés of modern tongue speakers. Clichés such as:

• "God is the same yesterday, today, and forever."
• "God does not change."
• "He could do it, therefore, He does do it."
• "He once did it, and therefore, He is doing it."

Doesn't our God ever do anything singular or unique? Is He still making women out of man's ribs? Have you seen any world wide floods lately? Are there still virgins having babies?

8. I could not defend it as "unifying the Body of Christ." It is setting believer against believer. The only unity it promotes is unity of men of a thousand different conflicting doctrines agreeing to disagree. It may well be Romans 8:26-27, "26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what [is] the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to [the will of] God."

9. I could not defend it in light of those who have "spoken in tongues," who now admit that it was not of God. We are told that we cannot deny a man's experience. Can a man deny his own interpretation of his experience? He once thought that it was of God. He now concludes that it was not. Hundreds, who have spoken in tongues, now deny that the experience was of God. How can I defend that my experience was of God when others with the same experience admit that theirs was not of God?

10. I could not defend it "as a promise from God." He did not promise it to me, therefore I cannot accept it by faith. I can accept salvation, forgiveness, and redemption by faith. These were promised to all believers. I believe the promises. I "enjoy" them because I believe the promises. I cannot accept tongues by faith because they were not promised to every believer.

I Corinthians 12:30, "Have all the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?"

Therefore, my "feelings" about tongues may be imaginary rather than real.

11. I would not want to be a possessor of a gift that I had to hide. Imagine having a gift for which you could not thank God publicly. If it is known that you possess tongues, YOU:

• Cause division among your brethren.
• Are suspected of false doctrine by those whom you know are Christian.
• Lose opportunities for service with your real talents and abilities. I wouldn't want a billion dollars if it did those things to my witness.

12. I would not want to be a possessor of a gift which I could not know was genuine. Who would want a diamond or a ruby if it could not be proven to be such? it would have no real value. It would cause only bickering, arguments, and debates. Since there is no way to tell the apostate's "tongue speaking" from mine, why should I want it?

13. There are more desirable gifts mentioned which would edify the Church. If it is an aid to devotions, I would get the benefit. [Incidentally, Paul didn't say it was.] But if I could prophesy or heal, I would be able to help others. I would enjoy being the steward of such abilities as these, but I would find "tongue speaking" in private or public a difficult stewardship with no real value.

Conclusion: Tongue speaking is therefore undesirable because it is unneeded, unhelpful, undefendable, and uncertain.

ARE WE ALL GOD'S CHILDREN? by steve finnell

Are Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Jews, Buddhists, atheists, and all other men, God's children? No, they are not. They are all created by God, but they are not all God's children. God loves them all, but they are not all God's children.

Who are God's children? Christians are God's children.

Galatians 3:26-27 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (KJV)

Men become children of God by faith in Christ Jesus and being baptized into Him.

John 11-12 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name;(KJV)

The Jews who rejected Jesus as the Christ were not God's children. Those who believe in Jesus have the opportunity to become God's children.

GOD LOVES ALL MEN, HOWEVER, SALVATION IS CONDITIONAL.

Terms to become the children of God.
A. Faith: John 3:16
B. Repentance: Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19
C. Confession: Romans 10:9
C. Immersion in water: Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, 1 Peter 3:21.

All men have the opportunity to become God's children. Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you all one in Christ Jesus.(KJV)


ALL MEN ARE NOT GOD'S CHILDREN, HOWEVER, THEY ALL CAN BE.   

THE DOCTRINE OF FREE-WILL   BY STEVE FINNELL

The teaching that men do not have free-will evolved from the false doctrine that men are saved by grace alone. There is not one place in the Bible that has grace and alone in the same sentence. If in fact men are saved by grace alone and have no free-will, there are many things that would be true.

If men have no free-will, then God would have to force men to have faith so they could be saved.

If men have no free-will, then God would have to force men to repent.

If men have no free-will, then God would have to force men to confess Jesus as the Christ.

If men have no free-will, then God would have to force men to be baptized for the forgiveness of their sins.

If men have no free-will, then God would be responsible for all of the sins of mankind.

If men have no free-will, why did the men on the Day of Pentecost ask "Brethren, what shall we do?" (Acts 2:37)

If men have no free-will, then why did the jailer ask Paul and Silas, "What must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30)

If men have no free-will, then why did Saul ask, "What shall I do Lord?" (Acts 22:10)

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appear has appeared to all men.

God's grace is available to all men. Grace is not forced nor is it denied to any man. MEN HAVE FREE-WILL! 

BIBLE TRANSLATIONS   BY STEVE FINNELL

The thought process of some Christians is puzzling to say the least. Why do some believers in Christ question that God has the power to guide men to translate   Bibles that are inerrant, trustworthy, accurate, faultless, reliable, infallible.

Some of the same Christians who believe the following miracles of the Bible, doubt that God can produce an inerrant translation of the Bible.

They believe that Aaron's staff became a serpent. (Exodus 7:10-12) However they do not believe that translations of the Bible are trustworthy.

They believe Jesus was resurrected from the dead. (John 21:14) However they do not agree that Bible translations are inerrant.

They believe that the dead man Elisha stood up on his feet. (2 Kings 13:20-21) However they doubt that Bible translations are infallible.

They believe Jesus brought Lazarus  back from the dead. (John 11:37-44) However they do not affirm that Bible translations are reliable.

They believe that God turned Lot's wife into a pillar of salt. (Genesis 19:26) However they are not convinced that God has given us a translation of the Bible that is accurate.

Even those who state that the King James translation is the only accurate translation, believe that Mark 16:16 does mean what is says: They say "Has been baptized shall be saved" actually means, "Has already been saved before they were baptized." The assert that Acts 2:38 actually means "Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ because your sins have already been forgiven." They really do not trust the KJV either. 

Ninety-nine percent of the Bible translations are accurate, trustworthy, inerrant translations of God's word.

A few of my favorites are New American Standard Bible, King James Version, New King James Version, English Standard Version, and New International Version. There are also many other reliable translations.         

GOD'S WORD VERSUS BAPTIST DOCTRINE by steve finnell

If Baptist doctrine contradicts the word of God, which one is correct?

Baptist Doctrine: Perseverance of the saints, AKA as once saved always saved.

God's Word: Galatians 5:1-4.... You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified  by law; you have fallen from grace. (NKJV)

God's Word: Hebrews 6:4-6 4 For it is impossible......6 if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance.....(NKJV)

God's Word: Hebrews 3:12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; (NKJV)

God's Word: 1 Timothy 4:1...some will depart from the faith...(NKJV)

Christians can become lost. 

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Baptist Doctrine: Water baptism is not essential for the forgiveness of sins and is not essential in order to be saved.

God's Word: Acts 2:38 ....and let everyone of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.....(NKJV)

God's Word: Mark 16:16 ....and is baptized will be saved...(NKJV)

God's Word: 1 Peter 3:21 There is an antitype which now saves us, namely baptism...(NKJV)

God's Word: Acts 22:16...Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins...(NKJV)

God's Word: Colossians 2:12 -13 buried with Him in baptism...13...having forgiven you all trespasses,(NKJV)

God's Word: Ephesians 5:25-27 ....Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it 26 that He might sanctify and wash it with the washing of water by the word,(NKJV)

God's Word: Romans 6:4-7 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death.......7 For he who has died has been freed from sin.(NKJV)

God's Word: John 3:5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.(NKJV)


Being immersed in water is an essential part of the gospel plan of salvation.

Galatians 1:8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. (NKJV) 

The apostles did not preach Baptist doctrine, they preached the word of God.

Denominations were not formed so they could preach the apostles' doctrine. Denominations were formed so they could change the apostles' doctrine. If all denominations preached only God's word, there would be just one church, the church of Jesus Christ.    


  

QUESTIONS AND OBSERVATIONS ABOUT SABBATH KEEPING BY STEVE FINNELL

Why do believers in Christ who claim to be sabbath keepers fail to keep the laws of the sabbath? Christians were never instructed to remember the sabbath and keep it holy.

The command to remember the sabbath and keep it holy was given to Israel and Israel alone. It was not restated under the New Covenant.

Deuteronomy 5:1-15 Then Moses summoned all Israel and said to them: "Hear, O Israel, the statutes and the ordinances which I am speaking today in your hearing, that you may learn them and observe them carefully.......12 'Observe the sabbath day to keep it holy, as the Lord your God has commanded you......

New Testament instructions concerning Old Covenant sabbath keeping.

Romans 14:5-6 One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully  convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day , observes it for the Lord.....
Colossians 2:14-16....Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a  festival  or a new moon or a Sabbath day---

Christians are free to worship any day they wish, be it Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday etc. Christians are free to work any day they wish. There is no New testament command to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.

SO-CALLED MODERN DAY SABBATH KEEPERS DO NOT KEEP THE SABBATH NOR DO THEY PUNISH THEIR MEMBERS WHO BREAK IT.

Exodus 31:15 For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there is a sabbath of complete rest, holy to the Lord, whoever does work on the sabbath day shall surely be put to death.
Numbers 15:32-36 Now while the sons of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man gathering wood on the sabbath day........35 Then the Lord said to Moses, "The man shall surely be put to death; all the congregation shall stone him with stones outside the camp." .......

THERE ARE ONLY FALSE SABBATH KEEPERS TODAY.
REMEMBER THE SABBATH AND KEEP IT HOLY IS NOT A CHRISTIAN LAW.

INSIGHT INTO BIBLE TRUTH #253
DID JESUS CONDEMN HOMOSEXUALITY?
by David Vaughn Elliott 

No, He did not. Nor did He condone it. It is a topic He never discussed. What are we to conclude from this silence? 

This is not the only issue that Jesus did not discuss. For example, we never hear Him condemning idolatry. Jesus was born into the world as a Jew, an Israelite. He "was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matt. 15:24). Before Jesus, Israel had a long history of idolatry. It is commonly believed that the captivity cured the Jews of this sin. That offers a reason why Jesus did not need to condemn the Jews on the issue. This could also be a clue regarding Jesus' silence about homosexuality. But let's go further.

To say that Jesus never condemned this or that, keep in mind that such statements are based on the record we have in the four Gospels. Is there any record of Jesus discussing sorcery or witchcraft? What of drinking blood? What about drunkenness?  

And then there is the issue of breaking the Sabbath. During Israel's long history, Sabbath breaking was a frequent issue, even after their return from captivity. Jesus lived under the OT law, so Sabbath keeping was still in force. Luke 4:16 tells us that Jesus "came to Nazareth... and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath." Although Jesus kept the Sabbath, He was frequently accused of breaking it. On the other hand, there is no record of Jesus accusing others of breaking the Sabbath. In short, there are various sins that Jesus "never condemned."

The Gospels Are Neither Complete Nor Final

We have four Gospels, four biographical accounts of Jesus' life on earth. Some would say that the four should not even be called biographies because they cover so little of Jesus' life. True enough. The fourth Gospel ends with these picturesque words: "There are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written." This does not mean that we do not have enough written. John himself said a little earlier, "Many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name" (John 20:30-31). We don't have it all, but we have enough to believe in Him so we can have life.

Only some of what Jesus "did" is recorded. What about what He taught? Well, teaching is doing, so we don't have all He taught either. Here is a specific example. "They went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught. And they were amazed at His teaching" (Mark 1:21-22).  Nothing is said about what He taught on that occasion. 

In short, everything that Jesus did, taught, and said is not recorded. Therefore it is impossible for us to say that Jesus never condemned so-and-so. As in all of life, negative statements are often impossible to prove. We can only say that there is no record of Jesus saying so-and-so. 

But there is more to this.  

In court, we are told to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. In Jesus' ministry as recorded in the four Gospels, Jesus did "tell the truth." He did tell "nothing but the truth." However, He did not – repeat "not" – tell "the whole truth." Wow, what an assertion to make! But it is true. Jesus himself said so. On the night of his betrayal, Jesus said to the eleven (Judas had already left):

"I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth" (John 16:12-13).

There it is in black and white (maybe red in your Bible). While Jesus was on earth, He did not say everything that needed to be said. Rather, through the Holy Spirit, Jesus' apostles would be guided into "all the truth." Anyone who wants all the truth must look further than Jesus’ words during his earthly ministry – must read more than the four Gospels. 

The four Gospels make up roughly half of our New Testament. According to Jesus' own word, we dare not ignore the second half. Much of the second half was written by the Apostle Paul. Why is it that some people pit what Jesus did not say against what Paul did say? Could it be that those people are really pitting their own preconceived ideas against what the inspired Apostle Paul taught? There are various proofs that Paul was made an apostle by Jesus after Jesus' ascension. Did you ever notice what the Apostle Peter had to say about Paul's writings? "Our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction" (2 Pet. 3:15-16). If we distort what Paul wrote, we are heading for destruction. 

There is no Scriptural basis to justify anything on the basis of what Jesus did not say. Negatives such as "Jesus never condemned..." can never be proven. Furthermore, even if He didn't, the four Gospels are only a portion of God's divine revelation. They are an extremely important portion, but only a portion. We cannot treat the NT as a smorgasbord from which to select the portions we prefer. We must take it all. "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB._________________________________________
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WHICH CHURCH?  by steve finnell

Which church was established to teach the apostles doctrine. Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine..(NKJV)

Which church was established to teach the apostles' doctrine?

Was the Community Church established to preach the apostles' doctrine or the Community Church doctrine?

Was the Roman Catholic Church formed in order to teach the apostles' doctrine or to teach the Catholic catechism?

Was the Methodist Church founded in order to teach the apostles' doctrine or to proclaim Methodism?

Was the Baptist Church established to evangelize using the apostles doctrine or to preach Baptist doctrine?

If churches really wanted to preach the apostles' doctrine would they not use the identity of the church found in Scripture. Examples: Romans 16:16...The churches of Christ greet you. (NKJV), Acts 20:28 ...the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.(NKJV), 1 Corinthians 1:2...the church of God...sanctified in Christ Jesus.(NKJV).

Denominations take names other than those found in Scripture so as to identify the differences from their doctrine and that of the apostles' doctrine.

Jesus is the head of one church, His church. God did not establish multiple churches.

If all churches taught from the Bible and the Bible alone, then, denominational names would not  necessary.   

SUBJECT TO INTERPRETATION. REALLY?  by steve finnell

Scripture is subject to interpretation. Is honesty and lack of pride a requirement in order to interpret Scripture accurately ?

Mark 16:16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. (NKJV)

My interpretation of Mark 16:16 is, he who believes and is immersed in water will be saved.

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The following are some denominational interpretations of Mark 16:16.

1. He who believes is saved and shall be baptized as a testimony of their faith.

2. He who is baptized as an unbelieving infant will be forgiven of the guilt of Adam's sin as well as all sins they commit in the future, and they will be added to the body of Christ. [ Note: The only person guilty of Adam's sin, is Adam.]

3. He who is dead and is baptized by proxy will be forgiven.

4. Dead infants will be baptized and will have faith imputed to them by God so they will be saved. [Note: No infant dead or alive is guilty of sin.]

5. He who believes is saved by faith only and should be baptized because Jesus commanded baptism.

6. He who believes, believes because God forced him to believe, therefore he is saved by grace alone. Baptism is a work, therefore it is not essential for salvation.

7. He who believes is saved, however, he needs to be baptized in order to join a denominational church of his choice.

8. Belief and water baptism are not essential in order to be saved, because God will save all men.

9. Mark 16:16 does not apply because the church catechism of my denomination overrules all Scripture. Man-made creeds are more reliable than Scripture.

10. Mark 16:16 is invalid because the majority of those who claim Jesus as Savior do not believe it to be true.

11. He who believes and is baptized will be saved is a false statement, because there are many other ways to get heaven rather than Jesus.

Scripture is subject to interpretation, however, Scripture more likely to be misinterpreted.

JESUS DIED FOR ALL MEN   BY STEVE FINNELL

Jesus died for all men, however, all men will not be saved. God loves everyone, but salvation is conditional.

JESUS DIED FOR ALL MEN

1 Timothy 2:5-6.....the man Jesus Christ, 6 who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.

Jesus paid the price of salvation for all men, not just for a selected few.

Hebrews 2:9 But we do see Him who was made a little lower than the angels, namely Jesus , because of the suffering death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.

Jesus tasted death for everyone. Jesus did not die for a preselected few.

Mark 16:15 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.

Jesus did not send the disciples to preach to only those that had been hand picked by God for salvation. The disciples were to preach to all the world. Jesus died for every person in the world  then and now.

THERE WILL BE ONLY A FEW WHO WILL BE SAVED.

Matthew 7:13-14 "Enter through the narrow gate, for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. 14 For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Heaven will not be crowded.

SALVATION IS AVAILABLE FOR ALL, BUT IT IS CONDITIONAL.

Romans 1;16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Salvation is available to all who believe. Salvation is conditional.

Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen."

All men who have heard the gospel have been called. The chosen are the ones who believe. It is a personal choice. Men have free will.

CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD.

Romans 10:13 for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED."

How do men call on the name of the Lord? They call on His name by FAITH-REPENTANCE-CONFESSION-and WATER BAPTISM.

FAITH: John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.

REPENTANCE: Acts 3:19 Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 17 30-31 Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring that all people everywhere should repent, 31......

All people who want to be saved need to repent of their unbelief and make the commitment to turn from their sinful lifestyle and turn toward God.

CONFESSION: Matthew 10:32 "Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. Romans 10:9-10 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10.......Acts 37[And Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may, And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."]

WATER BAPTISM: Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 1 Peter 3:20-21 ....safely through the water. 21 Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you---not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience---through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.

JESUS DIED FOR ALL MEN, HOWEVER, ALL MEN WILL NOT BE SAVED BECAUSE SALVATION IS CONDITIONAL! 
SALVATION IS A CHOICE. MEN HAVE THE FREE-WILL TO MAKE THAT CHOICE.

MEN CAN BE SAVED IN TWO HOURS MORE OR LESS. MEN JUST HAVE TO MEET GOD'S TERMS FOR PARDON.

(All Scripture from : NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)