Bible Study
How can I find God? (part 1)
September 21, 2009
“Finding God” is the topic of this study. And another way to refer to the topic is finding salvation. What does it take to be saved according to the Bible?
To introduce this topic, let us first explore the question, Why is salvation necessary? Starting at the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve sinned, there was a void created between man and God. Adam and Eve hid from God in the garden after they had sinned. God's holiness makes it impossible for God to tolerate sin.
Psalms 5:4-6
4 For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.
5 The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.
6 Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.
Isaiah 59:1-2
1 Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:
2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
Everyone needs salvation because everyone has sinned.
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Romans 3:9What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;
1 Kings 8:46 (for there is no man that sinneth not,)
And sin brings forth death.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
James 1:15 and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
How can I find God? (part 2)
September 22, 2009
We are looking at the question, “Why do we need salvation?” In yesterday's lesson we saw scriptures that demonstrated that all people are guilty of sin and sin causes death. And it is not just natural, physical death here on earth, but also eternal punishment after this life. And that is a major issue to consider.
Jesus spoke about a “furnace of fire” that is the final judgment for people who do iniquity:
Matthew 13:41-42
41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Matthew 13:49-50
49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,
50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Both of these verses speak of the intensity of suffering that evil doers will suffer. But that does not have to be anyone's destination. That is the reason Jesus offers salvation—salvation from eternity in torment.
How can I find God? (part 3)
September 23, 2009
What is salvation? Salvation in a general sense means any kind of deliverance, preservation, or liberation. In a theological context, salvation means deliverance from the power and effects of sin.
Where does salvation come from? It comes only through faith in Jesus. Man can do nothing to save himself. No amount of good works or “being a good person” will save a person.
Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Salvation is a free gift from God. The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus made this free gift available. The only way to receive salvation is to have faith in Jesus and the sufficiency of His sacrifice. This faith in Christ includes obedience to His gospel and the application of His gospel to our lives.
It must be stressed again that the ONLY way to salvation is through Jesus.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
The message Jesus presented is very narrow and exclusive and is not popular with people who argue for religious tolerance. But the message of the Bible, and specifically the words of Jesus, clearly declares that there is no other way of salvation except through Him.
How can I find God? (part 4)
September 28, 2009
Why is this reliance on Jesus so important? God created a standard that requires that blood be shed to remove our sins.
Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
But the blood of animals is not enough.
Hebrews 10:4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
We are much greater than animals because we were made in the very image of God. The sacrifices in the Old Testament never completely removed sin, but rather pushed their sins ahead another year (Hebrews 10:1-4).
The blood of an ordinary man would not be enough either. All deserve eternal death for their own sins. Jesus though, was the only sinless man ever to live. He was the only one who did not deserve to die, thus His death provided a perfect substitute for ours.
Romans 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
The important point here is that God does not excuse our sins. Rather, He inflicted the penalty of those sins on the innocent man Jesus. The substitutionary, atoning death of Jesus was required because of:
a) The sinfulness of man
b) The holiness of God
c) God’s law requiring death as the punishment for sin
This is why salvation can be found in no other.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other : for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
How can I find God? (part 5)
September 29, 2009
So you would like to find God? Do you want to be saved? How than can someone be saved? Getting the answer from the scriptures is the only way to know you are on track. Don't allow affiliation with a religious tradition, or being as good or better than the next guy be the thing that you rely on for salvation. Let's search the scriptures.
Romans 10:9-10
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Is that scripture saying that I can be saved simply by just believing, or giving mental assent and verbal confession of Jesus? No. If so, many who don't even claim to be living for God would be saved. Including the demons! For they know that Jesus is God, confess Him verbally, and believe in one God.
Matthew 8:29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
Obviously that can't be right. And it becomes even more apparent as we dig deeper in the subject.
Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Does that mean that every person who says the name of Jesus is going to be saved? Definitely not, then the name of Jesus would just merely be a magical formula that saves everyone who speaks it in confession, conversation, or in cursing. Jesus said the same thing and gave us the other essential ingredient to add to confessing His name: obeying His will.
Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Do you want to enter into the kingdom of heaven? Faith and obedience are both required to accompany the confession of His name. The main reason for verse 13 is to teach that salvation is for all. The emphasis is on “whosoever.” In Romans 10:13, Paul was quoting Joel 2:32 to support the idea that both Jews and Gentiles can receive the salvation experience.
How can I find God? (part 6)
September 30, 2009
Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
This verse is quoted by many in relation to salvation so it is important to understand it. What is the correct interpretation of this verse? First, because Paul was writing to people who already were saved, he was not attempting to explain to provide them all the details of the new birth experience for they all had experienced it already. Romans 10:13 is a reminder that the foundation of salvation remains faith in Christ and the gospel and not a stand alone verse on how to be saved..
Second, it is also likely that Paul is referring to the future tense of salvation that applies to everyone who already has found initial salvation. A continual calling on Jesus throughout our lives is necessary to keep us until the Lord completes our salvation experience when He catches us away at His coming.
Third, as Paul states elsewhere, to be able to confess Jesus, a person must already have the Spirit (be saved).
1 Corinthians 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
In the fullest sense of this verse, one has to have the Holy Ghost to be able to confess that Jesus is Lord of his life.
How can I find God? (part 7)
October 1, 2009
Repentance
Jesus clarified it in Matthew 7:21 that just calling His name is not enough to take one to heaven, but a person must do His will to be saved. What does that mean?
We will find from scripture that one of the first actions that someone must take after they believe in Jesus and want to be saved is to repent. From Webster's Dictionary, repent means to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life; to feel regret or contrition; to change one's mind. The Greek definition, means “to change one's mind or purpose.”
Repentance can be described as a radical transformation of mind, attitude, conviction, and direction. Repentance includes four elements: recognition of sin, confession of sin, remorse for sin, and a decision to forsake sin. We will consider the first two today.
Recognition of sin
Mark 2:17 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Jesus' statement here points out that he will save only those who recognize their sins. It is with recognition of sin that man realizes his need for God. For if there is no sin, there is no need for a god.
Confession of sin
After recognizing your sin, you must confess it to God. God already knows everything (including your sin) but He requires an honest confession to Him (and in the process to yourself).
Proverbs 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
How can I find God? (part 8)
October 2, 2009
Today we are adding a couple more traits that are included in true repentance.
Remorse for sin
Remorse is the genuine sorrow for the sins that have been committed. As we make our approach to God, we must feel regret for wrongs done, and our heart must be broken over our sins, not seeking to cover up, deny or justify our actions.
Psalms 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
As we come to God with a broken heart, we begin to get a taste of God's displeasure for our sin, not just a human sorrow or regret.
2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death:
Many feel regret for their sins without genuine repentance. They regret the consequences that sin has brought into their life. That is an example of the “sorrow of the world” which is not part of repentance. True repentance stems from Godly sorrow.
Decision to forsake sin
Proverbs 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
Repentance involves an actual turning away from sin.
Acts 26:20 repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
Thus, true repentance causes an actual change in one's actions. This does not mean that there is a length of time in which you must prove that you are forsaking sin as God immediately knows your heart. Repentance can still happen in a moment.
How can I find God? (part 9)
October 6, 2009
How to repent – examples from scripture
The prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32)
In verse 17, he came to a realization of his sin and his desperate condition (“He came to himself”). In verse 18, the son plans to confess his sin. In 19, he shows contrition by saying “I'm not worthy.” And also in verse 19, he plans a forsaking of sin by stating that he will continue in his father's house as a servant.
Proper attitude towards repentance
Luke 18:13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
David asks for forgiveness
Psalms 51:1-4, 7, 9-12
1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
Every morning during my own personal time of prayer, I sincerely quote verse 10. And every time I do, it has an amazing renewing and cleansing effect on my spirit, as if God's available mercy was renewed every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).
How can I find God? (part 10)
October 7, 2009
Commandment to repent
The scripture lays out very clearly how important repentance is when coming to God. If you want to make things right with Him, if you want to get closer to God, that is the right place to start.
Ezekiel 18:30-32
30 Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel , every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.
31 Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel ?
32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.
Ezekiel 33:11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel ?
It is important to note that when Jesus started His preaching ministry, the first message He preached was, “Repent!”
Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Mark 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
It is clear that He included everyone in that command and not just a few really bad folks.
Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
And it was not only a message for their neighborhood and their time, but Jesus also told his disciples to preach repentance everywhere.
Mark 6:12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent.
Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem .
Identification to Christ's death
A study of Romans 6 leads us to understand that when we repent and are baptized (we will cover baptism in future lessons), we are fulfilling the Gospel and connecting in a symbolic way to the death of Jesus Christ.
Romans 6:1-2 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? NKJV
We die to our sins when we repent. We die to the desires of the old man, or the old and sinful way of life. Repentance is the starting point of our new life filled with God.
How can I find God? (part 11)
October 8, 2009
Water Baptism
When we ask the question, “How can I find God?”, or ,“How can I be saved?”, we start by believing that Jesus can and wants to save us. That is called faith. That faith in Jesus then moves us to obey the things Jesus asked. The first act of faith is repentance which we just finished discussing. The next act of faith is being baptized. But baptism is not just getting yourself wet in any old manner that someone comes up with.
For instance, if you want to obey what the Bible says about baptism, you cannot just decide that baptism means sticking your head under the shower. Or that baptism means putting your foot in the pond. While some people feel that the way their tradition defines baptism is good enough for them, I would make sure it is biblically sound since the Bible commands baptism. Let us explore the scripture for the way it was done in the Bible in the church that Jesus started.
Here are several places where baptism was mentioned in the book that describes the beginnings, the foundation, and activities of the new church, the Book of Acts. We will comment on these later. For now, let us read a few.
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.
Acts 8:12, 16
12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
Acts 8:36, 38
36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
Acts 9:18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
Acts 10:47-48
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.
Acts 16:15 And when she ( Lydia ) was baptized, and her household,
Acts 16:33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
Acts 18:8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.
Acts 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
How can I find God? (part 12)
October 9, 2009
Baptism comes from Greek word bapto which means “to dip.” There were other words that would have been used if sprinkling was the method of baptism. The examples of baptism required much water.
John 3:23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
Bible describes baptism as burial with Christ.
Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Colossians 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
Nobody is buried by sprinkling a little dirt on them. So baptism has to be understood as being completely buried under the water (immersion). Other modes of baptism arose as a matter of convenience (i.e. sprinkling).
I was sprinkled in baptism as a baby. When I was old enough to understand scripture, I realized that I needed to be rebaptized (as in Acts 19:1-5).
How can I find God? (part 13)
October 12, 2009
If God requires people who are making their way to Him to be baptized, does it matter how we are baptized? Does the Bible have anything to say on that subject?
We have dealt with one element of baptism from scripture so far—the person being baptized must be dunked fully under the water. But beyond that, are there any other requirements concerning baptism that we can learn from examples in scripture? What was the normal practice concerning baptism according to the Bible?
Baptism is to be done in the name of Jesus Christ.
Acts 8:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
Acts 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Acts 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Baptism identifies us with Jesus, and we take on His name, therefore it must be done in His name. Salvation is considered a new birth, and when a baby is born, it takes on the family name. Similarly, we take on Jesus' name when we are born into this family. Peter said that baptism was for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). In Acts 10:43, Peter said that remission of sins was through the name of Jesus. The logical conclusion of course being that we must do it in Jesus name.
Acts 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. All things that we do should be done in Jesus' name.
Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Baptism consists of both word and deed and the importance of the act means we must apply the highest name when being baptized.
Philippians 2:9-10
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
How can I find God? (part 14)
October 13, 2009
What about Matthew 28:19 then?
Many choose to use the words spoken by Jesus in Matthew 28:19 as a baptismal formula instead of the words used in Acts 2:38. Both refer to baptism “in the name”, but Matthew 28:19 says:
Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
And Acts 2:38 says:
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Are not both of these verses speaking of baptism? Do these verse contradict one another concerning what a minister must speak over the person being baptized? Or does it matter?
First of all, the Bible is God's Word. It is inerrant and not contradictory. We have established that in earlier lessons. Matthew, who recorded that verse above, was present when Peter made the proclamation above (see Acts 2:14). Matthew heard the question asked of those Peter was preaching to: “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37) If Matthew thought that Peter's answer was wrong, he could have spoken up to correct him.
The answer is that Matthew 28:19 and Acts 2:38 both describe the one baptism that is part of salvation. Let us look into this.
How can I find God? (part 15)
October 14, 2009
In studying scripture, it is beneficial to remember the biblical principal that truth must be established by more than one witness.
2 Corinthians 13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
So in studying the Bible, and especially looking for important practices (doctrines) that should be repeated today, this principle should be held to. The phrase “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” appears only once in scripture related to baptism while the phrase, “in the name of Jesus Christ” as set forth in Acts 2:38 is repeated many times.
Matthew 28:19 is part of the “Great Commission,” important last words of Jesus concerning the future of the church. This Commission is recorded by two other writers in Mark 16:15-18 and Luke 24:47-49, and Acts 1:4-8. It is best to study the Commission by laying these verses side by side. When we do we see the following points.
1. Preach to all nations
2. Baptize
3. In the name: (a) of the Father, Son, Holy Ghost; (b) in my name; (c) in his name
4. I am with you, signs will follow, wait for the promise of the Holy Ghost
Where baptism is mentioned, each refererence is to it being done in a singular “name” and not the plural “names”. The references here are clearly pointing to the name of Jesus. Scripture is clear here and elsewhere that there is one name and not three. Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are not names but titles so it is important to discover the name that properly describes these. That name is Jesus.
How can I find God? (part 16)
October 15, 2009
Can we be certain that the biblical way to be baptized is in the name of Jesus Christ? There are some who prefer to baptize using the titles, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost because of Matthew 28:19. Let's examine carefully what that verse does and does not declare.
In the last lesson, we mentioned that that verse, like Acts 2:38, both say, “in the NAME,” using the singular word. How can we apply God's singular name requirement here? We will look at all three titles to do so.
First, is there any question what is the name of the Son?
The angel of the Lord instructed Joseph this way:
Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Even demons know the name of the Son:
Matt 8:29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus , thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
Peter knew that Jesus was the son:
Matt 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
That is very important indeed because it was Peter who stated the requirement to be baptized in the name of Jesus in Acts 2:38.
Tomorrow we will examine the name of the Father.
How can I find God? (part 17)
October 19, 2009
With understanding Matthew 28:19 in view, just what is the name of the Father? Let us consider other verses that deal with that.
John 5:43 I am come in my Father's name…
In a prayer addressing the Father, Jesus said:
John 17:6 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world:…
In a Messianic Psalm, the psalmist indicated that the Messiah would declare God's name:
Psalms 22:22 I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.
And the writer of Hebrews indicated that that verse was fulfilled by Jesus:
Hebrews 2:12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.
If the Messiah, the Son of God, came in the Father's name, manifested His name, and declared His name, and if the Son's name was revealed as “Jesus”, these scriptures reveal that the name to ascribe to the title, “Father” is Jesus.
Tomorrow we will consider the name of the Holy Spirit and also the context of this verse.
How can I find God? (part 18)
October 20, 2009
What is meant by the phrase, “the name of the Holy Ghost”? Is Holy Ghost a name? Rather than being a name, it is one of the titles that refer to God, or an operation of God, or a manifestation of God. As we saw with “the name of the Father”, Jesus associated His own name with the Holy Ghost.
John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
To get some context for Matthew 28:19, let us go back a verse and read verse 18:
Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
That statement provides an opening proclamation that we need to think about. To paraphrase it, Jesus said, “I'm in charge here so make disciples for me and baptize them in my name.” Jesus is the king of this Kingdom. He is in charge. We become His servants. And we take on His name and not that of some other person, or even simply the titles that refer to Him. Children born or adopted into my family will take on the family name, not any title I may hold. So it is when we are born into the family of Jesus Christ. We take on His name by having that name called over us in baptism.
How can I find God? (part 19)
October 21, 2009
Summary of baptism
We are studying the topic, “How can I find God?” We have discovered from scripture that coming to God requires having faith that Jesus will save you, expressing that faith through obedience by repenting (turning away from, forsaking) of your sin, and finally by being baptized.
In the Bible we find several specific examples of how people were baptized and the examples were very much the same in form. A pattern emerges in scripture of how baptism should be done:
by immersion, and
in the name of Jesus Christ.
We summarize that second point here from the previous several lessons:
Baptism should be done in a singular name:
Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name…
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name…
In Matthew 28:18 Jesus set the context describing His power so baptism is about the transforming power of the name of Jesus.
Mark and Luke described the same situation as Matthew 28:19 and both show that Jesus was the only name mentioned.
The early church baptized in the name of Jesus Christ:
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 8:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
Acts 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Acts 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
1 Corinthians 1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
Jesus is the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
And finally, God revealed that He has one name:
Zechariah 14:9 And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.
Revelation 22:3-4
3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
How can I find God? (part 20)
October 22, 2009
Analogy concerning "faith alone"
If you know a little bit about the Bible, you probably know that we are saved by faith and not by works. Then how are we to understand the Bible's commands to repent and be baptized? Aren't repentance and baptism works though?
When considering how to find God, it is important that we realize that it is faith alone that saves us. How then are we to understand the Bible's commands to repent and be baptized?
Saving faith necessarily expresses itself through repentance, water baptism, and receiving the Spirit. We do not have the power to turn from sin. God leads us to repentance and grants us power to repent. We do not have the power to submit ourselves to the name of Jesus through baptism. God leads us to baptism and grants us the remission of sins through it. We surely do not have the power to take the Holy Ghost. God gives it as a free gift to those who have saving faith.
Man's role is to believe the gospel, seek repentance, submit to water baptism, and allow God to fill him with the Spirit. These responses to God's drawing Spirit does not earn or pay for salvation, but it is a necessary response for receiving salvation.
If I tell you that I have $10,000 for you, all you have to do is meet me at the bank tomorrow at 10 am (the meeting is a condition upon which the receiving the gift depends). If you really believe me, you will show up at the bank tomorrow at 10 am. By you showing up at the bank, does that mean you have earned the money? No, still a free gift. Your appearance though, was necessary to receive the gift. If you do not show up, you will not receive the gift and the responsibility for the failure will fall totally upon you (lack of faith in the promise).
We must respond to God in faith by seeking repentance, remission of sins at water baptism, and the Spirit baptism. If we seek, God will graciously grant our petition and we receive salvation totally as a free gift, not as an earned right. If we do not respond though, we will not receive the promise, and the blame falls completely on us.
How can I find God? (part 21)
October 23, 2009
Receive ye the Holy Ghost
We have discussed the importance of faith and man's proper response to faith (repentance and baptism). Now comes the good part—God's response to man's faith. When you demonstrate saving faith before God, God demonstrates by putting His Spirit inside of you. One of God's titles, the “Holy Ghost”, is the operation of God that describes this gift.
Consider these verses that describe God as the Holy Ghost:
1 Peter 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
John 4:24 God is a Spirit:
Not only does God exist as a “holy” “Spirit”, He intends to and wants to put that same Spirit into people. That will happen when peopl have saving faith. The book of the Bible that describes the work of the Holy Ghost—The Book of Acts—includes several phrases that describe this infilling:
Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
Acts 10:45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
How can I find God? (part 22)
October 26, 2009
An issue as significant as our eternal destination, whether it is heaven or hell, is one that we want to be right about. This is not like other insignificant choices we make, like when you download software on your computer, Blackberry, or iPhone, and you have pages of “I agree with the following” statements that you are supposed to fully read and understand before you scroll to the bottom and hit “I agree”. If you like most people, you just skim through or even skip the fine print because you are pretty sure that they are not going to ask for your second child, a lien on your car, or possession of your fine china. You just want to get to the bottom of that page and click your way to be able to run the software. There details don't seem to matter.
However, anyone who desires to come to God and eventually make heaven their home, wants to make certain they have not missed “the fine print.” Well God makes this one so easy to understand, even the least educated can get it.
From another perspective, think about the “plan of salvation” that is promoted by the religious tradition that you are most familiar with. Can you turn to several places in the Bible and find several examples of that plan being experienced by others? That would help you to know for sure that you believe the truth about what it takes to get saved.
Check out these examples where people were saved (filled with the Holy Ghost) and see if there are common elements that are repeated.
Day of Pentecost
Acts 2:1-4
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, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
This was the first occurrence of the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
How can I find God? (part 23)
October 27, 2009
Samaritans
The next example in scripture of someone clearly receiving the Holy Ghost as part of their salvation is found in Acts 8, on the Samaritans. Jesus had told his disciples just prior to His ascension into heaven that He wanted them to take the gospel witness to this city (Acts 1:8). So when persecution arose in Jerusalem , Philip fled Jerusalem and took the message to Samaria .
Philip preached the same message to these people that Peter had preached in Jerusalem .
We learn a very important truth from the example found in this chapter.
Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
People heard the preaching, expressed faith in Jesus, and were then baptized. According to some religious traditions, these people would now be considered saved. That body of teaching states that at the moment that a person expresses saving faith in Jesus, they are instantaneously filled with the Holy Ghost.
It happened differently here. Speaking of the Holy Ghost, the verses continue saying:
Acts 8:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
We know the people were baptized in the name of Jesus, and that they had believed in Jesus, but they had not yet received the Holy Ghost. However, the Holy Ghost did eventually fall on these folks:
Acts 8:14-17
14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
16(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
How can I find God? (part 24)
October 29, 2009
Cornelius' household
We continue looking at detailed examples in the Book of Acts where the message of salvation was delivered and acted upon. Jesus had instructed his disciples in Acts 1:8 that the message (witness) would be delivered powerfully in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria , and to the end of the earth. We examined the beginning in Jerusalem and Judea in Acts 2, and Samaria in Acts 8. The initial launching point for getting the message to the ends of the earth was the delivering of it to the Gentiles. Up to this point, the first Christians had been of Jewish background.
Next on the recipient list were Gentiles who had some understanding of the Jewish God and His Word. We find them gathered in the home of a Roman Centurian named Cornelius. Cornelius had been praying for something similar to the theme of our Bible study, “How to find God.” He was asking God to show him the way. The answer came in the Apostle Peter. Peter introduced them to the same message and demonstration that they had experienced in Jerusalem (Acts 2:1-4, 38). This is what happened while Peter was preaching:
Acts 10:44-48
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
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, 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….
It is no coincidence that we see here given to Gentiles a repetition of the same basic elements that were seen as responses to the Jew's saving faith: baptism in the name of Jesus and receiving the Holy Ghost as evidenced by the recipient speaking with tongues. More examples of this to come...
How can I find God? (part 25)
October 30, 2009
Disciples of John at Ephesus
After Cornelius's household found God by coming through the same plan introduced in Acts 2 and Acts 8, we now move beyond Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria, and head to the uttermost part of the world (based on Acts 1:8)—Ephesus. This was the capital city of Asia . There Paul was on his third missionary journey and found some men whom Paul identified as believers. These men already been baptized but to was according to John's baptism. This is how that encounter went:
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, and prophesied.
Here we find some important facts. A similar pattern of “How to come to God” was demonstrated here when compared to what was seen in the earlier studies. The Holy Ghost came on the believers, they spoke with tongues (and prophesied), and they were baptized in the name of Jesus. It is also true that what you believe is important because these believers needed a little more truth. And how you are baptized is also important. These men had already been baptized but when it was learned that they had not been baptized in Jesus' name, they were rebaptized.
How can I find God? (part 26)
November 2, 2009
Is it necessary to speak in tongues to receive the Holy Ghost? Speaking in tongues is the unique sign that a person is baptized or filled with the Holy Ghost. It is the evidence of a change that is happening on the inside of a person. We will look at several examples this week. Here are two:
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;
Acts 2:1-4
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, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
How can I find God? (part 27)
November 5, 2009
We continue with the study of the connection between receiving the Holy Ghost and speaking in tongues. Several scriptural examples describe the outpouring of the Holy Ghost on various people and include the immediate evidence following that outpouring: speaking in tongues.
The Jews who accompanied Peter to Cornelius' house watched God fill the Gentiles with the Holy Ghost and confirmed that these Gentiles had received the same salvation experience that they had because of the repetition of the evidence of that outpouring.
Acts 10:44-46
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
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, and magnify God…
So far the evidence of speaking in tongues when the Holy Ghost fell was seen with the Jews (Acts 2:4), the Samaritans (implied reference in Acts 8:18), and on the Gentiles (Acts 10:46). And now when Paul is out on the foreign mission field preaching the gospel in the city of Ephesus in Asia , the same experience was noted as happening there.
Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
How can I find God? (part 28)
November 6, 2009
It can be noted that Paul spoke with tongues.
1 Corinthians 14:18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
Let us examine further the Samaritan salvation experience.
Acts 8:15-18
15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
16(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
Simon sought to be able to reproduce whatever that obvious and physical sign of the Holy Ghost falling that Peter and John saw when they laid hands on the Samaritans. It had not been seen previously under the ministry of Philip when he led the people to believe and be baptized in Jesus' name. But after Peter and John laid hands on them, the people received the gift of the Holy Ghost in such a manner that it was obvious to the observers. It is likely that the Spirit fell with the same sign as experienced in the other salvation examples already noted (Acts 2:4, Acts 10:46, Acts 19:16), that being the believers immediately spoke with tongues. That appears to be what Simon wanted the power to do—to lay hands on people so they could speak in tongues, something like a magicians trick.
How can I find God? (part 29)
November 10, 2009
When addressing the subject of speaking in tongues, some point out that Paul said that tongues would cease. Then they make the application of that idea and say that speaking in tongues was only for the first century church and then it ended. However, there is undeniable evidence from history that speaking in tongues did continue in the church and continues yet today. I see and hear examples of this happening on a week to week basis. I pray in tongues myself when speaking to God. What exactly then did the apostle say and what did he mean?
1 Corinthians 13:8-10
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 with.
What Paul was saying is that upon the arrival of the perfect kingdom of God on earth, when Jesus comes the second time, love will remain, but we will no longer have a need for prophecies, tongues, or knowledge. Signs and spiritual gifts will no longer be required when the Perfect One is before us to always communicate His will and Word directly.
Also, it is important to note that tongues in and of themselves do not save. Tongues rather are the evidence of the initial baptism of the Holy Ghost. So we do not seek to speak with tongues, we seek Jesus through the infilling of His Spirit, the Holy Ghost. God provides the tongues when the Spirit fills the individual.
How can I find God? (part 30)
November 13, 2009
Speaking in tongues: what is it for?
Tongue talking distinguishes Pentecostals from other religious groups. That is why it is said that Pentecost is not a religion but an experience. Pentecost is not religious ritual but an encounter with God. Because the birth of the church on the Day of Pentecost involved speaking with tongues, and that experience continued throughout the experience of the early church, there is no reason to conclude that it is not for us today.
Some argue that some verses in 1 Corinthians 12, 13, and 14 indicate that speaking in tongues is NOT for the church today. They point to:
1 Cor 12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues ? do all interpret?
1 Cor 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.
1 Cor 13:9-10
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.
1 Cor 14:5 I would that ye all spake with tongues , but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues , except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
1 Cor 14:13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
1 Cor 14:28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
The purpose of the next severals lessons is to address those and other verses to understand the purpose of the practice of speaking in tongues as taught in the Bible.
A lesson on the subject of speaking in tongues fits into our study on “How can I find God?” because this was practiced in the church of the New Testament when they found God.
How can I find God? (part 31)
November 16, 2009
It is clear that from the very beginning of the church on the Day of Pentecost, that when the Holy Ghost fell on people, that experience was accompanied by speaking with tongues by those who received the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
John Drane, the author of Introducing the The Testament (Drane 245), argues that by judging the evidence provided by the reactions of eyewitnesses, it appears that tongue talking took two different forms or purposes on the Day of Pentecost.
First, tongues was the evidence that the person received the Holy Ghost allowing the speaker to communicate directly to God in a language unknown to humans, and blessing them with the joy of God's Spirit.
And second, it enabled the believers to communicate understandable messages from God to people.
The Apostle Paul later wrote on the subject of speaking in tongues and explained the difference between these two purposes calling them respectively, a “sign” and a “gift.” The evidence for these two purposes can be seen first in Acts 2. There were multitudes of visitors present in Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost that had come from many different countries representing many different languages. Acts 2:9-11 provides a list of countries represented. Some of these foreigners heard them speaking languages they could understand and were amazed at what it meant.
Acts 2:11-12
11 … we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
So first of all, we see that God used speaking in tongues to communicate an understandable message. Others heard nothing but a babble that caused them to think the speakers were merely drunk:
Acts 2:13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
Second, God used tongues simply as evidence of a behavior-changing experience. Now let us examine Paul's writings on tongues that more clearly identifies the two purposes for speaking in tongues.
How can I find God? (part 32)
November 18, 2009
Tongues as a sign
In 1 Corinthians 14:21-22, Paul said one form of speaking in tongues is as a “sign” of the fulfilled prophecy of Isaiah:
Isa 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.
Paul said speaking in tongues was a sign that the prophecy of God's Spirit speaking through people had come to pass. It was a sign to convince anyone who would doubt.
1 Corinthians 14:21-22
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: …
We see that happened in Acts 10:45-46 when the Jews were slow to believe that Gentiles were filled with the Holy Ghost in the same manner as they.
Acts 10:45-46
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, and magnify God. …
They knew it was true when they heard them speak in other tongues, so tongues were a sign to the doubters or unbelievers. This kind of speaking in tongues appears not to be a language that other people would necessarily understand, but a heavenly language. Paul spoke about the “tongues of angels” and the “tongues of men” in 1 Corinthians 13:1.
1 Corinthians 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
“Tongues of men” could refer to the second purpose of tongues, the gift of tongues, which we will address in a moment. However, the “tongues of angels” could very well be the “sign” that Paul spoke of when a believer becomes a citizen of the kingdom of heaven. It may sound like babble because it is not necessarily a human language. This form of tongues involves speaking directly to God and not men:
1 Cor 14:2 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.
When we speak in tongues we don't even understand what we are praying but the “spirit speaks mysteries.” This kind of speaking in tongues edifies, or strengthens the spirit of the one praying:
1 Cor 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself…
In fact, when we pray in tongues, it is our spirit doing the praying:
1 Cor 14:14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
When we received the Holy Ghost, we spoke in tongues as (1) a sign we were filled with the Holy Ghost, and (2) for our spirit to make direct communication to God, and (3) to edify us.
Remember, this sort of speaking in tongues is spoken directly to God and not out loud as if to grab the attention of the whole church for a prolonged time. This is the first purpose of tongues—a sign or evidence of the Spirit within. That is why when we are praying with someone seeking to be saved and filled with the Holy Ghost that we listen for them to speak with new tongues. That was the sign that the first believers had been filled with the Holy Ghost and there is no reason to believe God has changed that.
Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
How can I find God? (part 33)
November 19, 2009
Tongues as a gift (with interpretation)
Then there is the “gift of tongues.” Paul provides various lists of gifts of the Spirit in his writings. The most commonly used list of the gifts of the Spirit is in 1 Cor 12:4-10.
1 Corinthians 12:4-10
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; to another the interpretation of tongues:
The gift of tongues is for the purpose of communicating an understandable message to the church. As in Acts 2:11, it may be in a language that is understood by the hearer but not by the speaker, or the words may be interpreted by someone to whom God gives an interpretation.
1 Cor 14:27 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.
In fact, when using the gift of tongues, we should pray that it is interpreted:
1 Cor 14:13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
1 Corinthians 12:10 indicates that not everyone will receive “gift of tongues”.
1 Corinthians 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
The gift of tongues serves a different purpose from sign of tongues. The person using the gift of tongues speaks out loud in church with the purpose of his message being interpreted to the whole church. When the message is interpreted for all then the whole church is edified:
1 Corinthians 14:5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
From this verse we see that tongues with an interpretation serves the same purpose as prophesying and is equal in importance. The gift of prophecy and the gift of speaking in tongues with an interpretation both serve to edify the church.
From what we can learn from the New Testament, prophecy is not just foretelling future events, but also speaking the Word of God boldly, as in anointed preaching (John the Baptist, Jesus, Anna, Agabus, Judas and Silas, and others prophesied), or testimony (the new Ephesian believers in Acts 19). So we can see that both prophecy and speaking in tongues with an interpretation, is similar to bold preaching that communicates a message from God to the church.
However, using the gift of tongues alone completes only half of the intended purpose of communicating to people. More tomorrow on this subject.
How can I find God? (part 34)
November 20, 2009
We are still on the topic of finding God. And the current subject is certainly a way to have a close encounter with God. The gift of tongues is intended to communicate a message to the whole church to edify everyone. That is why it seemed that Paul tried to restrain tongues in the church of Corinth.
1 Corinthians 14:19 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.
It was obvious that the misuse of the gift of tongues was leading to confusion in the church. Many would speak in tongues to the whole church and there would be no interpretation. Paul sought to bring the zeal under control at Corinth :
1 Corinthians 14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
He provided the church with a practical way to control out-of-control use of the gift of tongues:
1 Corinthians 14:27-28
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.
The gift of tongues is very useful to the church when someone with the gift of interpretation interprets the message in an understandable language. But if no interpretation comes, then the speaker should “keep silence” or in other words, quiet his voice, and then speak only for himself to God.
Paul shows us that the two forms of tongues are very closely related and it is possible to move from one function of tongues right to the other. You may have been speaking in tongues loudly to the church as if it were the gift of tongues ready to be interpreted. However, if no one receives the interpretation to give to the church, your tongue talking should be quieted so that you are not grasping the attention of the whole church. What began as an expression of the gift of tongues to the church may change to tongues as a personal communication to God alone as with tongues for a sign.
The gift of tongues serves to speak a message out loud to the whole church through interpretation. The sign of tongues serves to speak a message relatively quietly and personally to God alone, and is a sign/evidence that a person has been filled with the Spirit. Practically speaking, this form of speaking in tongues may not be quiet or silent, but it is comparatively quiet in relationship to the total volume of worship being experienced by the collective body of worshipers. However, it is personal worship to God and not done to get the attention of the whole church.
How can I find God? (part 35)
November 25, 2009
While pursuing the subject of how to find God, let's address an important question that someone pursuing an understanding God's plan may ask. What is the difference between the gift of tongues and speaking in tongues as a sign they have received the Holy Spirit?
The two forms of speaking in tongues are similar because they sound very much the same. As we have seen the difference is in the purpose of each. Personal speaking in tongues as a sign of the Holy Ghost, is usually done to God alone and provides personal spiritual strength to the individual. The gift of tongues comes very loudly, boldly, commanding the attention of the whole church and edifies the whole church.
When God chooses to use the gift of tongues to speak to the church, the church can sense that and becomes quiet. After hearing the message in tongues, then the church prays and reverently waits for God to give the interpretation.
Forbid not to speak with tongues
1 Corinthians 14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
Because of a misunderstanding regarding the difference between tongues as a sign for the individual and tongues as a gift to the church, some would say that tongues are not for today. Some have gone so far as to say that tongues are of the devil. It is true that the devil has produced false versions of God's true ways, trying to portray them as substitutes for truth. There are false prophets, anti-christs, supposed pleasures of sin, and on and on. It may be that there are demons who would falsify speaking in tongues, but most assuredly, there is a real, true, authentic, indisputable, legitimate, and genuine speaking in tongues that is from God.
And although Paul sought to regulate and even limit the use of the gift of tongues, he also said, “forbid not to speak with tongues.” And some churches have tried to do just that. How awful it would be if we did not have the opportunity to enjoy the pure and holy pleasure we receive when we speak with tongues. Anyone who would forbid speaking with tongues because they think it is an evil thing, simply has not spoken with tongues themselves as the Spirit gave the utterance.
With that in mind, let us next address a defense of speaking with tongues using the very same verses that are used to attempt to do away with speaking with tongues.
How can I find God? (part 36)
November 30, 2009
Defense of tongues
1 Cor 12:27-30
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.
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? do all interpret?
We have already spoken of the difference between the gift of tongues and the sign of tongues. The subject of the above verses is the gifts of the Spirit, and the point is clearly made that everyone does not possess or is always used in all the various gifts that God distributes in His church. Paul describes the church as a body with the different parts each functioning differently according to the needs of the body at the time. The gifts are used to communicate God's messages and to do His work in the church. But notice in the next passage that Paul states that this method of communication and work is not permanent.
1 Cor 13:8-10
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.
All the gifts of the Spirit will eventually be done away with. Right now, they serve as methods through God communicates and works with us. However, Paul spoke of a future time “when that which is perfect is come” when these methods would not be needed. More on this tomorrow.
How can I find God? (part 37)
December 1, 2009
Some religious traditions teach that the perfect thing mentioned there was the event of the putting together of the books of the Bible that occurred in the first and second centuries. This line of thought suggests that speaking in tongues concluded when the Word of God began to be available for people to read. However, those who argue this issue only point to the fact that tongues will be done away with but that verse also says that when the perfect thing comes, knowledge and healing shall also be done away with, and likely refers to all the gifts of the Spirit. No one believes that when Bibles were produced that knowledge and healing were done away with.
The phrase, “that which is perfect” comes from the single Greek word, “teleios,” which means “properly, brought to its end, finished; lacking nothing necessary to completeness”. That completion speaks of the coming of Christ when He makes all things complete/perfect in the New Jerusalem. That will be the first time when the gifts of the Spirit will no longer be necessary for God to communicate with or heal His people.
And finally, as we conclude this topic, let us consider these next verses:
1 Cor 14:5 I would that ye all spake with tongues , but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues , except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
1 Cor 14:13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
1 Cor 14:28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
It is clear that these verses specifically refer to the gift of tongues. If someone speaks in tongues to the church in a loud attention getting manner without an interpretation following, that does not help the church. We are instructed so pray for an interpretation. If there is no interpretation of that loud speaking with tongues, quiet your voice so that you are speaking only to yourself and God.
How can I find God? (part 38)
December 2, 2009
As we conclude our study of “How can I find God?”, remember that a correct answer to that question must be based on what the scripture says on the subject rather than simply relying on a religious tradition that we have been familiar with. And neither should we base the answer to such an important question on current philosophical trends.
I was raised in a religious tradition that had core teachings that were not based on scripture. As my family began to search scripture, we decided to make a break from the trend of the past. It was not easy but we were interested in finding God not just another social gathering.
We investigated various religions and almost settled for one that sounded very easy to follow. To “find God” according to their teaching, I simply needed to believe, recite a prayer, and accept Jesus as my savior. I believed, recited, and accepted over and over yet never experienced the life-changing power of God. And in fact, I could not find any examples in scripture to support that idea.
Finally, through study of the scripture, I found many examples of the salvation (finding God) experience that people experienced when the church started in Acts 2. If you want to find God, read through the Book of Acts, where salvation was “acted” out many times over. I found a church that taught the scriptural pattern set forth in Acts 2:38.
Acts 2:37-38
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?
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
This pattern of finding God came in answer to the question, “What shall we do!” The people asking that question were just like you. They had heard about God and they witnessed other people finding God. These folks, however, were the first people to ask that question after Jesus started His church.
Look at it this way, Jesus lived, died, and was resurrected as recorded in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Those books concluded with Jesus saying, “Go to Jerusalem to seek for the promise of the Father.” Then what follows is the Book of Acts that records those people coming to Jerusalem and receiving the promise of the Father. Then some outside observers said, “I like this. What shall we do?”
The point is, that pattern of finding God was repeated many times through Acts to establish the fact that, “this is the way to find God.”
Tomorrow we will sum that up in the final lesson.
How can I find God? (part 39)
December 3, 2009
Today is our final lesson on the topic, “How can I find God?” I will summarize the many scriptures we have presented in the previous lessons.
Faith
To come to God, we must make our approach by faith. That simply means that you believe that by seeking Him, you can find Him and that He has the willingness and ability to eternally save you. Hearing or reading the Word of God or testimonies of others can give us that faith.
Repentance
Faith leads us to repent of our sins. That means that we make a heart-decision to turn away from what displeases God (sin). We come to Him on His terms. His plan is not open for negotiation. Sin must be left behind for it has separated us from God. This is not the same as a new year's resolution, it is a statement by faith that, through God's help, you will forsake your sin.
Baptism
Faith leads us to be baptized for Jesus said believers will be baptized. How we are baptized is to be after the manner set forth in numerous scriptural examples, by being immersed in water as the name of Jesus Christ is called over us. This is the act of faith that causes the blood of Jesus to wash away (remit) our sins.
Receiving His Spirit
Our act of faith is followed by God's act of putting His Spirit inside us. In scripture this is called receiving the Holy Ghost. It is also referred to as being baptized by the Spirit, or being filled with the Spirit. God takes up residence inside of you and you become His temple and a new creation. The immediate sign that God gives us as we are filled with His Spirit is that we begin to speak a (heavenly) language that we have not previously learned. God literally puts the words in our mouths.
This is how to find God in a nutshell. Are you ready to find Him? Let me know if you need help. Write me at a warner@moreword.com .
Our next topic answers the question, “How can I live for God?” After you are filled with the Holy Ghost, God gives instructions on how to make our life more full of Him.
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