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Obeying God's Commandments, and the Greatest of These is Love.
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In a world where change is inevitable and nothing remains static, it is good to know the Word of God is the same. It never changes, and it will last forever. The Bible, God's message to men of all generations everywhere, contains simplicity, clarity, and logic. God's messages are as clear and relevant to us today as they were centuries ago to the early Christians. In God's Word we find a clear answer to any problem we might encounter in everyday life. The Bible is as up-to-date as now. In writing this commentary on basic scriptural doctrines, we will strive for simplicity, knowing that how you apply these truths to your everyday life will be what counts most. Read your Bible more often, and learn to cherish it. |
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The Bible is truth. The scripture says, "Thy word is truth." (John 17:17) It is the inspired Word of God. These are not words of men's wisdom, but the prophecy came when holy men of old were moved by the Holy Ghost to speak and write. The Bible is a complete library of books! There are sixty-six books in all. These are divided into the Old and New Testaments. The word "Testament" means "Covenant," and is a word by which God designates the relationship between Himself and His people. In the Old Testament we find thirty-nine books. There are many exciting stories about God's wonderful creation and fellowship in the Garden of Eden. In the Book of Genesis we learn that man fell in sin and was driven from the garden, separated from perfect communion with God. Many exciting and sometimes horrible consequences happened to man because of the original sin. You will read about these in the first books of the Bible. The Old Testament contains the calling and history of the Jewish nation. God's chosen people had many wonderful leaders who were devoted to God's cause and fully dependent upon Him. You will read of the fantastic feats of Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David, and many others. Study their lives and accomplishments. Find out what motivated them to do the things they did. What great "cause" did each of them love most of all? Who was uppermost in their hearts and minds at all times? Were they ever selfish in their motives? Were they unkind to others? Study the characteristics of a good leader as you read the true thrilling accounts of Jewish "great" men in the Old Testament. Then ask yourself this question, "How can this character help me to become a better Christian?" Because of his separation from God and his knowledge of sin, man needed a savior. Only one who knew no sin could pay the supreme sacrifice for our salvation and buy us back from Satan. The prophets of the Old Testament often spoke of the coming Messiah, as they preached to the Jewish nation. Joel and Isaiah were the ones who spoke out most frequently. Joel said, "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions." (Joel 2:28) Isaiah spoke of the coming Messiah as a sheep led to the slaughter. Peter used Joel's prophecy on the Day of Pentecost when he said, "This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel." (Acts 2) |
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The four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, each tell the thrilling story of the life of Jesus Christ for all men everywhere. Just who was this man who captivated so much attention as He walked the shores of Galilee, healing the sick, preaching in the villages, and teaching about a kingdom that was to come? How fortunate that we know Jesus was "God manifested in the flesh." 1Timothy 3:16 How wonderful to know the real reason for the remarkable power to do miracles. In the Gospels you can read to find out how Jesus called His disciples and how they left all to follow Him. You can also realize that Jesus expects us to be led by His Spirit and follow His examples and teachings. As you read, you will understand the real reason Jesus came to earth, which was to call sinners to repentance. (Mark 2:17) God expects us to share in His ministry by loving others and helping them to find reality in serving Jesus Christ. We can help others understand that the One True God can and will help them as they help others. This is a sharing ministry. There is no room for selfishness. Do you understand the true nature of Jesus Christ? How did He do the healings and miracles the He did? Because God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself. 2(Corinthians 5:19) When Jesus was questioning His followers, asking, "Whom do men say that I, the Son of man am?" They answered in many ways, such as, "Some say you are John the Baptist; some Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets." But Jesus was much more specific. He said, "But whom do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered and said, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:16) Jesus answered and said, "Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona; for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father, which is in heaven." (Matthew 16"17) Then Jesus gave Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven. From that time, He told the disciples of the things that were to happen to Him in the near future. Peter was later to use the keys or authority given him on that day by Jesus Christ as he preached on the Day of Pentecost and established the Church of the living God. Who was Jesus Christ? What did Isaiah say about Him? Isaiah did not know God's real name, but he prophesied and said, "His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." Isaiah also pointed out that His name would be called Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Jesus was really God, clothed in human flesh and dwelling among us. He who knew no sin found it necessary to share our grief and sorrow, so that He might pay the debt we owed for our sins. Only then, through a sinless sacrifice, could we be brought back into perfect fellowship and harmony with God. All mortals had their sin debt "paid in full" once and for all by Jesus' death on the cross. This great and tragic event marked the end of an era in history. No more must we offer sacrifices once a year for our sins. Jesus paid the supreme sacrifice, and He did it willingly. |
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Who has sinned? The Bible clearly states that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. And sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (Romans 3:23 and James 1:15) The psalmist David reinforced this truth when he said, "There is none that doeth good, no not one." (Psalm 53:3) Because of one man's disobedience, many were made sinners. (Romans 5:19) Adam and Eve disobeyed God, and sin came into the world. As all must be punished, Adam and Eve were driven from their beautiful home, the Garden of Eden. All mankind everywhere must also suffer their other punishments, too, which included suffering, toil, and finally, death. Yes, because of sin, death was introduced. But when Jesus Christ suffered death on the cross for our sins, He arose as a victorious Christ! No more would Satan have dominion over death and the grave. Jesus suffered the atonement that we might have eternal life. He literally redeemed us from Satan by His supreme sacrifice. |
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Because of Adam's disobedience, all men are born in sin, and, no matter how good they may try to be, they must follow God's plan in order to be saved. Jesus told Nicodemus that he must be born of water and of the Spirit. (John 3:5) On another occasion, Jesus said, "I tell you, Nay: but except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:3) God has always been very specific in His instructions. He made the plan of salvation very clear, which is to repent, be baptized in Jesus' name for remission of sins, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38) Who preached repentance? John the Baptist preached it (Matthew 3: 1, 2); Jesus preached it (Matthew 4:17); Jesus commanded the Twelve to preach it (Luke 24:47); Jesus commanded the seventy to preach it (Luke 10:9); then both Peter and Paul preached it (Acts 2:38 and Acts 20:21). After our Lord gave Peter the keys to the kingdom, and Peter used his authority on the Day of Pentecost, the standing multitude asked an important question. "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" The first thing Peter told them was, "Repent." How do you repent? Tell God you are sorry for your sins. Ask Him to forgive you, and He is willing and just to forgive you of your sins. Turn away from sins. The scripture says that godly sorrow worketh repentance. (2Corinthians 7:10) If you are really sorry and turn away from sin, resolving never to do those things again, you are ready for baptism, which is the second step in the plan of salvation. |
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Baptism is a very important step in salvation. It is absolutely essential for candidates to be baptized by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins in order to be saved. The Bible clearly states, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." (Mark 16:16) The proper "mode" or method of baptism is important, too. The word baptism comes from a Greek word, baptizo, which means "to dip, plunge, immerse, or to be overwhelmed." It is clear from this definition that the word baptism means "immersion." Only by immersion can one be identified with Jesus Christ in burial. (Romans 6:4 and Colossians 2:12) Why must candidates be baptized in the name of Jesus? Because we are obeying Jesus Christ's commandment in the Great Commission, which said, "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved...." (Mark 16: 15, 16) Notice also Jesus' words, "Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." (Matthew 28:19) Notice this word "name" is singular. What is the name? There is only one name given under heaven whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4: 12) That name is Jesus. Jesus is the NAME of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. The terms Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are not names, but are only titles. There is only One name: Jesus! How wonderful to know He was God manifested in the flesh and clothed in humanity. How wonderful that this God-man became personally acquainted with our grief and sorrows. He experienced, first-hand, our frail human emotions, and He understands our problems. He sacrificed His life so that all men everywhere might know they have a chance of eternal live. In every instance in which a convert was baptized in the Book of Acts, we find he was baptized in the name of Jesus. In Acts 8:16,"...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." Acts 19:5, "When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." Even at Ephesus, when Paul arrived on the scene and found disciples of John, he asked, "Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?" They had not even heard of the Holy Ghost, but when they heard, they gladly received his words and were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 19:1-6) John's converts were converted to Christ and baptized in Jesus name! This doctrine of water baptism in Jesus' name is fully documented throughout the Scriptures. If the Apostles never performed a baptism using any other formula, then surely it would be presumptuous and sinful for any mortal to deliberately formulate his ways and means for baptizing his candidates. |
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The Comforter has come! We need not wait and hope. We need not spend our energies tarrying. When our hearts our right, we will receive the Holy Ghost, because it has already been poured out. Jesus said, "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name...." Whose name? Jesus' name! The prophecies of two men were fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost. These two prophets gave outstanding prophecies. Isaiah spoke of"..."stammering lips and another tongue," (Isaiah 28:11) Peter spoke of Joel's prophecy when he said, "But this is that which was spoken by the prophet, Joel: And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and you young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams." (Acts 2:16-18) As you read and study your Bible, you will find the doctrine of the Holy Ghost emphasized throughout the scriptures. John the Baptist spoke of the coming baptism of the Holy Ghost and with "fire." Jesus promised His disciples the Holy Ghost, emphasizing that He must go away so that the Comforter could come. He commanded them to remain in Jerusalem until the Holy Ghost came. (Acts 1:4) The Jewish people were having a yearly feast day in which people from everywhere gathered in Jerusalem to offer "thank you" gifts of food to God. This was the Feast of Pentecost. But the disciples were not eating a big meal. They were praying and waiting for something wonderful to happen. There was such an air of expectancy in the upper room as the disciples, Mary the mother of Jesus, and many followers of Jesus tarried for the "power" from on high. There were about one-hundred and twenty in all. Jesus had promised He would send the Holy Ghost, and He always keeps His promises! Suddenly there came a sound from heaven. It sounded like a rushing mighty wind. Only it was not wind; it came right into the room where they were sitting. They could feel it! There was tongues that looked like fire which sat upon each of them. It wasn't real flames, because it did not burn or harm them. This was to let them know the Holy Ghost and fire had come, just as Jesus had promised. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. The same Spirit of God who had made the world---the same Spirit that was in the body of Jesus----that same Spirit now lived in their hearts and spoke through them in other tongues or languages they had not studied! Jesus had kept His promise. (Acts 2) The Holy Ghost had been poured out on believers. The disciples were no longer lonely. The Comforter had come! The disciples received power when they received the Holy Ghost. One of the most important purposes of this power was to make them bold witnesses of the power of God. The scripture says, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me...." (Acts 1:8) Just as the Day of Pentecost was the fiftieth day after the Passover, and marked the culmination of feast days for the Jewish people, so does the outpouring of the Holy Ghost complete God's plan in providing salvation for mankind. Jesus has said, "Upon this rock I will build my Church." His Church was begun on the Day of Pentecost. It has been steadfast through centuries, embodied by the very Spirit and life of Jesus Christ. Notice that the audible manifestation or evidence the "one hundred and twenty" had, was speaking with tongues. Of course, this manifestation had been prophesied about by Isaiah. (Isaiah 28:11) He said, "For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people." Jesus also spoke of the signs that would follow them who believe. "They shall speak with new tongues." (Mark 16:17) The Jews spoke with tongues on the Day of Pentecost. So did the Gentiles at Caesarea (Acts 10: 46), the Ephesians (Acts 19:6), and the Apostle Paul. In fact, the baptism of the Holy Ghost, with the evidence of speaking in other tongues, identifies us with Christ in His resurrection. (Romans 6:5 and Romans 8:11) Just as Jesus Christ experienced death, burial, and resurrection in providing our salvation, we experience a type of death, burial, and resurrection in receiving salvation through the steps of repentance, baptism in Jesus name, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost. We are "in Christ" (1Corinthians 12:13) and Christ is "in us" (Colossians 1:27). What a glorious privilege to know the truth! |
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There is only one God. This statement of fact is fully documented throughout the Scriptures. In the Old Testament, God said, "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord." And "Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any." (Deuteronomy 6:4 and Isaiah 44:8) This same truth is fulfilled in the New Testament. In Paul's writings we find, "For there is one God, and mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." (1Timothy 2:5) Again, "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." (James 2:19) There are no contradictions in the Bible. The word "trinity" is not found in the Bible. This term, coined by the Roman Catholic Church, was introduced at the Nicean Council of 325 A.D. It is accepted by most Protestant groups, and states that there is one God divided into three persons who are coequal and coeternal. This, of course, is an contradiction, an impossibility, and completely unscriptural. It is without scriptural foundation. God is a Spirit. He has no physical limitations. He may be seen only in Jesus Christ. But He is everywhere, an omnipotent, omnipresent God, filling the universe. John said, "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in truth." (John 4:24) Many people try to explain the mystery of godliness and get very confused. This simple truth must be understood by revelation. The Holy Ghost, which is the Spirit of God, will reveal this beautiful truth to honest-hearted people seeking truth. God was manifested in the flesh, and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. (1Timothy 3:16 and John 1:14) In Jesus Christ dwelt all the fullness of the godhead bodily. (Colossians 2:9) God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself. (2Corinthians 5:19) God desired complete fellowship with His creation, and He was finally achieving this goal through the supreme sacrifice. The purposes of the Sonship of God are as follows: 1) To provide a Redeemer, a sinless sacrifice for our sins. Only God could provide such a sacrifice. 2) To become our Mediator. 3) To become our King. Someday He will reign upon the earth as the King of kings. (Matthew 26:64) 4) To become our Judge. (Acts 17:31) With this understanding, you can readily see how Jesus Christ possessed a dual nature. He was both divine and human. He was deity when He said "all power" was given unto Him (Matthew 28:18), and when He exercised the right to forgive sins. (Mark 2:5 and Luke 7:48) He was humanity when He suffered, bled, and died on the cross. He was deity when He arose again, victorious over death. |
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The meaning of the root word "holy" means to be separated or withdrawn from that which is common or unclean, and consecrated to what is sacred and pure. God alone is pure and holy. He is perfect; man is imperfect. God is divine; man is human. He is morally perfect; man is sinful. God abhors that which is evil. It is easy to understand that He cannot tolerate sin of any kind. To Him it is vile and detestable. Therefore, it is evident that man must become holy in order to attain fellowship with God. Holiness is a condition of the heart. It is a sum total of our attitudes and consecrations toward God. Therefore we must take heed of our attitudes and motives as we strive to be holy. We must manifest Christ-like attitudes. Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in heart..." Are our hearts really pure? Are our motives pure? Why do we do the things we do? What motivates us? Are our talents separated and dedicated to the service of God? Can He really use us? Only those who are holy and sanctified shall be able to see Jesus and enter His kingdom. On that day, He will present to Himself a Church, "...a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." (Ephesians 5:27) To sanctify means to separate from evil and dedicate exclusively to the service of God. Man's part is to bring himself to the sanctifying influence of the Holy Ghost and allow God to work His will. Sinful man is wholly incapable of making himself holy. This is the work of the Holy One. There is nothing man can do to merit sanctification. All his righteousness would be as filthy rags. But thank God, we have a Holy One who is happy to sanctify and cleanse us! The process of sanctification begins the moment a person hears or reads the gospel message, for the Word of God has a cleansing influence in the heart of the hearer. "Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken to you." (John 15:3) "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." (John 17:17) There is a definite power in God's Word to convict sinners of their sins and reveal to them their need of a close walk with God, a sanctification, and deeper consecration. It is the responsibility of every God-fearing child of God to see to it that he keeps himself under the influence of the sanctifying power of God by repentance, surrender of his will to God's will, consecration, dedication, complete separation from the world, faith, and obedience. None of us was born perfect. The very fact that Peter exhorted the saints to "...grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord..." proves to us that sanctification is a progressive process in our lives. (2Peter 3:18) The Christian who is filled with the Spirit, walks after the Spirit, and is led by the Spirit will have a holy life, one that is dedicated and consecrated to the will of God. He will live a life above sin, and will feel no condemnation. There are many advantages and rewards of holy living. The Christian enjoys greater peace of mind and heart. He enjoys happiness. His life is more fruitful and satisfying, for he lives a life of service to God and others. Are there any secrets to successful holy living? Indeed, there are! Following are only a few: 1) Allow the power of the Holy Ghost to change you and teach you. 2) Learn to communicate daily with God. It is of vital necessity that you talk to your "Creator." It is through Him that we move and have our being. A prayerful life is a happy and victorious life. 3) Realize that only after you relinquish your will to God's will will you know peace. Find the mind of God. 4) Read the Bible daily. Let it "come alive" to your heart. Attend Bible studies and participate. Get involved with your studies. Think about the lesson. Ask questions that will clarify doctrines. 5) Dedicate yourself fully to His service and to His will for your life. Don't get sidetracked! Keep God as top priority on your list and you can stay happy. 6) Live each day one day at a time. Live "in-depth." Don't become stale. You can go on learning and keep alive all your life! 7) Keep your eyes off the faults of others. Look to Jesus as the one who has an answer to every problem you might encounter. 8) Witness to others of the power and the hope that lies within you. You will be blessed and feel victorious when you witness boldly of the power of God. 9) Discuss your problems with your pastor. |
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God did not intend that His children be sickly. He provided for the healing of our bodies in the atonement, just as surely as He provided for the salvation of our souls. This is fully documented by the Scriptures. God has always had a plan for His people. He cares for His own---those who believe and trust Him. The Israelites has an ordinance or promise of healing, as they left Egypt and began their long journey into the wilderness. (Exodus 15:25, 26) David exhorted us to remember the benefits of the Lord. Isaiah prophesied about the sin-bearer who also carried our sickness and pain. Many scriptures point out Jesus Christ as the Great physician as well as the sacrificial Lamb. The Great Commission, according to Mark, declared that one of the signs following the preaching of the gospel would be the healing of the sick. "They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." (Mark 16:18) "And the prayer of faith shall save the sick." (James 5:15) The price was paid for the healing of our bodies by Jesus Christ, in the atonement. According to Isaiah, "He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with his stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5) If we accept God's plan of salvation as our own and embrace it with all our hearts, then we should also accept His plan for healing of our bodies. It involves simple obedience and faith. In the beginning, God created Adam and Eve in perfect health. Disobedience brought sickness and disease into the world. When Jesus died, He not only bore our iniquities but also our sicknesses. Divine healing is provided for everyone who will believe, trust in God, and follow Bible instructions. Not once did Jesus turn away a case as hopeless! Remember that nothing is impossible with God. This God-man healed all manner of diseases, including leprosy, palsy, fever, paralysis, blindness, deafness, a withered hand, and the list could go on and on! The ministry of healing continued, even after Jesus went back to heaven. It is the responsibility of the Church to see that this healing ministry continues, even now in the Church age, as it was practiced by the Apostles. The Scriptures declare Jesus Christ to be the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is fully able to heal, since His power has not changed since the days He walked the shores of Galilee, healing and mending bodies and broken hearts. You have apart in the healing ministry. According to James, you must call for the elders of the church. They will anoint you with oil, and the prayer of faith shall save the sick. (James 5:14) Simple obedience and faith is all that is required of you to get your healing. Trusting and believing are often overlooked aspects of faith. Many people find it difficult to trust Jesus with the healing of their bodies. But why? He knows what is wrong with us and what is right. Could it be that our Creator is insulted because so many do not trust Him? It takes more than a "mental" faith for healings and miracles. Are you really convinced in your heart that God can do anything? Even heal frail human bodies? It is simply a matter of knowing He can, then trusting and believing when the prayer of faith is prayed. Miracles of every description are being performed in His name in this day, attesting to the mighty power of Jesus Christ. We should continue to "...earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." (Jude 3) Do not be contented to drag yourself through life, moaning and complaining, thinking it is God's will for you to be sick. God does not get glory from your sickness; the devil does! God receives glory when you obey His plan and are healed. You can then witness of the power of Jesus Christ over sickness and disease. How wonderful to know that Jesus bore the stripes for the healing of our bodies! |
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The church is a Spirit-filled body of believers. It is a Scriptural body and its life and ministry depend directly upon the power of the Holy Spirit within it. Pulsating through the veins and arteries of the church is the very life and presence of Jesus Christ. In order for the church to be healthy and growing, it must maintain the unity of the Spirit and make increase of the body. Members of the body of Christ will bear fruit of the Spirit and manifest gifts of the Spirit in the assembly. The Holy Ghost bears fruit in the life of every individual member, imparting Spiritual gifts to the entire body. The fruit of the Spirit are graces in the life of the Christian. The fruit is born by the Spirit, not by the Christian. The inner radiance and grace manifested comes not from the Christian but from the Holy Spirit that dwells within. Don't confuse this with the fruit of the Christian, or soul winning, that Jesus spoke of in John 15:8. The fruit of the Spirit is manifested by the Christian, which is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. The Bible says there are no laws against these attributes! (Galatians 5:22, 23) When the true Christian attains one of these graces in his life, the same Spirit is there to attain the other eight attributes. As the body of Christ works in unity of the Spirit, and is led by the Spirit, the nine gifts of the Spirit will be in operation in the assembly. (1Corinthians 12:8-10) These gifts are distributed and given to various members of the church for the benefit of the entire church. Unlike the fruit of the Spirit, the gifts are diverse. God bestows upon those members the gifts He deems fit, according to His will. The gifts of the Spirit are as follows: 1) Word of Wisdom This is not worldly wisdom but Word of wisdom, which comes from God. 2) Word of Knowledge An example of this special gift was Paul's information concerning the outcome of his shipwreck. (Acts 27:22-26) 3) Faith This is the gift of faith, as differentiated from individual faith or faith for salvation. Members of the body of Christ with the gift of faith have a supernatural endowment of faith by the Spirit for a special work or other special needs that arise in the church. 4) Gifts of Healing Because of the complexity of the human body and the many causes of human sicknesses, we find these important gifts of healing mentioned in the plural. Since the human body is so complex, there could be hundreds of reasons for sicknesses, both Spiritual and physical. Some ailments are caused by demon activity, through oppression, obsession, or possession. Through the gifts of healing, these can be cast out. Then, of course, there are ailments that have an organic cause. Christians should establish good health habits for themselves and their families. It is common knowledge that eating late at night and staying up late are against good health rules. You may become sick because of your living habits. If so, change your habits! Make sure your body gets enough rest each night. Well-regulated lives will prevent many problems. The Bible gives very definite instructions, and if we follow God's plan, and call for the elders of the church, we will see the working of this gift in every local assembly. 5) Working of Miracles The definition of a miracle is "a supernatural act on the natural plane." It is an act of God which seems impossible to the natural man, and which has no natural explanation. Miracles have their purpose in the work of God, which is to meet needs and provide protection and preservation for God's people. (Mark 16:18 and Acts 28:3-6) If God's people are led by the Spirit and seek Spiritual gifts the gift of miracles will be in operation in the church today. Such is really a manifestation of the glory and power of Jesus Christ. Who has all power in heaven and in earth? Who worked miracles as He walked the shores of Galilee? Jesus Christ, of course! That same power of Jesus Christ is within us today. If we are consecrated and dedicated to His cause, He will "entrust" us with the gift of miracles. Notice the word "entrust." God must be able to trust those He endows with special gifts. These must be spiritually strong individuals, not wishy-washy, spineless, half-hearted people who have no clear concept of their church's vital doctrines. 6) Prophecy Prophecy is the forth-telling of Bible truths under the anointing. Prophecy is speaking by inspiration on one's mother tongue. Preaching through the anointed power of God is prophecy. Anointed testimony also fits into this category. (Revelation 19:10) Prophecy edifies the church, comforts, and exhorts. There is a vital need for anointed exhortations in these last days before the coming of the Lord. 7) Discerning of Spirits Do not believe everything you hear. Try the Spirits, to see if they are of God or not. Remember that for every "real," Satan has a counterfeit. If you are filled with the Holy Ghost, then that Spirit within you will bear witness with God's Spirit an another, and you will feel that kindred Spirit. However, if God's Spirit within you does not feel comfortable near the manifestation of another Spirit, then leave it alone. Every pastor and church members should seek and cultivate this gift, the discernment of Spirits, for it is of utmost necessity that you be on guard for Satan's deceitful snares. Know your enemies. Know those who labor among you. Try the Spirits. Remember that Satan will use subtle tricks. He has been known to "speak with tongues," which can readily fool some people, especially if they are not prayed up and do not practice discernment of Spirits. 8) Divers Kinds of Tongues There are many ways tongues are used in the Scriptures. Following are a few explanations. (1) You will speak with tongues when you receive the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:4) This is the physical evidence, the initial sign of the baptism of the Spirit. (2) You may talk to God in tongues when praying or worshipping. (1 Corinthians 14:2, 14, 15) (3) You may have the gift of tongues, which is often used in giving messages in tongues to the church, coupled with interpretation. A message in tongues would be of no use to the church without an interpreter. However; you may be sure that if God gives you a message in tongues, He will also provide the interpreter. That is, if that person is in the proper Spiritual channel, so that God can use his gift. Be sure the gift of tongues is used properly, within the framework of Bible truths. God is very specific about the way He likes things to be done. He is a God of order. He was orderly in His creation. He was orderly in His plan of redemption. He was orderly in providing gifts according to needs, for the edification of the church. If you study Paul's writings, you will learn God's order pertaining to tongues and interpretation. If there is no interpreter, then you should speak with tongues only to yourself and to God. (1 Corinthians 14:28) Otherwise, you would be out of order, and God is displeased with disorder. Paul said, "...the Spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets." (1 Corinthians 14:32) This means that the use of the gifts of tongues and prophecy should be governed by the Word of God and by those "prophets" to whom God has given authority to do so. (9) Interpretation of Tongues The Christian who is blessed with this gift can be mightily used of God. The word "interpret" does not mean "translate." It merely means to explain. The one who interprets the message in tongues does not understand the language of the tongue he interprets. He receives the interpretation from the Spirit as he yields himself to God. Many times the message comes forth with beautiful poetical phrases completely foreign and beyond the natural ability of the one doing the interpreting. These stirring messages are powerful and come from God for the edification of the church. The Holy Spirit dwelling in the heart of a Christian is there to do a definite work. These works are some of the benefits a Christian enjoys. When we are harmed by someone, the Spirit bears the fruit of love for that person. When there is sorrow and distress, the Spirit bears joy and peace. Wherever and whenever there is a definite need, the Spirit is there to fulfill the need. The same principle works with the gifts of the Spirit for the edification of the church. The gifts are in the church for the welfare of the church. When a definite need arises, the Spirit is there to take care of the need. |
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There is a feeling of expectancy in the air. Everyone "feels" something great is about to take place. When it will happen, no one knows for sure. But the signs of the times point out one thing very clearly -----the Lord of glory is coming to catch His bride away. Who is His bride? The Church. Those who have made themselves ready and are without spot or wrinkle. Those who have obeyed His commandments and have been washed whiter than snow. Those who have taken on His name in water baptism. Those who have received His Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. A glorious Church! Yes, God has a glorious Church, and He is soon to catch His bride away when He descends from heaven with a shout. What a wonderful day for those who are ready. How sad for those who have not prepared for His coming. The doctrine of the second coming of Christ is one of the most important ones of the whole Bible. The predictions of His coming are mentioned many times in the Old and New Testaments, which makes us aware that this doctrine is of utmost importance. Jacob prophesied about the second advent of Christ. (Genesis 49:10) Job also spoke of the second appearance of Christ when he said, "...he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth." (Job 19:25) Jesus promised the disciples He would return and receive His children unto Himself. (John 14:3 and Revelation 22:7, 12, 20) The second coming of Christ will be literal and personal. "For the Lord Himself shall descend." (1 Thessalonians 4:16) The saints of the living God should strive every day to keep themselves prepared and watching for the actual "rapture of the church," which will be the resurrecting of those who have died in Christ, and the catching away of the living saints, without experiencing death, as were Enoch and Elijah of the Old Testament. The rapture will take place in the twinkling of an eye, and the saints will be changed, to be like Him. In that day, the saints must have the Spirit actively engaged in their lives in order to be drawn by the magnetic mutual force that will catch them away. This is called the rapture of the Church, or the Blessed Hope of the Saints, and is the first phase of His second coming. The second phase is the appearance of Jesus to execute judgment and to set up His millennial kingdom with His saints. Then every eye shall see Him. (Revelation 1:7)
And so shall we ever be with the Lord!
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