We feel we tend to talk too much about spreading the Word of God and leave out a very important part of that word. Many of you have heard us talk and write about this before. We’re talking about the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. If it were not important, it would not be in the New Testament. God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost, thought it important enough to tell us about it and to offer it unto us, our children and as many as are afar off that God calls unto repentance. (Acts 2:37-39) We all have read of how John the Baptist came preaching that Jesus was bringing the baptism of the Holy Ghost. In Acts 2:4 it states, “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” There are thousands of dialects around the world and God created them all. Now we must understand this one thing. Though the speaking of tongues is done through immediate inspiration by the Holy Ghost by new recipients when one has thus received the gift, it then becomes a part of his mental make-up so that he can, if he desires to do so, exercise it without direct inspiration, even if the person is in a backslidden condition. The Holy Ghost never leaves once He has come. In I Corinthians 13:1 we find, “Though I speak with tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” We understand that charity is “love.” We can have the gifts and not be living as Christians should live. You’ve been there and so have we. This is why the exercise of vocal gifts of prophecy, tongues and interpretation of tongues is commanded to be regulated and even judged as to whether it be under direct inspiration or if the person is exercising a gift of himself. In I Corinthians 14:29-31 it says, “Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.” The command here, is that no more than three messages are to be delivered in any given service, whether by tongues or interpretation. Tongues are not to be brought forth more than three times in a service. Once, the first message is brought forth there must be an interpretation. The Elders or the Prophets, present, should judge as to whether the message lines up with the Word of God. Then and only then, can the second message come forth by tongues. If the first message is deemed to be unscriptural, no more tongues are to be accepted in that same service. The person that is bringing the message by way of tongues is to pray for God to give him the interpretation and if not him, then to another. If there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church and speak to himself and to God. (I Corinthians 14:28) “Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.” (I Corinthians 14:39) For those that do not know the Bible, I Corinthians is in the New Testament, which contains the commands we, as Christians, are to obey. †
Abundant Blessings
Why can’t we understand that all we have, do and think about, comes from God. We can do nothing of ourselves if God doesn’t allow it. When we understand that God Jehovah has a master plan and we are all part of His plan, life will be much smoother. We would like to remind you of a few Scriptures. In the book of Malachi 3:6 it states, “For I am the Lord, I change not.” God is absolute in Holiness. His Character shall never change. He can minister grace and mercy, when needed or when it’s justified to do so, but God is still God. All through the Old Testament, God kept His promises to His people. Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, came to confirm God’s promise that He would send a redeemer to set His people free from the bondage of Satan forever. Now Jesus makes us many promises that can never be broken. We find in Hebrews 13:8 the Word says, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Jesus promises us in Matthew 28:19-20, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Amen. Each of us must realize the Lord is right by our side every minute of every day. We also find written in Hebrews 13:5 these words, “Let your conversation be without covetousness: and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” King David said in Psalms 23, “Ye though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me.” We’re to be at peace at all times. We have abundant blessings all around us. Many times we get to involved in how people think about us or how they will judge us, when we really need to be praising the Lord for the blessings we have. We see lots of families “Trying to keep up the Jones’ family.” This is an old cliché but we believe it’s a spirit that’s driving people today. Our blessings aren’t determined by the amount of money we have in the bank or by how large our home is. We’re blessed to have life, family and friends. We’re blessed to be saved, knowing that Jesus Christ is with us always. The only thing that matters, is what God knows about us. †
Offer This Month
Our offer this month is an anointed singing CD entitled, “Closer Walk” by Tommy Tyson. This singing CD is filled with songs of Inspiration that will make you feel better and uplift your spirit. Here are a few songs listed: Sweet Beulah Land, Just A Closer Walk With Thee, I Can’t Make It Lord, along with many more anointed songs. You can get this singing CD for a love gift to the Ministry of $19.00. Offer # CD-151. This CD will make a great gift to give a friend or a relative. Please order your copy today to help spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. God Bless!
Jesus Is The Answer!!
