1-- What Follows Being Filled With The Holy Spirit-- Etrs

About What Follows Being Filled with the Holy Spirit (compiled by Bill Stevenson) When we try to force our preferences on someone else it is wrong. I have witnessed such happening many times in what many claim is the only way for individuals to prove that they are filled with the Holy Spirit and not just “born again”. Some of these individuals even claim that those who haven’t spoken in tongues are not true Christians or saved adopted children of God. In one large Word of Faith church I was in, the counseling staff was advising individuals to divorce their spouses who didn’t have the gift of tongues. One of the reasons I was fired from my first Christian school teaching ministry because I did not have that spiritual gift yet. I had been “born again” on May 25, 1967. Right after the unjust firing I begged God to give me the gift because it seemed that the Assembly of God church members in two churches I had been in had joy that I wanted too. I received the gift while I was on my bed alone in my bedroom in early 1975. On the other side of the USA in April of 1988, I met someone who was given some of the words I was given. The next year in March, I found myself singing in tongues. I never gave a message from God in tongues in a church service. But I never thought that every Christian had to have the gift. I have been a member of several charismatic churches and visited many. I also have seen charismatic church meetings on TV and been to “faith healer meetings”. But 1 Corinthians 14 was done as the Apostle Paul exhorted in only a few of the churches. In some meetings it seemed that many had the same words or noises during the “speaking in tongues time” as if they were doing such to be accepted. I have read some other famous Bible teachers’ observations, but I would never condemn the charismatic movement. The gift of tongues helped me in my intercessory praying even in churches and the Holy Spirit has been wonderful in His ministries for me (especially teaching me and helping me make decisions). Scripture mentions the Holy Spirit coming upon individuals for specific purposes like for making things for the Tabernacle, for giving information to individuals, for the empowering of the Apostles, and for part of the “born again” experience of Christians. But this Bible study is not dealing with those relations of the Holy Spirit. Most charismatics claim that after the Salvation experience, every new true believer is later filled with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in a language unknown to him or her, because of this passage and other verses stating that there were similar experiences. Notice my underlines. Acts 2 1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they [the 11 close disciples of Jesus Christ 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 [Holy Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7 And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, “Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.” 12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, “What does this mean?”

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So following are the other verses and their contexts that I organized logically. I also have inserted thoughtprovoking questions. Please read this to the end. Acts 10 39 “And we [the Apostle Peter and Luke] are witnesses of all things which He [Jesus Christ] did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; Whom they slew and hanged on a tree: 40 Him God raised up the third day, and showed Him openly; 41 not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with Him after He rose from the dead. 42 And He commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is He which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43 To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins.” 44 While Peter yet spoke 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. Acts 19 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 spoke with tongues, and prophesied. 7 And all the men were about twelve. ***Did the three above passages indicate that those who received the Holy Spirit spoke in non-human known languages? Was there any claim that all Christians will speak as indicated? What follows the word “tongues” in each passage? I read a testimony of a Baptist missionary who picked up a hitchhiker in Africa and was surprised when he uttered words he never heard to his guest. He found out later that he had spoken the Gospel to the hitchhiker. I was surprised that “filled with the Spirit” occurred re in the Old Testament as much as it did: Exodus 28 1 And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto Me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons. 2 And thou shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty. 3 And thou shall speak unto all who are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the Spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto Me in the priest's office.”

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Exodus 31 1 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 2 “See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: 3 And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, 4 to devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, 5 and in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.” Exodus 35 29 The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the Lord, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the Lord had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses. 30 And Moses said unto the children of Israel, “See, the Lord hath called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; 31 And he hath filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship; 32 And to devise curious works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, 33 and in the cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of wood, to make any manner of cunning work. Psalms 51 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. 13 Then will I teach transgressors Thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto Thee. Isaiah 63 7 I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which He hath bestowed on them according to His mercies, and according to the multitude of His lovingkindnesses. 8 For He said, “Surely they are My people, children that will not lie”: so He was their Saviour. 9 In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the angel of His presence saved them: in His love and in His pity He redeemed them; and He bare them, and carried them all the days of old. 10 But they rebelled, and vexed His Holy Spirit: therefore He was turned to be their enemy, and He fought against them. 11 Then He remembered the days of old, Moses, and His people, saying, “Where is He that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of His flock? where is He that put His Holy Spirit within him?”

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Ezekiel 2 1 And He said unto me, “Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee.” 2 And the Spirit entered into me when He spoke unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard Him that spoke unto me. 3 And He said unto me, “Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against Me: they and their fathers have transgressed against Me, even unto this very day. 4 For they are impudent children and stiff hearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shall say unto them, ‘Thus saith the Lord God.’” 7 “And thou shall speak My words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they are most rebellious.” Ezekiel 3 4 And He said unto me, “Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with My words unto them. 5 For thou art not sent to a people of a strange speech and of an hard language, but to the house of Israel; 6 not to many people of a strange speech and of a hard language, whose words thou canst not understand.” 10 Moreover He said unto me, “Son of man, all My words that I shall speak unto thee receive in thine heart, and hear with thine ears. 11 And go, get thee to them of the captivity, unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them, and tell them, ‘Thus saith the Lord God’; whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear.” 24 Then the Spirit entered into me, and set me upon my feet, and spake with me, and said unto me, “Go, shut thyself within thine house. 25 But thou, O son of man, behold, they shall put bands upon thee, and shall bind thee with them, and thou shalt not go out among them: 26 And I will make thy tongue cleave to the roof of thy mouth, that thou shalt be dumb, and shalt not be to them a reprover: for they are a rebellious house. 27 But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, ‘Thus saith the Lord God’; he that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear: for they are a rebellious house. ***Was there any “speaking in tongues” involved in the Old Testament passages? God “does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17) And the giver of the Holy Spirit Jesus Christ is “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever”. (Hebrews 13:8) Matthew 3:11 11 “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, Whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.” Luke 3:21-23 & 4:1-19 21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, 22 and the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from Heaven, which said, “Thou art My beloved Son; in Thee I am well pleased.”

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And Jesus Himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli. And Jesus, being full of the Holy Ghost, returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days He did eat nothing, and when they were ended, He afterward hungered. And the devil said unto Him, “If Thou be The Son Of God, command this stone that it be made bread.” And Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written, ‘That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word of God.’” And the devil, taking Him up into an high mountain, showed unto Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto Him, “All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If Thou therefore will worship me, all shall be Thine.” And Jesus answered and said unto him, “Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, ‘Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.’” And he brought Him to Jerusalem, and set Him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto Him, “If Thou be The Son Of God, cast Thyself down from hence: For it is written, ‘He shall give His angels charge over Thee, to keep Thee: And in their hands they shall bear Thee up, lest at any time Thou dash Thy foot against a stone.’” And Jesus answering said unto him, “It is said, ‘Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.’” And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season. And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee; and there went out a fame of Him through all the region round about. And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up: and, as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto Him the book of the Prophet Esaias. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written, “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the Gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

***If the speaking in tongues gift from the Holy Spirit is so important, why isn’t such indicated in the previous passage of Scripture that Jesus Christ? He was full of the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit was upon Him. But what did He speak, Aramaic or other tongues? John 16 7 “Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you. 8 And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

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Of sin, because they believe not on Me; Of righteousness, because I go to My Father, and ye see Me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.” Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak; and He will show you things to come. He shall glorify Me: for He shall receive of Mine, and shall show it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that He shall take of Mine, and shall show it unto you.”

John 20 19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the Disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, “Peace be unto you.” 20 And when He had so said, He showed unto them His hands and His side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. 21 Then said Jesus to them again, “Peace be unto you: as My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you. 22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and saith unto them, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 23 whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.” ***In response to last verse, remember that some Pharisees protested against Jesus Christ forgiving individuals; they thought it was only for God the Father to do. But in this verse, He said that His disciples had the power to do so too if they received the Holy Spirit. If the gift of tongues was for every disciple of Jesus Christ, why is there no mention about it in the important passages about the Holy Spirit on page 4? Jesus Christ never inferred that spiritual gift in any of His recorded teachings and yet He did exemplify and mention all of the other spiritual gifts listed by the Apostle Paul later. There is no evidence that Jesus spoke anything but Aramaic. He may have learned Hebrew too, but there is no record of His even doing that or speaking any other languages because He was filled with the Holy Ghost. Now to share some more verses about individuals who were filled with the Holy Spirit and what resulted: Luke 1 11 And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said unto him, “Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. 14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. 15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. 16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. 17 And he shall go before Him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

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39 And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; 40 And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. 41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: 42 and she spoke out with a loud voice, and said, “Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. 43 And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. 45 And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.” 67 And his [John’s] father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, 68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He hath visited and redeemed His people, 69 and hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David; 70 as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, who have been since the world began: 71 that we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; 72 to perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember His holy covenant; 73 the oath which He swore to our father Abraham, 74 that He would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve Him without fear, 75 in holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our life. 76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways; 77 to give knowledge of salvation unto His people by the remission of their sins, 78 through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the Dayspring from on high hath visited us, 79 to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Acts 4 1 And as they spoke unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, 2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide. 4 Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed, and the number of the men was about five thousand. 5 And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, 6 and Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?

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Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, “Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,” If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole, be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Whom ye crucified, Whom God raised from the dead, even by Him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus. And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

Acts 4 29 “And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto Thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak Thy Word, 30 by stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of Thy holy child Jesus. 31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spoke the Word of God with boldness. Acts 6 1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, “It is not reason that we should leave the Word of God, and serve tables. 3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the Word.” 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: 6 whom they set before the Apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. 7 And the Word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. 8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. Acts 7 54 When they heard these things [that Stephen spoke about], they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into Heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56 And said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.”

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Acts 8 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. 18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the Apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.” 20 But Peter said unto him, “Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. 21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.” Acts 9 17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, “Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. 19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. 20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that He is The Son Of God. 21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said, “Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this Name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? 22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. Acts 11 22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. 23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. 24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. 25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: 26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

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Acts 13:9 5 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the Word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John [Mark] to their minister. 6 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus 7 who was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the Word of God. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. 9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, 10 And said, “O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? 11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season.” And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. 12 Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord. Acts 13 & 14 44 And the next Sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the Word of God. 45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spoke against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. 46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, “It was necessary that the Word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, ‘I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the Earth.” 48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the Word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. 49 And the Word of the Lord was published throughout all the region. 50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. 51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost. 1 And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. 3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, Who gave testimony unto the Word of His grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. 4 But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the Apostles. 1 Corinthians 6 15 Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. 16 What? Know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? “For two”, said He, “shall be one flesh”. 17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. 18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that commits fornication sins against his own body.

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19 What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost Who is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 2 Timothy 1 11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an Apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know Whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that Day. 13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost Who dwells in us. ***Did the filled with and full of the Holy Spirit last passages, on pages 5-8, indicate that those who are spoke in other languages not known to them? What follows either of the key Holy Spirit phrases in each passage? Now what about the fact that the epistle authors Peter, James, and John did not mention the spiritual gift of tongues? And look at what the Apostle Paul said about that gift. 1 Corinthians 12 1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. 2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. 3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. 4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God Who works 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: 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will. 12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased Him. 19 And if they were all one member, where were the body? 20 But now are they many members, yet but one body. 21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, “I have no need of thee”, nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:

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And those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. 24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked: 25 that there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 28 And God hath set some in the church, first Apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 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? 31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way. 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. ***Why do you think that the gift of tongues is twice listed last and yet mentioned first in the comparisons to God’s unselfish love? 1 Corinthians 13 8 Charity never fails: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. ***Why do you think that the gift of tongues will cease at least in Heaven? 1 Corinthians 14 (from the Amplified Bible Translation) 1 Eagerly pursue {and} seek to acquire [this] love [make it your aim, your great quest]; and earnestly desire {and} cultivate the spiritual endowments (gifts), especially that you may prophesy (interpret the divine will and purpose in inspired preaching and teaching). 2 For one who speaks in a [unknown] tongue speaks not to men but to God, for no one understands {or} catches his meaning, because in the [Holy] Spirit he utters secret truths {and} hidden things [not obvious to the understanding]. 3 But [on the other hand], the one who prophesies [who interprets the divine will and purpose in inspired preaching and teaching] speaks to men for their up building {and} constructive spiritual progress and encouragement and consolation. 4 He who speaks in a [strange] tongue edifies {and} improves himself, but he who prophesies [interpreting the divine will and purpose and teaching with inspiration] edifies {and} improves the church {and} promotes growth [in Christian wisdom, piety, holiness, and happiness]. 5 No I wish that you might all speak in [unknown] tongues, but more especially [I want you] to prophesy (to be inspired to preach and interpret the divine will and purpose). He who prophesies [who is inspired to preach and teach] is greater (more useful and more important) than he who speaks in [unknown] tongues, unless he should interpret [what he says], so that the church may be edified {and} receive good [from it].

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Now, brethren, if I come to you speaking in [unknown] tongues, how shall I make it to your advantage unless I speak to you either in revelation (disclosure of God's will to man) in knowledge or in prophecy or in instruction? If even inanimate musical instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will anyone [listening] know {or} understand what is played? And if the war bugle gives an uncertain (indistinct) call, who will prepare for battle? Just so it is with you; if you in the [unknown] tongue speak words that are not intelligible, how will anyone understand what you are saying? For you will be talking into empty space! There are, I suppose, all these many [to us unknown] tongues in the world [somewhere], and none is destitute of [its own power of] expression {and} meaning. But if I do not know the force {and} significance of the speech (language), I shall seem to be a foreigner to the one who speaks [to me], and the speaker who addresses [me] will seem a foreigner to me. So it is with yourselves; since you are so eager {and} ambitious to possess spiritual endowments {and} manifestations of the [Holy] Spirit, [concentrate on] striving to excel {and} to abound [in them] in ways that will build up the church. Therefore, the person who speaks in an [unknown] tongue should pray [for the power] to interpret {and} explain what he says. For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my spirit [by the Holy Spirit within me] prays, but my mind is unproductive [it bears no fruit and helps nobody]. I thank God that I speak in [strange] tongues (languages) more than any of you {or} all of you put together; Nevertheless, in public worship, I would rather say five words with my understanding {and} intelligently in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a [strange] tongue (language). Brethren, do not be children [immature] in your thinking; continue to be babes in [matters of] evil, but in your minds be mature [men]. It is written in the Law, “By men of strange languages {and} by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and not even then will they listen to Me, says the Lord.” Thus [unknown] tongues are meant for a [supernatural] sign, not for believers but for unbelievers [on the point of believing], while prophecy (inspired preaching and teaching, interpreting the divine will and purpose) is not for unbelievers [on the point of believing] but for believers. Therefore, if the whole church assembles and all of you speak in [unknown] tongues, and the ungifted {and} uninitiated or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are demented? But if all prophesy [giving inspired testimony and interpreting the divine will and purpose] and an unbeliever or untaught outsider comes in, he is told of his sin {and} reproved {and} convicted {and} convinced by all, and his defects {and} needs are examined (estimated, determined) {and} he is called to account by all, The secrets of his heart are laid bare; and so, falling on [his] face, he will worship God, declaring that God is among you in very truth. What then, brethren, is [the right course]? When you meet together, each one has a hymn, a teaching, a disclosure of special knowledge {or} information, an utterance in a [strange] tongue, or an interpretation of it. [But] let everything be constructive {and} edifying {and} for the good of all. If some speak in a [strange] tongue, let the number be limited to two or at the most three, and each one [taking his] turn, and let one interpret {and} explain [what is said]. But if there is no one to do the interpreting, let each of them keep still in church and talk to himself and to God.

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So let two or three prophets speak [those inspired to preach or teach], while the rest pay attention {and} weigh {and} discern what is said. But if an inspired revelation comes to another who is sitting by, then let the first one be silent. For in this way you can give testimony [prophesying and thus interpreting the divine will and purpose] one by one, so that all may be instructed and all may be stimulated {and} encouraged; For the spirits of the prophets (the speakers in tongues) are under the speaker's control [and subject to being silenced as may be necessary], For He [Who is the source of their prophesying] is not a God of confusion {and} disorder but of peace {and} order. So [to conclude], my brethren, earnestly desire {and} set your hearts on prophesying (on being inspired to preach and teach and to interpret God's will and purpose), and do not forbid {or} hinder speaking in [unknown] tongues. But all things should be done with regard to decency {and} propriety and in an orderly fashion.

***Have you experienced such a church? The Apostle Paul said that the church should not forbid or hinder the speaking of tongues, but “everything be constructive {and} edifying {and} for the good of all” does limit this controversial gift and Paul had explained why in this Bible chapter. He said that anyone speaking in another language that is not interpreted, he/she should “keep still in church” and talk to himself/herself and to God. Thus the emphasis in a Christian church should be Holy Spirit “inspired preaching and teaching, interpreting the divine will and purpose”, constructive {and} edifying {and} for the good of all. I believe that home group meetings should be similar to this, but individuals can speak in tongues all they want in private. I have done the latter on my bed and even in some churches during congregational prayer time and after church service prayer time. Ephesians 5:18 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; 21 submitting yourselves one to another in the fear [awesome respect] of God. Galatians 5 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, 23 gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. ***In my charismatic church experiences and observing the charismatic ministries on TV, emphasis on the gift of tongues causes what is mentioned in the last verse quoted and much confusion.

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Romans 8 1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the Law of sin and death. 3 For what the Law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 that the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man [or woman] have not the Spirit of Christ, he [or she] is none of His. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons [and daughters] of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, “Abba, Father”. ***So, really what are the best gifts from the Holy Spirit?

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