D
This is a re-posting of an old thread, of which I had all my posts cut off into very small paragraphs, and thus muddying and ruining the OP. I apologize to everyone who read that and is now reading the same thing here, but I was cut off, and I had written FAR more than what I posted. I used that thread as a "test" to see what went wrong with the forum bug, so hopefully, this thread will be my final CORRECT effort in conveying my thoughts and opinions on the subject. I appreciate everyone taking the time to read, and possibly respond to what I say, good or bad! In the end, everything is for the Glory of Christ, and I truly don't want to create hardened hearts and/or make anyone upset with what I say. If you don't agree, we can respectfully discuss it, and perhaps either one of us will see the truth, or we will agree to disagree 
With all that being said... READ ON!!!!
First of all, I'd like to state that every single denomination has some form of false man-made doctrine that really doesn't belong and shouldn't be taught. I'm focusing on one, but that doesn't justify, edify, and/or say any other denomination is better in any way. If you need to know, I'm non-denominational, because I view all denominations as a division in the church that shouldn't be there. That being said, read on.
One more thing: My grandmother is a Pentecostal, who has been baptized by the Holy Spirit many years ago, and I have never met a better Christian role model in my life. I look up to her in all things involving the Lord, since she seems to be able to recognize His voice far better than myself, and she is always willing to have very long biblical discussions with me, which we both enjoy. I also find that many Pentecostals are some of the best Christians I have ever met, and many are very very strong in their faith. I admire that, and I am in no way saying they are not AMAZING Christians. I am merely going to discuss the issue of the "speaking in tongues" area of the Pentecostal/Assembly of God type doctrine.
I've thought about all of this for quite a long time, being mainly the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. For a LONG, LONG time, I pondered on why I haven't spoken in "tongues," prophesied, etc etc. I also always wondered how quite a few Pentecostal Doctrine churches specifically said a person had to speak in tongues to show proof of being baptized in the Holy Spirit and/or saved, especially since I KNEW I am and already had been saved for quite a long time. I've felt the Holy Spirit touch my life (as well as the negative kind for you who actively enjoy the gift (sometimes feels like a curse) of discernment out there), and I've never had doubts into my salvation. To add to that, many Pentecostal preachers would claim you are a spiritually "dead" Christian if you were not actively either A) Speaking in tongues B) Interpretating aforementioned gibberish tongues or C) rolling on the floor doing the chicken dance/foaming at the mouth and doing the stanky leg.
Mainly, I've come up with one distinct conclusion: A large majority of Pentecostalism is a false doctrine hypnosis emotion scam. I'm NOT saying that all of it is, but there are a few things that I strongly believe is sensationalism, emotional hypnosis, and immature spiritualism in a very bad manner. I say this with a heavy heart, since I really don't want that to be true.
1. Speaking in Tongues - This is the most controversial aspect of all Pentecostalism, and the one that really sets them apart from almost all other denominations. Speaking in Tongues seems to be the "proof" aspect that many hold to with lockjaw. I guess, because of that, I should start here.
Matthew 7:21-24 (NIV)T
21 Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
Deuteronomy 18:20-22 (NIV)
20 But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, is to be put to death.”
21 You may say to yourselves, “How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the LORD?” 22 If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously, so do not be alarmed.
2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 (NIV)
9 The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, 10 and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie 12 and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.
Colossians 2:18 (King James Version)
18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
(basically, this means someone created a vision in their own mind, while God states simply that they are disillusions, and not from Him.)
Jeremiah 14:14-16 (King James Version)
14Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.
15Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed.
16And the people to whom they prophesy shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and the sword; and they shall have none to bury them, them, their wives, nor their sons, nor their daughters: for I will pour their wickedness upon them.
Anyone getting a point here? I should have put them all in KJV quotes, but some are stated better in NIV, while others are clearly stated better in KJV. If you'd like, just type in the passage in google and you'll find the KJV if you don't like NIV.
Anyway, none of this directly refutes the Holy Spirit giving anyone the ability to speak in Tongues or Prophesy (tongues often do both) in today's world, so I'll get into that. I just wanted to give a few clear quotes to show the obvious.
Anyway, the purpose of speaking in tongues in the early Church (Book of Acts up to about 100 ADish) was to give miracles to edify and give proof that Christianity is the truth. Back then, unlike today's world, Christianity was a largely budding and 'niche' religion, being strictly a Judaism subculture, with a few Gentiles mixed in here and there. Obviously, the Apostles traveled the world to spread the Word, but the Early Church NEEDED these miracles to give proof. The Bible had not been created as of yet (aside from the Old Testament books, of which Moses wrote the first 5, others wrote the books that followed, and Christianity needed every miracle God could give it to give proof. The overall consensus was that EVERYONE that saw these miracles AGREED that they were real, and NO ONE could refute them, not even the enemies of Christianity. They were entirely supernatural AND instant. You don't see that in today's world, where most miracles either can be explained away with science, take months to happen (healing), or overall seem to be based on emotion rather than supernatural anything.
Before I continue, I want to explain one thing. Charismatic churches feed on EMOTION. This is an obvious truth, but emotion isn't what God is about. It is stated many times in the Bible that emotion is something God gives to IMMATURE Christians, who are like babies in their faith. When a Christian grows spiritually, God moves away from giving you strictly emotional feelings and gives you stronger pillars to build your faith/spiritual life upon. Once again, emotion is for spiritually immature Christians, and it is NOT the deciding force to make you an "elite" spiritually mature christian, as many charismatic/pentecostal churches would have their members believe. Don't fall into that trap where if you don't feel all emotional when you pray, that God isn't with you or hears you. That mistake is often made by new Christians and/or Charismatic/Pentecostal Christians. It is wrong.
To add to that before I move on, Isaiah lived off emotions and feelings as well, and look what happened to him. One minute, his faith was so strong that he was absolutely destroying the followers of Baal in their little "test" of God, but the next he is running/hiding for his life, afraid of evil spirits following him, simply because he lacked spiritual faith once the "feeling" of God departed him. Don't fall into that trap. God will depart from you quite a bit, if only to test your faith and/or make you stronger spiritually. Anyway....
Reasons Speaking In Tongues In Today's World/Time is False:
Here's a passage to ponder over while you read on:
1 Corinthians 13:8-13 (NIV)
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 1011 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
The first thing we need to know is: What IS speaking in tongues?
The 5 Bible Quotes Supporting Speaking in Tongues:
First:
Mark 16:17-20 (NIV)
17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
19 After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. 20 Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.
Second:
Acts 2:4-8 (NIV)
4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them.
5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language?
Notice a key point here: Those that spoke in tongues each spoke in a REAL language, one that they never would have known naturally, and yet other foreigners in the crowd recognized it. Modern speaking in tongues is usually complete gibberish (and most Pentecostals will agree with that statement), and it has little to no real life language (past or present) to support it. It is merely gibberish, plain and simple. Is it a coincidence that the Apostles spoke in Tongues of real languages that foreigners could understand, while today's speakers say gibberish that only select few interpreters can? Coincidence? Is it that hard to understand WHY the Apostles would need to speak in tongues to foreigners that possibly didn't understand Hebrew/Greek/Aramaic to bring them the Word of God? Coincidence?
Third:
Acts 2:5-12 (NIV)
5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,[a] 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”
Fourth:
Acts 10:44-48 (NIV)
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues[a] and praising God.
Then Peter said, 47 “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” 48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.
Fifth:
Acts 19:2-6 (NIV)
1 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when[a] you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”
3 So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?”
“John’s baptism,” they replied.
4 Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all.
Now that we have that out of the way, let's go over it.
First passage: (1) Casting out demons; (2) speaking with new tongues; (3) picking up serpents; (4) drinking deadly poison; and (5) healing the sick. Jesus promised that this would happen, and they did. The reason for this was so that the Apostles could go forth and preach, and they used miracles to affirm what they preached was true. After the counsel of Nicea, when the Bible was finally formed as a whole, these gifts weren't needed. Why would they be? The Bible is the ultimate proof. It is the ultimate miracle. It is the ultimate Truth. Miracles aren't needed as "proof" any longer, as the Bible does away with the need for supernatural signs. Also, the bible is translated in every known language in the world as I speak, so the passage I already gave:
1 Corinthians 13:12 12
For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.
clearly shows that these past "gifts" will cease (at least in a large majority), because they are not needed any longer. Speaking in Tongues as "proof" of being baptized in the Holy Spirit and/or being saved is false doctrine!
Also, a little tidbit of knowledge: Mormons, Latter-Day Saints, and Jehovah's Witnesses also claim to speak in tongues and prophesy as part of their doctrine. Are they also baptized in the Holy Spirit and saved?
One more interesting tidbit: The Biblical Church of Corinth was blessed with more gifts of the Spirit than any other in documented history. Did the bible say that they were spiritually mature "elite" Christians? Let's read:
1 Corinthians 3:1-3 (NIV)
1 Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. 3 You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?
1 Corinthians 14 (NIV)
1 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. 2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue[a] does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. 3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. 4 Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues,[c] unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified. 6 Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? 7 Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? 8 Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? 9 So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. 10 Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. 11 If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker is a foreigner to me. 12 So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.
13 For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15 So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding. 16 Otherwise when you are praising God in the Spirit, how can someone else, who is now put in the position of an inquirer,[d] say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since they do not know what you are saying? 17 You are giving thanks well enough, but no one else is edified.
18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.
TO BE CONTINUED!...
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With all that being said... READ ON!!!!First of all, I'd like to state that every single denomination has some form of false man-made doctrine that really doesn't belong and shouldn't be taught. I'm focusing on one, but that doesn't justify, edify, and/or say any other denomination is better in any way. If you need to know, I'm non-denominational, because I view all denominations as a division in the church that shouldn't be there. That being said, read on.
One more thing: My grandmother is a Pentecostal, who has been baptized by the Holy Spirit many years ago, and I have never met a better Christian role model in my life. I look up to her in all things involving the Lord, since she seems to be able to recognize His voice far better than myself, and she is always willing to have very long biblical discussions with me, which we both enjoy. I also find that many Pentecostals are some of the best Christians I have ever met, and many are very very strong in their faith. I admire that, and I am in no way saying they are not AMAZING Christians. I am merely going to discuss the issue of the "speaking in tongues" area of the Pentecostal/Assembly of God type doctrine.
I've thought about all of this for quite a long time, being mainly the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. For a LONG, LONG time, I pondered on why I haven't spoken in "tongues," prophesied, etc etc. I also always wondered how quite a few Pentecostal Doctrine churches specifically said a person had to speak in tongues to show proof of being baptized in the Holy Spirit and/or saved, especially since I KNEW I am and already had been saved for quite a long time. I've felt the Holy Spirit touch my life (as well as the negative kind for you who actively enjoy the gift (sometimes feels like a curse) of discernment out there), and I've never had doubts into my salvation. To add to that, many Pentecostal preachers would claim you are a spiritually "dead" Christian if you were not actively either A) Speaking in tongues B) Interpretating aforementioned gibberish tongues or C) rolling on the floor doing the chicken dance/foaming at the mouth and doing the stanky leg.
Mainly, I've come up with one distinct conclusion: A large majority of Pentecostalism is a false doctrine hypnosis emotion scam. I'm NOT saying that all of it is, but there are a few things that I strongly believe is sensationalism, emotional hypnosis, and immature spiritualism in a very bad manner. I say this with a heavy heart, since I really don't want that to be true.
1. Speaking in Tongues - This is the most controversial aspect of all Pentecostalism, and the one that really sets them apart from almost all other denominations. Speaking in Tongues seems to be the "proof" aspect that many hold to with lockjaw. I guess, because of that, I should start here.
Matthew 7:21-24 (NIV)T
21 Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
Deuteronomy 18:20-22 (NIV)
20 But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, is to be put to death.”
21 You may say to yourselves, “How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the LORD?” 22 If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously, so do not be alarmed.
2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 (NIV)
9 The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, 10 and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie 12 and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.
Colossians 2:18 (King James Version)
18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
(basically, this means someone created a vision in their own mind, while God states simply that they are disillusions, and not from Him.)
Jeremiah 14:14-16 (King James Version)
14Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.
15Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed.
16And the people to whom they prophesy shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and the sword; and they shall have none to bury them, them, their wives, nor their sons, nor their daughters: for I will pour their wickedness upon them.
Anyone getting a point here? I should have put them all in KJV quotes, but some are stated better in NIV, while others are clearly stated better in KJV. If you'd like, just type in the passage in google and you'll find the KJV if you don't like NIV.
Anyway, none of this directly refutes the Holy Spirit giving anyone the ability to speak in Tongues or Prophesy (tongues often do both) in today's world, so I'll get into that. I just wanted to give a few clear quotes to show the obvious.
Anyway, the purpose of speaking in tongues in the early Church (Book of Acts up to about 100 ADish) was to give miracles to edify and give proof that Christianity is the truth. Back then, unlike today's world, Christianity was a largely budding and 'niche' religion, being strictly a Judaism subculture, with a few Gentiles mixed in here and there. Obviously, the Apostles traveled the world to spread the Word, but the Early Church NEEDED these miracles to give proof. The Bible had not been created as of yet (aside from the Old Testament books, of which Moses wrote the first 5, others wrote the books that followed, and Christianity needed every miracle God could give it to give proof. The overall consensus was that EVERYONE that saw these miracles AGREED that they were real, and NO ONE could refute them, not even the enemies of Christianity. They were entirely supernatural AND instant. You don't see that in today's world, where most miracles either can be explained away with science, take months to happen (healing), or overall seem to be based on emotion rather than supernatural anything.
Before I continue, I want to explain one thing. Charismatic churches feed on EMOTION. This is an obvious truth, but emotion isn't what God is about. It is stated many times in the Bible that emotion is something God gives to IMMATURE Christians, who are like babies in their faith. When a Christian grows spiritually, God moves away from giving you strictly emotional feelings and gives you stronger pillars to build your faith/spiritual life upon. Once again, emotion is for spiritually immature Christians, and it is NOT the deciding force to make you an "elite" spiritually mature christian, as many charismatic/pentecostal churches would have their members believe. Don't fall into that trap where if you don't feel all emotional when you pray, that God isn't with you or hears you. That mistake is often made by new Christians and/or Charismatic/Pentecostal Christians. It is wrong.
To add to that before I move on, Isaiah lived off emotions and feelings as well, and look what happened to him. One minute, his faith was so strong that he was absolutely destroying the followers of Baal in their little "test" of God, but the next he is running/hiding for his life, afraid of evil spirits following him, simply because he lacked spiritual faith once the "feeling" of God departed him. Don't fall into that trap. God will depart from you quite a bit, if only to test your faith and/or make you stronger spiritually. Anyway....
Reasons Speaking In Tongues In Today's World/Time is False:
Here's a passage to ponder over while you read on:
1 Corinthians 13:8-13 (NIV)
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 1011 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
The first thing we need to know is: What IS speaking in tongues?
The 5 Bible Quotes Supporting Speaking in Tongues:
First:
Mark 16:17-20 (NIV)
17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
19 After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. 20 Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.
Second:
Acts 2:4-8 (NIV)
4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them.
5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language?
Notice a key point here: Those that spoke in tongues each spoke in a REAL language, one that they never would have known naturally, and yet other foreigners in the crowd recognized it. Modern speaking in tongues is usually complete gibberish (and most Pentecostals will agree with that statement), and it has little to no real life language (past or present) to support it. It is merely gibberish, plain and simple. Is it a coincidence that the Apostles spoke in Tongues of real languages that foreigners could understand, while today's speakers say gibberish that only select few interpreters can? Coincidence? Is it that hard to understand WHY the Apostles would need to speak in tongues to foreigners that possibly didn't understand Hebrew/Greek/Aramaic to bring them the Word of God? Coincidence?
Third:
Acts 2:5-12 (NIV)
5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,[a] 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”
Fourth:
Acts 10:44-48 (NIV)
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues[a] and praising God.
Then Peter said, 47 “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” 48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.
Fifth:
Acts 19:2-6 (NIV)
1 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when[a] you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”
3 So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?”
“John’s baptism,” they replied.
4 Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all.
Now that we have that out of the way, let's go over it.
First passage: (1) Casting out demons; (2) speaking with new tongues; (3) picking up serpents; (4) drinking deadly poison; and (5) healing the sick. Jesus promised that this would happen, and they did. The reason for this was so that the Apostles could go forth and preach, and they used miracles to affirm what they preached was true. After the counsel of Nicea, when the Bible was finally formed as a whole, these gifts weren't needed. Why would they be? The Bible is the ultimate proof. It is the ultimate miracle. It is the ultimate Truth. Miracles aren't needed as "proof" any longer, as the Bible does away with the need for supernatural signs. Also, the bible is translated in every known language in the world as I speak, so the passage I already gave:
1 Corinthians 13:12 12
For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.
clearly shows that these past "gifts" will cease (at least in a large majority), because they are not needed any longer. Speaking in Tongues as "proof" of being baptized in the Holy Spirit and/or being saved is false doctrine!
Also, a little tidbit of knowledge: Mormons, Latter-Day Saints, and Jehovah's Witnesses also claim to speak in tongues and prophesy as part of their doctrine. Are they also baptized in the Holy Spirit and saved?
One more interesting tidbit: The Biblical Church of Corinth was blessed with more gifts of the Spirit than any other in documented history. Did the bible say that they were spiritually mature "elite" Christians? Let's read:
1 Corinthians 3:1-3 (NIV)
1 Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. 3 You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?
1 Corinthians 14 (NIV)
1 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. 2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue[a] does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. 3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. 4 Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues,[c] unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified. 6 Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? 7 Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? 8 Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? 9 So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. 10 Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. 11 If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker is a foreigner to me. 12 So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.
13 For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15 So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding. 16 Otherwise when you are praising God in the Spirit, how can someone else, who is now put in the position of an inquirer,[d] say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since they do not know what you are saying? 17 You are giving thanks well enough, but no one else is edified.
18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.
TO BE CONTINUED!...
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