MattTooFor
Could you please ell me the exact words the disciples were saying 'in tongues' in Acts 2?
Could you please ell me the exact words the disciples were saying 'in tongues' in Acts 2?
Wow.'Instruction in righteousness' doesn't mean 'evangelism.'
I'm not "redefining" anything. I'm quoting scripture. The Bible has defined the subject of evangelism...otherwise known as "instruction in righteousness".If you want to redefine 'evangelistic' to include any and all revelation from God...
Another of your dishonest twists. They didn't just "draw" attention. They weren't juggling and riding unicycles. They were preaching ("declaring") the Word. In other words (the words of 1 Timothy 3:16), they were "instructing in righteousness".they drew the attention of the crowd who heard Peter preach the Gospel.
feedm3 is correct in that the word 'perfect' means "complete, full of age, mature"; however, it is not talking about the canon of scripture. The phrase "that which is perfect" in verse 10 has to be interpreted in view of verses 8-12. It is talking about "mature understanding" - and the point in time when it reaches its "full maturity" - "which just happens to be" at the second coming of Christ. It is not talking about Christ Himself.
Verses 9-12 are an "aside" to verse 8 - and have nothing whatsoever [directly] to do with "spiritual gifts" - and it is [highly] focused on the understanding we have 'now' versus 'then':
The phrase 'we know in part' in verse 9 is referring to what we now know ('understand') by "experience"...
The phrase 'we prophesy in part' in verse 9 is referring to what we now know ('understand') by "faith"...
Verse 10:
"But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away."
(At this point you should keep in mind that both 'we know' and 'we prophesy' are "in part"...)
'when that which is perfect is come' => "when we have 'full' and 'complete' understanding"
'that which is in part shall be done away' => "there will be no need of [the other]"
Verse 11 is an illustration about "full [mature] understanding" (and should be fairly self-explanatory).
Verse 12:
"For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."
The word 'glass' in this verse is not referring to "window pane glass", but rather, a mirror.
For reference:
For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: ~ James 1:23
The first part of verse 12 is comparing "a dimly seen reflection" (a [not-so-clearly-seen] face in a mirror) to "the real thing" (actual 'face to face' - very clearly seen).
'For now we see through a glass, darkly' => "for now, we can only see a dim reflection"
'but then face to face' => "but then, we will be able to truly understand"
'now I know in part' => "now I have a 'limited' understanding"
'but then shall I know even as also I am known' => "then I will have a 'full', 'complete', and 'clear' understanding"
Now - for a moment - go back to verse 8:
"Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away."
'whether there be prophecies, they shall fail'
This is not talking about "prophecy not coming true" - but rather, that [prophecy itself] will "go away" because it will be no longer needed (or meaningful) - then.
'whether there be tongues, they shall cease'
In like fashion - "tongues" will "go away" because it will be no longer needed (or meaningful) - then.
'whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away'
In like fashion - "the present knowledge" will "go away" because it will be no longer needed (or meaningful) - then.
Love (Charity), however, will continue 'forever'...
(while [the current / present] 'prophecies', 'tongues', and 'knowledge' will not)
Now - go to verse 13:
"And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity."
The word 'abideth' in this verse means "to remain" or "to endure"...
This verse is saying, in part, that 'faith', 'hope', and 'charity' are the [current / present] things that "remain and endure"- even until then.
This whole passage (chapter 13) is saying - in effect:
"Keep your focus on Love (Charity) - because it is what will endure ([the other stuff] will not) - and without it [the other stuff] is essentially meaningless - and it is the greatest thing (in all of this) that you should strive for, above all else - because it exists / operates / works { and endures![]()
} above all else."
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Let me see if I can make this just a bit more clear:
Verse 12 is making an illustration by the comparison of seeing "a dim reflection of a face in a mirror" ("through a glass, darkly") to "a real face" ("face to face") --- and nothing more...
It is NOT talking about anyone actually being "face to face" with anyone - Christ or anyone else...
"a dim reflection of a face" versus "a real face"
"limited understanding" versus "full understanding"
Verse 11 is an "aside" to verse 10.
The word 'For' in verse 12 "refers back" to verse 10.
What "we see" (verse 12) is what changes "when that which is perfect is come" - about which the comparison is being made.
It is not talking about knowing yourself...
But,as for the rest - I would tend to agree.
all:
The 'that which is in part' in verse 10 is referring to the two things which are "in part" in verse 9. ("Yes - both of them.")
The idea is that "when that which is perfect is come" - there will no longer be [anything] that is "in part" - all will be "in full" - as in 'complete'.
The word 'perfect' means "mature" or "complete" (and 'that' is a "what" not a "who"). The words 'is come' cause the whole phrase to imply:
"At the time when 'that' reaches maturity."
Essentially, "the maturing of time" or "the end of the age"...
I believe it is referring to that time when:
~ Christ comes back.
~ "the mystery of God should be finished." (Revelation 10:7)
~ we receive our "glorified" body.
('all things' will be "complete", and my understanding will be "full")
"but then shall I know even as also I am known."
No more mystery:
"now we see through a glass, darkly" (chapter 13 verse 12)
Verses 9-12 are talking about 'understanding' - and have nothing whatsoever [directly] to do with "spiritual gifts"...
Verse 11 is an "aside" from verse 10 - for the purpose of illustration - of verse 10.
Verses 9-12 are an "aside" from verse 8 - for the purpose of explanation - of verse 8.
Verse 8 makes a reference to [certain] "spiritual gifts" (in illustration); however, "Charity" is the topic and the focus, not "spiritual gifts" - and, that does not change.
The entire chapter 13 is an explanation of the last half of chapter 12 verse 31:
"and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way."
A "departure" from "spiritual gifts" (as both the "main topic" and the focus) is made at chapter 12 verse 31. That "focus" does not return to the "main topic" until chapter 14 verse 1. This is important.
I do not believe 'that which is perfect' (chapter 13 verse 10) is referring to Christ Himself (the person).
I do not even believe it is referring to "the Second Coming of Christ" - in particular.
It is just that "the Second Coming of Christ" is what "brings it about" - brings "the age" to "maturity" or "completeness"...
By the way... I am essentially a Cessassionist. I believe the [miraculous] spiritual gifts are no longer being "exercised" today. However, I do not believe that it is [directly] because of the completion of the canon of scripture.
It is actually "more like - the other way around"...
God - knowing that the [miraculous] spiritual gifts would fade away - made sure that scripture was written, and the canon compiled...
So - there is a "connection" there - just not quite the way people think of it.
I don't agree with it either - that is precisely what I am saying...
Just about "everyone I know" believes that God - upon the completion of the canon - caused the [miraculous] "spiritual gifts" to cease - because "the canon is complete and the 'gifts' are no longer needed"...
There is much truth in this statement. However, I do not believe that this description is "the way it happened" - "per se"...
That is what I am saying...
I am saying that I do not believe that scripture supports this idea of "the way it happened"...
I believe that people who say that - and try to tie "spiritual gifts" to 1 Corinthians 13:10 - are just "looking for a leg to stand on" - looking for something in the scriptures that they can point to and say "see there - the gifts ceased when the canon was completed"...
They are not willing to allow scripture itself to "show forth" the truth on the matter...
People tend to do that a lot with scripture. They pick a verse or passage that they think "proves their point" and use it as such. What they are trying to show may very well be true - just not by way of the verse or passage they have chosen - which often has nothing to do with what they have "attached" it to.
It only "pays" to allow scripture to tell us what is says, and what it means. If we "dig up" scripture in order to support an idea that we are trying to prove, we do ourselves a disservice - because "we are doing it backwards" if we go about it that way.
We must always search the scriptures with a "one-way" approach -- from scripture to us - never the other way around.
Scripture must "speak to us" - we should never "speak to it" - in other words:
"Do not put words in the mouth of scripture."
The following is based on an observation I have made in this thread...As for my "interpretation" -- what it may or may not seem to support is totally "beside the point" - that is my interpretation.
We should not allow "what we think we believe" (or, "want to believe") to interfere with our interpretation of scripture. When considering a particular passage, we should first be only interested in "what is this passage of scripture actually saying" - without influence from "everything else we know" about the scriptures. Comparing scripture to scripture is important - but, that should come later - after we have determined what we believe the passage to be saying...
~ First - answer the question "What does it say?"
~ Then - answer the question "What does it mean?"
~ Then - compare to the rest of scripture to make sure it "agrees" with all of scripture
And, better yet - pray for understanding - that the Holy Spirit may "open your eyes" to the "proper and perfect" meaning of it.
I'm not "redefining" anything. I'm quoting scripture. The Bible has defined the subject of evangelism...otherwise known as "instruction in righteousness".
Again, to the unsaved..."instruction in righteousness" is the same as evangelism.
they drew the attention of the crowd who heard Peter preach the Gospel.
Another of your dishonest twists. They didn't just "draw" attention. They weren't juggling and riding unicycles.
There you go being obnoxious again. What is wrong with you that you can't resist the urge to call other people dishonest? It is very obvious that speaking in tongues drew attention and that Peter preached the Gospel. If I am not willing to accept your assertions regarding the content of what was said about the 'wonderful works of God' beyond what is written in the passage, that doesn't make me dishonest.
If you are able to have a civil conversation and you actually care what the Bible says, we can have a discussion. Otherwise interacting with you seems to be a waste of time. How about we just call it quits and you can just ask yourself why you like to accuse other people over dishonesty and impugn their character if they disagree with you.
"Instruction in righteousness" for the unsaved...is "instruction for salvation"...which is what evangelism is: Showing people how to obtain salvation.
The Bible has defined the subject of evangelism...otherwise known as "instruction in righteousness".
I understand what you are saying, Matt; however, it is not "mainstream" definition-and-understanding -- "instruction in righteousness" is what happens for born-again Christians after they are saved - and, [ basically ] means nothing to the unsaved. As a rule, the unsaved to not need "instruction in righteousness" ( yet ); rather, what they need is to recognize and accept their 'depravity' - and their need for a savior. For you to include this in the definition of "instruction in righteousness" only "clouds the water"...Again, to the unsaved..."instruction in righteousness" is the same as evangelism.
That's your job. The Bible instructs you (an instruction which you steadfastly ignore) to give a reason for the beliefs you have.And you don't watch all the videos, and then claim none exist.
That's your job. The Bible instructs you (an instruction which you steadfastly ignore) to give a reason for the beliefs you have.
I gave you an opportunity to provide evidence and you failed miserably (with this silly "lady lurching out of a wheelchair" thing). It is extremely irresponsible of you to be peddling this nonsense.
And apparently you don't have a clue about Internet research (or you're pretending so): I don't have to look through all 800 million YouTubes to find "miracle videos" (if such actually existed). That's what a search engine is for. Frankly, I don't think you're that dumb. Just dishonest.
'I don't think you're that dumb. Just dishonest.
Did I have to look through all 25 trillion pages of the Internet to find evidence for 9/11? Uh, no. I just typed into the search engines and presto...a compelling mini-doc of 15 minutes length pops up...coming from a website endorsed by 3000 credentialed architects and engineers. I didn't, by the way, fail to notice your snarky comments about 9/11 and such. I'm just ignoring the vast bulk of your silly 'ad hominem' snarking nonsense.
Anyway, by way of tangent (your tangent) I'd love to see you rebut 3000 credentialed architects and engineers. This one website, AE911Truth.org has a standing $10,000 offer to any other credentialed expert willing to defend the official government position on 9/11. They don't need to win the debate. Just show up. But...no takers.
Wait a minute -- if you're self-righteously 'pre-supposing' it is inappropriate to ever lay a complaint of untruthfulness at your feet...would it be OK if I self-righteously pre-suppose it is inappropriate to ever lay a complaint of "obnoxious" at my feet? I don't think you've thought this through very well.There you go being obnoxious again.
Mark Driscoll, and Mars Hill was charismatic Reformed. And of course, all the satellite churches all over North America. Sadly, he was found to be abusive as a pastor, plagiarized books, and the whole Mars Hill edifice collapsed and many walked away from God.
Wait a minute -- if you're self-righteously 'pre-supposing' it is inappropriate to ever lay a complaint of untruthfulness at your feet...would it be OK if I self-righteously pre-suppose it is inappropriate to ever lay a complaint of "obnoxious" at my feet? I don't think you've thought this through very well.
Notice the self-serving presumption. Just amazing. Wow. Yes, I believe you were fudging. I actually believe that. And I see you fudging here yet again. You say I accuse you of dishonesty for "saying tongues drew the attention of the crowd". That's another tweak. Another twitch. You didn't originally refer to "tongues" in the statement I was complaining about. You just said they "drew the crowd"...without mentioning any speaking at all. You were trying to de-emphasize that the tongues-speakers were actually preaching ("declaring"). It's fudging. It's shaving the facts. And here you've done it yet again...by adding back in a belated reference to "tongues". Yes, it's exasperating.things that are obviously not dishonest.
Oh my goodness - the slander, the libel, the defamation.obnoxious, unpleasant, disagreeable
Fella, this isn't a debate about what is on the pages of Scripture. It's a debate about what you're (falsely) claiming is going on out there in the world. I'm simply saying there are no Jesus-style miracles going on. There's no evidence. I'm challenging you to produce the evidence. That's what the Scriptures instruct you to do.Show me the verses where it says miracles have or will cease. I have pointed you to I Corinthians 12 which says that the Spirit gives to one this gift and to another another gift. The working of miracles is in that list.
Researching the world via an Internet search engine which accesses the entire Internet...is not comparable to an atheist who can't examine a trillionth of the universe.You are in the same position as the atheist who insists that he knows for sure there is no evidence for God, when he hasn't experienced a millionth of a percent of the universe
Again, amazingly insincere and dishonest nonsense. I am merely using some descriptiveness. The woman isn't here to take offense. Sheer baloney. Good grief. And yes, she did "lurch". Ridiculous, dishonest misdirection on your part.And you are saying mean things about a woman who was in a wheelchair for 20 years. If she had a bit of trouble walking after 20 years, but could still walk after prayer, you should praise God for that.
[FONT="]MICHAEL W. SMITH: FRIEND OR FOE…OR WORSE?[/FONT]
[FONT="]So, here we have a potential example of an “undercover agent:
Were tongues a part of the 'evangelistic process' in Acts 2. I would say 'yes', since they drew the attention of the crowd who heard Peter preach the Gospel.
You need to follow your own advice - LOL. This is like the sixth time you've said this. I will continue to comment on threads in which I have interest. I'm not keeping an eye out for your 'advisories'. My goodness. The presumption is so odd.Again, if you can have a conversation like a rational, civil adult, we can talk. Otherwise, you can direct your antics elswhere.
"Runic" is not a "name given to a number of alphabets" - LOL! The word "runic" is an adjective, not a noun. One could refer to a "runic letter". And a "runic letter" would be what is called a Rune. I would dare say you don't have the foggiest idea what you're talking about. Is it because your Pentecostal doctrines have been taken to the woodshed here...that you're now snarking over my blogs? Good grief. You need a hobby. Or maybe a puppy? Here you go, guy. Enjoy. I named him "Matty":Runic is the name given to a number of alphabets used in Germanic languages before the Latin alphabet became the standard.
How do you account for this then?
Acts 2.1-4
2 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. [SUP]2 [/SUP]And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. [SUP]3 [/SUP]And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them.[SUP]4 [/SUP]And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.
Acts 4.27-31
[SUP]27 [/SUP]For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, [SUP]28 [/SUP]to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur. [SUP]29 [/SUP]And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, [SUP]30 [/SUP]while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” [SUP]31 [/SUP]And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness.
This is proof of another infilling of the Holy Spirit and proof that we must continually yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit and continually seek for the Holy Spirit to come upon and come within us at all times.
Whether or not there was or wasn't a misunderstanding over your comments (as you're claiming) there simply is no shortage of these fibs and fudges on your part. If you want to discount one fibbing/fudging incident...then with you, 12 more fibs immediately take it's place. Case in point, your above comment.If Michael W. Smith's producers art director used a couple of runic letter shapes that look like English letters, that doesn't make anyone evil or occultic.
You jump to the conclusion Smith had nothing to do with his body position and that the "photographer" did this? Again, an obnoxious 'begging of the question'...a form of dishonesty. And remember -- you're trying to build a defamatory case against me, using this "question-begging"...which makes your dishonesty all the more egregious.If the photographer had him stand shaped like runic-looking letters...
You don't even bother to carefully read through my blog before you slander me with an accusation that I'm dragging someone's name through the mud. And even worse, the irony that directly below your dishonest question-begging comment, the title of my writing "friend or foe or worse?"...which is clearly indicating I am taking care only to ask a question and NOT jump to a conclusion. Again, more dishonesty on your part. Stretching, twisting, warping, fudging. Sadly, it's your M.O.you don't have a problem dragging the guy's name through the mud
MICHAEL W. SMITH: FRIEND OR FOE…OR WORSE?
You sure have that right.Again, slander is a sin.
Amen, brother. Preach it.You shouldn't drag a man's name through the mud...
Good grief. The silliness.I'd advise you...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMkpn0iZonA
Really good video talking about the gift of tongues and how it is still a gift for today.
It's just to be treated differently than how most charismatic churches treat it, according to scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:27-28King James Version (KJV)
27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
Also tongues are a sign for unbelievers and should be used in evangelizing tribes and nations where you don't know the language of their language, but you have the gift of tongues, this is evident in acts where all sorts of people heard the disciples speaking in their own language, even though they were speaking in tongues.
Lastly, this preacher is reformed and so am I, I don't think gifts of the spirit and the reformed faith are incompatible as I've heard people say in the past.
All of the above is touched upon on the video, so I urge you to watch it.
You announce it is Smith's "art director" who decided to use the runic letters. Obviously, you're begging the question. And...an obvious begging of the question is a form of dishonesty.
You jump to the conclusion Smith had nothing to do with his body position and that the "photographer" did this?