Samaria receives the Holy Ghost Part 6

Jesus commanded his disciples to go to Jerusalem and wait for the promise of the baptism of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 1:4-5)

He told them they would receive power after they were filled with the Holy Ghost, and they would be witnesses throughout the earth. Jesus specifically mentioned they would be his witnesses in Samaria. (Acts 1:8)

At the time of the great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem, Philip the evangelist went down to Samaria, accomplishing Jesus’ command to be a witness there, preaching Christ to them. (Acts 8:1, 4-5)

Here in this account, it is not said specifically that those that received the Holy Ghost in Samaria spoke in tongues; however, it alludes to this fact.

The apostles that were in Jerusalem sent Peter and John to pray for those in Samaria to receive the Holy Ghost. Men and women had already been baptized in Jesus name, when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ. (Acts 8:12-16)

When Peter and John received the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost, they spake with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:4) No one laid their hands on them to receive the Holy Ghost.

When Cornelius and the other gentiles in his house received the Holy Ghost, they spake with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 10:45-46) No one laid their hands on them to receive the Holy Ghost.

When the twelve disciples of John the Baptist received the Holy Ghost in Ephesus, they spake with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. On this occasion, when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Ghost came on them. (Acts 19:6)

Here in Samaria, Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. (Acts 8:17)

Thus it is implied, that they also spake with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Moreover, the Bible says that a man named Simon “saw” that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given. (Acts 8:18)

His attention was especially directed to the object "seen." (Vine’s) What Simon most likely saw, was that the men and women spake with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Where in the Bible did people speak in other tongues when they received the Holy Ghost? Part 5

In Acts 19, Paul came across some disciples that had been baptized, but not in Jesus name. Neither had they received the gift of the Holy Ghost.

In this chapter, we have an example of people being re-baptized, so that they can be baptized in Jesus name for the remission of their sins.

We also have yet another example of people speaking in other tongues when they received the gift of the Holy Ghost.

When Paul came across these men, he calls them disciples. He asked them if they had received the Holy Ghost since they believed.

"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." - Acts 19:2

It is clear that they had heard about the coming of the Holy Ghost, for it turns out they were disciples of John the Baptist. John the Baptist proclaimed:

 "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:" - Matthew 3:11 (Also: Luke 3:16)

It is apparent the disciples of John rather were saying, they hadn’t heard that the Holy Ghost was yet being poured out.

This is when Paul asked them,

"And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism." - Acts 19:3

"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." - Acts 19:4

"When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." - Acts 19:5

Even though they had already been baptized once, because they had not been baptized in Jesus name, they got re-baptized.

These men had now been born of water, and thus had partially obeyed the Gospel. They needed also to be born of the Spirit to fully obey the Gospel.

"And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied." - Acts 19:6

Here, it is by the laying on of hands, that the men received the Holy Ghost. And, it is here that once again, when people received the Holy Ghost, they spoke in tongues.

Speaking With Tongues - the sign of receiing the gift of the Holy Ghost Part 4

There was a devout man, pious and godly, that was a gentile. He was a God-fearing man, as was everyone in his household. He gave generous donations to the needs of the people. He faithfully prayed to God. (Acts 10:2)

Anyone that knew Cornelius must have thought he had a special place in heaven.

One day, while Cornelius was fasting and praying to God, he had a heavenly vision. Although by appearance Cornelius was saved, he had not been baptized in Jesus name for the remission of his sins, nor had he received the Holy Ghost.

Because Jesus loves us all so much, he went to great lengths to bring a man of God, a preacher of the gospel, to bring the message of salvation to Cornelius. (Acts 10:3-23)

When Peter arrived at the house of Cornelius, all his family and close friends were gathered to hear the Word of God.

While Peter preached the gospel, the Holy Ghost fell on all those which heard the word. (Acts 10:44)

How did Peter know that they received the Holy Ghost?

Because they heard them speak with tongues and praise the Lord.

Here is another example of where people that received the Holy Ghost spoke in tongues as the sign that God had filled them with his Spirit. Peter testified to those in Jerusalem, telling them those of Cornelius’ household received the Holy Ghost just as they had on the day of Pentecost.

"And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning." - Acts 11:15

When Cornelius and his household received the Holy Ghost, Peter commanded that they be baptized in Jesus name. They received the gift, but had not entered into the covenant of Jesus’ baptism.

"Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?" - Acts 10:47

"And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days." - Acts 10:48

Where in the Bible did people speak in other tongues when they received the Holy Ghost? Part 3

The first place that the Holy Ghost was poured out, the upper room in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost, they spoke in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:4

On that day, Jews were gathered from all over the world to Jerusalem to worship at the Temple. These Jews, which most likely spoke Hebrew and probably Greek, also spoke the language of the country they were from.

"And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language." - Acts 2:5-6

"And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?" - Acts 2:12

Those that had just received the Holy Ghost did not preach on the day of Pentecost. Rather, God used tongues as a sign that God had miraculously poured out his Spirit.

It was Peter, standing up with the other eleven apostles, which preached on the day of Pentecost. He began his Gospel message to the multitudes that had gathered by explaining that what they as had just witnessed had been prophesied by the prophet Joel.

"But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;" - Acts 2:14-16

Peter concluded his message letting them all know that they could receive the Holy Ghost just as those had in the upper room.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39

To be continued…

Why did God choose “tongues” as the sign that a person has been filled with his Spirit? Part 2

 

Perhaps a second reason is, this is a universal sign. A person of any nationality can speak in a tongue that they do not know, which the Spirit of God is giving them the utterance.

Perhaps a third reason is, that the tongue is “unruly” (‘can not be restrained’). The Bible says, "But the tongue can no man tame…"

"For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth." - James 3:2-4

"Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell." - James 3:5-6

The tongue, although a small member of our body, can corrupt our whole body, taking us to hell.

"For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison." - James 3:7-8

The Bible says no man can tame the tongue. When we speak in tongues as the Spirit gives us the utterance, we are allowing God to take control and tame our tongue. This is a step in which we allow God to have control in our life. When we speak in tongues, it is the sign that we have allowed God to fill us with his Spirit, his Holy Ghost.

It makes sense that God would choose the seeming impossible, taking control and taming our tongue, to show that with God all things are possible. We receive God’s power to do things that are impossible for us to do as mere humans when we give God control in our life. We give God control when we receive his Holy Ghost.

To allow God to take control of our tongue to change our words into words we don’t know the meaning of, takes a big step of faith and a big step towards trust in God.

When we surrender our tongue to God, that no man can tame and is an unruly evil, it is a sign that we are surrendering our whole self to him. It seems the tongue is the last part of our body we surrender to God.

The Bible says if we repent of our sins, are baptized in Jesus name for the remission of our sins, God promises he will fill us with his Spirit. (Acts 2:38)

Through his Spirit, his Holy Ghost, God can transform our sinful nature into a new life.

Instead of being conformed to the world and sin, God can transform us into a new person, and we can walk in the will of God. (Rom.12:2)

Why did God choose “tongues” as the sign that a person has been filled with his Spirit? Part 1

Perhaps the first reason, is that it is a fulfillment of Bible prophecy.

"For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear." - Isaiah 28:11-12

Paul refers to this scripture in 1 Corinthians:

"In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe." - 1 Corinthians 14:21-22

{Note: “Sign” (“as tokens of Divine authority and power”) “Prophesying” (“signifies "the speaking forth of the mind and counsel of God"”) From: Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words}

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." - Acts 1:8

The disciples that were gathered in the upper room on the day of Pentecost were filled with the power of the Holy Ghost and spoke with tongues. The tongues was a sign they had been filled with divine authority and power.

"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:4

Then, Peter stood up and prophesied, speaking forth the gospel under the anointing of the Holy Ghost to the Jews that had gathered.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38

The second part of Isaiah’s prophecy of the Holy Ghost and tongues (Isaiah 28:12) speaks of the rest and refreshing of God’s Spirit.

Jesus spoke of this rest, saying it comes from him. When we take upon us his yoke through baptism in Jesus name, he promises us his Spirit, which is our rest and refreshing.

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;" - Acts 3:19

To be continued…

 

Church!

Church! 

 Jesus is coming soon! Make sure you have repented of your sins, been baptized in Jesus name so that your sins are washed away, and that you are FULL of the Holy Ghost (speaking in tongues as the sign Jesus has completely filled you)!

 

 Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another : and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 

 When asked, "what shall we do?" 

 Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 

 Acts 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 

 Acts 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 

 Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 

 Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

If we want God to bless our finances, we will use of our finances to bless the kingdom of God.

 Jesus responds to our giving. He will not only supply our needs… he will supply ALL our needs from his GLORIOUS RICHES.

Here’s what the Bible says…

Paul was rejoicing in the Lord because the church in Philippi (the Philippian church) was giving of their finances, once again, to help Paul. He knew they... cared about him all along, but they didn’t have the opportunity.

"But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity." - Philippians 4:10

Paul explained to them that he was not ever in need, for he had learned to be content no matter what state he was in.

"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." - Philippians 4:11

Paul seems to pause here and go in a very spiritual direction, speaking of his instruction as, "to initiate into the mysteries”. (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)

The Lord had taught Paul fully, giving him an “intimate acquaintance” to “every condition and to all the several circumstances of life”. “I have been so disciplined by experience that whatsoever be my lot I can endure.” (Thayer's)

"I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need." - Philippians 4:12

Paul knew the source of his ability to survive in every circumstance: his strength came from Jesus.

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." - Philippians 4:13

Paul commended the Philippian church on their helping him relieve the pressure when he was in a position of difficulty.

"Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction." - Philippians 4:14

Paul reminded them that no other church but them only blessed him financially when he came from Macedonia to Philippi, bringing them the Gospel.

"Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only." - Philippians 4:15

The Philippians blessed Paul with their giving, even when he was in Thessalonica, sending help to Paul more than once.

"For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity." - Philippians 4:16

Paul was letting the church in Philippi know that the Lord was going to reward their giving. Paul wanted them to know that because they were continually blessing him with his needs as he ministered the gospel, they were laying up treasures in heaven.

"Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account." - Philippians 4:17

The offerings that the Philippian church sent to Paul he compared to the offerings to God in the Temple. Paul described them as of a sweet smell, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.

"But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God." - Philippians 4:18

Jesus, as Paul’s God, always supplied Paul’s needs. Paul let the Philippians know that Jesus would also supply all THEIR needs as well. And not only that, but supply ALL their needs from his GLORIOUS RICHES.

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19

As a cheerful, generous giver, God provides and increases our resources so we can give a great harvest of generosity, as he generously provides all we need with plenty left over to share with others. Our giving causes others to give thanks to God, and, as the Psalmist said, our good deeds will be remembered forever. (2Cor.9:6-11, Psalms 112:9)

"Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen." - Philippians 4:20

God is Spirit

 

God is Spirit. (John 4:24a) He is the Creator. (Genesis 1) Because man sinned, God, for a time, accepted the innocent blood of animals to cover man's sins. (Genesis 3:21) However, the blood of animals could not take away man's sin. (Hebrews 10:4) Only a man without sin could pay the price. God saw there was no man without sin. (Isaiah 59:16) This is why God made Himself a human body. (Isaiah 53:1 God’s body is called the “arm” of God because of its power to redeem humanity; Hebrews 10:10) Because God came as a sacrifice, he is called the Lamb of God. When John the Baptist saw Jesus he said, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” God provided Himself a Lamb as a sacrifice to take our place. (Genesis 22:8) Because God did this great thing for mankind, He gave His body a name that is above all His other names, the name JESUS. (Philippians 2:9) “JESUS” means, ‘Yahweh is become Salvation’ (‘Yahweh Savior’). At the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow and confess that Jesus is Lord. (Philippians 2:10, 11) Because it is by His incredible sacrifice of His body for us that God brought mercy and salvation to all mankind, God sits as the Lamb in His throne. (Revelation 5:13, 17:14)

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain that sits on the throne!! HIS NAME IS JESUS!!

Praying In Perilous Times

 In these last days of perilous times, we must remember our privilege given to us from the Lord to pray for situations and authorities around the globe. We ought to be faithful and fervent in prayer, talking to Jesus of our concerns, needs, and desires so that we can live peaceful, quiet, godly, and respected lives. We must keep in mind to always pray for all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. We must remember to ask for God’s will in all our requests. Because he has filled us with his Holy Ghost, we can also pray in the Spirit. We need not be anxious or to worry, because Jesus hears and answers our prayers.

2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

Luke 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

1 Timothy 2:1-4 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

1 John 5:14-15 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: and if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

James 5:17-18 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

Ephesians 6:18-19 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

Romans 8:26-27 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Jude 1:20 KJV - But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Why does the devil, the enemy of our souls, want to keep us from obeying the gospel?

Because when we obey the gospel we have forgiveness of sins. The devil no longer has the power of death over us.

Hebrews 2:14-15 KJV - Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

By Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, the gospel, Jesus destroyed the devil and his power of death. (Heb.2:14-15, 2Tim.1:10, Eph.1:13-14, Rom.1:16)

How do we obey the gospel? By faith in Jesus we repent, becoming dead to sin. We are buried in water baptism in Jesus name for the remission of sins. We receive the gift of God’s spirit, the Holy Ghost, to live a new, holy life. (1Cor.15:1-4, Rom.6:1-4, Heb.4:2, 1Pet.4:17, 2Th.1:3-12)

Acts 2:38 KJV - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

We are justified [made righteous in God’s eyes] by the name and blood of Jesus. We are sanctified [made holy, separated unto God] by his Spirit, the Holy Ghost. We are redeemed [set free from wrath by Jesus paying the price] by his blood. Our sins are forgiven. (1Cor.6:11, Eph.1:7, Col.1:14)

2 Corinthians 4:3-4 KJV - But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light [God’s mercy, forgiveness] of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Acts 26:18 KJV - To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness [the wrath of God] to light [the mercy of God], and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified [made holy, separated unto God] by faith that is in me.

After we have obeyed the gospel, the devil can no longer accuse us of the sins we have repented of - they have all been washed away by the blood of Jesus. (Rom.1:16, Rev.12:10, Rev.1:5)

Romans 16:20 KJV - And the God of peace shall bruise [crush] Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.