Teachings

  • Christ Is Reigning With A Rod Of Iron Over The World Full Of His Enemies

    Psa 14:1 NET2 For the music director; by David. Fools say to themselves, โ€œThere is no God.โ€ They sin and commit evil deeds; none of them does what is right.

    Pro 26:3 NET2 A whip for the horse and a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools!

    Pro 14:3 NET2 In the speech of a fool is a rod for his back, but the words of the wise protect them.

    Matt 5:14
    You are the light of the world.
    NKJV

  • Faulty Ministers Among Christians

    2 Corinthians

    2 Corinthians 1:12
    For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God,
    NKJV

    2 Corinthians 2:14-17
    Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. 15 For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.
    NKJV

    2 Corinthians 3:4-6
    And we have such trust through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
    NKJV

    2 Corinthians 4:1-5:5
    Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

    7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 8 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed โ€” 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 11 For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death is working in us, but life in you.

    13 And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak, 14 knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. 15 For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.
    16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 15 For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, 3 if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. 4 For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee

    2 Corinthians 5:16-21
    Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

    20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

    2 Corinthians 6:1-10
    We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For He says:

    “In an acceptable time I have heard you,
    And in the day of salvation I have helped you.”

    Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

    3 We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed. 4 But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, 5 in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; 6 by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, 7 by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 8 by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; 9 as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; 10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
    2 Corinthians 7:2-3
    Open your hearts to us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have cheated no one.
    NKJV

    2 Corinthians 10
    Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ โ€” who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you. 2 But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.
    7 Do you look at things according to the outward appearance? If anyone is convinced in himself that he is Christ’s, let him again consider this in himself, that just as he is Christ’s, even so we are Christ’s. 8 For even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave us for edification and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamed โ€” 9 lest I seem to terrify you by letters. 10 “For his letters,” they say, “are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.” 11 Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such we will also be in deed when we are present.
    12 For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 13 We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us โ€” a sphere which especially includes you. 14 For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ; 15 not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere, 16 to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s sphere of accomplishment.
    17 But “he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” 18 For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.

    2 Corinthians 11
    Oh, that you would bear with me in a little folly โ€” and indeed you do bear with me. 2 For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted โ€” you may well put up with it!

    5 For I consider that I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles. 6 Even though I am untrained in speech, yet I am not in knowledge. But we have been thoroughly manifested among you in all things.
    7 Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge? 8 I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. 9 And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself. 10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no one shall stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia. 11 Why? Because I do not love you? God knows!
    12 But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

    16 I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. 17 What I speak, I speak not according to the Lord, but as it were, foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. 18 Seeing that many boast according to the flesh, I also will boast. 19 For you put up with fools gladly, since you yourselves are wise! 20 For you put up with it if one brings you into bondage, if one devours you, if one takes from you, if one exalts himself, if one strikes you on the face. 21 To our shame I say that we were too weak for that! But in whatever anyone is bold โ€” I speak foolishly โ€” I am bold also.

    22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. 23 Are they ministers of Christ? โ€” I speak as a fool โ€” I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. 24 From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness โ€” 28 besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?
    30 If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity. 31 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. 32 In Damascus the governor, under Aretas the king, was guarding the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to arrest me; 33 but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped from his hands.
    NKJV
    2 Corinthians 12
    It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago โ€” whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows โ€” such a one was caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I know such a man โ€” whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows โ€” 4 how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 5 Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities. 6 For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me.

    7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

    11 I have become a fool in boasting; you have compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you; for in nothing was I behind the most eminent apostles, though I am nothing. 12 Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds. 13 For what is it in which you were inferior to other churches, except that I myself was not burdensome to you? Forgive me this wrong!

    14 Now for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be burdensome to you; for I do not seek yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. 15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved.
    16 But be that as it may, I did not burden you. Nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you by cunning! 17 Did I take advantage of you by any of those whom I sent to you? 18 I urged Titus, and sent our brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? Did we not walk in the same steps?
    19 Again, do you think that we excuse ourselves to you? We speak before God in Christ. But we do all things, beloved, for your edification. 20 For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults; 21 lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and lewdness which they have practiced.
    2 Corinthians 13
    This will be the third time I am coming to you. “By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.” 2 I have told you before, and foretell as if I were present the second time, and now being absent I write to those who have sinned before, and to all the rest, that if I come again I will not spare โ€” 3 since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you. 4 For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you.
    5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? โ€” unless indeed you are disqualified. 6 But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified.

    7 Now I pray to God that you do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that you should do what is honorable, though we may seem disqualified. 8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. 9 For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. And this also we pray, that you may be made complete. 10 Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the authority which the Lord has given me for edification and not for destruction.
    Greetings and Benediction
    11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
    12 Greet one another with a holy kiss.
    13 All the saints greet you.
    14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
    NKJV



    Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing

    Matthew 7:15-29
    “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

    21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

    24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.

    26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”

    28 And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, 29 for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
    NKJV

    Luke 6

    Luke 6:39-49
    And He spoke a parable to them: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch? 40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher. 41 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye? 42 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother’s eye.

    43 “For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. 45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

    46 “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say? 47 Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: 48 He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. 49 But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.“

    Heap to themselves teachers

    2 Timothy 4:1-5
    I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

    Faulty Teachers rising up among established ministers

    Acts 20:15-31
    The next day we came to Miletus. 16 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost.

    17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. 18 And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, 19 serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; 20 how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, 21 testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. 24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

    25 “And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. 31 Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.

    False Doctrines Spread Like Cancer To Many

    2 Timothy 2:14-26
    Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 17 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, 18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”

    20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. 22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. 24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
    NKJV

    Many insubordinate and idle teachers

    For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain. (Titus 1:10โ€“11, NKJV, https://ref.ly/logosres/LLS:1.0.30?ref=BibleNKJV.Tt1.10-11)

    All of Asia abandoned Paul

    2Ti 1:15 MKJV1962 This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.

    I just rejoice that the Gospel is preached

    Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: 16ย The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; 17ย but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 18ย What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice. (Philippians 1:15โ€“18, NKJV)

  • Interpretation of Tongues on the Day of Pentecost

    3- minute YouTube Short

    INTRO
    As a historian, Luke records in his book, Acts of the Apostles, chapter 2 that there were 3 kinds of people on the Day of Pentecost:

    1. People who spoke in Tongues.
    2. People who understood the Tongues.
    3. People who did not understand the Tongues.

    In the Bible’s in depth instruction on the Gifts and manifestations of the Spirit of Christ in 1Corinthians 12-14, Christ’s Apostle Paul teaches that the Gift of Interpretation of Tongues is the only way for men to understand what is spoken in Tongues.

    So, more precisely, we had on the Day of Pentecost:

    1. People experiencing the Gift of Speaking in Tongues enabling them to speak in Tongues (gold).
    2. People experiencing the Gift of Interpretation of Tongues enabling them to understand the Speaking in Tongues (blue).
    3. People not experiencing any Gift and not able to understand the Speaking in Tongues (red).

    SCRIPTURES

    Acts 2:1-17

    2 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they 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 the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

    5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. 7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, โ€œLook, are not all these who speak Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabsโ€”we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.โ€ 12 So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, โ€œWhatever could this mean?โ€

    13 Others mocking said, โ€œThey are full of new wine.โ€

    14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, โ€œMen of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. 15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

    17โ€˜And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,

    That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh;

    Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

    Your young men shall see visions,

    Your old men shall dream dreams.

    18And on My menservants and on My maidservants

    I will pour out My Spirit in those days;

    And they shall prophesy.

    19I will show wonders in heaven above

    And signs in the earth beneath:

    Blood and fire and vapor of smoke.

    20The sun shall be turned into darkness,

    And the moon into blood,

    Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.

    21And it shall come to pass

    That whoever calls on the name of the Lord

    Shall be saved.โ€™

    22 โ€œMen of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also knowโ€”23 Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; 24 whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it. 25 For David says concerning Him:

    โ€˜I foresaw the Lord always before my face,

    For He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken.

    26Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad;

    Moreover my flesh also will rest in hope.

    27For You will not leave my soul in Hades,

    Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.

    28You have made known to me the ways of life;

    You will make me full of joy in Your presence.โ€™

    29 โ€œMen and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, 31 he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. 33 Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.

    34 โ€œFor David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself:

    โ€˜The Lord said to my Lord,

    โ€œSit at My right hand,

    35Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.โ€ โ€™

    36 โ€œTherefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.โ€

    37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, โ€œMen and brethren, what shall we do?โ€

    38 Then Peter said to them, โ€œRepent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.โ€

    40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, โ€œBe saved from this perverse generation.โ€ 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostlesโ€™ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.

    46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:1โ€“47, NKJV)

    1Corinthians 12-15

    12 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: 2ย You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. 3ย Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.

    4ย There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5ย There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6ย And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7ย But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8ย for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9ย to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10ย to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11ย But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

    12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one bodyโ€”whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or freeโ€”and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. 14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.

    15 If the foot should say, โ€œBecause I am not a hand, I am not of the body,โ€ is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear should say, โ€œBecause I am not an eye, I am not of the body,โ€ is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? 18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. 19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be?

    20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, โ€œI have no need of youโ€; nor again the head to the feet, โ€œI have no need of you.โ€ 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

    27ย Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28ย And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29ย Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30ย Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31ย But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

    13 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2ย And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3ย And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

    4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

    8ย Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9ย For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10ย But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.

    11ย When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12ย For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

    13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

    14 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2ย For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3ย But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4ย He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5ย I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.

    6ย But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching? 7ย Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played? 8ย For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle? 9ย So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air. 10ย There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance. 11ย Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me. 12ย Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.

    13ย Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. 14ย For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15ย What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. 16ย Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say โ€œAmenโ€ at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say? 17ย For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified.

    18ย I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; 19ย yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

    20 Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.

    21ย In the law it is written:

    โ€œWith men of other tongues and other lips

    I will speak to this people;

    And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,โ€

    says the Lord.

    22ย Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. 23ย Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? 24ย But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. 25ย And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.

    26ย How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 27ย If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. 28ย But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God. 29ย Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. 30ย But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. 31ย For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. 32ย And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33ย For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

    34 Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. 35 And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.

    36ย Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that it reached? 37ย If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord. 38ย But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant.

    39ย Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. 40ย Let all things be done decently and in order.

    15 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to youโ€”unless you believed in vain.

    3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. 6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. 7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. 8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.

    9 For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 11 Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

    12 Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. 14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. 15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise upโ€”if in fact the dead do not rise. 16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.

    20ย But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21ย For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22ย For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 23ย But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christโ€™s at His coming. 24ย Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. 25ย For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. 26ย The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. 27ย For โ€œHe has put all things under His feet.โ€ But when He says โ€œall things are put under Him,โ€ it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. 28ย Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.

    29 Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for the dead? 30 And why do we stand in jeopardy every hour? 31 I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. 32 If, in the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me? If the dead do not rise, โ€œLet us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!โ€

    33 Do not be deceived: โ€œEvil company corrupts good habits.โ€ 34 Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.

    35ย But someone will say, โ€œHow are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?โ€ 36ย Foolish one, what you sow is not made alive unless it dies. 37ย And what you sow, you do not sow that body that shall be, but mere grainโ€”perhaps wheat or some other grain. 38ย But God gives it a body as He pleases, and to each seed its own body.

    39 All flesh is not the same flesh, but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of animals, another of fish, and another of birds.

    40 There are also celestial bodies and terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory.

    42ย So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. 43ย It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. 44ย It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 45ย And so it is written, โ€œThe first man Adam became a living being.โ€ The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

    46ย However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. 47ย The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. 48ย As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. 49ย And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.

    50ย Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 51ย Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changedโ€”52ย in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53ย For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54ย So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: โ€œDeath is swallowed up in victory.โ€

    55โ€œO Death, where is your sting?

    O Hades, where is your victory?โ€

    56ย The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57ย But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

    58ย Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 12:1โ€“15:58, NKJV)

    Acts 10-11:18

    10 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, 2 a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. 3 About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, โ€œCornelius!โ€

    4 And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, โ€œWhat is it, lord?โ€

    So he said to him, โ€œYour prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. 6 He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.โ€ 7 And when the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier from among those who waited on him continually. 8 So when he had explained all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa.

    9 The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour. 10 Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance 11 and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. 13 And a voice came to him, โ€œRise, Peter; kill and eat.โ€

    14 But Peter said, โ€œNot so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.โ€

    15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, โ€œWhat God has cleansed you must not call common.โ€ 16 This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again.

    17 Now while Peter wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simonโ€™s house, and stood before the gate. 18 And they called and asked whether Simon, whose surname was Peter, was lodging there.

    19 While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, โ€œBehold, three men are seeking you. 20 Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.โ€

    21 Then Peter went down to the men who had been sent to him from Cornelius, and said, โ€œYes, I am he whom you seek. For what reason have you come?โ€

    22 And they said, โ€œCornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you.โ€ 23 Then he invited them in and lodged them.

    On the next day Peter went away with them, and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

    24 And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, โ€œStand up; I myself am also a man.โ€ 27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come together. 28 Then he said to them, โ€œYou know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 29 Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?โ€

    30 So Cornelius said, โ€œFour days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31 and said, โ€˜Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you.โ€™ 33 So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God.โ€

    34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: โ€œIn truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. 36 The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christโ€”He is Lord of allโ€”37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. 40 Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. 42 And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. 43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.โ€

    44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.

    Then Peter answered, 47 โ€œCan anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?โ€ 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.

    11 Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. 2 And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him, 3 saying, โ€œYou went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!โ€

    4 But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning, saying: 5 โ€œI was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, an object descending like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came to me. 6 When I observed it intently and considered, I saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. 7 And I heard a voice saying to me, โ€˜Rise, Peter; kill and eat.โ€™ 8 But I said, โ€˜Not so, Lord! For nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.โ€™ 9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, โ€˜What God has cleansed you must not call common.โ€™ 10 Now this was done three times, and all were drawn up again into heaven. 11 At that very moment, three men stood before the house where I was, having been sent to me from Caesarea. 12 Then the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered the manโ€™s house. 13 And he told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, โ€˜Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter, 14 who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved.โ€™ 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. 16 Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, โ€˜John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.โ€™ 17 If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?โ€

    18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, โ€œThen God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.โ€ (Acts 10:1โ€“11:18, NKJV)

    Acts 19:1-7

    19 And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples 2 he said to them, โ€œDid you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?โ€

    So they said to him, โ€œWe have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.โ€

    3 And he said to them, โ€œInto what then were you baptized?โ€

    So they said, โ€œInto Johnโ€™s baptism.โ€

    4 Then Paul said, โ€œJohn indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.โ€

    5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. 7 Now the men were about twelve in all. (Acts 19:1โ€“7, NKJV)

    Jude

    Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James,

    To those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ:

    2 Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.

    3 Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. 4 For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.

    5 But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. 6 And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day; 7 as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

    8 Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries. 9 Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, โ€œThe Lord rebuke you!โ€ 10 But these speak evil of whatever they do not know; and whatever they know naturally, like brute beasts, in these things they corrupt themselves. 11 Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.

    12 These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; 13 raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.

    14 Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, โ€œBehold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, 15 to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.โ€

    16 These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage. 17 But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: 18 how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. 19 These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit.

    20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

    22 And on some have compassion, making a distinction; 23 but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.

    24Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling,

    And to present you faultless

    Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,

    25To God our Savior,

    Who alone is wise,

    Be glory and majesty,

    Dominion and power,

    Both now and forever.

    Amen. (Jude 1โ€“25, NKJV)

  • Tongues & Interpretation

    Christ’s Apostle Paul made clear that tongues are unintelligible to men without the miraculous Gift of Interpretation of Tongues:

    For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him (1 Corinthians 14:2)

    Luke, not an Apostle but a historian, merely described what happened in Acts 2 but did not explain it.

    From the Apostle Paul’s instruction in 1Corinthians 14, we understand that in Acts 2 we see both TONGUES and INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES on display: The 120 spoke publicly in languages that seemed like the speech of drunks to the local Judeans who mocked it. But the same speech was received as intelligent communication to others “from every nation under heaven” who were experiencing the GIFT OF INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES.

    In short, Tongues are not understandable by anyone without the equally miraculous Gift of Interpretation of Tongues.

    “to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things”
    (1 Corinthians 12:10โ€“11, NKJV)


    “And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.”
    (1 Corinthians 14:32, NKJV)

    This is true of anyone who speaks in tongues, as well, as the context surrounding this verse makes clear.

    So, it is contrary to the Apostle Paul’s teaching that speaking in tongues must be involuntary.


    “If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God.”
    (1 Corinthians 14:27โ€“28, NKJV)

    To “speak to oneself and to God” is called prayer.
    So, Christ’s Apostle Paul clearly taught here that there is such a thing as praying in tongues.

    Same is true of saying a prayer of thanksgiving in tongues (“bless with the spirit”),

    “Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say โ€œAmenโ€ at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say? 17 For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified.”
    (1 Corinthians 14:16โ€“17, NKJV)

  • Foolish Virgins Left Behind: How Soon After The Departure Of The Apostles Did Churchmen Turn Away From The Lord’s Command For Disciples To Take Turns Speaking In Church?

    “Let the prophets speak… For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged… they are the commandment of the Lord.” ~Apostle Paul, 1Co 14:26-40

    1Co 14:26-40 NHEB
    What is it then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has another language, has an interpretation. Let all things be done to build each other up. 27 If anyone speaks in another language, let it be two, or at the most three, and in turn; and let one interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in the church, and let him speak to himself, and to God. 29 Let the prophets speak, two or three, and let the others discern. 30 But if a revelation is made to another sitting by, let the first keep silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. 32 The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets, 33 for God is not a God of confusion, but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, 34 let the women keep silent in the churches, for it has not been permitted for them to speak; but let them be in subjection, as the Law also says. 35 If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home, for it is shameful for a woman to chatter in the church. 36 What? Was it from you that the word of God went out? Or did it come to you alone? 37 If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him recognize the things which I write to you, that they are the commandment of the Lord. 38 But if someone does not recognize this, he is not recognized. 39 Therefore, my brothers, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

    The apostle Paul just finished explaining what “decently and in order” means:
    Decent = women silent, no shameful practice of women speaking in church.
    In order = men taking turns speaking in church.

    Paul predicted, “After my departure… men will arise from among your own selves, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them”: Acts 20:30

    Act 20:16-38 NHEB
    For Paul had determined to sail past Ephesus, that he might not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hastening, if it were possible for him, to be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. 17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called to himself the elders of the church. 18 When they had come to him, he said to them, โ€œYou yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you all the time, 19 serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears, and with trials which happened to me by the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not hold back from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, 21 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus. 22 And now, look, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there; 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions wait for me. 24 But I make my life an account of nothing precious to myself, so that I may finish my race, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to fully testify to the Good News of the grace of God. 25 โ€œAnd now, look, I know that you all, among whom I went about proclaiming the kingdom, will see my face no more. 26 Therefore I testify to you today that I am innocent of everyoneโ€™s blood, 27 for I did not hold back from declaring to you the whole plan of God. 28 Watch out for yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which he purchased with his own blood. 29 For I know that after my departure, vicious wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Men will arise from among your own selves, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, remembering that for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish everyone night and day with tears. 32 Now I entrust you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build up, and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I coveted no oneโ€™s silver, or gold, or clothing. 34 You yourselves know that these hands served my necessities, and those who were with me. 35 In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, โ€˜It is more blessed to give than to receive.โ€™โ€ 36 When he had spoken these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 37 They all wept a lot, and fell on Paulโ€™s neck and kissed him, 38 sorrowing most of all because of the word which he had spoken, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.

    Peter predicted the soon arrival of false teachers who would secretly introduce destructive heresies and that many would follow: 2Peter 2:1-3

    2Pe 2:1-4 NHEB
    But false prophets also arose among the people, as false teachers will also be among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master who bought them, bringing on themselves swift destruction. 2 Many will follow their immoral ways, and as a result, the way of the truth will be maligned. 3 In covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words: whose sentence now from of old does not linger, and their destruction is not asleep. 4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them down to the lower parts of hell, and committed them to chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment

    Diotrephes, by not receiving brothers, prevented them from speaking to the assembled congregation in church; and punished as hereticks those who wanted to receive them: 3John 1:9-11

    3Jn 1:9-11 NHEB
    I wrote something to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say. 10 Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words. Not content with this, neither does he himself receive the brothers, and those who would, he forbids and throws out of the church. 11 Beloved, do not imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is of God. He who does evil hasnโ€™t seen God.

    James warned against favoritism for rich men that deprives poor brothers: James 2:1-7

    Jas 2:1-7 NHEB
    My brothers, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ of glory with partiality. 2 For if someone with a gold ring, in fine clothing, comes into your synagogue, and a poor person in filthy clothing also comes in; 3 and you pay special attention to the one who wears the fine clothing, and say, โ€œSit here in a good place;โ€ but you tell the poor person, โ€œStand there,โ€ or โ€œSit by my footstool.โ€ 4 Have you not discriminated among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers. Did not God choose those who are poor in this world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he promised to those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor person. Do not the rich oppress you, and personally drag you before the courts? 7 Do not they blaspheme the honorable name by which you are called?

    Jesus predicted that foolish Christians were to be left behind and shut outside the gates of His dwelling after His Return home to Earth

    Mat 25:1-12 NHEB
    Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For the foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 Now while the bridegroom delayed, they all slumbered and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, โ€˜Look. The bridegroom. Come out to meet him.โ€™ 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish said to the wise, โ€˜Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.โ€™ 9 But the wise answered, saying, โ€˜No, there will not be enough for us and you. Go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.โ€™ 10 While they [the foolish virgins] went away to buy [busied themselves with other priorities], the bridegroom came, and those who were ready [the wise virgins] went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins [the foolish virgins] also came, saying, โ€˜Lord, Lord, open to us.โ€™ 12 But he answered, โ€˜Truly I tell you, I do not know you.โ€™

    The foolish virgins were to miss the rapture at the impending Lord’s Return, and be left behind and shut outside the gates of the newly arrived New Jerusalem. It is only natural that such foolish virgins, disobedient churchgoers, hearers of the Word but not doers, would respect the memory of their betters, their former companions the wise virgins, and speculate as to where they had gone, and show respect for their left-over oil (their writings, the New Testament) that had been left behind to benefit the foolish virgins.

    The song of the foolish virgins.

    Start at 0:57

    1Clement: After the Martyrdom of Peter and the Disappearance of Paul

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clement_of_Rome

    Clement’s letter also contains historical references, it mentions persecutions of Christians, records the martyrdom of the Apostle Peter and suggests that the apostle Paul traveled to Spain.[2]

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Epistle_of_Clement

    1 Clement was written at a time when some Christians were keenly aware that Jesus had not returned as they had expected. Like the Second Epistle of Peter, this epistle criticizes those who had doubts about the faith because the Second Coming had not yet occurred.[19]

    The Letters of Ignatius of Antioch: Shortly After 1Clement

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clement_of_Rome

    By the middle of the second century all the leading Christian centres had bishops.[32] Scholars such as Bart Ehrman treat as significant the fact that, of the seven letters written by Ignatius of Antioch to seven Christian churches shortly after the time of Clement, the only one that does not present the church as headed by a single bishop is that addressed to the church in Rome, although this letter did not refer to a collective priesthood either.[33]

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostolic_succession

    By the beginning of the second century the figure of a single bishop, as the head of the communities, appears explicitly in the letters of Ignatius of Antioch (c. 35-107).[25] In the Epistle to the Smyrnaeans, Ignatius wrote about three degrees ministry:
    See that you all follow the bishop, even as Jesus Christ does the Father, and the presbytery as you would the apostles; and reverence the deacons, as being the institution of God. Let no man do anything connected with the Church without the bishop.[26]:โ€ŠCh.8

    โ€Šhttps://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ignatius_of_Antioch

    Ignatius is the earliest known Christian writer to emphasize loyalty to a single bishop in each city (or diocese) who is assisted by both presbyters (elders)[53][54][note 1] and deacons. Earlier writings only mention either bishops or presbyters. For instance, his writings on bishops, presbyters and deacons:
    Take care to do all things in harmony with God, with the bishop presiding in the place of God, and with the presbyters in the place of the council of the apostles, and with the deacons, who are most dear to me, entrusted with the business of Jesus Christ, who was with the Father from the beginning and is at last made manifest.โ€”โ€ŠLetter to the Magnesians 2, 6:1

    So, what place is left for the New Testament, the commands of the Lord Jesus and His Apostles? They have been usurped by the bishop and his presbyters.

    Wherever the bishop appears, there let the people be; as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church. It is not lawful to baptize or give communion without the consent of the bishop. On the other hand, whatever has his approval is pleasing to God. Thus, whatever is done will be safe and valid.โ€”โ€ŠLetter to the Smyrnaeans 8, J.R. Willis translation.

    Essentially, whatever is done without a bishop’s approval is hereby declared unsafe and invalid.

    Origen notoriously set the example that formal ordination by a bishop is required to speak in church: 231 A.D.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Origen

    Origen began to style himself as a “master of philosophy”.[54] Origen’s new position as a self-styled Christian philosopher brought him into conflict with Demetrius, the bishop of Alexandria.[54] Demetrius, a charismatic leader who ruled the Christian congregation of Alexandria with an iron fist,[54] became the most direct promoter of the elevation in status of the bishop of Alexandria;[55] before Demetrius, the bishop of Alexandria had merely been a priest who was elected to represent his fellows,[56] but after Demetrius, the bishop was seen as clearly a rank higher than his fellow priests.[56] By styling himself as an independent philosopher, Origen was reviving a role that had been prominent in earlier Christianity[55] but which challenged the authority of the now-powerful bishop.[55] Meanwhile, Origen began composing his massive theological treatise On the First Principles,[56] a landmark book which systematically laid out the foundations of Christian theology for centuries to come.[56] … In 213 or 214, the governor of the Province of Arabia sent a message to the prefect of Egypt requesting him to send Origen to meet with him so that he could interview him and learn more about Christianity from its leading intellectual.[56] Origen, escorted by official bodyguards,[56] spent a short time in Arabia with the governor before returning to Alexandria.[57]

    … Origen fled Alexandria and traveled to the city of Caesarea Maritima in the Roman province of Palestine,[58] where the bishops Theoctistus of Caesarea and Alexander of Jerusalem became his devoted admirers[58] and asked him to deliver discourses on the scriptures in their respective churches.[58] This effectively allowed Origen to deliver sermons even though he was not formally ordained.[58] While this was an unexpected phenomenon, especially given Origen’s international fame as a teacher and philosopher,[58] it infuriated Demetrius, who saw it as a direct undermining of his authority.[58] Demetrius sent deacons from Alexandria to demand that the Palestinian hierarchs immediately return “his” catechist to Alexandria.[58] He also issued a decree chastising the Palestinians for allowing a person who was not ordained to preach.[59]  Origen obeyed Demetrius’s order and returned to Alexandria,[60]

    … In addition to these commentaries, Origen also wrote two books on the resurrection of Jesus and ten books of Stromata (‘Miscellanies’).[64] It is likely that these works contained much theological speculation,[65] which brought Origen into even greater conflict with Demetrius.[66]

    Origen repeatedly asked Demetrius to ordain him as a priest, but Demetrius continually refused.[67][68][14] In around 231, Demetrius sent Origen on a mission to Athens.[65][69] Along the way, Origen stopped in Caesarea,[65][69] where he was warmly greeted by the bishops Theoctistus of Caesarea and Alexander of Jerusalem, who had become his close friends during his previous stay.[65][69] While he was visiting Caesarea, Origen asked Theoctistus to ordain him as a priest.[14][65] Theoctistus gladly complied.[70][68][69] Upon learning of Origen’s ordination, Demetrius was outraged and issued a condemnation declaring that Origen’s ordination by a foreign bishop was an act of insubordination.[68][71][69]

    Eusebius reports that as a result of Demetrius’s condemnations, Origen decided not to return to Alexandria and instead to take up permanent residence in Caesarea.[71] John Anthony McGuckin, however, argues that Origen had probably already been planning to stay in Caesarea.[72] The Palestinian bishops declared Origen the chief theologian of Caesarea.[11] Firmilian, the bishop of Caesarea Mazaca in Cappadocia, was such a devoted disciple of Origen that he begged him to come to Cappadocia and teach there.[73]

    Demetrius raised a storm of protests against the bishops of Palestine and the church synod in Rome.[72] According to Eusebius, Demetrius published the allegation that Origen had secretly castrated himself,[72] a capital offense under Roman law at the time[72] and one which would have made Origen’s ordination invalid, since eunuchs were forbidden from becoming priests.[72]

    Once ordained, Origen was then officially permitted to publicly speak to the assembled congregation in church. Without such formal ordination, Origen was expected to remain silent as evreyone else, women and men alike. The exceedingly influential Origen himself famously set the example of subjugation to this practice, reinforcing it with his subservience to it, this practice of only allowing formally ordained persons to speak in church, a practice directly opposed to the Lord’s commands in 1Cor 14:26-40.

    1Co 14:26-40 NHEB
    What is it then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has another language, has an interpretation. Let all things be done to build each other up. 27 If anyone speaks in another language, let it be two, or at the most three, and in turn; and let one interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in the church, and let him speak to himself, and to God. 29 Let the prophets speak, two or three, and let the others discern. 30 But if a revelation is made to another sitting by, let the first keep silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. 32 The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets, 33 for God is not a God of confusion, but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, 34 let the women keep silent in the churches, for it has not been permitted for them to speak; but let them be in subjection, as the Law also says. 35 If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home, for it is shameful for a woman to chatter in the church. 36 What? Was it from you that the word of God went out? Or did it come to you alone? 37 If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him recognize the things which I write to you, that they are the commandment of the Lord. 38 But if someone does not recognize this, he is not recognized. 39 Therefore, my brothers, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

    Martin Luther and the Reformers labored to restore recognition of the priesthood of all believers and of the New Testament alone (Sola Scriptura) sitting in the place of the Lord Jesus and His Apostles

    And, since every Christian is already a priest of God, every Christian man is already authorized to speak in church. We do not need to be formally ordained to address the assembled congregation in church. Martin Luther and the Reforged also labored to restore recognition of the position of the New Testament alone as sitting in the place of the Lord Jesus and His Apostles, Sola Scriptura, refusing such position to the bishops and their elders as Ignatius and others since have insisted.

    Who is the real wolf here?
    Who is the real wolf here?
    If John MacArthur behaved according to the Apostles’ teaching (1Co 14:26-40)
    the other man would not have to behave this way in order to get a turn to speak in church.

    Because he would no longer wait indefinitely for a turn to speak in church that would never come, the man spoke in church anyway and was physically grabbed by several guards, forcibly removed from the assembly then, once absent, ridiculed as a false prophet alongside the Apostles’ doctrine he defended, held under guard on church property to be delivered into the hands of unbelievers, the local police, and jailed until compelled to appear in court before unbelievers. And, finally, this man is held up to perpetual ridicule before unbelievers on YouTube as a means to continue the attack in public against the Apostles’ doctrine concerning the manifestations of the Spirit of Christ in the churches of God. How can correction ever get through to churches that behave like this?
    How long has this been going on?

    Let’s return to the Lord’s commandment expressed through His Apostle:

    1Co 14:26-40 NHEB
    What is it then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has another language, has an interpretation. Let all things be done to build each other up. 27 If anyone speaks in another language, let it be two, or at the most three, and in turn; and let one interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in the church, and let him speak to himself, and to God. 29 Let the prophets speak, two or three, and let the others discern. 30 But if a revelation is made to another sitting by, let the first keep silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. 32 The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets, 33 for God is not a God of confusion, but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, 34 let the women keep silent in the churches, for it has not been permitted for them to speak; but let them be in subjection, as the Law also says. 35 If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home, for it is shameful for a woman to chatter in the church. 36 What? Was it from you that the word of God went out? Or did it come to you alone? 37 If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him recognize the things which I write to you, that they are the commandment of the Lord. 38 But if someone does not recognize this, he is not recognized. 39 Therefore, my brothers, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order.