The Most Quoted Promise in the Bible

The Bible is full of promises. There are literally hundreds of promises in the word of God. Personally, I have stood on the promises of God. Repeatedly, I have taken God at His word. Faithfully, God has always fulfilled His promises.

There is one Biblical promise that seems to be quoted more than the others. On numerous occasions, I have heard preachers stand behind a pulpit and repeat it. Christians have stood up in the midst of a congregation to quote it. It is not likely that this particular promise is greater than any other. In my opinion, some preachers quote it as they begin the church service because they do not have anything else to say. Despite the motive of the one speaking the promise, it is a promise of God nonetheless. I am sure you have heard it quoted, and multiple times if you have been a Christian any length of time at all. Somewhere in your Christian walk, you have heard someone say, “I’m glad Jesus said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”

There it is – the most quoted promise in the entirety of the scriptures (at least, in some of the circles in which I have been involved). The promise is found in Hebrews 13:5.

Two Prominent Messages in Christ’s Earthly Ministry

In the days when Jesus Christ walked the shores of Galilee, there were two messages that were constantly interwoven throughout the gospels. The first message was from Christ to His disciples. Christ continually told His disciples, “I’ve got to go.” Of course, He had to go to Calvary to suffer and die for the sins of mankind. The second message found throughout the gospels was the response of the disciples to Christ. When Christ spoke of His death, His disciples always replied, “Don’t go!”

In Matthew 16, Jesus spoke to His disciples, saying that He must be rejected of the scribes and elders of Jerusalem and be crucified. “I’ve got to go,” He says. Peter responded, “Far be it from Thee!” In other words, “Don’t go!”

In one instance, we find “the woman who was a sinner,” with her hands around the ankles of our Lord, as she washes the Lord’s feet with her tears and dries them with her hair. There’s something about her grip on the Savior’s feet that says, “Don’t go!” But He must go. He must be separated from the disciples to lay down His life for lost mankind.

In his account of the gospel, Luke tells us constantly that Christ’s face was “set” toward Jerusalem. What’s in Jerusalem? A cross. With His face set, His spirit firm, and His will determined, the Lord says, “I’ve got to go.”

Then came the day when Christ’s death upon the cross ceased to be a prophecy and became a fulfillment. He left His disciples for Calvary. The disciples would have loved to be able to claim the promise we claim so often, that their Lord would never leave nor forsake them. But the Lord left His disciples for Calvary.

Three days following the crucifixion of Christ, Christ is raised from the dead. On that resurrection day, Mary Magdalene is among those who found the tomb to be empty. When the others headed for the city, she remained in the garden where the empty tomb was. Weeping with her head in her hands, she earnestly believes that someone had taken away the body of her Lord. Suddenly, she sees a man. Since the man was evidently the gardener, Mary requested concerning Jesus, “Please tell me where you have laid Him.” Then, the “gardener,” who was none other than Jesus Christ Himself, said to her, “Mary.” Upon hearing the Lord speak her own name, Mary recognized Him. Mary must have fallen upon her knees, taking hold of the Saviour. But Jesus stopped her. “Touch me not,” He said. The word, “touch” here can mean more than just a simple touch. It can mean, “to hold on to; to cling to.” But again, Jesus says, “Don’t hold on to me.” In other words, “I’ve got to go.” Where is He going now? Since He has been resurrected, Christ must now go to the Father. He did not want Mary to get too attached. He is about to depart again. This is a good place to insert that the doctrine of the ascension of Christ is an underrated doctrine in the Bible. The entire discourse of John 14-16 centers around it. The arrival of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost depends on it. “If I go not away,” Christ said, “the Comforter will not come.”

Notice what Christ says to Mary. “Touch me not; do not hold on to me.” What does He go on to say? He says, “For I am not yet ascended.” That is where is going – to the Father.

The Ascension

Then, forty days after His resurrection, the day comes for Christ to go to the Father. Christ gathered with His disciples on the Mount of Olives. In Matthew’s version of the Great Commission, Christ gives His disciples His last words before His ascension. First, He instructs them to “teach all nations.” Secondly, He commissions them to “baptize them.” And third, “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world.” I can’t help but chuckle when I read Matthew’s account of the Great Commission. Jesus says to His disciples, “I am with you always.” Then, what does He do? He ascends. He leaves. He says, “I’ll never leave you.” Then He leaves!

But when He goes, He takes His place at the right hand of the Father. It is there that Jesus prayed for the Father to send the Holy Spirit to dwell with His disciples forever. This may be a news flash to you, but you do not have the Holy Spirit because you prayed; you have the Holy Spirit because He prayed. Christ said, “I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter” (John 14:16). Of course, the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Christ. Wherever the Holy Spirit is, Christ is. When Christ prayed for the Father to give us the Holy Spirit, the Lord assured us that He would abide with us forever (John 14:16).

Throughout the gospels, mankind begged Christ, “Don’t leave us!” But He had to go. Now that the Holy Spirit has been given, I know that Christ will be with me through the trials of life, through tears and toils, and even to chilly Jordan – death itself. He will never leave me nor forsake me!

Standing at the Gate

Ephesians 5:18 – “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.”

That every believer has the Holy Spirit within them is clear. That every believer is not filled with the Spirit is equally as true. The supreme need for Christians in our day is to be filled with the Spirit. John R. Rice correctly said, “You cannot do God’s work without God’s power.” There are many Christians who do not know the blessing of yielding themselves to Holy Spirit, allowing Him to fill them to capacity, so that they may be used in fruitful Christian service. Christians should seek to be filled with the Spirit so that the lost will be justified, the saved will be edified, and Christ will be glorified!

When this truth is presented, some say that we need a mighty baptism in the Spirit. Others object to that terminology, and say, “Oh, no! It is not a baptism; it is the fullness of the Spirit.” Others say, “No, it is not the fullness; it is the filling.” Others argue still yet that it is instead an infilling.

Whatever you wish to call it, it is desperately needed! Our churches are suffering without it! This point is brought out well by William E. Boardman:

All real Christians agree that it is our privilege to be filled with the Spirit, and that this is the great need of the time. But when this privilege is unfolded and pressed as a baptism, or the baptism of the Holy Ghost, some start back at the term and just stand at the gate.

The New Jerusalem has twelve gates, and each is called by a different name. Yet all who enter by any one of the twelve are really in the City. It would be a strange thing if anyone approaching the gate of Benjamin, for example, should stop in it and quarrel with the overarching name and say, ‘It ought to be Judah or Ephraim, and not Benjamin,’ and so should block up the way.

Let me enter into the City by any gate and by any name and I will praise the name of the Lord, and will not dispraise the name of the gate.*

Whatever name you wish to give it, we desperately need to be filled with the Spirit! Fill us, Lord!

*Boardman, William E. In the Power of the Spirit. Willard Tract Repository. Boston, MA. ©1875. pp. ix-x.

The Baptism with Fire

I have not been fire baptized. I have no desire to be baptized with fire. I shall, by the grace of God, never be baptized with fire. I know that some sing, “Tell ‘em I’m saved, sanctified, Holy Ghost filled, and fire baptized!” Nonetheless, I have not been fire baptized.

These statements will undoubtedly shock some of my readers. This baptism of which John the Baptist spoke, that is, the baptism with fire, is possibly one of the most misunderstood teachings of scripture. In 1895, there was a movement which sprung from the Methodist movement. They were the “Fire-Baptized.” Even today, there are some groups who still identify themselves as the “fire-baptized.” Those who are part of these groups are not baptized with fire, though they claim to be.

What is this baptism with fire? Who is, or who will be, baptized with fire? These questions can be answered clearly from the word of God.

Matthew 3:11 – “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.”

As we begin our study, it will benefit the reader to know five facts. First, it was John the Baptist who spoke of being baptized with fire. As a matter of fact, John the Baptist was the only individual in the Bible who used the words, “baptize with fire.” Second, John spoke, not only of being baptized with fire, but also of being baptized with the Holy Ghost. Third, John’s declaration that some would be baptized with the Holy Ghost is found in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Fourth, John’s declaration that some would be baptized with fire is found only in Matthew and Luke. Please note that in the gospel of Mark, John the Baptist declares that some would be baptized with the Holy Ghost, but he says nothing of anyone being baptized with fire. Fifth, Jesus Christ never used the term, “baptized with fire,” although He did use the term, “baptized with the Holy Ghost.”

Since John the Baptist was the only individual in the scriptures who used the term, “baptize with fire,” let us look at John’s ministry. First, we will look at his ministry from the books of Matthew and Luke, where John speaks of Christ baptizing with the Holy Ghost AND WITH FIRE. Then, we will look at John’s ministry from the book of Mark, where John speaks of Christ baptizing with the Holy Ghost, but does not mention any baptism of fire.

The Ministry of John the Baptist – Matthew’s Gospel

Earlier in this post, I used Matthew 3:11 as a text. In Matthew 3, there are two distinct groups of people present, listening to the preaching of John the Baptist. This is a very important point. I encourage the reader to read Matthew 3:1-12 carefully.

The first group of people who are present and listening to John’s message is John’s disciples.

Matthew 3:5-6 – “Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.”

Do you see it? The first group that is present in Matthew 3 is the disciples of John – the ones who WERE BAPTIZED OF HIM IN JORDAN, CONFESSING THEIR SINS.

But these who confessed their sins and were baptized were not the only ones present. There was a second group present. This second group did not confess their sins. This second group was not baptized by John. This second group was not John’s disciples. Look at the next verse:

Matthew 3:7 – “But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?”

So, in Matthew 3, there are two groups listening to the preaching of John, and consequently, there are two baptisms mentioned – the baptism with the Holy Ghost, and the baptism with fire. The first baptism mentioned, the baptism with the Holy Ghost, pertains to the first group, the disciples of John who would go on to believe on Jesus Christ. The second baptism mentioned, the baptism with fire, pertains to the second group, the Pharisees and Sadducees, who would go on to reject Jesus Christ.

John’s message is simple – those who accept his message, receiving the One who is to come after him, will be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Those who reject the One coming after him will be baptized with fire.

The Ministry of John the Baptist – Luke’s Gospel

In Luke’s account of the ministry of John the Baptist (Luke 3:1-22), John speaks of both a baptism with the Holy Ghost and a baptism with fire. Just as in Matthew’s gospel, there are two groups present in Luke 3. In Luke 3:7, John speaks to the Pharisees and Sadducees, referring to them as a “generation of vipers.” In Luke 3:21, we are told of others who were baptized of John. So, as in Matthew’s gospel, we have the same occurrence in the gospel of Luke. In Luke 3, there are two groups of people listening to the preaching of John. Consequently, there are two baptisms mentioned:

Luke 3:16 – “John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.”

Again, John is speaking to his disciples, who would go on to believe on Jesus Christ, saying that Christ would baptize them with the Holy Ghost. John is also speaking to the “generation of vipers,” who would go on to reject Jesus Christ, promising that Christ would baptize them with fire. There are two distinct baptisms for two distinct groups.

The Ministry of John the Baptist – Mark’s Gospel

I have asserted that the baptism with the Holy Ghost, of which John spoke, is for John’s disciples, who would go on to believe on Jesus Christ. The baptism of fire, on the other hand, is for the “generation of vipers,” the Pharisees and Sadducees, who would go on to reject Jesus Christ.

Mark’s gospel bears this out further. In Mark 1, the ministry of John the Baptist is given in only a few verses (Mark 1:3-8). Watch carefully. In this passage, John’s disciples, those who confessed their sins and were baptized by John, are present.

Mark 1:5 – “And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.”

However, in Mark’s account of John’s ministry, there is no mention of the “generation of vipers,” the Pharisees and Sadducees who would go on to reject Christ. In Mark’s gospel, there is only one group present – those who confessed their sins and were baptized of John.

It is no surprise, then, that in Mark’s gospel, where only John’s disciples are present, John does not mention a baptism with fire. The baptism with fire is reserved for the “generation of vipers,” who are not mentioned in Mark’s gospel. Therefore, in Mark’s gospel, John mentions a baptism with the Holy Ghost, but not a baptism with fire.

Mark 1:8 – “I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.”

Jesus and the Baptism with the Holy Ghost

At this point, it is noteworthy that while Christ mentions a baptism with the Holy Ghost once, Christ NEVER mentions a baptism with fire.

Acts 1:5 – “For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.”

In the above verse, to whom is Christ speaking when He says, “YE shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence”? The answer can be found three verses prior, in verse 2 – “the APOSTLES whom He had chosen.” Christ told His apostles that they would be baptized with the Holy Ghost shortly. Why did He not tell them that they would be baptized with fire also? Did He forget? No, He did not forget to mention a baptism with fire. Christ did not tell His apostles that they would be baptized with a baptism of fire because the baptism with fire was not reserved for them. The baptism with the Holy Ghost was reserved for them. The baptism with fire is reserved for Christ-rejecters, and is only mentioned when Christ-rejecters are present. In Acts 1, Christ is speaking to His apostles, not to Pharisees, Sadducees, or any other Christ-rejecters. Consequently, Christ does not mention a baptism with fire.

What is the Baptism with Fire?

I have shown clearly that the baptism with the Holy Ghost is reserved for those who accept Christ, while the baptism with fire is reserved for those who reject Christ. But what is the baptism of fire?

I started this post with Matthew 3:11. I want to show that verse again, but this time, I want to you to see it with the verse before it and the verse after it. Please read all three verses carefully:

Matthew 3:10 – “And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.”

Matthew 3:11 – “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.”

Matthew 3:12 – “Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

In verse 11, John states that Christ will baptize with the Holy Ghost and with fire. In verse 10, what is the last word of the verse? FIRE. In verse 12, what is the last word of the verse? FIRE.

In verse 10, what is the fire about which John is speaking? Is it a “Holy Ghost” kind of fire? Not at all. It is a fire of judgment. John tells us that there are two types of trees – those with good fruit and those with bad fruit. John tells us that there is a time coming that the trees with bad fruit will be cut down, separated from the rest of the trees, and cast into the fire. The fire of verse 10 is hell fire.

In verse 12, what kind of fire do we find? Again, we find two groups – the wheat and the chaff. John again tells us that there will be a time of separation, when the chaff will be separated from the wheat, and then burned. This fire, like the fire of verse 10, is the unquenchable fire of hell.

In verse 11, the verse between these two verses, what is the fire with which Christ will baptize? In the context of Matthew chapter 3, it is clear that there are two groups in verse 11. Christ will baptize the first group – the “trees with good fruit” of verse 10 and the “wheat” of verse 12 – with the Holy Ghost. He will baptize the second group – the “trees with bad fruit” of verse 10 and the “chaff” of verse 12 – with unquenchable fire. The baptism of fire is the casting into the unquenchable fire of hell, reserved only for those who reject Christ.

The Glorious Liberty of the Children of God - Part 2

Enjoying Christian Liberty

Titus 1:15 – “Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.”

Three times in the New Testament, the subject of Christian liberty arises. It arises because strong Christians were enjoying their Christian liberty, and weak Christians were offended by it. In the case of Titus chapter 1, Christian liberty is seen in contrast to the commandments of men. In Romans 14 and I Corinthians 8, the subject of Christian liberty is raised in the issue of meat – whether or not Christians can eat meat that had been offered to idols.

Meat Sacrificed to Idols – I Corinthians 8

Allow me to paint a picture of what is happening in the New Testament. Some Christians purchased meat from a pagan temple. When weaker Christians saw this, they were offended. They thought that, by purchasing the meat, those Christians were taking part in idolatry. The weaker Christians were offended even more when some of the Christians would not only purchase meat from pagan temples, but they would also sit down and eat the meat inside the pagan temple (I Corinthians 8:10)!

Please note that Paul never condemns purchasing or eating meat that had been offered to idols. He doesn’t even condemn eating the meat inside of a pagan temple! As a matter of fact, Paul describes those who can eat such meat without feeling guilty as being strong. Those who feel guilty for eating such meat, however, he describes as weak (I Corinthians 8:10), having a weak conscience (I Corinthians 8:12).

Notice this. This is very important. The stricter ones – the ones who abstained from meat offered to idols – were considered to be weak Christians, while the ones who could eat of the meat without any sense of guilt were considered to be strong Christians (I Corinthians 8:7). I have seen this reversed in many churches. Some people think that they are more spiritual because they are stricter. In reality, however, the strictest are often the weakest.

Now, let us apply this to some issues of Christian liberty that are prevalent in today’s church. Today, we are not concerned with meat sacrificed to idols, but there are some issues with which the church today must deal. I get tickled when I look on Facebook, and someone announces that they are deleting their Facebook account in order to be more spiritual. There are actually preachers who preach that having a Facebook account is wrong. Some preach the same about the internet, claiming that it is a sin for an individual to access the internet. Though there are many issues with which I could deal, let me deal with the issue of Facebook as an example.

Let us use the principles found in I Corinthians 8, and apply those principles to the internet and Facebook in particular. Like the meat offered to idols, the internet and Facebook are not sinful in themselves. You may say, “Some people get on Facebook to gossip.” I say, “Some people don't get on Facebook to gossip!” It is a sin to be a talebearer (gossiper) either on or off Facebook. But if a person gets on Facebook to gossip, then Facebook is not the problem; gossip is the problem! I do acknowledge that anyone with a Facebook account ought to access Facebook with caution. People have met old acquaintances on Facebook and ended up shattering a family with adultery. But even then, Facebook is not the problem. The problem lies in the heart of the individual who is accessing a Facebook account. In Paul’s day, it was no doubt a sin to engage in idolatry (as it is today). If eating meat offered to idols caused one to worship an idol, then the meat was not the problem; idolatry was the problem! Strong Christians could eat the meat without any guilt because they had no idolatry in their hearts. And strong Christians can have a Facebook account without misbehaving.

You see, weak Christians in Paul’s day were stricter than the strong Christians. They deprived themselves liberties that Christ had given them. They had the liberty to eat any meat, whether it had been sacrificed to an idol or not. This is because, as strong Christians understood, an idol is nothing. Strong Christians knew that false gods are powerless figments of their worshippers’ imaginations. Because of this, it didn’t matter whether the meat was sacrificed to those idols or not. Paul explains this in I Corinthians 8:4-6. Paul goes on to say that those who do not know that an idol is nothing, and consequently refuse to eat meat sacrificed to idols, are the ones with a weak conscience.

This brings me to another point about the weak Christians in the Corinthian church. The Corinthian epistle was the only New Testament epistle that addressed the gift of tongues. When it came to the gifts of the Spirit, the Corinthians claimed to be spiritual. Yet, they were the most unspiritual church in the New Testament. They were divided instead of united (chapter 1); they were carnal (chapter 3); there was fornication among them (chapter 5); they were taking each other to civil court (chapter 6); they had issues concerning marriage (chapter 7); they had weak Christians who condemned themselves for eating meat sacrificed to idols (chapter 8); they had an authority problem (chapter 11); and they were devoid of teaching regarding the Lord’s supper (chapter 11). The same ones who showed how much “Holy Ghost power” they had by speaking in tongues didn’t have enough power to eat a slab of meat because it was offered to a powerless, pagan idol. And my, do we find this today! The ones who claim to have the most “Holy Ghost power” are some of the strictest ones. They abstain from everything! They can’t go somewhere if sinners are there. They can’t go to a restaurant that serves alcohol. I am convinced that Paul, who didn’t mind eating meat in a pagan temple (I Corinthians 8:10), wouldn’t mind eating a meal at Texas Roadhouse. But some can’t go to a place like that. Where’s all that Holy Ghost power they talk about? If they had real Holy Ghost power, they would be able to go to the gates of hell to win souls and not worry about being contaminated by the sins of others! But, like the Corinthians, they don’t have the power like they think they do! Since someone needs to say it, I’ll go ahead and say it – if you do not have enough power to get on Facebook without gossiping or committing adultery, then your power is pretty useless.

Now, let me go ahead and tighten this on down. It is clear that the strong Christians were the ones who could eat the meat sacrificed to idols. It was the weak Christians who could not do so, lest they defiled their conscience. I have brought this out several times in several different settings. I have had people, in defending their strict lifestyle, brag about how weak they are. Now, it sounds humble to hear someone talk about how weak they are. But Paul was not commending the Corinthians for being weak. It was a sharp rebuke when the Hebrew writer told the Hebrews that they should have been strong enough to teach the principles of God, but instead were weak and needed milk. When a Christian admits to being weak, they are admitting to being disobedient to God. We are commanded in Ephesians 6:10 – “Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.” You’re not supposed to be weak; you’re supposed to be strong! And if you claim to be filled with the Holy Ghost, you above all others should be strong! You should be strong enough to go around sinners without being defiled! You should be strong enough to get on Facebook without sinning! You should be strong enough to win souls in the red light district! You should be strong enough to go to a wicked workplace and live for God! You shouldn’t have to abstain from everything in the world if you are as strong as you should be!

One more point before I move on. What about these preachers who preach that Facebook is a sin? What about those who refuse to have a Facebook account, thinking that they are more spiritual because of their abstinence? Let me say that the Bible gives a clear answer regarding them. What about the weak Christians who refused to eat meat sacrificed to idols? Were they better off? NOT ONE BIT! Look at what Paul says regarding the weak Christians who thought they were spiritual by abstaining from meats:

I Corinthians 8:8 – “But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.”

Meat is not the problem! Idolatry is the problem! If you can eat the meat without partaking in idolatry, have at it! You were no more spiritual for eating or for rejecting the meat! That’s the Bible answer. You may think you’re spiritual because you have no Facebook account. I am here to tell you that it doesn’t make you one bit spiritual to either have or delete a Facebook account.

Now, how do I feel personally about ministers who abstain from Facebook, thinking they are more spiritual as a result of it? Or those ministers who abstain from restaurants that serve alcohol? First of all, I feel that they will stand before God for themselves. They can do whatever butters their bread. Do I commend them for abstaining from things that are not sinful to start with? No. I don’t admire them; I don’t look up to them. To be truthful, I pity them. I feel badly for them because they have such elementary understanding (if any) of the Biblical doctrine of Christian liberty. Please note that I do not hate such ministers. But I am convinced that their abstinence from “meat” does not make them one bit spiritual, whether or not they think it does. On the contrary, it betrays the fact that they are weak when they have been commanded to be strong.

Conclusion

When a person loves the Lord with all their heart, they want to draw close to Him. However, instead of drawing close to God in a Biblical manner (prayer, the word of God, attending church, soul winning, etc.), many times they try to get closer to God by giving up “things.” However, these people often show their instability when they do this. They get rid of Facebook for a while, and then they get back on. They abstain from the internet for a while, and then they get hooked back up. What would end the turmoil and instability is an understanding of Titus 1:15:

Titus 1:15 – “Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.”

Unto the pure all “things” are pure. You can clearly see that “things” are not the problem. If you want to draw closer to God, then getting rid of “things” is not the way to go. Seek God in prayer and in His word. Now, if God instructs you to get rid of anything, then do it by all means. “Things” in themselves are tools that can be used for either good or evil. In context, Titus 1 is speaking of “commandments of men” (Titus 1:14). Getting rid of “things,” such as meat offered to idols, a Facebook account, or a restaurant that sells alcohol, are often the result of “commandments of men.”

Please understand that these principles found in I Corinthians 8 regarding meat offered to idols may apply to a lot of issues, not just Facebook or restaurants that serve alcohol. I only used these issues as examples because they are familiar to some with which I am acquainted. They can apply to nearly any issue where someone preaches a particular behavior to be a sin though the Bible does not condemn such. These principles apply to preachers who think they are spiritual because they do not wear a necktie; Christians who think they are spiritual because they abstain from putting up a Christmas tree; and on and on the list could go.

Also, please note that I am not angry with any of you who simply do not wish to have a Facebook page or go to a restaurant that serves alcohol. If you abstain from such because it makes you feel more spiritual, then I wish you the best. I say that with an honest heart. I only ask that you realize that you have more liberty in Christ than you are enjoying. Consequently, I ask you to refrain from doing as the false teachers of which Paul spoke who “came to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 2:4). If you are going to forfeit your liberty in Christ, please do not grow ill toward us who choose to enjoy our liberty in Christ.

It would be beneficial if preachers today would stop treating symptoms and start treating the root of the problem. If a pastor has a man in his church who met someone on Facebook and split up that person’s family, I wish that pastor would advise the man to delete his adulterous heart instead of advising him to delete his Facebook account. Many preachers who spend their time preaching against “things” usually miss the weightier matters of the heart. Unto the pure all “things” are pure.

In Romans 14, the subject of meat and Christian liberty is again the subject of discussion. In verse 22, Paul says, “Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.” If there is no Bible that declares it to be a sin, God said you are happy person if you can partake of it without any sense of guilt. This is the liberty of which God wants His children to partake.

Simple Truths Regarding the Holy Spirit

1. He is a person (though not a human person); not merely a force or a power. He is a divine person who can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30), resisted (Acts 7:51), quenched (I Thessalonians 5:19), blasphemed (Matthew 12:31), and lied to (Acts 5:3). He contains the ability to both rejoice and weep.
2. As for His name, He is referred to as the Holy Ghost, or the Holy Spirit. Either of these names is correct. The King James translators seemed to favor the term “Holy Ghost.” But they did translate His name “Holy Spirit,” as in Luke 11:13. I personally use both terms interchangeably. He has many titles, including “the Spirit,” “Spirit of God,” “Holy Spirit of God,” “Spirit of the Father,” and “Spirit of Christ.”
3. The Holy Ghost is deity. This means that He is God Almighty. Just as the Father is called God (I Corinthians 8:6), the Son is also referred to as God (Hebrews 1:8). Just as the Son is referred to as God, the Holy Spirit is also called God (Acts 5:3-4).
4. In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit “came upon” individuals from time to time. The idea of the Holy Spirit dwelling inside individuals, living in their hearts continually, was foreign to the Old Testament saints. In the Old Testament, the Spirit came upon individuals “at times” (Judges 13:25).
5. Since the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit comes to live in every believer. Before Christ went to the cross, He told his disciples that the Holy Spirit was presently with them. He was with them because Christ was with them, and the Holy Ghost was with Christ. However, Christ promised them that, after the Holy Spirit would be poured out, that He would not just be with them, but He would be in them (John 14:17). Christ promised that the Holy Ghost would abide with them, not just visit them from time to time. Christ also promised that, when the Holy Ghost came to abide with them, living within them, that He would abide with them forever (John 14:16).
6. On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the body of believers known as the church. Since the Holy Ghost came to abide with the church forever (John 14:16), there will never be a need for another Pentecost. To say that we need another Pentecost is as ignorant as saying that we need another Calvary. What Christ did upon the cross was sufficient, being a “once for all” event, and what Christ did when He prayed the Father to send the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost is also a “once for all” event. Just as I was crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20), buried with Christ (Romans 6:12; Colossians 2:12), and risen with Christ (Colossians 3:1), it is also true that when Christ ascended, I was seated with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3), and I was baptized by the Spirit into the body of Christ (I Corinthians 12:13) on the day of Pentecost.
7. Although the disciples were “with one accord” in the upper room (Acts 2:1), this is not why the Holy Ghost was poured out on the day of Pentecost. It was predestined that the Holy Spirit would come on the day of Pentecost. He would have arrived on the day of Pentecost whether or not the disciples were with one accord. Christ, being our Passover (I Corinthians 5:7), was slain on the feast of Passover, fulfilling the Jewish feast of the Passover. Christ was buried, fulfilling the feast of unleavened bread. Christ was resurrected, fulfilling the feast of firstfruits. And Christ prayed the Father to send the Spirit on the day of Pentecost, fulfilling the Jewish feast of Pentecost.
8. Since the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit lives inside of the believer from the moment of conversion. Galatians 4:6 plainly teaches that God sent forth the Holy Spirit into your hearts. Galatians 4:6 also tells why God sent forth the Holy Spirit into your hearts – not because you tarried; not because you prayed; not because you spoke in tongues; but rather because ye are sons. The Bible is plain – God sends the Spirit into a person’s heart because that person has become a son, or child, of God. Now the question must be asked, “How does a person become a son?” John 1:12 answers the question concisely – “But as many as received Him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even as many as believe on His name.” A person becomes a son by simply believing on Jesus Christ (John 1:12), and God gives that person the Holy Spirit because they are a son (Galatians 4:6). Hence, the Holy Spirit dwells within an individual at the very moment they believe on Jesus Christ. In Romans 8:9, Paul reiterates this, stating that if a person does not have the Spirit of Christ within him, then that person does not belong to God.
9. You do not have the Holy Ghost because you prayed; you have the Holy Ghost because He prayed. In John 14:16, Jesus promised, “I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter.”
10. At the moment of conversion, when the Holy Spirit takes up residence within the believer, the Holy Spirit then baptizes the individual into the body of Christ (I Corinthians 12:13).
11. Just because an individual has been converted, and the Holy Spirit lives within them, does not mean that the individual has been filled with the Holy Spirit. Those in the Ephesian church had already trusted in Christ (Ephesians 1:12-13). Yet, Paul commands them to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).
12. The experience of being “filled with the Spirit” is given to the believer that he might fulfill the Great Commission, being a witness to a lost and dying world. It is inconsistent to emphasize the experience of being filled with the Spirit, but refuse to emphasize the subject of soul winning. They go hand in hand. A person who claims to be filled with the Holy Ghost for the past twenty years, but has not lifted a finger to win a single soul to Christ in those twenty years, is a hypocrite. Every time the scripture gives the Great Commission in one of its forms, the scripture also gives the command to be filled with the Spirit. In Matthew 28:18, Christ says “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” But why does He speak of the power? Why is the power emphasized in verse 18? The power is emphasized in verse 18 because the Great Commission is given in verses 19 and 20. We need the power of the Holy Ghost to carry out the Great Commission. In Mark 16:15-16, Christ gives the commission to go and preach the gospel to every creature. Then, Christ says, “These signs shall follow them that believe.” But there are no signs except to those fulfilling the Great Commission. In Luke 24:47, Christ tells the disciples that remission of sins is to be preached. Then, in Luke 24:49, He commands them to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father, the infilling of the Holy Ghost. Then, in Acts 1:8, Christ again tells the disciples that they will receive power, and that the power will be given to them for the purpose of being witnesses.
13. The experience of being “filled with the Holy Ghost” is not a one-time experience. The disciples were filled in Acts 2 (Acts 2:4), but they were filled again in Acts 4 (Acts 4:31). We should be filled with the Spirit as consistently as we are working for God.

Why Do Christians Accept the Ridiculous? Part 3

The Answer in One Word

We have seen that some sincere Christians gradually begin to accept ridiculous manifestations of so-called revival. This occurs because Christians are prepared to accept such expressions. As we have seen, Christians are “prepared” to accept the ridiculous by leaders instilling a fear in them to speak against such manifestations. They are “prepared” by being instructed not to “play it safe.” They are “prepared” by being taught to not cling so closely to their Bibles.

If a Christian does not test “laughing in the Spirit” by whether or not it occurs in the Bible, he will most likely accept it as a genuine phenomenon of the Holy Spirit. If a Christian does not “try the spirits,” testing every form of worship with the Bible, then he will probably accept the “Holy Ghost gun,” or the “Holy Ghost glue.”

But let me ask a sincere question, and then answer it clearly with one word. Suppose you visited a Charismatic church. The preacher is preaching about hell. Suddenly, laughter breaks out. The more the preacher preaches about hell, the more the people laugh (this has actually happened). Those who are laughing, as well as those who are not, believe that what is going on around them is a work of the Holy Spirit. The whole congregation, whether they are actually laughing or not, accept this ridiculous phenomenon. Why do they accept it? How can they “eat it up”?

Now, suppose you approached a garbage dump. Suppose you witnessed a man eating his meal from the garbage dump. How can anyone eat from a garbage dump? People eat from a garbage dump for the same reason that some Christians “eat” from the dump of ridiculous manifestations. A man will eat a maggot-infested meal from the dumpster for the same reason that Christians will accept “laughing in the Spirit,” the “Holy Ghost gun,” or the “Holy Ghost glue.” In one word, the man who eats from a garbage dump and the Christian who accepts the ridiculous does so because of their hunger. Christians accept the ridiculous because they are hungry. They are starving to death. Personally, I would have to, spiritually speaking, be skin and bones before I’d accept “laughing in the Spirit” as a genuine phenomenon of the Holy Spirit. I do not accept “laughing in the Spirit” as genuine for the same reason I do not eat from a garbage dump – I’m not starving to death.

While it is good to have a hunger for righteousness, it is not good to be so hungry as to accept anything. Jesus said in Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.” Notice, Jesus did not say, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after anything;” He said rather “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness.” We are not to be so hungry as to accept anything that comes in the name of religion and revival. Spiritually speaking, I am a picky eater. I am hungry for righteousness, but I am not hungry for anything else. If it is not righteous, I do not want it. If it doesn’t line up with scripture, I do not desire it. If the Holy Spirit within me cautions me about it, I do not need it.

I feel sorry for Christians who entertain ridiculous, non-Biblical manifestations because they are spiritually starving to death. It’s been so long since many such Christians have had a wholesome meal spiritually. It’s been so long since they’ve heard a solid, Bible-based message. Many of them cannot remember the last time they were blessed by simply reading the Bible, or spending time in prayer.

A Warning to Professing Christians

If you profess to be a Christian, and you accept the ridiculous manifestations I have mentioned, I must give you a word of warning. If you think Benny Hinn is a man of God because the crowd falls backward at his beckoning, then you are deceived. If you think a man is a man of God because he prophesies over everybody in the church, without any regard to whether or not his words come to pass, or whether or not his words line up with scripture, then you are deceived.

If you are a professing Christian who accepts such things, I would ask you, with a heart of compassion and concern, to make your calling and election sure (II Peter 1:10). I would ask you to make certain that you are genuinely saved by God’s grace. While a true Christian can be deceived in a certain area, it is also true that a person may be deceived because he is not a Christian. Christ, the good Shepherd, says concerning His sheep, that His sheep know the Shepherd, know the Shepherd’s voice, and will not follow a stranger.

John 10:2-3 – “But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.”

John 10:5 – “And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.”

John 10:14 – “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.”

John 10:27 – “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”

Dear reader, true Christians know the Shepherd’s voice. They will not follow a stranger. The fact that some professing Christians confuse “laughing in the Spirit” with the Shepherd’s voice gives me great concern. I would advise any professing Christian who entertains the likes of Benny Hinn and the manifestations he exhibits to examine his own salvation, to ensure that it is genuine. Christ’s sheep know the difference between the voice of the Shepherd and the voice of the hirling.

Why Do Christians Accept the Ridiculous? Part 2

Preparing the Christian to Accept the Ridiculous

Having defined what is meant by the phrase “the ridiculous,” we now move on to begin answering the question at hand – “Why do Christians accept the ridiculous?” In part 1 of this series, we identified “the ridiculous” as unscriptural manifestations such as “Holy Ghost glue,” the “Holy Ghost gun,” and “laughing in the Spirit.” When it comes to such demonstrations, why are sincere Christians fooled into running after such idiocy? Make no mistake about it – some sincere Christians have fallen for nonsense in the name of revival. While I do not question that some who fallen for the ridiculous have never had a genuine salvation experience, I am equally convinced that some who have fallen for the ridiculous are sincere believers. So, why do earnest Christians fall for the excessive prophecies of so-called prophets? Why do genuine Christians fall for the counterfeit expression of “laughing in the Spirit?” How can someone who has been saved by the grace of God fall victim to such shams as these?

Most Christians do not accept the ridiculous instantly. When most believers hear of such nonsense as the “Holy Ghost gun,” or “Holy Ghost glue,” they would resist it in an instant. Over time, however, if these Christians continue to associate with others who promote ridiculous manifestations, things begin to transpire within the heart that prepares them to fall into the trap of believing unscriptural expressions. Let us look at some things that happen in the heart of a Christian that will lead him to accept the ridiculous.

A Christian Must Fear to Speak Against the Ridiculous

Christians who have been duped into believing in unscriptural nonsense must first be afraid to speak against such nonsense. Ministers who promote “laughing in the Spirit,” the “Holy Ghost gun,” or “Holy Ghost glue” must first convince Christians that what they are doing is the work of the Holy Spirit, and that, should anyone speak against them, they would be in essence speaking against the Holy Spirit. This is nothing but a tactic of the devil, to keep genuine Christians from speaking against unscriptural garbage.

At the Melodyland Christian Center in southern California, Benny Hinn said the following to the congregation:

Now I’m pointing my finger with the mighty power of God on me… You hear this. There are men and women in southern California attacking me. I will tell you under the anointing now, you’ll reap it in your children. You will never win… And your children will suffer. You are attacking me on the radio every night; you’ll pay and your children will. Hear this from the lips of God’s servant. You are in danger. Repent or God Almighty will move His hand…

Do you not see what is transpiring in these words? Benny Hinn first associates himself with the anointing. Then, consequently, he addresses those who speak against him as those who would speak against the Holy Spirit. Because of this, some are afraid to speak against Benny Hinn; they are afraid that they will be speaking against the Holy Spirit. This is precisely the devilish plan. Personally, I do not fear to speak against promoters of the “Holy Ghost glue” or the “Holy Ghost gun,” because such manifestations are unscriptural. On the other hand, I would be afraid to engage in such activities as “laughing in the Spirit” because it is unscriptural.

The Test of the Prophet Must Be Thrown Out

As previously mentioned, this group that promotes the ridiculous also emphasizes heavily the gift of prophecy. In many services where ridiculous manifestations are present, there is often an excess of the use of the prophetic gift. Sometimes, ministers will prophesy over everyone in the congregation. Usually, the “prophecies” are vague. The “prophet” will stand up and declare that someone in the congregation has a headache, or that someone has a backache. For crying out loud, in a crowd of ten someone has a headache!

“Prophets” who prophesy excessively often despise the test of a prophet. What is the test of a prophet? It is outlined specifically in the eighteenth chapter of Deuteronomy:

Deuteronomy 18:22 – “When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.”

The test of a prophet is simple – if a man claims to be speaking for God, saying that this or that is going to happen, and it does not happen, then God did not say what that man claims that God said. Deuteronomy 18 certainly applies to anyone who claims to be speaking for God.

The New Testament gives us a key attribute of God that reinforces the test of a prophet as outlined in Deuteronomy 18. Titus 1:2 tells us that God cannot lie, and Hebrews 6:18 tells us that it is impossible for God to lie. God cannot lie! This truth also emphasizes the fact that someone claims that God said that something would happen, and it does not happen, then God said no such thing.

Yet, those who emphasize prophecy heavily absolutely despise the test of a prophet. They do not like their words of prophecy being tested.

Jack Deere, in his book The Beginner's Guide to the Gift of Prophecy, openly denounces the test of a prophet. Mr. Deere cannot understand why a prophet must speak truth in order to be a prophet of God. Look at Deere’s own words:

“A false prophet is not a prophet who makes a mistake in a prediction.” (p. 132)

It is clear – Deere wants to be able to prophesy inaccurately and still be called a prophet of God. Deere does not understand that if God really says something, then that statement will never be wrong. Why does Deere wish to do away with the Biblical test of the prophet? The answer is simple – Even though Deere has been wrong in some of his prophecies, he still wishes to be called a man of God. However, you are not granted that privilege. If you are going to speak for God, then know that God never makes a mistake.

Concerning the gift of prophecy, Bob Jones (not associated with Bob Jones Sr., founder of Bob Jones University), in his sermon “The Shepherd’s Rod,” said, “I figure if I hit two-thirds, I’m doing pretty good.” Jones is admitting that at least one third of the time, when he says that God said something, God actually did not say it. Consequently, he does not want you to judge his words by their accuracy. He does not want his words to be put to the test because he is not hearing from God as he claims.

David Ravenhill, in his message “Understanding Prophecy and its Fulfillment,” says, “I believe the test of a prophet is not whether his word comes to pass; it’s his lifestyle… It’s not a matter of whether the word comes to pass or not; it’s the nature of that person’s life.”

Clearly, David Ravenhill does not want his words to be judged by their accuracy. Friend, if God said it, it will come to pass exactly as He said. There’s a lot of junk being said today in the name of God, and God did not say it. In order for sincere Christians to accept this garbage, Christians must do away with the test of the prophet, and false prophets are working to persuade you to do just that.

Caution Must Be Thrown Out

In order to accept the ridiculous manifestations of so-called revival, caution must be discarded. The Bible plainly tells us to try the spirits, and that not every spirit is of God. Those who promote the ridiculous insist that we should throw caution to the wind, and not worry whether a manifestation is from God or not. In his message “Dynamics of Receiving Spiritual Experiences,” John Arnott says, “If he thinks it’s God and he likes it, let him enjoy it! Because you can always test the fruit later.” If you are in a church service and questionable incidents occur, just enjoy it! Don’t worry about what spirit is behind it; you can always look at that later! John Arnott further states, “If you play it safe with this thing, the Holy Spirit, you know what? You’re never going to get anywhere.”

Arnott wants you to “Eat the fruit now; test it later.” Never mind that the fruit may be poisonous. Why doesn’t Arnott want you to play it safe? Why doesn’t he want you to see if what he promotes passes the Biblical test? Because his actions fail the Biblical test.

The Word of God Must Be Thrown Out

In order to accept the ridiculous, Christians must not compare and contrast modern expressions of worship to the Bible. Those who promote such things as “laughing in the spirit” do not want you to look in the Bible for such a phenomenon, because it is foreign to the scriptures.

John Wimber, Vineyard founder, admits that the phenomenon of being “slain in the Spirit” is not in the Bible, but promotes it anyway – “There’s no place in the Bible where people were lined up and Jesus or Paul or anyone else went along and bapped them on the head and watched them go down, one after another, and somebody else ran along behind. Can you picture Peter and James – ‘Hold it, hold it, hold it!’ – running along behind trying to catch them? And so the model that we’re seeing, either on stage or on television, is totally different from anything that’s in scripture.” (“Spiritual Phenomena: Slain in the Spirit,” audiotape, 1981)

Wimber goes on to state his despite for those who cling too tightly to their Bible – “Evangelicals all over the country are worshipping the book. They have God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Book.” (“Healing, an Introduction.” Audiotape #5)

Wimber hates our veneration of the Bible as God’s word. Yes, Mr. Wimber, I will compare and contrast every form of worship you promote to the Bible. If your form of worship does not match the Bible, then the Bible is right, and you are wrong.

In the early twentieth century, a key revival that was taking place was the Azusa Street revival. I do not endorse the Azusa Street revival for many reasons, but one of the most prominent reasons was the mission’s neglect of scripture. The leaders of the Azusa Street revival wanted to pray constantly but gave very little time to the word of God.

Look at what Frank Bartleman, a leader of the Azusa Street revival, said in his book Another Wave of Revival –

“We need no more theology or theory. Let the devil have them. Let us get to God.” (p. 104)

“The doctrinal issue has also been a great battle. Many were too dogmatic at Azusa.” (p. 108)

Frank Bartleman said that doctrine was too great a battle at Azusa Street. Bartleman admitted that the Azusa Street Mission failed God early in her history. The Azusa Street Revival came to naught shortly after its conception. Bartleman believed that this occurred because Azusa Street became too interested in doctrine. I believe it is because of the contrary. I believe that the Azusa Street Mission focused too much on having prayer meetings and not nearly enough on doctrine. Bartleman said “We need no more theology.” But God said “Study to shew thyself approved.” Bartleman said “Many were too dogmatic at Azusa.” But God said, “Take heed to the doctrine.” Doctrine matters!

Listen to me very carefully. If any pastor tells you that, in order to receive what he is trying to give you, you must not cling to the Bible so much, get away from that individual as quickly as possible! No form of worship that is pleasing to God will contradict the Bible!

Prayer Must Be Thrown Out

Promoters of ridiculous expressions of so-called worship discourage prayer. If, while you sit in one of their meetings, you pray, then you might discover the spirit behind their so-called worship is not the Spirit that dwells in you! So, they discourage you to pray.

Rodney Howard-Browne is an advocate of ridiculous expressions of worship. Rodney Howard-Browne, in an audio tape from March 9, 1993, says to those who have come to the front, “Now people in the lines, wait for me to come and lay hands on you, and don’t pray. Please don’t pray.” He goes on to say, “People come trying to be all serious and praying. No! This is not the time to pray. This is not a prayer meeting; get in the joy; you can pray on the way home.”

No man of God will ever discourage you from praying. “Pray without ceasing” is the Bible command.

Conclusion

Christians do not swallow ridiculous forms of worship overnight. Christians become targets for the ridiculous when they become afraid to speak against unbiblical manifestations. When a Christian is afraid to call a man a false prophet when his predictions do not happen, he is gradually setting himself up to be deceived. As the word of God becomes less important in the life of a Christian, he becomes more prone to deception.

Always judge a man’s form of worship by the Bible. If that man’s form of worship is not found in the scripture, you do not need it!

Why Do Christians Accept the Ridiculous? Part 1

The “Ridiculous” Defined

In order to provide an answer to the question that titles this post, we must clearly understand the question. “Why do Christians accept the ridiculous?” That is the question at hand. In the following posts, I will provide a clear answer to the question. In this post, however, allow me to make the question clear so that I may later make the answer clear.

What is Meant by “the Ridiculous”?

Most Christians, I believe, see the need for local churches to experience a revival. Most Christians, in my opinion, are eager to please the Lord, to experience His presence, to be drawn closer to Him, and to have greater understanding of His word. In their quest for a genuine revival, however, many sincere Christians deviate toward ridiculous phenomena.

Recently I read a book by Hank Hanegraaff entitled Counterfeit Revival. While I know little concerning Hank Hanegraaff, I will say that in this work, he hit the nail on the head. In this book, Hanegraaff gives one example after another of counterfeit expressions of revival. These expressions are what I refer to as “the ridiculous.” What are the expressions to which I refer? Allow me to list a few, and you can judge whether or not they qualify as being “ridiculous.”

“Holy Ghost Glue”

Rodney Howard-Browne, in his pamphlet Manifesting the Holy Ghost, tells of a lady who was stuck to the floor with “Holy Ghost glue” –

She was lying there from noon until 1:30… At 1:30, she tried to get up. She couldn’t. All she could do was flap her hands. So she was lying there flapping away – flap, flap, flap, flap… 2:30, 3:30, 4:30… At 4:30 the woman was still saying, “I can’t get up. I’m stuck to the floor.” (pp. 26-27)

Rodney Howard-Browne goes on to tell how he and another minister, since they were not stuck to the floor, went and grabbed a sandwich before the evening service, leaving the woman stuck to the floor! Do you believe the Holy Spirit is really interested in “gluing” people to the floor, or does this seem ridiculous to you?

The “Holy Ghost Gun”

Rodney Howard-Browne, in his pamphlet Touch of God, tells of his “Holy Ghost gun” –

It felt like my fingertips came off. I felt a full volume of the anointing flow out of my hand. The only way I can explain it is to liken it to a fireman holding a fire hose with a full volume of water flowing out of it. The anointing went right into her. It looked like someone had hit her in the head with an invisible baseball bat and she fell to the floor.

He goes on to tell how he told his congregation –

I’d better look out where I point this thing. This thing’s loaded now!

In spite of this warning, Howard-Browne went on to “shoot” everyone in the church. He says –

They hit the floor just like someone had slammed them in the head with a Louisville Slugger. (pp. 76-77)

It is a sad truth that, when some think of revival, they think of a preacher going around shooting people with a “Holy Ghost gun,” and people falling to the floor in response to it. This incident, to say the least, makes a mockery of the Holy Spirit.

Up to this point, I would surmise that most readers agree that these examples are certainly ridiculous. However, from this point onward, I will be moving “closer to home.”

“Drunk in the Spirit”

In Acts 2, because the bystanders heard the Galileans speak in languages they had never learned, the bystanders supposed the Galileans to be drunk. The Bible is clear that those present on the day of Pentecost thought the speakers were drunk because they heard them speak in their own native tongues.

Acts 2:11-13 – “…we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.”

It is clear that on the day of Pentecost, there was an audience that heard the wonderful works of God in their own native languages. Because they knew that the Galileans could not have learned those languages, some mocked, accusing the Galileans of being drunk. Listen carefully – no one on the day of Pentecost was accused of being drunk because they staggered around! Not one of the Galilean speakers was accused of being full of new wine because he acted senseless, bumped into various objects, or fell in the floor. Yet, from this passage, there are some who insist that when revival comes, some will be “drunk in the Spirit,” staggering around like drunken sailors. Another verse that some use to try to justify being “drunk in the Spirit” is Ephesians 5:18. Let us examine this verse:

Ephesians 5:18 – “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.”

Some interpret this verse to say, “Don’t be drunk with wine; but instead be drunk with the Spirit!” This is neither what the verse says nor means. There is no command in this verse for Christians to be drunk. This verse gives us two conditions in which we may find ourselves – “drunk with wine,” and “filled with the Spirit.” This verse does not compare these two conditions; this verse rather contrasts them! Paul is not admonishing the Ephesians to imitate the drunken man by being “drunk with the Spirit.” Instead, Paul is instructing us to not be like the drunken man, but to rather be “filled with the Spirit!” Being filled with the Spirit is in complete contrast with being drunk with wine. Those who are full of the Spirit are not like those who are drunken, but are rather opposite of such people! We are commanded continuously to be sober (I Thessalonians 5:6; I Thessalonians 5:8; Titus 2:2; Titus 2:4; I Peter 1:13; I Peter 4:7; I Peter 5:8); to be sober-minded (Titus 2:6); to be vigilant (I Timothy 3:2; I Peter 5:8); and to be watchful (Revelation 3:2). Paul tells us that those who are drunken are drunk in the night, and exhorts us to rather be children of the day, watchful and vigilant:

I Thessalonians 5:6-8 – “Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.”

In spite of clear biblical teaching exhorting Christians to be sober, watchful, alert, and vigilant, some insist that we should be “drunk in the Spirit,” meaning that we should model our behavior after ungodly drunkards, and that we should do so in the name of the Holy Spirit. I will say here that the phrase “drunk in the Spirit” is not in the Bible. It is not a biblical concept. It is entirely man-made.

Frances Hunter, in her book Holy Laughter, tells this story of a pastor who

…opened his Bible II Corinthians 9:7 and started to read about how God loves a cheerful giver. He never got beyond the first few words! He must have taken a big gulp of the new wine and it really hit him, and not only did he laugh, he discovered he was completely incapable of reading. He got so totally intoxicated with the Holy Spirit he finally had to give up. He couldn’t even stand up. (p. 99)

Frances Hunter describes this pastor of being “so totally intoxicated with the Holy Spirit” that he could not stand up. Yes, dear friend, this is what I mean by “ridiculous.”

This brings me to my next point, which is closer to home still yet.

“Holy Laughter” or “Laughing in the Spirit”

These phrases, “holy laughter” and “laughing in the Spirit,” are not found in the scriptures. I have preached against this phenomenon for many years, and people have opposed my preaching each time. The truth, however, is not changed. “Laughing in the Spirit” is a concept foreign to the word of God. Laughter cannot be found as a form of worship in the Bible. Please note that I am not saying that it is a sin to laugh. Laughter oftentimes is an expression of joy. In the Bible, laughter is sometimes referred to in a positive light. However, to say that the Holy Spirit comes upon a person to make him or her laugh uncontrollably is a concept not found in scripture. Laughter is not shown in the Bible as a form of worship. As a matter of fact, the first time we see someone laughing in the Bible, it was not an expression of faith; it was rather an expression of doubt. Sarah laughed when she was told she would bear a son in her old age. In the Bible, laughter is often associated with doubt, scorn, ridicule, and at times expression of joy – but never with worship. If you disagree with me, the burden of proof is on you – show me where I can find “laughing in the Spirit” in the Bible.

In two interviews with Julia Duin, Rodney Howard-Browne gives details of two incidents where his church was filled with “holy laughter.” In the first incident, Howard-Browne was preaching on the subject of hell. He said, “The more I told people what hell was like, the more they laughed.” In the second incident, Howard-Browne was preaching on the biblical story of Ananias and Sapphira, a couple who was slain by the Holy Ghost for lying to Him. As he told the story, “everyone ended up on the floor laughing.”

The further away you stay from “holy laughter,” the better off you’ll be.

Ridiculous Prophecies

It is not uncommon in some instances of so-called revival to hear “prophecies,” many of which are ridiculous. When a man (usually a preacher) gives forth a prophecy, he is telling either the congregation as a whole or an individual within the congregation what God is telling him to say.

I was scheduled to preach at a meeting some time ago. A visiting minister was asked to sing a song. He was already positioned on the piano bench, so he simply began to play and sing. After his singing, he began to prophesy. “Somebody in here has a headache,” he said. “And it’s either in the front part of the head, the middle of the head, or the back of the head.” Later, the man prophesied again. “Somebody in here is experiencing pain, either in the wrist, the elbow, or the shoulder.” He then asked for people who fit this description to come to front to receive prayer.

That’s ridiculous! That’s so absurd as to be ludicrous! This man did not need God to tell him that someone had a headache; in a crowd of four someone has a headache! The church world is full of self-proclaimed prophets who claim that God says this and God says that. There’s going to be a lot of people at the Great White Throne Judgment who claimed that God said this and God said that, but they’re going to find out that God did not say those things. What do you think about prophecies such as these? Do you call it revival or ridiculous? Prophecies such as these are ridiculous! Why don’t these “prophets” call someone out of the crowd who has lupus? Why don’t they call someone out and tell them that God said they have a serious condition involving mitochondrial DNA? They don’t do that, and they won’t! They only prophesy about headaches and backaches because if the crowd is bigger than ten, they’ll be right every time! We certainly need a revival and you won’t find it in places where these ridiculous prophecies are being spoken.

These manifestations are only a few among many that are commonly found among so-called revivals. These manifestations are not marks of true revival. They are ridiculous, non-scriptural expressions.

The Man of Sin - Part 6

Who is Keeping the Antichrist from Being Revealed?

In defining the restrainer, it is important to understand a few principles beforehand. First, the Bible calls this restrainer a “he” in II Thessalonians 2:7. Second, it makes logical sense that He who restrains the Antichrist must be stronger than both the Antichrist and the dragon (Satan) that gives him his power.

Greater is He that is in You

Do we have an individual in scripture who is stronger than the coming Antichrist and the devil who is already in the world? Yes we do!

I John 4:4 – “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”

John said, “Greater is he that is in you!” This provokes the question, “Who is in us?” To answer this, let us begin with John’s gospel:

John 1:12 – “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”

According to the above verse, John 1:12, who becomes a son of God? Those who RECEIVE HIM by BELIEVING on His name. You do not become a child of God by baptism; you do not become a child of God by speaking in tongues; you do not become a child of God by submitting to a dress code; you do not become a child of God by faithful church attendance. It is solely and completely by trusting Jesus Christ, believing on Him alone for salvation. At that moment, the sinner becomes a child of God!

The very moment one believes on Jesus Christ for salvation, not only does he become a child of God, but something else happens.

Galatians 4:6 – “And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.”

Because a person is a son of God, God sends the Spirit of His Son, the Holy Ghost into his heart. Let’s get this straight! A person does not receive the Holy Ghost because he tarried; a person does not receive the Holy Ghost because he has been faithful; a person does not receive the Holy Ghost because he spoke in tongues. The Holy Ghost lives within a person because that person is a child of God!

The Holy Ghost, the Spirit of God, lives within you and me who are saved by the grace of God. John was speaking of the Holy Ghost when he said “Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.” This definitely qualifies the Holy Ghost to be the restrainer. He is greater than the devil, and is therefore greater than the Antichrist who receives his authority from the devil.

Another Look at Judas

In part 3 of this series, I discussed Judas Iscariot – the Antichrist in Christ’s day. It would benefit the reader to read part 3 of this series if you have not already. Judas hanged himself at the time that Christ was on trial. Judas was gone before the Holy Ghost descended on the day of Pentecost. It had to be that way! The Holy Ghost’s arrival itself would hinder the Antichrist from remaining on the scene.

Didn’t the Holy Ghost Exist Before Pentecost?

Critics of my opinion may point out that the Holy Ghost existed before Pentecost. True! David declares the Holy Spirit’s omnipresence:

Psalm 139:7-8 – “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.”

Yes, the Holy Ghost most certainly existed before Pentecost. In addition to this, the Holy Ghost also worked prior to Pentecost. The Holy Ghost came upon men so that they prophesied in the Old Testament. The Holy Ghost departed from men in the Old Testament.

But still yet, Jesus Himself promised TO SEND the Holy Ghost after He ascended to heaven. I did not say that; Christ said that!

John 16:7 – “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.”

What was special about the Spirit’s descent on the day of Pentecost? If the Holy Ghost was already omnipresent, then what is so exceptional about the day that Christ sent Him on the day of Pentecost?

The answer is simple. Just as the Son received a body in a little town called Bethlehem, the Holy Ghost received a body on the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem. The body in which the Holy Ghost lives is called the church. In this manner, the Comforter CAME. I hear preachers say, “We need another Pentecost.” Nothing could be further from the truth. We do not need another Pentecost any more than we need another Bethlehem. We do not need another Pentecost any more than we need another Calvary. The Holy Ghost descended on the day of Pentecost to dwell in a body called the church, and He will never depart from the church.

John 14:16 – “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you FOR EVER.”

It is true that Jesus Christ came to this earth as a babe in Bethlehem. After His death, burial, and resurrection, He ascended into heaven, departing from this earth. In the same manner, the Holy Ghost descended from heaven on the day of Pentecost to live in a body called the church. And, just as sure as Jesus departed, ascending to heaven, the Holy Ghost will one day depart from this earth. You say, “I thought the Holy Ghost would never leave the church.” I say, “You’re right. The church is going with Him.” When the Holy Ghost leaves this world, taking the church with Him, then and only then can the man of sin be revealed.

How Can People be Saved after the Holy Ghost is Gone?

Here is a question often brought up by the critics. In their mind, the Holy Ghost cannot be the restrainer because salvation would not be possible if the Holy Ghost is absent. The Holy Ghost, though He will ascend from this earth with the church, will not cease to exist after the church is gone. I am not teaching that, when the Holy Ghost is taken out of the way, that He will be non-existent. Just as the Holy Ghost existed and worked BEFORE his DESCENSION on the day of Pentecost, He will exist and work AFTER his ASCENSION with the church in the rapture. Just as Abraham believed God and was counted righteous before the Holy Ghost DESCENDED, others will believe God and be counted righteous after the Holy Ghost ASCENDS with the church. There was salvation BEFORE the Holy Ghost came in Acts 2, and there will be salvation AFTER the Holy Ghost leaves in the rapture.

The Job Description of the Holy Ghost

Another reason I believe the restrainer is the Holy Ghost is found in His very job description:

John 16:8 – “And when he [the Comforter] is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.”

The One who is restraining the MAN OF SIN is the same One who was sent to reprove the WORLD OF SIN.

The Holy Ghost will one day be removed from the scene, taking the church with Him. But until then, His voice is still crying out:

Revelation 22:17 – “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”

Filled with the Holy Ghost - Part 5

How to Be Filled with the Holy Ghost

In concluding my posts on the subject of being filled with the Holy Ghost, it would seem that all my previous posts concerning this subject would be irrelevant, should I not proclaim clearly how to be filled with the Spirit. I have shown that it is a command that Christians be filled; I have demonstrated how that it is the Spirit’s longing to fill and control us; I have portrayed that the purpose of such an experience is for the service of Christ and for the winning of souls; it would be foolish to close this series without clearly dictating to the reader how to be filled with the Spirit.

The scriptures are clear regarding the manner in which we are filled with the Holy Ghost. It has been my experience in the ministry that so many have “muddied the waters” when it comes to many vital doctrines. Salvation has been muddied with “works.” Sanctification has been muddied with “standards.” And the experience of a Christian being filled with the Holy Ghost has been muddied with false ideas regarding the experience, as well as false manifestations of the experience. Every experience that God has for His people is SIMPLE. I have said it once and I’ll say it here, that if God wanted to make the gospel complicated, He would not have, under any circumstance, sent Jesus Christ to shed His precious blood upon the cross of Calvary. Jesus did not come to give us a hard gospel; He came rather to perform the hard part of the gospel Himself. The hard part was paying for our sins. But He did just that! So many who desire to be filled with the Spirit of God make it much more complicated than what it is. If there is any complication whatsoever in receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, that complication lies with the seeker; not the Giver! Of course, the Holy Ghost must dwell within you before He can completely fill you. To obtain this promise of being filled with the Spirit, the Spirit must first live within you. You must be saved before you can ever be filled! But if you are saved, the steps you must take to be Spirit-filled are simple.

Look with me at a passage with which I will begin:

John 7:37-39 – “In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.”

Jesus here is speaking of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive. Here’s what He says regarding receiving the Spirit. The first words out of His mouth are this – “If any man thirst…” The first step to being filled with the Holy Ghost is

Thirsting
There must be a desire within the believer to be empowered from heaven to do the will of the Father. This thirst begins with acknowledging a lack within your own soul. You must realize that there is a great task before you, and you cannot do unless the Spirit of God fills you with the tools necessary to complete it. I believe that this act of thirsting for the complete control of the Holy Ghost in one’s life is the number one reason so many in the church are not filled with the Spirit. So many in the church who are seeking to be filled with the Holy Ghost are seeking “tongues.” As soon as they speak in tongues, they are through with any further experience with the Holy Ghost. Listen carefully to what I am saying – God does not fill you with the Holy Ghost so you can speak in tongues. If speaking in tongues is your goal, it is no wonder you have not been filled.

When I received the gift of the Holy Ghost, I was not seeking for “tongues.” I came to the realization that the Holy-Ghost-filled people that surrounded me had a degree of joy, peace, and fulfillment that I did not have. God used them in service for Him. Seeing the Holy Ghost use some of those precious people caused me to see my need to be filled with the Holy Ghost. Soon, my lips became dry. My mouth became as cotton. I was thirsty to be used in the kingdom of God, and I knew at that point that it would have to be the Holy Ghost that would perform it. “If any man thirst,” Jesus says. The first step is “thirsting.” Longing to be filled with the Holy Ghost more than you want anything else. As long as your desire to be filled with the Spirit does not trump all else in your life, I am certain that you will not be filled.

Matthew 5:6 – “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”

The next condition Jesus gives is as simple as the first – “He that believeth on me as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” The next step is

Believing
After thirsting for the Holy Ghost more than you thirst for anything else, you must believe that God is going to fill you with the Holy Ghost. Do you remember the day you were saved? Salvation is as easy as believing. You were saved the moment you let go of sin, self-righteousness, and any feeble effort to save yourself. At some point, you finally let go completely and let Jesus Christ do the saving. At that moment, you were saved. Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost is no different from receiving salvation in regard to BELIEVING. The moment you trusted the Lord to save you, He saved you. And the moment you trust the Lord to fill you, He absolutely, positively is ready to fill you with His Spirit. The Lord is not playing games. He does not hold the gift of the Spirit in front of you, and then pull it back when you reach for it. NO WAY!

There is one final step in receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. As soon as you completely believe and trust Jesus to fill you with the Spirit, often there is a choice to make. I stated in a previous post that the flesh “lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh.” I pointed out that the flesh has a great desire to control you, and the Spirit of God has a strong desire to control you. “Being filled” with the Holy Ghost is simply “being controlled” by the Holy Ghost. Often, when a person comes close to being filled with Holy Ghost, expecting and believing the Lord to do it, the person is confronted by the Holy Ghost with something to do. With the flesh pulling one way, and the Spirit pulling the other, which one is going to control you? I’ll tell you which one will rule you – the one to whom you YIELD. So, the final step to receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost is

Yielding
You say you want to be filled with the Holy Ghost. This means you want to be completely saturated, governed, and controlled by His will. So, while you stand there believing to be filled, the Spirit speaks softly to your heart, giving you a small task to do. You resist. If you will not do a small task that the Holy Ghost gives you, how can you claim that you wish to be FILLED, or CONTROLLED Him? You are inconsistent. Only when you yield completely to the Spirit will He completely control you, filling you with His presence and power. You do not think this is scriptural? Look with me –

Acts 5:32 – “And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.”

God gives the Holy Ghost to them that obey Him! I am sure that if every Christian reading this would thirst for the Holy Ghost to fill you, ask Him to do so with a heart full of faith, and yield to any command He gives you to do, that He most certainly is ready to fill you! It is His longing to fill you with power to win souls in this end time.

Closing Thoughts
I understand that I have not covered, by any means, all possible areas of study regarding the subject of the Christian being filled with the Holy Ghost. I am closing my thoughts on this subject for now. I will begin covering other subjects shortly. With Easter coming on, I would certainly like to write some posts regarding the resurrection of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Thank you all for reading!