Christian Wallpapers

China the land of the rising sun..

mychristianposts — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:52:54 +0000

This is a very simplified, incomplete introduction, political, religious synopsis of China up to date as found in the net.. . China has always been a great interest to many, and is a rising start on the world stage.

Firstly the so called Chinese Unification was achieved through force of arms in the 3rd century bc, and from then until modern times, the norm for China was a unified, centralized government ruled by a monarch. No dynasty lasted for more than a few centuries, and disorder and disunity marked the decades or centuries between dynasties; each time, however, military strongmen eventually regained control and imposed centralized rule. Religious unification has never really been achieved nor has religion been eradicaated.


A brief Chinese Rulership chronology

Xia      about 2100 b.c. — 1600 b.c.
*Hua Xia is used today by Chinese referring to China

Shang      about 1600 b.c. — 1100 b.c.
*There is a very famous ancient book (written in Ming)   about the end of Shang _Feng1 Shen2 Yan3 Yi4_ (Yan Yi == historical novel)

Zhou
  Western Zhou          about 1100 b.c. — 771 b.c.
  Eastern Zhou                 770 b.c. — 226 b.c.
Spring/Autumn            770 b.c. — 476 b.c.
Warring States           475 b.c. — 221 b.c.
        *Western and eastern Zhou are the same dynasty, ruled by the same family. The difference was eastern Zhou moved the capital to an eastern city.
        *Spring/Autumn time was one of the most important time in Chinese history. Most Chinese philosophies developed at this time. Among          them are: Confucianism and Taoism.
*_Art of War_ was written at this time by Sun Zi
*Eastern Zhou was very weak, and was divided into lots of smaller states (and bigger states, such as Jin, was later divided into several states) fighting with each other.
*The account of this period of history was later written by   Sima Qian of Han dynasty. Shi3 Ji4 is one of the best Chinese   history and literature book. Lots of its section were in the literature text book. Every Chinese is supposed to read it
*Another book, “Dong Zhou Li Guo Zi” (How Eastern Zhou States    Created), is supposed to be the text book for politicians.

Qin        221 b.c. — 207 b.c.
*Perhaps the darkest time in Chinese history. Qin was one of the   warring state, but managed to united China again. The worst thing they did was all the books were ordered to be burned.
*Qin started building the Great Wall, although the one we see now    was rebuilt much later in Ming.

Han
        Western Han   206 b.c. — 24
        Eastern Han    25 — 220
*Again, the two are considered to be the same dynasty. Eastern   Han had its capital in todays Luo-yang (Luo is a river. Yang refers to the shadow of river bank here, which means north of    river Luo) which is EAST of the old capital, todays Xian.
*The so called Han Chinese used when trying to distinguish other minorities inside China came from here.
*China became strong at this time, especially after Wu Di.
*Dong Zhongsu advised Wu Di to use Confucianism as the ONLY philosophy. Other novel ideas developed at eastern Zhou   was only discouraged, but outlawed. I list Dong most worst only next to Qin Shi Hunag.
*China had many wars with Hun on north. Wu Di started a new way of solving the problem: sending his daughter as wife of Hun Khan. [According to Jin, Wu Di stopped the custom of sending his daughter to the huns. He defeated them after 40 years of battle.]

Three Kingdoms
Wei                     220 — 265
  Shu Han                 221 — 263
Wu                      222 — 280
*Once again, the last emperor could and control the kingdom again.   China was divided into three parts fighting to be the Son of Heaven.
  *Three Kingdoms is a very famous historical novel about this period.

Jin     265 — 420
*The winner of the fighting was the powerful general of Wei whose   son started Jin dynasty.

Northern/Southern Dynasties
  *Jin did not have a good contral of China either. China was divided in all kind of combinations.
Southern Dynasties:
        Song                     420 — 479
        Qi                       479 — 502
        Liang                    502 — 557
        Chen                     557 — 589
   Northern Dynasties:
        Northern Wei             386 — 534
        Eastern Wei              534 — 550
        Northern Qi              550 — 577
        Western Wei              535 — 556
        Northern Zhou            557 — 581

*Some kings in northern dynasties were not Han.

Sui                              581 — 618
*Like Qin, this is a very short dynasty ruled by very cruel emperors.
*But bad reader seems like to make big things. The longest channel was built at this time just like Great Wall was built in Qin.

Tang                             618 — 907
  *This is perhaps the best time in Chinese time. The oversea Chinese in early days like to use Tang Shan referring to their homeland.
  *Many good poems were written in this time. I believe no one so far has been able to top the great poets at that time.
*Tnag was a very liberal (perhaps most liberal) period in Chinese history.

Five Dynasties
        Later Liang              907 — 923
        Later Tang               923 — 936
        Later Jin                936 — 946
        Later Han                947 — 950
        Later Zhou               951 — 960
        *Can you believe the speed of dynasty change here?

Song
        Northern Song            960 — 1127
        Southern Song           1127 — 1279
*Song is the turning point of Chinese history (More actually,after Song Shen Zong). The society became conservative from then. Lots of bad Chinese traditions started from here.
  *Zu Xi carried Confucianism forward.
*Ci2, poetry written to certain tunes with strict tonal pattern and rhyme schemes in fixed number of lines and words, was fully developed now.
*Song was not a strong dynasty in history. It was consistently invaded by others from north. Song was in war with Liao and was later defeated by Jin at north. Song retreated to south ofYangtze. This was why northern and southern Song was named.
*During southern Song period, north part of China was ruled by Jin (1115 — 1234)

Yuan                            1271 — 1368
*Jin had not had the trance to win Song. Mongolian was the
winner after all.
*Chinese culture was preserved under Mongolian ruling. It was Mongolian who were affected by Chinese culture.
*It was the time Chinese opera developed.
  *Beijing was the capital for the first time.

Ming                            1368 — 1644
*The Great Wall was rebuilt. It was what we see today.
*In literature, the novel was fully developed at this time. Some of the novels, such as Three Kingdoms, were the best ever.
*In late Ming, the so called capitalism buds started in some developed areas such as lower Yangtze Delta. Some quite big silk-making shops with one hundred some employee were recorded.

Qing                            1644 — 1911
*China was ruled by non-Han once again.
*Although China started becoming conservative after Song, Qing made the development stopped.

The Qing dynasty took over China just when the world was about to enter to the 19th century of industrialization and modernization. It was during the time of the Qing the Chinese gain the characteristics or the image of having pigtails, shaven forehead and clothings that are associated with the Manchus.

1949 Communistic China, the People’s republic of China.

Communists and other Chinese groups have certainly have tried to eradicate all religion in china. The Republic of China was founded in 1949, and tremendous upheavals occurred throughout China culminating in the Cultural Revolution. Christians, Muslims along with others religious groups, even the main Chinese population suffered.

Religion in China

Today, there are five major government-sanctioned religions: Daoism, Buddhism, Islam, Roman Catholicism and Protestant Christianity. Religious practices are still often tightly controlled by government authorities. Chinese over age 18 in the PRC are permitted to be involved with officially sanctioned Christianity is now one of the biggest religions in China, second only to Buddhism, and next is Islam. All religions in Chnina have to competent with Chinese Nationalism, and also with Communism, and both are religions by themselves now as well. Ironically what many in the west do often know about Chinese religions is related to the many Kung Fu- action movies, clearly a religion now too.

“The Qin and Han Dynasties: China’s Early Dynasties and The Emergence of Taoism Now even though Taoist religion can be traced back to the 4th century B.C.E., it did not become popular in Chinese society until the reign of the Han Dynasty. Starting in 206 B.C.E., the Han ruled over China for four centuries. The Han Dynasty was not the first ruling class of China. The Shang, which ruled during the years 1500-1050 B.C.E., is the first known Chinese dynasty. Shang rulers divided the vast land into separate regions, often resulting in conflict amongst local rulers. In 1050 B.C.E., the Shang were overthrown by the Zhou. The Zhou Dynasty became known for their elaborate central courts and artwork. Their rule however, came to an end in 256 B.C.E when they were defeated by the Qin Dynasty. It was during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 B.C.E.) that schools of Taoist Philosophy began to emerge. This era, also known as the “Warring States” period, was characterized by political infighting and social unease. Shi Huangdi, the famous ruler of the Qin Dynasty, built the Great Wall of China during this time as well. After his death, the reign of the Han Dynasty began.Unlike other dynasties, the Han wanted to unite China under one empire. During this period, China’s Southern and Western border were expanded and the first centralized government was established. In the Han Dynasty, Taoism was categorized into two different groups: Daojia (Philosophical) and Daojiao (Religious). It is believed that during the Han Dynasty, institutionalized Religious Taoism was founded by Chang Tao-ling. Chang Tao-ling’s primarily concern was health, ritual practices, and alchemy. Later, he took the name of T’ien Shin (The Son of Heaven), and continued to spread Taoist notions and alchemical techniques throughout the empire. Another important Religious Taoist, Heshang Gong, wrote the first commentary of Lao Tzu’s the Tao Te Ching during this period as well. Philosophical Taoism also continued to grow. Education became very important during Han rule, and more schools were being established following the teachings of Lao Tzu. It was through these teachings, that Taoism remained a staple of Chinese life. Even after the emerge of Buddhism, Taoism still remained popluar due to the importantace of the Philosophical teachings of Lao Tzu. “

“During this period of near-constant political and military strife, Buddhism found a receptive audience in China, while the influence of Confucianism waned. Buddhism had arrived in China in the 1st century ad as the religion of merchants from Central Asia. During the next three centuries, the Chinese encountered a great variety of ideas and practices identified as Buddhist. Buddhism differed markedly from earlier Chinese religions and philosophies. A universal religion, it embraced all people, regardless of their ethnicity or social status. It also had a founding figure, the Indian prince Siddhartha (Buddha), who lived during the 6th and 5th centuries bc. To many Chinese, Buddhism seemed at first a variant of Daoism, as Daoist terms were used to translate Buddhist concepts. A more accurate understanding of Buddhism became possible after Kumarajiva (343?-413?), a Buddhist monk from Central Asia, settled in Chang’an and directed several thousand Chinese monks in the translation of Buddhist texts. The Buddhist monastic establishment grew rapidly in China. By 477 there were reportedly 6,478 Buddhist temples and 77,258 monks and nuns in the north. The south was said to have 2,846 temples and 82,700 clerics some decades later. Given the traditional importance of family lines in China, it was a major step for a man to become a monk. He had to give up his surname and take a vow of celibacy, breaking from the ancestral cult that connected the dead, the living, and the unborn. Buddhists who did not become monks or nuns often made generous contributions to the construction or beautification of temples. Among the most generous patrons were rulers, in both the north and south. Women turned to Buddhism as readily as men. Although being born a woman was considered inferior to being born a man, it was also considered temporary because in the next life a woman could be reborn as a man, and women were encouraged to pursue salvation on terms nearly equal to men. China also had critics of Buddhism, who labeled it immoral, unsuited to China, or a threat to the state because monastery land was not taxed. By the end of the 6th century, critics had twice convinced the court to close monasteries and force monks and nuns to return to lay life. These suppressions did not last long, however, and no attempt was made to eliminate private Buddhist belief. “

Christianity in China is not a popular religion, particularly to it’s late entry and the early association of Christian with bad Business practices, empires as well as specially poor Missionary approaches .

Christianity in China is a growing minority religion that comprises Protestants (called 基督教 Jī dū jiào, or Christ Religion), Catholics (天主教 Tian zhu jiao, or Lord of Heaven Religion), and a small number of Orthodox Christians. Although its lineage in China is not as ancient as beliefs such as Confucianism, Taoism, or Mahayana Buddhism, Christianity has existed in China since at least the seventh century and has gained influence over the past 200 years. The growth of the faith has been particularly significant since the loosening of restrictions on religion by the People’s Republic since the 1970s. Undoubtedly, Buddhism has been the most popular religion in China. Christianity was introduced into China as early as the 5th century. Christianity began to take root in a significant way in the Chinese Empire during the Qing Dynasty, and although it has remained a minority religion in China,   Further waves of missionaries came to China in the Qing (or Manchu) dynasty (1644-1911) as a result of contact with foreign powers. Russian Orthodoxy was introduced in 1715 and Protestants began entering China in 1807. The pace of missionary activity increased considerably after the First Opium War in 1842. Christian missionaries and their schools, under the protection of the Western powers, went on to play a major role in the Westernization of China in the 19th and 20th centuries. The Taiping Rebellion was led by a heterodox convert to Christianity, [6] and the Boxer Rebellion was in part a reaction against Christianity in China. A significant presence did not reappear until the 13th century, when Mongols conquered China and founded the Yuan Dynasty. The Mongol court was open to Christian missionaries and even turned over the administration of parts of northern China to Christian tribesmen from Central Asia. From Rome, the pope also sent Franciscan missionaries in an effort to establish ties with Eastern Christians and to form an alliance with the Mongol empire. Italian merchants also founded some Catholic communities in major trading centers; among them were two brothers from Venice, Niccolo and Maffeo Polo, who brought along Niccolo’s son, Marco. China’s second period of Christian growth came to an end when its protectors, the Mongols, were expelled by the armies of the Ming Dynasty. Toward the end of the Ming dynasty, a new wave of Jesuit missionaries came to China. After World War II, China turned to communism, and atheism was promoted as part of the Marxist ideology of the Chinese Community Party. Religious suppression was particularly severe during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976).

In 1793, William Carey set sail from England bound for India. Inspired years earlier by his readings of Captain Cook’s around the world voyages and the different people groups encountered, Carey determined to take the Biblical message to “heathen nations.” Undaunted by older church leaders who told him, “When God pleases to convert the heathen, he will do it without your aid or mine”, Carey learned the dialect of India and set out to proclaim the gospel to that immense populace. Because Protestant missionaries were virtually non-existent up to that point, William Carey became known as the “Father of Modern Missions.” Other Protestants soon followed in Carey’s steps and missionaries journeyed to other foreign lands including China.

The first Methodist missionaries from the United States reached China on September 4, 1847 arriving in the city of Fuchau. Moses White, Robert Maclay and Henry Hickok labored in the city of 600,000 people for ten years before they baptized their first Chinese convert, Ting Ang.
Ten more years added another 450 people to the small church in Fuchau. Such was the experience of many missionaries to China, long hours, sickness and apparent fruitless labor mix.

In 1829, the first Protestant missionary to Thailand arrived in Bangkok and began translating the New Testament into Siamese. Twenty-five year old Karl Gutzlaff of the Netherlands Missionary Society then turned his eyes toward China. First exposed to Christianity as early as the 5th century followed by other unsuccessful attempts over a period of near 1000 years, China remained a closed country with no known Chinese Christians when Gutzlaff first looked toward her. Westerners were only allowed into specific port cities along China’s coast

Journeying to China eleven different times and spending fifty years there, by the time of his death Taylor was credited with the founding of 200 missions manned by 800 missionaries influencing 125,000 Chinese converts. In addition, Taylor spent 5 years translating the New Testament of the Bible into the Ningpo dialect. The famed “Cambridge Seven”, seven intelligent and athletic young men from England joined in Taylor’s Inland Mission and labored there for most of their lives, one of the seven attempted, unsuccessfully multiple times to enter Tibet. Taylor’s China Inland Mission became the largest Protestant missionary agency in the world. Taylor died in 1905 in a village north of Canton.

In the 1860′s Protestant women in America started a movement that became known as the “Women’s Missionary Movement.” In 1878, Hudson Taylor making an unprecedented and widely criticized move began allowing single women, and later married ones, to join his mission agency and travel to China in teams preaching and ministering to the Chinese. Earlier, Taylor and other male missionaries had discovered the only practical way to reach Chinese women with the Bible message was through other women. Barred for decades from active participation in ministry, a flood of women streamed out of America into China and later on other countries. By the turn of the century Christian women outnumbered men in the missionary ranks both overseas and at home.

Sadly the opium trade of western merchants drained a good portion of China’s wealth while keeping large numbers of its population in addictive squalor. By 1900 many Chinese had enough. The already noted Boxer Rebellion ensued and many foreigners including missionaries were slaughtered in addition it is estimated that the Boxers killed 30,000 Chinese converts to Christianity. The crisis over, Chinese Christians increased in numbers threefold in the decades following the rebellion and continued to rise for the next fifty years. At that time the communists expelled all “foreign devils” and the Christian church was forced underground. One of the most famous of Chinese Christians was Watchman Nee. For 30 years he traveled China preaching the Christian message. He wrote several books, which are still read by Christians today the world-over. Arrested by Communists in China in 1952 Lee died in prison in 1972. Nee’s disciple Witness Lee traveled the world in the 60′s and 70′s starting churches and sharing Nee’s vision of a worldwide community of believers.

The Communist rise to power in China brought its religious intolerance and persecution once more forcing the Church underground for decades. As was the case in Communist Russia, thousands of church buildings were destroyed or turned into civil facilities such as schools, warehoused and factories. And as in Russia, Communist China hostility targeted traditional religions particularly Christianity.   The demise of the “Cultural Revolution” in China began with Mao’s death in 1976, and as in the former Soviet Union religions restrictions have eased and in some cases disappeared. There is reportedly a thriving Christian Church in China today.

The first three early missionaries failed to bear fruits. The Fourth attempt which began in 1806 and ended around 1956, had moderate success, but it helped to spark the Anti-Christian Movement in the 1920′s. Since the Communist took power in 1949, Christianity have been growing steadily against the oppressions of the government. Nowadays, there are about 30,000,000 Christians in China (according to an unofficial survey). .

The Three Early Missionaries to China. Christianity reached China as early as the 5th century, but the first three attempts of missionary to China failed to bear fruits for various reasons. The Nestorian Faith came to China during the Tang Dynasty. Unfortunately, China was not ready for this ‘new’ religion. Emperor Tang Tai Zong eagerly greeted Olopen with respect, but the king probably thought that all religions were the same, as indicated by his interest in Buddhism as well. Although quite a few Da Qin Temples were erected, most of the followers were not Chinese. This missionary eventually came to an end in China around 845 A.D., with followers still could be found in the north of China (like Mongolia). The second attempt was during the Yuan Dynasty. With the invasion of Mongolians, the Nestorian and Catholic Faith returned to China from the north, in the name of Erkeun or Arkaim. Unfortunately, with the oppression of the Mongolians on the Chinese, most people were not ready to adopt this belief that was introduced by the invaders. The third attempt (1500-1800) did not receive better treatment either. The conflict between the Chinese ritual and Christianity eventually led to the failure of the third missionary.

Summarizing the three missionaries, an important lesson is learnt; in order to spread the gospel successfully, it must penetrate the bulk of the people (like sowing seed (gospel) to the soil (people)). All three missions reached Chinese royal family and the upper classes instead of her people. Although the first mission was eagerly endorsed by the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty, its message probably was not well understood, and often confused with the Buddhist teaching (when birds came they were snatched away). The second mission was like sowing seeds on rocky places. Since most believers were Mongolians in the royal family and administration, Chinese tended to reject its message (not enough soil for the seed to take roots). The third missionary is like sowing seeds among thorns. When persecutions came (conflicts with the Chinese rituals), the Chinese gave up their believes.

The fourth missionary did finally reach the people instead of the upper classes and administration.   Although the fourth missionary (started 1807) made a big impact on the history of Christianity in China, it did stir up quite a bit of controversies. The questionable approaches and philosophies of some of the missionaries gave Christianity a bad name, which led to severe consequences. Of course it is not fair to put down all missionaries. These early missionaries did play a crucial role in establishing missionary schools and hospitals in China, which helped to modernize her. The modernization also did eventually opened up China’s door for missionary. Let’s look at some of these questionable approaches and philosophies.

Some of these questionable approaches involved the participation of some of the missionaries in the East India Trading (EIT) Co. and their involvement in the politics of their mother countries, in invading China. Ever since Kang Xi’s close door policy, no foreigners were allowed in China except merchants. Unfortunately, the East India Trading (EIT) Co., which dealt heavily in opium, had monopoly of trade in China. About the only way to gain legal access to China was by joining the EIT. However, the linkage between missionary and the EIT led to unthinkable adversities to the spread of Christianity. Some missionaries also participated in the invasion of China. Since missionaries were versed in Chinese, some of them were asked to collect vital military information before and during the wars, and translate treaties after the wars.    From the early missionaries to China, we learn two important lessons. First of all, in preaching the Gospel, one must reach the people. The bad name that some of these missionaries got themselves by joining the opium trading company and their support of the invasion of China, led to such a strong negative feeling about Christianity that persisted until the 1920s, as reflected by the Anit-Christian Movement. Once again, we should not downplay the importance of these missionaries who did a tremendous job in modernizing China, devoting their lives for the salvation of the Chinese people. They well deserve our respect and kowtows. However, some of their approaches were questionable.

” Islam in China began during the caliphate of ‘Uthman ibn Affan (Allayhi Rahma, ra), the third caliph. After triumphing over the Byzantine, Romans and the Persians, ‘Uthman ibn Affan, dispatched a deputation to China in 29 AH (650 C.E.,) Even before this, the Arab traders during the time of the Prophet (pbuh), had already brought Islam to China, although this was not an organized effort, but merely as an offshoot of their journey along the Silk Route (land and sea route). The Ancient Record of the Tang Dynasty describes the landmark visit. To Chinese Muslims, this event is considered to be the birth of Islam in China. To show his admiration for Islam, the emperor Yung Wei ordered the establishment of China’s first mosque. The magnificent Canton city mosque known to this day as the ‘Memorial Mosque.’ still stands today, after fourteen centuries. The Muslims who immigrated to China eventually had a great economic impact and influence on the country. They dominated the import/export business by the time of the Sung Dynasty (960 – 1279 CE). Indeed, the office of Director General of Shipping was consistently held by a Muslim during this period. Under the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644 CE) generally considered to be the golden age of Islam in China, Muslims gradually became fully integrated into Han society. The Islamic mode of dress and dietary restrictions were consistently maintained, however, and not compromised. In time, the Muslims began to speak Han dialects and to read in Chinese. Well into the Ming era, the Muslims could not be distinguished from other Chinese other than by their unique religious customs.. It is reported that in the 1790′s, there was as many as 30,000 Islamic students, and the city of Bukhara, – the birthplace of Imam Bukhari, one of the foremost compilers of hadith – which was then part of China, came to be known as the “Pillar of Islam.” The rise of the Ch’ing Dynasty (1644 – 1911 CE), though, changed this. The Ch’ing were Manchu (not Han) and were a minority in China. They employed tactics of divide-and- conquer to keep the Muslims, Han, Tibetans, and Mongolians in struggles against one another. In particular, they were responsible for inciting anti-Muslim sentiment throughout China, and used Han soldiers to suppress the Muslim regions of the country. When the Manchu Dynasty fell in 1911, the Republic of China was established by Sun Yat Sen, who immediately proclaimed that the country belonged equally to the Han, Hui (Muslim), Man (Manchu), Meng (Mongol), and the Tsang (Tibetan) peoples. His policies led to some improvement in relations among these groups. After the fall of the Qing Dynasty, Sun Yat Sen, who established the Republic of China immediately proclaimed that the country belonged equally to the Han, Man (Manchu), Meng (Mongol), Hui (Muslim), and the Tsang (Tibetan) peoples. In 1911, the provinces of Qinghai, Gansu and Ningxia fell to Muslim warlords of the family known as the Ma clique. During the Cultural Revolution (1966-76), however, the Muslims of China were persecuted along with the Buddhists and Christians, by the ultra-leftists led by Lin Biao and the Gang of Four. The Red Guards made all-out attacks on religious institutions calling them bourgeois and reactionary institutions. They attacked and defaced mosques as well as burned religious books despite government directives that the mosques must be protected After the third congress of the 11th Central committee, Communistic China, the People’s republic of China, the government finally next liberalized its policies toward religion and religious freedom was declared in 1978, According to a publication on mosques in China(1998 edition), there are now 32,749 mosques in the entire People’s Republic of China, with 23,000 in the province of Xinjiang. There are currently some eight different translations of the Qur’an in the Chinese language as well as translations in Uygur and the other Turkic languages. As always, the Muslims have often refused to be silenced. and have managed to practice their faith, sometimes against great odds, since the seventh century and they are still facing great persecutions too.

July 2009 The Chinese government blanketed Urumqi, the capital of China’s far western Xinjiang region, with 20,000 new security troops on Wednesday, as thousands of residents began to flee following the deadly ethnic clashes that erupted over the weekend. “The current unrest in Xinjiang is another chapter in a long history of tensions between Han Chinese and Muslim Uighurs, but it is mostly the result of the frustrations experienced by Uighurs over the last decade as the rapid pace of Chinese development in the region has brought scores of Han Chinese migrants to Xinjiang and has displaced Uyghurs from their traditional livelihoods and communities. While the violence that has emerged on both sides of the conflict is shocking, the most surprising aspect of the events may be that the tensions had not boiled over into direct confrontations until now.” The unrest has become a major challenge for this country’s Communist leaders. This violence as an outgrowth of processes which have been ongoing in Xinjiang for the last decade. During that time, China has invested more in the development of this region than anytime previously. In doing so, however, they have largely excluded the Uyghurs from the decision-making process. Furthermore, this development has brought many Han Chinese to the region seeking their fortunes, which has served to displace many Uyghurs from their traditional communities and livelihoods. The Uyghurs are a Turkic speaking Muslim people who share more culturally and historically with people to the west of Xinjiang, particularly in former Soviet Central Asia, than they do with the Han Chinese. Physically, Uyghurs do not look like Han Chinese. Their physical types are much more diverse given that Central Asia has long been a crossroads of civilizations, and they have many European physical characteristics that would likely distinguish them from the Han.

Finally, political repression that became more pronounced during the later 1990s in Xinjiang intensified following September 11, 2001. With the advent of the Global War on Terror, the Chinese state has increasingly justified more brutal crackdowns on Uyghur political dissent as part of its contribution to the Global War on Terror. At the same time, Han Chinese coming to the region to seek their fortunes in China’s continued development boom do not understand the Uyghurs’ dissatisfaction or the violent response this dissatisfaction has elicited.” The tension between Han Chinese and Uyghurs has a long history reaching back at least 250 years. In the late 19th century, a revolt pushed the Qing out of the region for several years, and in the 1930s and 1940s Uyghur attempts to establish sovereign states in the region resulted in short-term independent states in areas of Xinjiang. In this sense, what is happening today has a very long history.

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Holy Spirit gifts

mychristianposts — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 10:10:03 +0000

Why do the Holy Spirit gifts endure beyond the days of the early Apostles?

“Scripture teaches that the Holy Ghost was given for the spreading of the Gospel through the methods and power of Jesus. (Acts 1:8) The disciples preached while exercising the miraculous gifts of the Spirit! Paul confirmed, “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.” (2 Corinthians 12:12) Today, we need no less than the primitive church. The needs of our age are equal to those of the first century. (I Cor. 10:18) Scripture never indicated that the gifts of the Spirit would be removed during the age of grace but rather affirmed a wonderful outpouring in these last days. (Acts 2:17-18) Therefore, we must seek God’s Pentecostal power to enable Christ-like ministry. Like great men throughout history we must lay hold of God’s Pentecostal anointing and thereby reach our lost generation!” “Remember that God has never changed and has always done the miraculous. On the day of Pentecost, God’s power was sent into His eternal temple. (1 Corinthians 3:16) Satan has been trying to destroy God’s house ever since. While Jesus is unchanging, Satan continually changes into every disguise to accomplish his deception. We can defeat him with the Word of God and the power of the Holy Ghost.

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

Isaiah 44:3 “For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:”

Isaiah 59:21 “As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed’s seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.”

Isaiah 28:11-12 “For with stammering lips and another tongue (Acts 2:4) will he speak to this people. 12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.”

Joel 2:28 “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:”

Acts 2:16 “But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:”

Ezekiel 37:10 “So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.”

(John 15:5 KJV) I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

There is only ONE TRUE & LIVING GOD. .

He manifests HIMSELF in the Person of the Father, Son, & Holy Spirit. HE is the Creator of all things in the heavens and earth, seen and unseen.

This study is about the Person of the HOLY SPIRIT, Who was in the very beginning and Who is in the last words of Scripture in the Revelation.In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. ²And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness [was] upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of GOD moved upon the face of the waters. (KJV) 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. (KJV)

Genesis 1:1-2

Revelation 22:17

The Hebrew word for “spirit” is ruwach (roo’-akh) and is defined as, spirit, wind, breath, or mind.

The Greek word for “spirit” is pneuma (pnyoo’-mah) and is defined as, a movement of air-wind; the breath of nostrils or mouth; it is also defined as the vital principal by which the body is animated; the rational spirit.

It is this Spirit of GOD that “BROODED” over the creation in order to bring out ALL of the possibilities put there by the Father; HE is the same Spirit of GOD Who gives the creation of the “NEW BIRTH.” HE is the same Spirit of GOD Who “BREATHES” upon those who wrote down the Scriptures.

“All Scripture is “God breathed.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Called, “INSPIRATION.” This word is found only here in the New Testament and means Divinely breathed in. It is found only once in the Old Testament, in Job 32:8, and has the same meaning.

Job 32:8

“INSPIRATION” is translated by the NIV, “breath.”

GOD IS SPIRIT.

John 4:24

……There is a “SPIRITUAL BODY.”

1 Corinthians 15:44-46

When the saved are resurrected,

Philippians 3:20-21

1 John 3:2

I. A DEFINITION OF WORDS USED FOR “THE HOLY SPIRIT.”

Holy
= ( Hebrew).most used means , “apartness,” “separateness,” sacred, purified; consecrated; purified; set apart.
= (Greek).hagios (hag’-ee-os), means, “pure,” “chase,” “clean.” “undefiled by sin,” free from wickedness.” “Unadulterated.”


Ghost
= (Hebrew word used only 11 times in the Old Testament and always refers to the “spirit” of man.”) the LIFE that inhabits the body.
= (Greek) …In referring to the HOLY SPIRIT, is the word, pneuma (pnyoo’-mah) which means, a gentle movement of air; wind, “breath of nostrils or mouth;” or a “life giving spirit.”

Genesis 2:7
And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

Life is a Hebrew plural, :LIVES, both spiritual & physical life.

1 Corinthians 15:45

Ghost (KJV) is also used for “spirit” in Acts 5:5 & 12:23 where it means to expire, DIE …by “GIVING UP” or “YIELDING” the spirit (breath in the body).

What some usually think of as “ghost,” is used ONLY in Mat. 14:26 & Mark 6:49 and is the Greek word, phantasma (fan’-tas-mah), meaning, “apparition,” or a delusive appearance; an immaterial semblance; specter. We get our English words, “phantom,” & “phantasy,” from this Greek word. THIS WORD IS NEVER used in any other Scripture.

THE TERM, ‘HOLY SPIRIT,” IS STRICTLY A NEW TESTAMENT ONE.

There are no designations in Strong’s concordance to Holy Spirit in O.T.


The NIV gives Psalm 51:11 as “HOLY SPIRIT.” In the KJV, it is written as holy spirit, and may refer to the spirit-life that GOD breathed into man. The same designation is seen in Isaiah 63:10-11.


However, “THE SPIRIT OF GOD,” is used many times in the O.T.

TWO OF THE MAIN WORKS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT in BOTH Testaments are to impart knowledge & supply energy. II. A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE USES OF THE “SPIRIT OF GOD” IN O.T.

HE “brooded over” the face of the water in creation in order to bring forth by HIS creative energy , the growth and development inherent therein.


HE exerted influence upon man (strove with man) in order to impart unto him knowledge of what was expected of him. (Gen. 6:3)


HE spoke through some individuals to groups of people with His Word. “The Holy Spirit spoke by the mouth of David.” (Acts 1:16).


HE endowed certain men with wisdom, talents, and abilities (gifts) for the working and completion of various tasks of the LORD’S work. (Ex.31:3)


HE enabled a FEW men to have victory in war over the MANY.(Judg. 6:34ff)


HE came mightily upon some men in order for them to speak to others. ( Nu. 24:2ff; 1 Sam. 10:10) HE “CAME UPON,” BUT DID NOT ABIDE.


In the Old Testament, HE came upon ONLY certain individuals, NOT ALL.

Numbers 11:29
And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD’S people were prophets, [and] that the LORD would put his spirit upon them! (KJV)

Numbers 11:25

HE is the MEANS of transporting man’s spirit.

Ezekiel 11:24-25

2 Corinthians 12:1-5

HE will accompany the the spirit-life of each saved person into the Presence of JESUS at death. HE abides in the BODY of the saved until death and goes out with that person to be present with the LORD.John 14:23

Hebrews 13:5

2 Corinthians 5:8

THE HOLY SPIRIT is the pure LIFE OF GOD THE FATHER and SON. HE is the INMOST principle of “LIFE,” which is “ENERGY.” Our “LIFE” has ALMIGHTY GOD as it’s source. This “LIFE” is ETERNAL. IT WAS IN EXISTENCE BEFORE MAN EXISTED. It was this “LIFE” that ELOHIM GOD breathed into the nostrils of Adam.


Just as “life” in imparted into man’s BODY, it is also WITHDRAWN, which is called DEATH. “LIFE” exists apart from the body.


LIFE can only come from pre-existent LIFE. A dead person cannot give or produce life. This why it is impossible for a lost person to save himself, he is spiritually dead. Each must be born of GOD’S HOLY SPIRIT in order to be saved. THE SOURCE of both physical and spiritual LIFE is GOD, THE FATHER, SON, AND HOLY SPIRIT, WHO ARE ONE! John 1:4

John 11:25-26

John 3:5-7

GOD said of man’s BODY……

Genesis 3:19

Ecclesiastes 12:7

2 Corinthians 5:1

A Summary Statement concerning the HOLY SPIRIT in the Old Testament.

The term, “Holy ONE,” is used to designate THE ALMIGHTY GOD. HE is called “THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL.” ( THE “FATHER.”)


“Holy” is used in connection with GOD’S Name, temple, works, etc.


It refers to The FATHER’S spirit as being “holy,” and NOT, the third Person of the GODHEAD, THE Holy Spirit.

Since “THE HOLY SPIRIT,” is a New Testament term and is related to the CHURCH, this study will continue with that work of THE TRIUNE GOD.

III. THE HOLY SPIRIT AND HIS WORK AS SEEN IN THE NEW TESTAMENT.

The first use of this term is seen in the message to Zacharias concerning a son to be born to him and his wife, Elizabeth, who would be named, JOHN. He, John, would be filled with THE HOLY SPIRIT even from the womb.

Luke 1:15

The Greek word used here for “FILLED,” is pletho (play’-tho) which has a meaning to furnish in order to accomplish a certain work. This is in contrast to another Greek word, pleroo (play-ro’-o) which indicates a filling to the fullest extent, to complete.


It is not said of John that he received the Person of the Holy Spirit.


Wuest gives a clearer meaning in his translation, “he shall be controlled by the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother’s womb.”


The difference between these two words is seen in Acts 2:2, 4.

Acts 2:2

Acts 2:4

And they were all filled (pletho) with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (KJV)

The house was completely full to the top …but the people were controlled by the energy & influence of the Holy Spirit WHO was IN each of them.And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, (KJV)

Luke 4:1

“full” is from the same word (pletho)

pleres

HE was “led” is the Greek, ago (ag’-o) which means to drive, bring, to lead by accompanying to (into) a place; to conduct one; to bring to a point of destination. It is in the imperfect tense which means a continual action.

JESUS

Thus, John, the Baptist, was under the control of the Holy Spirit, just as many of the Old Testament prophets were, (since he was the “spirit & power of Elijah”)

Luke 1:17

The difference in definition of Hebrew & Greek words for “SPIRIT.”

Hebrew (or Chaldean):

Nephesh (neh’-fesh)
a breathing, living creature;
from a primary root meaning to breathe.


Ruwach (roo’-akh)
mind, spirit, wind; the expressions & functions of a rational being;
from a primary root meaning to blow.
This is the word used for GOD’S Spirit in the Old Testament.


Chay (khah’-ee)
alive; raw; fresh (plant, water); any “living” thing.
from a primary root meaning “to live.”

Greek: (Corresponds to the above letters.)

Psuche (psoo-khay)
breath; the animal sentient (experiencing sensation and feeling);
comes from a primary verb meaning to breathe (voluntarily but gently)


Pneuma (pnyoo’-mah)
the rational & immortal soul. Vital principle; mental disposition;
comes from a root meaning to breathe hard.
This is the word used for GOD’S Holy Spirit in the New Testament.


Zoe (dzo-ay)
mere vitality, even of plants; life (time). (zoology) (zoo).

An important difference in the words used for “Life.”

Zoe (dzo-ay) [above] is used in the New Testament as the life principle, life in the absolute sense; life as God has it, that which the Father has in Himself, and which He gave to the incarnate Son to have in Himself (John 5:26), and which the Son manifested in the world. Zoe is life intensive, the highest and best that saints possess.


Psuche (psoo-khay’) is used in the New Testament as the individual life, the living being, whereas, Zoe is the life of that being. Psuche is the natural life; the seat of the personality.


Bios (from which we get the English, biology)
= the period or duration of life;
= the manner of life; life in regard to its moral conduct;
= the means of life: livelihood, maintenance, living.
Bios is life extensive. A soul in its generic meaning is the body & spirit in combination. The spirit is the life principle that animates the body. Without the spirit the body is dead. The soul is the resulting combination of both body and spirit which produces a living being who possesses a “will,” “appetites,” “emotions,” personality, etc.

The HOLY SPIRIT did not enter and abide in the believer’s BODY until AFTER JESUS WAS GLORIFIED! HE was glorified in the work of redemption, which was FINISHED TO THE FULL WHEN HE ASCENDED ON THE DAY OF HIS RESURRECTION. All of this will be proven in this study. (John 7:39) (John 20:22) Until then, this study will take up every instance where the HOLY SPIRIT is mentioned before that event.


The Holy Spirit from Zacharias unto the Ascension of Jesus.

Zacharias.
Was told by an angel of the LORD that his yet unborn son would be named “John” and be “filled” (under the control of) The Holy Spirit from his mother’s womb.

Luke 1:15

Zacharias prophesied.And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, (Luke 1:67-79).

Luke 1:67

The Virgin Mary.

Luke 1:34-35
Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? ³⁵And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

come upon

overshadow

Matthew 1:18

Matthew 1:20

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. (KJV)

Elizabeth, John’s mother.

Luke 1:41-42
And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: ⁴²And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed [art] thou among women, and blessed [is] the fruit of thy womb.

filled = play-tho).

loud voice = with a great sound of uttered words. (controlled by Holy Spirit).

Simeon
The HOLY SPIRIT was upon him. He had a revelation from the HOLY SPIRIT. He came by the HOLY SPIRIT into the temple. He blessed the Baby JESUS. (Luke 2:25-35).


John, the immerser.
Spoke of what JESUS would do.

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: (KJV)

John 1:33

And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. (KJV)

baptize

with

fire

JESUS.

At His immersion. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: ¹⁷And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (KJV)

Matthew 3:16-17

Luke 3:22
And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased. (KJV)

John 1:32-34

And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. ³³And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. ³⁴And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. (KJV)

Led, driven, impelled into the wilderness. And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, ²Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.

Luke 4:1-2

(Mark 1:12 = “driveth” = with implication of force overcoming opposite force)

Returned into Galilee in the power (dunamis) of the spirit. (Luke 4:14).


Went into the synagogue in Nazareth and read from Isaiah, that the Spirit of the Lord is upon Me. (Luke 4:16-21)


Said that David had spoken by The Holy Spirit. (Mark 12:36).


Told of the “NEW BIRTH” and one must be born of the Holy Spirit. (John 3:16ff)


Said that The FATHER would give the Holy Spirit to those asking HIM. (Luke 11:13)


Spoke of the time when “HE” the Holy Spirit would come.(John 16:13)


Warned of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. (Mat. 12:31-32)(Mk.3:29)


Commissioned the believers to immerse in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Mat. 28:19-20)


Described in detail, the one of whom he spake.

The proper Name is the parakletos {par-ak’-lay-tos}, a root word. AV – comforter 4, advocate 1; 5
1) summoned, called to one’s side, esp. called to one’s aid
1a) one who pleads another’s cause before a judge, a pleader,
counsel for defense, legal assistant, an advocate
1b) one who pleads another’s cause with one, an intercessor
1b1) of Christ in his exaltation at God’s right hand, pleading with God the Father for the pardon of our sins
1c) in the widest sense, a helper, succourer, aider, assistant
1c1) of the Holy Spirit destined to take the place of Christ with the
apostles (after his ascension to the Father), to lead them to a deeper knowledge of the gospel truth, and give them divine strength needed to enable them to undergo trials and persecutions on behalf of the divine kingdom


He is also called The Spirit of Truth. (John 14:17).


He will be given at some time future from the time Jesus was speaking.

John 14:26

HE is a “GIFT.” The Person of THE HOLY SPIRIT is a GIFT. (dorea)

Gift = dorea (do-reh-ah’) = a gratuity; a gift; From a word meaning a present, especially a sacrifice.

JESUS gave the Person of THE HOLY SPIRIT first to the 120 disciples on the evening of HIS RESURRECTION, after HE HAD ASCENDED THAT MORNING IMMEDIATELY AFTER HIS RESURRECTION.


John 20:16-17
Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. ¹⁷Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and [to] my God, and your God. (KJV)


Leviticus 16:17
And there shall be no man in the tabernacle of the congregation when he goeth in to make an atonement in the holy [place], until he come out, and have made an atonement for himself, and for his household, and for all the congregation of Israel. (KJV)


See all of Hebrews 9:1ff…

Hebrews 9:11-12
But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; ¹²Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption [for us]. (KJV)

Hebrews 9:24-26
For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: ²⁵Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; ²⁶For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. (KJV)


Ephesians 4:9-10
(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? ¹⁰He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

fill

Ephesians 4:8
Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (KJV)


Colossians 2:15
[And] having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. (KJV)


JESUS led those captive with HIM who had been martyred during the Old Testament times and who were resurrected bodily just after HE came forth from the tomb.

Matthew 27:51-53

These were the “firstfruits” in fulfillment of Lev. 23:9-11.

Leviticus 23:9-11

1 Corinthians 15:20-23

But now is Christ risen from the dead, [and] become the firstfruits of them that slept. ²¹For since by man [came] death, by man [came] also the resurrection of the dead. ²²For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. ²³But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. (KJV)

All of these

important facts will be dealt with in detail later in this study.

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, ¹⁰Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest: ¹¹And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave it. (KJV)And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; ⁵²And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, ⁵³And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. (KJV) = fulfill. JESUS fulfilled ALL OF THESE EARTHLY SYMBOLS.

But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (KJV)

JESUS, the God-Man.

JESUS was totally GOD and Man. However, HE limited HIMSELF to the RESOURCES OF MAN. HE “took the force out of the fact of HIS Diety!” Hebrews 2:14
Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death — that is, the devil — (NIV)

Philippians 2:6-8
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,⁷but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. ⁸ And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross! (NIV)

The word, “grasped,” in the KJV = robbery.
The GREEK = 725 harpagmos {har-pag-mos’} AV – robbery 1; 1
2b) a thing to be seized upon or to be held fast, retained

Jesus submitted Himself totally to the Father’s will. HE did NOTHING on HIS own, nor as Diety; He acted in the strength of Man alone, BUT as man ENERGIZED & CONTROLLED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT!


Jesus did His “MIGHTY WORKS” through the power (dunamis) of the Holy Spirit and not through His own power, as MAN empowered by the Holy Spirit and not as the Second Person of the GODHEAD.

Luke 4:1

….alos Mat. 4:1 = “led.”

Mark 1:12

driveth

Matthew 12:28

Luke 4:14
Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. (NIV)

Luke 4:18

Acts 10:38

how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. (NIV)“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, (NIV)

The Holy Spirit raised up JESUS from the dead.

Romans 8:11

JESUS gave this same Person & power to each individual believer, and to the Church when HE went back to be with the Father.


BUT, this did NOT take place until after Jesus had been glorified.

John 7:39

This glorification took place in the completed work of redemption.

John 13:30-32

at once

Luke 13:31-33

Shall be perfected

In order to accomplish this, Jesus ascended immediately after his resurrection and entered the true sanctuary as our GREAT HIGH PRIEST AND TOOK HIS VERY OWN PRECIOUS BLOOD TO OFFER UP IN OUR BEHALF.

Ephesians 4:9-10

Hebrews 9:11-12

Hebrews 9:24-26

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: ²⁵Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; ²⁶For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Jesus told

Luke 24:25-26

= Greek, eiselthein = 2nd aorist infinitive of eiserchomai which denotes something already accomplished!

Having accomplished this Jesus returned that same night and GAVE THE PERSON OF THE HOLY SPIRIT TO EACH OF THE 12O DISCIPLES.

John 20:17

John 20:19-23

Then the same day at evening, being the first [day] of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace [be] unto you. ²⁰And when he had so said, he shewed unto them [his] hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. ²¹Then said Jesus to them again, Peace [be] unto you: as [my] Father hath sent me, even so send I you. ²²And when he had said this, he breathed on [them], and saith unto them, receive ye the Holy Ghost: ²³Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; [and] whose soever [sins] ye retain, they are retained. (KJV)

receive ye =

The Person of the HOLY SPIRIT is in the masculine gender.

a. Greek grammar states: “Every pronoun must agree with the noun it takes place of in gender & in number (not in case).


b. When JESUS PROMISES THE PERSON of the HOLY SPIRIT, HE speaks of a “masculine person,” the Comforter, (parakletos).

John 16:7-15

When the Scriptures speak of the energy-dunamis of the HOLY SPIRIT, the neuter gender is used. This was “the promise” of the FATHER.

Luke 24:49

Romans 8:16

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (KJV)

Romans 8:26

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (KJV)itself (auto) is used instead of He (autos) so as to agree in gender with the neuter noun,Spirit (pneuma) = wind; air; spirit.

The HOLY SPIRIT has a personality that fills all space, just like the air, and thus the HOLY SPIRIT is called HOLY “pneuma” (wind, air.) JESUS used this illustration in describing the new birth. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. ⁷Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. ⁸The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. (KJV)

John 3:6-8

Acts 2:2

John 14:26
But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (KJV)

1 Corinthians 2:12-14

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. ¹³Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. ¹⁴But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned. (KJV)And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty , wind and it filled all the house where they were sitting. (KJV)

In the GREAT TRIBULATION (this is not the wrath of GOD), THE HOLY SPIRIT will speak through believers who are steadfast in trials.

Mark 13:10-11

Although each of the 120 disciples (including the apostles) had received the Gift, the Person, of the HOLY SPIRIT on the night of the resurrection, JESUS told all of these 120 to wait until they were endued with power, before they began to bare witness of the Gospel.

Luke 24:46-49

Acts 1:8

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

1.) It is obvious that The Person, PARAKLETOS, The Gift of HOLY SPIRIT is not the same as the power , DUNAMIS, The Endument . The Gift is masculine gender…. the power is neuter gender.


These had already received the Person in their bodies… they were yet to receive power, which came on the day of Pentecost (50 days later).


The KJV translates two (2) differing Greek words by the same English, but they each have different meanings. KJV = “power.”
• In John 1:12, power = exousia (ex-oo-see’-ah). = authority; right, privilege, liberty of doing something. These were given the authority of the right to become sons of GOD.
• In Luke 24:49 & Acts 1:8, power = dunamis (doo’-nam-is) = AV – power 77, mighty work 11, strength 7, miracle 7, might 4, virtue 3, mighty 2, misc 9; 120
1) strength power, ability (ENERGIZED ABILITY)
1a) inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature, or which a person or thing exerts and puts forth
1b) power for performing miracles
1c) moral power and excellence of soul


shall receive = lambano (lam-ban’-o) = to take or lay hold of, in order to use. It is in the Future tense (contemplates an event which has not yet occurred;) Middle voice (active); Indicative mood, (a statement of fact, certain ).


come upon = 1904 eperchomai {ep-er’-khom-ahee}
1) to come to arrive
1a) of time, come on, be at hand, be future
2) to come upon, overtake, one
2a) of sleep
2b) of disease
2c) of calamities
2d) of the Holy Spirit, descending and operating in one
2e) of an enemy attacking one


This event… experience that was to take place in the future is called, “THE PROMISE of the Father.”

Luke 24:49

It is called “the promise,” because it had been promised in the O.T.

Isaiah 44:3

Joel 2:28-32

And it shall come to pass afterward, [that] I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: ²⁹And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. ³⁰And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. ³¹The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come. ³²And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call. (KJV)

For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:

promise = Heb.= (daw-bawr’) = a word; a matter (as spoken of) (aw-mar’) = to say; (o’-mer) = something said. Greek = epaggelia (ep-ang-el-ee’-ah) = an announcement (for information; assent or pledge); Divine assurance of good.

Scriptures where this Greek word is used in reference to Holy Spirit as the “dunamis,” the ENERGY… to come upon each.

Luke 24:49

Acts 1:4-5

Acts 2:33

Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. (KJV)And, being assembled together with [them], commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, [saith he], ye have heard of me. ⁵For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. (KJV)

And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. (KJV)

Where the “promise” is in reference to the “dorea,” the GIFT, to abide in the body of each.

Galatians 3:14

Ephesians 1:13

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

In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, (KJV)

That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. (KJV)

These 120 disciples who already had the Person of Holy Spirit in them were waiting for some future event that had been promised by the FATHER. It was called “an immersion (baptism);” an “endument,” it was to “come upon” them from on high. They were to wait for this to take place in order that they would have the necessary power (dunamis) = energized ability & boldness to witness to others. In fact, they were told by JESUS NOT TO GO UNTIL THEY WERE SO ENDUED but to wait for this promise that they would be empowered.


JESUS told the 120 to wait as HE was being “taken up” (not ascend). This was forty (40) days after they had received the Gift. (Acts 1:3)

Acts 1:4-5

(Pentecost = 50, and came 50 days after the Passover; So they waited 10 days.)But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. ⁹And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, HE was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. (KJV)

Acts 1:8-9

And, being assembled together with [them], commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, [saith he], ye have heard of me. ⁵For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. (KJV)

During these 40 days, Jesus was showing Himself ALIVE by many “INFALLIBLE PROOFS.” (Acts 1:1-4)

HE went into Galilee where HE gave the “great commission.” (Mat.28:16)


HE showed HIS crucified-resurrected Body to all and ate with them. (Luke 24:38-43) (John 20:26-31).


HE expounded the Scriptures to two men on the Emmaus road,and later to the other disciples and showed them how HE fulfilled them. (Luke 24:44-49; Luke 24:13-35; Mark 16:12-14)


HE met and ate with Peter & all those they went “back fishing” with him. (John 21:1ff)


Paul said that HE was seen of about 500 “brethren ” at one time, & also of himself. (1 Cor. 15:3-9)


HE was seen of James (HIS half-brother in the flesh). (1 Cor. 15:7).

What took place during those ten (10) days after Jesus was taken up?

They waited, they prayed; they were still afraid of the “Jews.”


They continued to meet in the large upper room and selected another disciple to take the place of Judas Iscariot as an “apostle.” They did this because they had studied the Scriptures where they said “Let another take this office.” (Acts 1:12-26).


They were waiting and preparing for the feast of Pentecost, not aware that THE FATHER would fulfill this promise at that time.

IV. The Day Of Pentecost And The “Dunamis” of the Holy Spirit.

This is called “The Feast Of Weeks,” or SHAVUOT. (4th festival)

The Two Feasts of “FIRSTFRUITS” are connected and very important in the symbolism of Passover & Pentecost.

“The fourth festival commemorates the awesome events that took place at Mt. Sinai. The children of Israel left Egypt on Friday, Aviv 15th, crossed the Red Sea on Sunday, Aviv 17th, and then journeyed for 47 days to Mt. Sinai. On the 50th day after coming up alive out of the Sea, they were to approach the mountain. (J. Good)


“It is called Shavuot or the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), for the children of Israel are to count seven weeks from the festival of FIRSTFRUITS, and then observe the following DAY as Shavuot. These forty-nine (49) days are called ‘The counting of the Omer.’ They connect the festival of Firstfruits (of the barley harvest) to Shavuot (the beginning of the wheat harvest.) Since the Firstfruits festival falls on the day AFTER the Sabbath, Shavuot will also. Shavuot (Pentecost) was a festive gathering for the conclusion of a festive season, a concluding feast of Pesach (Passover).” (J. Good)


“As Pesach (Passover) was the beginning of the barley harvest, with the waving of the sheaf (of the firstfruits) on the following Sunday, each day was thereafter counted until Shavuot (Pentecost), making a natural bridge between the two festivals… With Yeshua’s (JESUS)resurrection a connection is seen in Passover & Pentecost as HE instructs the disciples to remain in Jerusalem until they have had power poured out on them from on high. It is at Pentecost that this is fulfilled, completing a work that HE had begun at Passover.” (J. Good)


The above historical facts shows us that JESUS did indeed ascend on the morning of His resurrection, and took the sheaf of firstfruits with HIM, fulfilling Eph. 4:8-10. Those firstfruits were those resurrected just after HE was, martyrs of the O. Testament times. (Mat. 27:52-53) JESUS passed in triumph through the headquarters of death, leading this great host alive! (Col. 2:14-15; Heb. 2:14-15; Luke 11:21-22; Isa. 53:12)


The “firstfruits, were that portion of the fruits that ripened first, these being looked upon as an earnest (pledge) of the coming harvest.

1 Corinthians 15:22-24
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. ²³But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. ²⁴Then [cometh] the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. (KJV)

The Bible Dictionary defines a sheaf as “a gathered handful of grain;” (Jer. 9:22); Gathered in a joyous mood (Psa. 126:6; 129:7f); and as a beautiful sight (Song of Solomon 7:2).


Pentecost is defined: “The word derives from the Greek for the fiftieth day. It was the Jewish Feast of Weeks (Exo. 34:22; Deut. 16:9-11). It was called the Feast of Harvest (Exo. 23:16), or the Day of Firstfruits (Num. 28:26), which fell on the 50th day after the Feast of Passover. Originally, the festival was the time when, with appropriate ritual and ceremony, the first-fruits of the corn harvest, the last Palestinian crop to ripen, were formally dedicated.”

When JESUS was caught away and went back to heaven in clouds, HE sat down (shows a completed work) on the right hand of the FATHER.

Hebrews 1:3

JESUS has been there with the FATHER, expecting, (awaiting the full term) and then HE will “appear a 2nd time in clouds as HE went away.” But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; ¹³From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. ¹⁴For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. (KJV)

Hebrews 10:12-14

Acts 1:9-11

Revelation 1:7

Acts 3:20-21

must receive = must give a welcoming reception to.must = necessity in reference to what is required to attain some end (goal).

restitution =605 apokatastasis {ap-ok-at-as’-tas-is} restoration of the perfect state before the fall.

The “upon,” baptism (immersion), the dunamis of Holy Spirit. Luke 24:49
And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

upon = epi (ep-ee’) = superimposition (to lay or impose one thing over or above), as a relation of distribution = a prep. of position.

endued = enduo (en-doo’-o) = to put on a sinking into a garment; clothed; They are to WAIT until they are “CLOTHED” with dunamis.

power = dunamis (doo’-nam-is) = force; enabling energy & ability.

wait for used only in Acts 1:4 = perimeno (per-ee-men’-o) to wait; stay around; await. (only use in the N. T.) Spoken by JESUS.

“THE” promise is a specific & important promise of THE FATHER. “THE PROMISE,” = he epaggelia (ep-ang-el-ee’-ah) GOD’S pledge. Signifies a gift graciously bestowed, not something due.

This “POWER,” (dunamis) is never to impart life! (zoe), but always to give enabling energy, force, to individuals to do HIS WORK!

These 120, The Church , were given life (zoe) on the evening of the resurrection in John 20:22; They became at that time The Church, a living organism, the Body of Christ Jesus. They were “ADDED TO,” by the LORD on the day of Pentecost when the GOSPEL was preached in this dunamis power of the HOLY SPIRIT. One cannot add to something that does not exist!

Acts 2:41

And later, some more were added in the same way…

Acts 2:46-47

church = ekklesia (ek-klay-see’-ah) = a calling out. EACH person that is added to the BODY (Church) of JESUS is first “called out of the world” through the witnesses of the Word & Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:38-39

The Septuagint (translation of the Hebrew O.T. into Greek) uses the same Greek word for the sending of the HOLY SPIRIT upon men in the O.T. as is used in the N.T., not for life (zoe) but for ENABLING STRENGTH to accomplish JEHOVAH’S purpose and work. In some cases, HE even withdrew HIS SPIRIT from these same men. NOTE these Scriptures…

Gen. 1:2, The Spirit moved upon the face of the waters.


Num. 24:2, upon Balaam – spoke great predictions from GOD.


Judges 3:10, upon Othniel as the first Judge for the people.


Judges 6:34, upon Gideon to fight the Midianites.


Judges 11:29, upon Jephthah to fight Ammon.


Judges 14:6, upon Samson to kill a lion.


Judges 15:14, mightily upon Samson to kill a 1,000 Philistines.


1 Sam. 10:6, upon Saul & he became “another” man & prophesied.


1 Sam. 11:6, upon Saul & his anger was kindled for revenge.


Sam. 16:14, The Spirit was withdrawn from Saul.


1 Sam. 19:20-23, upon the messengers of Saul & they prophesied.


1 Sam. 4:21, Phinehas’s wife named her baby, “ICHABOD,” which means “the glory of GOD has departed from Israel.”

1 Samuel 4:21-22

Ichabod (ee-kaw-bode’)

1 Sam. 16:13, upon David being anointed to be king.


1 Chron. 12:18, upon Amasai to help David. (Note: margin = clothed).


2 Chron. 15:1, upon Azariah to speak to Asa a message from GOD.


2 Chron. 24:20, upon Zechariah, son of Jehoiada, to speak for GOD.


2 Kings 2:9-15, a double portion of the spirit that was upon Elijah was given to Elisha.


Ezek. 11:5, fell upon Ezekiel to speak GOD’s message.


Ezek. 11:19; 36:26-27; 37:14, GOD’S promise to put HIS spirit “in” (within) the individual.


Ezek. 39:29, promise in future to pour out HIS Spirit upon Israel.


Isa. 42:1, Prophecy that JEHOVAH will “put MY Spirit” upon Jesus and fulfilled Isa. 61:1-2 in JESUS in Mat. 3:16 & Luke 4:18-19.


Joel 2:28-32, prophesied that GOD would “pour out” HIS Spirit (future) and this was partially fulfilled in Acts 2:16-21.


Micah 3:8, declared that he (Micah) was full of power by the Spirit of JEHOVAH. (and of judgment & of might in order to declare…)

The same word in the New Testament:

Acts 2:3-4 fulfilled the promise of Acts 1:8

Acts 1:8

Acts 2:2-4

And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. ³And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. ⁴And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (KJV)

Each was filled with “DUNAMIS” after the HOLY SPIRIT came upon each and they each spoke the message of salvation to others.


Two (2) things preceded this mighty event:
• They had continued in prayer and obedience to the words of JESUS.
• The HOLY SPIRIT had been promised that HE would begin HIS WORK.

Acts 1:14

John 16:7-14

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. ⁸And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: ⁹Of sin, because they believe not on me; ¹⁰Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; ¹¹Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. ¹²I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. ¹³Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. ¹⁴He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you. (KJV)

What were the results of this?

Acts 2:37-38
Now when they heard [this], they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men [and] brethren, what shall we do? ³⁸Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (KJV)…And those being saved were “added” to the 120.Acts 2:41-42
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls.
⁴²And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (KJV)

In every instance, the results were the same… for the purpose of carrying out a work for the LORD. To exalt HIM and to fulfill HIS Word.

The “upon” filling of individuals with “dunamis” was not to make one “super spiritual” or to fill with pride; it was not to “speak in tongues;” It was not for the benefit of the individual, but for JEHOVAH-JESUS.


The ability to speak a foreign language to these “FOREIGN JEWS,” by Galileans who did not know those languages and dialects, was two fold: To fulfill this prophecy, along with the other given above:

Isaiah 28:11
For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. (KJV)

Isaiah 28:11-13

= la`eg {law-ayg’} AV – mocker , stammering ; mocking; mocker.
Very well then, with foreign lips and strange tongues God will speak to this people, ¹²to whom he said, “This is the resting place, let the weary rest”; and, “This is the place of repose” — but they would not listen.
¹³So then, the word of the LORD to them will become: Do and do, do and do, rule on rule, rule on rule; a little here, a little there — so that they will go and fall backward, be injured and snared and captured. (NIV)

stammering

another

tongue

= 03956 lashown {law-shone’} or lashon {law-shone’} also (in plural) feminine l@shonah {lesh-o-naw’} AV – tongue 98, language 10, bay 3, wedge 2, babbler 1, flame 1, speaker + 0376 1, talkers 1; 117
     1) tongue
     1a) tongue (of men)
          1a1) tongue (literal) 1a2) tongue (organ of speech)
     1b) language
     1c) tongue (of animals)
     1d) tongue (of fire)
     1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped) = 0312 ‘acher {akh-air’} = other; different.

There is no “unknown” tongue. This word has been added by the translators in 1 Cor. 14.

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

… a sign to unbelievers.

The Greek word for tongues = 1100 glossa {gloce-sah’}
1) the tongue, a member of the body, an organ of speech
2) a tongue
     1a) the language or dialect used by a particular people
         distinct from that of other nations

These same ones that had been filled with dunamis on Pentecost were filled again and again.

In all the references below, all used the Greek word for fill = pletho (play’-tho) = to furnish, in order to accomplish a certain work.

Acts 2:4

Acts 4:8

Acts 4:31

Acts 9:17

Acts 13:9
Then Saul, (who also [is called] Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, (KJV)

And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, [even] Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. (KJV)
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. (KJV)Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, (KJV)

In these 2 references, the Greek word, pleroo (play-ro’-o) is used, which is defined as “filling to the fullest extent;”

Acts 2:2
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. (KJV)

Ephesians 5:18
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; (KJV)

A Closer Look At What Happened At Pentecost. (Acts 2:1-47)

Ten (10) days after JESUS had been caught away, the 120 disciples who had received the Gift-Person of the HOLY SPIRIT the evening after HE had been resurrected and ascended that morning of the first day, were, in obedience to HIS instructions, awaiting THE PROMISE of THE FATHER that they would be endued with dunamis not many days hence.


The Day of Pentecost (Shavuot) was fully (to the complete fullness) come. Jews from seventeen (17) different countries, speaking their own tongue, language or dialect, were gathered for that festival.


An unusual event began to take place. A sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind drew everyone’s attention. It came and filled all the house where these 120 disciples, who spoke Galilaean, were sitting. (Pleroo) = filled= to the fullest extent; crammed to the top).


There was a visible appearance of cloven tongues of fire that sat upon each of these 120 Galilaeans.

cloven (used only here in N.T.) = diamerizo (dee-am-er-id’-zo) = to partition thoroughly (lit.,in distribution). These tongues were divided so that the fire sat upon each of the 120.

tongues = glossa (gloce-sah’) = the tongue as an organ of speech; (by impl. a language (spec. one naturally unacquired).

JESUS had said they would speak with new tongues. (Mark 16:17)

new = kainos (kahee-nos’) = new (espc. in freshness); NOT in age.
This Greek word denotes “new,” of that which is unaccustomed ; new as to form or quality. These were “new languages” to the speakers, not to the hearers; new in the sense of being different from what they spoke naturally… new to what they were accustomed to speaking.

JEHOVAH had prophesied through Isaiah…

Isaiah 28:11
For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. (KJV)

another = Heb. “akh-air” = strange

John the Baptizer said of JESUS,

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: (KJV)

(Wind and fire are energy!)

The results of these cloven tongues as of fire upon EACH one was…

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

Acts 2:4
All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. (NIV)

The results of this enabling power was that each group of VISITING JEWS, regardless of what language or dialect they spoke, were given the message of the gospel by some one of these 120 Galileans in their own language so that everyone of the Jews gathered HEARD THE MESSAGE OF THE GOSPEL. (Acts 2:7-12).


As each was hearing, the HOLY SPIRIT was convicting each hearer.

John 16:8-11
And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: ⁹Of sin, because they believe not on me; ¹⁰Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; ¹¹Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

reprove = convict.

Acts 2:36-37
Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
³⁷ Now when they heard [this], they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men [and] brethren, what shall we do?

pricked

They responded to the instructions and invitation.

Acts 2:38-42
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. ³⁹For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call. ⁴⁰And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. ⁴¹Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls.
⁴²And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (KJV)

They began to speak (Acts 2:4) = aarchomai (ar’-khom-ahee) = middle voice of 757 (through the implication of precedence); = to be the first to do (anything), to begin; make a beginning.


Each one being saved received the Gift (dorea) of the HOLY SPIRIT.

This is the person of the HOLY SPIRIT, not an ability to “speak in another language.”


Acts 2:38
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. BE FILLED! This is the same expression JESUS used in John 20:22… Receive ye HOLY SPIRIT.


shall receive the gift… not

These 3,000 were born again, received the person of HOLY SPIRIT, but did not speak a different language, nor were they then filled with dunamis.


This same promise is made to all who receive JESUS CHRIST.

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

When one first believes, they are given LIFE (zoe), not dunamis. The PERSON of the HOLY SPIRIT abide in, while the DUNAMIS comes upon. The PERSON is He, the DUNAMIS is it.
The case of the 12 men in the upper coasts of Ephesus. (Acts 19:1-7)

Acts 19:1-7
And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, ²He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. ³And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. ⁴Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. ⁵When they heard [this], they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. ⁶And when Paul had laid [his] hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. ⁷And all the men were about twelve. (KJV)

A detailed study of the above passage and experience.

Literally it reads: “If (or since) believing Holy Spirit ye received?”


(Wuest) = “The Holy Spirit, did you receive Him as a result of your initial act of faith?” or (McCrossan) = “Did ye, having previously believed, receive the Holy Spirit?”


Believing = pisteusantes = an aorist participle = a point action on the part of the believer at that time present. We might say, “Back there at the time you first believed, did you at that time receive Holy Spirit?”


There obvious answer was “no.” This means that they were not yet saved. c/f…

Romans 8:9-10
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
¹⁰And if Christ [be] in you, the body [is] dead because of sin; but the Spirit [is] life (zoe) because of righteousness. (KJV)

Receive is always connected with the Person of the HOLY SPIRIT. c/f.,

John 20:22
And when he had said this, he breathed on [them], and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: (KJV)

They could not have received HOLY SPIRIT when they did not even know about HIM. They confessed they had not heard “if there is HOLY SPIRIT.”


They were asked, “To what therefore were ye baptized?”


They answered, “To the baptism of John.”


John’s baptism consisted of two (2) parts: repentance of sins and belief in the coming of JESUS.

Acts 19:4
Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

These knew only about repentance. It is just a reverse of what most people hear from preachers today. Most say “believe in Jesus,” but they leave off repentance. These people in Acts 19:1ff had heard only of repentance, but had not hear about the redemptive work of JESUS. They believed in Him when they did hear and were at that point born again and received the gift (Person) of the HOLY SPIRIT. Following this believe, they were immersed in water in the Name of the LORD JESUS…

Acts 19:5

When they heard [this], they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. (KJV)

After these had (1) heard the truth, (2) believed in Jesus, (3) received the Person of the Holy Spirit, and (4) immersed in water, Paul laid hands UPON them, at that point, the HOLY SPIRIT came on them, with the results being they “SPAKE WITH TONGUES AND PROPHESIED.”

Acts 19:6-7
And when Paul had laid [his] hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. ⁷And all the men were about twelve. (KJV)

These did exactly what the 120 had done on the day of Pentecost.

spake = laleo {lal-eh’-o} (spake)
1) to utter a voice or emit a sound
2) to speak
     2a) to use the tongue or the faculty of speech
     2b) to utter articulate sounds
3) to talk
4) to utter, tell
5) to use words in order to declare one’s mind and disclose one’s thoughts

tongues

prophesied

= propheteuo {prof-ate-yoo’-o}
1) to prophesy, to be a prophet, speak forth by divine inspirations, to predict.
     1a) to prophesy
     1b) with the idea of foretelling future events
          pertaining esp. to the kingdom of God
     1c) to utter forth, declare, a thing which can
          only be known by divine revelation
     1d) to break forth under sudden impulse in
           lofty discourse or praise of the divine
           counsels
          1d1) under like prompting, to teach,
                 refute, reprove, admonish, comfort
                 others
    1e) to act as a prophet, discharge the prophetic
          office= glossa {gloce-sah’}
1) the tongue, a member of the body, an organ of speech
2) a tongue
     1a) the language or dialect used by a particular people distinct from that of other nations

The case of the Samaritans. ( Acts 8:12-17) Philip preaching.

Philip went into Samaria and preached Christ. Acts 8:12
But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. (KJV)

The Holy Spirit had not yet fallen upon any of those saved.

Acts 8:14-17
Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: ¹⁵Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: ¹⁶(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) ¹⁷Then laid they [their] hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. (KJV)

fallen upon = the dunamis (power) = epipipto {ep-ee-pip’-to}
1) to fall upon, to rush or press upon
     1a) to lie upon one
     1b) to fall into one’s embrace
     1c) to fall back upon
2) metaph.
     2a) to fall upon one i.e. to seize, take possession
          of him
          2a1) of the Holy Spirit, in his inspiration and impulse
          2a2) of reproaches cast upon one

receive = (Acts 8:14) “has received the Word of GOD” = to make one’s own; to embrace; not to reject.= dechomai (dekh’-om-ahee). To accept by deliberate & ready reception what is offered.

received (might receive) = to obtain; lambano (lam-ban’-o) = to take in order to use. (The “upon” filling of Holy Spirit.) (Acts 8:15-17)

The context shows that Philip had been doing works of healing and casting out demons, and performing other miracles. When Simon, the sorcerer, (who had believed and had been baptized) (Acts 8:13) saw the mighty works being done through the HOLY SPIRIT and saw the “laying on of hands,” to receive this ability, he sought to obtain this spiritual gift by offering money for it.

Acts 8:18-19
And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, ¹⁹Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. (KJV)

given = didomi (did’-o-mee) = to supply; furnish; deliver; Of one’s own accord, give one something to his advantage. What Simon saw was the energy & ability to perform the works Philip had done.

The case of Paul. (Acts 9:1-20).

Paul was saved on the road to Damascus. He received the Person of the Holy Spirit as all do when they receive CHRIST JESUS.


Paul was called “brother” by Ananias to whom GOD had sent him as he first met Paul.


Ananias laid hands on Paul and he (Paul) received his sight and was filled (the upon baptism) with HOLY SPIRIT. This resulted in Paul preaching CHRIST .(= prophesying)


Because this was his first opportunity, he was immersed in water. Only after one is saved can that one be scripturally baptized, & this does not have to take place immediately as we all know.

The case of Peter preaching to Cornelius, a Gentile. (Acts 10:1-48).

The Gentiles receive the same experience as the Jews.

Acts 10:44-48
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. ⁴⁵And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. ⁴⁶For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, ⁴⁷Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? ⁴⁸And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. (KJV)

It is clear from Acts 11:15-18, When Peter rehearsed his experience in Caesarea at Cornelius’ house, an Italian, to those at Jerusalem, he said that they, (the Gentiles) had received the very same experience of Holy Spirit as the Jews received at Pentecost.

Acts 11:15-18
And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. ¹⁶Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. ¹⁷Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as [he did] unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? ¹⁸When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. (KJV)

= 1968 epipipto {ep-ee-pip’-to}
1) to fall upon, to rush or press upon
     1a) to lie upon one
     1b) to fall into one’s embrace
     1c) to fall back upon
2) metaph.
     2a) to fall upon one i.e. to seize, take possession
           of him
               2a1) of the Holy Spirit, in his inspiration
                      and impulse
               2a2) of reproaches cast upon one

fell on

as upon

The result was that “they magnified GOD.” (Acts 10:46)

poured out

gift

= 1431 dorea {do-reh-ah’} AV – gift 11; 11
1) a gift
1431 differs from 1435 in denoting a gift which is also a gratuity, hence of the gift of a sovereign.
1435 = 1435 doron {do’-ron} a present; TDNT – 2:166,166; n n = AV, gift or offering.
1) a gift, present
1a) gifts offered in expression of honour
1a1) of sacrifices and other gifts offered to God
1a2) of money cast into the treasury for the purposes of the temple and for the support of the poor
2) the offering of a gift or of gifts,” (Acts 10:45) = 1632 ekcheo {ek-kheh’-o}
or (by variation) ekchuno {ek-khoo’-no}
= Pour out 12, shed 4, shed forth 1, spill 1, run out 1, shed 5, run greedily 1, shed abroad 1, gush out 1, spill 1; 28
1) to pour out, shed forth
2) metaph. to bestow or distribute largely= 5618 hosper {hoce’-per} \ adv. (how) AV – as 39, even as 2, like as 1; 42
1) just as, even as. = In the exact same way.

I. A Summary Of What We Have Seen.

A. The “baptism of (unto) Repentance.” (John, Baptist preached this). This inward attitude resulted from the conviction of sin brought about by the preaching of John who had been “filled with Holy Spirit from his mother’s womb.” (Luke 1:15) This inward repentance resulted in an outward observance of a changed life. (Mat. 3:8) This was evidence to John to immerse those in water who so manifested this repentance from sin. These were not yet “born again of Holy Spirit.” They believed in John’s preaching of the One (Jesus) coming “after him.” (Mat. 3:11). John was “preparing the way,” (= repentance) for JESUS to be received as Savior. Repentance is toward GOD THE FATHER; Faith is in the redemptive completed work of JESUS which alone can reconcile the repentant sinner to GOD THE FATHER.

Acts 20:21
Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. (KJV)

B. We do not know how many were born again after they “repented.” We know that some were not. (Acts 19:1-5) But we know that 120 were. These received the Gift of The Holy Spirit (zoe = eternal life) the Person, on the night after the resurrection and ascension of JESUS. (John 20:22) These 120 were the Church, the body of JESUS CHRIST. They were given “commission and authority” by HIM to do the work of the Gospel. (John 20:23; Luke 24:46-49; Mat. 28:19-20; Acts 1:1-8)

C. The individual members (petros) of the Church were to wait until they would be endued (empowered; energized; enabled) with Holy Spirit “dunamis” (power) before they began to evangelize the world. This work was absolutely dependent on the HOLY SPIRIT. (John 16:7-14).

D. This mighty outpouring of HOLY SPIRIT “dunamis” (enabling ability) came upon each member (petros) of the Church, composed of 120 members, on the day of Pentecost when there were gathered Jews from all parts of the world at Jerusalem. These 120 plainly spoke the Gospel message to each group of nationalities as the Spirit gave them utterance. The Holy Spirit brought conviction in the hearts of 3,000 of those, and they repented of their sins, believed the message of JESUS’ redemptive work, were born again (received the Person of the Holy Spirit), were added to the already existing Church (the 120), by GOD, and were immersed in water. These did not “speak in tongues!” They joined in the work of the Church.

E. As individual members of the BODY OF CHRIST continued to obey the commission of the LORD, 5,000 more were added to the Body-Church. (Acts 4:4; 21:20) They were said to be added to the Lord.(His Body). (Acts 5:14…”much believers added”) (Acts 11:24, “much people.”)

F. There is but (only) One…

Ephesians 4:4-7
[There is] one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; ⁵One Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶One God and Father of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all. ⁷But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. (KJV)

1 Corinthians 12:13

Galatians 3:26-29
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. ²⁷For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. ²⁸There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. ²⁹And if ye [be] Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. (KJV)

1 Corinthians 10:1-4
Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; ²And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; ³And did all eat the same spiritual meat; ⁴And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. (KJV)

G. These experiences are the first principles of the “doctrine of Christ.”

Hebrews 6:1-2
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, ²Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (KJV)

The Greek word used (KJV = baptisms) is baptismos {bap-tis-mos’}, which is
1) a washing, purification effected by means of water
1a) of washing prescribed by the Mosaic law (Heb 9:10) which seems to mean an exposition of the difference between the washings prescribed by the Mosaic law and Christian baptism. (Wuest translates it “ablutions.”)
It is not baptizo = 907 baptizo {bap-tid’-zo}
1) to dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge (of vessels sunk)
2) to cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to make clean with water, to wash one’s self, bathe
3) to overwhelm

H. Repentance is given as the first principle.It is a must, and precedes the receiving of JESUS CHRIST as Savior.

Mark 1:14-15
Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, ¹⁵And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. (KJV)

Mark 6:12
And they (the 12) went out, and preached that men should repent.

Matthew 9:13
But go ye and learn what [that] meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Luke 13:3
I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. (KJV)

Acts 17:30-31
And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: ³¹Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by [that] man whom he hath ordained; [whereof] he hath given assurance unto all [men], in that he hath raised him from the dead. (KJV)

1. repentance = metanoia (met-an’-oy-ah) = compunction (for guilt). = (Vine) = after-thought; change of mind. The requirement by GOD on man’s part. (verb) = to perceive afterwards. c/f “what shall we do?” (Meta = after [implying change] & noeo = to perceive); signifies to change one’s mind or purpose, always in the N.T. involving a change for the better, an admendment, and always (except Luke 17:3,4) of repentance from sin. (A.T. R.) = to change (think afterwards) their mental attitude and conduct. The O.T. has, “turn ye,” (Joel 2:12; Isa. 55:7; Ezek. 33:11, 15).

2. What is this “influence” that causes a sinner to repent; to change his mind about himself, sin, and JESUS? It is the Holy Spirit operating through the Word of GOD, the Scriptures. C. Genuine “REPENTANCE” leads one unto eternal LIFE (zoe).

Acts 11:18
When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

Romans 2:4
Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

2 Timothy 2:25

Luke 15:7
I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

Luke 15:10

Revelation 9:20-21
And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: ²¹ Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts. (KJV)

Definition & references to “in-with” tongues. speak = laleo (lal-eh’-o) = to talk; utter words; it is “an extended or random harangue {a speech addressed to a multitude; often a noisy, ranting speech}… as distinguished from, lego (leg’-o) which means “to lay forth,” or relate (in words) usually of systematic or set discourse.

Dr. Vine says, “lego” refers especially to the substance of what is said, while “laleo” refers to the words conveying the utterance. c/f., John 12:49-b, “what I should say (lego) and what I should speak .”( laleo).

laleo is used in all references for “speak” in Acts 2:4-11 and 4:20 through 18:26 and in all references in 1 Cor. 12:30 through 14:39.

tongues 1100 glossa {gloce-sah’}
1) the tongue, a member of the body, an organ of speech
2) a tongue
     1a) the language or dialect used by a
           particular people distinct from that
           of other nations This same word
           is used in all references to “tongues.”

heteroglossos (het-er-og’-loce-sos) = other tongued; a foreigner, and is used in 1 Cor. 14:21.

dialektos (dee-al’-ek-tos) = a mode of discourse; dialect; tongue; language; is used in speaking of the “Hebrew tongue,” in Acts 21:40, 22:2, & 26:14.

in-with tongues is used in…

• Acts 2:4 with “other,” (eterais) = different from what they spoke.
• Acts 10:46 (glossais).
• Acts 2:8 & 11 = in “our own”… “each in his own language of us.”
• Acts 19:6 they spoke (elaloun) in tongues (glossais.)
• All the rest are found in 1 Cor. 12:30 through 1 Cor. 14:5. After these references, speaking “in-with” tongues is not mentioned. The entire book of 1 Corinthians deals with problems. This was one of them.
• The Greek prefix, “ME,” at the beginning of a sentence, signifies that the answer that will be given is no. 1 Cor. 12:30 begins with “ME.”

1 Corinthians 12:30
Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

= “NO!” (These chapters 12-14 will be studied later).

Different uses of the term, “baptism.” (all have same Greek word).

of repentance = an overwhelming sorrow for sins; With a view to; “A baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins.” ( Mk.1:4; Lu.3:3; Acts 2:38; 13:24; restatement in Acts 19:3-5; 22:16) This is the first use of this term that John the baptizer was sent by GOD to do.


in water = Under John’s preaching, symbolic for repentance of sins. = After the finished work of redemption of JESUS, it was symbolic for death, burial, & resurrection of JESUS and the believer’s association with HIM it it.


into the body of Jesus Christ (The Church).

1 Corinthians 12:13
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (KJV)

Wuest = “placed,” for baptism. The Greek (lit.) = “for indeed, we all were immersed by One Spirit into one Body.”

Romans 6:3-4
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? ⁴Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (KJV)

Ephesians 4:5

Colossians 2:12

Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with [him] through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
One Lord, one faith, one baptism, (KJV)

Nestle’s Greek text = “Co-buried with HIM in THE baptism… ye were co-raised through THE faith in the operation of GOD.”

1 Peter 3:21

Galatians 3:27

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (KJV)

“IN-WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT AND 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: (KJV) (Mk.1:8; Lu. 3:16)

Acts 1:5

Acts 11:15-17

And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. ¹⁶Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. ¹⁷Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as [he did] unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? (KJV)
For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. (KJV)

“METAPHORICALLY.” (Use of a word or phrase literally denoting one kind of object or idea in place of another by way of suggesting a likeness or analogy between them.” A comparison.

Mark 10:38-39

Luke 12:50

But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! (KJV)

baptism = to overwhelm; JESUS was speaking of the overwhelming sorrow, affliction, and judgment to which HE was to voluntarily submit & undergo.

Matthew 26:37-39

Mark 14:33-34

Luke 22:44

Matthew 27:46

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? (KJV)
And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. (KJV)And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; ³⁴And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. (KJV)

Dr. Vine (Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words) says, “The verb, baptizo, is used metaphorically in two distinct senses: firstly, of baptism by the Holy Spirit, which took place on the day of Pentecost; secondly, of the calamity which would come upon the nation of the Jews, a baptism of the fire of Divine judgment for rejection of the will and word pf God. Matt. 3:11; Luke 3:16.”

What the Bible Teaches About “Speaking in-with Tongues.”

This was a problem in the Church at Corinth. We know this because the entire book of 1 Corinthians deals with problems and false teachings.


It is never described as to what actually took place in that Church. It may have been an attempt to duplicate what took place in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. It is clear and evident what happened on that day. The 120 Disciples of Christ Jesus who had received the Person of the Holy Spirit on the night of His resurrection and ascension were energized and gifted to speak the gospel message in a language that had not known as the Holy Spirit gave them utterance. What was taking place in Corinth no one truly knows, but whatever it was became a problem & disruption.


The only information we have on this matter is found only in 2 chapters of 1 Corinthians, Chapters 12 & 14. Let us honestly seek to know the truth of these chapters in a detailed word study that follows.


In every place where the word “tongues” is used it is the same Greek word, glossa (gloce-sah’) which is defined as the organ in the mouth that is used in speaking words; by implication it means a “language.” There is not an “unknown tongue,” and the “unknown” in the Scriptures is placed there by the translators to indicate a language “unknown” to the one speaking it as on the day of Pentecost. Each group of people who were spoken to by these Galileans heard them speak in their language or dialect from which they had come. The “foreign Jews” heard clearly & understood the message spoken by these Galileans although these Galileans had not been taught the language in which they spoke to them. This was a special ability, called in the Scriptures, “spiritual gifts,”(KJV), the “gifts” (in italics), being added by the translators. The Greek word is pneumatikos (pnyoo-mat-ik-os’) = (Vine)= it always connotes the idea of invisibility and of power… it is in fact an after-Pentecost word.” It speaks of a “gift,” but it is a different Greek word for gift than is used for the Holy Spirit as a Person which is “dorea.” The word used is charismaton = a favor bestowed or received without any merit. The same word is used in…

Romans 1:11

The One and Same Holy Spirit works in individuals to distribute these charismaton.

V. A Study Of The Charismaton.

An admonition & warning: Once “you” were led astray by dumb idols that could not speak; don’t be deceived or misled by people who do speak, and attribute their utterance to the Holy Spirit.

When a person speaks by the Holy Spirit, two things are sure:

No one can say that JESUS is accursed. (anathema).

No one will say the JESUS is Lord except by means of the H. Spirit.

There is only One LORD & SPIRIT Who distributes these diversities of Charismaton (gifts-favors).

ALL such distribution to individuals (in the Church) are for the good of all the entire Body of believers in order to thoroughly furnish them.

2 Timothy 3:17
That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (KJV)

= to bring each to spiritual maturity (perfection). Spiritual gifts are for the purpose of bringing Spiritual blessings to the Church.

The Holy Spirit and His work being one, divides the distribution like this:

Distributions (dividings) of diverse spiritual gifts.


Distributions of various kinds of ministries.


Distributions of Divine energy motivating these gifts.

The Holy Spirit gives these gifts (charismaton) as HE chooses to members of the Body of Christ (The Church) for the blessing & maturity of all. The word, “DIVERSITIES,” is found only here (1:3) & means, “distinctions.”

A word of wisdom.

A word of knowledge.

Faith.

Gifts of healing.

The working of miracles.

The giving forth of Divine revelations.

The correct evaluation of those individuals who give forth revelations.

Various kinds of languages.

The interpretation of languages.

The Greek meaning of the above “diversities.”

Intelligent reasoning resulting in good, practical action.


Insight, or illumination.


Wonder-working faith.


Physical wholesomeness; fig. of spiritual (Mat. 13:15; John 12:40).


Signs, wonders, & dunameis (powers).


Prophecy: a speaking forth of GOD’S message under the guidance of The Holy Spirit. (This receives the greatest praise in 1 Cor. 14:1)


To discern whether supernatural or merely strange though natural or even diabolical.


An ecstatic utterance of highly wrought emotion that edified (only) the speaker and was intelligible to GOD. (This receives the place as lowest of all “gifts.”) It created wonder, but did little real good.


Necessary if anyone was to receive benefit from it.

The oneness-unity of the BODY-Church is like a physical body & members.

Though many members, it is still only one body.


One head & energy operate the many members as a whole.


Each member is necessary for the proper function of the whole body.


The ALMIGHTY GOD has made both (bodies) as it pleased HIM. HE made the members and placed them where HE wanted to in each body.


Schism, division , causes all to be out of harmony and all suffer. Since all members support the whole, the body does not function properly.


Each member plays a part in either suffering or rejoicing together

ALMIGHTY GOD “has set” for His own use (as He willed) in the Church this group of organs, tempered (mixed together) to bring about the results HE desires for the Body of Christ; each has his own responsibility.

1st, apostles. = One sent forth.


2nd, prophets.= One moved by the Spirit to utter the deep things of God.


3rd, teachers. = One who instructs others in truth.


Miracles. (in the abstract, not the concrete).


Gifts of healings.


Helps = one who aids or helps in some work in the Church.


Governments = outstanding leaders (probably. bishops & elders).


Diversities (kinds) of tongues = English, “genus” = kind, class,or sort.

ARE ALL… DO ALL… the Greek, “me pantes,” expects a negative answer. This says, NO, all do not do these things. Only those GOD “gifts” and only as to the needs in the Body! Therefore, some do! But these differ in importance in the building up of the Church Body of Christ.

According to GOD’S RATING, HE places the order of importance,

Agape (God’s kind of love) as holding the superexcellent 1st place.


Prophesying (which is edification of the Church) 2nd in importance.


Tongues (speaking in a language foreign to one’s own) as last & least.

Therefore, an entire chapter is given by the HOLY SPIRIT to the most excellent, which is GOD’S KIND OF LOVE. (1Cor. 13). The KJV uses the old English word, “charity,” to translate the Greek word, agape (ag-ah’-pay). This word “charity” is used 28 times for “AGAPE.

These are three (3) kinds of “LOVE” most used by people:

Agape = expresses ideas previously unknown to the “world.” It is a New Testament word. It is used to describe GOD’S attitude and expresses HIS essential nature. It is more clearly demonstrated than defined. It can be known only from the action it prompts. This is why an entire chapter is used to describe it. It is an inward, heart-felt emotion that impels one to deny him-self for the sake of the object of his love, and to do whatever is necessary for the good & welfare of the object of that love. This is seen in John 3:16; Romans 5:8; John 15:13, etc.


Phileo (fil-eh’-o) = to be a friend. (The word, Philadelphia, = love brother, called, the City of brotherly love); = having affection & personal attachment as a matter of sentiment or feeling. Both of these words used for “love” are found in John 21:15-17, with JESUS using “agape” in His questions of Peter and Peter answering with phileo,” until the last use by JESUS when HE uses phileo.


Eros (never used in the Bible) is strictly a “worldly” term for sexual love. All of these so-called worldly “love songs” & “making love” use the Greek word “eros,” from which the word, “erotica,” comes from.

No charismata (special endowments) are of any profit to the possessor unless it is motivated and given through AGAPE.”


The inserting of this “LOVE CHAPTER” between the two (2) chapters on “spirituals” reveal some of the wrong motives for being over-zealous to demonstrate one’s superiority of enduments over other member’s. Agape gives quality to all other gifts; Agape achieves the greatest wonders; and Agape endures forever. (1 Cor. 13)


Which gifts are of greater importance? (1 Cor. 14:1-40)

The revelation of what was taking place in the Church at Corinth is seen best in this chapter 14. It seems to be the attempt on the part of some Church members to show their “zeal” and spiritual “superiority,” over the rest. This may have been an attempt to duplicate what had taken place at Pentecost.


In 1st Cor. 13:11, is seen the admonition that is given as the answer to the confusion & disorder in the Church.

1 Corinthians 13:11

The Greek for “child“= nay’-pee-os = an infant, not of speaking age.

The attempt to “show off” their superior spiritual gift of tongue speaking was not only childish, but also a sign of a lack of understanding.

1 Corinthians 14:20

The Greek for “children,” = paidion = pahee-dee’-on = a childing; an infant or little child; an immature Christian. The Greek for “children” {KJV) “infant,” {NIV} = nepiazo = nay-pee-ad’-zo = a non-speaking child; an infant or simple-minded child; an immature Christian.

Some translators use the word, “ecstatically,” to describe what is given as “speaking in a tongue,” in 1 Cor. 14:2. This English word = describes engrossing or entrancing joy, sometimes overmastering and violent emotions. It comes from a Greek word which means “to put out of place.” The Scripture points out that the Holy Spirit does not cause one to be out of personal control of himself.

1 Corinthians 14:32-33
The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. ³³For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. As in all the congregations of the saints, (NIV)

“Ecstatic” speaking (in a tongue–how else does one speak?) is a self thing. It is not a Church thing. It does not edify (build up) the Church.

1 Corinthians 14:4
He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, (alone) but he who prophesies edifies the church. (NIV)

The LORD gave this gift for a specific purpose for unbelievers.

1 Corinthians 14:21-22
In the Law it is written: “Through men of strange tongues and through the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me,” says the Lord. ²²Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers. (NIV)

The LORD does not condemn this spiritual gift, but rebukes the way in which some were using it or faking it. HE shows that what these were doing in the Church Body was a sign of spiritual immaturity & childishness.


The text of 1 Cor. 14 is about as plain as can be. Many versions of this text have been read and they all say the same thing. (which they must as the inspired Word of GOD). The NIV translation is given on these pages and may be compared with the version you are reading.

1 Corinthians 14:1-5

1 Corinthians 14:6-19

1 Corinthians 14:20-25

1 Corinthians 14:26-33

1 Corinthians 14:34-36
women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. ³⁵If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.
³⁶Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached?

What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. ²⁷If anyone speaks in a tongue, two — or at the most three — should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. ²⁸If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.
²⁹Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. ³⁰And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. ³¹For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. ³²The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. ³³For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. As in all the congregations of the saints, (NIV)Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults. ²¹In the Law it is written: “Through men of strange tongues and through the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me,” says the Lord. ²²Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers. ²³So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who do not understand or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? ²⁴But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, ²⁵and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really among you!” (NIV)Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? ⁷Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? ⁸Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? ⁹So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. ¹⁰Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. ¹¹If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me. ¹²So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church. ¹³ For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says. ¹⁴ For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. ¹⁵ So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind. ¹⁶ If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? ¹⁷ You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified.
¹⁸I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. ¹⁹But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue. (NIV)

(Read… Gen. 3:16; 1 Tim. 2:9-15; 1 Peter 3:1-7)

1 Corinthians 14:37-40

Closing words on 1 Corinthians, chapters 12-14.

What “speaking in tongues” was as Paul recognized it:

Other languages (as on Pentecost) of which he spoke at least several. Acts 21:37; 22:2-3; (Greek, Aramaic, Latin, & Hebrew).


As praying in the spirit like Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:1-18;1 Cor. 14:14-15.

Nothing else could be added to or revealed through “tongues” that the LORD has not already recorded in Scriptures of the Bible. (Heb. 1:1-2;Rev. 1:1-3-19; Rev. 22:18-19). There are no new “revelations.”


There would be no point in speaking to people of the same tongue, (a local congregation), in another language. If an assembly of people were gathered in which there were foreigners speaking different tongues, if there were no other means to communicate GOD’S message, then just as at Pentecost, GOD may do what HE did then. Today, (the U.N. is an example) there are devices that translate into the language needed.


The ALMIGHTY GOD does not cause HIS people to act childishly, nor in confusion & disorder, but with a Holy purpose. Private worship & prayer differ greatly from public assembly. Sincerity of heart and humility are not overlooked by the all knowing Sovereign, but being “puffed up” with fake spiritual powers and gifts have no place in GOD’S sight. This may have been one of the many problems in the Corinthian Church…

1 Corinthians 5:2
And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. (KJV)

VI. The Holy Spirit & The Individual Who Is Born Again.

The Person of the Holy Spirit is the abiding Presence of Almighty God in the body of the saved. HE enters into the physical body at the moment of the new birth. This first began when Jesus returned from the ascension, which took place immediately after His resurrection. (John 20:22)

HE is received. = to take or get hold of. (John 20:22; Acts 8:15-19).


HE “takes up His abode“…”resides,” dwells forever never leaves.John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. (KJV)


HE abides forever. (double negative= “never no never” Heb. 13:5). Hebrews 13:5 [Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (KJV)


The individual body becomes the temple (tabernacle) of the Holy Spirit. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost [which is] in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? (KJV)

1 Corinthians 6:19

The Church (Body of Christ) becomes GOD”S Holy habitation. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. ¹⁹Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; ²⁰And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone]; ²¹In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: ²²In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (KJV)

Ephesians 2:18-22

Each individual is made a partaker (sharer) of the Holy Spirit.(Heb.6:4).

The power (dunamis) of the Holy Spirit is the enabling strength, energy, and abilities given to each individual to accomplish a work for GOD. It is for the benefit of the entire Body of Christ (the Church).


The PERSON is called, “He”; The POWER is called “It.”

As the PERSON , He can be grieved = distress; make sorry:

Ephesians 4:30

He can be lied to:

Acts 5:3

He can be sinned against & blasphemed:

Luke 12:10

As the POWER , He can be quenched = to extinguish; put out. suppress.

1 Thessalonians 5:19
Quench not the Spirit. (KJV)

He can be resisted.

Acts 7:51
Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers [did], so [do] ye. (KJV)

The Holy Spirit was given after Jesus was glorified and began His work when Jesus went back to be with the Father where He will remain until the full term arrives and He (Jesus) will appear the second time. Just before the end of time and at the beginning of the Great Tribulation, the Holy Spirit will be withdrawn as the power, not as the Person. His ministry of power began in John 16:7-15 and closes in 2 Thess. 2:6-8.

John 16:7-11

2 Thessalonians 2:6-8

This period of time when the Holy Spirit is doing His work is called The times of the Gentiles, or the calling out of the Church. During this time, He has been the restrainer of evil, and the witness and drawing power of the preaching of the gospel. ( Acts 13:46-49; John 6:43-44; Rom. 11:25; Luke 21:21-24). The gospel witness will be silenced (Rev. 11:3-10; Rev. 13:7-10); and all who stand for Jesus will be hated, persecuted, or put to death. ( Matthew 24:8-10; Mark 13:9-13).

The Holy Spirit is the Author & Teacher of the Scriptures (Bible).

2 Peter 1:20-21

2 Timothy 3:16-17

John 16:13

John 14:26

See Hebrews 9:7-10.

What the Holy Spirit is to us personally, being born again of Him.

Our Comforter, consoler. (John 14:16, 26).


The Great Seal of Almighty God upon each as His possession. (Eph.1:13) (Eph. 4:30).


The earnest, (pledge, down payment) of the Father.(Eph.1:14; 2Cor.5:5)


Our Helper & Intercessor when we pray. (Rom. 8:26-27)


The Revealer of Spiritual truths & the Mind of God. ( 1 Cor. 2:9-16)


The One Who produces the likeness of God’s Character is us. (Gal. 5:22-)


The One Who continuously fills and renews us in Spiritual energy. (Acts 2:4; 4:31; 9:17; Eph. 5:18 {continuous}


The One Who give gifts & abilities to minister. (1 Cor. 12 & 14)


The One Who places pastors, under shepherds over Churches (God’s flock). (Acts 20:28; 13:2-4; 16:6)


The One Who gives peace and joy. (Rom. 14:17).


The One with Whom we have communion. ( 2 Cor. 13:14).


The One byof Whom we are anointed. (1 John 2:20, 27).


The convicter of sin. (Hebrews 4:12, Acts 2:37)


He bears witness to the Child of God. (Acts 20:23; )


He will accompany the eternal life (zoe) unto Jesus when it leaves the physical body in death. (Heb. 13:5-6; 2 Cor. 5:5-8)

The Great Seal Of The Almighty God Upon Each Saved.

Defined : Seal = 4973 sphragis {sfrag-ece’}
AV – seal 16; 16
1) a seal
     1a) the seal placed upon books
     1b) a signet ring
     1c) the inscription or impression made by a seal
          1c1) of the name of God and Christ stamped upon their foreheads
     1d) that by which anything is confirmed, proved,
          authenticated, as by a seal (a token or proof)


Defined: Sealed = 4972 sphragizo {sfrag-id’-zo}
AV – seal 22, set to (one’s) seal 1, stop 1, seal up 1, set a seal 1,
vr seal 1; 27
1) to set a seal upon, mark with a seal, to seal
     1a) for security: from Satan
     1b) since things sealed up are concealed
          (as the contents of a letter), to hide,
          keep in silence, keep secret
     1c) in order to mark a person or a thing
          1c1) to set a mark upon by the impress
                 of a seal or a stamp
          1c2) angels are said to be sealed by God
     1d) in order to prove, confirm, or attest a thing
          1d1) to confirm authenticate, place beyond
                 doubt
          1d1a) of a written document
          1d1b) to prove one’s testimony
                   to a person that he is what
                   he professes to be


Places where “seal,” or “sealed” are used in the New Testament:
John 3:33;
Rev. 10:4; 20:3; 22:10;
John 6:27,
Rom. 15:28;
2 Cor.1:22;
Eph. 1:13, 4:30;
Rev. 7:3-8.
(All of the above use No. 4972)

(All of the below use No. 4973):
Rom. 4:11;
1 Cor. 9:2;
2 Tim. 2:19;
Rev. 6:3-12; 7:2; 8:1; 9:4.

Some of these show that each of the children of GOD is sealed. Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, [is] God; ²²Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. (KJV)

2 Corinthians 1:21-22

Ephesians 1:13
In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, (KJV)

Ephesians 4:30

2 Timothy 2:19

Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. (KJV)And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. (KJV)

Abraham:

Romans 4:11-12

….Abraham, the spiritual forefather of all who are saved.

Define: Earnest = 728 arrhabon {ar-hrab-ohn’}
of Hebrew origin 06162; TDNT – 1:475,80; n m
AV – earnest 3; 3
1) an earnest
     1a) money which in purchases is given
          as a pledge or downpayment that
          the full amount will subsequently be paid
The Hebrew means a “pledge,” or “security.”

I am of the firm belief that you can not be a viable , mature, effective believer in Jesus Christ if you do not also recognize the work of the Holy Spirit today as well.



And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which [he had yet] being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: ¹²And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which [he had] being [yet] uncircumcised. (KJV)

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (NIV)But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. (NIV)All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (NIV)Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. ²¹For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. (NIV)And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. ⁷For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. ⁸And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. (NIV)But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. ⁸When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: ⁹in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; ¹⁰in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; ¹¹and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. (NIV)And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven. (KJV)But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back [part] of the price of the land? (KJV)And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. (KJV)

If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. ³⁸If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored.
³⁹Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. ⁴⁰But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way. (NIV)Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. ²For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. ³But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. ⁴He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. ⁵I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified. (NIV)

Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults. (NIV)When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. (NIV)

(1 Cor. Chapters 12-14)For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; (KJV)
And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. ³⁸Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. ³⁹And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou [wilt]. (KJV)But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? ³⁹And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: (KJV)
The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: (KJV)

Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. (KJV)
In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; (KJV)

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (KJV)

(only N.T. use) = katanusso (kat-an-oos’-so) = to pierce throughly; to agitate violently (sting to the quick); prick.And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (KJV)

These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. (KJV)But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (KJV) = There is no glory. Fulfilled in Ezekiel 10:1—11:23.And she named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of God was taken, and because of her father in law and her husband. ²²And she said, The glory is departed from Israel: for the ark of God is taken. (KJV)Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. ³⁹For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call. (KJV)And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, ⁴⁷Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (KJV)Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls. (KJV)

And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: ²¹Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. (KJV)Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they [also] which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. (KJV)And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. ¹⁰And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; ¹¹Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. (KJV)Who being the brightness of [his] glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; (KJV)

And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: ⁴⁷And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. ⁴⁸And ye are witnesses of these things. ⁴⁹ And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. (KJV)And the gospel must first be published among all nations. ¹¹But when they shall lead [you], and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. (KJV)And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. (KJV)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. ⁸And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: ⁹Of sin, because they believe not on me; ¹⁰Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; ¹¹Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. ¹²I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. ¹³Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, [that] shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come. ¹⁴He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you. ¹⁵All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that He shall take of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you. (KJV)Greek labete, the 2nd aorist imperative of lambano, (I take or receive). The aorist imperative always demands immediate obedience when a positive command is given by the one in the supreme authority in the matter specified. This proves that each disciple received the Person, the gift, of the HOLY SPIRIT, that very night, and NOT FIFTY DAYS LATER!Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and [to] my God, and your God. (KJV)

Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: ²⁶Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? those 2 disciples on the road to Emmaus,(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? ¹⁰He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) = in order that HE might fill full all things. (complete in every detail)But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; ¹²Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption [for us]. (KJV)= in present passive = “I AM PERFECTED,” = to carry through completely, or “to bring to a complete and fully accomplished end.”The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee. ³²And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third [day] I shall be perfected. ³³Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the [day] following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem. = Greek = nun = “at this very time.” immediately. This speaks of the death, burial, resurrection, & ascension completed within three days. Jesus arose, ascended, returned and gave the Person of Holy Spirit all on the 1st day of the week.As soon as Judas (Iscariot) had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.
³¹When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified and God is glorified in him. ³²If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once …By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. (NIV)And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you. (NIV)But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. (NIV)= ekballo (ek-bal’-lo) = to lead one forth or away somewhere with a force which he cannot resist; to draw out with force with implication of force overcoming opposite force.And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness. (KJV)Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, (NIV)

= pur (poor) = lit. or fig. = lightning; differs from phos (foce) shine. This (pur) is the holiness of GOD which consumes all that is inconsistent therewith. It is the primary word for “fire,” lightning. The same word is used in Acts 2:3, “cloven tongues like as of fire.”, in, etc. = a prep. denoting, in, by, with, etc. depends on context.= immerse; plunge under; overwhelm. submerge.Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. (KJV)= 1982 episkiazo {ep-ee-skee-ad’-zo}
a) to throw a shadow upon, to envelop in a shadow, to overshadow. From a vaporous cloud that casts a shadow the word is transferred to a shining cloud surrounding and enveloping persons with brightness. Used of the Holy Spirit exerting creative energy upon the womb of the virgin Mary and impregnating it (a use of the word which seems to have been drawn from the familiar OT idea of a cloud as symbolising the immediate presence and power of God) = to descend and operate in her.For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb. (KJV)

but he had not received the Person of the Holy Spirit as the 120 disciples did later. (John 20:22) was “continually being led” by the Holy Spirit as HE was “constantly being put to the test” by the devil.(play’-race) and means that JESUS was in the control of the HOLY SPIRIT.And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled (pleroo) all the house where they were sitting. (KJV)For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb. (KJV)

For we know that if our earthly house of [this] tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. (KJV)Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. (KJV)In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou [art], and unto dust shalt thou return. (KJV)Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. ⁶That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. ⁷Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. (KJV)Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: ²⁶ And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? (KJV)In him was life; and the life was the light of men. (KJV)

We are confident, [I say], and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. (KJV)[Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for HE hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (KJV)Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. (KJV)

It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. ²I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. ³And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) ⁴How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. ⁵Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. (KJV)Afterwards the spirit took me up, and brought me in a vision by the Spirit of God into Chaldea, to them of the captivity. So the vision that I had seen went up from me. ²⁵Then I spake unto them of the captivity all the things that the LORD had shewed me. (KJV)And the LORD came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that [was] upon him, and gave [it] unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, [that], when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease. (KJV)

And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam [was made] a quickening (life-giving) spirit.Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. (NIV)But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. (NIV)we will have a spiritual body like that of JESUS when HE came forth out of the tomb.It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. ⁴⁵And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam [was made] a quickening spirit. ⁴⁶Howbeit that [was] not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. (KJV)God [is] a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship [him] in spirit and in truth. (KJV)This is what JESUS told the woman of Samaria. (John 4:24)But [there is] a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. (KJV)

Christ’s second coming

mychristianposts — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 01:00:21 +0000

First examine directly the entire Discourses as recorded in Luke 21, Matthew 24 and Mark 13 on Christ’s second coming

(Luke 21:1 KJV) And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.
2 And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.
3 And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:
4 For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.
5 And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said,
6 As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
7 And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?
8 And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.
9 But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.
10 Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:
11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
12 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake. ( look it is the Christians who are going to be first continually persecuted by the Jews)
13 And it shall turn to you for a testimony.
14 Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:
15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
16 And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.
17 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake.
18 But there shall not an hair of your head perish.
19 In your patience possess ye your souls.
20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.
21 Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.
22 For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
23 But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.
24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
26 Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
29 And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;
30 When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.
31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.
32 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.
33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

(Mat 24:1 KJV) And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to show him the buildings of the temple.
2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.
10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:
18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.
19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:
21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.
23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.
24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
25 Behold, I have told you before.
26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.
27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
28 For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.
29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.
34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.
48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;
49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;
50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

(Mark 13:1 KJV) And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!
2 And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,
4 Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?
5 And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you:
6 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
7 And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet.
8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
9 But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.
10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations.
11 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.
12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.
13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:
15 And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house:
16 And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment.
17 But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
18 And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.
19 For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.
20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect’s sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.
21 And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:
22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall show signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.
23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.
24 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,
25 And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.
26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.
27 And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.
28 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:
29 So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.
30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.
31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
34 For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.
35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:
36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.
37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

Do you have a pet concept, hidden agenda, put it away and let the Holy Spirit teach you instead.. pray and ask him to do so..

The First 70 AD Destruction of Jerusalem Compared and Contrasted with the one during the Tribulation at the End of the Age Luke 21:20-24

( THIS FUTURE TRIBULATION INCLUDES AGAIN, A REPEAT OF THE DISPERSION OF THE JEWS FROM ISRAEL AND THEIR PERSECUTIONS)

But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that her desolation is at hand. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are in the midst of the city depart, and let not those who are in the country enter the city; because these are days of vengeance, in order that all things which are written may be fulfilled. Woe to those who are with child and to those who nurse babes in those days; for there will be great distress upon the land, and wrath to this people, and they will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be led captive into all the nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled under foot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled” (Luke 21:20-24).
Note how the following words and phrases undeniably supported the notion of God’s judgment upon Israel in the first century:
1) Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that her desolation is at hand
2) flee to the mountains (The admonition to flee would indicate that Jerusalem will be destroyed. If the Jews were to defeat the Romans, then the safe place to be would be inside the walled city.)
3) these are days of vengeance
4) there will be great distress upon the land
5) wrath to this people (Israel)
6) they (Israel) will fall by the edge of the sword
7) (Israel) will be led captive into all the nations
Jerusalem will be next continaully trampled under foot by the Gentiles until the end of the earth’s age..
Sadly the a.d. 70 destruction of Jerusalem was clearly a judgment upon the Jewish people for their national rejection of Jesus as their Messiah
(Mat 23:38 KJV) Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.
(Luke 19:44 KJV) And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

The Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24; Luke 21; etc.) HAD answered two basic questions which were asked by the disciples:

1. “When shall these things be?” (Matthew 24:3). This refers to the destruction of Jerusalem mentioned in Matthew 23:38 and Matthew 24:2.

2. “What shall be the sign of Thy coming and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3).

Antiochus Epiphanes brought about abominable desolations of the Jewish temple, even sacrificing a pig therein (Dan. 8:9, etc.), and this foreshadowed a future desecration of the temple that will take place during the time of the Antichrist at the end of the age, specifically in the middle of Daniel’s 70th week. Likewise the siege of Jerusalem and the terrible time of trouble in 70 A.D. foreshadowed a future siege of Jerusalem at the end of the age. It is not uncommon for the Lord to use a historical event to foreshadow a future event which shares with it certain similarities.

The key passage that speaks of the siege of 70 A.D. is found in Luke 21:20-24. As we consider these verses we can note some remarkable similarities between this siege and what will happen at the end of the age. We can also note some significant differences.

Luke 21:20. “When ye see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know the its desolation is near.”

SIMILARITIES: The destruction of Jerusalem involved “desolation” even as there will be “desolation” at the end of the age (Matthew 24:15).

DIFFERENCES: The sign the Lord gave for the destruction of Jerusalem was this: You will see Jerusalem compassed (surrounded) with armies. The sign the Lord gave for His second coming at the end of the age was very specific: You will see the abomination of desolation referred to in Daniel 9:27 standing in the holy place (the temple). See Matthew 24:15. In 70 A.D. the temple was destroyed without one stone standing; at the end of the age the temple will be standing with the image of the beast standing therein (Rev. 13; 2 Thess. 2).

Luke 21:21. “Then let them who are in Judea flee to the mountains, etc.”

SIMILARITIES: At the time of the abomination of desolation at the end of the age there will be FLEEING as well (Matt. 24:16). In 70 A.D. and at the middle of Daniel’s 70th week, Jerusalem was not the place where you, as a Jew, would want to be! Get out of there as fast as you can! The same urgent need to flee the holy city will be true three and a half years before the Lord’s second coming.
” And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:25-28). God , Jesus here will come for all of his people, note all the Christians one only.

Matthew 24:31, ” And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other” (see also Mark 13:27). His lect are the Christians.. The remaining Jews by their own choice too will be converted to Christ, and become Christians like the Jewish Apostle Paul now was.

Some people DO try to say that Luke 21:20-24 that all this does not speak about future Israel being again under God’ s judgment, but of future Israel now being under threat from the Gentile nations and God’ s intervention that instead rescues most of the Jewish people. Do read the passage, and not read into the passages.This overall thrust of the passage is supposedly to them even clearly when one looks at the parallel passage of Zechariah 12- 14.. but in fact this rescue of all of the Christian people actually concludes with in the end of life on earth as we know it. When we consider that the Old Testament pattern which says that Israel will pass through the tribulation, repent toward the end when they do fully recognize Jesus as the Messiah, experience conversion, and then the second coming will occur to rescue them from their enemies, it follows that ” all Israel will be now also saved Christians too. The future conversion of the most of the existing Jews will conclude the earth’s Jewish and gentile age.

Only God knows when Jesus will come again..

Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. (1 John 2:22)
And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (1 John 4:3)

For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. (2 John 1:7)Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. (John 18:35-36)

The Kingdom of God also is NOT a worldly messianic Jewish kingdom, it is not of this world. It is a SPIRITUAL KINGDOM, and a person will NOT enter into that heavenly Kingdom unless they come into it through JESUS CHRIST! All people, persons, Jews, gentiles who reject Jesus Christ as their own personal savior from death, sins are under a deadly curse according to the Bible! The Land of Israel, and the city of Jerusalem also no longer belongs to any Jew or areas but solely belongs to Jesus Christi who redeemed it and will claim it one day for himself.

Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of ONE, And to thy SEED, which is CHRIST. (Galatians 3:16)
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:28-29) Matthew 21:44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the GIFT OF GOD , and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee LIVING WATER. (John 4:9-10)

At one point the same woman brought up the subject of worship, and the fact that the Jewish people said that “… Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.” [John 4:20]

Revelation 19:10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, NOR YET AT JERUSALEM, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. BUT THE HOUR COMETH AND NOW IS, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias [Messiah] cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. (John 4:21-26)
How clearer can it be that Jerusalem is no longer the center of worship of God. The worship center of God now rather lies within each man’s heart by the Holy Spirit of God. There is no special “Holy Land” anywhere in the world. It is your heart that the Lord is after. True salvation and the true worship of God has nothing to do with a geographical location, and that would include the land Israel, Jerusalem of today. Every single true believer who has put their faith in Jesus Christ, has had their names written in Heaven, in the book of life. It is not about a piece of real estate over in the Middle East but now the new heavenly Jerusalem alone. Why should any person be concerned with an earthy Jerusalem and an earthly Israel when we have already been raised up together with Jesus Christ? Neither Jesus nor the Apostles mention any further present, future Christian concerns about the old Jerusalem, or Israel.

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. (John 5:39-40)

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: NO MAN cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:29)

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his BLOOD we shall be saved from wrath through him. (Romans 5:8-9)

And the veil of the temple was rent in twain (two) from the top to the bottom. And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God. (Mark 15:38-39)

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. (Romans 1:16-17)

He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. (1 John 5:10-12)

Thus you whether Jew or gentile now only you are either a believer in Jesus Christ, with the witness of the Holy Spirit, and you have eternal life in Christ, or you are an unbeliever in Jesus Christ without eternal life, going to Hell. There also is no other Gospel in the New testament, New Covenant as well. For nearly two thousand years people by the millions have trusted in Jesus Christ, and have thus received eternal life, while other people by the billions have refused the counsel of the New Testament scriptures, and have thus have for certainty received the damnation of hell, eternal separation from the one and only true God..

Matthew 21:42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?

see also http://mccainvrsobama.wordpress.com/2009/03/02/promised-land/

Effectively praying

mychristianposts — Thu, 28 May 2009 08:30:00 +0000

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (II Chronicle 7:14, KJV)

Effectively praying, even praying for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit or a revival starts with praying for oneself and also effectively dealing with the personal reasons God may not be hearing our prayers.

Sadly many people who even pray for a revival may be praying firstly even for the wrong reasons, they are trying to exalt their church, their denominations, themselves and not God solely

“Intercession and prayer are the forerunners for revival. We will not have revival without them. “

This sounds like a great truth? well it maybe still a distortion, rather a lie.. when used with the word forerunners, for without our own firstly genuine personal repentance God does not tend to hear anyone’s prayers… especially not if you have pride or un-confessed, unrepentant sins in your life now as well..

We need to pray effectively for intercession even by also personally applying God’s words, for if we do not take the beam out of our own eye, if we do not practice God’s words he will tend not to hear our prayer anyway. God still does not hear some of the vain personal prayers, for they are not worshiping God in spirit and in truth too..

(1 John 4:20 KJV) If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

(1 John 4:21 KJV) And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

(1 John 5:1 KJV) Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

(Jer 4:3 KJV) For thus saith the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.

(Hosea 10:12 KJV) Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

(Mat 16:26 KJV) For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

The secret for revival praying is actually praying. As many good pastors have found they can have a revival in their own church services, from the lifeless services, to live Holy Spirit anointed services by having a prayer team regularly pray for one hour before each of the services. Praying that God would be manifested, glorified, bring all men unto Him in th services. It would be preferable but not mandatory if the pastor himself would attend such prayer meetings.

(Mat 26:40 KJV) What, could ye not watch with me one hour?

(Mat 26:41 KJV) Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

We need also to pray in the spiriit

Some persons still do not seem to want quote Apostle Paul who said “I Speak in Tongues More Than You All”, AND IS IT really CAUSE THEY DO NOT?

(Phil 3:13 KJV) Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

(Phil 3:14 KJV) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

(Phil 3:15 KJV) Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

(Mat 9:17 KJV) Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.

(Rev 21:2 KJV) And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

(Rom 8:23 KJV) And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

(1 Cor 15:20 KJV) But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

(1 Cor 15:23 KJV) But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.

(James 1:18 KJV) Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

(Rev 14:4 KJV) These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

Ask God also by faith to let you have some of what he has in store in heaven, as first fruits, a preview.