Can You Teach Someone To Speak In Tongues?

 

Whether one believes tongues is for today, or if you believe the gift has ceased, no one can teach another how to speak in Biblical tongues. One can claim to teach someone to speak in the “tongues” of today because it is gibberish masquerading as authentic tongues. The word for tongues is the Greek word glossa where we get the English word glossary which means language or speech. For some bizarre illogical reason those that engage in this practice believe they are praying to God in their “heavenly or private prayer language” (1 Cor 13:1). There is no support for that in scripture.

What about 1 Corinthians 14:2?

The above verse says that those that speak in a tongue speak not unto men but unto God. Many cite this verse to prove that we can speak to God in tongues privately. There are a couple of views regarding what this verse could mean:

1.      Some scholars say the tongues spoken in verse two is a pagan Corinthian ecstatic utterance and not the genuine gift of tongues. The reason may be because of the verse that says, “those that speak in a tongue do not speak to men, but to God. (Some say that it should be translated a god instead of God). That is the opposite of Acts 2 – the speakers on the Day of Pentecost spoke in tongues so the Jews travelling to Jerusalem from different parts of the world could hear them speak the wonderful works of God. Why would the gift change from public to private use?

2.  Some believe this tongue is separate from the gift in Acts 2. All Christians can exercise this gift described in 1 Corinthians 14:2 as a private prayer language.  I disagree. Tongues have no benefit to those who hear it if it is not interpreted. That is why the gift cannot be used for private use to edify oneself. When tongues are interpreted or translated all can be edified (1 Cor 14:13).

1 Corinthians 12:30 says all do not have the gift of tongues. It does not make sense to believe someone can teach others to speak in tongues when 1 Corinthians 12:11 says it is the Spirit that distributes the gifts to all as He chooses (italics added for emphasis).

1 Corinthians 13:8 says that tongues will cease to operate. Those that are Cessationists[1] believe tongues ceased after the apostolic age. The following quotes are from men in Church history that declared the gift of tongues has ceased with the death of the apostles. I will cite the source of these quotes.

1.      Augustine (354-430) – In the earliest times, The Holy Spirit fell upon them that believe and they spoke with tongues, which they had not learned, as the Spirit gave them utterance. These were signs adapted to the time. For there was this betokening of the Holy Spirit in all tongues to show that the gospel of God was to run through all tongues over the whole earth. That thing that was done for a sign, and it passed away.[2]

2.      Martin Luther (1483-1546) – In the early Church the Holy Spirit was sent forth in visible form. He descended upon Christ in the form of a dove (Matt 3:16), and in the likeness of fire upon the apostles and other believers (Acts 2:3). This visible outpouring of the Holy Spirit was necessary to the establishment of the early Church, as were also the miracles that accompanied the gift of the Holy Ghost. Paul explained the purpose of these miraculous gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 14:22, Tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not. Once the Church had been established and properly advertised by these miracles, the visible appearance of the Holy Ghost ceased.

Whenever you hear anyone boast that has something by inspiration of the Holy Spirit and it has no basis in God’s Word, no matter what it may be, tell them that this work is of the devil. Whatever is not from the scripture is from the devil himself.[3]

3.      Arthur W. Pink (1886-1952) – As there were offices extraordinary (apostles and prophets) at the beginning of our dispensation. So, there were gifts extraordinary; and as successors were not appointed for the former, so as continuance was never intended for the latter. The gifts were dependent upon the officers: see Acts 8:14-21; 10:44; 19:6; Rom 1:11; Gal 3:5; 2 Tim 1:6. We no longer have the apostles[4] (italics mine) with us and therefore the supernatural gifts (the communication of which was an essential part of the sign gifts of an apostle: 2 Cor 12:12) are absent.

[5]

There are many other men of faith that agree with the above, fyi.

Now because these men from the past are well respected and venerated, does not mean they are right, but I added their quotes for your consideration.

The gift of tongues in the Bible were actual languages supernaturally spoken. The speaker did not know the language. It was a miraculous sign gift – meaning since tongues were for a sign, what did it signify in the first century Church?

Paul said in 1 Corinthians 14:22 said tongues were for a sign to unbelievers (Especially Hebrews). Why did he say that? When an unbeliever or the uniformed entered their assembly and they heard someone speak in their native language praising God and speaking of His wonders, the uninformed or the unbeliever would realize that something miraculous was going on and declare that God was truly among them. For those that did not believe, tongues signified judgment (1 Cor 14:21).

There is this idea that those who speak, sing, or pray in tongues are more spiritual than those who do not. They believe they have reached another dimension in the Spirit higher than those of us who do not speak in tongues. If a linguist were to record what they hear at a Charismatic Church service where everyone is speaking in “tongues” at the same time which violates scripture (1 Cor 14:26-28), because they are caught up and feel they can’t speak in their native tongue anymore, how much of those “tongues” would the linguist be able to translate into an actual language? I would say the chances are slim and none. Why? The majority of what we hear is gibberish, non-intelligible speech. It’s a learned behavior that is not beneficial at best and could be very dangerous at worst as some people may be unwittingly speaking incantations or unknown curses that certainly are not from the Holy Spirit, but a demonic spirit.

Please be careful!

Remember, Paul had to write to the Church of Corinth regarding tongues and the other sign gifts because they were abusing the gifts and not exercising love to one another (1 Cor 13:1; 14:1). The gifts of the Spirit are not to be flaunted as if you acquired them on your own, but rather use them for the benefit of His body since God sovereignly granted them to the Church.

The YouTube clips below are examples of what people are doing today and saying it is the gift of tongues.

https://www.youtu2be.com/watch?v=HEvOXCMvA5E&t=15s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paXSB1g7XkM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHECI-ZHP6A&t=13s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XAK0K0z-hA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLisL4DPXCs&t=50s

 

Older blog posts I have written on tongues:

https://gospelofrepentance.blogspot.com/2011/10/speaking-in-tongues-part-i.html?view=sidebar

https://gospelofrepentance.blogspot.com/2011/10/speaking-in-tongues-part-ii.html?view=sidebar

https://gospelofrepentance.blogspot.com/2013/07/has-gift-of-tongues-ceased-second-look.html?view=sidebar

https://gospelofrepentance.blogspot.com/2017/11/is-there-such-thing-as-heavenly-language.html?view=sidebar

https://gospelofrepentance.blogspot.com/2014/12/continuationism-vs-cessationsim.html?view=sidebar

 

 

 

Articles on tongues from www.gotquestions.org   

https://printer.gotquestions.net/GeneratePF?articleId=21448

https://printer.gotquestions.net/GeneratePF?articleId=60454

https://www.gotquestions.org/gift-of-tongues.html

Here are blog posts regarding who qualified as an apostle and prophet:

https://gospelofrepentance.blogspot.com/2015/02/apostles-and-prophets-part-i.html

https://gospelofrepentance.blogspot.com/2015/02/apostles-and-prophets-part-ii.html

 

 

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[1] A Cessationist is one that believes the sign gifts such as tongues, healings, miracles, revelatory prophecy and

Knowledge have ceased.

[2] From the book Strange Fire, John Macarthur (Thomas Nelson 2013), pg 252-253

[3] Ibid, pg 253-254

[4] The original apostles were the foundation of the church so there are no modern day apostles (Eph 2:20)

[5] Ibid, pg 260-261

Does Anyone Die Before Their Time?

 

The Bible makes it clear that everyone has an appointment with death. Hebrews 9:27 tells us that we are appointed once to die and after this the judgment. Ecclesiastes 3:2 tells us there is a time to be born and a time to die. David in Psalm 139:16 said that all the days ordained for me are written in your book before one of them came to be. Job 14:5 says that man days are determined, the number of his months is with you. And you have appointed his bounds that He cannot pass. What are these verses revealing to us? Our life and times were pre-ordained and determined by God.

Our days are interwoven with the providence of God and every decision we will ever make our entire lives. God knew our lives before our conception. This is what God said to Jeremiah when He commissioned him to be a prophet, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5). God mapped out Jeremiah’s life before he was conceived by his mother. Once Jeremiah’s service to God and nation of Israel was complete, he died. His days and times were predetermined by the Lord.

God through the prophet Isaiah said this, “Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient time the things which have not been done, saying, ‘My purpose will be established, and I will do all that please Me, and fulfills my purpose’’’ (Isaiah 46:10, AMP).

Admittedly it is difficult to believe and accept that many people die early. There is sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). There are babies that die in utero (still born). Millions of people die of disease and starvation while they are very young. Many very healthy people die every day. Thousand die in car accidents and deadly shootings. Didn’t they die before their time?

We from a human point of view we would say yes, but the Bible is clear that no one dies before their time. No one enters heaven or hell early.

Wait a minute! Please explain Ecclesiastes 7:17

Wise King Solomon is giving practical common sense counsel to his readers in Ecclesiastes 7:17. He says, “Do not be overly wicked, and do not be a fool – why die before your time?”  While it is true God has determined when we are born and when we die, it does not negate the human responsibility to live wisely – to not be bent on being evil and foolish.

So, here is a case where many would say the Bible is contradicting itself, again! Not so. The phrase, “Why die before your time is a colloquialism – it means one dies younger than we would expect from a human point of view.  A colloquialism is defined as informal, unfancy, everyday language. You can liken it to the phrase, “When it rains it pours!” When we use that phrase, we are not talking about literal rain. Rather we are talking about problems in our lives that are increasing way more than we would like them to. We are frustrated with all the trials currently in our lives.

So, when we say He or She died before their time, from the human perspective, they died too soon. We’re looking at it strictly from an age and an emotional perspective. That is an understandable and natural reaction for us. But, when we view life from a divine perspective knowing that God has our years in His hands, and knows every decision (which are not predetermined, we make them ourselves), we will ever make, then we understand that NO life no matter how mysterious, tragic and unexplainable its twists and turns is no accident, with God.

God’s ways are indeed higher than ours and His thoughts higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). The Apostle Paul said it perfectly:

 

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and decisions and how unfathomable and untraceable are His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord (emphasis added), or who has been His counselor? Or who has first given to Him that it would be paid back to Him? For from Him (all things originate), and through Him (all things live and exist) and to Him are all things (directed). To Him be glory and honor forever! Amen (Romans 11:33-36, AMP).

God has never been like us. We need to be more like Him (Psalm 50:21b).

What Is Moralism?

 Moralism is when someone lives by a moral code – whether Biblical or Non-Biblical. Most people in the world are Moralists. Moralists determine for themselves what code of ethics they will live by. For instance, you have many people who do not smoke, drink, or cuss. They give to the hungry, they clothed the naked, they are kind to their neighbors and members in their children’s PTA. I learned from my youngest daughter according to Tik Tok, one cannot use the word suicide for those that take their own lives, or you will get cancelled. One must use the PC phrases and words such as accidental death and un-alive[1]. Saying suicide although true is immoral in Tik Tok-ism. On a human level, moralists are great people. So, when they die will they go to heaven or hell? The non-religious moralist does not believe in a fire and brimstone hell. They have convinced themselves that a loving God would never send anyone to hell; no one is so bad that they deserve to be tortured for eternity right? So, the only conclusion for them is they would go to heaven or a better place after death. The non-religious moralist moral code is based on self-reliance.

Most people in the world’s moralism is described above; give or take a few deeds.

There is also the religious moralist. This person is often a stuck-up prudish snob and legalist. They also have a strict moral code. The problem with them is that they believe everyone has to follow their code of ethics or they can never be truly saved. Women cannot wear pants or make up in Church. If they wear a skirt, it must be below the knees. They have to make sure their pants are not too tight; not caring or realizing people have different body types.  You must speak in tongues, or you’re not filled with the Holy Spirit. If you do not tithe, you’re robbing God, and you will be broke. If you’re not in “divine health” you lack faith and must be in sin. You cannot go to the movies or listen to secular music for that is worldly. The religious moralist may or may not be saved. But because they adhere to their strict moral code of do’s and don’ts, they believe that is what the Christian life is all about.

You see the problem with both views is they focus on the externals, and not on the condition of the heart. The first group ignores God entirely and focuses on their works. Without a change of heart which can only happen when one is born again, they will never please God. The Bible says the sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is His delight (Proverbs 15:8). God is disgusted with the deeds of evil people. No matter how benevolent it seems to them, God is repulsed by them because they come from an impure heart. Their “good” deeds are the sacrifice of Cain (Genesis 4:5-7).

The second group, the religious moralist, are guilty of combining genuine faith and tradition. Their theology is a hybrid of faith plus works. This makes for a Good Catholic, but a bad Christian. Paul rebukes the Galatians for this behavior. In Galatians one we read, “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ to a different gospel (italics added for emphasis), which is not another; but there are some (the religious moralist) who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you that what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed (Galatians 1:6-9).

Paul also had to rebuke Peter to his face regarding his hypocrisy; stating that Gentile Christians had to obey the laws of Moses in order to be saved. In verse sixteen of Galatians 2, Paul told Peter that no man is justified by the works of the law.

Faith in Christ alone is what justifies us.

The child of God must be moral and holy for the Lord commands that we are (Lev 11:44; 19:2; 1 Pet 1:16). Morality and holiness is post salvation. Living a sanctified life is a true mark of a genuine believer. It is allowing our light to shine so that men may see our good works and that we glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

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[1] The word un-alive is a euphemism for death.

What Does It Mean To Judge?

 

Judge definition:

A: a public official authorized to decide questions brought before a court

B: one appointed to decide in a contest or competition: UMPIRE

C: one who gives an authoritative opinion

D: CRITIC

 

One of the Greek words for judge is anakrino. It means to examine, investigate, to question.

The world always says that “Only God can judge them!” That's from the Book of Tupac! If they really knew what the judgment of God entails, they would never say that. For some reason, people (even professing Christians) say that we are not to judge. The scripture often sited is Matthew 7:1, “Judge not lest you be judged.” If you isolate that verse, then you have a leg to stand on. But Jesus makes that statement based on the following verses. You see, one has to read the entire text to understand the context.

This is what He says starting with verse two, “For with judgment you judge, you shall be judged, and with what measure you meet, it shall be measured unto you. And why behold the mote that is in your brother’s eye, but not consider the beam that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, let me cast out the mote (speck) in your eye and lo, the beam that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of your eye, and then you can see clearly to cast out the mote that is in your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:2-5).

You see the point Jesus was making? You cannot help someone with their problem, if you have a bigger problem than they do. That makes one a hypocrite. Jesus said in John 7:24, “Judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment (italics mine).  What is the point Jesus is making in Matthew and John’s gospels, we judge based on verifiable facts, not on appearance, and not hypocritically (Romans 2:1).

Where we are commanded to judge

In John 4:1 the apostle commands us to test the spirits for many false prophets have come into the world. What determines a false prophet? Someone who speaks lies in the name of the Lord and one who teaches false doctrine. We are to call that out as heresy. Why? Because if we don’t, many people will be deceived and led astray. So, this a Biblical mandate to judge. Paul in Titus said one of the qualifications of an elder is to be able to teach sound (or healthy) doctrine both to exhort and convict or rebuke those who contradict (or speak against, Titus 1:9). What does that mean? We have to examine and make a decision (i.e. judge) the false doctrine that we hear. How? Through the lens of scripture.

We are to judge not condemn

Believe it or not there is a difference. Judging involves drawing conclusions after examining the facts. Detectives, lawyers, private investigators must make judgments. Why? Because they are fact finders. What people mean when they cry out, “Don’t judge me” is they do not want someone to pass sentence on them as if they are a judge in a court of law. So many people that do not want to be judged are always judging themselves. Those who hate God love to judge that God is a monster because He allows evil. Progressive Christians are saying for God the Father to send Christ to die is cosmic child abuse. Or they judge the Bible saying it condoned slavery or the denigration of women. Are these not judgments – unrighteous judgments at that?  That is judging and condemning. Something man does not have the right to do unless they are indeed a judge and passing sentence on convicted criminals.

Again, we judge unrighteous when we criticize someone with a problem, and we have a bigger problem than them; that’s hypocritical. We also judge unrighteous when we make rash decisions without examining and gathering all the facts of a matter.

As an apologist we MUST judge everything against the Word of God. If what was said or done is against the word of God, we rebuke it. This must always be done in love and truth (Ephesians 4:15). Judging is always going to come across as harsh so we need to be as tenderhearted as we can. The writer’s intent is to always point all to the truth of God’s Word and not share my opinion only.

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.                          

- 1 Peter 3:15

 

What Is A Christian?

The writer will begin by saying what a Christian is not. A person is not a Christian because they are religious (See Acts 17:22)[1]. A person is not a Christian because they attend Church. It does not matter if they attended the same Church for fifty years, serve as a deacon, teach Sunday School, or is involved in the homeless ministry, feed the hungry and visit convalescent homes. A person is not a Christian because they are a gifted singer that leads the choir (good lookin out Gee)! A person is not a Christian because they can play an instrument or multiple instruments on the praise team. A person is not a Christian because their Father is a Pastor, and their Mother is an Evangelist. Proxy saves no one. A person is not a Christian because they “feel Jesus in their heart.” Salvation is never based on our subjective sentimental feelings. A person is not a Christian because they have been water baptized. Baptism has never saved anyone. A person is not a Christian because they wear a crucifix around their neck and kisses it. You’re not a Christian because you have graduated from Seminary or Bible College. A Church cannot make someone a Christian just like someone standing in a garage will not make them a Mercedes Benz.

All the above are charitable deeds, but they are works of the flesh that can never save the soul. The Bible declares that no works of the flesh can justify us or make us right with God (Rom 3:20; Gal 2:16).

The word Christian was not given to believers by believers. It came from the Greeks. Believers in Christ were first called Christians in Antioch (Acts 11:26). They mostly meant it as a pejorative. The only other times the word Christian is used in scripture is Acts 26:28 when King Herod Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian,” and in 1 Peter 4:16.

A Biblical definition of Christian is one who belongs to the party of Christ or one who is a disciple of Christ. Now, back to the question. How does one become a Christian? A person is saved upon hearing the gospel message and has repented of their sins and has placed their faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

To repent means to change your mind. We agree with God that our sins are egregious in His sight. All sin must be judged and punished. Worst of all sin breeds death (Romans 6:23). When one places their faith in Christ substitutionary atoning sacrifice, He takes away their sin, thus forgiving them and grants them His righteousness. This results in the sinner receiving eternal life. But in order for us to be made alive, Jesus had to die. Why? Because he bore our sins on the tree (1 Peter 2:24).

2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

Believers realize that salvation has nothing to do with anything they have done, but with all that Jesus has done. Titus 3:4-7 says, “But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”

Ephesians 2:8-9 reads, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is gift of God not of works lest anyone should boast.”

Man is completely impotent in this process. The grace and faith are gifts that are given to the redeemed sinner to empower them to believe. The Prophet Jonah said it best, “Salvation is of the Lord” (Jonah 2:9).

Another passage that describes true conversion is Romans 10:9-10, “If you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart man believes unto to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

Romans 4:24b-25 says Jesus was raised from the dead who was first delivered up because of our offences and was raised because of our justification. Did you catch that reader? Jesus HAD to die because of our sin, and He HAD to raise from the dead in order for us to be justified before God the Father. The famous hymn “Jesus Paid It All” is true.

What a Christian does and must develop into

True believers work out their salvation daily (Philippians 2:12-13).

They endure numerous trials realizing tribulation builds character (James 1:1-4; 2 Peter 1:1-6)

They always pray (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

They study the Word to show themselves approved unto God (2 Timothy 2:15)

They fulfill the great commission to preach the gospel and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20)

They fight against their sin and are broken when they are defeated by it (Read Romans 7, entire chapter)

They pickup their cross and live a life of self-denial (Matthew 16:24-25)

They are continually confessing their sins, not for salvation but for ongoing fellowship with the Lord and continual cleansing and righteousness (1 John 1:9)

They exhibit the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)

They support their brothers and sisters caught in sin without judging them realizing their own propensity to sin themselves (Galatians 6:1)

They are always forgiving others realizing Christ has forgiven them (Ephesians 4:28-32)

They desire to live peacefully with all people and refuse to take personal vengeance (Romans 12:17-21)

They love and pray for their enemies (Matthew 5:44)

They remain morally and sexually pure (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4)

They boldly defend the Word of God and rebuke those who contradict it (Titus 1:9)

They hunger and thirst after righteousness (Matthew 5:6)

They realize that being a witness for Christ could mean their death (Acts 1:8). The word witness in Greek is Martus or Martur where we get the English word Martyr. Yes, the cost of discipleship is very high.

 

 They long for the Lord’s return (Revelation 22:20)

Sadly, the “Christianity” that many have embraced is cultural and social, but not biblical or salvific. A lot of people like a lot of things they see in Christendom like feeding the hungry, visiting the sick or being kind to the homeless. This makes us feel good about ourselves. But, when it comes to living a holy life, defending the faith, rebuking false teachings, or submitting to the Lordship of Jesus and sharing the gospel they are not

committed. Only those who do the will of the Father will ever reach heaven. Pretenders will be left out (Matthew 7:21-23).

We perform good works because we are saved. We do not perform good works to get saved. If unrepentant vile sinners can merit salvation by what they do, then God the Father was most cruel in sending Jesus to be beaten and crucified, shed His precious blood and die for nothing.

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[1] The word religious in this passage is where we get the word superstitious. It means fear of gods or demons

Have You Spoken To Any Dogs Or Pigs Lately?

 I realize this is a very strange title for an article, but rest assured I will explain. I had the privilege of sharing the gospel with some members from my Church and another Church this past Saturday. As we walked in the neighborhood, we encountered a gentleman who engaged us, but also ridiculed everything we said regarding Jesus, sin and the need for repentance and forgiveness. This is no surprise to me as I have encountered people who have mocked God after I have shared His word, or even if they “agreed” with me, they told me what sins they were about to engage in letting me know the word had no penitential effect on them.

My point being is when sharing the gospel truth to someone face to face, or online, we must be discerning. We are not to waste our time with those who have no desire to hear the truth. This is not a harsh response; it is a Biblical one. When Jesus was preaching the sermon on the mountain, He said, “Do not give what is holy to the dogs, and do not cast your pearls before swine, less they trample them under feet, and turn and tear you to pieces” (Matthew 7:6).

Proverbs 26:4-5 tells us the following, “Do not answer a fool according to his folly lest you be like him. Answer a fool according to his folly lest he be wise in own eyes.”

The preceding verses appear to contradict one another, but they do not. Verse four is commanding us not to stoop down the level of a fool when they are being foolish. Verse five is commanding us to correct a fool in their foolishness otherwise they will feel emboldened and confident in their stupidity. All these exchanges can and often happen in a gospel presentation. We must know how to respond to someone being foolish.

When Jesus sent out the disciples to preach the gospel one of the things He said is, “And whoever will not receive your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day judgment than for that city” (Matthew 10:14)! What a terrifying thought. For those who reject the gospel, they are worse than the evil homosexuals who were in Sodom and Gomorrah (Read Genesis 18 & 19).

The Gospel of Christ is described as a treasure in earthen vessels. The earthen vessel described here is representatively speaking of frail humanity. An actual earthen vessel was a clay pot that was easily breakable and replaceable. It was useful for storing items like jewelry, money, or documents. The reality that God would entrust frail, sinful humans with His precious truth lets us know how much He loves us. So, the power is never in the presenter, but the message the clay pot presents so that God receives the glory (2 Corinthians 4:7).

So that I am clear, we are to share the gospel with all. We also need to be aware of who is receiving your message, and who is not. Based on the responses of those listening determines if you continue speaking or if you need to walk away. Remember, what we have is most the precious treasure of all, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Good News! Do not give what is holy to the dogs; those that return to their own vomit, or pigs; they go back to the mud after they have been cleansed (Proverbs 26:11; 2 Peter 2:22).

Those that reject this Good News will be subject to the worst news, God’s holy wrath (John 3:36).

In The World but not of it

As time marches on, it is more difficult to strike a balance between engaging our culture, and at the same time not succumbing to its evil trappings. We live in a world of tempting compromise. What I have discovered is that if you stand your ground, and stick to your moral convictions, you’re a bigot, phobic, conspiracy theorist, hypocrite, religious zealot, intolerant and unloving. You’ll get canceled on the largest social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. While free speech is our constitutional right, not everyone likes what others who have a different opinion than theirs have to say. In a lot of instances, many people hate worldviews that do not agree with their own - especially Biblical worldviews. These disagreements can degenerate to venomous shouting matches, violent fights, and worst of all some become fatal.

As a Christian, we are commanded to love all people. This is never easy since so many people are hateful. The world has love twisted though. They believe that love means accepting and celebrating their sins. We cannot do that. We MUST love them and lovingly expose their sins. Why? Because we want the world to know that God’s wrath (i.e. His anger) is abiding on them (John 3:36). We must provide a balanced gospel presentation. In order for someone to appreciate the good news, they must be aware of the bad news - they are spiritually dead because of their sins (Eph 2:1: Cols 2:13). This means they are disconnected from their Creator and are currently on their way to hell. I know it's a hard truth to deliver and for most hard to swallow, but we must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).

Once someone is clearly aware of their spiritual condition (provided they want to hear you), it's time to deliver the good news. They can be forgiven of all their sins by repenting and placing their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. Jesus was sent by God the Father to save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). This is the best way we as Christians can engage the world without compromising our commitment to the Lord.

Ephesians 5:11 commands us to not get involved in the fruitless deeds of darkness but rather expose them. This is where the tension is the hottest. Once a believer exposes the sins of the wicked, the heat is on! If the person’s heart is hardened, they will not hear you. As a matter of fact, they will harden themselves more and increase their sin to anger you. Why? Because they love their evil (John 3:19). This is a spiritual battle between light (the believer) and darkness (the non-believer). 

The Bible commands us to not love the world or the things in it. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him / her (1 John 2:15). When God commands us not to love the world He means the world system - its ungodly trappings like I said in the beginning. We are not to love the fame, fortune and carnal pleasure. It’s all passing away.

How many Christians have compromised and dimmed their light because they want to be accepted by this deceptive evil world system? Listen to the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18:

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 

And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them. I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” 

Therefore

“Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.” “I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”

God is challenging and testing us to see if we love Him more than ourselves and others. The questions we need to constantly ask ourselves is, “Who do I want to please, God or man?” And, “Who would I rather have mad at me, God or man?”

You see if we give in to the world’s corrupt ways, then we are no good to ourselves or the kingdom of God. We destroy our witness for Christ and we will be defeated and disqualify ourselves for usefulness. Think about that! Do you really want to be defeated by the enemy? I don’t. Wayward Christians are hypocrites. Is that the way you want to represent Jesus - our blessed Savior who was humiliated, beaten beyond recognition, bloodied and died to save our souls?

Too many professing Christians want the best of both worlds. They want Jesus as Savior, but not as Lord. They want the kingdom of heaven, and the kingdom of carnal pleasure. The Lord requires that we submit our lives to Him. Our lives are no longer our own for we have been bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20). I struggle with this reality everyday. Let these words be a reminder to all of us-as we know we are not being as effective for the kingdom as we could be.

At the end of the day, Jesus said that not everyone who says to me Lord, Lord will enter into the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of my Father in heaven. He went on to say many will come to Me and say, “Lord we prophesied in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and did mighty works in your name. Then Jesus will say to them, “I never knew you, depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness” (Matthew 7:21-23).

Now when Jesus said He never knew someone, that doesn’t mean He does not know who they are for He knows everyone. What He is saying is that He does not have an intimate personal relationship with them. He is not their Savior. They are not one of His sheep (John 10:26). God knows everyone creationally, but He does not know everyone relationally. Simply put, everyone is NOT a child of God. Most are children of Satan (John 8:44). This should be obvious by the politics in the White House all the way down to the violence in our streets.

Concluding believers, we must inject God’s truth and love in the culture. This is not an easy thing to do. It is very easy to get discouraged and afraid when we know for the most part people are not going to listen. Remember, we are in a spirit and truth war. Souls are at stake. Once a person is regenerated by God’s Spirit, then real and lasting change will occur. Only God’s power can convert the soul. It’s our job as much as humanly possible to convince the world of this truth. So let’s keep getting the word out. God is the only one that can do the saving.