PNEUMATOLOGY: THE DOCTRINE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Extra Notes Sign And Wonders

Noel Merrick

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Spiritual Gifts

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us… Romans 12:6

Romans 12:6 KJV 1900

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

The Salvation of God is great in the life of a sinner.

We who have trusted Him as our Saviour can look forward to an eternity in Heaven, and also an abundant life on earth.

God meant for each of His children, to be a useful member of His local church.

This is the will of GOD.

To that end, He has given everyone a spiritual gift, that at our spiritual birth, we are endowed with the spiritual enablement to be a useful contributing member of the local church.

Each believer has a gift: no one is left out in GOD’s bestowment.

As we are all given a personality at birth, so at our spiritual birth: GOD gives us a spiritual gift.

His plan is then to join us to a local body, to utilize that gift in order to assist in His plan for that body.

Notice the teaching of the Bible on spiritual gifts:

There are three different sets of spiritual gifts in the bible

The first set is found in Romans 12:6 – 9.

Romans 12:6–9 KJV 1900

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

There are seven gifts in this list: prophecy, ministry (service), teaching, exhortation (encouragement), giving, ruling (administration), and mercy (compassion).

ALL of GOD’s children are born again with one of these primary gifts.

These are gifts that affect the whole persons’ outlook and direction in life.

It drives his desire and controls his perspective on life.

When a person is said to have the gift of prophecy, it refers to his being of needing to proclaim the message of GOD and exposing sin and calling people back to GOD.

The second set of spiritual gifts is found in 1 Corinthians 12:8 – 10.

1 Corinthians 12:8–10 KJV 1900

For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

There are 9 gifts in this list: word of wisdom, word of knowledge, gift of faith, gift of healing, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, speaking in diverse tongues, and the interpretation of tongues.

These gifts are the outward manifestation of the gifts in Ro 12:6-9.

Romans 12:6–9 KJV 1900

The third set of gifts can be found in Ephesians 4:8, 11.

Ephesians 4:8 KJV 1900

Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

Ephesians 4:11 KJV 1900

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

Spiritual Gifts A Study in the Powerful Gifts Given to the Church “Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.” 1 Corinthians 14:2

1 Corinthians 14:2 KJV 1900

For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

Introducing the Gifts of the Spirit to the Church The Sign Gifts - Miraculous Abilities for the First Century Church

Wisdom and Knowledge

Gift of Faith

Healing

Miracles

Prophecy – Part 1

Prophecy – Part 2

Discerning of Spirits

Speaking in Tongues - 1

Speaking in Tongues - 2

What's Wrong With Modern Tongues - 1

What's Wrong With Modern Tongues - 2

Interpretation of Tongues

Serious Issues with Experience Based Christianity - 1

Serious Issues with Experience Based Christianity - 2

The Servant Gifts - Servant Leaders of the Church

Apostles and Prophets

Evangelists (Church Planters)

Pastors Teachers

The Service Gifts - Spiritual Abilities Given to Bless the Church

Introduction to the Service Gifts

Prophecy – Speaking Up for God

Teaching – Instructing People

Ministry / Helps – Supporting Weaker Brethren

Exhorting – Urging and Encouraging Others

Giving – Sharing With Others

Governments / Ruling – Governing and Managing People

Mercy – Showing Compassion on Others

We are following the outline of the gifts as set forth in teaching by a Pastor Craig Ledbetter from Ireland , He has put an outline of the gifts in 3 groupings which we have just looked at .

Signs and Wonders

Brief Study Outline

A. The Meaning of Signs and Wonders:

Signs and wonders are special miracles that “signify” that something miraculous is going on.

They are always intended on making people “wonder” about important things instead of remaining numb to them.

In the Bible, signs and wonders include:

1. Miraculous Healing, raising the dead, giving sight

2. Speaking in tongues

3. Prophesying - telling the future

4. Withholding rain for 3 1/2 years (Elijah) in judgment

5. The sun darkened, and moon turned into blood (Act 2:19,20)

Acts 2:19 KJV 1900

And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:

Acts 2:20 KJV 1900

The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:

6. The Burning Bush Exodus 3

Exodus 3 KJV 1900

Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God. And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites. Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt. And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain. And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations. Go, and gather the elders of Israel together, and say unto them, The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared unto me, saying, I have surely visited you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt: And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey. And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The Lord God of the Hebrews hath met with us: and now let us go, we beseech thee, three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God. And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand. And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go. And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty: But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians.

7. The Parting of the Red sea Exodus 14:21-31

Exodus 14:21–31 KJV 1900

And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the Lord looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians, And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the Lord fighteth for them against the Egyptians. And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen. And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them. But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. Thus the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore. And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his servant Moses.

8. The story of Baalims talking donkey Ass Numbers 22:21-39

Numbers 22:21–39 KJV 1900

And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab. And God’s anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the Lord stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him. And the ass saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way. But the angel of the Lord stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side. And when the ass saw the angel of the Lord, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam’s foot against the wall: and he smote her again. And the angel of the Lord went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left. And when the ass saw the angel of the Lord, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam’s anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff. And the Lord opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times? And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee. And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay. Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face. And the angel of the Lord said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me: And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive. And Balaam said unto the angel of the Lord, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again. And the angel of the Lord said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak. And when Balak heard that Balaam was come, he went out to meet him unto a city of Moab, which is in the border of Arnon, which is in the utmost coast. And Balak said unto Balaam, Did I not earnestly send unto thee to call thee? wherefore camest thou not unto me? am I not able indeed to promote thee to honour? And Balaam said unto Balak, Lo, I am come unto thee: have I now any power at all to say any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak. And Balaam went with Balak, and they came unto Kirjath-huzoth.

This List can and is extensive so we have just put a couple here for us.

Allow us to continue this outline on Signs and Wonders, while somewhat brief it will be extended as the message goes on soi ask just stick with us this morning.

B. The Method of Signs and Wonders

1. By the “laying on of hands” of those empowered

2. By prayer by those empowered

C. The Purpose of Signs and Wonders

1. To prove that Jesus was God (Acts 2:22)

Acts 2:22 KJV 1900

Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

2. To back up the word of God (Mark 16:20)

Mark 16:20 KJV 1900

And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

3. To show that God was with the Christians now in Acts 2, like as He had been with the Jews in Exodus (Dt 6:22)

Acts 2 KJV 1900

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 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: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 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. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 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? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 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, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Deuteronomy 6:22 KJV 1900

And the Lord shewed signs and wonders, great and sore, upon Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his household, before our eyes:

4. To mark changes in God’s dealings with mankind (Act 2:19)

Acts 2:19 (KJV 1900)

And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:

5. To deceive people and get them against God (Rev 16:14)

Revelation 16:14 (KJV 1900)

For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

D. The Producers of Signs and Wonders

1. God Himself (Isa 7:14)

Isaiah 7:14 KJV 1900

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, And shall call his name Immanuel.

2. The Lord Jesus (Acts 2:22)

Acts 2:22 KJV 1900

Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

3. Prophets - Moses and Aaron (Ex 7:3), and the prophets

Exodus 7:3 (KJV 1900)

And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt.

4. Apostles - By the hands of the apostles (Acts 2:43; 4:33; 5:12; 14:3,4; 19:11; Ro 15:19; 2 Cor 12:12). They got this personally from the Lord Jesus (Mt 10:1,2).

Acts 2:43 KJV 1900

And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

Acts 4:33 (KJV 1900)

And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

Acts 5:12 (KJV 1900)

And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.

Acts 14:3 (KJV 1900)

Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

Acts 14:4 (KJV 1900)

But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

Acts 19:11 KJV 1900

And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:

Romans 15:19 KJV 1900

Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

2 Corinthians 12:12 (KJV 1900)

Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.

Matthew 10:1 KJV 1900

And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

Matthew 10:2 (KJV 1900)

Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;

5. Deacons - By the first deacons (Acts 6:8; 8:5-7) - they were given this power by the apostles (Acts 6:5,6)

Acts 6:8 KJV 1900

And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

Acts 8:5–7 KJV 1900

Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.

Acts 6:5 KJV 1900

And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

Acts 6:6 KJV 1900

Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

6. The Anti-christ (Mt 24:24; Rev 13:11-15), and his “ministers” (Ex 7:10-12)

Matthew 24:24 KJV 1900

For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Revelation 13:11–15 KJV 1900

And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.

Exodus 7:10–12 (KJV 1900)

And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the Lord had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent.

Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments.

For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods.

E. The Proofs of True Signs and Wonders

1. They worked every time - with and without faith by the recipient (Acts 5:16; 28:7,8).

Acts 5:16 KJV 1900

There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

Acts 28:7 KJV 1900

In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.

Acts 28:8 (KJV 1900)

And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.

2. They never contradicted the word of God - always were subject to verification (1 John 4:1)

1 John 4:1 (KJV 1900)

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

3. They worked against ALL forms of disease and satanic powers (Matt 10:1,8) - they could heal AIDS, and restore missing limbs - not just "stretch" limbs and cure gout!

Matthew 10:1 (KJV 1900)

And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

Matthew 10:8 (KJV 1900)

Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

4. They worked until the end of the apostolic age (2 Tim 4:20; 1 Cor 13:8)

2 Timothy 4:20 (KJV 1900)

Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.

1 Corinthians 13:8 KJV 1900

Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

F. The Problem with Signs and Wonders

1. An adulterous people look for them - not true seekers of Christ (Mt 12:38-41), but of those who only seek more sources of personal power!

Matthew 12:38–41 KJV 1900

Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.

2. The devil can easily counterfeit most of them (Ex 8:16-18; Rev 13:13-15)

Exodus 8:16–18 KJV 1900

And the Lord said unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch out thy rod, and smite the dust of the land, that it may become lice throughout all the land of Egypt. And they did so; for Aaron stretched out his hand with his rod, and smote the dust of the earth, and it became lice in man, and in beast; all the dust of the land became lice throughout all the land of Egypt. And the magicians did so with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they could not: so there were lice upon man, and upon beast.

Revelation 13:13–15 (KJV 1900)

And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,

And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.

And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.

3. The Lord will allow signs and wonders to confound the rebellious (2Thes 2:8-12), and test the Christian (Dt 13:1-5).

2 Thessalonians 2:8–12 (KJV 1900)

And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Deuteronomy 13:1–5 KJV 1900

4. Miracles are to be subject to the word of God (Isa 8:18-20). If they aren’t valid, then the magician is to be stoned (Dt 13)

Isaiah 8:18–20 KJV 1900

Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me Are for signs and for wonders in Israel From the Lord of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion. And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, And unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: Should not a people seek unto their God? For the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: If they speak not according to this word, It is because there is no light in them.

Deuteronomy 13 KJV 1900

If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the Lord your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Ye shall walk after the Lord your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn you away from the Lord your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the Lord thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee. If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers; Namely, of the gods of the people which are round about you, nigh unto thee, or far off from thee, from the one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth; Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him: But thou shalt surely kill him; thine hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people. And thou shalt stone him with stones, that he die; because he hath sought to thrust thee away from the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. And all Israel shall hear, and fear, and shall do no more any such wickedness as this is among you. If thou shalt hear say in one of thy cities, which the Lord thy God hath given thee to dwell there, saying, Certain men, the children of Belial, are gone out from among you, and have withdrawn the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which ye have not known; Then shalt thou inquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, if it be truth, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought among you; Thou shalt surely smite the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, destroying it utterly, and all that is therein, and the cattle thereof, with the edge of the sword. And thou shalt gather all the spoil of it into the midst of the street thereof, and shalt burn with fire the city, and all the spoil thereof every whit, for the Lord thy God: and it shall be an heap for ever; it shall not be built again. And there shall cleave nought of the cursed thing to thine hand: that the Lord may turn from the fierceness of his anger, and shew thee mercy, and have compassion upon thee, and multiply thee, as he hath sworn unto thy fathers; When thou shalt hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, to keep all his commandments which I command thee this day, to do that which is right in the eyes of the Lord thy God.

5. People are only to believe the word - not miracles (John 4:48). The miracles were to get people to believe the word (Mk 16:20)!

John 4:48 KJV 1900

Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.

Mark 16:20 KJV 1900

And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

G. The Place of Signs and Wonders - in the Past, and in the Future

1. Primarily in Israel

2. To the Jews throughout the world - to get them back to God

3. To some of the Gentiles - but not as a general rule.

Paul was restrained in using miracles outside Israel (Cf 1Cor 1:22-24), but would use them if there were unbelieving Jews present (1 Cor 14:22).

1 Corinthians 1:22–24 (KJV 1900)

For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

1 Corinthians 14:22 (KJV 1900)

Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

4. Were finished at the completion of the Bible (1 Cor 13:8-10)

1 Corinthians 13:8–10 KJV 1900

Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

5. They will occur again in the Tribulation (manna from heaven feeding the Jews; water from the rock; earthquakes, sun being turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, etc).

These miracles will once again be directed at the literal Jews - not Christian believers!

H. The Proper Results of Signs and Wonders -

The apostles demonstrated authority over laying the foundation of the church

1. Produced unity in the church - they already had it (Acts 1: ; 2 :

Acts 1 (KJV 1900)

The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,

Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:

To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

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.

For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

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.

And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

Which 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.

Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey.

And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.

These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)

Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.

And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.

For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.

Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,

Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,

That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.

And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

2. Seriousness about being a part of the New Testament church (Acts 2:43

Acts 2:43 (KJV 1900)

And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

3. People getting saved - consistent focus!

4. People getting healed (Acts 5:16) - every one!

Everybody was ready for the coming of the kingdom of Heaven - Millennium

Acts 5:16 (KJV 1900)

There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

CONCLUDING REMARKS

All this is not ever to imply that God Himself has changed. God is the "miracle worker" and is still in the miracle working business.

What N.T. Christianity so quickly does is get it eyes off of the Lord, and onto the healer.

May N.T. Christianity once again get back to a complete dependence upon God for all the needed miracles necessary to stand and firm in this dark world!

Now allow us to take a look at the Tongues issue.

The Sign Gifts – Speaking in Tongues - 1

God’s Spiritual Gifts to Believers at the Beginning of the Church Age

1 Corinthians 12:28-31

1 Corinthians 12:28–31 (KJV 1900)

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

I. Introduction to Tongues

A. The Charismatic Movement is a doctrinal split among “Pentecostal” churches during the 20th Century toward the spiritual gifts that were temporarily given to the Apostles as “signs” to Israel.

B. The main distinctive is the charismatic’s emphasis on speaking in tongues.

Other characteristics of the movement include

1. Promoting special gifts of healing

2. A prosperity gospel

3. And the possibility of one losing their salvation.

C. The Battle for Unity

1. 1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

1 Corinthians 1:10 (KJV 1900)

Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

2. 1 Corinthians 3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

1 Corinthians 3:3 (KJV 1900)

For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

3. 1 Corinthians 11:18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.

1 Corinthians 11:18 (KJV 1900)

For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.

4. Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

Romans 16:17 (KJV 1900)

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

5. Proverbs 6:16;19 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:...he that soweth discord among brethren.

Proverbs 6:16 (KJV 1900)

These six things doth the Lord hate: Yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

Proverbs 6:19 (KJV 1900)

A false witness that speaketh lies, And he that soweth discord among brethren.

D. When did Speaking in Tongues re-appear?

1. The Charles Parham ministry in Topeka, Kansas, and the Bethel Bible Institute (around 1898).

At his school Parham taught that the Holy Spirit could be received through the laying on of hands.

On December 31, 1900, a woman asked Parham to put his hands on her for the Baptist of the Holy Spirit.

The woman (a student) professed to have had a special baptism of the Spirit at this time and spoke in tongues. Other students followed her example.

2. The Azusa Street meeting in Los Angeles under W.J. Seymour.

The Azusa Street meeting marked the change from the traditional Holiness movement to the Holiness with tongues.

Seymour was a descendant of African slaves who had been brought to America.

Little else is know of his background.

He began a ministry in Los Angles, CA.

a. He held his first meeting in a house on Bonnie Brae Street on April 9, 1906.

From there he went to an abandoned Methodist Church at 312 Azusa Street.

b. From 1906-1909, he was the central figure in the Azusa Street Meeting of Los Angeles.

Crowds came for some four years, looking for salvation, sanctification, the baptism of the Spirit, and healing as taught by Seymour.

One of the earliest names of the place was Apostolic Faith Gospel Mission.

It became a Pentecostal Mecca.

c. These services were characterized by both male and female preachers. The “Spirit of God” was “seen” falling upon people.

The power of God fell and every one was caught up in the Spirit and visions of God.

Several had a vision of the Saviour.

He held a book in His hand.

They saw the nail prints and the blood trickling down while He wrote their names in the book with the blood that ran down from His pierced hands.

d. One would wonder whether this was an hallucination rather than a vision.

Are people able to see God and Christ today?

Is Christ presently bleeding in Heaven?

e. Practically all of the Pentecostal groups in existence can trace lineage to the Azusa Street Mission.

In 1914, the Assemblies of God was organized, and for many years, it was the largest of the Pentecostal groups.

As a conservative estimate, it is held that at the present time there are about four mission Pentecostals in the U.S. found in thirty different Pentecostal groups.

3. Emotionalism rather than Bible exposition, experience rather than Bible teachings, hysterical sessions and claims of visions, tongues, prophecies, and a special baptism have made Biblically informed Christians decidedly reject the movement.

E. Tongues Speaking Is Not Restricted To Christendom

1. Ecstatic utterances have been described by practitioners of the mystery cults of the Greco-Roman era.

Such a method of revelation was used by the oracle of Delphi not far from the city of Corinth.

Several of the religions of the far East practice speaking in ecstatic languages, which on the surface at least appears very similar to the present-day Pentecostal type of experience.

Even some of the practices of the spiritualistic mediums and voodoo witch doctors closely resemble behavior patterns evidenced in certain Pentecostal fringe groups.

2. Speaking unintelligible language is found among non-Christians, of that there can be no doubt.

Take the Zulus…Tongues-speaking has also been found among Moslems.

It was the practice of Mormons from their early days, and it is also found among spiritualist mediums and schizophrenics.

In addition, it is found among former Pentecostals who have completely renounced their faith and tongues.

In the ancient Mediterranean world, speaking with tongues was well known.

3. The present growth of unscriptural religions movement including the Charismatic Movement is satanic in its nature and creates an alienation from Biblical faith.

Such movements are forerunners of the final religious system that will join with the Roman Catholic Church to form the end-time religious system of the Whore which will worship the Beast and the image that speaks in the Tribulation Period.

II. Message – Introducing the Gift of Speaking in Tongues

A. What are Tongues?

1. Languages (Gen 10:20)

Genesis 10:20 (KJV 1900)

These are the sons of Ham, after their families, after their tongues, in their countries, and in their nations.

2. In the Bible, they are always known languages

3. To Charismatics, they are mainly heavenly languages

B. There are 3 basic interpretations of Biblical tongues.

1. It was a sign gift that fulfilled it's purpose and is no longer applicable today.

This is the position that we hold as Independent Baptist, and will demonstrate from Scripture in these messages.

2. It was a sign gift that is still applicable today, but must follow Biblical guidelines.

a. This view is held pretty much by what we call "old-line Pentecostals".

There are very few of these around today because they are a dying breed.

The problem with this crowd is they claim to be 'Biblical' in their tongues, but unfortunately embrace other unscriptural practices such as women speaking in tongues, women preachers, and other practices.

b. They adhere more to the 1 Cor. 14 set of guidelines than most Charismatics, but misinterpret the tongues as a heavenly language as opposed to a literal foreign language.

We will deal with this in detail a little later on.

1 Corinthians 14 (KJV 1900)

Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?

For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?

So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.

There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.

Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.

Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?

For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:

Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.

Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.

If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.

For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

Let all things be done decently and in order.

3. It is a gift meant for all believers with no rules, limitations, Biblical authority or explanations.

a. This is the attitude of the large majority of the modern day Charismatics.

The only absolute is their experience.

They have no Bible to back up their beliefs, therefore they open themselves up for more error, such as slaying in the Spirit, dancing in the Spirit, miracle healers, manifestations, and so forth.

b. This crowd typically justify their experience with passionate expressions of conviction but have no Bible for it.

The Sign Gifts – Speaking in Tongues - 2

God’s Spiritual Gifts to Believers at the Beginning of the Church Age

1 Corinthians 12:28-31

1 Corinthians 12:28–31 (KJV 1900)

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

I. Introduction to Tongues

A. The Charismatic Movement is a doctrinal split among “Pentecostal” churches during the 20th Century toward the spiritual gifts that were temporarily given to the Apostles as “signs” to Israel.

B. Their main distinctive is the emphasis on speaking in tongues.

Other characteristics of the movement include

1. Promoting special gifts of healing

2. A prosperity gospel

3. And the possibility of one losing their salvation.

C. The Battle for Unity

1. 1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

1 Corinthians 1:10 (KJV 1900)

2. 1 Corinthians 3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

1 Corinthians 3:3 (KJV 1900)

For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

3. 1 Corinthians 11:18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.

1 Corinthians 11:18 (KJV 1900)

For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.

4. Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

Romans 16:17 (KJV 1900)

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

5. Proverbs 6:16;19 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:...he that soweth discord among brethren.

Proverbs 6:16 (KJV 1900)

These six things doth the Lord hate: Yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

Proverbs 6:19 (KJV 1900)

A false witness that speaketh lies, And he that soweth discord among brethren.

D. When did Speaking in Tongues re-appear?

1. The late 1800’s – not something that had continued through history

2. Emotionalism rather than Bible exposition, experience rather than Bible teachings, hysterical sessions and claims of visions, tongues, prophecies, and a special baptism took over their doctrine

3. All this has made Biblically informed Christians decidedly reject the movement and stick with boring old TRUTH, and the emphasis on TRUTH and the Miracle of SALVATION and a Changed Life instead of any other miracle!

4. Thank God for any and every true miracle, but miracles on demand are a thing of the distant past – our lot is not to have a prosperous life, but a sacrificial life, for Christ (1Tim 4:10)!!!

1 Timothy 4:10 KJV 1900

For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

E. Tongues Speaking Is Not Restricted To Christendom – Muslims, Mormons, Hindu’s and Tribal people in Africa all speak with ecstatic languages that they do not know what they are saying!

II. Message – The Gift of Speaking in Tongues – Part 2

A. Remind ourselves, What are Tongues according to the Bible?

1. Languages (Gen 10:20) - In the Bible, they are always known languages

Genesis 10:20 KJV 1900

These are the sons of Ham, after their families, after their tongues, in their countries, and in their nations.

2. To Charismatics, they are mainly heavenly languages that they speak to God with

3. To speak with other tongues means to be able to communicate with someone in their language even though you never learned their language – that’s why it is called an unknown tongue – unknown to you!

B. Let us carefully examine some undisputed, undeniable facts.

1. Fact 1: Tongues was a known language; not unintelligible gibberish

a. This is an extremely important point in this whole debate.

Notice these verses in Acts 2:4-11

Acts 2:4–11 KJV 1900

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

b. These verses that are so adamantly referred to by Charismatics illustrate a phenomenon that NONE OF THEM HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED!

c. If Charismatics have the gift of tongues, why do their missionaries have to go to language school??

d. No Charismatic has the Acts 2 gift of tongues.

Verse 11 says "...we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God!"

When you speak in tongues, do people know what you are saying??

Do you know what you are saying?

If not, something is very wrong, and we're only on fact number one!

Acts 2 (KJV 1900)

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

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

And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

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

And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?

And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?

Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,

Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,

Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:

For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.

But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

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:

And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:

The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:

Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:

Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.

Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.

Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;

He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.

This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

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.

For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

Until I make thy foes thy footstool.

Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

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?

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

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

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

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

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

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,

Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

e. Pentecostals and Charismatics often teach that there are two types of tongues described in the New Testament: the "public language tongues" of Pentecost and the "private prayer" tongues of 1 Corinthians 14:4 -- "He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church."

Some call this distinction "ministry tongues" and "devotional tongues."

1 Corinthians 14:4 (KJV 1900)

He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

f. If one is valid, then the other must be too – yet only ONE is seen at work ANYWHERE!

Period! Fails the first test!!!

g. Early Pentecostal leaders understood that biblical tongues were real earthly languages.

They even thought they would be able to go to foreign mission fields and witness through miraculous tongues without having to learn the languages.

Those who attempted this, though, returned bitterly disappointed!

1) "Alfred G. Garr and his wife went to the Far East with the conviction that they could preach the gospel in 'the Indian and Chinese languages.'

2) Lucy Farrow went to Africa and returned after seven months during which she was alleged to have preached to the natives in their own 'Kru language.'

The German pastor and analyst Oskar Pfister reported the case of a Pentecostal...

3) 'Simon,' who had planned to go to China using tongues for preaching.

Numerous other Pentecostal missionaries went abroad believing they had the miraculous ability to speak in the languages of those to whom they were sent.

These Pentecostal claims were well known at the time. S.C. Todd of the Bible Missionary Society investigated eighteen Pentecostals who went to Japan, China, and India 'expecting to preach to the natives in those countries in their own tongue,' and found that by their own admission 'in no single instance have [they] been able to do so.'

As these and other missionaries returned in disappointment and failure, Pentecostals were compelled to rethink their original view of speaking in tongues" (Robert Mapes Anderson, Vision of the Disinherited: The Making of American Pentecostalism).

4) The conclusion was soon reached that their "tongues" were not earthly languages but a "heavenly" or special prayer language; and those are the terms we have heard frequently at large Charismatic conferences, such as those in New Orleans in 1987, Indianapolis in 1990, and St. Louis in 2000.

The tongues that I heard in these conferences were not languages of any sort, but merely repetitious mumblings that anyone could imitate. Larry Lea supposedly spoke in tongues in Indianapolis in 1990, and this is a key example of what is being passed off for tongues in the Charismatic movement.

It went something like this: "Bubblyida bubblyida hallelujah bubblyida hallabubbly shallabubblyida kolabubblyida glooooory hallelujah bubblyida."

I wrote that down as he was saying it and later checked it against the tape.

Nancy Kellar, a Roman Catholic nun who was on the executive committee of the St. Louis meeting in 2000, spoke in "tongues" on Thursday evening of the conference.

Her tongues went like this: "Shananaa leea, shananaa higha, shananaa nanaa, shananaa leea" repeated over and over and over.

h. If you think I'm making fun of these people, you are wrong.

This is taken directly from the audiotapes of the messages.

If these are languages, they certainly have a simple vocabulary!

My children had a more complex language than that when they were still toddlers.

2. Fact 2: Jews were always present.

a. This is a key factor because as Paul acknowledged in 1 Corinthians 1:22 "For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:"

1 Corinthians 1:22 (KJV 1900)

For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

Since they required a sign, this sign was specifically for them.

If there are no unsaved Jews around, tongues are illegitimate.

b. 1 Corinthians 14:22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them (Jews) that believe not:

1 Corinthians 14:22 (KJV 1900)

Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

3. Fact 3: They all had the ability to speak with various languages; not just one or two of them.

a. Acts 2:4 And they were all (all 12 apostles) filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 2:4 (KJV 1900)

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

b. Acts 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.

Acts 10:46 (KJV 1900)

For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

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

Acts 19:6 (KJV 1900)

And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

4. Fact 4: None of them asked to do it, or begged for the gift.

a. To have an altar call and get people to pray and beg and plead for the 'baptism of the Holy Ghost' is TOTALLY unscriptural.

b. The true gift of tongues came unexpectedly and without any effort on anybody's part to initiate it.

5. Fact 5: None of them were taught to speak in tongues, encouraged to, or even warned that it could happen.

a. There are literally classes that Charismatics can attend where they learn how to speak in tongues!

There are literally teachers that go around to different churches and hold seminars and classes for the purpose of teaching people how to speak in tongues! Unbelievable.

b. They speak of 'releasing the inner gift'.

That sounds like New Age philosophy to me.

This is absurd.

6. Fact 6: Four signs should accompany believers – not just ONE (Mark 16:17,18)

a. Mark 16:17,18 "And these signs shall follow them that believe;

Mark 16:17 (KJV 1900)

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

Mark 16:18 (KJV 1900)

They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

1) (#1) In my name shall they cast out devils;

2) (#2) they shall speak with new tongues;

3) (#3) They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them;

4) (#4) they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."

b. These verses list 4 sign gifts: Notice the PROPHECY.

1) casting out devils

2) speaking in tongues

3) taking up deadly serpents (immune to poison)

4) healing of any sickness – not just a few kinds – AIDS and CANCER should be a thing of the past!!!

c. Notice the FULFILLMENT.

1) Casting out devils – Acts 16:16-18

Acts 16:16–18 (KJV 1900)

And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:

The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.

And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

2) Speaking in tongues – Acts 2:4

Acts 2:4 (KJV 1900)

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

3) Taking up deadly serpents (immunity to poison) – Acts 28:3,4

Acts 28:3 (KJV 1900)

And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.

Acts 28:4 (KJV 1900)

And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.

4) Healing – Acts 3:7

Acts 3:7 (KJV 1900)

And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ancle bones received strength.

d. We know for a definite fact that the Acts 2:4 tongues experience was a fulfilment of prophecy, because Peter said it was.

They all thought Peter and the other apostles were drunk, but he told them it was only 9 o'clock on the morning.

Then he declared unto them that what they had just witnessed was a DIRECT fulfilment of Old Testament prophesy.

Acts 2:4 (KJV 1900)

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

e. Acts 2:14-16 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:

For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

Acts 2:14–16 (KJV 1900)

But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:

For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.

But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

f. That’s why we say the fulfilment of this prophecy was accomplished in the first century – it is not ongoing!

7. Fact 7: They did not brag or tell others of their gift or ask people if they had the gift.

a. It had a purpose and served its purpose. End of story.

b. I've seen Charismatics approach other people and when they find out if they have a Pentecostal or Charismatic background, they invariably ask the question, "Do you speak in tongues?"

Who cares? What if they do?

Why is it such an issue?

Why only ask people from Charismatic backgrounds?

Could it be possible that only people that have been TAUGHT to speak in tongues or PRESSURED into speaking in tongues or have heard over and over and over again that they SHOULD speak in tongues are actually the only people that 'have the gift'?

8. Fact 8: The purpose was ALWAYS for the benefit of those standing around; not the one doing the speaking.

a. This fact can not be stressed enough.

We'll deal with this more a little further down.

This was not for entertainment or personal edification. This was not for showing off. This was not to demonstrate spirituality.

b. It was ONLY to confirm the word of God before it was written down.

c. The purpose was NEVER for the edifying of the speaker. None of the gifts were given to use for personal enjoyment or personal purposes.

They were ALL given for the building and edifying of the body of Christ. To use the gifts of the Holy Spirit for personal edification and personal purposes is selfish and unscriptural.

9. Fact 9: Tongues was a fulfilment of several prophecies, both Old Testament and New Testament.

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

Isaiah 28:11 (KJV 1900)

For with stammering lips and another tongue Will he speak to this people.

b. Mark 16:17,18 And these SIGNS shall follow them that believe;

In my name shall they cast out devils;

they shall speak with new tongues;

They shall take up serpents;

and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them;

they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Mark 16:17 (KJV 1900)

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

Mark 16:18 (KJV 1900)

They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

10. Fact 10: The sign gifts ended:

the gift of healing, prophecy (fore-telling), speaking in tongues, working of miracles, ended upon the completion of Scripture.

They died out, and went “missing” until the end of the 19th century?

Hmmm. Sound Mormon to me!

III. MORE ConcluDING REMARKS

A. Spiritual Gifts are an establish fact

B. But they are not available today!

C. Why is THAT such a hard thing to accept?

D. Could it be that we don’t want a God that JUST emphasises SALVATION, and instead want a Genie who will GIVE US whatever we want, thinking that THAT is God’s will for humanity?

E. A Bunch of spoiled brats is what we have today!!!

F. The proof is in the tests that we put people’s belief’s up against (Acts 17) – the unsaved Berean’s were not looked down upon because they were sceptical, but were instead praised because they checked out EVERYTHING that Paul and other Christians preached!

Acts 17 (KJV 1900)

Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:

And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,

Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.

And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.

But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.

And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;

Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.

And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things.

And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.

And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.

But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.

And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.

And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.

Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.

Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.

Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.

And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?

For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.

(For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)

Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.

For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.

God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.

And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

Because 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.

And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.

So Paul departed from among them.

Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

G. The same must and should be true with us!

H. Oh that unity did prevail once again! With the TRUTH it will!

What’s Wrong with Modern Tongues – Part 1

God’s Spiritual Gifts to Believers at the Beginning of the Church Age

1Corinthians 13:8

1 Corinthians 13:8 (KJV 1900)

Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

I. Introduction to Tongues

A. The Charismatic Movement is a doctrinal split among “Pentecostal” churches that occurred during the 20th Century because of an overemphasis on the spiritual gifts that were temporarily given to the Apostles as “signs” to Israel.

B. Church History Chart

1. Christianity is a line of Bible Believers

2. During dark Ages, Bible Believers were called ana-baptists

3. In the 1700’s people looked to personal holiness as the goal of Christianity instead of evangelism

4. After becoming disillusioned with holiness, people become infatuated with the Spiritual gifts - Pentacostals

C. Their main doctrine is their emphasis on speaking in tongues as proof that they have the evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit. Other characteristics of the movement include:

1. Believing in special gifts of healing

2. Promoting a prosperity type of gospel

3. And accepting the possibility of one losing their salvation

II. Background

A. What are Tongues according to the Bible?

1. Languages (Gen 10:20) - In the Bible, they are always known languages

Genesis 10:20 (KJV 1900)

These are the sons of Ham, after their families, after their tongues, in their countries, and in their nations.

2. To speak with other tongues means to be able to communicate with someone in their language even though you never learned their language – that’s why it is called an unknown tongue – unknown to you!

3. But, to Charismatics, they are mainly heavenly languages that they speak to God with – and it doesn’t matter that no one in the entire movement can miraculously speak with a known language that is unknown to them!

B. Last time, we carefully examined some undisputed, undeniable facts.

C. Preview – What’s Wrong With Modern Tongues

1. It is wrong in IT’S EMPHASIS (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:7-14).

John 14:26 (KJV 1900)

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.

John 15:26 (KJV 1900)

But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

John 16:7–14 (KJV 1900)

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.

And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

Of sin, because they believe not on me;

Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;

Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

Howbeit 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.

He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

2. It is wrong in IT’S ASSUMPTIONS.

1. It is wrong DISPENSATIONALLY

2. It is wrong in IT’S FAILURE TO FOLLOW PAUL’S AUTHORITY REGULATING THE USE OF TONGUES (1 Cor 14:26-40).

1 Corinthians 14:26–40 (KJV 1900)