(CLICK ABOVE LINK TO LISTEN)Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
THE SHOCKING, UNBELIEVABLE TRUTH THAT NO ONE EVER TOLD YOU (AUDIO) - PASTOR DAVID LAMB
THE SHOCKING, UNBELIEVABLE TRUTH THAT
NO ONE EVER TOLD YOU (AUDIO)
- PASTOR DAVID LAMBFriday, October 21, 2011
IS THERE ANYTHING LEFT TO SAVE? (AUDIO)
(CLICK ABOVE TO LISTEN)
If you or someone you know has lost or is losing hope, this is an absolute must listen. May the Lord strengthen you through it
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Saturday, October 8, 2011
IF I HATE GOD, WILL I STILL GO TO HEAVEN?
IF I HATE GOD, WILL I
STILL GO TO HEAVEN?
Ga 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
INTRODUCTION
Every now and then I have someone say to me, "You're one of those guys that believe you can lose your salvation, aren't you?" No, I'm not. The word lose means: to come to be without (something in one's possession or care), through accident, theft, etc., so that there is little or no prospect of recovery. I lose my car keys. I lose my debit card. I lose my belt. And I sometimes think I've lost my mind. But it is laughable to say I think someone can LOSE their salvation. No one goes to bed at night a child of God, born again, and then wakes up in the morning lost wondering where their salvation went!
Do I believe Christians are free willed moral agents that can reject God at anytime we please? Yes. Do I believe a Christian that DECIDES they no longer want to walk in the ways of the Lord and rejects Christ will go to heaven? No. Do I believe a saved man can grow so hardened by sin and Satan that he hates God and no longer wants to be His son or daughter? Yes. Do I believe a man that hates God will go to heaven? No.
No, no, no! We don't lose our salvation, but it is very possible to leave our salvation.
The Doctrine of Eternal Security, or what some call the Once in Grace Always in Grace Doctrine, has caused much confusion and has been the means of many souls dying and going to hell. My heart burns within me concerning this study. As I began to search for Biblical passages to refute this false doctrine, I quickly realized that I was over my head with scriptures. There are so many that it would take weeks to thoroughly examine each of them.
As I move forward, I must prove a couple of things. First, we must establish the fact that a man can be saved and then backslide from that faith. Finally, we must prove that the person who dies in that condition will go to hell.
I. CAN A MAN BACKSLIDE? CAN A MAN FORFEIT HIS SALVATION?
Can a man backslide; falling away from the Grace of God? This is one of the most important questions of our time. The answer is “yes” if you believe the Bible to be the infallible Word of God. There are many verses of scripture we can use to prove this point, so I will try to use the most obvious and clear cut.
A. LEAVING GOD'S GRACE.
Heb 3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
Who is this passage of scripture addressing? According to the first three words of this verse he is speaking to the brethren. He warns them with the solemn words, “Take heed, BRETHREN,...” Surely that needs no interpretation! Those 3 words cannot be easily misconstrued! Paul would never refer to a man who is a sinner to be his brother. Furthermore, one only need to read the remaining verses of the chapter to see clearly he is reproving the Church.
What is he warning the brethren about? He tells them to take heed, or be very careful lest there be one of them with an evil heart of unbelief, causing them to depart from the living God.
The word “departing” means – to remove, desert, draw or fall away, refrain, or to withdraw self. Paul is clearly stating that the brethren must guard themselves from leaving the living God.
Many do not believe this. They believe that once you are saved you cannot be separated from that salvation. They use as their foundation St. John 10:29 which states:
Jo 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
I have been told that it is impossible to go back on God because we cannot be plucked from our Father’s hand. What a wonderful truth John 10:29 gives us!
No man, no devil, no sickness, no enemy can PLUCK us out of our Father’s hand! However, Hebrews 3:12 tells us that we can depart from the living God. No one can steal us away. No one can break into the hand of God and pull us from it unwillingly, but here the Bible is plain – we have a choice to stay or depart.
Let us consider another passage of scripture:
Re 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
Again, the 1st thing we must establish is who Jesus is talking to. According to verse 1 of chapter 2, He is addressing the Church of Ephesus. He was not talking to sinners, He was talking to the Church – their pastor to be precise. Jesus tells them He has something against them – what was this offense? They left their 1st love! No one took their love! Noone plucked the love out of their hearts! They didn’t even lose their 1st love. They left their 1st love. They intentionally walked away and left it behind.
What does Jesus say about them who depart from the faith, or leave their 1st love - which is Christ?
Lu 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
Jesus says that a man who places his hand upon the plough, yet looks back isn’t fit for the kingdom of God. How can a man that isn’t fit for the kingdom of God enter into the kingdom of God?
The putting of the hand to the plough represents the work of the Lord. Indirectly He is talking to anyone who is saved and working to further the Kingdom of God. However, He is speaking directly to the man or woman who is engaged in any type of ministry, or Christian work, including pastors, evangelists, and missionaries. All it takes for the Christian worker to be unfit for the Kingdom of God is to look back! You see, you can be ploughing and look back at the same time. Not only is the backslider in spiritual trouble, but we also find a man who ploughs while merely looking backwards to the things of the world is unfit!
B. Erring From the Truth.
Jas 5:19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
What does it mean to err from the truth? It means – to roam from safety, truth, or virtue, to go astray, deceive, err, seduce, wander, or be out of the way. James warns his brethren that it is possible to wander away from the truth. What is this “truth” that the brethren must not wander away from?
Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Jesus is the truth that a man must not go astray from! If it wasn’t possible to leave Christ, why is James wasting his breath telling them this? And in all actuality, considering the Bible was inspired by God, it would be God that was wasting His breath and we know that God doesn’t waste anything. Let us figure out who James is talking to. The first word of verse 19 gives us the answer – “Brethren”. James is talking to his spiritual brethren, not a bunch of unregenerate sinners. He is telling them the importance of soul winning and what to tell the soul winner when he restores someone who has gone astray.
Look at how plain this is!
BRETHREN, if ANY OF YOU do err from the truth...
James taught that a brother in Christ could backslide, or as he said it, “err from the truth”! Here is what James is saying in a nutshell:
“Brothers, if any of you go astray from the truth, and another one of you convert him, encourage the soul winner with the knowledge he saved a soul from death.”
Now, there are 3 more points that must be brought out of this passage.
Jas 5:19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
1. They Must Be Converted.
Jas 5:19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
The brother that errs from the truth must be converted. The word “convert” means – to revert, come again, or return. If a brother backslides we are to convert him back to Christ. If a man can never leave Christ how does this make sense? How can you convert, or bring a man back to something that he cannot leave? And if that man is going to heaven regardless of what he does why not leave him in sin and let him enjoy the best of both worlds?
2. The Backslider is Called a Sinner.
James 5:20a Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner ...
In verse 20 James called the brother that has erred from the truth a sinner. Again, who was it that James was talking about erring from the truth? “Brethren, if any of you err from the truth...” This man that was a brother, but now has erred from the truth, is called a sinner.
What is a sinner? Someone who sins! Do you think a sinner can go to heaven? Why don’t we let the Bible answer this question:
1Jo 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
In ourselves we can in no wise live without sin, but when a man is born again, becoming a new creature, and then yielding himself completely to Christ – he can. We aren’t sinners saved by grace! We were sinners, but when Jesus saved us we became a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, and a peculiar people (1Pe 2:9). We were sinners, but we are now saints of God! A man that is backslid is a sinner in every respect and of the devil just like John said in the above verses.
3. Their Soul Is Saved From Death.
Ja 5:20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
It is important that we pay close attention to the terminology here. He doesn’t say that the man’s body is saved from death; he says that the man’s soul would be saved from death. This entire passage is about the possibility of a brother erring from the truth. This man that was once called a brother is now called a sinner, and even worse is in danger of his soul dying.
Ro 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Eze 18:20a The soul that sinneth, it shall die.
For some men there will be 2 deaths. It is an obvious fact that all men will die a natural death; the Bible plainly tells us that:
Heb 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
Every man must die a natural bodily death, but the soul can live forever with Jesus. This erring brother is said to have been spared from the death of his soul. The death of the body is the 1st death which passes over all men. The death of the soul is the 2nd death which passes over the sinner’s soul.
Re 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
Re 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
Re 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
Re 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
This is soul death my friend! The death of the soul puts it in a lake of fire! The conversion of the backslid brethren saved his soul from hell! This is far from the deceptive teaching of the Once in Grace Always in Grace preachers.
C. Falling From Grace.
Ga 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
Outside of the Free Will Baptist Churches and a handful of Independent Baptists one of the major defining doctrinal differences between them and the majority of mainstream Christianity is the belief that once a man is saved, he can never fall from the grace of God. They teach that once a man gives his life to Christ they can never be lost regardless of how much sin they commit against God. Sadly, they are preaching heresy because the Bible plainly states that a man can fall from grace. Here, the Apostle Paul is writing to the church in Galatia. Notice that I didn’t say sinners in a Galatian tavern, but the Church of Galatia. They were holding to and teaching that their old Hebrew custom of circumcision profited them spiritually. Paul tells them that it profited them nothing, rather placed them back under the heavy weight of the law. Remember, he is writing to the church. He is writing to his spiritual brothers and sisters when he says:
Ga 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
Let’s use a little common sense here. For a person to allow Christ to become of no effect he must have at one time been effected by Christ. For a person to fall from grace, they were obviously at one time standing on grace. Let us put this in everyday terminology. If I told you that I had fallen from a tree, wouldn’t that imply I was, at one time, in a tree? If I said that I had fallen from my car, wouldn’t that mean that I was, at one time, inside my car? Of course it does! The logical question I must ask is, “How can you fall from grace except you were one time in grace?” According to Galatians 5:4 you can absolutely fall from the grace of God.
1Co 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
C. A Quick View at Some Miscellaneous Verses.
I would like to give you a few more verses for further studying:
1. Galatians 1:6.
Ga 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
Some of these Galatians had been removed from Jesus Christ and His grace.
The word “removed” means – to change sides, or to turn. How can you be removed from Christ if you weren’t at one time in Christ? They were on Christ’s side, but they had quickly changed sides. There are only 2 sides, God’s and Satan’s, and some of these Galatians had changed from Christ’s side to the enemy’s side. They had turned away from the grace that Christ gave them. This is frightening when we compare it to what Jesus said in Matthew:
Mt 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Considering these Galatians are said to have changed sides and Jesus says you can only be on one side or the other what does this say for the former Galatian church members? Do you think just because they were once in Christ, but now have been removed, or backslid they can go to heaven? Christ says that a man who doesn’t cleave to Him hates Him. Except a man is found standing on Christ’s side, He will in no wise enter into heaven.
2. St. John 6:66-67.
Joh 6:66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Does that need any interpretation? His very disciples went back and walked no
more with Him.
3. Galatians 4:9.
Ga 4:9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
Paul tells the church in Galatia that once they know God, or are known of God, it is possible to turn again to the weak and beggarly elements which had them bound in the past. The people Paul was speaking to had to be Christians because he makes mention of them turning again to those things of the past. The same principle that was stated previously applies here, they had to be saved men and women in order for there to be a possibility of them going back to the sins they had committed in their past. Had the people Paul is speaking to been sinners they would have never known God. That reminds me of another passage of scriptures:
2Pe 2:20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
21 FOR IT HAD BEEN BETTER for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy
commandment delivered unto them.
22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
Peter tells us that it is better for a man to never know Christ than for that man to escape the pollutions (which means – the foulness) of this world and then become entangled and overcome by them again. He says their end will be worse than their beginning. Peter is talking to a group of people that; 1. Escaped the pollutions of the world. 2. Knew the way of righteousness. 3. Had kept the holy commandments that
were delivered unto them. These people were saved and I can prove it.
1Jo 2:29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.
Ro 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
They were living in righteousness. These people were saved people, yet Peter says that it was better for them to never have known the Lord than to be saved and then go back! The Baptist church teaches that a man who is lost will go to hell, yet they teach that once a man becomes a Christian, he can never forfeit his salvation, nor be punished in that awful place. They teach that when this man gives his heart to Christ he is eternally saved no matter what he does from that day forward. He is given an absolute ticket into heaven. If this is correct, why does Peter say a man would be better off to have NEVER known the way of righteousness than to have known it and then turn away? I mean according to the Baptist doctrine when a man comes to know Jesus he is forever saved. It wouldn’t matter what he did for the rest of his life, or how many thousands of sins he commits, he is a child of God and is going to heaven. This doctrine doesn’t make sense. You say a man is going to heaven even if he backslides. In the beginning he was going to hell, now, even though he’s backslid, he’s still going to eaven. If what you say is true, how can his end possibly be worse than his beginning. Huh?
4. Matthew 5:13.
Mt 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Is there any doubt that Jesus is talking to the believer? We are the salt of the earth, but when that salt loses its taste it is good for nothing but to be cast out!
5. Hebrews 6:4.
Heb 6:4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
Paul is talking to a group of people that; 1. Were enlightened. 2. Had tasted of the heavenly gift. What was that gift? (Ro 6:23b ...the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.) 3. Were made partakers of the Holy Ghost. 4. Had tasted the good word of God. 5. Had tasted of the powers of the world to come. Is there any doubt that these people were saved? Paul tells them a few very important things; 1. He tells them in verse 6 that they can fall away. 2. In verse 4 he says that once they fall away it is impossible for them to feel that initial renewing of repentance they felt when they first got saved. He isn’t saying that they can’t come back to Jesus; they can come back, but it will be much harder the 2nd time around. 3. They crucify the Lord afresh. 4. They put Him to an open shame. Does that sound like a heaven bound man?
6. 1 Timothy 1:19.
1Ti 1:19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
These are said to have put away and wrecked their faith like a ship crashing upon a rocky shore. Of course the Baptist church teaches that these men who walk away from their faith and make a shipwreck of their lives with sin and evil pleasures are going to the same heaven that those that are living for God everyday are going to.
7. Hebrews 10:26.
Heb 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
Notice that Paul says, “if WE sin...” He includes himself in this group of people. Do we have any doubt that the Apostle Paul is saved? Here, Paul is speaking to a group of people that had received the knowledge of truth, yet he is warning them against willfully sinning. A willful sin is that which you intentionally do. Let’s be honest with ourselves, noone accidentally backslides. No one gets saved and then accidentally gets drunk or smokes a joint. You have to light that joint and put it to your mouth and then inhale. Another point that must be made is that this reference “if we sin” actually means “if we be found sinning”, that is, not an isolated, or singular act, but a state of sin as is the case of a backslider. Don’t forget that Paul is talking to people that are saved. He tells us several very powerful things; 1. Sin shouldn’t be taken lightly. It is dangerous to turn away from Christ after having known Him because He is the only sacrifice for our sins – there remaineth no other sacrifice or way to forgiveness. 3. A person that intentionally sins against Christ, as does the backslider, won’t be looking happily
toward judgement as says the Eternal Security preachers, they will approach judgment with fear and are in danger of God’s fiery indignation.
Let’s look at verses 28 and 29:
Heb 10:28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
Paul is talking to people that had received the knowledge of Jesus Christ and warns them about willfully sinning. He even includes himself, so there is no arguing the fact as to who he is referring to. He tells these Christians that if they willfully sin against Christ they are in danger of punishment because they have crucified the Lord afresh. According to the Eternal Security Doctrine these backslid church members, even
though they willfully sinned, would still go to heaven. How do you explain Paul saying they would look toward judgement with fear, not joy, and receive an even greater punishment than those that rejected the law of Moses?
II. Do Backsliders Go to Heaven?
I have proven beyond the shadow of a doubt that a man can genuinely be saved, yet go back on God. I believe I have already proven that they will also be eternally separated from God, in hell, if they die in their sins, but just for the record I will finish this study with further evidence that a man cannot go to heaven living in the world, regardless of whether he claims to be saved and has been baptized so many times the fish know him by name.
1. St. John 15:1-6.
Joh 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
According to verse 5 Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. According to verse 2, every branch that doesn’t bear fruit will be taken away. Where are they taken? Verse 6 gives us the answer to that question:
6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
There is only one way for a Gentile to be part of the True Vine (Jesus is Christ) and that is to be grafted in by grace (Ro 11:17-24). Only those that are saved are attached to the vine, however Jesus says that it is possible to be attached to the vine, yet be cast into the fire because of a lack of fruit. What do you think that fire represents? The Eternal Security adherents believe that a man can be saved, go back out into the world, yet die and still go to heaven even though they are committing sins and doing things that they did not do while going to church. They are saying that once a man gets saved he can go to heaven even if he lies, cheats, does drugs, commits fornication, or even adultery. The Eternal Security Doctrine is actually teaching that a man would go to heaven, even if was shot dead while in bed, committing adultery, with the wife of another man. The error with this Baptist Doctrine is in the fact that, on many occasions, the “once” man of God doesn’t remain a man of God. When committing adultery, or any other gross sin they are sinners and are on their way to hell. It’s a cop out
to say that no saved man has ever done anything like that. I have heard several Baptist men say that if a person has reverted to doing things like that they were not saved in the beginning. Many saved men have fallen into temptation and committed gross sins. The reason some Baptists say this is because there is a huge flaw in their doctrine and they can’t find any other way to explain how some men backslide. They don’t want to openly confess they believe someone can go to heaven living like a devil, so they tweak the Bible a little more to agree with
their doctrine.
2. Revelation 21:8.
Who goes to hell? Let’s let the word of God speaks for us:
Re 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Notice the terminology, “ALL liars”. That doesn’t mean all liars except the ones who got saved last year, but have now backslid. That doesn’t mean all whoremongers, or fornicators will be cast into a lake of fire except those that used to be good Christians, but have now backslid. It means exactly what it says, “ALL...” will have their part in the lake of fire.
3. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10.
1Co 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, SHALL INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
What does it mean to be unrighteous? It simply means to be not righteous. A backslider isn’t righteous, they are unrighteous and shall not inherit the kingdom of God. If a man cannot inherit the kingdom of God what shall he inherit? There are not 3 or 4 different places to spend eternity. There is only heaven and hell. If the unrighteous have no inheritance in the kingdom of God, his inheritance must be hell. The unrighteous (those who have either never been saved or those who at one time were, but now have backslid) will go to hell. Backsliders commit all sorts of sins and commit the ones Paul listed here in 1st Corinthians chapter 6. If what the Eternal Security preachers say is true, then Paul is a liar. There will actually be people inheriting the kingdom of God even though they are sinful and unrighteous. As Paul said in verse 9, “Be not deceived.”
Joh 8:21 Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.
The simple truth of the matter is - you have choice as to whether you go to heaven or not. Does God make people go to heaven? Do you really think a man that was once a Christian, but has lost his faith and become an atheist is still going to heaven even though he doesn’t believe in heaven? I have heard different stories about young boys that were saved at 7 years old, but turned to Satanism in their teenage years. The Satanist believes they will reign with Satan in hell. They do not want to go to heaven. Will God make them go to heaven against their will? Man was made for prayer; prayer was made for God! God has always had an intense delight in fellowship. This was the solitary purpose that God even created Adam and Eve. As the sun was setting upon the Garden of Eden, God would come to Adam with the sweet words, “Where art thou?” God loved fellowship with His created being. Man was His pride and joy, the apple of His eye because Adam loved Him by choice. You may ask, “What about the angels? Didn’t God fellowship with them?” Absolutely, but the angels were created to serve and worship God. Though they have a will to do otherwise (for example Lucifer and the fallen angels), it is not a free will. They were designed to bow and praise Him that sits high on the throne of Heaven. The angels were made to commune and have fellowship with the
Lord. Let us consider this –
Illustration – Let us say that God sent an angel to a certain man’s house. While the angel is there he gives a command to the man’s spouse saying, “From this day forward you will have to love your husband. You will no longer have a choice, rather you will be programmed to love him.” Everyday when this man comes home his wife tells him, “Honey, I love you.” Every night before they go to bed she says, “Honey, I love you.” Do you think this means a great deal to her husband? No! He knows she has no choice. This was what God was experiencing in the heavens; angels that were programmed to love Him were loving Him. Creatures that were designed to worship Him were worshiping Him. Though He enjoyed this fellowship it was not satisfying to Him. Therefore, He created Adam and Eve; two humans who had a will and could exercise it in whatever way they desired. Let us understand that God is perfectly just and right. What would it have meant to give man a will, yet not give him a means to exercise that will? Because God is perfectly just we find that He placed the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the midst of Eden’s paradise!
I am not sure how long the earth’s first man and woman dwelt in Eden, but for a certain period of time they willed themselves to love God and place His fellowship above all else. Then came the most tragic hour of the earth’s existence – Adam and Eve willed to do something other than God’s perfect plan. She was beguiled by the serpent; she ate the forbidden fruit; she gave it to her husband; he ate the forbidden fruit; they realized their nakedness and hid behind their fig leaves of shame. Then God called out, “Adam, Where art thou?”, but
Adam was hiding and hesitated to respond. This perfect relationship would have to change because sin entered into the world and for the first time God and man were separated.
Nothing has changed. God still desires to fellowship with someone that loves Him by choice. God doesn’t make anyone pray, worship, or serve Him. You may have wanted to serve the Lord 5 years ago, but if you decide you no longer want to, you don’t have to. And last, sin will still cause us to be banished from that heavenly paradise and away from the presence of God. Please, don’t be deceived. If you have backslid from God you are not going to heaven. As a matter of fact your hell will be the hottest because Peter said it is better for you to had never known the Lord as opposed to having known Him and depart from Him. Come back to God! His arms are still open for you!
May God bless you!
Friday, October 7, 2011
WHO IS THE HOLY GHOST?
WHO IS THE HOLY GHOST?
1Jo 4:13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
(Click On Picture to Listen to Audio)
INTRODUCTION
I think one of the great tragedies of our time is the lack of teaching on basic Bible doctrines. In an hour that the fireball, topical preacher (which I am and love) is pushed to the fore-front and the simple teaching of God’s Word is pushed to the back burner many people remain shallow or even totally ignorant in the most fundamental truths of Holy Scripture. Pneumatology, which embodies the study and doctrines which concern the Holy Ghost, is an example of this. Because of this gross ignorance the Holy Ghost has been misrepresented and even attacked. Men have tried to make Him less than God, or even do away with Him completely, calling Him an “it”. Many believe He is merely the breath or power of God. Others have reduced Him to nothing more than speaking in tongues. The object of this series of lessons is to increase your knowledge of who the Holy Ghost is and what it means to be baptized in Him.
I think you will find that there is very little personal interpretation given in these lessons. I will at times need to rightly divide some things, but for the most part, I am going to inundate you with verse after verse, so you will see that the truths presented here are clearly taught in the Bible. After all, the Bible is all that matters anyway. I will at times use certain theological words and terms that most of you couldn’t care less about it, but you need to remember that there will be a few that do. I will always define the words and terms I use so you’ll know what I’m talking about. These lessons contain something for everyone. Some portions may be too elementary for you, others portions may fly over your head, but, again, remember that you’re not the only one listening to this. The bottom line is if you love the Word of God and desire to learn, there will much meat and much milk at your disposal here, so everyone should leave these lessons with a greater knowledge of who the Holy Ghost is.
In this first lesson, I want to ask and answer a few simple questions. First, who is the Holy Ghost? And secondly, what does He do?
I. THE PERSONHOOD OF THE HOLY GHOST.
Someone was recently asked: “What is the Holy Ghost?” They answered: “The Holy Ghost is the Holy Ghost.” The person asking the question said: “No, it’s not! The Holy Ghost is speaking in tongues!” Anytime someone tells you the Holy Ghost is not the Holy Ghost, be careful, there’s a problem there. That’s just like saying: “That Lamborghini isn’t a Lambhorghini, it’s a lug-nut with stuff attached to it!” That’s not the most logical thinking I’ve ever heard.
The question shouldn’t be “what” is the Holy Ghost, but “Who” is the Holy Ghost?
First of all, the Spirit of God is a person, a self-aware agent, not a“thing”. In many instances, the Bible refers to the Holy Ghost as “He”, “Him”, or “His” (personal pronouns that demonstrate personhood or individualism). For example:
Joh 16:13 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. (emphasis added)
A. THE HOLY GHOST IS DISTINCT FROM THE FATHER AND SON.
The Holy Ghost is spoken of as being distinct, or recognizably different, from Jesus at least two-hundred times. In other words, the Holy Ghost is not the Father and the Holy Ghost is not the Son; the Holy Ghost is the Holy Ghost (contrary to some people’s belief)! Only twice can Christ be even remotely identified with the Holy Ghost (2Co 3:17, Ro 8:9-11) and both of these passages are easily explained. So, the bottom line is there is one Father; one Son; and one Spirit.
SPIRIT OF CHRIST
And you may be wondering who the Spirit of Christ is then? Well, anytime the Bible mentions the Spirit of Christ (Ro 8:9, 1Pe 1:11) it is simply another reference to the Holy Ghost. It is just as accurate to call the Holy Ghost the “Spirit of Christ” as it is to call Him the “Spirit of God”. The reason is clearly laid out in the doctrine of the filioque “fil-i-o-que” (the dual-procession of the Spirit from the Father and Son). Since the Spirit proceeds from the Father and Son (Joh 15:26,16:7), He is referred to as both the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ. Let me cross reference two passages to prove this:
1Pe 1:10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:
11 Searching what, or what manner of time THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.
2Pe 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by THE HOLY GHOST.
Please, note that 1Pe 1:11 states that it was the Spirit of Christ that spoke through the prophets, yet 2Pe 1:21 says it was the Holy Ghost. Just know that, according to Ephesians 4:4, there is but one Spirit which can only mean the Holy Ghost, Holy Spirit, Spirit, Spirit of Christ, Eternal Spirit, etc. are all the one and selfsame Spirit. They are all names used to the describe the same Holy Spirit.
SEVEN SPIRITS OF GOD
You may say, “That’s not right Brother Lamb. The Bible says there are seven Spirits of God.” And that’s true. It does say that . Revelation 1:4, 3:1, 4:5, and 5:6 all refer to the seven Spirits of God, but what do they mean? I must confess, that is a very interesting subject which harbors much enigma. But we know that the Word of God doesn’t contradict itself and Ephesians 4:4 states: There is one ... Spirit;
If the Bible says there is one Spirit, there can’t be seven. So, when the Bible refers to the seven Spirits of God, we must dig a little deeper.
There are basically two understandings of these passages. The ancient Jews, who believed the throne of God looked similar to the throne of an earthly king, supposed that there were seven ministering angels before the throne of God, as there were seven ministers attendant around the throne of a Persian king. We find ample proof of this in the Apocrypha, particularly in the book of Tobit, 12:15: I am Raphael, one of the SEVEN HOLY ANGELS which present the prayers of the saints, and which go in and out before the glory of the Holy One. (The Apocrypha is a collection of ancient religious books that some believe to be inspired–I do not.)
The most common explanation of the Bible’s references to the seven Spirits of God is that they are a reference to the seven-fold ministry of the Spirit found in:
Isa 11:2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;
1 — the Spirit of the Lord;
2 — the Spirit of wisdom;
3 — the Spirit of understanding;
4 — the Spirit of counsel;
5 — the Spirit of might;
6 — the Spirit of knowledge;
7 — and the Spirit of the fear of the LORD.
I believe this to be the more accurate conclusion, especially when we compare Isaiah 11:2 with:
Re 5:6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
Here, the seven Spirits of God are said to be the seven eyes and the seven horns of the Lamb (Jesus Christ). This should illustrate that the seven Spirits are not actual entities. The horn is symbolic of power and the eyes are symbolic of illumination or knowledge. The number seven symbolizes perfection! So, the seven Spirits of God also signify the perfect knowledge and almighty stature of our God which goes forth into all the earth. If you have a different understanding of these verses ... great. But I’d like for you to help me justify it with Paul’s statement of there being only one Spirit. Thank you ahead of time.
So, there is but one Holy Ghost and He is distinct from the Father and Son. The following are a few verses that further demonstrate the Holy Ghost’s distinction from the Father and Son.
Isa 48:16 Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there am I: and now the Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent me.
Mt 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Mt 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Ac 10:38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
1Jo 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
Let us look at one more:
Joh 16:13 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.
In this passage, Jesus is referring to the Holy Ghost being sent to the Church after His resurrection. Please, notice that He is said to speak only those things that He hears. Who is He hearing from? Himself? Hardly! The Holy Ghost speaks those things the Father tells Him to speak. This shows a clear cut distinction between the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
****THE GLORIFICATION OF JESUS CHRIST****
And this brings us to what I feel to be the most important part of this entire lesson. The Father sent the Holy Ghost to the church and is said to speak certain things to Him. But why did the Father send Him and what does He say to Him? At this time I want to show you the primary purpose that the Holy Ghost is upon this earth to serve.
HE TESTIFIES OF JESUS
Joh 15:26 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: (emphasis mine)
HE GLORIFIES JESUS
Joh 16:13 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.
14 HE SHALL GLORIFY ME: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. (emphasis mine)
Even the baptism in the Holy Ghost, which I will deal with in my next lesson, is designed for this same purpose.
Ac 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
The endowment of authority that comes with the baptism in the Holy Ghost is designed to bring an insatiable thirst for the lost and power to achieve the conversion of souls. In fact, if one does not have power and a thirst for souls I must tell you that you are not baptized in the Holy Ghost. I just read it to you: ye shall receive power ... and ye shall be witnesses unto me.
LORD OF THE HARVEST
Mt 9:38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
Who is the Lord of the Harvest?
Ac 13:1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the HOLY GHOST said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
4 So they, being sent forth by the HOLY GHOST, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. (emphasis added)
Ac 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the HOLY GHOST hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. (emphasis added)
It is the Holy Ghost that functions in the role of Lord of the Harvest! It is He that works the fields looking for a bride for the Son!
ABRAHAM, ISAAC, AND JACOB
We find this beautifully illustrated in the 24th chapter of Genesis.
Abraham told his servant to go and find his son Isaac a wife. The servant went as he was told. He sat down on a well and put a fleece out before God. A beautiful young lady came by and fulfilled the fleece perfectly. The servant went home to meet her father. The father gave the servant permission to take his daughter. The servant took her back home and she married Isaac.
This is exactly what the Holy Ghost does. The Father has sent Him to sweep over this wicked world looking for a new prospective bride for His dear Son, the Lord Jesus Christ! Whosoever will yield to the request of the Spirit and give their hearts to the Son they are given gifts unspeakable!
In John 16:13, Jesus said the Holy Ghost didn’t come to speak of Himself; He came to speak of Jesus. Any movement or spirit that doesn’t exalt Christ highly above everything else is not of God; it is of the devil. The Holy Ghost does not glorify Himself; He glorifies Jesus Christ! That is the primary purpose the Father has sent Him!
B. THE PERSONHOOD OF THE HOLY GHOST.
1. HE HAS A MENTAL FACULTY AND SPEAKS.
I think you would agree, for something to speak it must have the capacity to reason, and for something to have the capacity to reason, it must have a mental faculty. I want to submit some verses that demonstrate the Holy Ghost speaking.
Ac 1:16 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. (emphasis added)
Ac 8:29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip,...
Ac 13:2 ... the Holy Ghost said,...
Ac 21:11 ...Thus saith the Holy Ghost,...
2. HE PERSONALLY HAS POWER.
Ro 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through THE POWER OF THE HOLY GHOST. (emphasis added)
If the Holy Ghost is nothing more than the power or force of God, wouldn’t this passage be literally referring to the power of the power? Let’s look at:
Zec 4:6 ... This is the word of the LORD ... saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.
Here, the Spirit is spoken of independently from God’s power and might, offering us clear cut proof that the Spirit is much more than the Father in Action, He is the third person of heaven’s holy Trinity!
3. HE HAS A WILL.
1Co 12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as HE WILL. (emphasis added)
Does a force or action have a will? To possess a will is to have volition; or the capability of conscious choice, decision, and intention. Ego, intellect, and personality are required for will to exist! Only a person can be attributed these attributes.
4. HE CAN BE GRIEVED.
Eph 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
The word grieve means to distress; or to be sad. You cannot distress someone’s force, or breath (though their’s might distress you)!
5. HE CAN BE VEXED.
Isa 63:10 But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.
The word vexed means to bring displeasure, grief, hurt, or make sorry! Again, you can’t cause someone’s breath or force to be displeased or hurt! Only a person can feel these types of emotions!
6. HE CAN BE RESISTED.
Ac 7:51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.
7. HIS COMPASSION TESTED.
Mic 2:7a O thou that art named the house of Jacob, is the spirit of the LORD STRAITENED? (emphasis added)
8. HE CAN BE TEMPTED AND LIED TO.
Ac 5:3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to LIE TO THE HOLY GHOST, and to keep back part of the price of the land? (emphasis added)
Ac 5:9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to TEMPT THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. (emphasis added)
Can you lie to a mere force or action? Can you lie to the wind? Of course not! You can only lie to a person!
II. THE DIVINITY OF THE HOLY GHOST.
And not only is the Holy Ghost a distinct person, or self-aware agent, the Holy Ghost is God. He is not God the Father. He is not God the Son. He is God the Holy Ghost.
It is not my intention to teach on the Trinity in these lessons, but I do want to make a couple of points that perhaps can bring some clarity to the tri-unity of God. There are three distinct persons, or self-aware agents, in the Godhead (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost). The Bible says those three self-aware agents are one.
1Jo 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
The Bible says that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are one, but, as I have already brought to your attention, they are not the SAME one. In order for the Holy Ghost to be one with the Father, He must be God just as the Father is God. For those who have never been exposed to solid Bible teaching, this can be confusing.
The Word God can mean one of two things. First, it is a name we use for God the Father. Secondly, the word is used to describe what God is. You and I consist of flesh, blood, and bones, but God is divine spirit. When I say the Holy Ghost is God, I’m not referring to the first definition of God, I’m referring to the second definition, divine spirit. The Holy Ghost is not the Father, but He is God because He is divine spirit just as the Father is.
A. HE IS CALLED GOD.
Ac 5:3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to LIE TO THE HOLY GHOST, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? THOU HAST NOT LIED UNTO MEN, BUT UNTO GOD. (emphasis added)
This is clear! The Holy Ghost is called God!
1. HE IS CALLED JEHOVAH.
Ex 17:7 And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD (Jehovah), saying, Is the LORD among us, or not? (parentheses added)
Heb 3:7 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,
8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.
The Holy Ghost is called Jehovah and only God is Jehovah!
2. HE IS CO-EQUAL WITH THE FATHER AND SON.
Mt 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
If the Holy Ghost were not God, it would be blasphemy for Christ to incorporate Him into the baptismal formula. Only a divine person can be co-equal with another divine person. This verse clearly demonstrates that the Spirit is as much God as the Father and Son!
Let’s look at another verse equally listing the Holy Ghost with the Father and Son.
2Co 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
This next passage of Scripture further demonstrates the Spirit’s equality with the Father and Son by listing Him first.
1Co 12:4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
The Holy Ghost is co-equal to the Father and Son!
3. HE RECEIVED PRAYER.
Mt 9:38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
Who is the Lord of the Harvest?
Ac 13:1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the HOLY GHOST said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
4 So they, being sent forth by the HOLY GHOST, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. (emphasis added)
Ac 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the HOLY GHOST hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. (emphasis added)
It is the Holy Ghost that functions in the role of Lord of the Harvest! It is He that works the fields looking for a bride for the Son (Ge 24)!
Let us look at 2 Thessalonians 3:5 where the Holy Ghost is called “Lord”:
2Th 3:5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
I believe Matthew 9:38 gives us express permission to pray to the Holy Ghost, the Lord of the Harvest, to send laborers into the harvest! Only God can receive prayers!
4. HE IS CREATOR.
Ge 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the SPIRIT OF GOD moved upon the face of the waters. (emphasis added)
Job 33:4 The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.
The Bible says the Spirit has power to create and only God is Creator, therefore the Holy Ghost is God!
5. HE IS ETERNAL.
Heb 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the ETERNAL SPIRIT offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (emphasis added)
Only God is eternal, yet the Bible teaches us that the Holy Ghost is eternal!
6. HE IS OMNISCIENT.
1Co 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
Paul tells us that the Holy Ghost knows the deep things of God, which indicates He is omniscient. The word omniscient means “knowing everything”. He knows everything that can be known and there is not anything that He does not know.
7. HE IS OMNIPRESENT.
Ps 139:7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
David recognized that there was no place that the Spirit was not, which indicates the Spirit is omnipresent! The word omnipresent means at all places at the same time. God the Holy Ghost is at all places at the same time and has always been at all places at the same time.
8. HE IS OMNIPOTENT.
Lu 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
Ro 15:19 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.
In Luke 1:35 we find that it was the Holy Ghost that overshadowed Mary when Jesus was conceived in her womb. In Romans we find that it didn’t matter where the Apostle Paul was, it was the Spirit of God that empowered him. This indicates that the Holy Ghost is omnipotent! The word omnipotent means having all or unlimited power.
9. HE RAISED CHRIST FROM THE DEAD.
1Pe 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but QUICKENED BY THE SPIRIT: (emphasis added)
10. HE INSPIRED THE WORD OF GOD.
2Pe 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
11. HE IS OUR SOURCE OF WISDOM.
1Co 12:8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
12. HE INSTRUCTS PREACHERS WHERE TO PREACH.
Ac 8:29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
13. HE INSTRUCTS PREACHERS WHERE “NOT” TO PREACH.
Ac 16:6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,
7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.
14. HE INSTRUCTS PREACHERS ON WHAT TO PREACH.
1Co 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
15. HE SPOKE IN AND THROUGH THE PROPHETS AND PREACHERS.
1Pe 1:11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.
12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
16. HE TESTIFIES OF AND GLORIFIES CHRIST.
Joh 15:26 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:
Joh 16:14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
17. HE SANCTIFIES.
Ro 15:16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
18. HE TEACHES.
Joh 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
19. HE COMFORTS THE SAINTS.
Ac 9:31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
20. HE BEARS RECORD IN HEAVEN .
1Jo 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
Here, the Holy Ghost is to said to bear record. To “bear record” is to bear witness or testify. It is a legal procedure that requires judgement and mental capacity. Please notice that the Father is also mentioned alongside the Holy Ghost as being a witness in heaven, thus proving this verse is not a reference to the Father in action.
21. HE DWELLS IN SAINTS AND WITH SAINTS.
1Co 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
1Co 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
First of all, in 1 Corinthians 3:16, Paul said that the Spirit of God dwells in us. If the Oneness adherent’s method of interpretation is correct, if those that believe the Holy Ghost is nothing more than speaking in tongues is correct, God doesn’t really abide in our lives--only His power or action or tongues. Secondly, Paul tells us plainly that we are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in us! Is this not a clear equating of the Spirit to God? If we are the temple of God and it is the Spirit that is said to dwell in us, the Spirit must be God and, therefore, possesses personhood!
22. HE CONVICTS SINNERS OF THEIR SINS.
Joh 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
23. HE REGENERATES (OR GIVES NEW LIFE TO) BELIEVING SINNERS.
Joh 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
24. HE BAPTIZES NEW BELIEVERS INTO THE BODY OF CHRIST.
1Co 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
25. HE GUARANTEES THE ETERNAL INHERITANCE OF BELIEVERS.
Eph 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
26. HE HELPS US PRAY.
Ro 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
27. HE HELPS US LOVE GOD.
Ro 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
When we have come to the extremity of our love for God, the Holy Ghost will deepen and heighten it for us!
That will conclude this lesson. As you can now clearly see, the Holy Ghost is more than tongues and and the breath of God! He is distinct from the Father and the Son. May God bless you!
Pastor David Lamb
THE GIFT OF PROPHECY
WHAT THE BIBLE REALLY
SAYS ABOUT PROPHECY
SAYS ABOUT PROPHECY
(Click On Picture to Listen to Audio)
In this lesson, I am going to reveal some things from God’s Word that are so foreign to your thinking you’re going to be tempted to run your hand through the computer monitor. It will be devastating for some of you. It will turn some of you upside down. It will make some of you question everything you’ve ever been taught. So, listen to me. If you prophesy or go to a church where there’s a lot of so-called prophecy, please, do not be angry. Listen and study with a prayerful heart. Ask God if what I'm saying is true or not. Follow along with me and see if I'm using the Word of God or not. I don’t want to embarrass you. Please, wait until you can sit down with your Bible and follow along; a quiet place where you can pray and talk to God. Some of you will hear the voice of the enemy telling you to throw in the towel, to backslide if this is right. But you must overcome that proud spirit. Satan wants to hold you in darkness. And if you really want to know what God says about prophecy, and really want to walk in the truth, you’ll hang with me. I love you and I don’t want you angry with me. God knows this and I want you to know this. But He’s called me to dispel the darkness that hovers over you and that is what this lesson is about; God’s light shining to the honest hearted.
Brother, sister, the Bible tells us what prophecy is; what it should sound like; what its purpose is; and when and how it should be operated. Don’t you want to know these things? Do you prophesy? Don’t you want to operate that gift according to the Word of God and not according to tradition and the cultural influences of your church? It will be hard for you to admit you are wrong and have been going about God’s business in an un-Scriptural manner, but I know you want the truth! Oh, how I want you to walk in the truth. I love you and want to help you, not hurt you. Please, don’t mistake my motives. I simply believe you deserve to hear the truth of God’s Word; to walk in the light.
I know that some of you are simply doing the absolute best you know. You’re doing the same thing everyone around you does. I believe in you. I confident you. I believe God is in you, but I also believe you’re listening to this teaching by divine design. Don’t reject it! Let it take you to the next level.
I. WHAT IS PROPHECY?
What is prophecy? It is the knowledge of the future or a prediction uttered under divine inspiration. Paul says the gift of prophecy is one of the 9 spiritual gifts listed in 1st Corinthians. The American Tract Society Dictionary defines prophecy as the foretelling of future events by inspiration from God.
The word prophesy in 1Co 14:1 is translated from the Greek word propheteuo (prof-ate-yoo'-o) and it means to foretell events, divine, to speak under inspiration.
So, prophecy is the foretelling of something that will come to pass sometime in the future. If it doesn’t foretell a future event, it isn’t prophecy; it may be some other gift, but it isn’t a prophetic word from God.
A beautiful example of prophecy is found in:
1Ki 13:2 And he cried against the altar in the word of the LORD, and said, O altar, altar, thus saith the LORD; Behold, a child shall be born unto the house of David, Josiah by name; and upon thee shall he offer the priests of the high places that burn incense upon thee, and men's bones shall be burnt upon thee.
This clear-cut, easily understood prophecy was not fulfilled until 340 years later in 2Ki 23:15-20.
Let’s look at another example of what Biblical prophecy is like:
Eze 37:21 And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen, whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land:
This prophecy did not come to pass until May 14, 1948, 1,260 years later!
A true prophecy can come only from God; and is the highest proof of the divine origin of the message that is given.
A true prophecy may be known by these 4 marks:
1. It must be announced at a suitable time BEFORE the event it foretells. It drives me crazy to hear someone say, “Oh, God showed me that was going to happen” after it has already happened. I know this happens, from time to time, to all of those that are spiritually minded, but for some people it seems to be an everyday thing. Real prophecy is spoken before the thing happens.
2. It must have a particular and EXACT agreement with that event. Real prophecy is clear-cut and precise. When a prophecy of some future event is given, the fulfillment of that prophecy must be exactly as the prophecy stated. Most so-called prophecies heard in this area’s churches are so vague that they could apply to just about anything. They are full of loopholes and generic terms like, “I see you low and I’m going to move for you soon.” Now, I’m not going to say that God NEVER speaks like that, but you won’t find a single instance in the Scripture of anyone doing it like that. Every prophecy in the Word of God is clear and the fulfillment of those prophecies happened exactly as they were spoken. Anyone can see someone with a sad, dark countenance and then go to them and act like God is speaking through them, saying, “I see you low. I see you sad. I hear your cries. I haven’t forsaken you. I will move.” Just about anyone can do that. And then a week later when the disability check comes in, they say the prophecy was fulfilled. That prophecy was so vague that just about anything could have qualified as a fulfillment. More times than not, that isn’t real prophecy. That is someone with a tender heart wanting to encourage a brother or sister, or it is someone using the name of God to promote themselves and the pride of their heart. It would be much better to simply walk over to them and say, “Hey sister, I can see you’re really troubled tonight. Get your head up. God is going to help you.” It accomplishes the same thing, but you’re not pretending that God is overtaking your person and speaking through you.
And that brings me to the 3rd mark of true prophecy:
3. True prophecy is of divine origin, no human sagacity or foresight can produce it. If a man can speak it or predict it through his own wisdom and experience, it is not prophecy. While talking to people, I have predicted future events weeks and even months before they happened, but it wasn’t prophecy; it was simply prudence, foresight. I had watched many people go the same route and knew where they were heading. Let me put it this way: If you get on I-75 in Berea, KY. and go south, it wouldn’t be prophecy for me to say you’re going to eventually pass through Tennessee, Georgia and ultimately windup in Florida. I’ve traveled that interstate so much I know where it goes. That wouldn’t require divine inspiration, just practical knowledge and wisdom.
Previously, we read a prophecy about a young man named Josiah being raised up and bringing revival to Israel which came to pass 340 years later. There was no way mere mortal knowledge or prudence could have predicted that. It was of divine origin.
The following passage renders a prophecy uttered by Elijah the Tishbite to King Ahab:
1Ki 17:1 And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.
This prophecy was exact. There wasn’t a single drop of rain or any precipitation whatsoever in all the land for 3 ½ years! It was incredible. There was no way Elijah could have known that.
So, you can pretty much mark it down, that vast majority of today’s “I see and I know” prophecy is not of divine origin, and is not, therefore, true Biblical prophecy.
4. The 4th mark of true prophecy is it is delivered by someone under the inspiration of the Almighty. And in order for a person to be inspired of the Holy Ghost, their lives must line-up with God’s holy Word. They must be born again, baptized in the Holy Ghost, and living a life consistent with those experiences.
Some of the brothers were telling me about a woman who prophesies regularly, and has been for many years. She didn’t even know who John the Baptist was! That means after all these years of prophesying, she had never read past the 2nd chapter of Matthew! She is supposed to be a prophetess. She is supposed to be someone who God entrusts with His Word, yet she don’t care enough about God’s Word to even read it. Brothers, sisters! That woman has no business on the floor prophesying!
Right now, there is a man in Madison County who smokes pot, snorts pills, fornicates and has homosexual tendencies going around prophesying to people left and right. No one will say a word against him because, as they say, his prophecies come to pass and only God can foretell the future! They place more emphasis on prophecy than they do a holy and godly life!
This is exactly why multiplied millions are going to follow the beast and anti-christ. Listen carefully to these verses:
Re 13:12 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.
13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
14 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.
15 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.
16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
The false prophet is going to work miracles and pray down fire from the sky. He will be able to make a statue talk! And because of these miracles countless millions are going to take the mark of the beast, selling their souls to the devil. And...unfortunately, many of my friends, family, and close acquaintances are selling their souls for the same thing!
Concerning the last days, Jesus said:
Mt 24:24 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.
Do demons have power to do the miraculous?
Re 16:14 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.
Yes, they do! They are supernatural beings that have incredible abilities! Much of what happens in the earthly realm is first spoken in the spiritual realm. Demons are often able to hear those things and know them before they come to pass here on earth. So, yes, demons can know some things before they happen here. If someone is living an ungodly life and prophesying things they couldn’t know in themselves, they are demonically inspired and you need to either cast the devil out of them or run as hard as you can. If someone isn’t living right, praying, seeking God diligently, and hungry for God’s Word, they are not God’s prophet! I don’t care what they prophesy to you and how remarkable you think it is. They are false!
I think I’d be safe in saying that over half of the church problems in this area are directly related to the gross amount of false prophecy. I recently talked to a young man who said a false prophet was instrumental in him and 2 of his friends backsliding. I think I know the boy that prophesied to him. I knew he was a homosexual 12 years ago. I literally saw that spirit on him. In 2008, my little sister was getting ready to move to Florida to live with me and he prophesied to her that she was stepping into a trap. She called me weeping. I called his pastor and told him that I didn’t want that boy laying hands on my sister and prophesying to her ever again. I told him point blank, that the boy was homosexual. He said he would take care of it. But his wife stood up in the next service and told everyone how he was a man of God and how I had come against him. She said she knew he was God’s prophet because he had prophesied things to her that no one could have known and they had come to pass! A few weeks later, the so-called man of God’s wife walked in and found him with another man! He was prophesying under the influence of a demon and that pastor’s wife chose the devil over a Bible preaching holiness man!
I warned them, but no one would listen. They just let him prophesy to anyone he wanted. There are 3 young men out there tonight going to hell because a homosexual was allowed to prophesy! There are 3 young men going to hell because a pastor didn’t have the intestinal fortitude to stop a homosexual from operating in his church!
So prophecy is the knowledge of the future or a prediction uttered under divine inspiration. And a God inspired, true prophecy may be known because they are announced at a suitable time before the event it foretells; have a particular and exact agreement with that event; are of such revelatory magnitude no human sagacity or foresight could produce them; and are delivered by one who is under the inspiration of the Almighty.
II. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF PROPHECY?
Now, I want to discuss the purpose of prophecy which brings us to the 14th chapter of 1st Corinthians, the Bible’s main chapter on the subject of prophecy. The Corinthian church had a lot of spiritual gifts in operation, but there was chaos in the church. There was no order to any thing they did, so Paul was trying to straighten some of the chaos out. One of the major problems was the confusion that surrounded their use of the prophetic gifts. So, the 14th chapter of 1st Corinthians primarily tells us what prophecy does, how it should sound, and how it should and should not be operated.
1Co 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
According to this passage, true prophecy does 3 things to the child of God; it edifies, exhorts, and comforts them.
1.) The word edification means architecture. Prophecy builds people, it gives them structure in their spiritual life. It gives them much more than a momentary high, or emotional thrill. It puts a strong foundation underneath you. And the prophecy doesn’t have to be flowery, sweet words, it could come through stern reproof and even rebuke.
2.) The word exhortation means imploration. Prophecy will produce a great fire, a zeal to go higher in God! The root of imploration is the word implore. To implore someone is to beg them earnestly. Prophecy pulls at a man’s heart to hold on to God, to climb higher toward Him.
3.) And, thirdly, prophecy can comfort the heart. It will, at times, bring peace and confidence to the heart.
True prophecy is powerful and magnificently exalts the kingdom of God.
Now, let’s look at the next 2 verses. They tell us a little more about the purpose of prophecy:
1Co 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
5 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.
Prophecy is primarily for the church as a corporate body. It is a spiritual gift that lifts the church as a whole. It gives structure to the church as whole. Real prophecy was never intended to be used as a “dial a prophet” kind of deal. You never read anywhere in the Scripture where men ran around the country trying to get someone to prophesy to them. God continuously told His people to seek His face for themselves. He told them if they’d cry out to Him, He’d answer them. Listen, if you can’t find what you’re doing, or anyone doing it like you’re doing it in the Bible, you need to reconsider what you’re doing. You need to conform what you’re doing to the manner in which the saints in the Bible did it.
I am amazed at how many people use these prophets and prophetesses like a psychic hot-line. They’ll call this person and then that one trying to get someone to tell them what to do. Why don’t they read the Bible? It has all the answers they need! Why don’t they pray and ask God for guidance? It’s because it isn’t about God, it’s about them finding someone that will tell them something that makes them feel better about themselves. The vast majority of Pentecostal people in Madison County would rather run to a prophet to hear them say, “I’m shining you high,” than they would God, or the man of God, who will say, “Thus sayeth the Word of God.”
Prophecy is designed to help the church, just like every other spiritual gift.
1Co 14:24-25, gives us 2 more purposes of prophecy:
1Co 14:24 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:
25 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.
1.) Real prophecy makes the secrets of a sinners heart open, rendering the sinner vulnerable and amazed. They know the prophet just spoke things that no one in the world could know. This causes them to yield their hearts to the God of heaven!
2.) It causes them to say that God is in the church! It exalts God and then lifts the church. Most of the so-called prophecy we see in Madison County brings a reproach upon the body of Christ, not confirmation that God is in it.
III. RULES GOVERNING PROPHECY.
We’ve discussed what prophecy is and what its purpose is. Now, let’s look at how it is supposed to operate.
1Co 14:29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
1.) Verse 29 tells us “Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.”
This is clear, there should never be more than 3 prophets who prophesy in any particular service. And one of them must be able to hear the other prophesy else he has no way to judge the prophecy.
I listened to one of my dear brothers speak about how 9 different people came to him in one night, supposedly in the Spirit, prophesying and how he left the church with his head spinning, confused, not knowing if he was coming or going. He almost backslid because of it. According to 1Co 14:29, at least 6 of them were false prophets.
There should never be more than 3 prophets that speak in a service. If there is more than 3, someone is either in the flesh or prophesying under the influence of a bad spirit.
2.) Verse 30 says, “If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.”
If a prophet is prophesying and another prophet receives a revelation from God, the first is supposed to stop talking and allow the other liberty to prophesy. That is not the case in our local churches. I have never heard one prophet say, “Sister, I have a word of prophecy that I need to deliver” and the first person sit down. They usually prophesy at the same time which is in direct violation to the next verse.
3.) Verse 31 says, “For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.”
Not only is there to never be more the 3 prophets prophesying in any one service, there should never be more than 1 prophet on the floor at a time. If there are 2 people prophesying at once, you can be absolutely certain that at least one of them is a false prophet. If 5 are prophesying at once, one over here, one kneeling beside someone over there, someone in the back of the church, one in the pulpit, and one next to the door, at least four of them are false prophets.
Paul said “For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.”
4.) Verse 32 says, “And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.”
Now, this is a shocker because our people have been taught that you move whenever you feel the Spirit moving on you, but that is not what the Word of God teaches. The word of God teaches that the prophet’s spirit must be under subjection. The word subjection means to be subordinate; to obey: be under obedience (obedient). The prophet must get control of their spirit. Just because you feel the Lord upon you doesn’t mean you need to jump up and prophesy. You have to make sure there is no one else on the floor and if there is, you have to tell them you have a word of prophecy, or wait until they stop prophesying. If someone else is on the floor the prophet must get control of him or herself and wait until the appropriate time comes for them to speak.
Now, I remind you that I’m reading straight out of the King James Bible. I remind you that Paul is writing under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is telling you that you need to learn how to hold your peace, to control yourself. If there are more than 3 prophets prophesy in a service; and if there are more than one on the floor at a time it brings confusion and chaos which is exactly what the next verse deals with.
5.) Verse 33 states, “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” This verse is often quoted but almost never in context. God is not the author of confusion and the manner in which the Corinthians were prophesying was bringing confusion and God was not in it.
I was always taught that anyone should be able to do anything they want at anytime, but, as you can see, this is in total contradiction to the Word of God. Let’s look at:
1Co 14:26 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.
Now, remember that the context of this chapter is Paul is trying to bring peace and calm to a confused and chaotic church. Here Paul says, “How is it that everyone of you think you have a song, a doctrine, a tongue, a revelation, or an interpretation?” This was causing confusion. Everybody thinks they need to sing. Everybody thinks they need to share their little doctrine. Everybody thinks they need to speak in tongues. Everybody thinks they have a revelation. Everybody thinks they need to interpret everyone’s tongues. Paul is condemning this mentality. I find it strange that the exact opposite is taught in these local area churches. They try to get everyone to prophesy, sing, and preach. But it’s confusion!
You don’t believe I’m interpreting this passage correctly? What follows this verse? Let’s read:
1Co 14:26 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.
27 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.
28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
It becomes very clear that Paul is not saying everyone should be on the floor doing something. Paul is saying everything should be governed and in order. He says if there is no interpreter the people need to be silent. He says the prophets must learn to hold their peace.
And concerning prophecy in church, the Word of God gives the women this clear-cut commandment:
1Co 14:34 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.
35 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.
Now, I must remind you that these two verses are spoken in the context of prophesying in the church (if you don’t believe me, go back and read five previous verses, 29-33). So, this is not saying a woman can’t sing or testify in church, but it clearly teaches that a woman needs to hold her peace when it comes to giving out messages in tongues and prophesying in a church. Brothers and sisters, I want to remind you that Philip’s daughters prophesied, and Joel said our sons and daughters would prophesy, so a woman can be used in the gift of prophecy, but just not in the church. Some try to be slick and say this is talking about business meetings, but you aren’t going to find a business meeting in this chapter.
I told you that this would rock your world, but I want to reiterate, it doesn’t mean you aren’t saved or don’t have the Spirit of God in your life. I am not saying that you must stop using your gift; I am saying that you must stop using your gift in an unscriptural manner. You just don’t know any better. You are only doing what everyone else around you is doing, but now you are hearing the truth of God’s Word and will be required to do right. Don’t fall apart, get it right and keep marching on. Be glad that God has placed an anointing in your life!
I now want to draw your attention to the very last verse of this chapter. I want to show you how Paul sums this section on prophecy up. Concerning prophecy and tongues in a church service, Paul says:
1Co 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
The word decently means: decorously. Decorously means: in keeping with good taste and propriety; polite and restrained.
The word order means: regular arrangement, i.e. (in time) fixed succession (of rank or character), official dignity:--order.
The Oxford University Press dictionary says order means: 1 the arrangement of people or things according to a particular sequence or method. 2 a state in which everything is in its correct place.
So, the Holy Ghost, through Paul, states that all things, even the operation of spiritual gifts, should be done decently and in order, which means in good taste, polite and restrained and according to a particular sequence or method. So, I know that there will be those that say, “Brother Lamb doesn’t let the Spirit have His way.” But what they really mean is “Brother Lamb won’t let US have OUR way.” I’m going to pastor our church according to the Word of God and the Word of God says this church and the services it conducts should be arranged in the proper succession, sequence, or method. A church service must be ordered or we are sinning!
Paul said the same thing about giving out messages in tongues.
1Co 14:27 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.
First, there should never be more than 2 giving out messages in tongues, and there must be one there that can interpret the tongues; and then those that do speak and interpret must do it “by course”. The word course means division or section. So, even when they gave out messages in tongues it had to be in order, or properly divided.
We did say that we want the Word of God, didn’t we? Paul said in:
1Co 14:37 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.
Don’t get angry. Repent and acknowledge these things are commandments! Be happy that God loves you enough to expose you to the truth of His Word.
IV. WHAT DOES PROPHECY SOUND LIKE?
What should prophecy sound like? Please, take a few moments to read 1Co 14:6-20.
In these verses, Paul tells us that tongues and prophecy should be clear, plain, and easily understood. For example:
1Co 14:10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.
11 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.
12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
Prophecy should be brought forth in a clear and easily understood manner. It should make sense and edify the church.
What does prophesy sound like? There is only one final authority on all things spiritual ... the Bible. Why don’t we go to the Bible and see how men prophesied in the Old and New Testaments? And once we’ve examined the Old Testament and New Testament prophets, let’s compare them to the local churches and their prophecies and see if they resemble each other.
ISAIAH
How did Isaiah prophesy? Read the 53rd chapter of Isaiah and see. Here are few verses out of this Messianic prophecy:
Isa 53:4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
Do you prophesy like that? Do the people that prophesy to you sound anything close to that?
JEREMIAH
How did Jeremiah prophesy?
Jer 21:3 Then said Jeremiah unto them, Thus shall ye say to Zedekiah:
4 Thus saith the LORD God of Israel; Behold, I will turn back the weapons of war that are in your hands, wherewith ye fight against the king of Babylon, and against the Chaldeans, which besiege you without the walls, and I will assemble them into the midst of this city.
5 And I myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and with a strong arm, even in anger, and in fury, and in great wrath.
6 And I will smite the inhabitants of this city, both man and beast: they shall die of a great pestilence.
Do you prophesy like that? Do the people that prophesy to you sound anything close to that?
EZEKIEL
How did Ezekiel prophesy? Here’s a prophecy concerning a great war that is yet to come upon Israel:
Eze 39:1 Therefore, thou son of man, prophesy against Gog, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal:
2 And I will turn thee back, and leave but the sixth part of thee, and will cause thee to come up from the north parts, and will bring thee upon the mountains of Israel:
3 And I will smite thy bow out of thy left hand, and will cause thine arrows to fall out of thy right hand.
4 Thou shalt fall upon the mountains of Israel, thou, and all thy bands, and the people that is with thee: I will give thee unto the ravenous birds of every sort, and to the beasts of the field to be devoured.
Do you prophesy like that? Do the people that prophesy to you sound anything close to that?
You can study all the Old Testament prophets and you will find they all prophesied in very similar ways. Now, let’s look at the New Testament prophets and prophetesses:
SIMEON
How did Simeon Prophesy?
Lu 2:34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
Do you prophesy like that? Do the people that prophesy to you sound anything close to that?
AGABUS
How did Agabus prophesy?
Ac 21:11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.
Do you prophesy like that? Do the people that prophesy to you sound anything close to that?
PAUL
How did Paul prophesy?
Ac 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
Do you prophesy like that? Do the people that prophesy to you sound anything close to that?
I could go on and on, showing you Old Testament prophets and their prophecies. We’ve read the words of some of the New Testament prophets and their prophecies. Although their terms were sometimes different; although their delivery was sometimes with different style; they were always articulate and clear. Their prophesies were powerful! Why? Because God is omniscient. He speaks intelligently and clearly and powerfully!
Why are the prophecies in these local churches so different from every single prophet in the Bible? Shouldn’t we prophesy like they did in the book of Acts? Did the Holy Ghost change? Why would the Holy Ghost move on the prophets of the Old Testament and New Testament to speak with amazing terminologies and articulation, but now they speak in ways that are so confusing and just plain weird you can hardly understand?
I don’t know how to go from here without pulling the cover completely off of this thing. I don’t want to hurt you, but God is all knowing and speaks intelligently. Not once in the Bible did God say to someone, “I’m signing you to a line.” And I know what that’s supposed to mean, but the word signing doesn’t not mean the same thing as “assigning”. Signing is the exercise of doing sign language. Another definition is an event at which an author signs copies of their book to gain publicity and sales.
When God told someone to go somewhere, it sounded like this:
Am 7:15 And the LORD took me as I followed the flock, and the LORD said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel.
16 Now therefore hear thou the word of the LORD: Thou sayest, Prophesy not against Israel, and drop not thy word against the house of Isaac.
17 Therefore thus saith the LORD; Thy wife shall be an harlot in the city, and thy sons and thy daughters shall fall by the sword, and thy land shall be divided by line; and thou shalt die in a polluted land: and Israel shall surely go into captivity forth of his land.
Clear-cut and precise!
To say that God is signing someone to a line doesn’t even make sense. Somewhere, someone got tongue tied and instead of saying “assigned”, they said, “signed” and everybody jumped on the band wagon and said it too.
30 years ago the so-called prophets would say, “Souls, souls, and souls” while they were prophesying. One night the old lady got tongue tied and said, “Shoals, shoals, and shoals.” From that point on it spread like wildfire. Everyone was prophesying “shoals, shoals, and shoals.” Brothers, sisters, a shoal is a school of fish. And please, don’t try to spiritualize that; she messed up! She got tongue tied and everyone copied her.
God is all knowing, He speaks intelligently.
One lady prophesied and said, “I say, yay, nay, yay, nay.” Now, that literally means, “I say, Yes, no, yes, no.” That’s insane. The same girl told me, “I’m a helpin you. It’s a comin and a goin’; itsa comin and a goin’.” “It’s a”? God says “it’s a comin’”? The God of heaven can’t even speak proper English? I really, when she got done, I had no earthly idea what she was talking about and whatever it was I had no idea if I should expect it to come or go.
Oh, I know some of you are hurting right now. Broken and terribly confused. Listen to me. This teaching isn’t to discourage you. It is to educate you. It isn’t a shame to be ignorant, but it is a shame to be willingly ignorant and ignore the truth. Brother ... sister. I am not saying you aren’t feeling God. I am not saying that God hasn’t spoken to your heart. I’m not saying you don’t have a gift. I’m saying you have fallen prey to your environment. You have fallen prey to ignorant preachers who have not taught the whole Word of God.
Go to the Bible and study it. If you prophesy, prophesy like they did in the Bible. I know that you can control what you say. I know that the Holy Ghost hasn’t taken your body and mouth over to such a degree you no longer have control of yourself. I know at least 3 that prophesied just like the rest, but when the truth was presented to them, they stopped. It was always them; the Holy Ghost wasn’t completely taking their minds and mouths over. They were kind people; loving people; compassionate people that wanted to encourage people. God dealt with their hearts and they did the only thing they knew. They prophesied in their flesh and tried to help people. You can still help people, but talk normal. Go to them and tell them that God showed you something about them. And if God takes your mind and mouth, He’ll speak like He spoke in the Bible: clear, articulate, and powerful.
CLOSING
Dear brother, sister, the reason such chaos continually manifests itself in these churches is there is almost zero teaching. I have asked congregations in this area how many had ever had a preacher open the Bible to the 12th and 14th chapters of 1st Corinthians and teach what it says about prophecy. There was virtually no one who had heard the subject taught on. Isn’t that strange? With so many people walking the floor supposedly prophesying in these churches, no one has ever went to the pulpit and taught what the Bible says about this gift! And what shocks me is no one has ever thought to question the proper manner in which prophecy should be carried out! They just assume that what they see going on around them is right, but on what authority do they gage what is right? It sure isn’t the Bible. We need teaching!
When my wife was baptized in the Holy Ghost, she was told that she probably didn’t have the baptism in the Holy Ghost because, although she spoke in tongues, the manner in which she spoke in tongues didn’t suit them. And to beat it all, they told her that when you get the baptism in the Holy Ghost you’ll not only speak in tongues, but you’ll prophesy. And this is too common among the churches in this area. There is strong peer pressure placed upon people to “prophesy”.
I have preached in well over a hundred churches in at least 15 different states and 2 countries. All of them, with the exception of maybe one, were Pentecostal. They all believed in the baptism in the Holy Ghost and in the gifts of the Spirit as they are laid out in 1Co 12 and 14.
But as I traveled, I noticed those churches were different than the churches I grew up in. When it came to the operation of the gifts of the Spirit, none of them, in over a hundred Pentecostal holiness churches, in at least 15 states, even slightly resembled the churches in Madison County. Now, these were clean living people. They were not loose living worldlings; they were not compromisers of the gospel. They were filled with the Holy Ghost. They spoke with tongues. They prophesied. They gave out messages in tongues and the gift of interpretation would follow. The gift of discernment worked at times. The gifts of wisdom, understanding, healing, and so on, were at times seen in operation. But the manner in which the Holy Ghost moved in those churches and the churches in Madison County were not even close in resemblance. He moved in exactly the same manner in every other church, but here, it was vastly different.
Now, that may not mean anything to you, but it troubled me. People may be different from one place to the next, but the Holy Ghost is not. So I began to study and pray for some answers as to why. Why is there such a difference between the rest of the body of Christ and this little small pocket of people? Why does the prophecy here not even slightly resemble the prophecy of the Bible? Because the people walk in gross darkness with no light from the Word shining upon them.
I pray that you take this seriously and make the proper adjustments. I pray your heart is liberated by the truth because it is the truth that will set you free.
Just a couple of months ago, I talked to another young man, trying to get him to give his heart back to God. He desperately wants to, but won’t because his wife is so bitter she won’t even consider going to church to him. Why? Someone prophesied a bunch of lies to her and basically destroyed her faith in the church and everything associated with it.
And I can understand because, as a very young Christian it happened to me. I hadn’t been saved but a year or so when a woman came to me and spoke blatant, out and out lies, and did so in front of the entire congregation. She told me I had said things and thought things that I had never said or thought in my entire life. As a foolish young man, I almost quit God that night, but thankfully His grace and mercy and a dear friend helped pull me through! Years later, that same woman came to a church I was pastoring and thought I would allow her to walk the floors and prophesy to the people there, but I couldn’t ... I had to stop her. It was hard, but I could not allow a false prophet to have free reign in that house.
I could go on and on about how false prophecy hurt and almost destroyed people I know. This has to be curtailed. This has to be stopped. This has to be governed in the house of God. I greatly desire to have a place of worship that is free from false prophecy. People will say, “David Lamb won’t give the Spirit liberty to move and operate in his church.”
And I believe there are a few people in Madison County that actually have an anointing to prophesy, but they have never been taught how it’s supposed to be operated and therefore do the best they know how which is typically to copy those around them.
GOD’S VIEW ON FALSE PROPHETS
De 18:20 But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.
21 And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?
22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.
It only requires one false prophecy to mark a man or woman as a false prophet. When a man or woman, who claim to be prophets, prophecy lies or live lives that are not consistent with a Bible prophet, disregard them without fear. They are not of God. In the Old Testament, God would have the false prophet to be killed. Today, we may not kill men for pretending to be God, but we certainly don't have to listen to them or allow them to operate in our churches! We must shut the false prophets down.
May God bless!
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