Bible Questions and Bible Answers

Question:
Hi, I came across your site today and had a question for you regarding your FAQ page. Following is my understanding of what I think is being said, can you tell me if I am wrong or right.
- Salvation is what comes to all those, even today, who are Christians.
- New Birth, only comes to those who receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
- New Birth is evidenced only with the speaking in tongues.
So, if this is true, then people can be saved (Christians), but not born again? Is that correct?
Thanks,
Joe

Answer:
Hi Joe,
Thanks for your inquiry regarding our website. Concerning Salvation, you might refer to our FAQ's page question and answer titled When and How is a Person Saved, and also to our current Gospel E-Word titled The Devil's Oldest Trick. But in short order on Salvation, it is the reward for faithful endurance in a holy life, after someone is born again, until the time of their death. In other words, Salvation is actually the immortality received by the faithful, dead and living, at the Lord's second coming (Isa. 25:9, Isa. 40:31 ["mount up" means to ascend, or be caught up], I Cor. 15:50-54, I Jn. 3:2,3, etc.). See I Pet. 1:3-9, Mat. 24:12,13, Philip. 2:12, Rom. 13:11, and Acts 15:11 for confirmation of that point, which is to say that Salvation is at the end of one's faith, or faithfulness, as stated in I Pet. 3:9; and not at the beginning of one's faith, as taught
erroneously by Christianity.

That brings us to your other questions concerning the New Birth. CONVERSION, or new birth (same thing), is not the same thing as Salvation.
One is converted to Christ, or born again (made a new creature), by being IN CHRIST, as stated by II Cor. 5:17. The only BIBLICAL way to get into Christ, is through Baptism, which is stated clearly in Rom. 6:3, Gal. 3:27, and I Cor. 12:13. And I Cor. 12:13 clarifies that it is the Spirit Baptism (not water baptism) that puts us into Christ, or into the body of Christ. See our FAQ's article called When and How Is a Person Born Again? The baptism of the holy Ghost is received by faith, through God's Grace, whereas water baptism is a work, and is not of grace (Rom. 11:6). Refer to our Bible Study The Worship of God in Spirit and Truth . So yes, the holy Ghost Baptism is the new birth experience, and yes, it always is accompanied by the heavenly witness of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance. Speaking in tongues is a by-product of the experience (Isa. 28:11,12; Mat. 11:28: Acts 3:19). The heart and soul of the new birth experience is full repentance and faith toward Jesus, with a willingness for Him to take over the reins of our life. God provided the heavenly witness for evidence that HE has accepted OUR faith and repentance, seeing that He alone can see the full details of what is going on in anyone's heart (Acts 15:7-9; Acts 10:44-46; Jer. 17:9; I Kin. 8:39; I Sam. 16:6,7; Mat. 23:27,28). You might also check out our page on The Witness of Speaking With Other Tongues.

So to address your last question, it is impossible for someone to be saved, without having experienced the new birth, seeing that Salvation comes at the end of a faithful life of holiness (pureness of heart), after someone has been born again. And yes, this does mean that Christianity is totally wrong about all of the doctrines that it teaches concerning the Gospel of Christ. Joe, the only place that God's truth can be found is IN CHRIST, through the anointing of the holy Ghost, the Spirit of Truth! (II Cor. 3:17, Col. 2:2,3, I Jn. 2:27, Jn. 14:26, Jn. 16:13, etc., etc.) If you want to know the truth, empty your heart out to the Lord, and let Him guide you personally. He knows just how to let you know that He is the one leading the way into all truth. Refer to our article titled Continuing In The Word of God. Your inquiry is appreciated, and your correspondence is valued. Great to hear from you!
Sincerely,
Lary

Question:
Thanks for your great answer. I agree with your view of the terms salvation, conversion, new birth and with your definition of Spirit Baptism. One last question though. So if New Birth / Conversion is always evidenced by the speaking in tongues, does that mean, in your view, that anyone who has not spoken in tongues is not born again (and ultimately then would not have hope of salvation.)? Oh, one last thing. Would you classify your view as in line with the Pentecostal tradition?
Thanks,
Joe

Answer:
Hi Again Joe,
Speaking with other tongues when receiving the Spirit baptism, is the unalterable witness from heaven that the individual has received the remission of their sins. You might like to read our online tract titled The Token, for more detail on that point. The reality of Salvation is that one must be without sin in order to be raised in the first resurrection, which is the rapture of the Bride of Christ, at His coming Rev. 20:6, Heb. 12:15, Mat. 5:8, I Jn. 3:2,3). So if someone hasn't ever spoken in tongues, this means that God's witness has never been given to them because their repentance and faith toward Jesus hasn't met His terms, regardless of how things may appear to be with them. We're told in Romans 8:10 that the power (holy Ghost) that raised Jesus from the dead, must also dwell in us in order for our mortal bodies to be quickened (raised from the
dead). However I will say that many people have received the Spirit, and the accompanying witness of speaking with tongues, without actually realizing that they've spoken in tongues. That's really not uncommon. But it does eventually manifest if the person is among people who are free in their spiritual worship of God.

The answer to your other question about if I'm in the mainstream traditional Pentecostal doctrine(s), the answer is no. Everything about Christianity is erroneous, and the Pentecostal community is under the traditions and doctrines of Christianity. The only differences between the Pentecostal denominations, and non-denominations also for that matter, and the other Christian denominations, is that many Pentecostals have experienced the Baptism of the Spirit, and believe in the things that pertain to the power of God; whereas by and large most other Christian denominations do not, though there are probably people somewhere in every denomination who have experienced these things at some time or another in
their life. But because those who do have the Spirit baptism have been taught that it is not the new birth experience, but rather a secondary "Christian" experience for those who are already "saved," they have been caused to esteem erroneous new birth teachings like "getting saved" and "accepting the Lord," before and above the experience that has delivered them from sin (The holy Ghost Baptism). God is now calling His people (those baptized with the Spirit into the body of Christ - I Cor. 12:13) out of Christianity ( spiritual Babylon - Rev. 18:4) and ALL of the Christian denominations, to become one with Him in and through the Spirit.

And it should be noted that throughout history, God's way has never been popular or mainstream with His people, and consequently those who have known and strived to persuade others of His way have never been widely esteemed or accepted by God's people either. "Nevertheless the foundation of the Lord standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are His" (II Tim. 2:19). There's a powerful and sobering reality about truly being identified with the true Jesus. "He was despised, and rejected of men..." (Isa. 53:3), and Jesus said that those who despised (lightly esteemed) Him would do the same to those who truly followed Him ( Jn. 15:8, Jn. 16:2). And it was unquestionably God's people who despised and rejected Jesus. I don't know if you read the article on our FAQ's page, called I Know I've Had an Experience With The Lord, But I've Never Spoken in Tongues... This article explains why the New Birth has been so widely misunderstood. Anyway, that is kind of a long answer, but I felt it was a little more explanatory than just saying yes or no. Thanks for your response, and you're welcome to write any time.
Sincerely,
Lary

Question:
Good day Larry.
Thank you for taking time to explain your site. While we do have some points of agreement (especially on the work of the Holy Spirit), in the end, I fall into your category of false "christians" who are going to hell because I don't speak in tongues. Allowing for the idea of some who spoke in tongues but "don't know it" is a convenient cop-out from your position. Where in any of the examples you cite is there ever a mention of "secret" tongues? Or for that matter, where is it ever stated by any Apostle or writer that tongues is the only true sign and seal of God's salvation? At any rate, as soon as I find a place to fit you in, I will no doubt link to your website from my own so that other folks can investigate your unique theology.
Sincerely,
Joe

Answer:
Hi Joe,
I have to admit that I am genuinely saddened by this last response. I had hoped that you were genuinely seeking the truth. Evidently we don't really have any points of agreement after all, because there's no way we agree on the work of the Spirit if you don't even realize that speaking with other tongues is the initial evidence of the Spirit baptism. The reason some have spoken in tongues without realizing it is because they are in deep earnest prayer to God, and are not thinking about tongues, but make the needed connection with God in their heart, and the Spirit begins speaking through them. Since their mind and heart is on God to such an extent, and not on themselves, sometimes a person may not realize that the Spirit even spoke through them. When my wife received the holy Ghost, this is exactly what took place with her. The Lord actually spoke to her in her mind, and said "Listen to yourself." If the Lord hadn't spoken to her she wouldn't have realized that the Spirit was speaking through her in tongues, because she was so focused on drawing nigh to God. I don't really understand what the cop-out is there.

Actually I don't have a position, or a theology, or an opinion about the things that I preach, because I preach only what has been revealed to me by God. If that sounds radical to you, it's only because you don't have personal experience with the power of God. And I don't say that spitefully or anything like that, but if you've never received the Spirit's witness (speaking in tongues), then you've never received the Spirit, which alone IS the power of God. As I said previously, the new birth (holy Ghost Baptism) is not Salvation, it's conversion. Salvation is being in the first resurrection, or rapture of the bride of Christ. I'm sure if you honestly study the writings on our website, you will be able to acknowledge that speaking in tongues is irrefutably the sign of the covenant, the witness from Heaven that one's faith and repentance has been accepted by God. I hope that you will give yourself an honest chance to see these truths as they are. And one last thing Joe: I didn't say anything about you or anyone else going to Hell - You did.
Sincerely,
Lary

Question:
You wrote "The reason some have spoken in tongues without realizing it is
because they are in deep earnest prayer to God, and are not thinking about tongues, but make the needed connection with God in their heart, and the Spirit begins speaking through them. Since their mind and heart is on God to such an extent, and not on themselves, sometimes a person may not realize that the Spirit even spoke through them. " And where was this modeled in Acts? I thought they all spoke out loud. Where does this model appear in Scripture of the "secret" or "hidden" tongue?
Joe

Answer:
Hi Again Joe,
Actually I'm not talking about a "silent," "secret," or "hidden" utterance, just one where the person doesn't immediately realize it. It is certainly an audible utterance. We all know that we can be so focused and attuned to something that we're involved with, that we may not hear someone speaking to us, though they may be right next to us. Well, in this case it IS someone else speaking, because it is the holy Ghost speaking through us. And as I had said previously, when this does take place, and it is not uncommon, the tongues will eventually manifest openly if the person continues to follow hard after God. There is no mention of this in the book of Acts, but that doesn't make it untrue. I mean seriously, can you really tell my wife and others that they haven't experienced what they have experienced? There also is no mention in the Bible, of God filling people's teeth with gold fillings, but I've seen it take place before my eyes. Neither is there any mention in the Bible of a man being able to see perfectly out of an eye
socket where there's no eye at all, but I also have witnessed this first hand.

The real point however is that speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance is thoroughly documented by consistency of scripture as being the initial witness or evidence that someone has received the Spirit of God into their life. The fact that occasionally it happens that a person may not have immediately realized that this took place, doesn't change the reality that it DOES take place, and that it always takes place when someone is born again. Look at Gal. 4:6 where it actually is referring to the "birth cry" of the Spirit at the new birth, even as the natural birth is accompanied you will see that it is a word that is always used in the new testament writings to indicate an audible crying out; and note that it says that "the Spirit" cries out, not just the person.

Again, I really believe it would be time well invested to study a number of the articles contained on our website. I grant you, that from the modern Christian perspective, these truths are "unique" as you stated, but as I stated before, God's truth has always been quite "unique" to the overwhelming majority of God's people; and that certainly is heavily documented throughout the Bible. And what so many people fail to see, is that nothing ever changes. God is still the same, man is still the same, and thus history repeats itself; and certainly the history of God's people is no exception to this rule. Nice to hear from you again.
Sincerely,
Lary

Question:
Is their any evidence in the bible of a specific person being baptized in the name of the father, the son, and the holy spirit? I have been studying the bible and can not find evidence of a specific person. Could you please help me in understanding ? Thank you,
Sincerely, Michelle

Answer:
Hi Michelle,
Thanks for writing. The technical answer to your question is no. There isn't an instance in the Bible where someone was baptized in "the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Ghost," as Jesus alluded to in Mat. 28:19. However I would like to answer your real question in as short of order as possible. In terms of water baptism, it really doesn't matter about the name issue, because water baptism was never meant to be continued in the first place. Water baptism was an ordinance given by God to John the Baptist for the purpose of introducing Jesus and His baptism to Israel (Mk. 1:6-8; Jn. 1:26-33). Jesus could not baptize anyone with the holy Ghost while He was still on earth, because the Spirit Baptism is the work of His Heavenly Priesthood, which is to say it is the experience that takes one's sins away (Jn. 16:7; Jn. 7:37-39; Heb. 8:4; Acts 1:4,5). Jesus' Priesthood could not begin until He ascended back to Heaven, where the merits of His sacrifice (offering) were accepted by the Father (Heb. 8:1,2; Heb. 9:12,24-26). It was then that He sat down at the right hand of the Father, and began working in the office of High Priest, which office has always been for the purpose of making intercession to God for the remission of sins of those who have brought the required offering (Heb. 9:7). Refer to our gospel tract called "The Token."

After Jesus ascended to Heaven, having given His final instructions to His followers, which was to wait in Jerusalem for the baptism of the holy Ghost; seven days later the 120 people who had followed His instructions were all baptized with the holy Ghost with the heavenly evidence of speaking with other tongues (Acts 2:1-4). This experience that these people received was and is the experience of the remission of sins, or new birth if you will (I Cor. 6:11). Because Jesus came only to the Jews, and because the old covenant was in effect as long as Jesus was on earth, and because God did not immediately reveal the understanding of the fulfillment of the law, water baptism continued after Pentecost, even though there was really no more need for it. It was a work of the law because it was given by God during the time of the old testament dispensation (Mat. 5:17; Jn. 3:14,15). God first manifested what I'm talking about here, when Peter preached the Gospel to Cornelius and his household in Acts 10. These were the first Gentiles to have the Gospel preached unto them, and right after Peter began preaching to them, they were all baptized with the holy Ghost by Jesus (Acts 10:44). Peter and the Jews who came with him realized that Jesus had filled these Gentiles with His Spirit only because they heard them speak with other tongues (Acts 10:45,46).

Peter was puzzled by what had taken place, because he knew that everyone who had received the holy Ghost had first been baptized in water, even as he stated in Acts 2:38. So he went ahead and baptized them in water since he didn't know what else to do (Acts 10:47,48). Jesus did not reveal to Peter why He had beaten him to the punch, so to speak, but there was a reason. The reason was because the Gentiles had never been under the law. The law (old covenant) was given to lead the Jews to Christ (Gal. 3:24,25). But since Jesus had already come and fulfilled the law, there was no reason for the gentiles to be under any of the law. This is the message that Paul was given by God, because God raised up Paul to be the Apostle to the Gentiles (Rom. 15:15,16). And even though Paul baptized in water early in his ministry, we see in the scriptures that he eventually ceased doing so, having understood that water baptism had been fulfilled with the rest of the works of the law (I Cor. 1:14-17). So that's where we end up here, knowing that one must repent and believe on Jesus unto receiving Jesus' baptism, which is always evidenced by speaking with other tongues. Water baptism is not a factor, regardless what name it's done in. No doubt Jesus was referring to His own baptism in Mat. 28:19, even as He was in Mk. 16:16 where He stated that baptism is what saves us. This also lines up with what
Peter said in I Pet. 3:21, where he specifically stated that the baptism that saves us is not the one that "washes away the filth of the flesh," but rather the one that came as a result of "the resurrection of Jesus Christ." You might like to see our online Bible Study titled "The Worship of God in Spirit and Truth" for further understanding on this subject. Nice to hear from you. Write back anytime with whatever questions may be on your mind.
Sincerely,
Lary

Comment From Joe's Site:
I've had a quick look at the 'byonespirit' site and I'm a little disturbed at the teaching on the Godhead. What do others think?
Steve (Leicester UK)

Comment From Joe's Site:
From Joe,
I had not read that part on the site. I will have to look at the full context, but considering the view on tongues being necessary for salvation, it may only really be one more problem added to a host of others.

Comment From Joe's Site:
From Joe,
So it appears that your assessment is right and there is a clear rejection of trinitarian theology.

Hi Steve and Joe,
I just dropped in and noticed your observations about my website. Let me just say at the moment that yes, Joe, the true understanding about the Father, the Son, and the holy Ghost is just another of a great host of problems for Christianity and all of it's man-made doctrines and traditions. And yes Joe, you did accurately perceive that the truth on this subject is a complete rejection of "trinitarian theology," as well as the other erroneous school of thought on this subject known as "Jesus Only." The beauty of all this is that you now have the opportunity to seek God with an honest, humble heart, being completely willing to hear what HE has to say about these matters, rather than just accept what Christianity has handed down to you. This is the only pathway to the true blessing of God, which is only available to those who love His acceptance and honor more than one another's acceptance and honor (Jn. 5:44). Check out our article on "Continuing In The Word Of God." As far as what you are deeming to be my errors in doctrine, by all means manifest that it is error, but do so by consistency of scriptural evidence and not by rhetoric of Christianity's traditions. And I also am leaving the link to the gospel tract that you have referred to and quoted from, in case anyone would be interested in reading it in it's entirety: "The True Oneness of God"
Thanks Guys,
Lary

Question:
From Joe,Good day Lary. I have thought about your post for a couple days now, and while there is much I could say, I would like to focus in on the single subject of tongues as the necessary sign of New Birth. If you are open, I would like to take this one question, one point, at a time. First, let me ask a clarifying question. You say that only those who speak with tongues are Born again, however, is the antithesis of this also true; all who speak with tongues are born again?

Answer:
Hi Joe
Nice to hear from you. We know that for everything that is real and genuine in this life, there is something that is an imitation of it. We have counterfeit money, fake gems, etc. This certainly holds true in matters pertaining to the kingdom of God. I know of situations where people are taught how to speak in tongues, told what to say in tongues, and other false things pertaining to the subject. That however doesn't change the reality of "speaking with other tongues as the SPIRIT gives the utterance" in those who have contritely repented of sin, and have sought wholeheartedly after Jesus until He baptizes them with His Spirit.

When Jesus described the new birth experience to Nicodemus in Jn. 3, He clearly stated that there is a SOUND that accompanies the experience of being born again, in every case. I've read your testimony, and you're obviously a well educated, well versed individual, so you shouldn't have to do much Greek homework to confirm that. That sound is the same one that Isaiah spoke of in Isa. 28: 11.12, when he prophesied of the rest and refreshing for the weary soul, that would be obtained under the new covenant. Of course Paul confirmed that this prophecy was indeed referring to speaking with other tongues (I Cor. 14:21,22). Read Isaiah's words, and with Paul's confirmation in mind, look also at Jesus' words in Mat. 11:28, regarding the rest that He came to make available for those who are "heavy laden.". We know that Jesus' came to make a way for sin to be done away with, so that man could be reconciled unto God by Him. The rest that Jesus provides is the lifting of the burden of sin off of those who are "labor (ing), and are heavy laden." Now look at Peter's statement in Acts 3:19 regarding the new birth, wherein one's sins are taken away; still considering Isaiah's words, now coupled with Jesus' words in Mat. 11:28. The "refreshing" that Peter mentions that accompanies the new birth, is the same refreshing that Isaiah spoke of, even as the "rest" that Jesus spoke of as accompanying the lifting of the burden of the "heavy laden," is also the same rest that Isaiah mentioned. Joe, that rest and refreshing is also the "sound" that Jesus mentioned to Nicodemus, as accompanying the new birth, every time it is experienced - speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance.

Anyone who has received this experience knows by personal and glorious EXPERIENCE that it is truly an otherworldly rest and refreshing for the inner man. That is why Jude commanded believers to "build up your most holy faith, praying in the holy Ghost," which is certainly referring to praying in tongues (I Cor. 14:14). Continuing in this experience is the only way that anyone can live free from sin, on the inside, and serve the Lord in "righteousness and true holiness." This experience is what Paul referred to as "the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the holy Ghost," which he says is what saves us, and in fact will continue to save us from the power of sin, if we continue in that refreshed, renewed state. Well my time is up for now, but I'll check back later.
Lary

Question:
From Joe,
Ok, that was the long way of saying not all who speak in tongues are saved, but all who are saved must speak in tongues. I am clear on your position so far. I only have two other question (I think) about tongues before I ask for details on the Scriptural foundation for your theology that they are necessary for New Birth. For the sake of clarity and fairness, I will post one at a time and let you respond to each. How many "kinds" of tongues are there? In other words, is there a "gift of tongues" which is different from "praying in tongues" which is different from the "New Birth tongues"? Or, is there only one kind of tongue?

Answer:
Yes Joe, it's true that everyone speaks in tongues at the new birth, but not everyone has the gift of tongues. The gift of tongues is the capacity to speak in various kinds of tongues (I Cor. 12:10,28), whether they be tongues of men, or tongues of angels (I Cor. 13:1). Most people who receive the Spirit generally speak in one kind of tongue, whether in worship or in prayer. Often time a person with the gift of tongues also has the capacity to interpret. In this case a person is led to speak in tongues, and immediately the Spirit will speak back through them in English. This is the case where the git of tongues is equal to prophecy, because of the interpretation (I Cor. 14:5). Occasionally another individual may interpret what has been spoken through someone in tongues (I Cor. 14:27).

I do not have the gift of tongues myself, but several times I have been on the receiving end of a message that the Lord has manifested through someone, through tongues and interpretation. I have to tell you, when someone comes up to you and starts praying over you in tongues, and suddenly words in English start coming out of their mouth, speaking of things that nobody on earth could possibly know about you, or a situation that you may be dealing with internally; it is quite an awe-inspiring and faith building experience. Lastly, the capacity to pray in tongues is given to everyone who receives the Spirit, and as Jude said, this capacity should be continually exercised. And before you decide to question the scriptural foundation for speaking in tongues as being the sign of the new birth experience, be sure to go over the things that I have already set forth on that point, along with the scriptural references and references to articles on my site; so that I don't need to be excessively repetitive.
Thanks Much,
Lary

Question:
Is there any Scriptural basis for a church to have a
prayer meeting lasting 30min each day where not
one person leads the time - but all gathered simply
are told, "Let's pray" and all immediately start praying
out loud in a so called tongue. Then, after 30 minutes
the leader simply says, "Times up, thankyou for coming
God is certainly doing something when so many come
together to pray in the Spirit"?
Puzzled?
Australia

Answer:
Dear Fred (I presume),
This is a rather interesting question. From what you have written I'm wondering if you're real question is about praying in the Spirit period. Prayer in the holy Ghost is referred to several times in the new testament writings, most pointedly in Rom. 8:26; I Cor. 14; Eph. 6:18; and Jude 1:20. The passage that definitively states that prayer in the Spirit is actually prayer in "other," or "unknown" tongues is I Cor. 14:14,15. As far as prayer meetings, there certainly ample evidence in the Scriptures of believers gathering together solely for the purpose of praying.

When people are gathered together for prayer, everyone should pray in a manner that they feel comfortable with, and can produce the most faith with. I always instruct people who attend my services to pray as they feel led. So some may pray silently, some may pray in tongues loudly, some may pray in tongues or in their own words less loudly or whatever. When were gathered together to pray, the only thing that we should be focused on is our own individual faith and prayer to God, though it is certain we will most likely hear others as well. But faith and prayer on an individual basis is the issue, and we can't be exercising faith in God if we are allowing ourselves to be annoyed or irritated by the way someone else may be praying.

As far as the time limit that you mentioned, I just don't know enough about the circumstances to say anything about that. I admit that it does sound rather formal and ceremonial to just abrubtly say "that's it for now," or whatever the case may be; but again, I don't know the circumstances. I can only hope that the people you have mentioned are praying with honest and humble hearts, and that the Lord is using those prayers for someone's good. If you feel I've misunderstood something in your question, or if you care to correspond about anything that's on your mind, you are most welcome to do so. I hope this answer has in some way helped. Thanks for writing, and
take care.
Sincerely,
Lary Hale
By One Spirit

P.S. I'm sure that further study of our website can shed much light on the subject of speaking in tongues and what it is really about. You might enjoy reading my personal testimony about how I received the holy Ghost into my life, and what it has done for me:
A Lost Sheep Found

Question:
Dear Lary,
Thankyou for your prompt reply. Your comments are appreciated. My wife and I were once Jehovah's Witnesses until we met the real Lord Jesus in 1978. We were baptised in the Holy Spirit shortly after we came to Him. So, the question is not about "praying in the Spirit" but rather the fact that the type of prayer meeting came into being as a result of someone saying that, "I believe that the Lord has called us into a season of prayer in which we will gather Monday through Friday from 6:30 to 7pm to pray in the Spirit for 30 minutes". This is in addition to the weekly evening prayer meeting on Wednesdays from 7-8pm; Wednesdays at 9:30-10:30 for Intercessors and also11-12noon for all who would like to attend and also 10 minutes before Sunday morning and evening services.
In all these meetings people do all the things you do in your meetings. However, these meetings are "led" to pray for all the needs and work of the church; the church family and the body of Christ. The leading of the Holy Spirit is sought in all of these. But, the 30 minutes each week-day is not led by anyone and there are no specifics given as to what to pray for, there is nothing but praying in tongues for the full 30 minutes - no topics suggested, no needs mentioned, no "words" and no other comments are made. People just file in and cease to speak to each other for the full time and then go home! These meetings have been running for over two months and nothing seems to have come of it all - in fact the numbers have dwindled from nearly 30 each night to sometimes only 2-3? My wife and I can't qualify this in the Word, no do we know anyone who has experienced this - that's why I thought I would ask further afield?
Fred

Answer:
Hi Again Fred,
I'm glad to hear from you again. Thanks for getting me straightened out about the issue. I'm also glad to learn that your wife and yourself have been born of the Spirit of God. It sounds like a lot of other people have felt the same thing that you and your wife have felt, from what you said about the dwindling numbers. I do agree that someone should be leading the group to some extent, like you mentioned. When there is no right leadership there's always confusion. Are you certain that where you are, as far as a congregation, is where you belong? I do know by the Spirit and by the Scriptures (Rev. 18:4) that God is calling His people unto Himself, and out of a whole lot of religious things that are hindering His people from being led and taught by the Spirit. God was being boxed out by His people even before the first century A.D. was finished (Rev. 3:20), so it's no marvel that He would be calling His people out of situations now that are not prospering His people's souls and lives. (Rev. 3:20 is often used as a call to sinners to come to Christ, but actually it was a message from Jesus to the Pastor [angel or messenger] of the congregation in Laodicea).

I would say that the best thing that you can do is just really seek the Lord together for an answer about the whole situation. I'm sure He will manifest the truth of the matter to you. He may be using this situation to get something across to you, in terms of direction. My perception is that you are wanting to do whatever is the right thing to do, and God may be bringing you through this so that you can search Him out about it, and He can open up a clearer path to you on a larger scale than just this particular situation.

To be perfectly open with you, most of God's people are in situations where the affiliations that they are part of are in many things causing the people who are seeking to be led by God's Spirit to go in another direction. One of the things that constitute this condition is over-much religious service that God simply is not in. I do admit it does sound kind of like this is what is going on here. The result of being in this kind of strait is a confusion on the part of honest hearted believers between feeling in their hearts that they are not being truly blessed in
all of this supposed service to the Lord, but not wanting to fail God by not going along with it all. It can and does paralyze the spirit of those who allow themselves to continue to be trapped in this manner. I know a lot of people who are in that very state, and for whatever reason, they allow themselves to continue to be weighted down by that captivity. The Lord gave me a dream somewhere around 16-18 years ago where He let me feel exactly what people in that kind of situation are feeling and dealing with. If you're interested I'll be glad to tell you and your wife about it. It's quite a revealing dream, and totally scriptural. Anyway I hope maybe I've said something to help in some way, and you're always welcome to correspond. May God bless you both mightily!
Sincerely,
Lary

Question:
Good morning again Lary!
Thankyou again for getting back to us so quickly. I guess you've said a lot that we are already thinking and praying about. It's difficult to know what the right course of action is when we have two married daughters and their husbands and children also fellowshipping in the same church?

However, we only want what our Heavenly Father wants for us and rest assured that is what we will do. Yes, if it is not too much trouble, we would like to know about your dream as you said. There is much that goes on in the church today that is simply not of God - it's just that this prayer thing has confronted us and we want to be really sure that we are not missing something - that's why we spend so much time in the Word when we come across something that doesn't "sit". Thanks for being there.
Fred

Question:
I am trying to understand this, if you have any info, I would appreciate it. I have heard both sides and am very confused in speakng in tongues.
Thank You,
Tammy Gross

Answer:
Hi Tammy,
Thanks much for your inquiry regarding our website. Actually there is a whole lot of biblically informative stuff on our site concerning the topic of speaking in tongues. Our menu bar is on the right and also at the bottom; and also wherever you see black scripture quotations on our site, those are links to articles, most of which have to do with speaking in tongues. If you would like to tell me just exactly what it is, about speaking in tongues that is confusing to you, I would be more than happy to correspond with you on the topic. Also since you've left your address I'll try to get a couple of our radio or tv broadcasts copied and send them along as soon as I can.

The main things I would like to pass along at the moment is that speaking in tongues is a by-product of the experience of the new birth, or the holy ghost baptism. In other words speaking in tongues is not so much the experience itself, but rather the initial manifestation that the new birth has occurred. When a person fully repents of sin, and turns their will completely over to God, and believes whole-heartedly on Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins, Jesus baptizes them with the holy ghost. The experience brings with it the literal washing away of sin from the inner being, and replaces it with the divine love and peace that dwells in the heart of God. And it always comes with the manifestation of the Spirit of God speaking through us in tongues that we've never spoken in before. It's automatic, and the tongues do not come by seeking for them or being mindful of them coming. They only come when the heart and mind is set fully on drawing nigh to Jesus, and that special new birth connection of faith is made. Speaking in tongues is the consistent "sound" that accompanies every new birth experience, that Jesus mentioned in John 3:7,8.

After one experiences the new birth they can and should continue to exercise the practice of speaking in tongues, in prayer and in worship. Once you've received the Spirit with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues, it is a natural thing to continue this manifestation on a regular basis, and it always brings a renewing and peace to the soul. Isaiah referred to it as "rest and refreshing for the weary" (Isa. 28:11,12). In addition to these things, there is also a "gift of tongues," where someone may be particularly gifted in speaking in various kinds of tongues, and may also follow the utterance with the English (in our case) interpretation (I Cor. 12:10,28,30). I have done this some myself though I don't consider myself to have that particular gift of the Spirit in a prolific manner. I have been on the receiving end of this type of message from the Lord, spoken through someone in tongues and then in English, manifesting things that no one in the world could have possibly known other than myself.

So there is a difference between speaking in tongues as the steadfast sign of the new birth experience, and having a "gift" of tongues. Everyone speaks in tongues when they are born again, but not everybody receives a special gift of "divers kinds of tongues," and or the "interpretation of tongues." Thus the statement in I Cor. 12:30, "Do all speak in tongues?" The context there is all about "gifts" of the Spirit for people who have already received the Spirit. Anyway I hope that this helps some. I really recommend studying our website very thoroughly. You can really learn some solid bible truth through the various articles on the site that deal with this topic, as well as other topics of great importance. I'm leaving you a couple of good links to get you started, and the main thing is for you to really seek the Lord in prayer with total honesty of heart, humility, faith, and willingness to know what He would show you. He will steer you into the right understanding of things if you are willing and determined for Him to do so. May God bless you richly, and hopefully we will be able to correspond further in the future.
Sincerely,
Lary Hale

Comment:
I've just read a few articles on your website and so far, I am amazed and the twisting of scripture. To say that one must speak in tongues to be saved is heresy. What one must do to be saved? One must be born again. You must be born of water and born of the Spirit to enter the Kingdom of Heaven Christ spoke to Nicodemus. I do not recall in my bible that Jesus said, "You must be born of the Spirit AND speak in tongues." I don't read that because it's not scriptural. Paul also said that "if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Again, I fail to see the scripture saying if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, AND SPEAK IN TONGUES, you will be saved. It doesn't say that. Your defense of what you believe is in your interpretation of scripture. These two simple passages leave no room for your or my interpretation. It is simple and true, that one must confess their sins and acknowledge that Christ is the risen Son of God, they shall be saved.

It is unfortunate that your heretic message, the same message given by the cult UPC, has probably driven more people away from Christ than it has drawn them to Christ. That alone should make someone realize the false and errant teaching.

The glory of Christ's crucifixion, resurrection and ascension to glory making the way for all of creation to come to this knowledge in Christ and be saved should NEVER be compromised. Your teaching and isolation of scripture may prove your distorted point to some, but taking the Word of God in the context it was written in as well as obvious doctrinal points such as 1 Cor 12's teaching on the gifts provides the real truth.
Sincerely,
Robert Salmon

Answer:
Dear Robert,
Thanks for your inquiry regarding the gospel truth contained on our website. Most of the things you mentioned are answered soundly and consistently from the Scriptures, on articles posted on the site. I'm sure if your heart really seeks the truth of God, you will be able to find those answers therein. I will address the mention of Rom. 10:9,10 because I'm not altogether certain at the moment that there is a direct reference to that drastically misunderstood passage of scripture on the site. Like Deut. 30:11-14, from which this passage is taken, the text is an admonition to people who are already in covenant with God, to continue steadfastly in the faith. You can see the equivalent of Rom. 10:9,10 in I Cor. 15:1,2.

The only people that this passage of scripture can apply to, are people, like God's people at Rome whom Paul was addressing, who have been baptized by one Spirit into one body (I Cor. 12:13). No one is in the one body, or congregation of the Lord, except those who have experienced the holy Ghost baptism by means of true repentance, and faith in Jesus (Jn. 7:37-39; Jn. 4:14; Acts 19:4-6, etc., etc.). You mentioned the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension to Glory by Jesus. The one reason for all three of these realities, was so that people could be baptized with the holy Ghost by the hand of Jesus, even as John the Baptist, Jesus, and Peter affirmed (Mk. 16-8; Acts 1:4,5; Acts 2:33). You may want to refer to our article on The Baptism of The Holy Ghost From Jesus.

It was no mistake that when Jesus first began baptizing with the holy Ghost, that all of the recipients thereof spoke with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. In I Cor. 14:21,22 the Apostle Paul let us know that speaking with other tongues is a sign to unbelievers. This God-appointed sign has always and is always present with every single experience of new birth, even as circumcision was required to be with all of the male children of the seed of Abraham (Gen. 17:10-14). The females were identified with the circumcision of their father or their husband. Circumcision was the sign to all the rest of the world, who it was at that time that was in covenant with God. There's so much more that can be said, but it appears by my tracker that you came into the website through the Bible study on "Speaking in Tongues and The New Birth," so there's a whole lot of solid scriptural evidence right there supporting this truth if you care to go over it. I have to wonder, and you should probably ask yourself, what were you doing typing in a search that would lead to my site, which is totally devoted to this holy truth? If you are interested in learning about this powerful and necessary experience of true, literal deliverance from sin, I would be more than happy to hear more from you. If some kind of religious contention and debate is more what interests you, I truly don't have time. I'm too busy working with people who are interested in growing in God, and striving after the eternal salvation of the Lord. I hope you
fall into that category.
Sincerely,
Lary Hale

P.S. Whatever this UPC is that you mentioned, I can assure you that they are not teaching the same things that are on my website. I sure wish they were.

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