Amen Brother DHK,
That's some super good preaching you did there. I might even keep
it back for reference. I use those scriptures often when hammering on
the Catholics and SDAs (Hi Spitfire ole buddy ole chum). I was even
raised in a cult (?) and I used it in my discussions with them.
You won't get any arguement from me in using those scriptures. I've
come to believe in eternal salvation myself lately.
As for vulnerability; we accept our faith on faith alone and in that
same sense I had to accept the answer God gave me that
accompanied my edifying tongues. I prayed in the spirit during
this as well as I prayed with my understanding prior to it and
also prior to salvation which happened two years before..
Actually I prayed harder before this event involving a prayer
language ........................with an open Bible, with praise to God
(The father of Abraham), in a state of humility and supplication,
eye's closed, hands raised, pleading with God to meet me in
response.
When I received Christ, I had the feeling of humility and
worthlessness that brought me to my knees. I was broken
in spirit and searched the bible for comfort, hope and support.
I was humbled before my creator who promised to give mercy
and help in the time of need. I begged Him for his light burden
and easy yoke that He promised. I poured over the bible
looking for promises and clarification and rested on "Come unto me,
ye who labor and are heavy laden, and I shall give you rest". I love
that verse and with those promises in mind, I came to Him.
Two years later when similar bible study brought me to the need
to clarify the issue of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, I once again
sought out His assistance and relied on my hope in Him to give
me an answer. I was not turned away. My patience and
understanding had increased and I was needing to call on God.
I was vulnerable to receive whatever God gave to me. I had been
vulnerable two years prior and I do not believe Satan stepped in and
gave me false faith at that time. I do not believe I received anything
but God's best the next time.
So you see, we're not vulnerable to Satan's mischief to any greater
degree when seeking answers to issues like ''baptism with fire" than
we were when asking for salvation.
Luke 3:16
John answered, saying unto [them] all, I indeed baptize you with
water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes
I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy
Ghost and with fire:
Charismatics like yourself are standing on sinking sand.
I don't consider myself much of a Charismatic, DHK. Actually
I'm self conscious around those who have the gift of tongues
and speak it and interpret it. That is scriptural also. I don't
attend a church that displays that and I have not spoken in
tongues since that one time 24 years ago.
I'm on solid ground my friend.
No it is not the same faith. The faith of Christ is one
that lives for Christ, and for others, not for self.
Christianity by its very nature selfless, not selfish. You
have a selfish faith. It centers around you, around self,
for self-edificatioin. It is carnal, not spiritual.
I don't live for self. You're attacking me needlessly. I don't have a selfish faith. I received an answer to
prayer in the way God chose to deliver it....does that condemn
me in the eyes of other christians forever ?
If I was able to pray in the spirit, one time in the confines
of my own home, while pleading with God for "help in the
time of need" , does that curse me, delete my salvation
and make me a satan worshipper ?
6. "Could a person be saved and wrong about tongues?"
Yes, Tongues do not save or condemn, but it does confuse.
For many if not most people itis an emotional experience.
The person may or may not be saved. It depends what he is
trusting: Christ or his experiece. There is a danger that tongues
can lead to either demon oppression (for a believer) or demon
possession (in a unbeliever). Many people have been
deceived by the issue of tongues.
I was not
confused by my prayer in the spirit. That is a biblical
approach as well as prayer with understanding is. It is in the same
verse actually and you have already read that. It was emotional..
not unlike many emotionial experiences that accompany the coming
to Christ at the time of salvation. I did not trust my prayer language
for anything. I trust Christ for my salvation. I was not deceived
in this experience any more than I could have been deceived in my
salvation experience. I accept them both by faith... as from God.
Most SDA's and Catholics are not saved. Their theology is a
theology primarily of works, and not of grace (despite the
objections that I will run into on this board by making this
statement).
Yes, you'll have someone to answer for on that one I'm sure.
I've been through that myself.
You can only go to Heaven on God's grace,
not your own merit, by faith and faith alone.
Amen
[ February 19, 2003, 02:25 AM: Message edited by: Singer ]