For all Pentecostals/Methodists/Charismatics etc

 

Refuting Pentecostals or Methodists, or similar groups.

Pentecostalism in General

According to some information from Got Questions: Pentecostalism is a fairly modern movement that can be traced back to the Holiness movement in the Methodist Church and some things that can be associated with the formation or popularity of this and related movement are things such as the Toronto Blessing, or Azuza Street Revival. There are approximately 170 different denominations that identify themselves as Pentecostal.

 

The Azusa Street Revival was a Pentecostal gathering that occurred in Los Angeles, California, in April 1906.

 

This is referring to things occurring on events pertaining to Azusa Street: William Seymour, one of Charles Parham’s students. Parham and Seymour eventually parted ways, because Parham believed many of the manifestations of Azusa Street were of the flesh, or perhaps even demonic.

 

The Assemblies of God is one of the largest Pentecostal denominations, with 57 million adherents worldwide. It was organized in 1914 to promote unity and doctrinal stability among groups that had been influenced by the Pentecostal revivals of the early 1900s.

 

Denominations in General

 

Now one thing I think regarding movements and denominations, as a whole is that there is division amongst people, Pentecostals, Methodists, Baptists, Presbytarians, Catholics, Protestants, Calvinists, Reformed, trinitarians, oneness/modalism, etc and these are ALL man made groups and ideas.

 

1 Corinthians 1:10

Authorized (King James) Version

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

 

1 Corinthians 3:3

Authorized (King James) Version

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

 

 

1 Corinthians 1:11-13

Authorized (King James) Version

“For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?”

 

1 Corinthians 3:3-5

Authorized (King James) Version

“For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? 4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? 5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?”

 

 

There may be some truth to them if there is, this is how the devil gets you too, look at Genesis 3, but its not worth your while to follow a denomination if ALL you care about is Biblical Truth, that is where you need the Bible only. Yes, you can definitely learn from a brother that has a Bible Believing Ministry, but again, the scriptures are the only thing we can TRULY Trust because it is God’s word rather than man’s word. What I personally think we need to do is follow and believe the scriptures in the Authorized (King James) Version dispensationally and not have men’s doctrines as authority.

 

Colossians 2:6-9

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” KJV.

 

This is something we see in MANY if not all denominations is that with all these different ways of interpreting scripture or worshiping The Lord Jesus Christ that it cant be Bible believing Christianity. We have men’s feelings and traditions many of them different that they put alongside the scriptures or even worse is their own ideas and ignoring scripture. We also need a perfect standard another problem we have is that people aren’t using God’s word during gatherings; they “prefer” new versions that pervert the scriptures but that’s another study.

In context these verses are related to something else, but the words themselves and idea is important to consider:

Mark 3:24

“And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.” KJV.

 

Luke 11:17

“But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.” KJV.

 

Back to Pentecostal (Regarding works, faith, Acts 2:38, etc)

 

A major focus of Pentecostal churches is how they interpret Holy Spirit baptism which they say is evidenced by speaking in tongues.

 

The Toronto Blessing is a “supposed” outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the people of the Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship Church, formerly the Toronto Airport Vineyard Church. On January 20, 1994, a Pentecostal pastor named Randy Clark spoke at the church and gave his testimony of how he would get “drunk” in the Spirit and laugh uncontrollably. In response to this testimony, the congregation erupted in pandemonium with people laughing, growling, dancing, shaking, barking like dogs, and even being stuck in positions of paralysis. Now to me, there is no where in scripture that shows people that are acting this way when getting saved and these are NOT from a work of the Holy Ghost. Find me a chapter and verse pertaining to this.

Generally speaking, in terms of “Apostolic churches” or churches that have a leader who claims to be an Apostle, these churches all seek to uphold or return to the teachings and practices of the first church (the group of believers from early chapters in Acts), many are works based and present a false Gospel. Works are good and profitable unto men, lets see Titus 3:8.

Titus 3:8

“This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.”

These works are good to do and are great at showing faith (we will examine some verses from James) but they do not save right now in this dispensation of grace, they are a good way to show your faith, but your efforts have NOTHING compared to The Lord Jesus’ salvation and you can’t backload works onto the Gospel, YOU are a sinner, Jesus is NOT a sinner; it is His righteousness we receive by faith.

James 2:18-26

Authorized (King James) Version

“Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”

 

Verse 24 of James chapter 2 shows the dispensational difference in the application of this.

 

Lets examine Paul’s account of a particular section regarding Abraham:

 

Romans 4:1-3

Authorized (King James) Version

“What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? 2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.”

 

In Paul’s epistles we are justified by faith. Pay special attention to verse 24 and verse 28 in Romans 3.

 

Romans 3:20-28

Authorized (King James) Version

“Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. 27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”

 

Romans 5:1

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”

 

Romans 5:9

“Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.”

 

Galatians 2:16

“knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”

 

Galatians 5:4

“Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.”

 

This is completely different from James 2:24 as mentioned before:

 

James 2:24

“Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.”

 

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Authorized (King James) Version

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

 

Works don’t save now, but they are important; in other dispensations works are required, such as in the future as seen in James.

 

Yet from what I’ve experienced with people that seem to follow the Apostolic/Pentecostal teachings is that they don’t seem to believe or mention the Gospel as 1st Corinthians 15:1-4, I’ve NEVER seen Gino Jennings (a modern man who calls himself an Apostle when he is NOT) preach on this, if YOU have seen him preach the Gospel please inform me, and I can say I’ve watched some of this man’s content when first saved and was looking for instruction in righteousness. Pentecostals believe and hold to Acts 2:38 to such a high standard that they think THIS is the Gospel and the WAY that a person is saved but then they don’t believe in eternal security so what are they even doing? Let’s see Acts 2:38, and this is a great verse and I believe that Christians should be baptized, full immersion in water and in The Lord Jesus Christ’s name, but AFTER salvation and not FOR salvation.

Acts 2:38

Authorized (King James) Version

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

 

Acts 22:16

Authorized (King James) Version

“And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”

 

See the difference? “AND now why tarriest thou? Arise, AND be baptized, AND wash away thy sins, CALLING on the name of the Lord.” – Acts 22:16 with emphasis. We will examine this (calling on the name of The Lord) later on as well (in the section of salvation verses) or if you know Romans 10:8-13 look at that.

 

Let’s examine a few verses around the Acts 2:38 verse this to get a better idea of context, from Acts 2:36-39:

 

Acts 2:36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
Acts 2:37 ¶ Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.”

 

It was directed at the people responsible for the crucifixion and Peter is basically telling them to repent, and he talked about Jesus' resurrection in his speech in Acts 2:23-24 and 2:30-32 (and we know what Romans 10:9 says)

 

Acts 2:23-24

Authorized (King James) Version

“Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24 whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.”

 

Acts 2:30-32

Authorized (King James) Version

“Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; 31 he seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. 32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.”

 

Romans 10:9

Authorized (King James) Version

“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.”

 

 

So then basically by Peter’s speech, he told them that Jesus is the Christ and Lord and resurrected and they probably would have known that Jesus died and was buried but now Peter is telling them Jesus is resurrected; so essentially they got the Gospel, so then AFTER they can get baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

 

1 Corinthians 1:13-17

Authorized (King James) Version

“Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; 15 lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. 16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. 17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.”

 

Notice the difference of Acts 2:38 and Acts 10:43-44, and how in verse 47 that people are baptized after salvation.

 

Acts 10:39-48

Authorized (King James) Version

“39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: 40 him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; 41 not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.”

 

Now with Acts 19 verse 6 notice that the Holy Ghost came on them WHEN Paul had laid his hands upon them, and NOT from the baptism in verse 5; now baptism is still VERY important for fulfilling all righteousness as it’s a commandment and important to do.

 

Acts 19:1-7

Authorized (King James) Version

“And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2 he said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. 7 And all the men were about twelve.”

 

Notice in Acts 10 verse 44, that While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. These were not yet baptized and had received the Holy Ghost. In verse 48 we see that they were commanded to be baptized in the name of the Lord. We see that this is baptism AFTER salvation.

 

Acts 10:44-48

Authorized (King James) Version

“While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.”

 

We need to be baptized, I believe this because we should try harder to fulfil all righteousness, not to establish our own righteousness either, but as faithful believers of The Lord Jesus Christ. We definitely need to do better as saved individuals MYSELF especially.

 

Matthew 3:14-15

Authorized (King James) Version

“But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.”

 

Some Selected Salvation Type Verses in the Pauline Epistles

 

2 Corinthians 7:9-10

Authorized (King James) Version

“Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.”

 

Romans 3:20-26

Authorized (King James) Version

“20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” KJV.

 

Romans 10:8-13

Authorized (King James) Version

“But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 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. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” KJV.

 

1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Authorized (King James) Version

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” KJV.

 

Ephesians 1:12-14

Authorized (King James) Version

“that we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 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, 14 which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” KJV.

 

Ephesians 2:8-9

Authorized (King James) Version

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 not of works, lest any man should boast.” KJV.

 

Titus 3:4-7

Authorized (King James) Version

“But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” KJV.

 

2 Timothy 1:9

Authorized (King James) Version

“who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,” KJV.

 

Romans 5:1-2

Authorized (King James) Version

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”

 

Eternal Security is true Biblical doctrine for today

 

Hebrews 6:4-8

Authorized (King James) Version

“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. 7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: 8 but that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.”

 

 

Ephesians 1:12-14

Authorized (King James) Version

“that we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 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, 14 which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” KJV.

 

1 Corinthians 1:18

Authorized (King James) Version

“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” KJV.

 

Ephesians 4:30

Authorized (King James) Version

“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” KJV.

 

Regarding Acts 2:38 and Baptism (A bit more on the subject), and Salvation type Verses

 

I believe that Acts 2:38 is Peter instructing and explaining to men of Israel after his speech from verses 14-36 in Acts chapter 2 after people accused the men in verses 4-14 that were speaking in tongues of being full of new wine, that they need to repent and get saved and baptized; this is how I see it.

 

Acts 2:38

Authorized (King James) Version

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

 

Mark 16:16-18

Authorized (King James) Version

“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”

 

If you believe and baptized you shall be saved; but if you don’t believe then you shall be damned, it doesn’t say if you’re not baptized you’ll be damned. It says “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” It also shows that belief and baptism are tied together. Examine the text as it says. Let us be careful not to twist God’s word. Lets not be legalistic with avoiding commandments either.

 

Look at this, this is evidence of different baptisms in the scriptures.

 

Luke 3:16-17

Authorized (King James) Version

“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: 17 whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.”

 

This is about 3 different baptisms. Water baptism, Holy Ghost baptism, baptism wire fire. And the baptism in The name of The Lord Jesus Christ for a saved Christian is another type of baptism. Lets look at Acts 19:3-5.

 

Acts 19:3-5

Authorized (King James) Version

“And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

 

Now back to Luke 3:16-17, notice the two parts I will highlight them for clarity:

 

Luke 3:16-17

Authorized (King James) Version

“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: 17 whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.

 

This is what happens if you’re baptized with fire:

 

Mark 9:44

“where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.”

 

Mark 9:46

“where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.”

 

Mark 9:48

“where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.”

 

 

Also note that by faith we receive remission of sins, check this out:

 

Acts 10:43

Authorized (King James) Version

“To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.”

 

Now for this seen below, it could be water baptism, or it could be spiritual baptism (another type), about the washing way of thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord, I don’t want to mislead, but one of the things Romans 10:8-13 mentions is calling on the name of the Lord.

 

Acts 22:12-16

And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there13 came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. 14 And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. 15 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. 16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” KJV.

 

Romans 10:8-13

Authorized (King James) Version

“But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 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. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

 

I’m going to provide Acts chapter 2 so that we see the full context of things involving Acts chapter 2.

 

Acts 2

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilæans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judæa, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. 12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? 13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judæa, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: 15 for these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. 16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18 and on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: 19 and I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: 20 the sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: 21 and it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: 23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24 whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. 25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: 26 therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: 27 because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.

29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. 30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; 31 he seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. 32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. 34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, 35 until I make thy foes thy footstool. 36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” KJV.

 

Lets focus on some surrounding verses around Acts 2:38.

 

Acts 2:36-41

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

37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

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

 

The Gospel is clearly 1Corinthians 15:1-4. There are other verses that are important as well pertaining to salvation, but the Gospel is about what The Lord Jesus Christ did for us on the cross with His death, burial, and resurrection on the third day according to the scriptures and us putting our faith in God’s work. Repentance and calling upon the name of The Lord are biblical and are important and are in Paul’s Epistles so they are for Christians today.

 

2 Corinthians 7:9-10

Authorized (King James) Version

“Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.”

 

Romans 10:8-13

Authorized (King James) Version

“But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 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. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

 

1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Authorized (King James) Version

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”

 

Galatians 1:8-9

Authorized (King James) Version

“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.”

 

Ephesians 2:8-10

Authorized (King James) Version

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

 

There is also no eternal security promised in what I’ve seen with the Pentecostal faith, which goes against Ephesians 1:13-14 and Ephesians 4:30, and Romans 10:8-13, as well as the Gospel unless someone believed in vain.

 

Ephesians 1:13-14

Authorized (King James) Version

“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, 14 which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”

 

Ephesians 4:30

Authorized (King James) Version

“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.”

 

So then people aren’t saved and resaved and losing salvation and getting it back again, and so on and so forth. If you’re actually saved by God then you’re saved. God is not the author of confusion, but Pentecostals are it seems. When I got saved I didn’t start laughing, growling, dancing, shaking, barking like dogs, and even being stuck in positions of paralysis; I felt a sense of peace and a weight off my shoulders knowing I was forgiven.

 

Pentecostal use of Tongues

 

Glossolalia, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as “ecstatic utterances,” is the uttering of unintelligible, language-like sounds while in a state of ecstasy. Glossolalia is sometimes confused with xenoglossia, which is the biblical “gift of tongues.” However, whereas glossolalia is babbling in a nonexistent language, xenoglossia is the ability to speak fluently a language the speaker has never learned.

 

Acts 2:6

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

 

Tongues are languages. In scripture, we see that Jewish people were present in the book of Acts when this gift was used.

 

1 Corinthians 14:22

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

 

Acts 2:4-11

“And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilæans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judæa, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.”

 

NOW one thing we need to be careful with, is WHAT is causing the use of the glossolalia (the utterance of language like sounds). The Holy Spirit is The Holy Ghost, this is God’s Spirit and this is what gave the men in Acts chapter 2 and in appropriate times in scripture this power. Now there are fake copies of a similar talent given by another spirit, lets examine this from Got Questions:

 

In just about every part of the world, glossolalia can be observed. Pagan religions all over the world are obsessed with tongues. These include the Shamans in the Sudan, the Shango cult of the West Coast of Africa, the Zor cult of Ethiopia, the Voodoo cult in Haiti, and the Aborigines of South America and Australia. Murmuring or speaking gibberish that is construed to be deep mystical insight by holy men is an ancient practice.

 

Now the following images (next page if viewing this as a Microsoft word document) are screenshots taken from the Bryan Denlinger video entitled “The Danger of Tongues”; Bryans current main channel is entitled “Born Again Barbarian”. The Danger of Tongues - YouTube (click) 

 





For the Methodist/Charismatic/Pentecostal faiths or similar faiths, according to Got Questions The first widespread use of tongues was at a revival in Topeka, Kansas, in January 1900, led by Charles Parham. Agnes Ozman, a Methodist, began to speak in tongues, and others in the meeting eventually followed suit. In 1906, a series of revival meetings on Azusa Street in Los Angeles.

 

Biblical “tongues” as seen in Acts 2, or what Paul instructs about in 1Corinthians chapters 12, 13, and 14 is about LANGUAGES, not incomprehensible gibberish and Paul gives instruction/information about them and/or its use (see the scriptures below). YOU blaspheme the Holy Spirit with faking of the gift of tongues if you’re a Pentecostal and insulting The Lord. The tongues seen in Acts chapter two are there as a sign because Jewish people are present (this is before the Gospel was given to the Gentiles later appearing in later chapters in the book of Acts) and also the Jews require a sign.

 

1 Corinthians 1:22

Authorized (King James) Version

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

 

1 Corinthians 12:10

“to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:”

 

1 Corinthians 12:28

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

 

1 Corinthians 12:30

“have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?”

 

1 Corinthians 13:1

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.”

 

1 Corinthians 13:8

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

 

1 Corinthians 14:5

“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.”

 

1 Corinthians 14:6

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

 

1 Corinthians 14:18

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

 

1 Corinthians 14:21

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

 

1 Corinthians 14:22

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

 

1 Corinthians 14:23

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

 

1 Corinthians 14:39

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

 

Pentecostal use of Healing and Other Sign Gifts

 

A common thing I’ve seen is that many people claim to have gifts of healing, which they claim comes from scripture. I personally believe in a degree of cessation of the sign gifts for the current time, or at least some degree of cessation, and scripture can prove it.

 

Some examples from scripture of healing done by the Apostles, whether physical ailments, or helping to remove devils from people:

 

Acts 3:6

“Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.”

 

Acts 16:18

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

 

Acts 19:11-12

Authorized (King James) Version

“And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: 12 so that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.”

 

Acts 5:16

Authorized (King James) Version

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

 

Acts 8:7

Authorized (King James) Version

“For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.”

 

Acts 14:8-10

Authorized (King James) Version

“And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked: 9 the same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, 10 said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.”

 

Acts 28:8-9

Authorized (King James) Version

“And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him. 9 So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:”

 

Acts 20:9-12

Authorized (King James) Version

“And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. 10 And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him. 11 When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed. 12 And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.”

 

Some examples of where healing by the Apostles didn’t occur:

 

Philippians 2:25-27

Authorized (King James) Version

“Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. 26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. 27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.”

 

2 Timothy 4:20

Authorized (King James) Version

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

 

2 Corinthians 12:7-9

Authorized (King James) Version

“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

 

1 Timothy 5:23

Authorized (King James) Version

“Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.”

 

Paul could have healed Timothy or Trophimus or himself even, but he didn’t, it could be an indication that he didn’t have that power, otherwise I’m sure he would have.

 

 

For those who claim to actually have healing gifts, why do you use it for YOUR glory as in setting up healing events in a huge “church” demonstration for crowds such as when the Pharisees who like making a demonstration of their prayers make prayers to be seen of men, if you have a gift you should heal in the hospital to help others and to give GLORY TO JESUS and NOT YOURSELF! Many people who have ailments in the hospital need you IF you actually are legit and have gifts to heal.

 

Mark 16:15-18

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”

 

This is still the Gospel of the Kingdom of God; this is still talking to the nation of Israel as a whole. This is before the part of the Book of Acts when the Gentiles receive the Gospel as well as with individual Jewish people. Acts is a transitional book, transitioning from when things are directed to Israel to get saved, which then goes to a time when Gentiles are now also included in being able to be saved. This in Mark 16:15-18 isn’t the Gospel we have today (of the death, burial, and resurrection) revealed to Paul. We need to understand the different Gospels in scripture and apply them to the correct time period. Gospel means a good message when used as a noun, or to announce good news/evangelize when used as a verb.

 

Strong's Greek Dictionary
2098. ε
αγγλιον euangelion (euangélion)
Search for G2098 in KJVSL; in KJV; load in ESI.

εαγγλιον euangélion, yoo-ang-ghel'-ee-on

from the same as G2097; a good message, i.e. the gospel:—gospel.

 

Strong's Greek Dictionary
2097. ε
αγγελζω euangelizo (euangelízō)
Search for G2097 in KJVSL; in KJV; load in ESI.

εαγγελζω euangelízō, yoo-ang-ghel-id'-zo

from G2095 and G32; to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel:—declare, bring (declare, show) glad (good) tidings, preach (the gospel).

Verb

 

As for verse 18 of Mark chapter 16 which says “they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” Well, my question is, can you do these things? For instance, if you drank motor oil or sulfuric acid would you get sick or die? Well, if you truly had these signs, for those who have it, it SHALL NOT HURT THEM. UNDERSTAND: YOU DO NOT HAVE THIS GIFT, PLEASE DO NOT drink anything deadly, also if you’re a very firm believing Methodist/Charismatic/Pentecostal you are not saved and will GO TO HELL if you die because you very likely didn’t believe the Gospel or call on the name of The Lord Jesus Christ for salvation (see 1Corinthians 15:1-4 and Romans 10:8-13 in the KJV). This is why you NEED to understand the scriptures and RIGHTLY DIVIDE. I’m not responsible for you or your medical wellbeing or your soul (I also am NOT a medical doctor) if you turn out to be a false witness and I ALSO told you NOT to drink anything deadly. We are all in a different place in our personal relationship with Jesus, some things are not always revealed to people without much time spent studying the scriptures. But you need to be saved first.

 

2 Timothy 2:15

Authorized (King James) Version

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

 

 

 

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