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NASB | Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Galatians 3:28 There is [now no distinction in regard to salvation] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you [who believe] are all one in Christ Jesus [no one can claim a spiritual superiority]. [Rom 3:22; 1 Cor 12:13] |
Subject: sheila, why pray for a lesser gift? |
Bible Note: Greetings Searcher! That was a fast response! :-) I was just getting ready to go back to bed, when your e-mail notice arrived. Just for the record, I love Dr. MacArthur. He is my favorite preacher in the world - literally! But, years ago I bought his book on tongues (I can't recall the title at the moment)and I was very disappointed with his treatment of the subject. Now, I am aware that baptists (generally speaking) have a major bias against tongues. I know this because I married into a baptist family, have ministered in many baptist churches, taught at their camps, and attended their conferences. :-) But, I really thought that Dr. MacArthur was practicing 'eisegesis' in this case. Paul clearly confronts the Corinthians on their misuse of this gift, but he never onces uses any word for 'fake', 'false', or 'counterfeit'. Now, yet today, there are still many false teachings and misuses of this gift. I have heard it taught that one does not receive the Holy Spirit until one speaks in tongues. We both know this to be false, since every believer is said to be baptized with the Holy Spirit in Scripture. I have heard it taught that tongues is 'the' evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. I think that Acts is clear that the early church recognized tongues as 'a sign', but not 'the sign' of the work of the Holy Spirit in a person. We know that Peter argued for the salvation of the Gentiles because he heard them speak in tongues like the Apostles did at the beginning. Still today, this gift is over emphasized, misused, and misunderstood. But, it needs to be exercized properly, not ignored. One interesting topic that we could discuss in the future is the difference between the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the filling of the Holy Spirit. My view has changed a lot over the years on that point! But, alas, I don't have time today! :-) It is always good to discuss Scripture with you my friend! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |