Subject: Been to every church? |
Bible Note: Hey Tim, You wrote, 1) There is no doubt that the gifts will cease. The Bible says so! However, when this will occur is not explained in any great detail. The indication is given however that this will not occur until full knowledge is obtained. I would say that the best guess (since it is not stated) would be sometime after Christ returns, probably the New Heaven and New Earth - where there will no longer be a need for the gifts. What scripture do you base your assumption on? And why do you think gifts are needed today? If a sign is needed for us to believe, then we have to say that the bible is not needed or is flawed in some way and that the Holy Spirit could not accomplish all that He says the bible is. Please read, Romans 16 Benediction 25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began 26but now made manifest, and by the PROPHETIC SCRIPTURES MADE KNOWN TO ALL NATIONS, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, FOR THE OBEDIENCE TO THE FAITH-- 27to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen. 2 Timothy 3 15and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, WHICH ARE ABLE to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17that the MAN OF GOD MAY BE COMPLETE, THOROUGHLY EQUIPPED FOR EVERY GOOD WORK. You wrote, 3) We are never told that the apostles could distribute the Gifts of the Spirit. 1 Cor. 12 says that God does this as He wills. It was Gods will that they should give the gift of the Holy Spirit to those who believed and were baptised in the name of Jesus Christ so the Gospel would spread. Please read, Mark 16 The Great Commission (4) 14 Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. 15And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18they[2] will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." Acts 13:2-12 Acts 19 6And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. You wrote, 5) I would disagree that the Bible is the only way that the Holy Spirit speaks to us. It is the only authoritative way, but He also speaks through: a) Circumstances, b) Our conscience, c) Other people, d) Preaching and teaching, e) ect... I can see that you might believe that the Holy Spirit might speak to us through the things you have listed. But a,b,c would have to do with if we have read the scriptures so we would understand what we are feeling and hearing. But "d", preaching and teaching is a way that the Holy Spirit communicates with us but not through the words of man but from the word in the bible. 2 Peter 1 21for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God[1] SPOKE as they WERE MOVED by the Holy Spirit. Notice the words "spoke" and "were moved". They are past tense. No were can you find a present or future tense when concerning the word of God. For we know, Romans 10 17So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. If there are those who can speak in toungues and have gifts from God then why do they not make themselves known to the rest of the world so that we may all know of the mysterys of God? Your friend in Christ, Roy Lindsey |