RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Isaiah 58:
I have read some of your materials and strongly disagree with much of what you are
saying about the baptism of the Spirit.
In 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." (KJV) For emphasis sake, I would point out that there are
two things required of us (Repentance, Baptism), and two promises offered in return
(Remission of Sins, Gift of the Holy Ghost). These are PROMISES, and believing in
the promises of Yahweh are fundamental to our faith.
While a case can be made that speaking in other tongues is available to
all who receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and that doing so can serve
as evidence of the same, one cannot be made that it is a requirement or
that the absence of speaking in tongues necessarily indicates an absence
of the Spirit.
The doctrines and practices of counting only those who speak in tongues
as brothers and sisters born of the Spirit challenges the promise of Yahweh's Word.
This practice essentially says "I'm not going to believe Yahweh's Word unless
I see further evidence."
True faith believes Yahweh's promises without seeing evidence.
John 20:29 - "Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou
hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have
believed." (KJV)
A response is welcomed and appreciated
Christopher
----------------
You do not believe your own doctrine!! You say two things are required: "repentance
and baptism" in exchange for God's promises. Yet you say "baptism" is NOT required"
(baptism of the Spirit).
It is obvious that "baptism doth also now save us" (1Pet.3:21) - but which one? Which
baptism will save a person in the end? Which baptism puts us into the body of Christ
(1Cor.12:13)? Paul said there is now only ONE baptism (Eph.4:4).
So the real question always comes back to this: When a person is baptized by the Spirit
into the body of Christ, does that person ALWAYS speak in tongues? Let us look at
some compelling evidence. 1) When one repents, it is evidenced by receiving the Spirit,
"for without the Spirit we are none of his" (Rom8:9). And when one receives the Spirit,
as Jesus said, "you hear the sound of the Spirit in EVERY ONE who receives it" (John
3:1-8) - that is "speaking in other tongues as the SPIRIT gives utterance". Speaking in
tongues is what the Spirit does EVERY TIME it comes into the human body. And
without that experience, we are still in our sins, regardless of what men tell us. "God
gives the holy Spirit to ALL who obey him"... and if we have not received the holy
Ghost, it is because we have not yet repented. 2) In every occasion in the scriptures
where one was receiving the baptism of the holy Ghost (with other tongues), it is evident
that they were receiving the Spirit for the VERY FIRST TIME.
And as to the "remission of sins" - that is something that ONLY the baptism of the Spirit
does: "for ye are washed, ye are sanctified, ye are justified... by the Spirit of our God..."
(1Cor.6:11). A person does not get washed, sanctified, and justified twice... they receive
this experience ONCE when the Spirit of God baptizes them into the body of Christ
(1Cor.12:13). That is what Jesus came to do (Luke3:16).
Lastly, in regards to you referring to "Yahweh" as God, we ask, where did that come
from? Yahweh is not the God of His children who have received the holy Ghost
baptism . . . Read the article on our page: Yahweh, the God of Christianity (at Clark's
Corner Archives), and you will see where "Yahweh" really came from, and who he is the
Lord of.
Best regards
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
I just came across your pentecostal site. Which I thought was neat
when I first got there, until I started reading some of your
thoughts. I am a believer baptized in the holy Ghost, and I attend a
non denominational church called Word of Life with Pastor Peter
Youngren.
But your idea of getting saved being the baptism of the holy Ghost I
don't see the biblical basis for. The bible says He who believes in me will be saved.
I know that you seem to believe that you are right, but don't become
filled with pride. Make sure you look at things in perspective, also I
see that you are condemning word of faith teachers. Are you God?
You believe that you can't be around people that don't have the holy
Ghost, well I believe Paul says he becomes all things to all men. We
must reach the lost.
You're saved when you believe on Jesus and trust in Him, then you
receive the baptism of the holy Ghost. What church are you affiliated with anyway??
Where do they teach this stuff you are promoting? You are turning the focus to the
Holy Ghost and tongues rather than JESUS. Jesus is the focus.
I totally believe in tongues and that it is important.
Always looking to Jesus,
Mike
----------------
Perhaps you have read some of our materials, but in reality, you have not understood a
word we have said.
The "spirit" of your letter is "hypocrisy"... to wit: "don't condemn anyone else, but it is
alright for me to condemn you because I don't agree with your teaching". And, as Jesus
warned, "beware of the leaven of hypocrisy".
The main source of your confusion is in the equating of "salvation" with "conversion".
NOBODY gets saved (in the end) without first being "converted" (receiving the Spirit),
and nobody has received the Spirit without the evidence that they have received it, which
is speaking in other tongues. In other words, unless you have received an experience
which caused you to speak in tongues, you have not yet been converted. And if you
HAVE been converted, you are not saved until the end, when Jesus returns and says,
"well done good and faithful servant" - that is when the believer is saved. Until then, we
are "working out our salvation with fear and trembling".
If you have other real questions I'd be happy to answer them - but the servant of the
Lord "does not strive", so I doubt there us much for us to discuss.
Sincerely,
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Hello. I am a 37 year old woman who feels as though she has been searching for God all
of my life! I happened upon your site recently and have been reading all that I can get
my hands on!! I have a few questions for you.
My past is religious experiences have been . . .in no other words . . . evil. I practiced
wicca (witchcraft) for many years until God literally reached down and touched me. I
thank Him every day for that! My questions are. . . can I ever really be forgiven for my
past? And because of my past leadings it makes me nervous to seek out a church.
How do I find other believers? How do I go about finding someone to help me grow? I
have prayed about this and have honestly felt moved to write to you . . .so perhaps you
may have an answer for me! Thank you so much for the literature you have sent me its
been a great help!
I wait for your answers!!
Judy
----------------------
I'm glad our literature has helped you...
Firstly, understand that you cannot "seek out a church". The church is the
Spirit-baptized children of God ONLY - and not a place one goes. So in that respect,
stay nervous about it! God is not asking any child of his to go anywhere... although it is
right to seek the fellowship of others who love truth. If you go looking for a "Christian
church" to attend, my feeling would be that you might have been as safe in wicca. The
reason? Most of the doctrines, traditions, and ceremonies practiced by those who are
not Spirit-baptized, or by those who are not led by the real Spirit of God if they do have
it, are just as much "witchcraft" as what you were in!! So - I would start my trek first of
all by NOT seeking a place to attend. I would spend my time in prayer, and reading the
scriptures. If you have not already been baptized by the holy Ghost, that is the first step.
Then ask God to direct you to those who can help, and not hinder your spiritual growth.
Secondly, regarding forgiveness... it is the human heart of pride that feels our sin is so
"great" that God cannot forgive us. In other words, can the God that created heaven and
earth, and that gave his own son to die for sin, and had the power to resurrect him from
the dead forgive us of our sins? Does God have that power? I think the answer is
evident. Of course he can. But he will only forgive those who truly repent (those who
sin no more) - and when we repent, we receive the Spirit of God (the experience of new
birth) which is evidenced by the speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.
That is where life begins.
Hope that helps. If you need any other materials, just let us know.
Gary Savelli
RECENT VIEWER'S COMMENTS:
Dear Gary :
I want to thank you so much through this electronic way
for the edifying tapes and leaflets you sent me.
I have been reading them in the past days, and I have been
learning much. Thanks God for your live and for those working
with you in Isaiah 58.
If there are more materials available, please include me in your
mailing list. I want to be edified.
Eduardo Paulin
--------------------
Thanks for your encouraging remarks above. We are glad our materials have
been a blessing to you. I will add you to our list of folks receiving our free monthly
cassette teaching tapes for the July issue.
God bless.
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Sir,
First I would like to thank you for your quick response to me letter last week! I
appreciate your insight and support. I am still enjoying your tracts and have listened to
most of your tapes. I find them very inspiring!! Thank you!
My question right now is I am feeling a great need for fellowship . . . I know now that I
don't want to go into just any "church", but the need is still there. Would you happen to
know of anyone in the Orlando, Fl area? Maybe someone I could contact? I have many
questions and do not want to take up too much of your time. . . . If you can help I'd
appreciate it! Thank you for all your help so far, and thank you for your wonderful web
site!!
--------------------
No, I know of nobody in the Florida area... but we have found that initially, that is good.
When someone starts to hunger for, and come to the truth - there are many obstacles.
One of them is the tendency to rely on people and not God to get a foundation. I am
not saying to quench the desire for fellowship - I am saying that for now God has you
where He has you, and in the condition He has you for his purposes. And in the end,
you will find that "godliness with contentment is great gain". Don't despise what God is
doing... in other words, don't go "looking" for just anybody - walk in the truth you are
finding. It will come. Your needs will be met. Until then, reach out and stay close to
those who ARE saying what you love, either by phone, letter, etc.
We will be happy to answer any of your many questions. We are not an "organization"
that is too busy... we are members of the body of Christ that are looking to restore and
help it's other members, none of which is without significance. So ask away if you feel
the need.
Also, feel free to order any of our additional materials as you need them.
Best regards,
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Mr. Savelli,
I ordered your "New Birth Set" a few days ago after a casual visit
to the Isaiah 58 site and I was very impressed with the materials
included in the tracts. (Before I go further, I'll avoid using any
modern conventions of Christianity) I want to thank you for such
exhaustive information on the baptism of the Holy Ghost. The package
seemed geared toward a person like myself, spiritually conceived but not
yet spiritually born. I have not been baptized with the Holy Ghost, but
I am constantly seeking it in prayer and meditation on Scripture.
I was raised in a Presbyterian denomination, and thusly I was
introduced to a great deal of the "Christianity" that you describe in
the tracts, and consequently, I was not spiritually fed and very little
in the way of a "new life" happened. I read the Bible and prayed
occasionally, but I claimed salvation without truly knowing Christ. To
cut a long story short, I was spiritually conceived in November after a
church leader at a Baptist church made an altar call and I went forward
to pray. Since then, I have consistently attended a Pentecostal church
with my girlfriend (who, by the way, has been baptized with the Holy
Ghost for 2 years+).
I have indeed learned the rest of the spiritual story since then.
I was re-baptized with water a few weeks ago as a renewal of own faith
and in preparation for the Holy Ghost. And as I said, I have actively
been seeking the Holy Ghost and I find myself oftentimes discouraged
that I lack the kind of sincere joy and excitement my girlfriend and her
mother both feel at worship services. I give testimonies in church
rather often, and I always publicly thank the Lord for my salvation
(referring to my experience in November). After reading the "New Birth"
tracts, though, I'm afraid I don't understand. I have been spiritually
conceived, for a fact. I have not been baptized with the Holy Ghost,
for a fact (no evidence of speaking in tongues). If Jesus Christ were
to return tomorrow to rapture his church, would an unbaptized believer
like myself be left behind? Or if I were to die tonight, would I join
the ranks of hell? Ever since I read those tracts I've been praying
with quite some intensity, but I feel like I'm wasting my breath. These
questions just won't leave me alone, and if at all possible, I would
appreciate a response to this e-mail. If not, then may God bless you
and your efforts to educate believers like myself and the rest of the
world in general. I will certainly be praying for your ministry.
Sincerely, --------------------
Thank you for your very sincere questions, and most importantly, the spirit in which you
asked them. There are answers, if you will make up your mind to persevere to receive
them. I commend you on some of the truth you have taken in already from our
materials - you are doing better than many of God's own spirit-baptized children in that
regard, thanks to God's help in your life. He gets the glory for whatever it is we do
understand.
Firstly, I think it is important for you to confess what you know to be the truth,
regardless of whether your baptism in Spirit is near or far in coming. The people around
you will be telling you are already "born again" or that you already have the "Spirit".
You know better. You need to confess that to be helped by God.
Why some receive the Spirit right away, and others after a time, only God knows that.
Jesus said the Spirit "is like a wind, and we do not know when or where it comes, and
where it will go" (John 3:1-8). But we do know that it comes in to EVERY person that
receives it, and "you hear the sound of it". So keep waiting until the Spirit "testifies" in
you (through tongues) that it is inside of you. The battle is in not settling for anything
less. You will not have to ask any person, "am I speaking in tongues"? It is an
experience which will lead through this life in all obedience and thus, be a "son of God"...
Sons of God are not just those who have received the Spirit - but those LED of the
Spirit (Rom8:14) - so receiving it is just the beginning, not the end!!
As far as the age old question, "if I die tonight will I be saved (or lost)". The question
should be: "can I be saved without receiving the Spirit of God"? And Paul was very
clear on that issue in Romans 8:9: "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be
that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is
none of his." The fact is, you are still living, so there is hope!!
And as to "wasting your breath" ... I would encourage you to keep crying out to God for
the holy Ghost. If you do not have the endurance to wait on God to give you the Spirit
during such a short time, you certainly will not have the character to "endure to the end"
-
through sufferings, rejection, persecutions, etc.. God is looking for those who are
seeking the kingdom of God regardless of the cost or the wait. Over my many years as a
believer, I have found that God will oftentimes NOT give people the Spirit for a time -
for their own good. To keep them from undue "damnation" of their own making.
Some end up persevering, and press in regardless of the wait. God will bless such.
Others fall away in unbelief, refusing to wait on God. So what good would the Spirit
have done them? They would just be "drinking damnation" unto themselves, for when
things get hot, they crumble.
Lastly, one of your greatest hindrances may be the meetings you are attending with your
girlfriend and her mother. Where the truth is NOT, feelings of discouragement will
always follow. Though some there may be God's children with the Spirit (such as your
girlfriend, etc.), it does not mean they are walking in Spirit and in truth. And from some
of the things you said, I would say much of your confusion and discouragement may be
the result of the teachings you are receiving there.
Let me know if you want other materials... be glad to send them freely. Jesus' burden is
light and his yoke is easy... if you are not feeling that where you are (without knowing
why) - then you are being hindered from the truth, though it seems as if it should not be.
There IS such a thing as an "appearance" of righteousness, without the substance of it.
Best regards,
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Gary and John:
Much of what you say is true, scripturally sound, and is an insightful, discerning look at
the state of "Christianity" today. You get a lot of mileage out of that word --
"Christianity "-- and I'm sure that condemning the concept gets you and your ministry a
lot of attention.
Of course, you're not the first to point out the meaninglessness of the word itself.
Decades ago, C.S. Lewis drew attention to the fact that "Christian" had come to mean so
many things as to have lost most of it's original semantic content. More recently the
subject was covered at length by Jacques Ellul, whose native French renders the word
Christianisme [as in communisme, socialisme, etc.].
But when the word is used in it's original meaning--"following the Messiah"--then every
saint must embrace Christianity. Your website seems to indicate you have no problem
with the words "religion" and "religious" as positive terms. As a follower of the Messiah
Y'shua [that is to say, of Jesus Christ] and one who loves God, I rejoice that I am not
religious, neither do I follow any religion. Rather, by His grace, I have a personal
relationship with God through His Son.
I suspect that your Pentecostalism is your religion. If I'm wrong about this, then you will
not put Pentecostalism ahead of your own personal relationship with your Creator, but
will receive sound doctrine.
Sound doctrine is essential to the body of Christ, for we are told in no uncertain terms to
have unity in truth. The absolute source of sound doctrine--of truth--is Scripture.
Your website [and the materials you offer, I assume] quote some of the Word in
support of your interpretation of truth. However, if your relationship with Jesus Christ is
based on believing all of what the Lord says rather than on religious experiences, you
won't neglect, explain away, or trivialize the truth God gives us through Saul of Tarsus:
First Corinthians - Chapter 12: "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
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:
Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way."
First Corinthians - Chapter 14 "If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by
two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be
no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to
God."
If you want to hear more on this subject from a source other than the Bible, I would
commend to you earnest prayer, and the ministry of The Berean Call, Dave Hunt's
newsletter. Mr. Hunt would agree with much of what you have to say.
Sincerely, -------------------
Thanks for taking the time to write at length regarding the contents on our website.
Let's clarify what you are saying: You are saying that it is not necessary for those in the
body of Christ to speak in tongues. That there are SOME in the body of Christ who do
NOT speak in tongues. That IS Christianity's doctrine! And that is why we reject
Christianity entirely.
"Christianity", in ALL it's forms and denominations is NOT the "religion" of Jesus, the
Apostle Paul, or any other righteous individual. It is the worship of God and Jesus, but
NOT in Spirit and in truth; and is the religion that rose up AFTER the death of the
apostles, not during. It's uniting element was that it is not necessary to receive the
baptism of the holy Ghost. With it we have no part.
BTW - please tell your wife to remove us from the Berean Call mailing list. We are not
after those who love "appearances" of holiness without the Spirit of God - we are after
those who are "led" by the holy Ghost and love it. They are the children of God, and
they alone (Rom.8:14).
Sincerely,
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
My name is Sean Coxey and I want the baptism of Holy Spirit and Fire. However, my
Baptist church does not believe in baptism of Holy Spirit and Fire. I received lectures
that those things only happened in the past, and there is nothing significant about
speaking in tongues. I went to Church of Christ, a man laughed and told me those who
spoke in tongues were "emotional." I went to other church and basically they don't have
a clue of what I am talking about. I read books about Holy Spirit but these only make
things more confusing. My friend taught me how to receive baptism of Holy Spirit.
Nothing happened. He explained that I don't have faith. I thought, "Wait a minute.
Even a guy with a faith about the size of a mustard seed can do the impossible things." I
am wondering how do you receive the baptism of Holy Spirit and Fire?
------------------
Evidently your friend did not "teach" you properly, else you would have received it!!
The baptism of the Spirit is NOT something we learn through "teaching". It is an
"experience" in Christ Jesus. It is what Jesus came to do to all who truly believe in him
and repent (Luke 3:16) In Acts 2:38 we read: "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."
So faith in Christ Jesus and repentance are the keys to receiving the Spirit baptism.
I am learning through experience that I have never seen God make a mistake. Those
who truly repent, receive that "new birth" experience. Those who have "hidden" sin, do
not. So that is where you should begin. Ask God what is hindering you, and it will be
revealed to you... then you must obey. Also, I would add that often times God will
withhold the Spirit for a time to "prove" the hearts of those seeking him. That is what
the parables in Luke 11:1-16 are about. Those that keep seeking and DON'T GIVE UP
will receive... and ONLY those.
Here is a link to a helpful article we have on this issue:
How to Receive the holy Ghost
Baptism
And there are many more throughout our website... Hope that helps.
Gary Savelli
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Brothers and sisters:
I have been going through your site, and some of the things that I
have read there astounded me. I know that you have probably heard this before , but I
believe that you need to read 1 Corinthians 14 just one more time. Tongues are not for
BELIEVERS, but for UNBELIEVERS. I do not have to prove my salvation to you by
speaking in "tongues." My salvation is assured to me by Jesus Himself, and I base that
salvation on His blood ONLY. The proof that I am saved? His Word! Now I'm not
going to "forbid" you to speak in other "tongues" (1 Cor. 14:39), but you are misleading
other people on the importance of tongues, as Paul expressly states "I would that ye all
spake with tongues, BUT RATHER THAT YE PROPHESIED" (1 Cor 14:5a). Please
read what The Scriptures say, and not what you "think" or "feel" they say.
With All My Love in Christ,
D.J. Mitchell
------------------
When you repent, you will receive the Spirit. Until then, you are only "claiming"
something you do not possess. Hope that clarifies.
Gary Savelli
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear brethren:
I do appreciate your "honesty," and I applaud your faithfulness to stand by what you
believe. But you are standing on and believing in error. Your rejection of God's
Word, and your wresting of the Scriptures can only be condemned by truly honest,
Bible-believing Christians, and will, ultimately, be condemned by the Lord of lords and
the King of kings.
You are partially right about one thing - my heart IS wanting...FOR
the Holy Spirit. My heart is wanting for the sweet communion that we have. My heart
IS wanting for the peace that He gives me. And now, my heart is wanting for you to
see the truth of your error so that we can stand side-by-side in unity as honorable
soldiers of Christ's army.
As I said before, I spent a number of years in Pentecostal and Charismatic churches.
In order to come to know God fully, I had to resolve the tongues issue in my mind and
what God desires for us regarding that issue. So therefore I approached the subject
with the thought that I could be wrong about speaking in tongues. After an exhaustive
topical study, I became convinced that tongues, as they are spoken today in Pentecostal
and Charismatic churches, come from the spirit of error. Now I challenge YOU to do
the same thing. Re-study the Scripture references regarding tongues with the thought
that YOU could be wrong. If you are honest with yourself, you will discover that you
have been misled much as the error-laden Corinthian church was. I must close now, but I
will pray that you will turn back to God and His Living Word, and away from the wicked
desire to exalt YOUR "self" by speaking in nonsensical "tongues."
With all my love in Christ, -----------------------
I cannot "approach" the subject of tongues to see if it is right or wrong, for I cannot deny
an experience that has taken place in my life. Only the person without the Spirit can do
that.
One of your problems is that you have never seen or known the real power of God.
That is why Paul said that HIS gospel came not with wisdom, nor words, but in POWER.
When the holy Ghost comes upon an individual, and baptizes that person into the body
of Christ, one cannot "doubt" what has happened to them, any more than they can doubt
if they have been born into this world from their mother's womb at their natural birth.
It is an experience.
Perhaps what you saw in the Pentecostal Christian denominations was truly not of God.
That I would not doubt. That is why we are calling God's people OUT of such places...
they bring disgrace to Jesus, every one of them. However, the experience of receiving
the holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues is real.
You said you studied the matter ... but I disagree. You studied what other men said
about it, because Jesus and the Bible do not tell the honest heart that they don't need
the Spirit and speaking in tongues - God says he gives the holy Ghost to ALL who truly
humble themselves to Him. The truth is that you have humbled yourself to other spirits,
but not to God, and God's response is to send strong delusion to those who resist the
truth.
Just as the Pharisees were deceived into killing Jesus thinking to do good for their
nation; as Paul was deceived into persecuting the early church thinking to serve God; and
just as some leaders and people of Israel were glad NOT to be a part of the "drunken
looking" group of disciples on the day of Pentecost --- a person today can be deceived
into thinking they are serving God, when in fact they have never received the Spirit of
God in their bodies. A person can think that they are actually pleasing to God, when in
fact, He has rejected them entirely.
This will be my last correspondence on the matter...(Titus 3:10), and a reminder that
"brethren" we are not, though the doors are still open to all who will enter in by faith.
Gary Savelli
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
G'day, and greetings from Australia!
You said in one of the responses on the 'Viewers Question and Answer page' that you
are non-Christian. My understanding is that the believers in Antioch were first called
'Christians' because they acted and spoke so much like Christ. The same as I am an
Australian, which means that I speak in the Australian accent, use Australian terms
(G'day mate, no worries, etc.), have an Australian passport and driving license... this is
why I am considered to be Australian.
You also mentioned in another response that a wedding ceremony is not relevant.
Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding, and there doesn't appear to be any scriptures
or teaching that when a couple marry, they shouldn't continue or have a ceremony.
When a couple simply 'move in together', this is legally regarded as a 'De Facto'
marriage.
One more thing.....you mention that water-baptism is no longer applicable, but Philip
the evangelist baptized the Ethiopian Eunuch in water and was then 'transported' to
another location. Doesn't this teach that water baptism is still relevant today?
P.S. I thought that the crowd to whom you could only send one information pack
(instead of 30) over-reacted rather strongly!! How rude....still, I guess it shows a lack
of the fruits of the Spirit....
-------------------------
Regarding the term "Christian", the Bible does not say that the believers in Antioch
"called THEMSELVES" Christians. They were "called" Christians... one might do well to
consider the question, "they were called Christians by WHOM"? They were called
Christians by people at Antioch who saw them doing very strange things, such as
speaking in tongues, healing the sick and such. It was a term of "derision", not a term
which Jesus gave to his people.
Beyond that, we must consider this: does becoming a "Christian" mean that a person has
been baptized into the body of Christ by the Spirit (1Cor.12:13). Felix told Paul, "almost
thou persuadest me to become a Christian". He was a foolish man not understanding
what work of God puts a man into Christ, and not understanding that nobody can make
themselves anything in God's sight. It is what God does, not what we do that counts.
Men become Christians of their own will. But people are put into Christ by the will of
God. Without the Spirit of Christ we are none of his, regardless of whether we are
"Christian" or not.
Regarding a wedding ceremony, there is NO Ceremony that is relevant to God in this
covenant. Men and women are having wedding ceremonies across the globe, and none
of these weddings are of God. For if God has not joined a man and woman together,
they are not married in HIS sight, and that is the important thing. What GOD thinks
about things!
Lastly, on baptism: Water baptism is John's baptism, not Jesus' baptism. It is a work "of
the law", for "the law and the prophets were until John". Jesus has fulfilled all the
"types" of the law, and now baptizes people with the Spirit. ANY and EVERY
ceremony practiced which is possible without Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection is a
useless "Christian" or other "tradition", and the faithful will leave them behind. They are
no longer needed in this new covenant.
And as far as the folks being "rude" to us - that's just the way Christians are, isn't it!?!
That is why God wants none of his people to be one.
Sincerely,
Gary Savelli
Gary Savelli, Isaiah 58 Broadcast
GSAVELLI@aol.com
Gary Savelli
Isaiah 58 Broadcast & Tracts
Gary Savelli
Gary Savelli
Isaiah 58 Broadcast & Tracts
Dallas G.
Gary Savelli
Isaiah 58 Broadcast
David Liben
[BTW, my wife just put you on David Hunt's "The Berean Call" mailing list.]
Gary Savelli
Isaiah 58 Broadcast & Tracts
Isaiah 58 Broadcast & Tracts
Isaiah 58 Broadcast & Tracts
D.J. Mitchell
Isaiah 58 Broadcast