Hello. ----------------
I would like to know if the Church of Jesus Christ is a cult.
Sincerely,
Concerned viewer
Hope that helps.
Gary Savelli
Isaiah 58 Broadcast & Tracts
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Isaiah 58,
Thanks ----------------
I am a Christian first and a Baptist second. Although I was raised Baptist I
read the Bible & pray to God to know the Truth. I have been to many
different denominational Churches. My fellow employee (& friend) is a
devout Pentecostal. He brings Music, taped sermons, & other things to work.
Although, I am not Pentecostal, I enjoy his music & taped sermons. I know
some things about the Pentecostal doctrine, I am ignorant to a lot of it. As
far as receiving the Holy Ghost & speaking in tongues, does the recipient
have to be in the will of God to receive it or not? I have a friend who was
Pentecostal (on Sundays only), who spoke in tongues. The other question is about
the dress code. Why do Pentecostals have these dress codes? I understand if the
clothes are skimpy & everything, but I'm just curious. I know Pentecostals who will not
wear make-up but will lay on the sun tan bed (isn't that the same thing?) As far as not
wearing shorts, what's the difference in wearing a long sleeve shirt? These
where just a few questions I had. Please do not take these questions the
wrong way, I just am curious.
Kris B.
We do not believe that being "Pentecostal" is another alternative to being a "Baptist" or any of the other Christian groups. Having the Pentecostal experience, is being born again, and nobody is born again without it.
The reason that many Pentecostals have "dress rules" and such is because they are not really led by the Spirit they possess. It is important to know that only "they that are LED by the Spirit, these are the children of God" (Rom 8:14).
To be LED by the Spirit, one first has to RECEIVE the Spirit. This is what happens when a person receives the baptism of the holy Ghost (with the evidence of speaking in other tongues)... they are at that moment "baptized into the body of Christ" (1Cor.12:13). Once a person receives that experience (such as your friends had), there are many "perils" at hand. One is not "safe" because they have received the baptism of the Spirit - they are simply converted. But as Jesus said, "they that endure to the end shall be saved".
When a person receives the baptism, they have choices to make: they can obey the Spirit and walk in it; or they can go into one of Christianity's "denominations" which is the first sign that they are going astray. At that point, they will be bombarded with the "carnal deeds of the flesh" to prove their holiness, such as their modes of dress, the not wearing of jewelry, and a myriad of other "carnal" things. The kingdom of God is NOT meat nor drink (anything earthly), but it is righteousness and peace and joy in the holy Ghost (Rom14:17).
I say this to answer your real question, and that is, you are liking the Spirit which your friends possess, but you do not like the carnal ways and "forms" of worship in which they forced to live by their leaders, none of whom God has sent. My advice is to seek the holy Ghost baptism, for that is the start. But if you long to possess true peace in God, you will not follow them into their carnal forms of worship after you receive it. Instead, you will worship, "in Spirit and in truth"... that seems to solve most people's confusion.
Best regards,
Gary Savelli
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Bless You,
Found your sight about a week ago... I'm a local Pastor in the Melfort Sakatchewan
region Canada.. .
We run cell groups midweek in the different areas of Melfort... A couple of weeks ago
the question came up regarding tongues in our services. The group that met had a
problem with one of our leaders getting up at the end of Worship and singing in the
Spirit! This group said according to 1 Cor.14 ... That tongues should only be spoken in
Church if there's an interpretation? I don't want to get legalistic... But I have never run
into this problem before, and am wondering how you would approach it?
Thanks for your help...
-------------------
Yours For This Generation
P.Paul
(I am assuming you have had the Pentecostal experience in order to understand my answer...) If the Church were a "building", then what the people in your group said about "not speaking in tongues IN THE CHURCH unless there is an interpreter" might make sense. But nothing makes sense if we do not understand what the Church is, and therefore, what speaking "in the church" means.
The Church is the Spirit baptized children of God. When we speak "in the church", we speak "in the midst of, and with the attention of the church". Paul was telling the Corinthians that they should not get up in the middle of a gathering, when all attention was upon them for learning and edification, and start speaking in tongues. It would not profit the Church because nobody would understand their teaching, although the person speaking in tongues might be edified. He was NOT saying not to speak in tongues (or sing in the Spirit) as part of the corporate worship in their gatherings.
Let me add, that those who do NOT sing in the Spirit and speak in tongues in the services should be the ones who are ashamed! The truth is that those who espouse this doctrine of "no tongues without interpretation" in their gatherings, are most often without the Spirit altogether, or have quenched it to such a degree that they "have forgotten their resting place". Paul said "forbid NOT to speak in tongues". Without expressions of the Spirit in your meetings, you may as well go home.
But there is a bigger part of the problem in your questions. It indicates to me that you are at a place which is quenching the Spirit of God, and is yoking together in worship those with the Spirit and those without the Spirit - and this is sin. If you are the pastor, you ought to be leading the way in the Spirit... you ought to "speak in tongues more than all"... So get out of there if you want to live, and become a watered fountain for those who want to walk obediently in the things of God.
Best regards.
Gary Savelli
Isaiah 58 Broadcast & Tracts
RECENT VIEWER'S COMMENT:
My name is Amy Pittman. I received the baptism of the Holy Ghost two years ago when
Bro Gary was visiting from California. I live in North Carolina. Receiving the Holy
Ghost has been the best thing that has ever happened to me!!!!!!! I was a very confused
young lady. I also thought I had all the answers and was very independent and "in
control"(ha ha). I was a mess. What I wanted most was to be loved! I loved people, but
they didn't love me back. I had friends, but some of them turned out not
really being my friends. It was sad, and lonely. I couldn't figure out
why I couldn't have the perfect life everyone else was having. I went
through a lot of heartache but there was a reason for it. I am 28 years
old now and I have wasted a lot of precious years. Thank God he is
letting me make them up now.
My story starts so far back I can't begin
to tell everything, but I want to try to touch the surface for you.
My family... me, my dad, and my mom, were very close. But during my
teenage years I was very rebellious. I caused my parents a lot of pain
unnecessarily. I never was a wild child, like with the law or anything
like that, just a rebellious teenager. But bad enough that my parents
could not live with me any longer, so I was asked to leave. But I
understood we were living separate lives, So I did. Now, my parents
also have the holy ghost and have for many years my dad, 35 years, and
my mom 33 years. So, I went on my merry way, and it was definitely a wordly way.
After all those years of running into brick walls, is he
the one? Is this the one? (my husband or not?) God sent me someone who
was going to change my life. I did not marry this young man, but God
had set it up for him to be the worst one of them all. I went through
many trials with him and the road was not easy my heart was broken and
broken and broken regularly with him. It was so bad, that finally we
broke down and told each other we needed some help!! Well, I knew where
to get it because my parents both had the holy Ghost and they had been
very good examples over the years and I knew what they had was something
that I didn't. So, we started attending their home prayer meetings.
God was really tugging at my heart. The love I felt in those meetings
was beyond measure. My heart was broken and I found someone who could
heal it!!! I knew it, too, because I could feel it. There was something
different there that I had never felt anywhere else. I have never been
one who attended "Church", I have never been baptized in water, I have
never been sprinkled, or dunked, or anything. I just know I felt a
tugging in my heart from someone who could and would help me. I
attended the home prayer meetings regularly and I prayed and prayed and
prayed. God touched me many times but I still had not received the Holy
Ghost with speaking in tongues. I wanted it too!! The people I was
around that had it were the happiest people on earth!!!! You wouldn't
believe it, that people could be SO happy!! I knew I wanted that.
Well, I started going in October of 95 and by Jan of "96 I still had not
received the Holy Ghost. I never had the opportunity to get discouraged
for long because God continually encouraged me.
When I moved back in
with my parents at age 26, things were a lot different. I had to start
from square one. I needed a job, because I had quit my only one I had,
God gave me one!! A good one a that. I needed a new car, because the> boyfriend I
had wore mine out, God sent me one! I needed to get out of debt, because me and my
boyfriend were careless with our money, I got out of debt!!! God did all that for me!!!!
It was one thing right after another! God was listening all time! He answered prayers
for me that I had forgotten I prayed. It was wonderful and soo much love in it all.
Well, I still had not received the holy ghost, but my prayer was that
when I got it, not if I got it, but when, I wanted to know it!!! I
didn't want to have any doubts about it. So, Bro Gary and his family
and my Pastor, and our little group and some other brothers and sisters
from Louisville KY had a gathering in North Carolina. I knew this was
going to be a special gathering because its a lot of fun when a whole
lot of God's people get together!!!! I knew something was going to
happen to me. Our first get together was on sat night. I went up for
prayer and when they laid hands on me, I felt a release. God, had not
given me the holy Ghost yet, but he took burdens from me I knew it I
could feel it. I was light and felt different. Well, we went on and
the meeting was over and I went to my hotel room. The next morning (Sunday) I got
up singing like I have never sung before. I felt so different. I could not stop singing, I
couldn't wait for the meeting to start. I didn't care who was around, who was watching
me, what they were going to say, I was in another world. and that's exactly what I
did! I sang as loud as I could, I clapped my hands as loud as I could, I
just was there enjoying what the Lord was doing. Well, when people
started getting prayed for I went up and nothing happened. Well, I
didn't understand, I walked around and the whole time I was asking God,
what is it, what am I supposed to do? And just as I said that one of my
best friends, came over to me and hugged me. (from across the room she
saw me and walked over to me). We fell to the floor and that's where I
stayed until I broke through with God. I wanted it so bad I was not
going to get off that floor until I got it. And I did!!! I was
crying, I had a snotty nose, I had raccoon eyes(mascara running) and I
was ugly, but I was beautiful to God!!!!! He heard me repenting, he
heard me crying and begging and pleading and loving him. When I got it
I jumped up off the floor and started dancing!! The first thing I
wanted to do was get to my daddy!!! I ran to him like a baby taking its
first steps and spoke in tongues right in his ear!!! He was so happy!!!
and I was too!!! I was so happy and so relieved and SOOOO LOVED!!!!God
took all my burdens away, healed my broken heart and made me happy all
at one time!!!! He is so wonderful, you've just got to experience this
its' the "BEST". God let me pick up right where I left off with my
parents and we have started a new life together, I am continuing my
education and life is great. God is still mending my heart and teaching
me knew things everyday. HE HAS NOT LEFT ME ALONE!!! He just adds to
me every day.
Love,
Amy Pittman, North Carolina
RECENT VIEWER'S COMMENT:
Hello,
Jesus Loves You. I don't want any information now, you may keep it.
If you don't want to send me enough to pass around and spread the Gospel then you
may keep your little stinking materials. God didn't say he would only save you and that
you couldn't help get anyone else saved did he? No, I think not. If you can't send 'em
enough information to go around you may keep it, you little demon. Yes, I may be a
minister of the Gospel, but you know you are wrong. If you are going to give something
free just give it away and don't be stingy. And besides I don't want no Pentecostal
information anyway. That ain't my Religion. I Pray for You!! Because Of Calvary We
Love You!!
Mount Zion Christian Church
(Editor's note: this person had asked for 30 sets of materials, and
we advised them that 1 set is the limit per person requesting such information)
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Hello.
I have a question on water baptism and tongues. How come tongues wasn't mentioned
in the bible after the disciples and how come baptism is mentioned of utmost
importance?
Yes you say tongues is supposed to be the evidence?
------------------
John the baptist was given water baptism as a baptism of "repentance" for Israel (the Jews). It was ONLY administered to Jews, and it always came with a message: "there is one coming after me who is mightier than I... he shall baptize you with the holy Ghost and with fire". Jesus baptism in the holy Spirit superseded John's baptism, and is the only baptism which one needs to be made a member of the Church: 1 Cor.12:13.
Baptism IS of the utmost importance. But which one? Paul said that NOW, there is ONLY one baptism (Eph.4:5). So which one is it? The baptism of the Spirit (Jesus') or the baptism of John the baptist?
As far as your contention that the baptism of the holy Ghost and tongues is not mentioned after the disciples, you simply need to read your Bible more carefully. It is mentioned from cover to cover, both directly and indirectly. View our Question of the Week Archives, and there you will see many articles answering your questions.
Best regards,
Gary Savelli
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Hello,
I was quite impressed by your sight with free Pentecostal literature and
resources, etc. It is VERY nicely done and VERY helpful.
I am curious as to the exact religious affiliation of the owners of this
site. Are they nondenominational or what? My own persuasion is Assemblies
of God, but I'd be curious to know if the site owners are Oneness or
Trinitarian Pentecostals.
Thanks so much.
Glenn G.
--------------------
Regarding our religious "affiliations".... the answer is "none of the above"! We are "non-Christian Spirit filled servants of Jesus Christ". The reason we say "non-Christian" (I used to be an Assembly of God pastor), is that the holy Ghost has shown us that ANY division of the true body of Christ is sin, and that God is calling every Spirit-baptized child of his out of it. Christianity yokes together those with and without the real Spirit of God, and with that, the obedient will have no part.
Hope that answers your question. We have a couple good article that will explain more about what I just said:
God bless.
Gary Savelli
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Gary:
Now it is quite some time since I came across your site and read your
materials. I have thought about all of those topics over and over. Some
of them do make sense. However, I do have a question for you.
I have been longing for the Holy Spirit since 1990 October. I have
prayed and attended conventions & retreats and fasted and so forth. I
have attended churches after churches, listened to the word and so forth.
I do not think my life has been taken over fully by Lord. I do not speak
in tongues. But I do have this THIRST for lord and my view has changed
drastically since last 8 years. My priorities have changed and God is
the highest in my life.
According to you , I am not born again since I do not speak in tongues.
You might be right. Though I find a drastic change in my life towards
God than towards the world, it does not necessarily mean that I am born
again. Lord may have something much more. What should I do to get that
fullness in Holy Spirit?
I have cried and prayed - I still do. Will God deny it from a poor
creation of His like me?
Let me know, please. Thanks.
A Viewer
--------------------
Thank you for your wonderful testimony. I hope you do not mind me putting it in our viewers' feedback page, because I think it is the most sincere and frequent question we receive, and you have said in the clearest way. God WILL hear your cry if you are sincere.
Your question seems to me to be two fold: 1) is it true that I don't have the Spirit of God yet (as evidenced by speaking in tongues), even though people around me are telling me I do? (because they don't believe it is necessary) - and - 2) How can I receive the Spirit that I long for?
Here are the answers:
Frankly, we do not care what others believe or tell you about your spiritual condition. We love you too much to lie to you, and in the end, quite possibly stop short the work of God in your life. Continue seeking the baptism... when it is time for the birth, the baby will come!
Jesus never fails!
Best regards,
Gary Savelli
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Isaiah 58:
I was born and raised as a Catholic. I happened to attend a charismatic
retreat when I was 35. It was a 5 day retreat where the Word of God was
proclaimed by a few born again priests. Many miracles happened and
several thousands attended. I attended one week for a live-in retreat. I
did not find it any interesting till 3 days later. On the 4th day they announced
an inner healing session. It was a 3 hour session in which they encouraged
all to repent for the sins. Something happened to me and I started
sweating. I cried out for my of my sins sincerely when they helped.
After one hour of crying, I became completely tired and sat down with a
feeling of peace. While this was happening one of the priests called out
my name and said that Jesus is touching this person. There were a few
others too. I was convinced that it was the touch of the Holy Spirit, but I did not
speak in tongues. How would you explain this? Please let me know. Thanks.
----------------
God bless.
Gary Savelli
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
I am a one God tongue talking holy roller born again believer in the liberated
power of Jesus name. Yes I do believe and I know the truth. I just want to know what
you would say to someone who says that tongues was of old and that baptism is all that
is needed. I quoted the same scriptures but she doesn't believe we still speak in
tongues today.... I'm at my wits with her almost. Help!
Dale
----------------
Glad to hear you have the holy Ghost. You can now appreciate the mercy God has had on you...
I tell people not to waste their time trying to convince someone who doesn't believe in speaking in tongues that it is still for today. God has to get to someone before we can, and if he doesn't, then nothing we will ever say will ever change them. God is not looking for "unbelievers" - he is looking for believers, "for without faith, it is impossible to please him".
You might be more wise to spend your time talking with someone who has "faith" - the same faith you had to receive the baptism of the Spirit.
Best regards,
Gary Savelli
RECENT VIEWER'S COMMENT:
Dear Brethen in Jesus Christ :
May the Lord bless your ministry as you bless His children.
Thank you in advance for your kind donation of materials that may teach
us more about Jesus, His doctrine and His Love.
We are thirsty of Him and of His Word and want to know more to teach
more, to preach better, and to live a Holy life.
Pastor Eduardo Paulin
Pentecostal Congregation CIRCULO BIBLICO
Queretaro, MEXICO
RECENT VIEWER'S COMMENT:
Dear Isaiah 58:
Are you for real? Do you have any affiliates in the Philippines? If so, where are they
located?
-----------------
Yes, we're "for real"!
We are in Daly City, California (USA). We know of folks in Kentucky, North Carolina, and actually all over the world who are hearing the "call of the holy Ghost". But very few are obeying it... that is what God is looking for.
Let us know what other questions or needs you have if any.
Gary Savelli
Isaiah 58 Broadcast
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Hi ,
My name is Teddy and I am a Christian. I do pray in a pentecostal church
but I call myself just a Christian. I think that all the
denominations confuse those who don't know Jesus !
Anyway I am writing to you it is to know something: I meet a lot of people
from pentecostal churches and most of them or I should say, all of them say
the same thing ; they say that if you don't speak in tongues then you don't
have the holy Spirit in you! I am sorry but I don't think that is
scriptural!
When I was born again I knew automatically that the holy Spirit was in me
because we were talking together and that was before I started speaking in
other tongues! I spoke in other tongues several years later! I am 18 and I
was born again when I was 8, and start speaking in others tongues at 17.
Sincerely, ----------------
Teddy
Thanks for your very good question. It is one of the most frequent questions we get, and, it is in my mind, one of the most important.
I will answer it in three parts....
Firstly, we must establish if a person can be born again BEFORE the holy Ghost (same as the holy Spirit) comes into our bodies. Jesus said no. He said "you must be born of the Spirit". In other words, NOBODY is born again, before the Spirit of God has come into their bodies... that is what Jesus came to do: "to baptize with the holy Ghost (Luke 3:16)".
Part two is, "what happens to a person when they receive the Spirit"? Jesus said it this way (you can read it in John chapter 3, verses 1-8), "you hear the SOUND of the Spirit EVERY time a person receives it". What is the SOUND the Spirit makes in a person when it comes in? Well, to answer that we have to look at the Biblical examples. The disciples, in Acts two. Cornelius. The Ephesian disciples. Every time the Bible speaks of someone receiving the baptism of the holy Ghost (with tongues), it is evident that they are receiving the Spirit FOR THE FIRST TIME. There are many other examples where tongues is not mentioned, so we don't know one way or the other. But it is clear that when a person received the Spirit and spoke in tongues, it was not a "second" experience of speaking in tongues. It was the first time they were receiving the Spirit.
Part three is, is one able to be born again, without being baptized with the Spirit? This I believe is the essence of your question. People know they have experiences with God prior to being baptized with the holy Ghost. As you did. That is where some Pentecostals go wrong... telling people they don't know God at all, when people know they were having a multitude of experiences prior receiving the Spirit. Let's look at that: The new birth is exactly that: a birth. When a person is "conceived" by the word, the word is the "seed". The seed is in the womb. There is life there (in the natural). That was your condition when you were 8 years old, and having many experiences. But the seed in a mothers womb is not yet living, until it proceeds forth from the womb, into life, even though that baby in the womb is eating, growing, being formed, etc. It is "conceived", but if it does not come OUT of the womb, it will die, and never REALLY live. Same in the spiritual: many people receive the "word of God" (which Jesus called the seed), and rejoice. they stop sinning. They read their bibles and pray. Go to services and learn. But that is not life Teddy. The "Spirit is life". And when that baby is ready to live, they receive the baptism of Jesus. That is when the Spirit comes in, and gives them life.
Paul said, "without the Spirit we are none of His". We are not in the church until, we are BAPTIZED into it by the Spirit. Read 1 Cor.12:13. And when we enter in, through tongues we cry out" "abba father". That is the essence of what is being said when we speak in tongues: "God is now my Father"... and until that moment we have no basis on which to claim we have in fact received the Spirit.
The teaching that we are born again prior to receiving the holy Ghost baptism did not enter your heart through your own study or your own revelation from God. Think on that. God never told you that. That filthy idea came from a man, or men, who have influenced your life, spiritually. And they believe this because they either love money, or the praise of men more than they love God's truth. When one believes the truth, it causes them to lose both men's praise, and men's money - but God will be pleased!
I hope that helps. E-mail me if you have any other questions.
Gary Savelli
Isaiah 58 Broadcast & Tracts
RECENT VIEWER'S COMMENT:
Dear Isaiah 58:
As I looked at the cassette titles available from your ministry, there were
definitely some that raised a red flag. You seem to think that baptism, the
Lord's Supper, etc. are not Biblical. C'mon, read Luke 22 and 1 Cor. 11:23
ff. Also, read Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 2: 38-41.
Why are you opposed to the phrase "be saved"? This is a direct
translation of the verb sozo, from the original Greek. Also, what's wrong
with the term "new birth"? What else could this mean but being born again.
Also, The Word of God and Bible are synonymous terms. The Bible is not all
of God's Word that there is, but all of it is the Word of God.
Finally, if the baptism of the Holy Spirit is the new birth, how do you
explain John 20:22?
sincerely,
Brian
------------------
We are not saying that baptism and communion are not biblical. We are saying that the Christian version of them is unbiblical. While water baptism was preached by John for repentance to Israel, Jesus came with a better one "in the holy Spirit". Paul said that now, "there is one baptism" (Eph.4:1-5). Which one is it? In water, or in spirit? Which baptism places us into the body of Christ (1Cor.12:13)? I would say to you... "C'mon... read your bible!!"
Secondly, we are not opposed to "being saved". We are opposed to the Christian version of being saved, which amounts to nothing. Salvation is not the same as "conversion" as is being taught today. Jesus will bring salvation with him upon his return (1Pet.1:5,9). And Jesus said, "they that endure to the end shall be saved". If we claim to "be saved" then which salvation will Jesus bring, and which one must we endure to receive?!
In your quote from John about Jesus "breathing on them", read verse 21 also. The Bible does not say they received the Spirit... he breathed on them and told them to receive it, and in the following verse, Jesus said for them to "go"... but they didn't go right there either. Actually they had to "wait for the promise of the father" at Pentecost, THEN they were able to go as Jesus had told them in the verse you quoted...
The ignorance of God's people regarding when the Spirit was made available to men, is one of the primary reasons people believe that they have received the Spirit without "Pentecost".. John 7:39 says, "...for the holy Ghost was not yet given because Jesus was not yet glorified". In order for the Spirit to be made available, Jesus had to be glorified. And he was glorified when he entered into heaven and sat down at the Fathers' right hand. NOBODY received the Spirit prior to Pentecost, and only the foolish and contentious will insist that it was. They do so primarily because they want to believe that they have the Spirit, prior to receiving it. The truth is that nobody has the Spirit (and neither did the disciples) prior to receiving the baptism of the holy Ghost, with the evidence of speaking in other tongues.
Gary Savelli
Isaiah 58 Broadcast
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Isaiah 58:
I would like to ask on the subject of fasting. 1. What is its relevance in a Christian's
life? 2. How does a person fast? For how long? I would like to enquire on
soul-ties as well 1. What are they? 2. Relevance in a Christian's life with respect to
friendships and dating and courtship?
----------------------
Fasting is no longer a "carnal" ceremony of "doing without food". The kingdom of God is "not meat nor drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the holy Ghost" (Rom14:17).
Read Isaiah Chapter 58, and there we see what real fasting is. It is to repent, and to put away the "pointing of the finger", and so on. As a brother once said, "fasting now is getting so hungry for God you cannot eat"! I think that is wise counsel.
As I said above, fasting is no longer a religious exercise. It is obeying God. It is walking in the holy Ghost, and getting hungry for God. It is being full with the holy Ghost... Doing that is of more value than months without eating. And if the spirit would lead a person to stop eating for a time, that would be perfectly acceptable with God... but is not required in this dispensation.
There is no such thing as "soul ties" in the Scriptures that we know of. I would imagine this is another "Christian" doctrine, and useless for the soul; simply adds more confusion to the confused already. Stay away from anything that sounds "deep". It's usually "shallow"!
As far as dating, we reject all such traditions. The soul that is hungry for the real things of God will seek God first. God will join a person with another, and it will not be man's doing. Walking in the Spirit means letting go of ALL traditions in favor of the truth. If God joins men and women together, dating is irrelevant. Courtship is irrelevant. Having a wedding ceremony is irrelevant. What is relevant is obeying the Spirit of God... and God has nothing to do with the traditions and methods under which this world operates! We encourage our young people (and I have young daughters) to seek the baptism of the holy Ghost, and to obey their parents until God sends the right person to them. Time and time again, we have seen God do it, and no courtship, dating, or any other foolishness is practiced - to the glory of God.
Hope that helps!
Gary Savelli
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Isaiah 58:
What exactly do you mean about it, you say if a person does not speak in
tongues they are not going to heaven? If you hold that to be true fill me
in again on the verse. I have not spoken in tongues as of yet I am very
much open to the gifts of the spirit - so what does it mean? Would you say
that I won't be seeing you in heaven?
Avery ---------------------
We don't claim that we "will be seeing anyone in heaven" just because they have had religious experiences (such as speaking in tongues). Jesus said, "they that endure to the end shall be saved". So to be saved, one must endure until the end, and we are quite sure that MANY who speak in tongues will NOT be saved!
What we are saying about tongues is that it is the experience which Jesus told Nicodemus about in John chapter 3. He said, "you hear the SOUND of the Spirit in EVERY believer". It is what happened on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2. That is when the disciples were born again. It is what Paul meant when he said, "by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body (1Cor.12:13).
Speaking in tongues is what happens every time someone receives the Spirit of God. And "without the spirit, we are none of his (Rom8). So what we are saying is that speaking in tongues is the God-given sign that a person has received the Spirit. But even though we receive this most blessed experience, we also must endure unto the end to be saved... and as Paul said, we must "work out our salvation with fear and trembling". In other words, nobody is "saved" yet - even those with the holy Ghost. We are saved when Jesus says, "well done good and faithful servant... enter into the joy of thy Lord".
We have many good articles on this subject at: http://www.isaiah58.com You may go there and visit our archives.
Best regards,
Gary Savelli
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Isaiah 58:
I am graduating from Norvel Hayes bible school 2 yr program this month of May-98,
and I would like to know what you believe about:
1. the word of faith teachers and ministry. 2. Others also like Kenneth Hagen, and
Kenneth Copeland? 3. What do you believe of the door to door witnessing? and
going door to door to pray for healing for people? 4. the necessity of and belief of
casting devils out of people? 5. the confession brings possession theology ... what so
ever things you "say" believing you will receive?
Thanks
Paul ---------------------
I will give it to you "straight". We believe Christian word of faith teachers and such ministries are not of God. In a nutshell, they are "carnal" because they focus on the carnal... ("for the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the holy Ghost"); and, the essence of their teaching is "that godliness is gain", and therefore, they should be rejected by all wishing to do God's perfect will. Actually, it's not even the doctrine being so much as it is the spirit that is behind what they are doing. It is not of God, and it is not what the Spirit is saying in this hour.
Regarding Copeland, Hagan, and any other Christian teachers such as these... a greater sin is that God's Spirit baptized children have elevated these folks to such a position of fame, I don't know if they will ever be able to repent. God has not sent them to do what they are doing, or to teach what they are teaching. But if they are encouraged rather than reproved, how will they ever do right in God's sight?
We don't believe in "witnessing" at all. "Witnessing" is a Christian tradition, but not a commandment of God, at least in the fashion it is being done. It is another weight put on the children of God to make them feel like they have to "do something" for God. We feel this way: "a light that is on a hill cannot be hidden". If a person walks and lives righteously, that is all the "witness" the world can take in, and God will send the opportunities our way.
As far as healing, yes we believe in it, and if God actually sent a person, we're all for it. Most of God's children would not know a devil when they saw one. They are trying to cast devils out of people that don't exist, "intruding into things" they have no knowledge of, just as the scripture warns against. Unless God calls, and sends a man to do this, the average child ought to concentrate on what they CAN see - it is a full time job in itself!!
We reject the "godliness is gain" theology. It is altogether unclean, and the people that receive the truth are by and large simple, and poor. For God has chosen the babes in Christ Jesus to confound the wise. He takes pleasure in it, so that God, not man, can get the glory.
I would like to add that you are too "close" to Christianity. Hate the garment that is "spotted by the flesh" - it will keep you!
Hope that helps;
Gary Savelli
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Isaiah 58:
Ok, if you don't worship at a church building, where do you worship? Don't you gather
with other believers? What do you call yourselves? Could you please explain a little
more about the Holy Spirit and what you need to be saved? I have lots of questions
huh? Hope you don't mind...
The United Pentecostal Church seems to think the Assembly of God serves three Gods.
People in the UPC say that the Father Is God and The Son is Gods Name (Jesus) and
the Holy Spirit is Gods Spirit. The AOG says that there are Three that are in
agreement.... The Father Son and Holy Spirit. Please e-mail me back
ok? What do you think?
----------------
We didn't say not to get together with other believers . . .We said we don't deny the truth by calling a building a "church", which it is not! We gather together in our homes, or if there are too many for that, we use a hall or such. We have no regular meetings here in Calif. where I am.
I travel and meet with others at their homes, or they come to our home here near San Francisco.
The sin with any of Christianity's denominations is that they are divided. That is the sin. They divide the holy Ghost filled saints of God with their doctrines, none of which came from Jesus. The agreement that they do have is an agreement in "sin", and an agreement in rejecting truth. And that is why the Spirit-baptized children of God will have no part with any denomination in Christianity - they love Jesus too much to sit there week after week as the life of the Spirit is sucked out of them.
The Spirit IS life, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. And that is why the UPC (and others) have to control people with rules, regulations, and doctrines - because the Spirit of the Lord is NOT in control.
Hope that helps. Most of your questions are answered in the archives at our website: http://www.isaiah58.com
Best regards,
Gary Savelli
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Isaiah 58:
Hello. First I would like to thank you for your very encouraging reply to my recent
questions. I have been studying and praying to know the truth. I am curious as to
whether you have heard of anyone receiving the Holy Spirit while dreaming.
I would also like to ask if you have ever heard of a book called "A course in
miracles", the reason I ask is because about 3 or 4 years ago I became involved
with learning from that book and at the time felt the presence of the Holy Spirit
so strong in my life, and felt I had such a new understanding of what it means to
love others unconditionally, not only an understanding but an ability to love
others like I had never had before. I should mention that I came upon this book
after searching for years, trying almost every "man made religion" I heard of, all
of which failed to fulfill my needs. At the height of my experience my husband and
I began going to a Christian church and I showed the book to the pastor who
basically told me that it was evil and not to read it anymore. This brought all my
old fears of going to hell right back and I got rid of that book and tried to fit
in to what the so called "church" said was right. Immediately my close feeling to
God and the Holy Spirit were gone, even the way I related to others changed as far
as the ability to unconditionally love.
We are no longer going to that "church" since about a year after this happened
that pastor was charged with sexually molesting some of the teens who went to his
"church".
We have tried a few other non denominational Christian "churches" but I have never
felt the Spirit of God there. I have always felt so guilty for not wanting to go
or belong to a organized church and after reading some of the material on your
site, I feel a renewed since of hope.
I know this has been long but I haven't found [yet], anyone else who understands
what I'm talking about. One last question I have is about the bible, with so many
different versions and not knowing how they came about and who has changed what
from the original text, I am having a stressful time deciding which one to read,
what's your thoughts on this. ----------------
Yes... I have heard of people receiving the Spirit in their sleep, and waking up speaking in other tongues. Rare, but it happens.
The book you mentioned is "evil" but not for the reasons the pastor there probably indicated. Christians fear these things, but we needn't fear anything if God is working in us. I cannot tell you how many "evil" books I read in my quest for God, but I believed God used each one of them to leave me "empty" and to eventually bring me one more step closer to the truth! The reason a course in miracles is not good, is that it leaves out the baptism of the holy Ghost, which is the new birth experience. There is no help aside from the power of God... but if God used it to excite your interest in spiritual things, that is fine. Now leave it behind and draw nearer to what is right.
Since the pastor who criticized you was a molester, he should have read a "course in miracles"!! Maybe he would have hungered for right things as you are. Jesus said, "come unto me... my burden is light". If a burden has been lifted by our materials, then we are obeying God!
As far as a bible version, I would stick to the King James Version, with NO commentaries and no footnotes. God is able to help you to understand every word of it, and grow. Don't stress yourself out about it... Just grab a Bible and read it!! Sounds like you are being blessed. You may want to order some of our free cassettes and literature to augment your Bible reading... but the only way to really grow is to pray, read the scriptures, and love and obey what feels right to your spirit.
Best regards,
Gary Savelli
Isaiah 58 Broadcast & Tracts
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear brothers:
Are you apostolic? Do you believe the teachings of UPCI (United Pentecostal
Church)? Do you believe in one God, one faith, one baptism, the apostolic doctrine?
Please relpy. ----------------------
Kitty
Hope that helps.
Gary Savelli
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Hello Gary,
I just got done reading "Does Every Believer Have the Holy Ghost". I
became sad because it told me I have not been obedient. It told me that
I have not fully repented.
I long for the baptism. I ask the Lord to forgive me of my sins, past
and present. How do I repent so I will receive the baptism?
Sometimes I think to myself that if something happened to me and I died
today that I would not enter the Kingdom of God. My husband tries to
reassure me by telling me that he thinks God will not let anything
happen to me until I have been baptized with the holy Ghost. But I
still get sad.
I am so grateful to the Lord for saving me from a life of drugs and
other bad things, and I feel very blessed that He did that for me. But
I am obviously still not doing things right. How do I repent?
Julie Prater
-----------------------
It's good to hear from you again... There is nothing wrong with being "sad"... Actually it is a sign of God's mercy on your life to let you know that if you died today, you would not make it without the Spirit of God - and that you are concerned about it! Most have been persuaded NOT to feel bad about it, and that is a greater danger than your condition presently.
I have known MANY people who feel as you do prior to receiving the baptism, and that is a GOOD thing, not bad. The worst condition a person can be in, is to be "satisfied" without the Spirit of God, and that is what the false religion of "Christianity" labors to make people feel: satisfied without fully obeying God. We love you too much to do that to you.
Now - in regards to your deliverance from drugs and such. Rejoice in that. It is necessary, and it is part of your "repentance". It is a work of God. But there are many things that happen on the road to obedience, and there are many experiences one may have from God prior to conversion.
I want you to rest in what God HAS done, knowing that it has been by His power. So rejoice in them, but don't stop in them. I tell people, and I think it is the mind of Christ, that God wants us to get to the point that we just cannot live another day without the Spirit. When we get THAT desperate, God will not fail us.
That is when our repentance will be "complete"... and I think that is what you are really looking for. Complete repentance, and the Spirit's infilling. So please do not lose heart. Seek first the kingdom of God, and all the things you really want for your soul shall be added unto you. That's a promise to every one who will truly do the will of God.
Tell Darren I said hello.
Gary Savelli
Isaiah 58 Broadcast