RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Isaiah 58:
Can Non-believers give tithes, if so/not, what scripture reference would you use?
----------------
You have asked a very good question, and an important one. I am going to assume you are asking about a non-believer that is seeking to do God's will. But to give a good answer, I will need to clarify the question so we can zero in on it more. Your question could (and should) read: "Can those who have not received the holy Ghost baptism (the real Spirit of God - the born again experience) tithe and have it count with God; and are there supporting scriptures to justify your position?"
This question is really three questions rolled into one. So let's take each part of it to help you to understand it.
Part 1: Should those without the holy Ghost baptism tithe? If they are seeking to do the will of God they will be tithing, and more. The righteous have ALWAYS tithed. Before the law was given (in the days of Abraham, Jacob, etc.); during the time of the law (in Moses' day and throughout the rest of the old testament, etc.), and even after the time of the law (Paul spoke much about giving), men doing the will of God "tithed". So if a person is seeking to obey God and seeking to be born of the Spirit, they are tithing (or if not, inside they are wanting to), because "God gives the holy Ghost to all who obey him" (Acts 5:32). It is not that they obey him because of a scripture, so much as it is because they are obeying him from their heart - and their heart will tell them to give God the "first fruits" from that which they have been given. Beyond tithes, they will be giving offerings for special needs, and as they feel led to do in their heart... that is, if God is helping them.
Part 2: What tithes count with God? Giving tithes to just "anyone" does not mean those tithes please God. Giving tithes to ministers who are not teaching the truth does not count with God (because these ministers are not anointed of God to receive them). The only tithes that count with God are those given to men whom God has anointed to receive them, because they are feeding the sheep of God the pure Word of God. If, in the Old Testament, you gave your tithes to any man other than the Levites (except in special instances), you were sinning, no matter how much you gave. If, in this covenant of the Spirit, you give your tithes to a person who is not teaching the truth, you are in danger of sinning also - and certainly if you KNOW that such a person is not teaching the truth. For instance: any minister who teaches one has repented without receiving the baptism of the holy Ghost is not speaking the truth, and to tithe to such a man is sin. We must worship "in Spirit and in truth". So in the main, to give your tithe to a Christian minister is "financing the enemy of your soul", though most of God's people do not understand this.
Part 3: "What scriptures do you use to support this"? All, and none! We are not to be led by the scriptures ALONE - we are to be "led by the Spirit of God". "The letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life", Jesus said - so we must be careful when justifying any position through the scriptures alone. There may be times when God commands things of us that are NOT in the scriptures, so we need to be willing to follow the Spirit in all cases. When the truth is told, ALL of scripture will support what God requires of us - and on the other hand, if one is not being led by the Spirit, the truth will seem to contradict what scriptures that misled person understands. We need the Spirit - and then the scriptures will have their work done in our hearts. Without the Spirit, and without being led by the Spirit, we can never do the will of God, no matter how many of the scriptures we try to obey. We need the scriptures AND the Spirit if we are to rightly divide the way of truth. We have a good message on tithes with supporting scriptures at: http://www.isaiah58.com/tithesandofferings.html.
I hope that answers your questions.
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Isaiah 58:
I have a question about your article on the Sabbath. I read your article and you are certainly right in everything you said but I don't think it answers my question.
Here is my question: (I am Apostolic Pentecostal). When and where exactly did Jesus
change the Sabbath to the 1st day of the week? This question has really bothered me.
My Pastor says, "Well, I might not be able to prove it in the Word but I know in my heart it's
right." That kind of reasoning is abhorrent to me. If He did it, I believe we could read
it in the Holy Word. We can read Acts 2:38-39. We can read John 1:1. Where can we
READ that God changed His mind about the Sabbath which He proclaimed "forever"?
If He didn't change it, and man changed it to honor Him, where do we get permission
to do that? I sincerely hope you will take a moment and shed any light on this that
would help me understand. Please, can you help?
Thank you very much.
----------------
I think I can answer your question, if you are willing to "reason"... righteous people are
"reasonable" people. If they are believing something to be "wrong", and a "better" way is
shown them --- they forsake every wrong way. In other words --- if you are shown how
the Sabbath IS to be observed now, and it is a better way than you are observing it, then
you need to be able to switch!
God NEVER changed the Sabbath to another day of the week (as your pastor and others may be telling
you.) That the sabbath is a certain "day of the week" is a "Christian" notion, but it is not found in the scriptures, and more importantly, is not the truth the Spirit is teaching the church in this dispensation. The Sabbath was a
"shadow-type" in the law. A type of "rest" that was to come, and which is now fulfilled in
Christ Jesus, and his sending of the holy Ghost.
The "Sabbath" was not primarily a day of worship (in the old covenant). It was a day of rest.
There was nothing wrong with worshipping if one wanted to, but primarily, it was for
"rest". Jesus said, "come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will
give you rest". Jesus was preparing to bring about a "change" of "sabbaths" if you will; a change which the prophet
Isaiah spoke about in Isaiah 28:11-12. Isaiah described this special "REST" to come. What was
the rest the prophets spoke of, which was to come (in a future time to their prophecy of it)? Read those verses and you will see.
The "rest" he spoke of was the one that the child of God experiences in Christ Jesus now. It is a "spiritual" rest. It is, if you will receive it, a rest of the heart and the conscience from the burden of sin, and it's power. This rest
begins with the baptism of the Spirit, and is lived every day as one follows the Spirit.
"They that are led by the Spirit of God, these are the children of God".
So - the ONLY Sabbath that we need observe in THIS dispensation, occurs when the law is "written in our hearts" by the holy Ghost - for the sign of the God's rest is "stammering lips and another tongue".
Regarding "sabbath days" which men quarrel about now, Paul said that we are not to let any man judge us in respect to a feast day, or a holy day, or a Sabbath, or
a new moon, etc. Those things are no longer a part of worship "in Spirit and in truth" or to be regarded as
anything holy among the Spirit-baptized children of God. We have been given something so much better in the Spirit.
I hope that sets you at liberty ... knowing that men's sabbaths are nothing. God's
Sabbath is everything. Have you been baptized with it, and are you obeying it? Then
you are resting in Christ Jesus. Every other ceremony and holy day observed by men is
a burden, and God's children deserve to walk in the freedom they have been given by
God when the holy Ghost enters their body --- won't you "switch" sabbaths? God's is so
much better!
Hope that helps;
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Greetings in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ!
I was reading your book from the web page. The book asks the
question, "Is The Bible God's Word?". Romans 14 deals with differences
in beliefs among the Saints of God, and it is not my intent to go into a
doubtful dispute with you, however, I consider this issue a matter of
spiritual well being. It is not at all like unto meats, or days,
smoking, drinking,,etc..Please permit me to articulate my view in love
to the author of the book. I love you in Christ.
I really would like to caution you on the dogmatic approach of this
writing. This teaching has the potential to subvert many immature
Christians. It is confusing and I feel that it is erroneous. Perhaps
there should be some reconsideration made here. I am of a strong
Pentecostal upbringing, so I don't oppose you in much doctrine,
however, this teaching seems wrong. I prayerfully consider the teaching,
and yet I hear God's Spirit warning me against taking this teaching to
heart.
I remember simple things in scripture, like God "speaking" to Moses.
Moses "wrote" the Word of God down on tablets, but his writing it didn't
make it any less of God's spoken Word. The prophets of old recorded what
God "spoke" to them. It was handed down through time, but it isn't any
less of a Word from God than it was when the prophet heard it
originally. How can we confuse this? I don't see the connection to truth
in the scripture references used to support your teaching. While I do
agree that hearing from God for oneself is critical for spiritual growth
and intimacy with God, I will not agree that the written Word is not
valid as God's inspired, spoken word to holy men. As Christians we
cannot afford to listen to any man's private interpretations of what he
thinks that God is saying. Either his statements and principles are
based absolutely on God's words or they are full of error. I believe
that we can get carried away and sort of leave this truth behind in our
zeal!
For example, how am I supposed to believe in what was taught in
this book you published, if I don't have the assurance that it was God
speaking through you? You say that God gives you revelation to interpret
the Bible, yet the revelation he gives you are scriptures from the Bible
to support what you are teaching! Probably over 90% of what you used to
attempt to support your position on the issue was from the Bible. If
that's what God gave you as revelation to support the position, then
wasn't that revelation from the Bible? As a servant of God who happens
to believe that the Bible is not the word of God, you, in your own
ministry fail to avoid preaching and teaching without using the Bible,
and yet you say you are hearing from God. How can that be if what you
are using is not the word of God? That is because the Bible is the
ultimate in truth and that truth is God's Word. If The Bible is not
God's Word, then attempt to teach and preach truth independent of it,
and watch where you end up. There are many who started out with faint
notions such as this and have tried to "hear" God without hearing the
Bible. They are leaders of cults. You may not end up this way, but some
immature believer may be led astray by this notion. Let's be careful
not to over spiritualize what God has done for us through His word.
Saints, we must take God's written word as His Divine Word, from His
heart. It is Spirit, no less Spirit than when he speaks to you in your ear in meditation and
prayer. There are different forms of God's Word.
At all times it comes as LOGOS, the embodiment of Christ, who he is.
This is the Logos of John 1:1. The Bible, from Old Testament to New is
the embodiment of Christ, it speaks of Him! Logos! It may at times be
RHEMA, a singular word spoken or written; a particular word or scripture
brought to our remembrance for use in a time of need. No matter what,
God's word is His Word! If at any time one contradicts the other, then
we know that one is false. Will God say anything to you that goes
against the Bible? If so, beware! If not, then can't we agree that The
Bible IS God's Word?
In love, ----------------
I carefully read your dissertation relating to your belief that the Bible is "God's Word", hoping to be helped by your ideas. However, your points all bring us back to where we
started - and that is: is the Bible is the "Word of God"? Contrary to what you have said, it is not our idea about this which will "confuse" a new believer. It is wrong ideas which confuse them. If you are indeed a spirit-baptized brother, you will be helped by knowing that the Bible is NOT the word of God, and that is my intent with what I will say --- to help you, and to unite us in the spirit of truth.
When the "word of God" came to individuals in the Bible, it most always spoke things contrary to, or previously not revealed to the "biblical" information men had at the time that word of God came. It was new information, or past information with more enlightenment. For example,
when Jesus said men should "drink his blood", that new idea was contrary to the words Moses had written in the law
(drinking blood was contrary to the law of Moses, and that is why many disciples walked with him no more). If the scriptures were the "Word of God", then Jesus was teaching
something contrary to God's word. When John the baptist came baptizing in water to
prepare the hearts of men in repentance, his actions were outside of the "scriptures"
known to Israel at that time. (Nobody but a priest could "wash" himself or another
individual. That is probably why he was despised by many of the religious leaders of his day.)
When Paul came teaching that the ceremonies of the law of Moses were no longer required of men to have sins washed away, that idea was certainly contrary to the teachings and law of
Moses (their scriptures) at that time in history. (Up to that point, an animal had to be killed to have sin
forgiven - in the minds of men, not God).
No Mr. Crawford. When the Word of God comes it is NEW information. This new information will be found everywhere in the scriptures by those who hear it, but it will be
found nowhere by those who refuse to obey the Word of God when it comes.
Here is what the word of God is saying today: "come out of her my people". It can be
found in the scriptures, but it is certainly contrary to the ideas which those who refuse to obey the Word of God have. God is calling every spirit-baptized child of his out of "Christianity". Those who
are obeying the word of God NOW refuse to number themselves among Christians who claim that the Bible is the Word of God, because this is a wrong idea among men (among many other wrong ideas - this is just one of them) - and God wants us free from all error, and walking in the truth.
The Spirit wants us to know that Christianity claims one can be a
member of the "body of Christ - the church", without ever being baptized into it when one receives the holy Ghost. This is contrary to the "word of God. Those who are hearing the Word of God will reject all religion that contradicts the Word of God which is saying NOW that "by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body" (1Cor.12:13). The Word of God demands our obedience!
Consider this last point: Christianity claims that the Bible is the "word of God", even though Jesus himself said that the
"letter kills, but the Spirit gives life". Christianity is contradicting the scriptures they defend as the Word of God! That is why those who hear the Word of God
reject Christianity entirely. It is a religion that pretends to be of
God, but rejects the truth of God at every turn. Therefore we reject it, in obedience TO
the Word of God.
Blessed are they, Mr. Crawford, who not only who "hear" the word of God when it
comes, but those who OBEY it when it comes. That is how we are "washed" - by the water
of the Word --- So I will leave the "word of God" in your lap. We can see how much we love the word of God how much we obey it - and we hope you obey it entirely so that we
can find a fellowship in the truth.
Best regards,
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Gary:
Remember our discussion about the New Birth and the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, I
could help but think of you when the Spirit prompted me to post an article I wrote about
being born of the Spirit. Although you do not agree with everything I have said to you,
we do agree that God wants a people filled with his Spirit and Life and able to impart
that life to others. This was one of the things I took with me from our email exchange.
Knowing this, I have kept you and your website in prayer that you reach those whom
God directs to you effectively through his Spirit. To know him through the Spirit is the
best! Some deny the very truth we share. Though we differ over whether the two things
are the same experience or two separate experiences (you believe it is the born again
experience, I do not), we do agree in other things.
Anyway, I wanted you to be able to understand me a little better. While you're at it, you
might look at my Glossolalia page. I wrote it specifically to encourage those, who like
us, have received the Holy Spirit.
Sincerely; ----------------
I have read your e-mail above. I'm sorry - but I find no fellowship in it at all. I want to
be very sensitive to your feelings, I am not of a "contentious" spirit...
It's NOT a small matter to disagree about what the baptism of the holy Ghost is --- it is,
in fact, the most important thing in the kingdom of God. It is a life and death matter.
When you believe that the Spirit baptism is "something extra", and I believe it is the
"born again" experience, we will NEVER have fellowship - and I honestly don't think either of us would want it, because we cannot have it!
The bottom line is that we must flee all "spirits of harlotry". Many of us had joined ourselves to to it, but God does not want us there, if you we have received His Spirit. The "Christian" spirit denies the power of God, and the necessity of the new birth
experience: the baptism of the holy Ghost (with the evidence of speaking in other tongues.
.
Believing that the baptism of the Spirit is something other than the new birth is the doctrine of Antichrist: is says "you can be born again without ever receiving the baptism of the holy Ghost" (with the evidence of speaking in other
tongues). It's an "instead-of-Christ" spirit (that's what "anti" means in the original Greek
language). That spirit comes "instead" of the real spirit of God. It has an "appearance" of righteousness, but it is NOT holy at all.
Joining with those who do not have the real spirit of God in worship (and calling them brothers) is equivalent to, and will bring the same results it did to Israel in the old testament. God cursed Israel in the Old Testament because they joined
themselves to Moabites, Canaanites, etc. whom God commanded them NOT to marry.
In this dispensation, it amounts to those who have received the covenant of God (the
baptism of the holy Ghost) joining with those who have not received that experience. It
amounts to those who have had their sins washed away, telling others they don't need to.
It amounts to those who have obeyed God, telling others they don't need to obey
completely, to be saved in the end (and we know that everybody who obeys God,
receives the holy Ghost baptism (Acts 5:32) ) ---- there is no other experience
that places one into the body of Christ, the church (1Cor.12:13).
Therefore, I don't thing it would profit me to read anything you have written. If we cannot agree on the new birth, we have nothing in common except an experience, which I believe CANNOT be counted as
less than necessary --- and with that spirit, I will have NO part.
Sincerely,
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Mr. Savelli:
Must you be in a 'certain frame of mind" to speak in tongues or can you do at
will? How do you know when you have the interpretation of a message in tongues?
How do you know when you have a message in tongues to deliver to the church?
----------------
Thanks for your questions... speaking in tongues is not "a frame of mind" - it is an
experience (initially). It is the "born again" experience, something that happens to
everyone who obeys God (Acts 5:32). Speaking in tongues is "confessing Christ"
(1Cor:12:1-2) as Lord. Or, as Jesus told Nicodemus (John 3:1-8), you hear the "sound"
of the Spirit in everyone who receives it. Speaking in tongues is not of the will of man,
it is what God gives to those who repent --- every one of them.
That being understood, messages with "interpretation" are quite rare. It is not something
you can practice or learn, and it is something that I doubt few have ever really seen in
our religious day to day experiences. What we see in most Christian denominations
today is not "tongues and interpretations", but most often, the vain imaginations of men -
not always, but most often. That is why it can be confusing. If a person really had a
message to deliver to the "church", they would have to come out of "Christianity" entirely
to deliver it, because Christianity is not the church! The church is not a building or a
denomination. It is the body of Christ, and one enters the body of Christ by being
baptized into it by the Spirit of God (1Cor.12:13). When we understand what the church is, it helps us to know what IS of God, and what is NOT of God. And with that understanding, when a true message is delivered "to the church", we will know it when it comes.
Hope that helps.
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Isaiah 58:
I disagree with the Truth of the week. Read Romans 10:9
Paul only says that if you confess with your mouth and
believe in your heart the Lord Jesus you shalt be saved. In
this passage Paul doesn't even talk about the Baptism in the Holy Ghost. So I really
believe that only through believing and confessing that Jesus is our Savior is all God
requires from us to receive his gift of salvation. At any rate Jesus is the one who died
on the cross for our sins; not the Holy Ghost!
Patrick
----------------
Unfortunately, contrary to what ministers are falsely teaching you, Jesus' death on the
cross alone did nothing for our sins. Had Jesus done that alone, there would be no
forgiveness.
It was when Jesus went into the holy place, and presented his own
blood for sins to the father, that the way of forgiveness was made,
"The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was
not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:
Which [was] a figure for the time then present, in which were offered
both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect,
as pertaining to the conscience;" (Hebrews 9:8-9)
It is the "holy Ghost" that washes sin away, and without
it, sins are NOT washed away, despite the claims of men who say "confessing with their mouth" is enough. When the holy Ghost came, that signified that
Jesus had paid the price for sin, and that his blood was accepted by the Father. "God gives the holy Ghost to all who
obey him" (Acts 5:32). Those who receive it have sin washed by the blood of Christ.
Or, as the apostle Paul said, without the Spirit, we are none of his:
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 bottom line is, that it doesn't matter what men believe, if what men believe
is wrong. We need the holy Ghost baptism. Without it, we will be lost.
Without it, sins are not forgiven. Without it, salvation in the end is an impossibility.
I hope you will seek it.
best regards,
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Isaiah 58:
Can one be legally ordained in the Pentecostal religion
without having attended a college and getting a BA in divinity?
Thank you, ----------------
Being a "Pentecostal" means that one has received the baptism of the holy Ghost with
the evidence of speaking in other tongues. It is not a "religion". It is an
experience.
The "Pentecostal religion" that you refer to (meaning one of Christianity's
denominations) is so far away from the truth, that I really can't answer your question
without first clearing this up: the church consists of ONLY those who have received the
real Spirit of God. We, those who have been baptized with the holy Ghost (with the
evidence of speaking in other tongues) are the church. We are not a "denomination" - so
no "ordination" that is of God depends on any man's education, or his "earthly" state in
life... in fact in many cases "education" alone will hinder ordination (or what we
would rather call, God's "anointing" him to do the work of God).
When a man is anointed or "ordained" by God, he will come out of the religions of men,
and speak only the words of God. And for the truth, those seeking it, will also have to
come outside of the religions of men to find it. The truth cannot be found among those
who require "education" or any other such thing to ordain a person --- such things and
men have no part in the kingdom of God, except to hinder it.
I hope that helps.
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Isaiah 58:
Do you have a defined doctrinal statement? I am an Apostolic
Pentecostal, and I find that I agree with you on things like the
evidence of the baptism of the Holy Ghost. . . but I can't seem to find
where you stand on holiness, or water baptism in Jesus' name. If you
would like to know where I stand, just ask about what I believe on
particular areas (such as the Godhead). . . God bless you! And thank
you in advance.... :)
Joshua Allen
----------------
No, we do not have a "doctrinal statement". We have found that when men adopt a
"doctrinal statement" they in effect, cut themselves off from God. Every Christian group
that has a doctrinal statement has gone, or is about to go astray, for they will rarely be
able to change course once they have "set it in stone" and felt obligated to defend it. We
believe God is still speaking, and the Spirit is still telling men things they don't know...
and very few are righteous enough to say "we've been wrong about something all this
time until God showed us the truth!" ESPECIALLY when it is contrary to their
"doctrinal statement"!
The best way to find out what we believe is to study our materials, and follow the Spirit
of God with us! You won't be disappointed!
Best regards,
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Brother Savelli:
I have enjoyed your web page and the teachings on them. I noticed that you have
revelation knowledge concerning the HOLY GHOST baptism. GOD has revealed this
to you. However concerning your teachings on water baptism I would strongly
encourage that you take this back to the LORD in prayer. SPIRIT baptism is a
necessary part of the plan of salvation as also is the baptism of water.
I can tell that you are a man of the word so upon a closer study of baptism I am
confident that you will better understand baptism and its purpose. Notice that baptism
was not JOHN'S idea, but had existed in GOD'S plan LONG before John was ever born.
JOHN simply began baptism in a different manner making ready for the infilling of the
SPIRIT.
Bro. Richard
----------------
It was a "type" of the baptism to come. If we are "baptized into the body" by water -
then we need it. But we "are all baptized into one body BY THE SPIRIT" (as Paul
taught in 1Cor.12:13). So if a person can be made a member of the church (which is
what happens when one receives the Spirit), then "water" is something "extra" which only
men require now - not God.
It was necessary in John's day, because John was performing it during a time when
ceremony was part of acceptable worship to God . . . but as the other ceremonies of the
law, God's "pattern" is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, and HIS baptism. In other words, as
John said, "I must decrease, and he must increase". Notice that Jesus NEVER baptized
anyone in water (John 4:2) - he has a better one, and as Paul wisely said as the "master
builder", NOW, there is only ONE baptism (Eph.4:5).
I suggest YOU re-think YOUR position, because you are practicing TWO baptisms, and
that is not what the scriptures teach. And, as important is that the Spirit is NOT saying
to do that today.
Hope that helps.
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Greetings:
I have received your packet of tracts via email. I must admit that
I have been given quite a bit to ponder regarding salvation. Now I must
first make it clear that I have given my life to our Lord and depend on
Him and only for any hope of ever seeing our Lord.
However I must ask, am I reading you correctly? You seem to be making
the statement that once a person accepts the truth, and for some reason
"back slides" (only term I know) that they are lost forever? I refer to
your usage of 2 Peter 2:20-21. I find that rather disheartening. For I
have in the past, struggled with many sins, and have at times became
"again entangled therein".
Also I get the feeling that you are saying that one cannot be sure of
their salvation. I am confused as to what you are driving at.
I would love someone to address these questions. I am truly looking for
answers, not antagonizing.
Sincerely, ----------------
Thanks for your very good questions, and more importantly, the spirit in which you asked
them.
We are saying that "without holiness, no man shall see the Lord".
We are saying that the true believer will "walk perfect, even as he
walked". In other words, Christ is
coming back for believers who are "without spot or wrinkle" just as
the Bible says. That is a place we attain the moment we receive the baptism of the
Spirit, for it is the "power of God unto salvation". The moment we
receive the holy Ghost, we are "new creatures" in Christ Jesus, and
"old things have passed away". But, as the apostle Paul said, it is
possible to "make shipwreck of our faith". What's the bottom line?
"they that endure to the end, the same shall be saved", for
"salvation" is what Jesus will bring with him when he comes for the FAITHFUL (1
Pet.1:5,9). The fact is, that most will fall into sin. We do not have to, however with
many, it takes time to learn to "walk in the Spirit". But when the Spirit filled believer
sins, he hates it, repents of it, and determines again to strive for the perfection which is
ours in Christ Jesus, and MUST be ours in Christ Jesus, if we will ever be saved in the
end.
As far as "being sure of our salvation" - that is a Christian myth, something Satan has
invented to keep God's people from living right, or feeling the need to. Paul instructed
Timothy to teach sound doctrine and live right, so that "God would save him,
and those who hear him". We will not be sure of anything until all hidden
things are brought to light, and Jesus, before all, says, "well done thou good
and faithful servant, enter into the joy of thy Lord". That is when we can be
sure.
I hope that helps and answers your questions in a clear and concise way, and with the
love of God.
best regards,
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Isaiah 58:
From reading your materials, you say you reject EVERY denomination of Christianity
because they are contrary to the prayers of Jesus, that his body be one.
I agree with the above statement rejecting unity "at any cost". Christ admonished us to
be separate from these "Christian" denominations. I'd like to ask a few other questions:
1) What is your belief on the Godhead? Who is the Father, the Son,
the Holy Ghost . . . what are/is their/his name? Do you believe in the
trinity?
2) How can one be saved, or, how does one INITIALLY begin his
salvational walk?
3) Do you believe once saved always saved?
4) Do you believe the Bible to be infallible in it original texts
and the defining definition for our doctrinal beliefs?
5) Do you believe that one must be baptized in water to be saved?
How do you baptize?
6) Do you believe in the rapture?
7) Do you await the 2nd coming of Christ?
8) Do you believe that one must have inward and outer holiness in
order to be in God's will? (Or, to be saved). What are some of the
common "holiness standards" that you believe are taught in the Bible,
if any?
Thank you! I am not in any hurry to receive a reply...and understand
that your ministry is busy. God bless you...
Joshua Allen
----------------
I think the best way to answer these questions, for you and our readers, is to give links
to articles on our website that answers each questions in detail, with scriptural
references. With that, here are the links to you questions:
1) The Godhead and the
Trinity
4) Is the Bible the
infallible Word of God?
6) The rapture/coming of
Christ
8) Holiness standards of dress,
etc.
Hope these valuable links will help you all.
Gary Savelli
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Isaiah 58:
Just wanted to clarify a matter with you. I sent you 3 or 4 questions recently, not
because I disagreed with you, but because I have received the same message from the
Holy Ghost as you have. These are questions that are asked me when I try to tell
people the truth about the gospels. I sensed in you, that you thought I was disagreeing
with you but on the contrary you are the only one I have found that believes like me.
God Bless you abundantly.
stgeorge
----------------
I was not feeling that you were disagreeing with me at all. I have learned that
the best answer to someone asking questions, is the honest truth in as few words as
possible. We do not want to "quarrel" with God's children. But we want them to have
answers they are not getting.
So being "abbreviated" keeps us from being misunderstood... however, at times, I realize
it can sound "distant" - or that we think you disagree with what we are teaching. That
goes with the territory!
I'm glad God has shown you what he has shown you. You are among the blessed few.
Keep it up.
Regards,
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Isaiah 58:
Our church had a revival the past four nights. Last night, I was slain
in the spirit for the first time. Could you please help me understand
this? I keep reading that you are unconscious when this happens, but I
was not. Also, when I fell back, my hands became paralyzed in the form
they were in when I fell. The fingers were spread apart on one hand and
the other hand was lobster clawed on my thumb, pointer and middle
finger. I could NOT move them for at least a half hour. Could you help
me to understand this? They were finally released when three people
came over and prayed over my hands.
Also, I feel I ALMOST spoke in tongues. It started as a stuttering that
interrupted my English speaking, but went away. I have a feeling it's
because it was my first time experiencing anything like this and I was
so in tune to what was going on around me that at first, I couldn't focus
on the Lord. Eventually, I did and that's when I was slain. Please,
help me to understand all of this. I feel it all came from the Holy
Spirit, I really do, but I just need a little help in understanding.
Thanks.
Lucynda
----------------
I'm glad for the touch of God on your life...
What happened to you does not need much explaining, you said it pretty well.
You have had an encounter with the real power of God. This is not the end of your
journey, but hopefully, just the beginning...
The human body cannot stand up to the real power of the Spirit - and when one does
come in contact with it, many things can happen. In your situation (which is quite
common) - your body just could not stand up under this power of God, and you were, as
some describe it, "slain" by it. We see it happen many times in the scriptures where men
"went out" under the presence and power of God. Daniel, Isaiah, John, Peter - many of
these holy men were struck, made as dumb, awestricken, etc. whatever you want to call it
- when they had an experience with the power of God. You have had a similar
experience, so now, for the very first time, you can understand how the Bible characters
felt!
However, when a person tells me that they have not spoken in tongues, or they are not
sure, etc... that concerns me. The reason it concerns me, is that there is a great "battle"
taking place. The "ignorant", who will certainly influence you now that you are seeking
God, will probably tell you that everything is OK (or that you're "saved", or that you
"received the Spirit", or that you are "born again"), when in fact your own conscience is
still not "sure" or "satisfied". You need to press in all the more now.
Therein lies a danger. When we think we have fully repented because God has
touched us - but we have not had the Spirit come into our bodies (which is evidenced by
speaking in stammering lips or other tongues in every case), we can oftentimes be
persuaded to NOT fully yield to God. And that will eventually bring spiritual death.
My advice to you is that if you are not sure, you need to REALLY seek God, NOW
more than ever. Don't stop seeking such experiences... and know that a person is not
Spirit-filled until the Spirit "testifies" (through tongues) that we are the children of God.
Seek until you are satisfied - nobody will have to tell you whether you are speaking in
tongues or not! You'll know it FOR SURE!!
So for you, I now see this as the spiritual battle: Will you believe well meaning people
who tell you that everything is settled - or will you go all the way, and press into the
kingdom of the one you love?
Hope that helps!
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Isaiah 58:
I wrote to you earlier today and I'm thankful that you replied so
quickly! You don't get that too often.
I was wondering something about being slain. What do you say to people
who believe that to be slain, you fall forward instead of backward? I
was just given that reply. Don't get me wrong, I don't doubt that what
happened to me was of the Holy Spirit, but I want to know your thoughts
on this.
Also, if you remember me telling you about the paralysis in my hands(it
was there even after I was able to get off the floor), I was wondering
if this is something that happens often. I've never heard of such a
thing happening, but I also believe it was of the Holy Spirit. Thanks.
Lucynda
----------------
I guess, whatever way we fall is up to God!! If the power of God is "slaying" a person, I
am all for it. If people just fall because that is what is expected of them by others, I am
all against it. Most often, what Christians call "being slain in the Spirit" is not really it...
Many of them just walk up and fall. But if the real presence of God is there, and God
does the work - it is a wonderful thing.
As far as the numbness in your limbs, etc., that is common. Others feel a sensation of
"heat" or "electricity". Again - I rejoice that the power of God is present. My concern is,
"what is being taught with it"?
It is one thing to have experiences with God - that is good. But what is coming with it?
Is there a genuine repentance? Is there the spirit of truth with it? Are the men leading
these meetings anointed to teach and to lead God's people? Are they teaching the truth,
that the baptism of the holy Ghost is the new birth experience, or are they going the way
of "religion" and offering it as just another "something extra"? God wants us all to '"grow
up in Christ", and if we are growing, it is wonderful to have the power of God there with
that truth - it is the "power" of God unto salvation in the end.
Best regards,
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Isaiah 58:
I heard from my friend his name is Mangatur Manullang, I would like
to translate your tract to my language (Indonesia). Please pray for me I really
understand this massage because I have been kicked out from the
Christianity. Thank you to Jesus although we so far away, but God has met us
together, even in His Spirit. I believe Thy Kingdom will be done. Thank you!
May The Lord Strength us and Lead us 'till our full salvation.
In His Love ----------------
I will be happy to mail you a couple of cassettes and some literature to help you. They
will go out in the next few days or so.
Best regards,
RECENT VIEWER'S COMMENT:
Dear Isaiah 58:
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus.
I really like to hear one of your messages. I am a bible school student in the country
of Belgium where I don't have the privilege of Internet yet. For now is the only
moment I could use someone's Internet.
Therefore I request you to send me tape #S1 so that I can compare or add
it unto my personal study about salvation.
Thank you very much for your understanding.
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Isaiah 58:
1 John 5:13 states, "These things have I written unto you that believe on
the name of the Son of God, that ye may know that ye have eternal life."
Today, I know that I have eternal life and will spend eternity in heaven
because of my faith in Jesus Christ. Because I have "believed" that
Jesus is the Son of God who died for my sins, was buried, and rose again
on the third day in victory over hell and the grave, I KNOW that I am a
child of God, a joint-heir with Jesus Christ. My assurance comes from
knowing I have done the one thing the Word tells me is necessary to
receive salvation: I have believed. No experience - not behavior,
baptism, or tongues as you say, validates my salvation.
Eternally His, ----------------
Thanks for your comments, but "Salvation" is not "conversion" (if in fact you
are truly converted, which I doubt). You are not speaking like someone who is
converted, because Jesus does not say what you are saying.
"Salvation" is what Jesus will bring with him when he returns:
(1 Peter 1:5, 9) "Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto
salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.... Receiving the end of your faith, [even]
the salvation of [your] souls."
"Salvation" is what Paul said he did NOT have, but was drawing nearer to every day:
(Romans 13:11) "And that, knowing the time, that now [it is] high time to
awake out of sleep: for now [is] our salvation nearer than when we
believed."
"Salvation" is what Timothy was told that he must take heed toward, and must live
righteously to obtain in the end: (1 Timothy 4:16) "Take heed unto thyself,
and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself,
and them that hear thee."
"Salvation" is what Jesus said would only be given to those who endure unto the end to
receive: (Matthew 24:13) "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same
shall be saved."
David, "Salvation" is what you do NOT have, and WILL NOT have unless you repent,
receive the baptism of Jesus (the baptism of the Spirit INTO the body of Christ
(1Cor.12:13), and live faithful until the end. You will not "claim" anything, nor "believe"
your way into anything. You will hear the Word of God, and do it, and THEN you will
be saved in the end. And anyone who sincerely wants to obey the will of Jesus will
agree in light of the multitude of scriptures, a few of which were given above. Either
you agree, or you do not want to sincerely obey Jesus. You decide.
Best regards,
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Isaiah 58:
I just saw your website and I have a question about speaking in tongues. What is it
exactly? I hear some who seem to be mumbling or ranting and some just screaming. I
remember reading Acts 2:4 [I think] and I don't remember who were speaking in
tongues, but the result was that they could speak and other men of God from other
nations could understand. However, some think that speaking in tongues is a way of
having an exclusive conversation with God speaking in a "language" that no one else can
understand [usually random gibberish with many repeating patterns and fluctuations in
voice]. I think that the latter is a result from training. By that I mean that some people
hear this form of speaking in tongues and their particular church condones it so much
that they either consciously or subconsciously mimic others around them.
I do believe in
the speaking in tongues as is stated in Acts were it was used to bridge a gap in languages
as a tool to spread the word of God. I am interested in your view on speaking in
tongues and biblical passages to support your beliefs.
Sincerely, ----------------
The reason you are confused about speaking in tongues is because you are receiving your
"teaching" about it from men whom Jesus has not sent. It would take so much to undo
what you have already taken in, I could not begin to do so in an e-mail. However, I will
answer a few of your questions to give you something to think about:
1) Is tongues "gibberish"? The apostle Paul said it was: (1 Corinthians 14:22)
"For he that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God:
for no man understandeth [him]; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh
mysteries."
2) Was speaking in tongues a "tool" to spread the word of God? Not really. Speaking in
tongues when one receives the Spirit has never been used to spread the gospel. On the
other hand, "Tongues" are a "sign to unbelievers": (1 Corinthians 14:22)
"Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe
not:"
One must ask, a sign of what? What kind of sign is tongues? And to whom? It is a
sign to those without it... the "unbeliever", because nobody who truly believes will remain
in that condition (without it): (Mark 16:17) "And these signs shall follow them
that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new
tongues;"
Tongues is a sign that the "unbeliever" have been "left out". There are two types of
"unbelievers" - Those who do believe, and will continue to seek God with all their heart
to receive that which they don't have. And the other, are those who do not believe and
will find an excuse of some kind as to why they don't need it, trying to justify the fact
that they have not yet repented, for God gives the holy Ghost to ALL who obey him
(Acts 5:32).
But actually Nicholas, speaking in tongues is far more important that all of this. It is a
sign that one has entered into this new covenant of the Spirit. It is a sign that one has
received the Spirit, and has a rest in God: (Isaiah 28:11) "For with
stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This
[is] the rest [wherewith] ye may cause the weary to rest; and this [is] the refreshing: yet
they would not hear."
And today, many STILL will not hear: (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."
I hope that helps.
Gary Savelli
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Isaiah 58:
I am a fairly new Christian. In the religion that I came out of I believed
that there was God and Jesus. But my recent experience tells me that after
studying and praying asking God to reveal Himself to me I made an amazing
discovery. That God and Jesus are "ONE" in the same. The word Trinity is not
even in Scripture. But over and over again the word ONE, ONE. One GOD, One
Baptism, One Faith. My father and I are ONE.
God is a spirit. The spirit of GOD, manifest Himself in JESUS! I really
believe strongly that is only ONE Throne in heaven not two (as you say) or three (as
trinitarians teach). Just ONE.
Sincerely, ----------------
I'm glad you are studying. But if you believe there is only one throne, you will have a
very hard time with these verses:
Revelation 3:21
Acts 2:30
Luke 1:32
Matthew 25:31
Matthew 19:28
Revelation 5:13
Clearly, there are TWO thrones. Not one. Not three.
Best regards;
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Isaiah 58:
Where do you get that "Christians" who haven't spoken in tongues are not filled with
truth and the Holy Spirit . . . you are out of order with this statement, and may cause
some to fall away. Be careful of your info. Prove it TO ME!!!
Please email me and show me proof that this statement is true on your
behalf.
Thank you, ----------------
regards,
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Isaiah 58:
I have a question for you. I would like to know if there is a rule or tenet on biological
weapons. I am in the military and they are going to require us to take a vaccine, the
anthrax vaccination. I do not wish to take it and I was wondering if there was a religious
reason to go with me personnel belief. I would like for you to get back to me on
this.
Thank you for your time,
Boe Bowen
----------------
Follow the Spirit and you will be happy in God. There is nothing in the scriptures, and
besides, that's not what Jesus said would guide us into all truth anyway - it's the Spirit
we're following!
best regards,
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Isaiah 58:
Greetings friends, I am just wondering where in the bible do the
words "baptism of the holy ghost" appear and also the words "gift of
tongues". I would be thankful also to receive your free tape/tract
packet.
Thank you;
Randy McNally
----------------
I will mail your packet out in the next few days...
There is no place in the scriptures where it talks about a "gift of tongues". Speaking in
tongues is not a "gift" - it is THE gift, the promise of the Father and it occurs every time
someone receives the holy Ghost. It is, as Jesus said, "the sound of the Spirit". There is
a gift called "divers tongues" and it is an added measure of speaking in tongues, just as
there is a "gift of faith" - an added measure of faith for ministry to the body of Christ.
That is spoken of in 1Cor14, and so on...
As for the scriptures on the baptism of the Spirit, a few are below, but there are many
that describe it and you can look them up under "baptize", "baptism", or "baptized" in any
concordance:
SCRIPTURES ON THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST
Mark 1:8 - "I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the
Holy Ghost."
Luke 3:16 - "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:"
John 1:33 - "And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same
said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him,
the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost."
Best regards,
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Isaiah 58:
I left a little message with my sampler order but I'll go ahead and
chat again here. Though I was born again and was raised and active in
the Baptist church (I am 24 now), I have always been drawn to more
charismatic and pentecostal churches. A couple of years ago while in
college I was very touched by the sincerity and true longing towards
God of some of the parishioners of a local pentecostal church. I was
especially astonished when after laying hands on me, some of the
members received from God very personal details about me that no one
else could know.
Since college I have since taken up a job as a
restaurant manager. I have to work nearly every Sunday and greatly
miss the opportunity to run to this church or even one of another
Christian belief system. To make a long story short, I just miss God
and the closeness I experienced with Him as a teenager. While I have
never spoken in tongues or experienced any unique gifts, I always felt
God's hand guiding me and felt particularly impressed by God growing
up about the true reality of His presence. It always seemed easy for
many members of my church or in the Christian body as a whole to
forget just how real God was. Maybe that doesn't make since to you,
but to me it meant God was really there, giving me hope for the
future. With God I had leadership and security.
I have always wanted
to "speak in tongues" and experience the closeness that those sincere
Christians experienced at the Pentecostal church I visited while in
college. They experienced such amazing dreams and visions and works
of God in their life. I am willing to give myself to Him. I miss God
and His presence. Honestly, my freshman year in college I experienced
an intense dealing with or conviction (as we Baptists say) from God
about going into the ministry and surrendering myself to Him. I told
God I would serve Him then. However since that time I have honestly
wavered in my faith and have not been able to go to church regularly.
How do you speak in tongues? Who knows - maybe the reason that I
haven't been able to is because I'm such a controlling, hard-headed
person. I'm kind of an insecure person and I do not give up control
easily. And honestly even though I know God loves me, I'm not as
trusting as I should be. I would so like to be that intimate with God
though. Do you have an advice? I'll submit to God!!
Thanks for your time, ----------------
I'm sorry to take so long to get back to you on your very important questions above... my
family and I went to visit friends over the weekend, and just returned.
What you experienced at the Pentecostal place you visited was the words of the apostle
Paul:, "wherefore, tongues are for a sign... to unbelievers" (1Cor.14).
When you heard these people under the influence of the Spirit of God, something
about it attracted you. It was not their teaching, and it was not something that touched
your mind... it touched your heart. Why? Because it is a sign to those looking for the
right way to go in Christ Jesus.
How to receive it? That is a question that only God can answer for you. There are
things that you can do to prepare your heart ( see our article on this at:
http://www.isaiah58.com/q_oftheweek60.html ) , but God alone has the answer. For
certain you must repent - but even repentance is a work of God, because we don't know
what to repent of until it is shown us.
My cry to you is to never give up. Keep seeking. Keep praying. Keep asking God. He
has never failed anyone who has truly asked... and not fainted. If you don't give up -
God will not give up either. If you have any further or more specific questions I will be
happy to help if I can.
Best regards,
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Isaiah 58:
I am a born again Christian. I have accepted Christ in my life. I believe that Jesus
was born of the Virgin Mary and died on the cross, and on the third day he rose. He
is now at the right hand of the Father. I have never spoken in tongues before. Does
this mean I will not go to heaven? What did apostle Paul mean when he said , I would
rather you prophesy than speak in tongues? Thank you very much in advance and may
God bless you.
Oscar
----------------
Thank you for your questions regarding speaking in tongues.
First of all, I am very happy that you have a desire for Jesus, and the life that he wants
you to live. That is where our walk with him begins. Very few on earth have such
inclinations.
However, believing in Jesus, and what he did, is not "being born again". Nobody will be
saved in the end, without being converted. When we believe on Jesus, that is the "seed"
- the seed of the Word of God... attracting the human heart to him. But as in human
conception, the seed planted, must await "birth" which is a completely different
experience. If a mother dies prior to that seed coming forth, the child will die with it.
Jesus spoke of this heavenly experience - and that was "being born of the Spirit". One is
not born of the Spirit until one receives the Spirit. And as Jesus told the elder
Nicodemus in John 3:1-8, "you hear the SOUND of the Spirit EVERY time in comes in
to a person". Isaiah 28:11-12 speaks of a sign of the spiritual rest that would come on all
who believe, and Paul told the Corinthian believers, that nobody could "confess" Christ,
except by the holy Ghost (1Cor.12:1-3). When the holy Ghost comes in IT TESTIFIES.
It "speaks". It is not the voice of man, it is the voice of the Spirit - and it speaks in other
tongues when it comes in. Without it, we have no basis on which to claim the Spirit has
taken up it's above... but when the Spirit comes in, it testifies with our spirit that we are
the children of God. It "cries out" - abba Father. And that is what the true believer
wants more than anything else! For "the Spirit is give to all who obey him" (Acts 5:32).
It is by being baptized with the holy Ghost (with the evidence of tongues) that a person
is put into the church (please read 1Cor.12:13).
I hope that encourages you to seek it all the more - and not to settle for anything short
of that experience. For more on receiving the holy Ghost baptism you can read our
article at: http://www.isaiah58.com/q_oftheweek60.html
Best regards,
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Mr. Savelli:
I'm concerned by what you are saying. I believe I
have been saved since I was a young child. I asked Jesus to come into my life and
change me while I was very young. I believe that a few words don't get you salvation
though. I believe that it must be felt in the heart too. My desire is to live my life sold
out for Jesus. And I spend time getting to know him, praying to him, reading God's
word... I just want to be in his will. And I feel that he speaks to me by laying things on
my heart or just by showing me that he really is here with me. I have surrendered my
life and all my desires to him. Now, with this truly personal and intimate relationship I
have with my savior, are you telling me that I am not saved and I will not spend eternity
with Jesus because I have never spoken in tongues. I do not question my salvation. I
just question what you are saying. Although I support the belief of speaking in tongues
and desire to be touched that way, I refuse to push the issue because you cannot force
yourself to be touched by the Holy Spirit. As believers, we must be patient and
sensitive to the way it works. So can you still explain a little more?
Thanks! ----------------
Thank you for writing back regarding tongues and such...
Firstly, I am glad that you love Jesus, and that you are sincerely seeking Him. Keep
doing so - He will not disappoint you.
As far as me telling you that you are not "saved" because you have not spoken in
tongues; I am not telling you anything different than I tell everyone else. In order for
you to be "saved" you must, in Jesus' own words, "endure to the end". Those that endure
to the end shall be "saved" - because salvation is what Jesus brings with him when he
returns for those who have been faithful (1 Pet.1:5,9),
"Getting saved" is not something the apostles told people to do in the Bible. For
salvation is NOT conversion, as it is wrongly used today. Salvation is the reward for the
righteous. Conversion is receiving, or being born of the Spirit. That is when the Spirit
of God comes into the human body, and speaks in a language that comes from heaven,
or as Paul said in 1Cor.14, it is a "sign to unbelievers". A sign of what? A sign that
Jesus and the Father have come into the human body through the Spirit of God.
So Sarah, if you really love Jesus, you will love what I am telling you, and you will
receive the Spirit. And the reason you have NOT received it yet, is because your
repentance is not complete. To find out what you need to do, you will have to seek God
all the more. He will show you... and he loves you to much to let you get around it.
That is why we are talking. He loves you to much to let you believe anything but the
truth. When the human heart hears the truth, it "leaps" toward it... but it can be
confusing because of the false things we are taught about God from men who do not
know him. I can't help that - I can only confess the very good things God has shown me.
In hopes that another will hear it, and love it with their whole heart. I hope you are one
of them!
Hope that helps.
Gary Savelli
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Brother Savelli:
I have enjoyed your web page and the teachings on them. I noticed that you have
revelation knowledge concerning the HOLY GHOST baptism. GOD has revealed this
to you. However concerning your teachings on water baptism I would strongly
encourage that you take this back to the LORD in prayer. SPIRIT baptism is a
necessary part of the plan of salvation as also is the baptism of water. I can tell that you
are a man of the word so upon a closer study of baptism I am confident that you will
better understand baptism and its purpose. Notice that baptism was not JOHNS idea
but had existed in GODS plan LONG before John was ever born. JOHN simply began
baptism in a different manner making ready for the infilling of the SPIRIT.
Brother Richard
----------------
If it is possible to be saved (in the end) without something - we don't need it any more.
If it is possible to receive the holy Ghost WITHOUT water baptism - then God is telling
us something about a baptism - and that is, that God has finished with... it's no longer
necessary. For those in John's and Jesus' day, it was a "type" of the baptism to come.
If we are "baptized into the body" by water - then we need it. But we "are all baptized
into one body BY THE SPIRIT" (1Cor.12:13). So if a person can be made a member of
the church (which is what happens when one receives the Spirit), then "water" is
something "extra" which only men require - not God.
It was necessary in John's day... but as the other ceremonies of the law, God's "pattern"
is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, and HIS baptism. In other words, as John said, "I must
decrease, and he must increase". Notice that Jesus NEVER baptized anyone in water
(John 4:2) - he has a better one, and as Paul wisely said as the "master builder", NOW,
there is only ONE baptism (Eph.4:5).
I suggest YOU re-think YOUR position, because you are practicing two. And the Spirit
is NOT saying to do that today.
Hope that helps.
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Mr. Savelli:
I was very challenged by your message "Are you ready to meet God?" I was just
interested to know if you knew if there was a Church like this in South Australia.
Rachel, Australia
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I'm glad that the article blessed yo in some good way. Our desire is to being to God's
children a deeper love for the truth, and if that has happened in you, we are grateful.
You have asked a question, that is one people around the world ask the most frequently.
And that is, "where can I find a place to meet with other holy Ghost filled believers that
love the truth?" It's one that is the hardest for us to answer... because we know of so
few people that will repent and allow the Spirit of God to have liberty. When Jesus said
the way was "narrow" and "few be that find it", I don't think any of us understand HOW
narrow it is, and HOW few there are... especially in this hour. We know of probably less
that 200 around the world... It was BECAUSE Jesus knew this that he had to tell us that
"where 2 or 3 are gathered, he was there"... he knew there was coming a time when
God's children would be satisfied knowing that pleased him as much as hundred or
thousands gathering in a DISOBEDIENT way.
No, I know of no places in Australia that are preaching the truth. I will tell you where
NOT to look. Do not look in any of Christianity's denominations, even though many of
God's Spirit-baptized children are there. God is calling his children OUT of every
denomination, and the reason you cannot find a place is because so few are obeying the
Spirit.
Keep in touch with us - write a letter - send an e-mail. There are people we are meeting
all over the world, and God is putting the OBEDIENT children of his together... and
meeting every need.
I hope that helps.
Gary Savelli
Isaiah 58 Broadcast
Best regards,
Gary Savelli
Pastor Crawford
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Jeffrey
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Isaiah 58 Broadcast
Best regards,
Gary Savelli
Thanks for your input...
Gary Savelli
Isaiah 58 Broadcast & Tracts
Cathy Jourdan
Best regards,
Gary Savelli
Gary Savelli
Isaiah 58 Broadcast & Tracts
Gary Savelli
Isaiah 58 Broadcast and Tracts
Michael Cranford
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In Jesus name,
Gary Savelli
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Samuel
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Acts International Bibleschool
Jaime Gajadhar, Belgium
David Zimmerman
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Nicholas
Isaiah 58 Broadcast & Tracts
Claire
"To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also
overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne."
"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;"
"He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord
God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:"
"When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him,
then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:"
"And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed
me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also
shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."
"And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth,
and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor,
and glory, and power, [be] unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for
ever and ever."
Gary Savelli
Gina
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Gary Savelli
Matthew 3:11 - "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh
after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you
with the Holy Ghost, and [with] fire:"
Gary Savelli
Shawn Martin
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Sarah
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Blessings to you.
Gary Savelli