Personal Testimonies and
Viewers' Questions and Answers #3

I'm glad you are asking with a "humble heart" - keep your heart humble and God will help you!

Gary Savelli
Isaiah 58 Broadcast & Tracts

RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:

Gentlemen,

I enjoyed your pamphlets very much. I still don't know what I have to do to repent to receive the holy Spirit. I have tried everything I know to do. Please send me more information about how to repent to please God. I guess I have not done it right so far. Please send me what you can and I do appreciate it very much. I am sorry I am not able to send money right now but my finances do not allow me to help you.

thanks,
Donald Kuykendall

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Donald, I don't think THAT information [how you can repent] exists on earth in a pamphlet!! There is only one person who knows what YOU need to do to repent - and that is God. Repentance is a process that is different for every person... You MUST go to God and ask Him what he requires of you. Here is a link to an article on receiving the holy Ghost, but again, ultimately it is a matter between you and God. Here is the link: How to Receive the holy Ghost Baptism.

Blessings to you. Never give up.

Gary Savelli
Isaiah 58 Broadcast & Tracts

RECENT VIEWER'S COMMENTS:

I request that you enter my name in your regular mailing list. I will not mind the order you use in sending me these resources. I pray that God will abundantly bless you. Along with that you can also send me any book(s) of your choice. With thanks,

Moses Kibe Kihiko
Nairobi, Kenya

RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:

Hi Gary,

We were blessed by reading these testimonies, It must be wonderful to experience the coming together of true believers. We are still studying the materials which you sent to us. We pray that God will open up a similar meeting here in Scotland.

By the way I am curious to know if your ministry has ever considered going global outside the Internet. We could sure use an Isaiah 58 ministry in this spiritually barren land. How about it?

Bill and Irene Chalmers
Scotland

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Hi Bill and Irene...

I don't know what it is like to think those kind of thoughts (going "global"). We are so happy to love this truth, it is still perplexing to us how we can find so few that can hear it. By the way, we are nearly as barren here in the US as you are in Scotland! The total amount of believers we know worldwide who believe this truth is less than 100. So I guess "going global" would spread us pretty thin!!!

Seriously, I am assuming you are talking about having a way to distribute materials from a home base/location in Europe. You're elected (by God of course - we don't believe in voting!!). Let us know what you need... that's how I started - just a hungry person who loved this truth more than anything else on this earth (and beyond). At my own expense I started duplicating and distributing what I loved and somehow God took over. I don't really know HOW it happened, I just know that it happened!

I have never regretted a moment in forsaking my position in Christianity (I was a pastor in the Assembly of God), and leaving behind every other person and thing that would not come along with me. That is the only way to experience this fellowship in the Spirit.

Blessings, and let me know what you need.

Gary Savelli
Isaiah 58 Broadcast & Tracts

RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:

Dear friend,

Syaloom!! Let me introduce myself to all of you. My name is Freddy Siburian, I am Indonesian. I'm so glad to know your site and your e-mail. I'm also happy to read your offer to those who enters your site. There are many free things that you offer which can strengthen one's faith. And I only can say "how nice of you - and - Jesus Christ our Lord will bless you your family and your work".

I want to know how can I receive and own a Bible. I'm very interested in Bible, because there are eternal truths in it. Would you mind telling me? I thank you for your attention.

I am looking forward to receiving your reply soon.
yours sincerely,
Freddy Siburian.

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Dear Freddy:

I will mail you a sample set of our materials and a Bible. Keep rejoicing.

Best regards;
Gary Savelli

RECENT VIEWER'S COMMENTS:

Dear Isaiah 58:

I think your website is wonderful. I am new in Christ and have been able to find answers to any questions I had and much more! I have also been able to share it with my friends and I especially like the opportunity you have to e-mail any questions you have with confidence that they will come back answered. It is such a blessing to be able to use your website and learn so much from your teachings. I join your website almost every lunchtime to learn something new. It's truly wonderful to know that such resources are available.

Angela Coppen

RECENT VIEWER'S COMMENTS:

Dear Isaiah 58:

This is one of the few Pentecostal pages I've found and I praise God for you. You're going on my favorites list!

Chris Seitz

RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:

Dear beloved,

Through this e-mail, I introduce myself to you. I am Suhunan Siburian a servant of the Lord in a church which is called Gereja Pantekista Serikat Indonesia (GPSI). I've just one year appointed as a servant or leader in the church. So there are many struggles I must face in the church.

I need to tell you that the church had been built about 50 years ago, but years by years there's no growth in the church. It's caused by some causes which rised in the assembly. As a consequence there were many people who left the church. For all that, when I was appointed one year ago, I decided to give my whole time and life to serve Lord in this church, and I believe God will help me to bring the lost before him.

I trust his promises and his word which written in Matthew 28:19-20. I also need to tell you that the parish has no ability in supporting the work's of the lord. So as a full-timer servant my need is not fulfilled since I was appointed. So I encourage myself to ask you for supporting (sponsoring) us to serve our Lord Jesus Christ. I believe you will help us. If you don't mind please, list this request in spiritual magazine in your country because we are also planning to reconstruct the church, for it has been mouldy. We much thank you for your help and attention you have given. The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit...grace be with you, amen.

Pdt. Suhunan Siburian, STh.
Indonesia.

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Dear Friend:

Thank you for e-mailing me about your plight at GPSI. When the minister of God is not able to be supported by the work he feels he is sent to do by God, then it is because either he, or the people hearing him, are being disobedient. Perhaps the minister in the way he is living, and what he is teaching, and people the people in their giving. The man of God does not beg for financial help - that is the "Christian" way... not the "way of the Spirit".

After reading your case, I would say that God would rather you leave this "work of man" (you said you were appointed by men), and go out and get a real job. The Apostle Paul "worked with his own hands" (1Cor.9:14-18) so he could make the gospel free to those he tried to reach. There is nothing holy about being employed by a "church" - really it is not the "church" anyway - merely a building that men have built where the Spirit of God is not given liberty, lest they go bankrupt.

I would say God is trying to help you get out of the mess you are in. Be thankful and get a job so you can "study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you" (1Thes.4:11).

Hope that helps. It will if you want to obey God.

Blessings to you.
Gary Savelli
Isaiah 58 Broadcast & Tracts

RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:

Dear Mr. Gary Savelli:

I want to know my Savior, Jesus Christ. Please, pray for me. I need Jesus in my life and I don't want to follow this world. I have a thousand questions for you.

When I asked you about the man who received Jesus in a Crusade Conference (Billy Graham, for example) and suddenly dies after he received Jesus (there is no baptism in the Holy Spirit), your answers confuse me. How can he be without Christ just because he did not speak in tongues? What about a man beside Jesus when He was on the cross. Jesus received this man when this man because he believed Him, that He is God.

How do you know your doctrine is right? What if you are wrong?

Mangatur L P S

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Dear Mangatur:

I'm sorry you are confused about a man who "receives Jesus" without the baptism of the holy Ghost. I will try to help you. I must say, as Jesus said, "ye do err, not knowing the scriptures nor the power of God." The thief on the cross could not receive the holy Ghost baptism because the Spirit was not given yet. We read in (John 7:39) - "(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet [given]; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)"

For any person to receive the holy Ghost, Jesus had to first be glorified, and that did not happen until Jesus sat at the father's right hand and purchased the holy Ghost: (Acts 2:33) - "Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. "

That is why the disciples were not, and could not, be born again until the Day of Pentecost - that is when the Spirit was first made available to men. The thief on the cross did all that he could do in the covenant era he died under. He had faith, and believed on the Christ. But it is different for us now, in this covenant - since the Spirit is made available to all who truly believe.

God will have to reveal to a man or woman whether the doctrine we speak is from Him or not. No man can come to Jesus (the REAL Jesus) unless the father draw him. We do not try to "convince" men of our doctrine - and we do not try to "defend" ourselves to men. We don't fret over what men believe - "let God be true, and let every man be a liar" - that is what the Apostle Paul believed, and he did not care what any men believed. He cared about obeying God - and in fact Paul was forsaken by EVERY person he had ever led to Christ near the end of his life. (2 Timothy 1:15) - "This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me;" . If nobody believed Paul, we must be happy if just one will believe us!

In short - don't worry what men believe ... worry what God believes!

Best regards,
Gary Savelli

RECENT VIEWER'S COMMENTS:

Dear Isaiah 58:

I agree that Christianity has become religious in so many ways. Yet in spite of doctrines and religious activities the name Christian or Christianity only serves to define who we are in Jesus the Christ. Not necessarily a religion.

We must remember denominational or not, we all follow a doctrine of some kind hopefully derived from the word by the Spirit but I have never seen one yet that is 100% scripturally sound. You even follow what you believe is sound doctrine and I would I am sure agree with most of it if not all of it.

Be careful though, not to separate yourselves from your own brothers and sisters in Christ who could very well be offended by the attack on "Christianity" which should be in the sense of organized religion, not what it is supposed to stand for, which would be the body of Christ.

I am spirit filled and I don't believe that the baptism of the Holy Spirit saves you, but the way you worded your page on Christianity suggests strongly that you do. If you do not then maybe you should reword that page. I also think that to suggest a relationship rather than religion is wonderful, but Christianity is not supposed to be religion, but a word to describe the people who have a relationship with Christ.

Well anyway I just wanted to respond to your page I bless you and pray you would edify and lift up the body and not divide in your teachings, except where you would be revealing false doctrine or deceptions.

God bless you,
Carlos Faught

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RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:

Dear Isaiah 58:

I have a question. I was saved as a teenager, but as much as I wanted it, never received the Holy Spirit. What did I do wrong? Now, it seems like everyday, I find myself pulling further away from God, and slipping farther into the world. What do I do to get back what I once had, and what do I have to do to receive the Spirit? I wanted it for so long and it never happened. Thank you for your time and assistance.

Sincerely,
Dennis

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Dear Dennis:

Unfortunately, you are another fallen prey of the false doctrines taught by men whom Jesus has not sent. Many a sincere seeker of Jesus has been turned away from the truth, and then sent out into the world of religious confusion.

Firstly, as to you "getting saved" when you were a teenager . . . there is no such thing. "Salvation" is not "conversion". Salvation is what Jesus brings with him for the faithful 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."

When we confuse "salvation" with "conversion" - it goes downhill from there, and everything is thrown askew. We have a good article you should read on this, you can get it at this SALVATION LINK.

The other thing you need to know is that, as Paul said, "without the Spirit, we are none of his". If you have not been baptized with the Spirit, you have not yet been baptized into the body of Christ (1Cor.12:13). Your struggles prove it to you, and the best thing you can do now, is admit it. Yes, you have had wonderful experiences in Christ up to this point. But that is not conversion. Some of the things necessary to receive the baptism of the Spirit is obedience (Acts 5:32), and the other is complete "repentance" (Acts 2:38). So how do you receive? You seek God. He will show you what you need to do to obey and repent. And when your repentance is complete, you will receive the baptism. We also have a good link on this topic at: How to Receive the Baptism of the Spirit.

Hope these help and that you will continue to persevere in the truth.

Best regards,
Gary Savelli

RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:

Dear Sir,

I have just finished reading your message entitled "The Power of fellowship". While I agree with 99.9% of what you have stated in this message, and like you would like to take a stand against denominations and the harm they cause the non-believer as well as the harm it causes the "Spirit filled" follower of God, I cannot comprehend how this can be done as a body of believers, and not be denominational? Once we start as a body of believers we have in essence began a new "non-denomination", have we not?

I spoke of the confusion of the Spirit filled follower of God, I am one of those, raised a Catholic, married into Lutheranism, moved into Baptist, after the Baptist religion, I promised God not to be locked into doctrines of churches ever again. Then I found my current church, and once I heard the Truth, I don't know how I would ever be able to leave this denomination. I don't know that as close a Truth exists anywhere near my home that is not going to have a denominational credence of some kind. There in lies my dilemma, I LOVE my local Assembly and the truth WE stand for. I do believe some of our truths serve no one but self and man, if it does not stop or impede the Truth, what harm can come? I have neglected telling you MY denomination because as human we all pass judgement I did as well before I went here. It is the United Pentecostal Church. I know many see them as man made legalisms followed by us, but I do see them as God loving acts.

Still any insight on this manner might be appreciated. I do LOVE the LORD and want to serve HIM in any capacity he sees fit.

Your Friend in Christ,
Allen P.

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Dear Allen:

Thanks for your questions regarding denominations and such. As you know from your own life, God moves us from one truth to another. When we hear truth, God expects us to forsake ALL wrong ideas we have and hold now, in favor of those which are right. Just as God moved you from Catholic, to Lutheran, to Baptist, to UPC, etc., I believe he is waiting now for you to take the next step. If in fact God is calling you, I will simply be saying "amen" to what the Spirit is already saying to you, but you cannot quite articulate. With that, let me "re-state" what you have told me:

You said that you agree nearly completely with the truth that "denominations" are of man. Then why be part of one? Do we settle for less than the truth because we cannot find a group that is NOT obeying God completely? There is a better life in Christ Jesus outside of the "denominations" of Christianity. That is why the Spirit is saying "come out of her my people" (Rev.18:1-4). If we were to start another Christian "group" - yes, we would be starting just another "non-denomination". But we are saying that the only church there is, the only "body" we must be a part of, is the body of Jesus: the Spirit-filled children of God. Any division of that group of people is sin, and contradicts the prayers of Jesus that his people (those in whom his Spirit dwells) be one.

Secondly you said that you love your denomination even though you know there is error there. That is not the way of Christ Jesus. That is the way of death. I understand your love and concern for many of the people there, but God wants us to worship where there is NO error, NO division, and NO doctrines that are not inspired of the Spirit. But to find that you must come out of "Christianity" entirely. You said some of the carnal things done in your assembly were "God-loving" - but NO act is "God loving" if it is not entirely "pure", despite it's religious "appearance". It is "God hating" if it divides the body of Christ, or if it is worship done NOT entirely in Spirit, and in truth. If Jesus has not commanded it, it is not for those children who have the Spirit.

What must a person do? If a person will obey God completely, they will forsake all the ways of man, and that includes forsaking all the divisions and denominations everywhere in "Christianity". Why? Because "Christianity" is not the "church" - it is merely religious groups of people who are not obeying the holy Ghost entirely. Whether it is your United Pentecostal place, or my [where I used to attend] Assembly of God place, or any other place - if they are not obeying the Spirit completely, we will die if we stay there.

What SHOULD we do? We must devote ourselves entirely to those who are speaking the truth ONLY. And if one has been given the grace by God to do that - they will find themselves essentially alone - until God joins them together with others who want the same things. And THEN we can have the kind of fellowship the Spirit we have received is longing for. Pure and holy. I know we have been told that we should just "agree to disagree", but a complete unity IS possible [and required!], despite how we have been persuaded to believe otherwise by ministers whom Jesus has not sent.

I hope that encourages you to forsake every way that is not perfect entirely. Move up to the next step in Christ Jesus. That is the only way which will make us free and happy in the holy Ghost, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." (Romans 8:14)

Best regards,

Gary Savelli
Isaiah 58 Broadcast & Tracts

RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:

Greetings in Christ!!

I have a concern. I am a new apostolic and have recently received the Holy Spirit. However, when I was up at the altar receiving the Holy Ghost, the Spirit took over my tongue and it was shaking uncontrollably and I was making sounds. Then, 2 witnesses took me in the back room and prayed while I was shaking and making sounds and utterances but it was not exactly a language like I hear other apostolics verbalizing. Someone once told me that tongues can also be the language of angels. . . I don't know . . . but why don't I sound like others? (Actually at another church I heard a woman who was saying more syllables than a language and that's kind of where I'm at.)

God bless!
Sister Christine

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Dear Sister Christine:

Apparently, what has happened to you is what is spoken in the book of Isaiah (and re-quoted in 1Cor.14, by the apostle Paul): (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."

When people receive the holy Ghost, oftentimes it comes out as a "stammering lip" - syllables with no actual language. Given more time, and if you are allowed to grow in a place where the truth is, this stammering lip should develop as you have experiences in Christ Jesus into an actual language. I tell people to keep seeking until they are "satisfied". If you are not yet satisfied completely, don't deny it. Keep seeking God to fill you until YOU are satisfied. Some sincere people are persuaded by others to stop seeking deeper experiences, being told what they have at that point is enough. It is NEVER enough, and we never stop seeking more of the Spirit.

I would say your greatest "perils" lie ahead. Satan cannot stop people from receiving the holy Ghost - so instead he will delude them with doctrines that do not come from Jesus, and with burdens and traditions so the newly converted soul will not grow. My advice to you is to spend much time alone, in prayer, and in the scriptures. Spend very little time listening to those who have not been anointed to teach you . . . Or you will be led astray by well meaning, but religiously ignorant men.

I am very happy for your experiences... don't let the work of the Spirit be cut short in your heart - instead, "stir up the gift" that Jesus has let you taste. And listen carefully - you may hear him saying, "come out of her my people".

Best regards,
Gary Savelli

RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:

Dear friend,

I gave your tape and brochures much prayer study and I cannot submit myself to the teaching of MEN. Men such as John Calvin and his Calvinistic doctrines as you do, I'm sorry, the Holy Ghost that I received does NOT lead me to believe that Armenianism is an error. It IS God's expressed WILL that "all" meaning in modern English "All should come to repentance and faith in Jesus", not just those to whom our God should choose to give the "gift of speaking in tongues". God has and is still offering His open invitation found in Revelations 3, "behold, I [Jesus] stand at the door [of your heart] and KNOCK, if any man would let me in I will come in and sup with him and he with me" not the message of tarrying on the Holy Spirit until hopefully if you're lucky He'll baptize ya in it.

I and the Spirit of Truth that is within me REJECT ALL YOUR TEACHINGS. But we do agree that God is calling everyone OUT of the denominations, but to where, we know not, do you?

Where is your meeting house of worship? Your home?

Eric Martin

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Dear Eric:

Sorry to hear that you reject ALL our teachings. Regarding where we worship? Those who are being led by the Spirit know where to worship. I wonder if you really received the baptism of the holy Ghost at all, as you claimed in your last e-mail . . . it's either that you didn't, or the truth has already been stolen from your heart by the false teachings around you.

You need to sit still and be quiet. A one week old baby does not know his father.

best regards,
Gary Savelli

RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:

Dear Isaiah 58:

In the above-described article from your site Mr. Clark says, "God has a body.". How can a spirit have a body? We know that He is a spirit because we are to worship Him in spirit (John 4:24). Please explain.

Thanks very much for your answers.

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Dear Friends: Here are the notes from a Bible study about God's body. I will leave it to you to look up each of the scriptures:

God's Body Parts
head & hair - Dan. 7:9
eyes - Prov. 15:3; Dt. 11:12; Ps. 34:15
eyelids - Ps. 11:4
ears (hear) - Ps. 17:6; 34:15; 5:3
nose (smell) - Lev. 26:31; Amos 5:21; Phip. 4:18
nostrils - Ex. 15:8; Job 4:9; Ps. 18:8,15
mouth - Dt. 8:3
tongue - Isa. 30:27
lips - Job 11:5; 23:12; Isa. 30:27
breath - Ps.33:6
voice - Gen. 3:8; Dt. 4:12; Isa. 6:8; 30:30
face/countenance - Ex. 33:20; Ps. 13:1; Num. 6:26; Ps. 4:6
arm - Dt. 33:27; Isa. 51:5
hands - Gen. 49:24; Ex. 15:17; Isa. 5:12
finger - Ex. 8:19; 31:18; Lk. 11:20; Ps. 8:3
back - Ex. 33:23
feet - Ex. 24:10; 2Sam. 22:10; Isa. 60:13; Nah. 1:3
a general bodily form/"image" - Num. 12:8; Jas. 3:9; Rev. 4:3; Gen. 1:26-27 with 5:3
heart - Gen. 6:6; 8:1; Hos. 11:8
spirit - Gen. 1:2; 1Cor. 2:11
soul - Isa. 1:14; 42:1; Jer. 5:9, 29

Also, God rides, walks, sits, stands, feels, and thinks. Yes, we are made in His image! (NOTE: "Wings of the Almighty" are mentioned several times (Ruth 2:12; Ps. 17:8; 36:7; 57:1; 61:4; 63:7; 91:4), but that is a figure of speech. Wings are mentioned figuratively throughout the Bible (e.g. as belonging to Assyria in Isa. 8:8; Moab in Jer. 48:9; the risen Christ in Mal. 4:2) ).

RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:

Dear Isaiah 58:

How do you know what God considers a sin if it is not named in the bible? Such as smoking, dancing, masturbation, playing cards which some say is sin.

thanks,
Donald K.

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Hi Donald.

Whatever actions are not done in faith - these actions are sin. If the Spirit of God is not leading us to do it - to us is sin: (Romans 14:23) - "And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because [he eateth] not of faith: for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin.".

This is not so much of a test when the thing to be considered is dirty, selfish, or evil, such as sins you have named above - but it is a greater test when the thing we are considering looks religiously good. That is why we need help from God.

The Spirit of God is leading no person into ANY act that is not an act of worship in Spirit and in truth, whether that deed is good or evil. (Romans 8:14) - "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."

Bet regards,
Gary Savelli
Isaiah 58 Broadcast & Tracts

RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:

Dear friend,

I recently received the baptism of the holy Ghost. The brethren that I was with when this occurred all say that I must continue to "develop" this gift of speaking in tongues. How so? Do you understand their suggestion?

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Dear reader:

Yes I do. Their suggestion is based on the error that receiving the holy Ghost baptism (with the evidence of other tongues) is "A" gift ("A", meaning one among many). Because they do not believe that speaking in tongues is what happens every time a person receives the Spirit, they must teach that tongues is one of the "gifts" (something that not everyone will do), and therefore, you should somehow "develop" that gift.

The reason this has confused you is because the Spirit you just received is telling you they don't know what they are talking about. The Spirit is doing just what Jesus said it would: it is teaching you. The goal is to listen to the Spirit, and not to men who don't have the Spirit WITH the truth. The bottom line is, that if you really "develop" in the Spirit, the Spirit will get you out of that place!

Gary Savelli
Isaiah 58 Broadcast & Tracts

RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:

Dear Isaiah 58:

How do you baptize? In the Father, Son, and holy Ghost - or in Jesus' name?! Some religions believe in God as three . . . not as one and the bible clearly states - the Father, Son, and holy Ghost as one person and to baptize in Jesus name! What is your thoughts or beliefs on this? Please email me your response.

thanks
Mike

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Dear Mike: Obedient men don't baptize any one. They leave it to Jesus! Here is a link to some insights on Baptism: Baptism.

regards,
Gary Savelli