Dear Isaiah 58:
What you say in your article is quite scriptural but what I would like
to know from you is this: what is the scriptural manner of gathering that is
being followed today and where can one find this kind of group? It is my
understanding that there is no denominational name that is found in
Scripture anywhere. Why are we not simply to follow what is in the
Bible, and "be gathered unto the name of the Lord Jesus Christ?"
Roger L. Burtnik
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I am assuming you are referring to the scripture in Hebrews where it says "forsake not the assembling of your selves together", when you ask what kind of scriptural gathering is appropriate for today...
We must first ask, who is the "ourselves" that ARE to gather together? Clearly, it is the church that is to gather together. And the church are those, "in whom the spirit of God dwells". It is of no value to gather together with "just anyone". But we are instructed to gather together with those "of like mind and Spirit". So any meeting that welcomes as "born again" those who have never received the holy Ghost baptism (because that is how one is born into the church - 1Cor.12:13), is NOT what believers should do. A meeting that is "in Jesus' name" is one where the Spirit is given liberty, and where the holy Ghost is free to work. And that can be found NOWHERE in Christianity, and for that reason, every person who has the holy Ghost, must come out to where Jesus is.
To answer your question as to "what kind of gathering"... Jesus said where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst"... so ANY meeting where two or three (or more) who have the holy Ghost gather, and are free in the Spirit, that is a meeting of the church. And the "services" which Christianity have, are NOT of God, so we must forsake them.
Hope that helps... We have links to that subject on our page (go to the Question of the Week Archive http://www.isaiah58.com/qowarchive.html ).
God bless.
Gary Savelli Isaiah 58 Broadcast
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Hi,
I have a question for you. It is difficult as a Christian to think that my mother has a
terminal disease due to sin. I have seen many miracles in the past five years because of
this illness. God has helped her get through some very hard times and her faith is as
strong now as it was before she got ill. Actually I think she is stronger.
She is an inspiration to all who know her because of the faith that she has in spite of her
illness. God works miracles with all men no matter where they are. No matter what the
infirmity. I have seen it first hand.
I have a physical handicap and God uses me in whatever way he wills. I am a Christian
and it bothered me that you are teaching that God does not heal because of sin. And
that people are not healed because of some wrong they have committed in their life. Sin
is in the world, but God is above all things.
If you can prove to me that illness is in the world because of sin. And prove to me
through the scriptures, and that God will heal all men who ask, then I will take note and
pray about it. I have been a Christian for 22+ years and I believe that Jesus is the son
of God, He was crucified for my sins, and that He was raised from the dead and sits at
the right hand of My father in heaven.
Jesus chose not to heal one woman because he knew it was better for her to be infirmed
and Praise God than to heal her and she lose her soul. Remember that.
Please write back. I would be interested in your comments.
God Bless,
------------------------------------
Fosterx
Best regards,
Gary Savelli
Isaiah 58 Broadcast & Tracts
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Isaiah 58:
I live in San Francisco and would like to start attending services. I am looking for a
congregation nearby as I don't drive. Can you recommend any?
Praise Jesus
------------------------------------
John
I'm glad your "praising Jesus"!!
At this time John, we believe that the worst thing a person seeking God can do for their soul, is to "attend a service" at a Pentecostal "church building". While we are Pentecostal, God has made the situation to be such that if a person will REALLY seek God, and will really do the WILL of God, he will have to "come out" of such services. They are by and large, "in the flesh" and not places where one can sincerely worship Jesus in truth, and ultimately grow.
"Where 2 or 3 are gathered in the name of Jesus", and where those present have the liberty of the holy Ghost among them, AND living holy lives, that is more pleasing to Jesus than all the buildings Christianity has to offer, put together. And as Abraham was "called out alone" from his kindred, and sent to find a "city whose builder and maker is God", we believe Jesus is calling us to do the same thing in this hour. This is a bold statement - but there are NO churches in San Francisco that are doing the will of God, so I will not send you to any of them.
To make a long story short: you would do better right now to spend time alone with God, and ask God who HE wants you together with... and in time, he will join you together with those who have a heart for Him in spirit and in truth.
I live in Daly City, and if you need materials, or cassette teaching materials, I'd be happy to get them to you. Also, I teach an Old Testament history class at a local community center that would help you as much as anything, and you'd be welcome to join that class at the June session if you want.
Let us know what we can do to help.
Best regards,
Gary Savelli
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
I'm a playwright doing research on speaking in tongues. I'm looking for a videotape.
Can you help?
I grew up in a small Baptist church which split over the issue many years ago. I'm
treating the practice seriously and with respect in my play and will appreciate any
resources you may suggest.
I need a videotape to show the actress what speaking in tongues looks like so she can
get it right for a reading in New York City in a couple of weeks.
Thanks.
Mary Sue Price
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I understand what you are doing, but would like to point out two things: 1) it is one of the most filthy things on earth to "imitate" in any way, the power of God. Attempting to worship but NOT in spirit or truth carries with it, the death penalty. 2) I have videos, but I wouldn't "stoop that low". I would suggest that you not mock the power of God by having an actor try to imitate it. Perhaps you can incorporate the idea into your play without actually having someone do that... the best thing would be for you to get it yourself, then you wouldn't have to search out a video!!
Best regards,
Gary Savelli
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Hi,
I've been reading much of your tracts and really it is contrary to most
beliefs. I seek to know the truth and there is only one truth. You say
that we need to do things for our salvation -- that we are not saved by
grace?? Please explain this to me, and if you can, I would appreciate
hearing your testimony. I have a vision to see the Church as one, but then
I stumbled across your site and now I am totally confused...
So please make things clear for me, especially what you think is Gods word
on salvation...
Thanks,
------------------------------------
Simon
Now, in regards to "salvation" and grace. Paul said these words: "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men TEACHING US THAT...." (Titus 2:11...) Saved by "grace" as Christianity is teaching, is that NOTHING is required in order to obtain salvation. In measure this is true: "nothing" is required to obtain the salvation that Christianity is offering. But the salvation of Christianity is worthless to the saving of the soul in the end. It is NOT the salvation that Paul was talking about in Titus 2 above, where he said that the grace of God that brings GOD'S salvation TEACHES us something. What does it teach us? It teaches us that we live in perfect holiness to obtain it! Read the scriptures in Titus 2, and ask yourself, "what was Paul saying was required of those who had obtained the grace of God?" This is something that you will not hear taught in Christianity, because those who have never received the baptism of the holy Ghost, and those who have received it but will not be led by it, know that it is impossible to "walk as Jesus walked", i.e., in perfect holiness. So they must offer men another.
We have very good links to this subject, and quite a few. And rather than talk in an e-mail to a limited measure, I suggest you pull up, print out, and study diligently these articles, which I know will help you, if you are willing for help. Here they are, and if I can be of any further assistance, please let me know:
http://www.isaiah58.com/whatissalvation.html (What is Salvation?)
http://www.isaiah58.com/q_oftheweek7.html (What is wrong with "getting
saved"?)
http://www.isaiah58.com/q_oftheweek9.html (Why will works save us?)
http://www.isaiah58.com/q_oftheweek13.html (Why Must a person be a "jew" to be
saved?)
http://www.isaiah58.com/clark09_25_97.html (Not All in the Church Will be
Saved)
http://www.isaiah58.com/q_oftheweek39.html (What is Salvation Insanity?)
Hope these help, and keep in touch.
Gary Savelli
Isaiah58 Broadcast
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Isaiah 58:
I have prayed many time for the Lord to come into my life and to baptize me with the
Holy Ghost, but to this day that has not happened... What am I doing wrong? I thought
it was a gift and all I had to do was ask.... I just don't under stand why it will not
happen.
I have 3 sons that just asked the Lord into their hearts but the Holy Ghost must come
into them also. I feel I must be filled so I can help them to also receive.
I would like for you to pray to help me with the Holy Ghost into my heart life. I try to
live for God but I feel I am missing something or have a hole that he needs to fill.
Thank you for your help
------------------------------------
Rory Walker
A part of the problem is probably the influence and teachings of Christian ministers in your life, who have given you many wrong ideas about Jesus, and about the precious holy Ghost baptism...
First of all, the baptism of the holy Ghost is not "a" gift... it is "THE" gift, the promise of the father. Secondly, Jesus, nor any of the apostles of God ever said, "all you have to do is ask" - those are the words of ungodly ministers whom Jesus has not sent to say what they are saying and to do what they are doing.
In order for one to receive the baptism, one must REPENT. Repentance is not "saying I'm sorry" - repentance is doing right, and making right, with God first, and with man as much as is possible. The reason you have not received is exactly what you are feeling in your heart, which you just confessed: "what am I doing wrong"? When you find that out, you will receive, and you will not escape receiving!!
Rory, asking the Lord into our heart is nothing. It means nothing. It is a mere "Christian tradition", with no value except deception. Jesus is not in anyone's heart. The father and son "make their abode" in the hearts of those who have received the Spirit of God, so do not encourage your children to "ask Jesus into their hearts", unless they are asking for the holy Ghost! Encourage them to live right, and to seek God. Encourage them to pray. Encourage them to seek the baptism of the holy Ghost. Lead them, by your example.
As far as praying for you - I am praying for you as I type this, and I know readers will pray as they read it. Lastly, you are so right to think you are missing something, and you are blessed by God to even have such desires which most the world never has. The way to fill that "hole" is to seek God with your whole heart, and to be honest with Him always, as you are doing right now. Don't claim to have something you do not, as most tell sincere seekers to do. Keep seeking until you obtain it! And most of all, never give up. A baby has to wait 9 months to come from the womb. And they never give up if they want to live!
God bless you.
Gary Savelli
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
I agree with almost what you say except the fact that you are not born
again unless you speak in tongues. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is a separate
experience from salvation> Please visit my site at:
http://members.tripod.com/~melvyn19/index.html
I also realize that some of your articles are very condemning to certain
denominations. I am a charismatic and I guess you are too. Remember this:
"And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for
us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour." (Eph 5:2)
------------------------------------
I looked at your website. No, you are not walking in "love" (the love of God), because you do not love the Spirit that He sent... you love "Christianity" and "getting saved" (falsely called) more than you love what Jesus does for a person.
There is no such thing as "receiving your salvation" now, and then the baptism of the holy Ghost later. "Salvation" is not "conversion". Salvation is what Jesus will bring for the faithful (1Peter 1:5,9). Salvation is our future hope (Rom.8:25-29). We first "believe", and then, a person will receive the baptism of the holy Ghost (Eph.1:13).
There is no person on this earth who is "saved", or has the hope of being saved, until they have first been converted to Christ. And when one is converted to Christ, that is the same thing as "receiving the Spirit" - for "by one Spirit we are baptized into the body of Christ" (1Cor.12;13); and "without the Spirit we are none of him [God's]" (Rom.8:9). And if a person has not received the baptism that Jesus died to provide, they are none of his. When this baptism comes, you hear the "sound of the Spirit (John 3:1-8) EVERY time someone receives it (that is, speaking with other tongues).
It is not "love" to tolerate the denominations of Christianity which lie to the precious children of God. It is actually "hate" to love those things which God hates; so do not be deceived by the silly notion that God loves everyone. He loved Jacob - but he hated Esau (Rom.9:13) - both children of Jacob. Those children whom God loves are those that are "led by the Spirit" ONLY (Rom.8:14).
Your comments lead me to believe that you are attending a place for services where the minister has hidden sin, or is not even Spirit-baptized at all. When it comes to light, perhaps you will remember what I have told you.
Hope that helps.
Gary Savelli, Isaiah 58 Broadcast
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Hi,
I read one of your tracts, the one on speaking in other tongues. And it
really made me want what one receives after the baptism in the Holy
Ghost. I have sought this for a while but am not sure if I have received
it. Sometimes I speak something which I am not sure if it is in tongues
or if it is just me--I tend to repeat the same thing though.
But I want to be filled with Gods Spirit and just ask that you will pray
for me too.
I think you are doing a great job over the net. But I have a question,
by providing all this free stuff, how are you financially supported ?
Thanks for your time,
------------------------------------
Simon
We are financially supported by those who believe in what we are doing. Those who "believe" don't have to be begged for money, because they give to what is right and true. So we refuse to follow the lead of those in Christianity who do what they do for "money's sake". Our materials will remain free as long as the faithful will obey God, and as has been the case and always will be, God's work has never lacked a penny!
I am very glad that you have been "inspired" to desire the baptism of the holy Ghost. I might add that the prophet Isaiah talked about tongues this way (Isa.28:11-12): "...with stammering lips and other tongues will I speak to this people". Many people when they first receive the holy Ghost do "stammer" or say the same thing over and over - at first. But in time, this will, or should develop into an actual "language". I never tell anyone they have received the holy Ghost, because I am not the baptizer or judge of such matters, especially someone I have never met. But usually, when one is not absolutely sure, they have either been "touched" by God, but NOT baptized yet (which is a great start!); or - they have received it, but have since been confused by the traditions and teachings of Christian ministers whom Jesus has not sent; or - they have received "Christianity's" version of the baptism, which is altogether unclean, because it only leaves the "impression" that one has received it, even though that person has not fully repented yet. This last case I see as the most dangerous, because the person is told they "have it", and it runs the risk of cutting short the work of God in that person's heart... and it is happening all over the world in Christian congregations everywhere.
So if you are not "sure", my best advice is to keep asking God to give you the baptism and leave no doubts - that is the way to be happy in Christ Jesus... and don't wait another day! It's too good to live without, and one cannot begin to live and be at peace in God until it happens!
God bless and have a good day.
Gary Savelli
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Hello.
I have thoroughly enjoyed what I have read so far on your web sight...I
would like to know how you feel about a dress or holiness standard...should those who
claim to know God and be filled with the HOLY Ghost dress "any ole way"... especially a
way that would promote lust in another person...after all we are supposed to be living
epistles... I would like to know how you feel the Word of God deals with this issue.
David
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Issues such as how to dress are the issues that "Christians" squabble over, but not the holy Ghost filled, and led, children of God. We do not wage war "carnally" - that mean's we do not need to impose carnal standards of holiness (how long/short a dress is, how to wear your hair, or jewelry, etc.), or even need to argue about such things. The obedient "prefer one another", and therefore, love one another enough in the Spirit not to offend God first, and each other secondly. Those that are being led by the holy Ghost that baptized them into the body of Christ have the Spirit teaching them in their hearts as to what is right in these matters; and thankfully therefore, we do not often have to deal with them. And when they must, there are elders in this faith to go to; but NOT the elders in Christianity.
So I realize that these issues have to be dealt with in various Christian denominations - but not where the Spirit of God is in control. In fact the reason that these things must be dealt with in Christian places, is because the Spirit of God is NOT in control; and that is why the holy Ghost is calling the children of God OUT of Christianity --- it forever is seeking to do the will of God through it's doctrines, ceremonies, traditions, and every other carnal way of man - but not through the Spirit of God. And with such we have no part.
Our dress is "the robes of righteousness", and we would not soil them by inappropriately offending others through what we wear. Conversely, we do not offend God by imposing a standard on others that He has not imposed. I hope that helps.
Best regards,
Gary Savelli Isaiah 58 Broadcast & Tracts
RECENT VIEWER'S QUESTION:
Dear Gary:
This is Josh ... from "The Word of God" website. Wow. We have not corresponded for
a LONG time! Please forgive me for that! I am going to be leading a study with local
area youth on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit ... I am going to be using your material
along with many others ... I guess that I am going to need some guidance. These are
Teenagers, and they pretty much know NOTHING about Spiritual Baptism ... partly
because they had never been taught and partly because they were "scared away" (driven
away) from it by conservative pastors. Anyhow, where should I start? How long
should the study last? When will I know that they are ready to receive the baptism?
Would I, as a young person, be qualified to lay hands on them when praying for the
baptism? Please give me some guidance ... personally receiving the Baptism was easy ...
but teaching.... well ...
------------------------------------
Good to hear from you again... it has been a while.
Firstly, I would ask what YOU believe about the baptism of the holy Ghost. Do you believe it is merely a "gift", or "something extra"? Or do you believe it is the "new birth" (when someone is actually born again)?
If a person teaches ANY doctrine which Jesus has not sent him to teach, he will do more harm than good. In other words, are the pastors that are teaching your young people that the baptism of the Spirit is not for today doing them good or harm? So my first inclination would be to tell you NOT to teach, unless Jesus has given you something true to teach. Those who teach "are worthy of great condemnation" (James 3:1).
You said you will be using our materials "along with others". What other teaching materials will you be using? Those who are lying to God's people about the baptism of the Spirit, or those who are telling the truth. If you slop together a bunch of material and you have not been sent to do so - you will be heaping condemnation on your own soul for every person you mislead or confuse.
So that brings us back to this question (which is all the same): "what is the baptism of the holy Ghost to YOU?" or - "When were the disciples born again"? - or - "does every person who receives the Spirit of God speak in tongues"? - or - "has a person who has not spoken in tongues been born of the Spirit and baptized into the body of Christ yet?"
You must have JESUS's answers --- or don't teach.
Let me know what you think.
Gary Savelli
JOSH'S RESPONSE:
Dear Gary:
Well, let me tell you what I believe about Spirit Baptism:
1.) You must receive the Baptism to be Born Again
Blessings: ------------------------------------
2.) The Baptism is not an option ... it is essential.
3.) In the evidence of Speaking in Tongues through Baptism
4.) The empowerment of the Holy Spirit through the Baptism
I talked with a Pastor this weekend (at a retreat) ... he is my Spiritual mentor and I
trust him greatly. I have listened to you tapes over and over and when I listened to
Pastor Frank (my mentor) it sounded almost as though I was listening to the tapes again.
He answered my questions just as you tapes have and he even used identical scripture. I
know that Christ is truly calling me to lead this study because I know that Spirit Baptism
is ESSENTIAL to the Christian walk ... and I *must* relay that message to the teens in
my area. If I don't ... no one will. So, would you be willing to guide me?
Josh Reichard
I will help, gladly.
You must begin with the New Birth, for that is "the kingdom of God".
If I were teaching about the holy Ghost baptism, I would extract the scriptures from several of our tracts, and teach on them. The tracts that I believe are essential are:
1. The New Birth (http://www.isaiah58.com/newbirth.html)
2. Ye Must Be Born Again (http://www.isaiah58.com/yemustbe.html)
3. Have Ye Received the Holy Ghost Since Ye Beleived?
(http://www.isaiah58.com/haveyereceived.html)
4. The Blood of Christ (http://www.isaiah58.com/bloodofchrist.html)
5. Keys of the Kingdom (http://www.isaiah58.com/keysofthekingdom.html)
6. The Church (http://www.isaiah58.com/thechurch.html)
If you can, by the power of God, get people to understand these foundational issues regarding the baptism of the Spirit, what it is, the "how to receive it part" will come upon the hungry. You cannot give the holy Ghost baptism to anyone (although God will allow you a part in praying and laying hands on others to receive it). But if you can help open a person's heart to that truth, and the need for it ("how shall they hear except someone be sent?"), then you will have done your part.
Also, I would bring the tapes and tracts to your mentor Frank (or whoever is in authority over your teaching classes), and ask their opinion. While you may THINK Frank is in agreement, or whoever; when the truth is clearly presented to any of Christianity's ministers, they will reject it - or else they would come out of "Christianity" itself - which by and large believes the holy Ghost is something other than what it truly is. That is the unifying fact that brings all of Christianity's denominations together: they believe it is possible to be saved in the end WITHOUT the holy Ghost baptism; OR - the flip side - that something ELSE is ALSO required in order to be saved in the end (such as water baptism in "Jesus' name", or their traditions or ceremonies). When you present the truth in the tapes or tracts to your "mentor" you will truly see if he is your mentor or not.
Hope that helps, and if you need supplies, just let me know. They are free for the asking.
Gary Savelli
Isaiah 58 Broadcast