February 22, 2003

Hey, Pastor John!

Got a question. A friend was reading in 1st Corinthians 1:18 and asked me about the verse: For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

She said since that is past tense, it seems we are saved already, and she doesn't understand it. What do I say to help him with this question?

Thanks!

Terry

Hi Terry!

Past tense? Not unless the rules of English grammar have changed dramatically since I was in school. "Are saved" is a present tense verb, just as is the verb "perish" in that verse.

Paul is referring to those who are not right now ready to meet God as opposed to those who are. Those who consider the gospel to be foolishness are "those who perish" , and those who have the power of God in their lives are those who "are saved."

First, those who are perishing can repent, be washed from their sins by the power of the holy Ghost. They have not yet perished (it is not past tense yet) because they are still on earth. Similarly, those who "are saved" are still on earth. They can turn from the faith and lose their souls (Heb. 10:38-39).

Second, those two verbs should more correctly be translated as "are perishing" and "are being saved". For example, in one of the finest modern translations of the Bible, the English Standard Version, the verse reads, "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God." This is also how the New Revised Standard Version translates it. That version of the Bible is used by Christian scholars on earth. I would venture to say that every translation worth its salt translates 1Cor 1:18 that same way. The Greek leaves us no choice. It isn't my idea. It is Paul's.

Third, notice that it is the power of God that saves (1Pet. 1:3-5), and Jesus told his disciples that "Ye shall receive power after the holy Ghost is come upon you" (Acts 1:8). Those who are ready to meet Jesus, those who "are saved" from sin right now, are those who have the power of God in their lives.

You have been saved all day long today, Terry, by the power of God you have received. Saved from sin, from wrong ideas about God promoted by ministers in Christianity, saved from self-will, and saved from everything else that is not godly. You are saved right now from sin because the power of God is keeping you from sinning or being deceived into sin again. (I assume that you are still happy in Jesus.)

I have no problem with anyone whom God is saving from sin telling me that they are being saved from sin now. That is a good thing. But no one is being saved from sin without God's power living in their souls, the power that only comes from the holy Ghost. That would be impossible.

This is Paul's meaning in 1Corinthians 1:18. For those who are perishing, the gospel seems foolish. For those who are being saved, they have nothing to thank for being saved but God's power in them.

If this is not a clear explanation of 1Cor. 1:18, let me know.

Pastor John

February 21, 2003

is there a difference between having the holy ghost in your life and being baptized in the holy ghost? is the holy ghost the spirit of god? if it is, there were people in the old testament that were filled with the spirit of God even before Pentecost. please answer this for me. God Bless

Karen

Dear Karen.

Thank you for writing concerning your questions on the holy Ghost. Your questions are in italics below, and my answers below:

is there a difference between having the holy ghost in your life and being baptized in the holy ghost?

People have the Spirit of God deal with them (through conviction for sin, a drawing to Jesus, etc.) prior to being baptized with the holy Ghost. But the holy Ghost is not actually "in" us until we are baptized with it. Receiving the holy Ghost, and being baptized with the holy Ghost, are the same event. Being baptized with the Spirit is how Jesus puts us into His body(1 Cor.12:13).

I am being very careful with my words, because the religion of "Christianity" is falsely teaching people that they can somehow receive the holy Ghost prior to being baptized with it - and that is NEVER the case. EVERY time a person receives the holy Ghost, they are baptized with it (which comes with the initial evidence of stammering lips or speaking in tongues.). And likewise, if we have not received the baptism of the Spirit (which is the same as receiving the Spirit), we are not in Christ yet: "...Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." (Rom 8:9) The good news is, that the holy Ghost baptism is available to those who believe!

is the holy ghost the spirit of god?

Yes. The holy Ghost and the Spirit of God are just different titles for the same thing. They are used interchangably in the scriptures, and we have an article on that at: http://www.isaiah58.com/tracts/spiritofchrist.html

if it is, there were people in the old testament that were filled with the spirit of God even before Pentecost.

In the old testament, people had the Spirit of God come on them on many occasions (David, Saul, Samson, etc.) However, the Spirit did not remain on them, and that is the wonder of the promise we have: Hebrews 8:10-12 For this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more." and again: Acts 2:38-39 "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call."

In the old testament the holy Spirit would come upon a person for a specific purpose for a specific and limited time. But in the new covenant, the Spirit of God would indwell everyone who repents and has faith in Christ Jesus, AND, will raise us from the dead! Romans 8:11 "But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you."

I hope that answers your questions Karen, and if not, please let me know.

Best regards,

Gary Savelli

February 19, 2003

Hi Gary,

I was wondering...the scripture in John 6:53-57 says... Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. 56He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.

Jesus made a distinction between that which is eaten...and that which is drank...as also he did at the last supper. I noticed on the tract concerning the "True Communion" you explain that the blood is the spirit, but it seems that the flesh(which must be eaten as well) is kinda thrown into this same spirit category and no distinction is made...Do you feel there is a distinction and if so what would be the flesh?

There does seem to be a reference to the "fellowship in the saint's testimony"...but do you think this is all that Jesus meant when he made these statements concerning the eating of the flesh?

Ben

Hello Ben...

The bread we break (said Paul) is the communion of the holy Ghost among believers (1 Cor. 10:17, 11:2-27, etc.)

I see a tendency that you must be cautious with. It is wise for God's children to NOT get very deep and metaphorical with the truth. It will eventually breed some sort of "wackiness". And before long, simple living gets "spiritualized" and holy, common, and decent living is forgotten. I have seen this with doctrines such as "Jesus has already come", "Third day theology", "Spiritual numerology", etc.

God wants His children to be normal and happy. This life is simple. God's truths are simple. So we can keep it simple and be satisfied!

Best regards,

Gary Savelli

Hi John:

I sent this message to Gary...he seemed reluctant to respond. Maybe you can offer your insight.

Thanks,

Ben

Ben:

You are right that there is a distinction made by Jesus concerning spiritual food and drink. Brother Gary understands that, even though he did not spend much time on it in his email. The assembly of the saints is the "one bread" (1Cor. 10) of Christ, being the body of Christ, and the holy Ghost is the blood, or the new wine, of this New Covenant. The fellowship that we have together with Christ is the breaking of that bread. We "eat" or partake of each other when we receive the testimonies that are passed out in our gatherings. As you know, in many places, the people's testimonies are polluted with Christian clichés; their testimonies are poisoned bread. The assembly of the saints shouldn't eat everything that it is offered. But the testimonies that are from pure hearts and are the result of the work of God are edifying and "delicious". As the prophet said, "Taste and see that the Lord is good."

As for becoming a little weird when we try to be too spiritual, I agree completely with Gary. I cannot tell you how many times I have seen children of God make shipwreck of their faith trying to get "deep". I have heard from several sources recently concerning this "Third Day Church" thing. Apparently, it is becoming popular, but I am telling you now that is worthless. It is just another catch-phrase that means nothing to the people of God, adds nothing to the body of Christ, and will shortly drift away into oblivion as have many other such cute things the God's people have grasped after.

Whatever power or truth the saints can have, it can have it without claiming that it is a "third day church". Leave off all such romantic blather. Neither you nor anyone else needs it or can even use it to guide or bless God's people because it is not of God.

Thanks for the email, and God bless you and yours.

Pastor John

February 19, 2003

Lets say you are right by saying when you are baptized in the Holy Ghost and you speak in tongues, that this is the spiritual birth of Jn.3 You stated there must be a conception before birth. I believe LIFE begins at conception, Acts chapter 8... Samaritans recieved the word of God and were baptized in water. This clearly shows conception as LIFE.

Then Acts 19 the apostle Paul asks "Have you recieved the Holy Ghost since you believed" ? He baptized them in the Name of the Lord Jesus. Then He laid his hands on them the Holy Ghost came on them.

For you to say there is no life before birth is to say a baby in the womb is not human, they may be in the womb but they are alive and I pray you will stop aborting them, your message is a stumbling block to babies in the Lord.

We should focus on Praise and Worship of Jesus Christ. and we shall recieve the Baptism of the Holy Ghost .I don't sell the Holy Ghost like a toy in a happy meal , I preach have you recieved the Holy Ghost since you Believed ,.

Preacher Plumb the Line,

Marvin

Dear Marvin.

First you say, "let's say you are right, and that the baptism of the holy Ghost is the new birth" .... then you say, "your message is a stumbling block to babies in the Lord". If the holy Ghost baptism is the new birth, as you have first stated, then those without Spirit baptism are NOT "babies in the LORD" yet. They may be in the "womb" growing (if they are hungering for the righteousness of God), and waiting to be delivered....but even in the natural, neither the mother or father claims they have a "baby" born, until it comes out and breathes, and LIVES. Marvin, let's be honest and reasonable.

People without the Spirit of God should rightly be encouraged to seek the new birth (that is, the baptism of the Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues). But we we are not the ones aborting these people Marvin. The abortionists are Christian ministers who tell those seeking God that they are already babies "in the Lord" without spirit baptism (for Spirit baptism is how one gets INTO Christ - read 1 Cor.12:13, and Gal. 3:27). How can one be "IN CHRIST" when the only way to get into Christ is to be baptized into the body of Christ by Jesus?

The difficult question you will have to answer with your present doctrine Marvin, is, what happens to one of your "babies" if they die prior to Spirit baptism?

If the answer is that they will be saved (without Spirit baptism), then you are saying that a person can be saved in the end without ever being born again! And if your answer is that they will be lost, then you are not telling them the truth about their spiritual condition (if you are telling them that they are already "babies" in the Lord). Seems to me that you cannot win either way --- why not just repent of your hopeless position and go with truth? We will love you Marvin, and you needn't be afraid of being wrong. In fact, learning more about God, and changing to the "better way" once you hear it is a righteous way to live (and we have many godly examples of men doing so in the bible, such as Paul, Appollos, Peter, and others.)

best regards,

Gary Savelli

February 10, 2003

Bro . Savelli, I did read the article and see where you're coming from. Two things, would you expound on 1 Cor 11:24-34. I was raised in A of G & was taught such fear that I was afraid I would take the elements unworthily & sleep early. Also, Mt. 26:29.

The Lord Bless you, Bill &Barbara

Dear Bill and Barbara:

Coming from an Assembly of God background myself (I was an A/G minister back in the early 1990's) I understand your question, because for years I was taught (and taught others) wrongly about these verses.

It is important to understand that in this time in history, Jesus requires that those who love him worship "in Spirit and in truth". That means that we worship now in Spirit and in truth ONLY and not with any "elements" that were shadows or types of the worship God truly requires of us. For instance, under the old covenant, one's worship would take "elemental" forms (that is, with earthly things). An example would be physical "circumcision", or "animal sacrifices" or the "Levitical priesthood". These elements were "shadow types" of things that represented in some way the nature or work of Jesus. They were good and holy things in their proper time. But because Jesus has come, these ceremonial "types" are no longer required, and are now "dead" works (works that God has finished with), because they are not effective in any way for the washing away of sin now.

However, the "elements" you are speaking of (that is, of Christian "communion") are not even THAT. They are NOTHING, because Jesus did not ordain any of them. Passing around bread or crackers, or drinking wine or grape juice was NEVER ordained by God. By it's nature (being something earthly) it divides. Crackers or bread? Grape juice or wine? Every Sunday or once a month? Jesus said do "this" in remembrance of me - so we must consider what was the "this" that Jesus was doing? Was he saying, "I want you to pass out bread and juice to others till I come?" Of course not! He was providing an example of an "attitude" which Jesus had, and that he wanted his disciples to have till he came back - one of unity, fellowship, and servanthood. "That they would be one as the Father and I are one".

What Jesus did for us Bill and Barbara was to die on a cross, to be raised for the dead, and to present his blood to the Father, in heaven, for us. And the promise for doing so was that God would send back the holy Ghost to dwell in the bodies of those who repent, so that they could truly worship God "in Spirit and in truth". When we receive the baptism of the holy Ghost (with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues) THAT is the work of being put into the body or Christ(1Cor.12:13). That is being "born again".

The "communion" we have now is one in Spirit. Where we have the same love, and speak the same things. The "blood" that we share is the holy Ghost. Eating the "body" and "blood" of Jesus is to receive Him, that is Jesus - and the ONLY way to do that is to receive what he sent back, the holy Ghost. And that is why the Spirit of God is calling every child of God, who has the holy Ghost, to "come out of her my people" - that is, "Christianity". We cannot speak the same things, or know the same love while we are in there. Christianity PREVENTS us from having true communion. It is, by it's divided nature, sin. And to partake of sin, is to "drink and eat unworthily". And you are right for feeling that to do so is wrong. That is what Jesus is telling you, if you are thirsty for the right ways of God - "come out of her my people". Don't drink of the blood (the holy Ghost) in an unworthy manner.

There IS a place Bill and Barbara, where God's children are one. Where there is one doctrine, one hope, one Lord, one baptism, one faith, etc. And I pray that the sweet Spirit of God is calling you to it.

I hope I have helped answer your question.

Best regards,

Gary Savelli

www.isaiah58.com

February 5, 2003

Hi, how are you my dear friend in Christ Jesus, the other day I met a group of Evangelical, and they were using the "get save doctrine" and I told them they were not saved, they need to be born again, receive the Baptism of the Holy Ghost, and salvation is something a person receive at the end. I gave that tract on salvation so they can read it. I think they were afraid of the truth that God reveals to you, and also the fact that you challenge them to read the Bible with an open mind. How come some of these people are not getting this, maybe they can't handle the truth. God bless you at Isaiah58.com, I love all of you.

Hello friends.

Thanks for your note, and I'm glad the truths you have read have helped you to understand more about Jesus' ways concerning salvation (at the end), and the new birth (the baptism of the holy Ghost). One truth that has helped me keep a right persepective on things is this:

Matthew 13:11 "He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given."

I often marvel in the fact that Jesus has let me understand anything! The difference between me and another, is what Jesus has done. If someone cannot understand the truth, it is because it has not been given to them yet. That helps me to have a good attitude towards those who do not yet know or understand what I do. I cannot despise their "ignorance" nor brag on my "knowledge". The difference is Jesus - and we never know what Jesus may do for them next. Let's just let our light shine, and keep a good attitude!

Keep in touch.

Gary Savelli

www.isaiah58.com

February 2, 2003

Gary,

Can you tell me if speaking in tounges is the only evidence of being baptised in the holy ghost or can it be dancing in the spirit, not of your own control?

Thank You,Sonja

Dear Sonja.

Thank you for your question. This is a very important question, and is personally very dear to my heart, because of an experience I had some years ago when I was involved in Christianity (in the Assembly of God denomination).

One day, in a service in the place we attended at the time, the pastor was talking about the holy Ghost, and his message went something like this: "When we receive the holy Ghost, it happens ANY WAY God wants it to. (This was said to intimidate the listeners into agreeing with his error) Some people receive the holy Ghost joyously speaking in tongues. Others receive it quietly with their hands raised. Others receive it by dancing or leaping in the air. Still others receive it without any sound at all."

When he came to the words, "without any sound at all" - the Spirit of God powerfully moved on me and told me, "you are divorced from this man". The meaning of that to me, was that what what he was saying was a lie, and that I could have NO PART with that devlish doctrine again. Soon after that we had experiences that called us OUT of the religion of Christianity altogether, mainly BECAUSE they had this one thing in common: They believe that it is possible to receive the Spirit without a person ever speaking in tongues (in other words that it is possible to have the Spirit without ever being baptized with it.)

I will leave you with some links that tell more about this important topic so you can gather scriptural information and references. But to answer your question - NO it is not possible to have the Spirit without speaking in tongues. Speaking in tongues is not the ONLY evidence of receiving the Spirit (there are many other "evidences" afterwards, such as a changed life, more love, overcoming joy, power, etc.).... but it is the INITIAL evidence ALWAYS (along with stammering lips). Speaking in tongues upon receiving the holy Ghost could be described this way: "And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father." (Galatians 4:6). The essence of speaking in tongues is the Spirit declaring we are God's children. Without the Spirit's tesimony, all we have is ours, and man's testimony, we cannot trust.

Let's rejoice that it is still available to all who will call on Jesus. He is still baptizing, and everyone who receives this wonderful new birth experience will speak in unknown tongues - and those who truly love Jesus rejoice to have it so. Yes, this thought may perplex some at first (since we have heard Christianity's "lie" for so long), but if we humbly go to Jesus, he will show us it is the right and holy way.

Best regards,

Gary Savelli (further study materials below)

http://www.isaiah58.com/questions/q_oftheweek2.html (Does Every Born Again Believer Speak in Tongues?)

http://www.isaiah58.com/tracts/speakingintongues.html (Speaking in Tongues)

February 1, 2003

Hi I am Bro. McBride from bardolph, IL. I would like to know the different's between the Holy Ghost and the Holy Spirit? And is it right to say only one use is correct?

Bro. McBride

Hello Bro McBride.

Thank you for your question.

Actually, Pastor John Clark has a very good tract that answers this question specifically, and here is an excerpt from that good article:

From Genesis to Revelation the Holy Spirit is given various descriptive titles, such as, "the Spirit of God" (Gen.1:2), "Spirit of the Lord" (Isa.11:2), "Spirit of Grace" (Zech.12:10), "Holy Spirit" (Luke 11:13), "Spirit of Truth" (Jn.14:17), "Comforter" (Jn.15:26), "Eternal Spirit" (Heb. 9:14), "Spirit of Adoption" (Rom.8:15), "Spirit of Life" (Rom.8:2), "Holy Ghost" (Mt.1:18), and many others too numerous to mention here.

Numerous also are the things we are told the Holy Ghost does, which in another place the Spirit is said to do. For examples: Sanctification: by the Holy Ghost (Rom.15:16); by the Spirit (2Thess. 2:13). Spiritual gifts given: by the Holy Ghost (Heb.2:4); by the Spirit (1Cor. 12:4). Believers taught: by the Holy Ghost (1Cor.2:13); by the Spirit (Jn.16:13). Believers pray: in the Holy Ghost (Jude 20); in the Spirit (1Cor.14:16). Dwelling in saints: the Holy Ghost (1Cor.6:19); the Spirit (Eph.2:2.)

There are many similar instances involving the use of various titles of the Spirit. In 1 Samuel 10:6, Samuel tells Saul that the Spirit of the Lord will come upon him, but when it happens (v.10), we read that "the Spirit of God came upon him". For another example, we find in Acts 5:3 that Ananias and his wife "lied to the Holy Ghost", but in verse 9 it was the Spirit of the Lord against which they had sinned. Again, using Joel's voice, God promised that He would "pour out my Spirit upon all flesh" (2:28). When this wonderful prophecy was fulfilled in Acts 2:4, the promised Spirit is called the Holy Ghost. And to confirm this, Peter says in verse 16, "This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel."

Time and space forbid the presentation of more examples, but the point is amply made: There is one Holy Spirit, called by many different names.

----------------

If you'd like to read that article in it's entirety, you may look here: http://www.isaiah58.com/tracts/spiritofchrist.html

But basically there is ONE Spirit (or one holy Ghost - same thing), with a variety of descriptive names given in the scriptures. We can thankful that there are a variety of expressions to give us a better understanding of the ways of truth. I hope that answers your question.

Best regards,

Gary Savelli

January 31, 2003

HOW DOES ONE RECIEVE THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST SPEAKING IN OTHER TONGUES AS THE SPIRIT GIVES UTTERANCE?

ALLREDGMAN

Dear Allredgman:

This is a very important question - in fact it is SO important that it has to be answered in two parts to understand just HOW important it is.

In part one, we have to understand WHAT the baptism of the holy Ghost is, so we understand why part two is a matter or "life and death".

1) The baptism of the holy Ghost is how a person enters into the body of Christ: 1 Corinthians 12:13 "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." Do you see how important Spirit baptism is?

There are other good scriptures that say the same thing in other words, such as Gal. 3:27, and Rom. 6:3. It is amazing to me that so many claim the "holy Ghost baptism" as something "optional". There is no life without it!

So if we understand that there is NO OTHER WAY to be put into the body of Christ other than Spirit baptism, that will take us a long way. But after we come that far, we are faced with part two, and that is the life and death part! Does every one who receives Spirit baptism speak in tongues?

2) The answer is yes.

If you'd like some help in finding out why, you can read these good articles (which have many scriptural references and reasons) at:

(Does Every Born Again Believer Speak in Tongues?)

(Are Tongues Only for Some?)

(Speaking in Tongues)

I hope that helps.

best regards,

Gary Savelli

January 28, 2003

Hey,

I never have been quite sure what blaspheming the holy Ghost was as far as to what degree that would be. I know it is not a good thing and I hope that I am never in that category.

Amy

Amy:

A piece of information my father gave me concerning blaspheming the holy Ghost that very much helped me was that, first of all, no one can commit the unforgivable sin of "blaspheming the holy Ghost" who does not have it. Blaspheming the holy Ghost can only be done by "those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the holy Ghost, and have tasted of the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come" (Heb. 6:4-5).

The world's mockery of the holy Ghost power on a person's body is a form of blasphemy of it, but it can be forgiven because of their ignorance. Paul himself was a blasphemer before his conversion, but he said, "I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief" (1Tim. 1:13). If Paul had cursed Christ and denounced the holy Ghost after he had received the holy Ghost baptism and had come to know the truth, there would have been no forgiveness for him for that blasphemy.

Pastor John

January 27, 2003

Bro. John:

I have been reading Romans 11 this week. As I read, my heart felt sadness and my heart rejoiced. I don't think I have felt quite the way I did about the Jews as I did when I finished reading this chapter. In the meeting Sunday and in other meetings of late, we have been saying, "Know why you are here." Well, when I finished reading this chapter, I knew one of the reasons that I am privileged and honored to be here in this Truth . . . . because God's own people, the Jews, mocked and rejected Him. Had they not done that and He blinded them, we Gentiles would never have received the precious “way of grace.”

“What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.”

I cannot tell you how much love I felt for the Jews. I wanted to find a Jew and put my arms around him and pray that he would feel the love of God that he had rejected. The same way we should feel today about God’s people trapped in Xnty. But, God is so merciful, as Paul tells us in Romans.

"I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.”

And, Paul said, " . . . . . if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again.” Praise God!!

Then, today, the Lord directed my thoughts to how the Jews chose Barabbas, A ROBBER and a murderer, over Jesus.

“But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.” Matthew 27

“Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man,[Jesus] but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber. John 18

The "chief priests" persuaded God's own people to take the "robber" over the "Savior of the world"!

That is how it is still today, Bro. John. The "priests" [ministers today] are still persuading God's children to take the "robber" (Satan - the god of Xnty) over Jesus and His Truth. But, God IS going to save His people! He still has 7,000 that have not “bowed the knee.”

Whew! Made me tremble. And made me thankful. We are blessed, Bro. John. BLESSED Gentiles! Jews by His grace! I can only feel as Paul preached to the Gentiles:

"Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear, for if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee."

Thank you, Jesus, thank you for the grace you have given to us.

Sandy

January 27, 2003

Pastor John:

Oh Wow! Oh wow! I just got it! I was sitting here at work and I was talking with Donna on the phone. We were talking about the Wednesday night meeting when you said, "I understand what we were doing on Sunday" (which was what Gary called the "wheat bread day"). What you said was, "We blasphemed the God of Christianity [Satan], and there's no going back!" Whewee! Wow! What a statement! Gary quoted that in his email on "holy things".

"And what you told me last night, about having blasphemed the god of Christianity, and that there was no forgiveness for that from that god."

Seems like Satan was a little unhappy about that! The ceremonies of Xty mean nothing! NOTHING! Satan's communion, Satan's baptism, Satan's church, Satan's memberships, it means nothing! It is a mockery of God. When God's people find that out, Satan is exposed!!! He will crumble. He will Fall! Because people will stop believing in his lies!!! Whew! God was showing us something!

The way of truth is the PERFECT way. Christianity leads people to believe you cannot be perfect, but that is a lie! God's way is perfect!

II Cor. 12:9 Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

There is no peace in Xty. Whew! When we even started to think about ceremonies, you could feel the strife in the air. Which one is right? Which one is better? Christianity is full of strife and division! Christianity offers too many choices instead of the right one.

Prov 9:10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the HOLY is understanding."

There is only ONE right way and only ONE right body and only One right Baptism. Only One right hope! Only One right Spirit and God is calling his people to COME OUT OF HER MY PEOPLE! YOU CAN BE PERFECT AND LIVE IN PEACE! The God of Peace shall be with you! You do not have to settle for imperfection. Come out and be holy! Wow! There is no turning back now...because as you said, "We have crossed the line!" Who are you going to serve? The ONLY God or the instead-of god of Xty?

Amy

January 27, 2003

Pastor John,

After reading the recent e-mail concerning water baptism I felt compelled to write about it myself.

People who are still trapped inside Xtny really have a hard time letting go of their most beloved rituals, and water baptism is one of them. I hope I can shed some light, not only on water baptism, but on all works of the law.

In Acts 15 the question of the works of the law, as concerning Gentiles, is discussed, and because of the divisions it was causing, "the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, 'Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bare? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they".

I believe that at this time Peter understood that water baptism and other works of the law were unnecessary for Gentile believers. At this meeting of the saints, after Paul and Barnabas had declared what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them while excluding the works of the law, James had this to say, "Men and brethren, hearken unto me:.....Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them who from among the Gentiles are turned to God: But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood...." Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole body of Christ, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren: And they wrote letters by them after this manner:

The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia: Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment. It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication, from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well."

"So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together they delivered the epistle, which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation. And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them."

Now notice that none of the necessary things that the Gentiles were commanded included any type of works of the law. Neither the Holy Ghost, or Peter, or James, or the other apostles and elders, felt it necessary for the Gentiles to be circumcised, baptized in water, keep the holy days, or the feast days, or any other work of the law. In fact, the opposite is true! They believed with one accord that a Gentile, doing any fleshly work of the law would subvert their soul.

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary subvert means to 1. overthrow: ruin: 2. corrupt. So the entire body of Christ, with one accord, in the power of the Holy Ghost, believed that the works of the law would overthrow, ruin, and corrupt the faith that was once delivered to the saints. I know that there are a lot of other verses in the Bible that teaches this same thing, but Acts 15 seems to get left out of the discussions a lot.

I don't see how anyone who is truly seeking God can with good conscience either deny or ignore this chapter. I believe that this chapter is intended by God to be used by the saints as instructions for righteousness concerning all fleshly works of the law. If God had desired the Gentile believers do any type of ceremony, He had a perfect opportunity to instruct them to do so.

Billy H.

Billy:

Excellent. I hope a lot of people read and understand this email of yours. God's people desperately needs this understanding.

Acts 15 is a gold mine of wisdom for those seeking to understand why we teach that the saints should not be involved in any ceremony whatsoever. Acts 15 is one of the most important chapters in the Bible, for that reason. Thank you for adding it to our recent discussions.

It was good that you pointed out the word, "subvert" as used by James. He knew what the effect would be of requiring something of the Gentiles that God did not require. Because the people of God at large did not listen to James's wisdom, and Paul's, the life of the saints, its purity and joy and faith, was long ago subverted by the addition of dead ceremonies, and the result was this awful religion of Xty. Wherever there is ceremony, there is envy and strife.

I think that one critical truth must be understood with that which you wrote. That is, God actually did institute the holy ceremonies discussed in Acts 15. Every man in that incredible assembly of the body of Christ in Jerusalem knew full well that God had ordained circumcision, that God had ordained the holy days, that God had ordained John's baptism in water, and that God had ordained the animal sacrifices of the Law. But even though God had ordained them, this counsel at Jerusalem agreed unanimously that Gentile believers were not required to perform them. Peter, the apostle to the Jews, agreed completely with Paul, the apostle of the Gentiles, that Gentile believers were required by God to perform none of the holy works of the Law. They only asked that Gentile believers not flaunt their liberty from the works of the law in the face of their Jewish neighbors, and this was only to ask them to walk in love toward those who were not yet released by God from the requirement to live under the Law.

With this, Billy (and this is so very important), it should be pointed out that the ceremonies devised by Christians through the generations were NEVER ordained by God. Christian baptism was never given by God for any man to perform. It is evil to require others to submit to it. The Christian Sabbath day, Sunday, was never ordained by God as a holy day. Nor did He ordain any other of the "holy days" on the Christian calendar. The Christian ceremony of serving bits of bread or wafers and little glasses of grape juice or wine was never ordained by God. That "communion service" ceremony came about because of a misunderstanding of what Jesus was doing during the night of the Last Supper. Foot washing ceremonies come from the same misunderstanding.

The body of Christ has been given NO ceremonial rites by God, and the teaching of the contrary by Xn ministers is an evil from which the saints have suffered for many centuries now. Listening to them has resulted in God's people being scattered into the hundreds of different sects that exist within the religion of Xty. May God help us to help them! He has set us free, and we know that He has not set us free because we are any better or wiser than others. He has set us free to work with Him for the blessing of all His children everywhere, as many as we can bless with this liberating truth.

I am glad you have heard it, Billy. Pass it on, my friend.

Pastor John

January 23, 2003

Good morning, John,

I woke up early this morning with the beautiful scene of Tracy receiving the holy Ghost last night! At one point, she stopped speaking in tongues and said "I'm free!" That is so true! Receiving the baptism of the holy Ghost outside of Christianity has left her free to love Jesus without any distractions!

I thought about when Jesus first convicted me as a young mother of two preschoolers. I was attending the Lutheran denomination at the time, and they immediately snatched me up to serve on this committee and that committee! Thinking this was the way to Jesus, I soon found myself teaching Sunday School, playing in the handbell choir, directing Vacation Bible School, directing the Christmas pageant, being a youth group leader, scheduling workers for the nursery, joining the Women's Circle, and anything else they could find for me to do! Every time I went to any meetings, rehearsals, or dinners, I carried my two little preschoolers along and, needless to say, pretty soon I felt worn out!

Here, Jesus had put me under conviction, and caused me to seek him, and as soon as I did, Christianity almost robbed me of the life He wanted to give me! Thank goodness Jesus reached down and rescued me out of all that and put me somewhere that I could be fed the truth. I found out all of that "stuff" I had done, even though I thought I was serving Jesus, was vanity! It did nothing to bring me closer to God. In fact, it only served as a distraction, keeping me from the very one I started out seeking! I shudder to think what my life would be today if I had stayed in Christianity. Look at all I would have missed! I don't think I would have received the holy Ghost, but even if I had, I would not have the life that Jesus intended for me to have!

Tracy and anyone else who receives the holy Ghost outside of Christionaity is free! They are free to love Jesus and free to be fed good, nutritious food that will bring them as close to Jesus as they want to be! I looked at Tracy last night and thought, "This is why Jesus died." Her birth was like Jesus putting a cap on everthing that's been said since Sunday. I'm so glad Jesus let me be there to see it!

Love,

Lee Ann

LeeAnn:

We were all honored to be there last night, Tracey as well as the saints. I feel sorry for anyone on the planet who missed it.

I wish I could somehow reveal to all of God's children the truth that you experienced. I wish they could see that in Christianity they are merely being used, and if they had no zeal for Christ, they would be unusable. What a master stroke of evil genius! Satan has devised a religion in which he uses the saints' love for God against them. Their own desire to serve Jesus is what he uses to put them to work for him! He has them in his grip now, but not for long. The light is coming. While the children of God remain inside Christianity, they are financing the enemy of their own souls. They are paying for their own poison.

Oh, that they could hear their Father's voice: "Come out of her, My people!" How happy they would be!

What does it say about God that He would baptize a person with His Spirit outside Christianity? It says that we don't need it. What is God telling mankind about Christianity, when He washes someone's sins away and puts then into His body outside Christianity? It tells us that we don't need it! Think of the precious souls who have received the holy Ghost in our meetings who had already rejected the religion of Christianity! Donna, Amy, Rob, Julie, Marleyna, Chris, Joey, Tyler, and dozens more! What is God saying to us, over and over again? God, help us and all your children to hear what the Spirit is saying to the body!

jdc

January 21, 2003

John,

"When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man"...and then returns with seven other wicked spirits so that "the last state of the man is worse than the first".

Is this saying that the man, having been cleansed, yet fails to grow and become stronger in the Lord, risks backsliding to a condition much worse than where he began before being cleansed? Would you clarify this for me please?

Thanks.

G M

G M:

It is dangerous not to grow in Christ. Those who sit on the fence for a long time usually fall off in the wrong direction.

The spiritual conditon of a man who turns from righteousness is far worse than that of a man who has never heard about God. Peter said that "It had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them" (2Pet. 2:21).

In other words, it will be better in the Final Judgment for sinners who have never come to Christ than it will be for those who belong to Christ but who turn from holiness into the filthiness of the world.

jdc

January 1, 2003

Hi Pastor John,

I love the power of God that I have been feeling! I enjoy reading all the e-mails I have been receiving.

I have really been talking to the Lord a lot lately about what I have been feeling and about how I want to keep feeling this way. Last night I had a dream and in the dream I was with The Lord and he was asking people if they would like to serve him, and each person he would come to was doing something, something they like to do. In one scene I remember that two young men were watching a ball game on TV and the Lord ask them if they wanted to serve him and their reply was after the game. I could not believe what I heard!! The Lord was calling and they did not want it? or realize that it was now, not later!!

As I was waking up the spirit spoke a verse to me "A double- minded man is unstable in all his ways" (James 1:8) I started praying God don't let me be double-minded let me be single-minded, one goal, to make it with you!! that is how I can keep feeling the power of God, that I have been feeling, and get more!! as I was reading in James. I came across this verse (Jas 4-8) "Draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye doubleminded." If we get our minds on God there is no limit to what God can do!! the only limit is what we put on him, because he does not have any!! I would love to fly around the room!!! or see someone in the meeting do that! But most of all I want to keep feeling the power of God all around us, it is clean! and gives us the power to live right, and think right, I love it!!

There is no living one way in this world and one in God, it will not work, God will not have it!! That is what Christianity is all about, because it has no power in God, because God is not in it!! so I pray that we all stay single-minded or get single-minded in him. That is were true happiness is!!

Bro. Stuart

Stuart:

What you are saying is the same as the substance of my sermon on Christmas Eve night. It is serious. The Lord has been seeing some worldly spirits creeping in here and becoming comfortable being among us. He gave sandy a wonderful dream about it the night before I finally preached on that subject, a subject I had been thinking about for a couple of months.

The spirits of worldliness that I am talking about are not monsters. We don't have to build any new forts to oppose them, just clean house! Besides not taking it seriously and realizing that is rebellion against God to drive our cars with excessive speed, worldliness can also include such things as an obsession with watching movies, and sarcastic attitudes and tones in the voice, vain talk, and other simple things. God hates all such things because they make us vain. They can choke out the effect of the Word of God in our hearts.

I have never had God cancel Christmas in my heart as He did this year. I can't describe it, except to say that it was as if it were the middle of July. I told folks here it was like some old movies about WWII soldiers on leave for the holidays who get an unexpected notice from the General saying, "You are to report to duty at once." Christmas Eve afternoon, God sent me a notice, "You are to report to duty at once." Christmas was over for me from that afternoon, and I believe that just about every person here would tell you that it was the best Christmas season they have ever had. God took over and canceled everything except what His people needed to be protected and cleansed.

Pastor John