WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
EVERY PERSON SHALL SOMEDAY STAND BEFORE GOD AND BE JUDGED BY THE BOOK OF LIFE (The names written down of those who accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord) AND THE BIBLE (Genesis to Revelation of the instructions on how we should live after salvation.)
Knowing this, we should be like the Bereans (Acts 17:11) and judge everything by the Bible, the Whole Bible and Nothing but the Bible! God honors the Bible above His own Name (Ps. 138:2). It is our rule book and roadmap to Heaven. It is the final authority on any subject - so "Let God be true and every man a liar." (Rm. 3:4)
God says that if we ADD to the Word of God, He will add to our plagues, and if we TAKE AWAY from the Bible, He will take away our name from the Book of Life! (Rev. 22:18-19)
Other study books can be helpful, but do not base any doctrines on anything but the Bible - your soul is at stake.
The Bible Says that the Righteous judgeth all things - there is a right and a wrong way to judge. Only God can judge motives, but we are to judge righteous judgement like the Bereans - as to what doctrines are correct and how we will live our lives accordingly.
Don't be afraid the take the BEREAN BIBLE TEST - just take your Bible (KJV preferably), a Complete Concordance (references to every verse in the Bible on every subject) and NO pre-conceived human translations or interpretations such as Bible commentaries, dictionaries, etc... If you are a devout Bible Scholar, then you may also use a Greek-Hebrew Lexicon (purest original meanings of words only). Then close yourself off to the rest of the world, and pray and fast while you search for the truth on any subject. Remember, clear your head of any pre-conceived ideas first, and look up ALL the verses on the subject - Scripture interprets Scripture. Then work out your own salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12)!
*We are still working on this page, so some of the links are not working yet:
*Disclaimer - certain links are to various websites, and we do not necessarily endorse all doctrines on those sites.
Court & Suing Someone
Cursing
Eating Meat, Fat & Blood
Fellowship & Friends
Flood Worldwide of Noah’s time
God’s Will
Healing & Miracles
Persecution & Prosperity
Recreation
Witnessing
Pornography, Lust & SexThe Bible says that to look upon a woman/man/child and lust (desire sex with) after them, is sin, and equal to fornication/adultery. Mt. 5: 27. Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 28. But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. So, that pretty well sums up the whole pornography debate. It is sin, and will pervert your mind in such a manner, that you will not be able to enjoy good, wholesome sex with your spouse. It is a downward spiral - like an addictive drug - it will drag you deeper and deeper into sins, such as child pornography, child molestation, bestiality, necrophilia, etc... Ted Bundy confessed that he got started on his killing spree, by first looking at pornography. People treat it like it's not that big of a sin, but they are ignorant of it's drawing, addictive, consuming power. Just think that whoever you are viewing naked, has a soul, and you are committing adultery with them, and against God. If that person goes to hell, because of unrepentance, they will stand before the judgment seat, and point their finger at you for aiding their demise. God says, that to keep going back to a certain sin, can lead to Blasphemy against the Holy Ghost. Romans tells how God will give over people like this to a reprobate (can not make a right decision) mind, that will cause them to be damned. This is what happened to Pharoah. He hardened his heart on his own too many times, so God turned him over to a reprobate mind, so that he couldn't choose right, even if he wanted to. That is a scary thing - for what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? The good news is, that there is no temptation, that God has not made a way of escape from. Greater is He that is within us, than he that is in the world (1 Jn. 4:4). The same laws apply to sex before marriage and lust. God says that it is wrong, and now we are finding out that He was right, with so many sexual diseases going around. God says one partner, in marriage, for life. Sex before marriage is fornication, and sex outside of marriage is adultery. Mt. 5:31. It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: 32. But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery. We cover this in detail, in another section. As for masturbation, it is self-abuse in the utmost form. You are having sex with yourself before marriage - duh. If you just ignore the desires, nature will take it's place, and it will subside, or release the pressure, and you don't have to aid, encourage or pervert it. Those who try to encourage sex with themselves, will usually pay for it down the road, in that they won't be able to enjoy pure, wholesome sex, as God meant for it to be. This also causes a perverted view in our minds of sex. Who needs a spouse, when you can do it all by yourself? We can all be hermaphrodites - Gross!On the other hand, good things come to those who wait. We don't need to "practice" for sex. God put the exact desires, tools and abilities in each person, to someday enjoy sex. If you can't resist temptation before marriage, you will never resist it afterwards. If you don't get married, then God is great enough to help you overcome. His grace is sufficient.The best assurance and power we have over such evil lure, is to be filled with the baptism in the Holy Ghost, with the evidence of speaking in a heavenly language. The Spirit will speak through you to God, because we know not how to pray as we should. It will give you the victory to overcome the world. You can then be an example and testimony to others, who face this same battle. Everyone has their own distinct temptations, but this one is a real home-killer, soul-stealer. That is why it is best to never even play around with it. Just like drugs, it will take over your soul, and you will battle resisting it the rest of your life. However, if you stay full of the Holy Ghost, you will not be tempted as much, because there is only room for one leader in your heart. You can only think of one thing at a time, that is the blessing of our minds. So, as long as you are thinking on good things, you can NOT think on bad things. We tell our children not to say, "I am afraid or tempted," but to say, "I am not thinking on the goodness and power of God." Because, our minds can not do both. Get it? Phil. 4:13. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Phil. 4:8. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Just keep quoting overcoming verses like this, and you will definitely overcome! GossipGossip consists of casual or idle talk of any sort, sometimes (but not always) slanderous and/or devoted to discussing others. Compare backbiting. There is a big difference between sharing news about people, and trying to slander/hurt others by talking about them. The news broadcasters share information and facts everyday, but are not gossiping. We can relay information or news involving others, without gossiping, also. It becomes "gossip" or sin, when we have evil intentions in sharing it, or receive pleasure from someone else's pain. The bible refers to a gossiper as a "talebearer." Lev.19:15. Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbor. 16. Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbor; I am the Lord. 17. Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbor, and not suffer sin upon him. 18. Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am the Lord.Volcanoes, Earthquakes, Hurricanes, Floods, Global WarmingThe Bible tells us that Hell is beneath us, and that it is getting larger every day from overpopulation. People are dying and going to hell at such an alarming rate, that hell is boiling over and thus causing volcanoes (lava is fire and brimstone), earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, tornadoes, global warming, flooding, etc... Don't believe it? Just read on, and you will be see that it is true. Of course, the secular scientists and media are not going to ever admit it, but there is no other explanation.Global Warming is not a myth, but the liberals have milked this cow way too much! The problem lies with the cause, and what we can do to prevent it. Are you ready for the shocking answer? Take a deep breath, clear your mind of all pre-conceived ideas, and read on...Let's go to the ultimate source - the Bible - the final authority on any subject. The bible says that in the last days, wickedness will increase so drastically that hell will enlarge itself (Is. 5:14 Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.). We all know that hell is located in the center of the earth (even science acknowledges that the center of the earth is fire and brimstone). Isaiah 14:9 reads, "Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations."So, if hell hath enlarged itself and is moved closer to earth's surface to meet sinners at their death, then the only reasonable source of global warming is HELL IS GETTING BIGGER AND IS HEATING UP THE EARTH MORE! The bible says that this heaven and earth will be burnt up completely and a new heaven and earth will appear for Christ and His Redeemed to enjoy forever. This also explains the reason for volcanoes (they let off the pressure of hell - their content is lava - fire and brimstone!) Earthquakes are proven to be caused by pockets of fire and brimstone under the earth's surface - the overflow of Hell. Warm air colliding with cold air is what causes storms, and earthquakes cause Tsunamis, etc.Since the earth is getting warmer from hell getting bigger, thus explains the drastic increase in storms, earthquakes and volcano eruption in these last days, as was predicted in Luke:11 "And great earthquakes shall be in divers (many) places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven."There have always been earthquakes and storms, but the bible says in the last days, there will be even more than ever, as a woman in labor. She has small pains that are far apart at the beginning of labor, but at the end of her labor the pains are much stronger and closer together in timing. John 21 "A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world." This means that not only will we have more storms, earthquakes and volcanoes because hell is enlarging every day, but that they will be much greater in intensity!Now that you know the cause of Global Warming - let me tell you the solution. Take another deep breath and continue...Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and HE THAT WINNETH SOULS IS WISE. Since people are dying from sin and going to hell is what is causing hell to enlarge and cause global warming - then the only way to help prevent this demise, is to be a soul winner! All Christians are commanded to spread the gospel so the blood of the lost won't be on our hands.THE ONLY WAY TO SLOW DOWN GLOBAL WARMING IS TO WIN SOULS TO CHRIST AND POPULATE HEAVEN INSTEAD OF HELL! Dinosaurs & FossilsOk, Ready for another SHOCKING TRUTH! Scientists try to deceive us into believing that fossils prove the earth is billions of years old, when in reality, it is only thousands because the BIBLE says so! Someone is lying to us, and I know it is not God!First of all, fossils are no longer made because the bones and remains are always devoured by other animals, maggots, etc.. until there is nothing left to be fossilized. They weren't formed until the WORLDWIDE FLOOD OF NOAH AND THE ARK as recorded in the bible. At that time God broke up the fountains of the deep and flooded the whole world like never before, and never more shall be (promise of the Rainbow). The next time - the world will be destroyed by fire!
God saved only Noah and his family because of the wickedness of mankind. We have all heard the story but most do not realize that that is exactly what created FOSSILS, and the only circumstances that CAN create fossils were present during that event. All the underwater fountains were bursted and it began to rain from heaven for the first time (plants were watered by mists before this) thus instantly flooding all animals and people and burying them deep into the muddy earth. This would prevent a great stench and possible diseases for Noah and his family once they exited to the newly remodeled version of earth.
This instant burial of all flesh and animals is what created fossils, because there were no live creatures to devour the remains. Instead they were permanently impacted and buried deep enough under the earth's surface, that when the saved animals of the Ark were let out, they could not dig them up or devour them. This makes complete sense and is much more reasonable than what secular scientists try to make us swallow - all to deny the existence of God. Because if the Bible is true, then God is true. If God is true, then they will someday have to give account of the lives they are now living and will be cast into hell or heaven forever!
As for dinosaurs - it is very simple - yes they existed and the huge Ark had plenty of room for 2 of them - and yes they became extinct along with hundreds of other animals through the decades. This doesn't mean they existed for millions of years, and the process scientists use to prove this is very faulty - yet they insist on brainwashing our children's minds with their poison. The actual age of the earth is approximately 6000 plus years old (2000 to flood- 2000 to Christ- 2007 to now). A thousand years is as one day with the Lord, so that means we are getting close to the day of rest - also known as the thousand year millennium!
Tattoos & PiercingsLev. 19:28. Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the Lord.
Lev. 18:30. Therefore shall ye keep mine ordinance, that ye commit not any one of these abominable customs, which were committed before you, and that ye defile not yourselves therein: I am the Lord your God.
1 Cor. 6: 19. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
God commands us not to make any cutting in our flesh, or put any marks upon it, because our bodies are His temple. That rules out piercings and tattoos very simply. (Although, some feel that simple ear piercings for women are not wrong, but rather add to their feminity, and distinction.) We are not to desecrate the temple of God in any way, because we are made in His image.
This practice is almost always found among heathen nations. We have an example of what this kind of ritual can lead to, by the ungodly prophets of Baal, in 1 Kings 18:28 "And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them." Their false god was not able to answer by fire, but Elijah's true God did!
THE SABBATH OR SUNDAY?According to Gen. 2:1-3, God rested from His work on the seventh day of the week, and sanctified that day, or made it holy. Here God established a day of rest, in seven. There has been much debate concerning which day of the week Christians should keep as a day of rest and worship to God. Saturday is definitely the Sabbath day, but is it still binding today? Is it for everyone? Let's look at some other verses in the Bible, and try to make sense of this subject.
One of the Ten Commandments, in Ex. 20:8, tells us to keep the Sabbath Day holy. In Ex. 31:12-18 the Sabbath is specified as a day given to the nation of Israel for a "sign," and as the mark of a "covenant" between God and them. In fact, they are commanded to keep it, and to pass it on, as a sign to be honored by succeeding generations. National Israel is commanded to keep the Sabbath forever. This sign was never enjoined on the Church anywhere in the Bible. In fact, in the New Testament, we see Jesus already changing the way the Sabbath was kept by His followers.
Jesus was confronted by the Orthodox Jews of His time, regarding the things that He, and His disciples, did on the Sabbath. His disciples picked corn on the Sabbath, He healed on the Sabbath, and He established the principle that it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath, Mt. 12:1-13. Jesus stated that He is Lord of the Sabbath, and therefore, greater than the Sabbath. In Mark 2:27, we see God's original intention in establishing a day of rest. "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath." This statement reveals that God set a day apart for man's benefit. We need a day to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life, and recuperate. Also, we need a day to worship God, and receive Scriptural instruction, which is what the Jews did in the Old Testament. This is the principle Jesus established, by His own example, in the New Testament - Mk. 1:21.
All four Gospels record the fact, that Christ rose from the dead on Sunday, the first day of the week, Mt. 28:1; Mk. 16:2; Lk. 24:1; Jn. 20:1. The early Church changed the day, set apart to God, to Sunday, with the consent of the Apostles, who were the foundation of the Church, Eph. 2:19,20. The first day of the week became known as the "Lord's Day," in honor of the Resurrection, Rev. 1:10. This is when the Apostles and the Church met, Acts 20:7; and when offerings were taken, I Cor. 16:2. The Sabbath of the Old Testament was intended to foreshadow the coming rest that believers would find in Jesus Christ, Heb. 4:1-11.
Therefore, we are not bound to Old Testament Sabbath restrictions, as Jesus tried to explain to the Pharisees in the passages listed above. He established a day, set aside, to do good, worship God, receive instruction, and rest physically and spiritually. We are not a slave to the day, but if we do not take advantage of this day of rest and worship, we may well regret it, Heb. 10:24-30. "There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God," Heb. 4:9. James 4:17. "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin."
Romans 14: 5. One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. 6. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
Colossians 2:16. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17. Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
The following verses show explicitly that the Priesthood, the Sabbath, and all Ceremonial Laws were done away with, and fulfilled in Christ:
Hebrews 4:
1. Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
2. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
3. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
4. For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.
5. And in this place again, if they shall enter into my rest.
6. Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:
7. Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
8. For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
9. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
10. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
11. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
12. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
13. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
14. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
15. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 7:
1. For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
2. To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;
3. Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.
4. Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.
5. And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:
6. But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.
7. And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.
8. And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.
9. And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.
10. For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.
11. If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
12. For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
13. For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.
14. For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
15. And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
16. Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.
17. For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
18. For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.
19. For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
20. And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:
21. (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)
22. By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
23. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:
24. But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
25. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
26. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
27. Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
28. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.
Hebrews 8
1. Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;
2. A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.
3. For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.
4. For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:
5. Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.
6. But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
7. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.
8. For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:
9. Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.
10. 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:
11. 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.
12. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
13. In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT CLAPPING HANDS, SHOUTING, ETC...The following are verses that support the Pentecostal manifestations practiced in most Pentecostal churches today. Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. If we don't praise Him, then the rocks will cry out!
Pentecostal Manifestations
A. Ps. 147:1; Ps. 150; Acts 2:1-13; Acts 4:31; Shouting and loud praise.
B. God; Ps. 150; Eph. 5:19; Using music and song to praise God.
C. II Kings 11:12; Ps. 47:1; Clapping hands.
D. Neh. 8:6; Ps. 28:2; 63:4;134:2; Lam. 2:19; Lk. 24:50; I Tim. 2:8; Lifting hands.
E. II Sam. 6:14-23; Acts 2:12-14; Dancing in the Spirit and warning to mockers.
F. I Kings 18:44-46; Running under the power of God.
G. Dan. 10:7-10; Rev. 1:17; Slain in the Spirit.
H. Mt. 9:20-22; Acts 19:11,12; Prayer cloths
Why Speak in Tongues?
(Is Speaking in Tongues of God? Is It for Today?)
by Pastor Jim Feeney, Ph.D.
“Speaking in tongues”! Just utter that phrase among Christians, and you elicit a wide variety of reactions, sometimes very strong reactions. Bible studies by the thousands have been written for it ... and against it. Many ask a legitimate question: “Is speaking in tongues for today?”
Historically, speaking in a tongue (glossolalia) by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit was common among Christians in the first-century Church, then seemed to fade out gradually in succeeding centuries. In the very early twentieth century there came a resurgence of this biblical practice, most notably in Topeka, Kansas, and in revival meetings on Azusa Street in Los Angeles.
From those and other places of spiritual renewal came many of today’s leading Pentecostal denominations. Subsequent movements in which speaking in tongues was a prominent feature included the Latter Rain revival, the mid-20th-century healing ministries, the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship, and the Charismatic Renewal. In this latter movement especially, the biblical doctrine of the baptism with the Holy Spirit, with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues, spread broadly into both the Roman Catholic Church and many Protestant denominations.
By the early 21st century, speaking in tongues (the theological term is glossolalia) — that is, languages unknown to the speaker, given by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit — had become broadly if not universally accepted within worldwide Christianity.
But historical and anecdotal testimonies, as interesting as they may be, are still secondary. The Bible must be the source of primary importance in establishing the present-day validity of speaking in tongues. So to that treasure trove, the Bible, we will now turn to answer the question: “Why should we speak in tongues?”
Mark 16:15-17 He [Jesus] said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues.
The verses above are an excerpt of Mark’s account of Jesus’ Great Commission. It was Jesus Himself who initiated the subject of speaking in tongues in the New Testament. He said that it would be a “sign” that would accompany believers as they went into all the world and preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
• So our first reply to the question “Why speak in tongues?” is that Jesus endorsed the practice. In fact, Jesus said that speaking in tongues is one of the signs that “will accompany those who believe.”
At this point, it will be helpful to examine several portions of Scripture in the book of Acts (see the three quotes below) that speak of being “baptized with” or “filled with” the Holy Spirit. As we will see, on all three occasions believers who were said to be filled/baptized with the Spirit immediately spoke in tongues. This is the biblical pattern. When believers are baptized with the Holy Spirit, they begin to speak in tongues.
Acts 1:4-5; 2:1-4, KJV And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.... [2:1] And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
This was the first New Testament day of Pentecost after Jesus’ resurrection. He had prophesied to His followers that they would be “baptized with the Holy Ghost” (1:5). This occurred some few days later on “the day of Pentecost” (2:1) when it is said that “they were all filled with the Holy Ghost” (2:4) and manifested this by the evidence of speaking in tongues (2:4). As a point of interest, because this happened on “the day of Pentecost” (2:1), those who have received this baptism with the Spirit, with the evidence of speaking in tongues, have often in modern times been called “Pentecostals”.
Compare verses 1:5 and 2:4. We see that the Bible uses the terms “baptized with the Holy Ghost” and “filled with the Holy Ghost” as synonyms for the same biblical experience. And the discernible evidence of that baptism with the Holy Spirit was their speaking in tongues. This will be seen again in Acts, chapters 10 and 19 (below).
But before looking at Acts 10, let’s take one more look at Acts 1:5 (KJV) — “John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.” Jesus made a clear distinction between water baptism and baptism with the Holy Spirit. They are not one and the same. Now on to Acts, chapter 10.
Acts 10:44-47 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, “Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.”
Some Gentiles had assembled in Cornelius’s house to hear Peter preach. While Peter was still speaking, the listeners received the Holy Spirit and began to speak in tongues. And how did Peter and his companions know that they had received “the gift of the Holy Spirit”? The answer is in verse 46: “FOR they heard them speaking in tongues.” Again, as in Acts 2, the evidence of their having received the gift of the Holy Spirit was their speaking in tongues.
In Act 1 and 2 we saw the first group in Jerusalem being “baptized with...filled with the Holy Spirit.” Peter certified that these Gentiles in Acts 10 had received the identical experience — “They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” So Acts 2, the first New Testament day of Pentecost, was not a one-time occurrence. To the contrary, Peter asserts that these Gentiles had received the identical gift of the Holy Spirit.
Peter recounts this again in Acts 11:15-17 — “As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. Then I remembered what the Lord had said: ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?” (underlinings mine) The Gentiles in Acts 10 received the “same gift,” the same baptism with the Holy Spirit, that the 120 had received in Jerusalem in Acts. And in both instances they manifested the identical evidence — they immediately spoke in tongues.
And notice once more (vss. 10:47-48) that Peter made a clear distinction between water baptism and their having received the Holy Spirit.
Acts 19:1-6 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John’s baptism,” they replied. Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
Here is a third clear instance in the book of Acts — along with Acts 2 and Acts 10 just studied above — where believers received the baptism with the Spirit and spoke in tongues. So we have a consistent bible pattern — believers who are baptized with/filled with the Holy Spirit will immediately speak in tongues.
• These three clear illustrations from Acts 2, 10, and 19 certify that speaking in tongues is the Scriptural evidence of the baptism with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 19:1-3 (above) brings us another important insight. Notice that the apostle Paul considered these believers to be baptized disciples. Paul’s question establishes the fact that it is perfectly appropriate to ask a water-baptized Christian, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” There is a clear difference between being “born of the Spirit” (John 3:5) and “baptized with the Holy Spirit.” They are entirely different Greek words. The context — they spoke in tongues in verse 6 — shows that Paul’s question “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” was asked in the sense of “Have you water-baptized disciples been baptized with the Holy Spirit yet?”
In sum, our Scripture texts in Acts 2, 10, and 19 give us a consistent pattern:
• There is a baptism in water, and there is a distinct baptism in the Holy Spirit.
• Those who receive the baptism with the Holy Spirit give evidence to this by speaking in tongues.
Acts 2:4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
KJV: ...as the Spirit gave them utterance.
• Why speak in tongues? — It gives us an ever-present opportunity to submit to the leading, the direction, the enablement of the Holy Spirit. We do the speaking, but the Holy Spirit actually enables us to do so by prompting us with the words to speak in a language not known to us. This humble, willing submission of our vocal organs to the Holy Spirit’s leading will stand us in good stead as we open ourselves to other facets of the Holy Spirit’s direction and guidance.
Acts 11:15-18, KJV And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
• Why speak in tongues? — It demonstrates the reality of God in the life of the one speaking in tongues. At this early stage of the New Testament Church, the original Jewish Christians in Jerusalem were still doubtful that the Gospel should even be preached to the Gentiles! Peter corrected their error by telling the account of his preaching to the Gentiles at Cornelius’s house, and of those Gentiles receiving the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues. This dramatic event convinced the skeptics in Jerusalem, and they acknowledged that God had indeed “granted repentance unto life” (18) to the Gentiles. The fact that the Gentiles spoke with tongues was sufficient evidence for the Jewish Christians to discard centuries of anti-Gentile sentiment and to embrace them as fellow Christians.
Acts 19:2a, 6 [Paul] asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” ... [6] When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
• The baptism with the Holy Spirit opens the door to other gifts of the Holy Spirit — here, “they...prophesied.”
Jesus Himself was conceived by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20). But at about age 30 at River Jordan, Jesus was anointed and empowered by the Holy Spirit (John 1:32-33 with Acts 10:38). Only after this distinct experience of the Spirit did Jesus do his first miracle at the wedding feast of Cana (John 2:11).
It is the Holy Spirit anointing, which comes in the baptism with the Spirit, that tends to release in the recipients a greater flow in the gifts of the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:7, 10 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good... [10] to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.
• The companion gifts of the Spirit — tongues and interpretation of tongues — are manifested in church services “for the [church’s] common good.” We will look at this in greater depth in chapter 14 of this epistle.
1 Corinthians 14:2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit.
There is an ability to speak in tongues (glossolalia) that is given to all who receive the baptism with the Holy Spirit, as shown in our earlier discussions of Acts chapters 2, 10, and 19. 1 Corinthians 14:2 gives us an additional reason why Spirit-baptized believers should speak in tongues — “Anyone who speaks in a tongue ... speak[s] ... to God.”
• That is, speaking in tongues is a God-given way for believers to “speak to God.” As such, it is a valuable asset in our prayer life, along with speaking to God in our own native language (which is English for me).
1 Corinthians 14:2, 14-15a For anyone who speaks in a tongue ... utters mysteries with his spirit [KJV: ‘in the spirit’].... [14] For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind.
• Praying in tongues is praying “in” or “with the spirit.” There is a praying in the known language, comprehended by our minds. And there is also a “praying in the spirit,” inspired by the Holy Spirit and not understood by our minds.
1 Corinthians 14:4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.
• Why speak in tongues? — The one speaking in tongues is edified, built up. Some have wrongly read this as Paul minimizing the importance of tongues. But Paul is making two positive comments here: (1) speaking in tongues edifies the individual, and (2) prophecy spoken in the church edifies the church. It is a good thing for both individuals and the church to be edified.
1 Corinthians 14:5a, 39 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues.... [39] Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.
• Why speak in tongues? — The great apostle Paul spoke very favorably of the practice: “I would like every one of you to speak in tongues.” Even further, Paul gave an admonition that, sadly, is disobeyed in some churches of our day: “Do not forbid speaking in tongues.” Yet many pastors in our day do exactly this, telling their congregations that tongues are not for them or not for this day and age.
1 Corinthians 14:5, 12-13 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.... [12] So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church. For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says.
• Why speak in tongues? — The spiritual gift of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:10), when coupled with the companion spiritual gift of interpretation of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:10), edifies and builds up the church.
On many occasions and in various congregations I have been in church services where someone has brought forth a message in tongues. This was followed by the gift of interpretation. And the net result in each case was that the people present were edified and built up.
In the Scripture just above, the apostle Paul declares that “He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets.” So if there is a tongue with interpretation, Paul is saying that the value is roughly equivalent to prophecy.
1 Corinthians 14:14-15, KJV For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
• Why speak in tongues? — It helps us to have a balanced prayer life and a balanced worship experience. Paul endorses both “pray[ing] with the spirit and ... pray[ing] with the understanding.” Interestingly, in this direct context of tongues, the apostle also encourages singing with both the spirit and the understanding.
1 Corinthians 14:16-17 If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified.
• Why speak in tongues? — When speaking in tongues, “you may be giving thanks well.” As we have seen (Acts 2:4), tongues are a language inspired by the Holy Spirit. The speaker does not know the content of what is being spoken. But God does! And the Spirit of God can inspire a wide variety of content in the tongue spoken — including “giving thanks well.”
1 Corinthians 14:18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.
• Why speak in tongues? — It was apostolic practice. Paul spoke in tongues. On the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4), the original apostles of Jesus (less Judas, Acts 1:13-15) were part of the group that received the first outpouring of the Spirit, with the immediate evidence of speaking in tongues.
Paul thanked God for the God-given ability to speak in tongues. And he desired the same experience for all believers — (14:5) “I would like every one of you to speak in tongues.”
1 Corinthians 14:26 What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.
• Why speak in tongues? — Tongues with interpretation are an appropriate part of an edifying New Testament church service. Verse 26 lists the most important parts of a church service — praise/worship (“a hymn”), the ministry of the word (“a word of instruction”), and the gifts of the Spirit (“a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation”).
And Paul declares that “all of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.” Sadly, in our day the typical church accepts some of these — praise/worship and the ministry of the word — and rejects the various gifts of the Spirit, including tongues and interpretation. If we want “strengthened” churches, we will include the word, worship, and gifts of the Spirit in our services.
In conclusion, it will be informative to see the different expressions that the Bible uses for tongues. Remember that, although the language may or may not be understood by listeners, in all instances recorded in Scripture, the tongue being spoken was supernaturally given to the speaker by the Holy Spirit and was not understood by the one speaking. Listed below are a variety of bible terms for the practice of glossolalia, or speaking in tongues:
• “new tongues” (Mark 16:17)
• “other tongues” (Acts 2:4)
• “different kinds of tongues” (1 Corinthians 12:10, 28)
• “diversities of tongues” (1 Corinthians 12:28, KJV)
• “tongues of men and of angels” (1 Corinthians 13:31), that is, human languages and angelic, heavenly languages
• “an unknown tongue ... no man understandeth” (1 Corinthians 14:2, KJV)
To summarize, why then should we encourage speaking in tongues today, in the 21st century?
• Jesus said that believers would (Mark 16:17).
• Tongues certify and give evidence that the person is baptized with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5; 2:1-4; 10:44-46; 11:15-17; 19:1-6).
• Speaking in tongues is a good opportunity to submit to the Holy Spirit’s leading (Acts 2:4).
• Tongues demonstrate the reality of God in the speaker’s life (Acts 11:15-18).
• The baptism with the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in tongues, opens the door to other gifts of the Spirit (Acts 19:2,6).
• Tongues with interpretation are “for the [church’s] common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7, 10).
• Speaking in tongues is speaking to God (1 Corinthians 14:2a).
• Praying in tongues is praying “in” or “with the Spirit” (1 Corinthians 14:2, 14-15).
• The speaker in tongues is edified (1 Corinthians 14:4).
• The apostle Paul expressly approved of tongues (1 Corinthians 14:5a, 39).
• A tongue followed by an interpretation edifies the church (1 Corinthians 14:5, 12-13).
• Tongues allow us a balanced prayer and worship life, both with the spirit and with the understanding (1 Corinthians 14:14-15).
• When speaking in tongues, you may be giving thanks well to God (1 Corinthians 14:16-17).
• Speaking in tongues was apostolic practice (1 Corinthians 14:18 and at Pentecost).
• Tongues with interpretation are an appropriate, strengthening part of an edifying church service (1 Corinthians 14:26).
From the bottom of my heart, I commend to you the words of the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 14:5: “I would like every one of you to speak in tongues.”
APPAREL- DOES GOD CARE WHAT WE WEAR?
The same God that says He looks on the heart, is the same God who tells us how to dress, and not to dress. So this means that He cares about what's on the inside and the outside. The outside reflects what is on the inside, and since man can only see the outside, then we must present a good testimony and not be a stumbling block.
After Adam and Eve sinned, they sewed together fig leaves into aprons to hide their nakedness because they did not want God to see them in that condition. (Genesis 3:7–10). However, an apron only covers part of the body. So God made them coats to clothe them (Genesis 3:21). When instructing Israel in His requirements, included were specifics in dress, e.g. a "ribband of blue" around the hem of their garments to remind them to keep all of the commandments of God (Numbers 15:38–40); and details as to the priests' garments when they appeared before Him in service including the wearing of breeches under their outer garments to "cover their nakedness" (Exodus 28).
According to the apostle Paul, "all these things" are written for our "admonition," for who constitute the Israel of God for today? Christians (Romans 2:28, 29). The main principle involved is that God's people should dress to represent Him correctly, not partially covered with "aprons" because nakedness is equated with sin and shame (2 Chronicles 28:19; Hebrews 2:15, 16; Esther 4:2; Revelation 16:15) they are not to wear clothing of the opposite sex as that brings confusion (Deuteronomy 22:5). In view of the present styles of dress for both men and women, it would appear that instruction in biblical principles has been sadly lacking. The third chapter of Isaiah is particularly interesting on this subject. God was displeased with the "daughters of Zion" because of their devotion to inappropriate fashions. In the New Testament, the instruction is even more to the point:
"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety: not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works" (1 Timothy 2:9, 10).
"Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart. In that which is not corruptible. even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price" (1 Peter 3:3, 4).
God does not give instruction merely to deny His people. No, rather it is for their protection because He loves them so much.
And how should we dress? Simply. Choosing clothing of good material, modest in length and design, not to attract attention. Men and women should be neat, attractive, and comfortable. Men should wear masculine apparel, and women's apparel should be feminine, so as to maintain a distinct seperation. .
When the bible was written, everyone wore robes, but there was a noticeable distinction between the sexes. The priests wore breeches (pants) under their robes, so they would not show their nakedness when climbing steps. This was commanded by God. Eventually the men cropped the robes shorter, and they became shirts, and then wore breeches to cover the bottom/legs, for practical reasons. The women maintained the robes/dresses with breeches/long bloomers underneath them for many more years. They often encountered difficulties with the dresses being unpractical, and began to also wear just the breeches, and cropped robes/blouses.
Some argue that pants are more modest and practical, while others insist that dresses are more feminine and distinct. If it is wrong for women to wear pants, then it is wrong for men. If you use the fact that men are enticed by sight, and women by touch, then men can also lust after other men in pants. Yes, they are built different, and that, in itself causes a distinction. Dresses and skirts also show the form of a woman - it can't be helped, unless you wear them all the way to the ground, with no form showing at all.
Pants offer more protection from the elements, and save on buying hosiery. Dresses blow up with the wind updrafts, and must have long underwear/tights and tall boots for cold weather. Dresses that are flare blow up easiest, and get stuck in spokes, stepped on going upstairs, and tend to get into the commode - just to name a few inconveniences. Dresses that are straight or tight demand a revealing slit, or hug/outline the shape when walking, and tend to ride up when sitting down. When on a platform, dresses can be immodest and tend to draw attention to the legs. And even if you have shorts under them, others do not know that, and don't want to look to find out. When going on rides at amusement parks, etc... dresses and skirts can be very impractical and immodest. But, if you wear them with long shorts under them, or leggings, you can still be decent, and maintain a modest testimony. Some opt for gauchos or culottes - of which some say are too much like pants, and others say look more like skirts.
One thing for sure, I have seen both decent/indecent pants and skirts on women. The crotch, crack or undergarments should not be outlined or show through, and the material should not be sheer, so as to reveal them. Pants cover more than dresses, and allow the wearer to sit, climb, ride, exercise, walk and run decently. Would you rather have your little girl swinging and climbing at a playground, in a pair of cute pants, or a cute skirt, with so many perverts around? I thought so...
So, whether you decide on dresses/skirts or pants/capris, the main issue is for women to wear modest, feminine, practical, comfortable, and affordable garments that reflect a heart to please God. Men should wear masculine, modest, comfortable, affordable, and practical pants/long shorts/shirts that would not identify him as feminine in any way. Remember, your clothes say it for you. A godly, joyful countenance and conversation also speaks mounds about us.
Paul said that women should wear modest apparel, which interprets as "a garment let down," so many say this proves that it should be "long modest robes" and not pants "breeches." But at that time, both men and women were both still wearing long modest robes, with breeches under them (like most Eastern countries still do today), thus explaining why he would not have said "breeches" anyway.
In some current cultures, where they all still wear robes, they still keep a distinction. The main one being that women have coverings over their heads, and often faces. But God said a woman's long hair was given to her for a covering. So this too is unnecessary bondage. And just as robes were dropped and the breeches kept, for practical reasons, so the extra head/face coverings were dropped in many cultures. Some say that the robes were so distinct in bible days, that you could tell a woman from a man from a distance. Yes, but this could have well been because all men had full beards in those days, and women wore head coverings. There was a noticeable difference in the robes (as in third-world countries today) but most likely, it was not that drastic. The emphasis in Deut. 5 is that each culture/generation has it's own distinctions, and God does not want men or women to cross-dress, as He has made them male and female, and wants to maintain that distinction to avoid homosexuality.
In most stores today, there is even a style difference between ages, (baby, boys, girls, teens, juniors, misses, womens, men, etc... So, there is no need for Grannys to dress like teenyboppers, or Pee Paws to dress like boys. Even that is disgraceful, from culture to culture. Thus, the need for different sections in every store. God says that sometimes the "children of this world" (sinners) are wiser than the "children of light" (Christians). And it would seem that in this case, of distinction of dress - not only between sexes, but between ages - to be true! We live in a generation of many, many choices in clothing, music, movies, etc... But, you will give account to God for your choices - so choose wisely. Just ask yourself, if Jesus would come right now, would I be ashamed to be seen by Him in this, or listening to this, or watching this? Would this be pleasing to Him, or would He be ashamed of me? Would this be a stumblingblock to others?
In our culture, where the majority wear pants, we must also keep a distinction. It is impractical to wear dresses when climbing, riding a bike or horse, skating, working, bending, swinging, etc..., but if you must - please wear some sort of leggings under them for modesty. It is an agreed fact that women look much prettier and more feminine in dresses - so usually wear them when they will not be doing anything but walking, sitting or dining. God wants women's hair to be long and men's short (1 Cor. 11), and clothing to be distinct from one another. There are plenty of feminine pants with flowers, butterflies, and many other colorful designs that help to distinguish them from "men's pants".
Remember, pants/skirts are only HALF of the garment - the top part, or cropped robe (blouses/shirts) of the garment can be very feminine or masculine, to aid in the distinction. Belts, hats, purses, shoes, etc... all are parts of the garment that can be used to portray and preserve femininity or masculinity.
This "apparel" issue is one, in which each person has to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling, trying not to be a stumbling block to others, or adding or taking away from the Scriptures. If Deut. 22:5 had said that the men shall not wear robes, and the women shall not wear breeches, then I would definitely believe that it would be sin for a woman to wear pants. But, the verse is as versatile as the culture. Other verses emphasize modesty, but this one emphasizes distinction.
Of course, there are those with professions of athlete, gymnist, bodybuilder, swimmer, model, etc... that must wear less. or practical clothing for their jobs. This is for them to work out their own convictions. But nudity is never excused. God says it is a shame to show your nakedness/nudity (private parts).
Some try to say that the hair verses in Corinthians are also cultural. But God says the opposite - He says that NATURE itself teaches us that men should have short hair and women should have long hair. So, if it is taught by nature - then it is "natural," not "cultural." That means that wherever there is nature, this rule applies. And since there is nature everywhere, in every culture, language and tongue, then it applies EVERYWHERE.
He did not say men's hair should not pertain to women's, and visa versa (like the apparel issue), and leave it a cultural issue, but rather distinctly said long and short. We address the "hair issue" in more detail below, but since shorn or short means "close to the scalp," then a woman's hair should be long, or "far from the scalp." That is so simple that even a child could understand. And yet we live in a contentious, rebellious generation, that will insist on arguing even the plainest Scriptures away, just for argument's sake. And if it said women should have short hair and men long, then they would want the opposite! God save us from this untoward generation! Be "in" the world, but not "of" it. For the day has come when they do not endure sound doctrine.
The sad fact is that most women who wear pants also cut their hair short, erasing the most drastic distinction of all, and "throwing the baby out with the bath water." Some try to argue against men having facial hair, but that too is one of God's natural distinctions, that definitely helps to seperate a woman from a man. It is so hard to find a balance, or draw a line, because lines separate - and no one wants to be different. There is a fine line between women's rights and equality, and women trying to be men, or visa versa. We all want to fit in - whether it be with the "holier than thou" crowd, or the "liberal" crowd - at least we won't be the minority. But God said, straight is the gate, and narrow is the way that leads to life, and few there be that find it. So dare to be different, and set your standards of hair and dress where God sets them.
We have tried every option to maintain modesty in skirts/dresses for sports, riding bikes, climbing stairs/ladders, exercising, etc... - from skirts with jeans under them, to gauchos, to skorts, etc... only to find they are too hot, too cold, too silly looking, too bulky, too unpractical, or too unnecessary. Also, too confusing to the world - they immediately associate you with being a cult, Amish or Oneness/Jesus Only. So, my wife, and 21 year old daughter, have opted for dresses and skirts for dressy/formal occasions, and feminine/modest tops & pants, capris, gauchos, and long shorts for casual occasions. You will have to work out your own options (with fear and trembling - remember it is just as dangerous to add to the Bible, as it is to take away), but please refrain from passing judgment on others, regardless of your decisions. There is a big difference between Conviction and Preference - and we need to know the difference. Conviction is something you believe enough to die for, and Preference is something that you personally observe, but do not feel is a matter of salvation. .
Paul said, "All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any." 1 Cor. 6:12, and " For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
20. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
21. To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
22. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
23. And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you." 1 Cor. 9:19)
A Christian's beauty should not come primarily from outward adornment, but from a pure Christ-like spirit. Both Peter and Paul encouraged women to dress modestly, (lumping adornment and fine clothing together in both cases), clothing themselves rather with good deeds (1Pet. 3:3, 4; 1Tim. 2:9, 10). I believe this also applies to men, relative to fine clothing, expensive cars, and other signs of worldly "success."
Makeup and jewelry should be worn in moderation, or not at all. Your appearance should not draw the wrong kind of attention - (Lust of flesh - revealing desirable parts that would cause someone to want to have sex with you. Lust of eyes - wearing valuable clothing, jewelry, etc, that would cause someone to want to rob you, and the Pride of life - proud walk and demeanor - thinking too highly of oneself, that would cause others to envy you. ) Consider that you are constantly in God's presence, to cultivate habits of character, deportment, and apparel fit for Heaven through the power of Jesus "that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear" (Revelation 3:18).
1 Corinthians 11
1. Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
2. Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.
3. But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
4. Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.
5. But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.
6. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.
7. For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.
8. For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.
9. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.
10. For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.
11. Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.
12. For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.
13. Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?
14. Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?
15. But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
16. But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.
These verses show that God wants men to have short hair, and women to have long hair - "for her hair was given to her for (instead of) a covering" (veil). This covering is symbolic of her love/submission to God and/or husband/father - therefore providing the protection of good angels (that camp around those that fear God and keep His commandments Ps.34:7) against the fallen angels/demons. Thus explaining the verse, "because of the angels." The man's covering is Christ, therefore he should have short hair, and remove any other head coverings/hats when praying or in church.
How long is long and how short is short? The word used for shorn means "close to the scalp" - so that would be the definition for short. The opposite of that "not close to the scalp," would be the meaning of the word "long." These are some of the most simple, and "to the point" verses in the Bible, and yet many will dispute them. What part of "thou shalt not" don't you understand?
BLASPHEMY AGAINST HOLY GHOST - UNPARDONABLE SIN
Matthew 12:31. Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.
32. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.
Mark 3:23. And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?
24. And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.
25. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.
26. And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.
27. No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.
28. Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:
29. But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:
30. Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.
Luke 12:8. Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:
9. But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.
10. And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.
Hebrews 6:4. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
5. And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
6. If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
Revelation 14:9. And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
10. The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
11. And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
12. Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus
The above verses show that Blasphemy Against The Holy Ghost can NEVER be forgiven, and is the Unpardonable Sin. All other blasphemies can be forgiven, except blasphemy against the Holy Ghost. The book of Hebrews explains it best, as - getting saved, partaking of the Holy Ghost baptism and good things of God, and then falling away, directly or indirectly attributing it all to the devil, committing blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, (Only God knows for sure when someone has crossed this line) and then trying to get saved, or crucifying Christ, all over again.
Revelation says that to worship or accept the Mark of the Beast is also a form of Blaspheming the Holy Ghost, and can never be forgiven. These are the most fearful verses in Scripture, and though many try to dilute, distort or excuse them, it is not worth losing your eternal soul to ignore them.
Matthew 16:24. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
25. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
26. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Should a Christian Celebrate Christmas, Easter, and Valentine's Day?
There are abundant arguments about the heathenish practices and origin of these holidays, but what the devil has meant for evil, God can use for good! Every day is the Lord's day and we don't give the devil even one, including Halloween. We celebrate them for good. Christmas is used to celebrate Christ's birth, and Santa Clause needs to be honored only as a good Christian example, not a god. Tell your children the truth, that he was a good man who went door to door leaving presents for the poor. He would not want to be worshipped or glorified in any way, and would turn over in his grave if he knew the lies that parents are telling their children about him today.
We always told our children the truth, and that the dressed up Santa's were just a symbol of a good Christian man who gave to the poor. We told them that we should follow his, and Christ's, example in giving to others, and hence the reason for exchanging presents on Christmas morning. We were just as excited about it as any other family who lied to their kids about Santa, and claimed he watched them all year, and lived in the North Pole, etc... Just tell them that it is all pretend, and they will still enjoy it! That way, years down the road, they wont think you are lying to them when you tell them about the story of Jesus, etc...
We celebrate Easter as the resurrection and soon-return of Jesus, and tell them that the Easter bunny is just pretend - duh! They will find out anyway and may never trust you again, if you lie to them. We celebrate Valentine's day as a day of love, because Valentine also had a marvelous Christian testimony, and really did exist. And we should follow his example as well. St. Patrick's Day is also to be celebrated because, if you do your research, you will find that he was a great Christian martyr for the Lord! We celebrate Halloween as a day to dress up and have fun, and do it as unto the Lord. To the pure, all things are pure. Kids and adults need to experience the joy of the Lord and clean fellowship and fun. It keeps the kids off the streets and out of trouble, and let's them see that God's people can have good clean fun! The devil doesn't have it all :) Only if you give it to him!
