bowhunter; Here is some scripture that you requested. Remember, you asked, so don't be mad if the answer isn't what you wanted to hear.
Luke 24:44-49 Jesus last words to his followers. He opened their understanding so they wouldn't be confused or speak out of turn. He told them to tarry in Jerusulem where he would send the promise of the Father and endue them with power from on high. Acts 1:5 Ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. John 3:5 Except a man be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. What is The Kingdom of God? Ro 14:17 its righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Acts 1:8 The Holy Ghost will bring Power to those who receive it. Power to become wittnesses unto him. Acts 2: 1-4 They were in Jersusalem, and suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind (John 3:8), and it filled all the house where they were sitting, and there appeared unto them, cloven tongues like as of fire, and it set 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 gift came from Heaven. It is the Gift of God. 120 people began speaking in tongues at the same time, including the apostles and Mary, the mother of Jesus. V:5 Men from every nation under heaven heard them speak with other tongues. This is the birth of the New Testament Church and the New Testament Church began with "speaking in other tongues". This was prophesied by Joel in Joel 2.
Who can and should receive the Holy Ghost? Acts 2:38? You, your children, those who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God shall call. 3120 received the Holy Ghost on the day of pentecost.
Do all speak with tongues? The Apostles did, Acts 2. The mother of Jesus did, Acts 2. The Samaritans did, Acts 8. Cornelius, his kinfolks, and friends did, Acts 10. The men at Ephesus did, Acts 19. Paul, who wrote over half of the New Testament did, 1 Cor 14:18+39. Speaking in other tongues was always a conformation that new converts had received the Holy Ghost like those in the beginning had received it, Acts 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. In light of the recorded scriptures I will have to say that all should speak with tongues.
What is some of the purposes' of The Holy Ghost? Jo 14:26 to teach us. 1 Cor 2: 7-14. Remember the lessons taught in the Tabernacle in the Wilderness? Everything depended upon the light from The Golden Candlestick. If the light went out, they could not see to eat the Shewbread. Could not see to find the Golden Altar of inscense to offer sacrifice there. All was in total darkness. God promised to give thee light. Only in thy light shall we see light. Jo 16:13 Show things to come. Is 28:11-12 our rest. Acts 1:8 gives power. Ro 8:11 to resurrect .
There is no scripture that says these things have ceased, but they will when that which is perfect is come. That which is perfect isn't the bible as the book Of Acts is an open book. All other books had a closing statement, but not the Acts of the Apostles, it is ongoing. We still live in the Dispensation of The Holy Ghost. Paul warns against one who would preach any other Gospel. We are saved IF we keep in memory what was preached unto us. We are to continue in the Apostles doctine. The Apostles taught the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
Snook,
What about known tongues, can you tell me how much of the new test. tongues were men speaking in other known lang.s and how often were they unknown and what were the circumstances. How about modern tongues movement is it spoken in a known or unknown tongue? Do the charasmatic missionaries go to foreign speaking countries and find themselves speaking a language they did not know before. Are there rules in the church for who should speak in tongues and when or are they allowed to break out spontaneously in the middle of a service? Are the women allowed to speak in tongues? Even during services?
What about the other gifts of the spirt? Propecy? Do you have members who have prophecized? Healed? I would be interested in hearing more about it snooky
Bro bo; II Cor 14:2 Says, For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God. You then ask about prophecy, these are not the same although many confuse them. There is also tongues that are to be interpreted by another. As you mention there is times when one will speak in a language unknown to him, but is a native tongue to another. These are under the control of the Holy Ghost. They are not a toy, or a display item to be used of men at their disgression as many mistakenly think. There is always a counterfeit trying to imitate the true. If there wasn't a true, there would be no pattern to try to duplicate. I have testified several times on here about things I have experienced, wittnessed, and things that was witnessed by too many wittnesses to be denied without plainly calling everyone involved, liars. God does all that he says he will do, and our belief or unbelief, will not change God, his word, his will, or his ways. It is our responsibility to adjust our belief to stand the test of Gods word, not to make God's word conform to our belief. There is no contradiction in the word of God. All scripture fits together, there is no loose ends dangling anywhere. If there is, there is a doctrinal problem somewhere.
To make it perfectly clear, men don't heal. God is the healer. Gifts are not a toy that men play with when they are bored. Those who have no knowledge of Spiritual Gifts, will ofter make statements such as, "if you have the gift of the Holy Ghost, heal someone", "give me a prophesy", "do a miracle", ect. That is simply trying to tempt God because of their unbelief. Never the less, God remaineth true.
Receive the Holy Ghost
