Who Is A Real Christian ?

Introduction

     This book was put into print for one main reason. Within the Christian movement today there is more confusion than ever. That, in part, is due to a lot of unscriptural preaching and teaching. Many people have been deceived by all the false doctrines being taught. The only way to address all this is to go to the only reliable source, God's Holy Word, the Bible. All scripture given in this book comes from the King James Version. We pray this book will help you understand the fundamentals of the Christian faith and how to identify false teaching when you are faced with it. We pray that this will be a blessing to you, your family, and friends.

     May you trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as your savior.

Who Is A Real Christian?

Chapter One

What Are The Fundamentals Of The Christian Faith?

     In order to understand what the fundamentals of the Christian faith are, we must go back to find out why there is a Christian faith. In today's world there are more different religions than we can count. So how does one find the truth? There are hundreds and hundreds of religious books that were written by man in order to support their beliefs that their religion is the right way. But there is only one book that was inspired by God and given to man. That book alone is God's Holy Word, the Bible. You may ask how do you know that the Holy Bible is the word of God. First of all, because the Bible has stood the test of time, and it declares itself to be the word of God. Here are some scriptures taken from the Bible that back this up.

John 1:1-2, 14 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2The same was in the beginning with God.  . . . 14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

II Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

II Peter 1:20-21 20Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Psalms 119:89 For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.

Psalms 12:6-7 6The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. 7Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

     These are just a few scriptures to show us how we got the Bible. It also shows us that God is in control of preserving his word forever.

     There is another fact that proves that the Bible alone is the only word of God. In the Bible alone, you will find prophecy that has been fulfilled and will never fail. You many ask what is prophecy? It was God foretelling future events and never failing to fulfill them. Only God can do this. In other religion's books this is not the case. When the men of other religions wrote their books they, most of them, were careful not to put any new or different prophecy into their writings. The reason is if their own revelations did not come to pass they would be shown up to be liars and false prophets. Then their religion more than likely would come to an end. But some men, because of pride and being deceived themselves, chose to add to God's word and put in their own false prophecy. In these cases when their revelations did not come to pass, they had to go back and take out or change their false teaching. Now we know that this is not of God. The Holy Bible stands alone as the only writing inspired by God himself and given to man.

     Now we must find out from the Bible why and how the Christian faith started, and who is a real Christian. God chose to make his plan for mankind simple, but it was man who came along adding his words to God's simple grace, and in some cases taking away or rejecting God's one and only plan for man's salvation.

     Let's go back to when God created Adam and Eve, the very first people on the earth. God put them in a perfect place, the Garden of Eden, and he gave Adam instructions on what he could do and warned him about what he should not do.

Genesis 2:16-17 16And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

     Then Satan, the devil in the form of a serpent, deceives Eve.

Genesis 3:1-7 1Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? 2And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 3But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. 4And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. 6And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. 7And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.

     Man now becomes a sinner and is separated from God.

Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

     Adam and Eve now make excuses for disobeying God, showing their lost and sinful nature.

Genesis 3:8-13 8 And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. 9And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? 10And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. 11And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? 12And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. 13And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.

     Now man is a sinner. God is holy and sinless. Man is separated from God because of his sin nature. Also, man is unable to get good enough on his own to reunite himself with God. Adam now finds himself in a hopeless condition. This is where only God could come up with a plan to sacrifice himself and die for the sins of man.

Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

     The Bible proves the Lord Jesus Christ, God's only begotten son born of Mary when she was a virgin, is God himself in the flesh.

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, the everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 45:22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.

Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Isaiah 43:11 I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no saviour.

Isaiah 45:5 I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

     We can see from these scriptures that the Lord Jesus Christ is the promised savior; the Messiah; God incarnate in human flesh.

     Now what does a person have to know and believe in order to become a real Christian? God states in the Bible twice:

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Proverbs 16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

     Everything in the Bible is important. However, when the Lord repeats himself more than once, he must really want to get our attention. Another example: The Lord says that the just shall live by his faith. He put it in the Bible three times.

Habakkuk 2:4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

Galatians 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

Hebrews 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

     The just is a reference to a saved person. He is to live the Christian life by faith not sight.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

     In all religions and even some Christian denominations man has made a serious mistake. He has mixed his works with God's grace. Most all religions believe in God or a supreme being, but they all teach man has to do something to obtain a certain level of goodness in order to earn the right to be selected to go to paradise or heaven. However, the Lord refutes this in his word by saying of man and religion:

Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

     Also the Bible says:

Ephesians 2:8-9 8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

     Now you can see God will not accept man's works in order to be saved. He must repent. The Lord said in:

Luke 13:5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

     In other words man must realize he is a sinner by nature separated from God because of his sin nature. And no amount of his goodness can save him.

Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

     He must realize he cannot save himself. He must understand he is lost without hope. Then he must repent. That means Godly sorrow knowing he has sinned against God and man. He would then have a change of mind that would bring about a change of heart that would bring a change of his will. Not his will but God's will. This is the only way man can come to God in order to receive his free gift of eternal life.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

     Only then is he qualified to call on the Lord Jesus Christ who paid man's sin debt with his death, burial, and resurrection.

I Corinthians 15:1-4 1Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

     Trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ is man's only way to heaven.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

     Now these are the facts you must believe and trust on in order to be saved and become a real Christian:

1. You must realize you are a sinner.

Ecclesiastes 7:20 For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Now you see everyone is a sinner.

2. You must realize you owe a penalty, or debt, for your sins.

Romans 6:23a For the wages of sin is death;

There are two deaths an unsaved person will suffer. The first one is a physical death. The second death is eternal separation from God in the lake of fire, hell.

Luke 16:22-24 22And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

Revelation 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

Keep in mind that when you die physically, you are separated from your body. Your spirit and soul go to heaven or hell depending on what you do with the Lord Jesus.

I John 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

3. You must realize that you cannot save yourself.

Ephesians 2:8-9 8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

No amount of good works by anyone can get them to heaven.

Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

4. It is a fact that we must repent of our sins. This means we must look to God realizing we are unable to do anything about our condition, except trust in the Lord to save us. True repentance will cause you to look to the Lord asking for forgiveness, calling on him, believing he paid your debt, and receiving him as your savior.

Luke 5:32  I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

Mark 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

"Repent ye and believe the gospel."

Luke 13:5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

5. It is a fact that Christ died and was buried and rose from the dead in order to pay for our salvation. We must trust in him alone.

I Corinthians 15:1-4 1Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

I Peter 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the spirit:

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

6. You must call on and trust in Jesus alone to save you.

Romans 10:9 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

You may now want to call on the Lord and ask him to save you, and receive God's gift of eternal life.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Pray: "Lord, realizing that I am a sinner, and unable to save myself, I repent of my sins and trust you to save me. Have mercy on me, in Jesus' name I pray. Amen."

7. Assurance. If you have just trusted the Lord or you are already sure you are going to heaven, here are some verses from God's word to give you assurance that he will never leave you.

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Here are also verses that prove you have eternal life and you will never perish. God wants you to know that you are now saved and are going to be with him in heaven forever.

John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him

John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

I John 5:11-13 11And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

John 10:27-30 27My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. 30I and my Father are one.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

These are the fundamentals of God's saving faith. Anyone who adds to these or takes away from these simple facts concerning God's plan of salvation is teaching false doctrine and God will not accept that.

Who Is a Real Christian?

Chapter Two

False Prophets, Preachers, and Teachers Who Teach False Doctrine

     In the first part of this chapter, we are going to look at some of the false doctrines that mix works with God's saving grace. These are false doctrines taught by some of the various denominations and movements who teach that in order to be saved these must be included. Before we look at these we must understand that God set strict rules when it comes to his salvation. You see, first of all, God's gift of eternal life is free. Free because the Lord Jesus Christ paid it all.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Ephesians 2:8-9 8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast.

     We see these Bible verses make it clear. There are no works involved in God's salvation. Trusting in the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ for the total payment of our sin debt is God's only way. He will not accept anything added to it. When man adds to this it is no longer saving faith.

     We will now look at some of these false teachings that lead man to trust on a faith that does not save, making them think that they are saved when in reality they are religious but lost and headed to hell without even knowing it. Some of these preachers and teachers are possessed by seducing spirits from Satan. They are highly deceived themselves. That is why they are so convincing and truly believe what they teach. The first false doctrine we will cover could be called baptismal regeneration.

1. Baptismal Regeneration. This false doctrine states that you are not really saved until you are baptized. Some churches and preachers go beyond that and teach if you are not baptized by them in these churches you are still lost and headed to hell.

     What a tragedy. There are thousands of members in these churches who have been deceived by this lie. The main reason for this problem is that when their denomination or movement was formed, their leaders misinterpreted the scriptures and added baptism as a condition man must do. That turns baptism into a religious work man adds to God's plan of salvation. God will not accept that.

Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

     It is true that one of the first things the Lord wants us to do after we have repented and trusted him for salvation is to follow him in scriptural baptism. The Lord Jesus set an example for us when he had John the Baptist baptize him in the River Jordan.

     The truth is no one is even qualified to get baptized until they are saved. There is no record of anyone in the Bible that got saved because they were baptized. Just the opposite. The context is they repented, believed on Christ, then they were baptized. If baptism were a necessary act to be done by man in order to go to heaven, how do we explain the fact that one of the thieves on the cross repented and trusted in Christ while dying on the cross. Then the Lord Jesus told him:

Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

     If baptism were necessary in order for him to go to heaven, then he would not have gone to paradise but would have gone to hell. But we know that was not the case.

     Baptism is one of the ordinances of the New Testament church. In order to be a member of a local scriptural New Testament church you must be baptized. But once you have been baptized on the authority of a scriptural New Testament church, you do not have to get baptized again because the Bible teaches there is only one baptism.

Ephesians 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

     Some churches will not accept another church's baptism, and they may ask you to get baptized again. I could agree with this if a person was not really saved. But if you have truly repented and trusted in Christ for salvation, you do not have to get baptized again.

     Now we will look at some of the scriptures they take out of context in order to teach this false doctrine. The favorite is:

Acts 2:38 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.

     You can see how this could be misinterpreted. The context here is not baptism, but the context is the word that comes before baptize. That word is repent. In order for anyone to be saved we must repent. Even Jesus said:

Luke 13:3  I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

     That is why Peter said repent and be baptized. In other words make sure you are saved; now you can follow the Lord in baptism.

Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

     You see here no one got baptized until they heard the word of God, gladly. In other words, they were saved, then followed the Lord in baptism.

     Let's look at the account of the Philippian jailer that got saved when Paul and Silas were put in Jail.

Acts 16:27-33 27And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. 28But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. 29Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, 30And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 32And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. 33And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.

Notice what Paul told him when he asked sirs what must I do to be saved? They said believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved, and thy house, meaning his family. Here's another verse that proves believing, repenting, hearing the word of God, in other words being saved, must come before baptism:

Acts 18:8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.

     The sad thing about this false doctrine is that anyone who believes you must be baptized in order to be saved is deceived and is not trusting totally in Christ for salvation. Which means they most likely are religious but lost.

     The next false doctrine we will cover is the false teaching that once you are saved you could lose your salvation if you do not live a perfect life.

2. The False Teaching that You Can Lose Your Salvation. This is also another sad case of man adding his works to God's gift of eternal life. We are going to study two areas of scriptures that these false preachers and teachers have totally misunderstood in order to come up with this very sad and dangerous untruth.

     First, we will look at the misunderstood verses in Hebrews.

Hebrews 6:4-9 4For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6If 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. 7For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: 8But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. 9But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.

At first glance of these scriptures one might think these are Christians who could lose their salvation. These people who are referred to in verses 4 through 6 cannot be saved Christians. The key word that proves these are not saved people is the word impossible in verse 4. Whoever these people are the Bible says here it is impossible for them to repent. That rules out anyone who is really saved. Christians are not supposed to sin, but because of our sin nature we do sin. When we sin we do not lose our salvation, but we can lose our joy, fellowship with god, and our testimony. But all these can be restored when we repent and ask God for forgiveness and put away that sin.

     There are some examples of saved men in the Bible who fell into sin then repented and their fellowship with God was restored. King David, a man after God's own heart, was guilty of adultery and murder. He did not lose his salvation.

II Samuel 12:13 And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said unto David, The Lord also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.

We also see in Psalm 51 David repenting asking God to restore the joy of his salvation.

Psalms 51:3-12 3For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 4Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou Judgest. 5Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. 7Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. 9Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. 10Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 12Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

And Peter denied knowing Christ and fell into sin.

Matthew 26:34-35 34Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. 35Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.

Matthew 26:69-75 69Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. 70But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. 71And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. 72And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. 73And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee. 74Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. 75And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

After Peter's sins Jesus later after his resurrection comforts him and he is restored.

John 21:15-17 15So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

     Now we need to find out who is unable to repent. The only people in the Bible who were unable to repent were those who committed the unpardonable sin. In the Bible the unpardonable sin was usually committed by lost religious people who had willfully rejected Christ until God gave them up. Once God gives up on a person and the Holy Spirit leaves them alone not convicting them anymore of their sins it is over as far as God is concerned. These people can never repent. They have no desire to do so.

     So now we see the people referred to in Hebrews chapter 6 were religious lost people who had resisted and rejected the Holy Spirit until God gave up on them. Who are some of the people who must have committed this unforgivable sin in the Bible? Many of the people who perished in Noah's time, for example. That might explain why none of them got on the ark to escape God's judgment. They have no desire to do so; also, many others in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, I believe many of the Pharisees hated Christ and must have committed this sin. Also, during the tribulation, millions will commit this sin by taking the mark of the beast giving their allegiance to the anti-Christ instead of trusting in the Lord.

     Now we deal with some verses that can cause much confusion when they are misinterpreted.

I John 3:4-9 4Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 5And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 6Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. 7Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

     You can see from reading these verses that one could think that John is saying once someone is really saved he does not sin anymore. You can see why they would think if we sin we must not be saved anymore. One thing we must understand here: This does not mean when we get saved that we must live a sinless life in order to stay saved. We know that from what we learned in the Bible that Christians are not supposed to sin but they do because of their sin nature. So the reference in verse 6 does not mean they are sinless. It has to mean that they do not practice sin on a regular basis. Also, in a closer look at verse 9, the word "seed" here refers to God the Holy Spirit who lives inside a saved person. That is why it says he (the Holy Spirit) cannot sin, because we know our flesh can sin. But the Holy Spirit that lives in a saved person cannot sin. To put to rest this false teaching, let's ask ourselves a question: Since the gift of God is everlasting life, how long is everlasting? It has to mean forever. Since God gives us everlasting life when we get saved, how can you lose it if it lasts forever?

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Who Is a Real Christian?

Chapter Three

Today's Hollywood Christianity

The Charismatic Controversy. In this chapter we will deal with several unscriptural teachings preached and taught by the modern day charismatic movement.

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, and being filled with the Holy Ghost. The charismatic movement has turned these Bible doctrines into a tragedy, deceiving and misleading many thousands of people seeking God's will for their lives. Instead they are left seeking signs more than seeking the savior.

Matthew 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Matthew 12:39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:

John 4:48 Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.

     I urge you to get a King James Version of the Bible and study along with us and ask God's Holy Spirit to reveal to you the truth of his word. First we want to cover the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues. A lot of the charismatic preachers teach that the Baptism of the Holy Ghost will cause you to speak in unknown tongues. Or they say that when one is filled with the Holy Ghost he or she will speak in unknown tongues. This is a half truth. In order to understand the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the filling of the Holy Spirit, we need to follow what the Bible states and not what some men interpret it to say. First, the baptism of the spirit is for all believers. This is not a gift for a select few as some teach. Paul tells us in I Corinthians 12:13:

I 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.

     You see Paul tells us all saved believers are baptized by the Holy Spirit into one body, the body of Christ, the church, which is his body.

Colossians 1:18, 24 18And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. . . . 24Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:

     This happens to all believers who repent and trust in the Lord for salvation.

     It is true that the Lord Jesus spoke of being baptized with the Holy Spirit. To understand what he meant we must study what the Lord Jesus said about the Holy Spirit.

John 14:16-18 16And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

     Jesus here is talking about the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the fact that he will never leave a saved person. This reference is to receiving the Holy Spirit which all saved people will receive when saved. However, being filled with the Holy Spirit is a different doctrine. All saved receive the Holy Spirit.

I 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.

     But not all Christians are filled or empowered with the Holy Spirit.

     Before we study to see what happened at Pentecost, we must go back to see when Jesus called his twelve apostles and ordained them.

Mark 3:13-15 13And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him. 14And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, 15And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:

Matthew 10:1-8 1And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. 2Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. 5These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: 6But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

     This was the origin of his church, not at Pentecost as some teach, keeping in mind Judas who betrayed him was chosen treasurer.

     Now let's look at when the apostles received the Holy Ghost. Jesus tells of this in John 16:7-14.

John 16:7-14 7Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. 12I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

     After Jesus rose from the dead before Pentecost he appeared unto them and they received the Holy Ghost.

John 20:16-22 16Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. 17Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. 18Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her. 19Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 20And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. 21Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

     Now we see from this passage that when Mary Magdalene saw the risen Lord she was not allowed to touch him. Jesus had to ascend to heaven and the Father. It may have been the last act of Jesus to apply his blood on the mercy seat in heaven, thus fulfilling all the prophecies of his supreme one time sacrifice to pay for the sins of the world.

     Study Hebrews chapter 9.

Hebrews 9 1Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. 2For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. 3And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; 4Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; 5And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. 6Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. 7But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: 8The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: 9Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; 10Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. 11But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; 12Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 13For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: 14How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. 16For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. 17For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. 18Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. 19For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, 20Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. 21Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. 22And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. 23It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: 25Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; 26For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

     Now we see that the church started when Jesus ordained the twelve apostles, and they received the Holy Ghost after the resurrection.

     Now we can move on to Pentecost. Keep in mind he had already given special power to his apostles. This supernatural power given to them came with the special office to which God had ordained them. The Lord Jesus had told them at the last supper that they would do greater works than himself, because he was going home to the Father, meaning his works on earth were to be given to his apostles through the power of the Holy Spirit, and they had a lot more than three and one-half years, which was the length of Christ's ministry here on earth. That's why Jesus told them greater works than these shall they do. They would have more time.

     We must understand that God gave the apostles and certain others called disciples supernatural power. It came with their calling and the office they held. Jesus gave them power to raise the dead, heal all manner of sickness, and cast out demons. This power was given to the apostles back in the book of Matthew.

Matthew 10:5-8 5These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: 6But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

     Now we are speaking of the last acts and commandments of Jesus before he ascended back to heaven.

Acts 1:1-11 1The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: 3To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: 4And, 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. 5For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. 6When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 7And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 8But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 9And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

     Now Jesus tells them they will be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days from now. This is a reference to their being filled with the Holy Ghost, a supernatural manifestation which God gave for them to witness to the unbelieving Jews. Notice what Jesus tells them in the book of Acts.

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

     This is the reason God displayed such power at Pentecost. It was not so they could just speak in tongues and show signs and wonders to the unbelieving Jews. God knew it would take that to convince those Jews. Why? Because Jews require a sign.

I Corinthians 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

     This is also the reason the real gift of tongues was given. This also was a fulfillment of a prophecy in the Old Testament. Paul tells of this in the book of Corinthians.

I Corinthians 14:20-22 20Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. 21In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. 22Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

     So now we see the real gift of tongues was a sign gift given to convince unbelieving Jews. For they require a sign. Also we must understand at Pentecost there were only Jews present, devout men out of every nation under heaven.

     Now let's look at Acts chapter 2 to see what happened and to learn what the real gift of tongues is.

Acts 2:1-21 1And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 9Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. 12And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? 13Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. 14But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: 15For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. 16But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 17And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: 19And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: 20The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: 21And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

     A careful study of these passages reveals that the gift of tongues was being able to speak in languages which the Galilaeans didn't even know. This is revealed in Acts.

Acts 2:4-12 4And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 9Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. 12And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

     There are sixteen different nations listed here. God through the Holy Spirit gave them the power to speak all their languages without even knowing them. That's why all these Jews were amazed. (See verses 6-8 above.) Now you may ask what was the reason for this. It's simply to bring them to repentance in order for them to trust in Christ and be saved.

Acts 2:37-38 37Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38Then 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.

     So you see that Peter tells them to repent in order to be saved and then they can follow the Lord in scriptural baptism. And in verse 41 we have the result of God's outpouring of his power. Three thousand souls were saved.

Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

      Now let's compare this, the real gift of tongues, with what is practiced in a lot of churches today.

     Why the modern day gift of tongues is a counterfeit and it is not of God.

     Now that we see what the real gift of tongues is, let's take a look at what is practiced today in the modern day tongues movement. I know some people reading this will be upset and refuse to believe God's word on this matter. But when the truth is revealed there are always some people who will reject it and cling to the doctrines of men. That's why Jesus said in Matthew:

Matthew 15:8-9 8This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

     And also Jesus said in John:

John 8:30-31 30As he spake these words, many believed on him. 31Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

     It says that God is not the author of confusion. In today's tongues movement there is a lot of confusion. I have been in churches where emotion and confusion rule as some exercise their so-called gift of tongues. And not once have I heard them in speak in a real language of some nation in this world. Instead, it is always some unintelligible gibberish, which the original Webster's dictionary defines as rapid and inarticulate talk (not distinct syllables of normal words), unintelligible language, words without meaning. Then, if questioned about this, they will tell you it's a special language between them and God that you cannot understand unless there happens to be another false prophet there to interpret what was said. Most of the time no one even knows what was said, and there is no interpreting what they said. I suppose they don't even know. I remember listening to Jimmy Swaggart preach many times. He would use this gibberish. But I never heard anyone interpret what he said. The real gift of tongues is being able to speak in a real language without even knowing it. If these modern day false prophets have the real gift of tongues then explain to me why they have to send their missionaries to school to learn the language of the country to where they are being sent.

     The early church in Corinth had a foreign language heresy. Paul writes them and tells them about the gift of tongues. We now need to read I Corinthians chapter 14 and study it closely.

I Corinthians 14 1Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 2For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. 3But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 4He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 5I would that ye all spake with tongues; but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. 6Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? 7And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? 8For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? 9So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. 10There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. 11Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. 12Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. 13Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. 14For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15What 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. 16Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? 17For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. 18I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: 19Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. 20Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. 21In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. 22Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. 23If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? 24But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: 25And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. 26How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. 27If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. 28But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. 29Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. 30If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. 31For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. 32And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. 34Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. 35And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. 36What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? 37If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. 38But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. 39Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. 40Let all things be done decently and in order.

     First of all Paul tells them to follow after charity (love). You may desire spiritual gifts, but it's more important that one may prophesy. Paul tells them that a person that prophesies, that work is greater than one who can speak in tongues. One who is truly filled with the Holy Spirit and speaks the word of God with boldness is witnessing, and will bring people to Christ. He is prophesying, and it is far more important to do that. Paul says if you do speak in an unknown language pray that he may interpret. He also says he would rather speak five words with understanding than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

I Corinthians 14:8-19 8For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? 9So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. 10There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. 11Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.  12Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. 13Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. 14For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15What 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. 16Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? 17For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. 18I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: 19Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

     He goes on to state that tongues were a sign gift for unbelieving Jews and was a sign to unbelievers, not for believers.

I Corinthians 14: 21-24 21In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. 22Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. 23If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? 24But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

     He also says if there is no interpreter he is to remain silent, a far cry from what goes on today. He further states that the spirits of the prophets (preachers) are subject to one another, meaning a real prophet would be able to discern who is really telling the truth. And he adds that God is not the author of confusion. He also says when it came to tongues that the women were to remain silent. They were not permitted to speak. If they wanted to know what was said, their husbands were to tell them at home. It was a shame for them to speak in the church.

I Corinthians 14:34-35 34Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. 35And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

     But yet in today's so-called tongues movement, everyone is encouraged to seek this gift, a far cry from what's in the Bible. Finally, Paul also states that someday tongues will cease. When? When that which is perfect is come. This is not a reference to the coming of the Lord. He is a person (God in the flesh). The only other thing I know that is perfect is the word of God. When the last prophecies and words were given to the apostle John on the Isle of Patmos, the canon of the Bible was closed, complete, not to be added to or taken away from.

Revelation 22:18-21 18For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. 20He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. 21The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

     That's why if anyone tells you that God told them something that's not in the Bible, it's not true. Jesus warned us in Matthew 24.

Matthew 24:4-5 4And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

Matthew 24:11-12 11And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

     We should be looking for the coming of the Lord to receive us.

John 14:1-6 1Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. 4And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. 5Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? 6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

     But no one knows when he will come, so we should stay busy while we are waiting on him.

Matthew 24:36-44 36But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. 37But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, 39And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 40Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 41Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 42Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. 43But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. 44Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

Who Is a Real Christian?

Chapter Four

Modern Day Faith Healers

Do they have the same power and gifts Jesus and his apostles had?

     This is another area where there are many false prophets. These men and women for the most part are deceived themselves. Satan is very powerful and he controls many evil spirits. One group of these spirits are seducing spirits sent to cause these false prophets to believe a lie. Many of these false prophets have television ministries. They conduct faith healing meetings all across this nation, and also many places in the world. Thousands upon thousands flock to these events expecting to be healed. Millions watch these ministries on television expecting to be healed when the false prophet tells them to touch the TV.

     Then we have the so-called seed faith prophets who tell you to send them your money so they can plant it and you will prosper beyond your wildest expectations. Well, friend, where they usually plant it is in their wallet. By they way, the word "seed" in the Bible almost always refers to the word of God, not your money!

     You also need to know that you don't have to dial 1-800 in Tulsa or any other city to get in touch with God. All you have to do is get on your knees if you are serious, realizing you are a sinner and in need of God's help. Jesus said in the Bible: Ye must be born again. This is his spiritual birth given to one when he or she puts their trust in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ for the payment of our sins. We must repent and trust in him in order to be saved. Only then can we open the door to communication with God. If you are sure you are going to heaven and you are saved you can call on the Lord for any and all your needs.

Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

     Before we look at some of the unscriptural doctrines practiced by these faith healers, we need to review what Jesus said concerning the power and gifts he gave his apostles.

Matthew 10:1-8 1And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. 2Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. 5These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: 6But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

     We see here that the Lord gave his apostles the power to do the same miracles he did. They even had power to raise the dead. Paul raised a young man who died falling down from the third loft.

Acts 20:7-12 7And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. 8And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together. 9And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. 10And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him. 11When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed. 12And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.

Also, Peter raised a woman named Tabitha from the dead.

Acts 9:36-42 36Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. 37And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. 38And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. 39Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. 40But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. 42And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. 43And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

     When was the last time you heard that a modern day faith healer has raised a dead person?

     There are some other stark differences between today and then. When Jesus and his apostles healed people, everyone that came to them having faith that God would heal them got healed and were made whole. And even more important, nearly all trusted in the Lord and got saved. Let me add that they did not heal anyone who did not come to them. Today some faith healers go out into the crowd and just pick someone at random.

     When we look at today's so-called healing services, you have to be screened by their staff before you can go on stage to see the healer. Many people who travel hundreds of miles can't even get close to the faith healer. How sad.

     Another point, if these healers have the same power the apostles had, then why don't they go to the hospitals and nursing homes and heal all those who want to be healed? Could it be that they wouldn't be able to make the money they make when they rent a civic center or coliseum or football stadium? And when did we ever see Jesus pass the plate before or after he healed someone?

     Friends, I do not say that God has quit healing people. Yes, I believe God still heals everyday. But I do not believe that God uses this Hollywood type of healing service in order to heal people. Even though these faith healers give God lip service, the truth is that all the glory does not go to God. This practice elevates these faith healers. These people think they have to go to them in order to be healed. Not so. If you are saved, you can get in touch with God wherever you are. If you are not sure you are going to heaven and not sure you are saved, you can trust him now.

1. You must realize you are a sinner.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

2. You also must realize there is a penalty for your sins.

Romans 6:23a For the wages of sin is death;

Revelation 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

3. You must realize you cannot save yourself. It is not based on how good you are.

Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

You must not trust on your goodness and works to earn heaven.

Ephesians 2:8-9 8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

4. You must repent, with Godly sorrow, realizing you have sinned against God and man. True repentance will bring about a change of your mind that will bring about a change of your heart, and a change of your will. Not your will but God's will, Jesus said.

Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

5. Now the good news: Jesus has paid you sin debt.

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 6:23b . . . the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

He has paid it all.

6. You must trust, call on, and receive the Lord Jesus as your savior.

Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Do you believe Romans 10:13? If so, you may want to bow you head and call on the Lord to save you. Pray:

Dear Lord, realizing that I am a sinner unable to save myself, I do now trust in your death, burial and resurrection for payment of my sins. I accept you as Lord and savior. Thank you Lord for saving me, in Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

7. The last thing we will cover is God's free gift of everlasting life when we trust him to save us. God wants you to know you have eternal life and will be with him forever.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

John 10:27-30 27My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. 30I and my Father are one.

I John 5:11-13 11And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

     If you trusted in the Lord for your salvation, you may want to write us and request our free book entitled God's Plan for Man. Or call us at 229/888-6415 or 229/435-7615. Or visit us on our web site at albanyrescuemission.org.

     If you got saved, you can now call on the Lord yourself.

Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

     Another point before we close on this chapter: It is not always God's will to heal everyone. One example is Paul. He sought the Lord three times to heal his thorn in his flesh. But God refused and told him: My grace is sufficient for thee, for in weakness you will be made strong.

     A lot of the false prophets teach a false doctrine they call being slain in the spirit. This practice is done in most of these faith healing services. The preacher will blow on a person or hit them on their forehead or just lay hands on their head, which will usually result in them passing out and falling to the floor. And some will thrash around on the floor quivering and flopping around like a fish out of water. Where in the Bible did you ever hear of Jesus or his apostles throwing the Holy Ghost across the room, blowing the Holy Ghost on them, or hitting them on the forehead? And where in the Bible did you ever hear of a believer being slain in the spirit?

     On the other hand, we do have a record of two people being slain by the Holy Ghost. Let's study this passage in Acts.

Acts 5:1-11 1But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. 3But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. 5And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. 6And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. 7And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. 8And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. 9Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. 10Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. 11And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

     I wonder how long it was until someone lied in that church again!

     However, the Bible does give us accounts of the devil throwing people down, with them thrashing around being tormented with demons.

Mark 5:1-20 1And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. 2And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, 3Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: 4Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him. 5And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones. 6But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him, 7And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not. 8For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit. 9And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many. 10And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country. 11Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding. 12And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them. 13And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea. 14And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done. 15And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. 16And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine. 17And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts. 18And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. 19Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. 20And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.

Matthew 17:14-21 14And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying, 15Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. 16And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him. 17Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me. 18And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. 19Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? 20And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. 21Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

     In closing, let us sum up by saying we did not talk about all the false doctrines men and women teach, but we covered some of them. Some, I will cover in a later book, the Lord willing, such as Calvinism or predestination, which teaches that God picks out people to go to heaven and some to go to hell and you have no choice at all about this. However, this flies in the face of God's mercy and grace.

II Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

     Or how about all the so-called Christian cults that strip the Lord Jesus of his deity, saying he is not God, just a son of God. These people always reject the word of God when it proves them wrong.

Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, the everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Matthew 1:22-23 22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

John 1:1-3, 14 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2The same was in the beginning with God. 3All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. . . . 14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

     One common thing in all other religions, most say there is another way to heaven. But:

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

     The major mistake made in most all these false teachings is that they mix man's works with God's grace in order to earn salvation. That will only produce a faith that will not save. God will not accept that.

     Thank you. I hope this book has helped you in understanding some of the false doctrines being taught today. May you trust the Lord and may God bless you and your family.

Your friend in Christ,

Brother Larry Hample

Founder/Director

Albany Rescue Mission

II Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.