[JudyB1938]

Sorry, Woody, I sure didn't appear to come across as smug. Nor did I realize I hadn't specifically answered your question.

The Gift of the Holy Spirit is available to anybody. I've read - but don't have the sources - that it's been known to occur in other Protestant dominations, as well in some Catholic churches.

However, not all people actually receive any particular gift that is listed in the NT, even if they ask. It's the Will of God, not ours. That's why I believe any Pentecostal person who says another person is not saved because they don't "speak in tongues" is in danger of judgement from God. They like to foister hellfire and brimstone on others, but they'd better look to their own souls!

The Bible says we will be punished if we don't use the talent(s) we are given - it does NOT say that we will go to hell because we don't speak in tongues. That talent is whatever ability we have been given to serve God - which might be considered insignificant by others, but considered very important by God. Otherwise, he wouldn't have assigned that niche.

The reason why there is such derision associated with this issue is because some people fail to obey Scripture. We are told, more or less, not to do it in public, but to confine it to our own personal use in private unless there is somebody there to interpret what is being said - otherwise people will look at us and think we're nuts.

I am sorry that I can't answer you better - but I am not a Biblical scholar, nor do I have the ability to express myself the way I wish I could.

It really upset me that I gave you the impression that I am smug. Why? Because I can't stand people like that either! They are hypocrites who WILL answer to God for the ones they kept from the Salvation our Lord Jesus Christ died on the Cross for.

If you are a Christian, you know what I mean. If you are not a Christian, I pray that the Holy Spirit be your constant companion and lead you to the Truth. Amen.

[Jerry_M]

While the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is essential in order to be a Christian (Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. - Romans 8:9b), the gifts of the Spirit are not presented to us ala carte ("I think I will have one helping of prophecy, another of discernment, and a big heaping helping of mercy").

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ - Ephesians 4:11,12

[Jerry_M]

While the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is essential in order to be a Christian (Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. - Romans 8:9b), the gifts of the Spirit are not presented to us ala carte ("I think I will have one helping of prophecy, another of discernment, and a big heaping helping of mercy").

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ - Ephesians 4:11,12

[CCWoody]

The reason why there is such derision associated with this issue is because some people fail to obey Scripture. We are told, more or less, not to do it in public, but to confine it to our own personal use in private unless there is somebody there to interpret what is being said - otherwise people will look at us and think we're nuts. ~ JudyB1938

Whether or not there is derision accociated with the gifts of the Holy Spirit is beside the topic of discussion. I am merely exposing a denomic deception which exists primarily in the Pentecostal churches. And what you have said that I quoted above is an excellent example of a denomic lie about the use of the gifts of tongues.

The gift of tongues is no more for "personal use" than is the gift of prophecy or the gift of healing. The gift of tongues is exclusively for public use. And if there is no one to interpret or you are not preaching the wonders of the kingdom of God in an earthly tongue to another man then you are to remain silent.

So, you see, you have an unBiblical belief that is almost exactly opposite what the Bible actually teaches concerning the gift of tongues. I know that you "are not a Biblical scholar," but you really ought to do exactly as I did. Quit listening to the doctrine from the pulput or what your friends are telling you and actually pick up your Bible and figure out exactly what it teaches. You will find the manna from heaven far more satisfying that the wormwood of man.

It really upset me that I gave you the impression that I am smug. Why? Because I can't stand people like that either! They are hypocrites who WILL answer to God for the ones they kept from the Salvation our Lord Jesus Christ died on the Cross for. ~ JudyB1938

Actually, your belief that you somehow have the power to keep somebody from Salvation is representative of the smug prideful attitude that I do encounter among the Pentecostal (and Arminian churches in general) churches.

Are you actually going to tell me that you can thwart the expressed will of God in the salvation of any man? It is to essentially say to God:


1. The Father purposed the salvation of "Fred" but I am denying you your purpose.
2. The Son was murdered by hanging from a tree to save "Fred" but I am defrauding you of your reward and joy.
3. The Holy Spirit is working to redeem "Fred" to the Son but I am defeating you in your work.


And that is a pretty arrogant thing to believe. It is much more liberating to echo these words of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Bablyon (Dan 4:35):


All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand or say to Him, "What have you done?"

Woody.

The LORD of hosts has sworn, saying, "Surely, as I have thought, so it shall come to pass, And as I have purposed, so it shall stand:..." ~ Isaiah 14:24