tagged w/ salvation
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Scripture Reading -- Acts 3:1-16
All things are possible through the name of Jesus. God hath highly exalted Him, and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow. There is power to overcome everything in the world through the name of Jesus. I am looking forward to a wonderful union through the name of Jesus. There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
I want to instill into you a sense of the power, the virtue and the glory of that name. Six people went into the house of a sick man to pray for him. He was an Episcopal vicar, and lay in bed utterly helpless, without even strength to help himself. He had read a little tract about healing and had heard about people praying for the sick, and sent for these friend, who, he thought, could pray the prayer of faith. He was anointed according to James 5:14, but, because he had no immediate manifestation of healing, he wept bitterly. The six people walked out of the room, somewhat crestfallen to see the man lying there in an unchanged condition.
When they were outside, one of the six said, "There is one thing we might have done. I wish you would all go back with me and try it." They went back and all got together in a group. This brother said, "Let us whisper the name of Jesus." At first when they whispered this worthy name nothing seemed to happen. But as they continued to whisper, "Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!" the power began to fall. As they saw that God was beginning to work, their faith and joy increased, and they whispered the name louder and louder. As they did so the man arose from his bed and dressed himself. The secret was just this, those six people had gotten their eyes off the sick man, and they were just taken up with the Lord Jesus Himself, and their faith grasped the power that there is in His name. O, if people would only appreciate the power that there is in this name, there is no telling what would happen.
I know that through His name and through the power of His name we have access to God. The very face of Jesus fills the whole place with glory. All over the world there are people magnifying that name, and O, what a joy it is for me to utter it.
One day I went up into the mountain to pray. I had a wonderful day. It was one of the high mountains of Wales. I heard of one man going up this mountain to pray, and the Spirit of the Lord met him so wonderfully that his face shone like that of an angel when he returned. Every one in the village was talking about it. As I went up to this mountain and spent the day in the presence of the Lord, His wonderful power seemed to envelop and saturate and fill me.
Two years before this time there had come to our house two lads from Wales. They were just ordinary lads, but they became very zealous for God. They came to our mission and saw some of the works of God. They said to me, "We would not be surprised if the Lord brings you down to Wales to raise our Lazarus." They explained that the leader of their assembly was a man who had spent his days working in a tin mine and his nights preaching, and the result was that he had collapsed, gone into consumption, and for four years he had been a helpless invalid, having to be fed with a spoon.
While I was up on that mountain top I was reminded of the transfiguration scene, and I felt that the Lord's only purpose in taking us into the glory was to fit us for greater usefulness in the valley.
Tongues and Interpretation: "The living God has chosen us for His divine inheritance, and He it is who is preparing us for our ministry, that it may be of God and not of man."
As I was on the mountain top that day, the Lord said to me, "I want you to go and raise Lazarus."Scripture Reading -- Acts 3:1-16
All things are possible through the name of Jesus.... more
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"To another discerning of spirits" (1 Cor. 12:10). There is a vast difference between natural discernment and spiritual. When it comes to natural discernment you will find many people loaded with it, and they can see so many faults in others. To such the words of Christ in the sixth chapter of Luke surely apply, "Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?" If you want to manifest natural discernment, focus the same on yourself for at least twelve months and you will see so many faults in yourself that you will never want to fuss about the faults of another. In the sixth of Isaiah we read of the prophet being in the presence of God and he found that even his lips were unclean and everything was unclean. But praise God, there is the same live coal for us today, the baptism of fire, the perfecting of the heart, the purifying of the mind, the regeneration of the spirit. How important it is that the fire of God shall touch our tongues.
In 1 John 4:1 we are told, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God." We are further told, "And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already it is in the world." From time to time as I have seen a person under the power of evil, or having a fit, I have said to the power of evil, or satanic force that is within the possessed person, "Did Jesus Christ come in the flesh?" And straightway they have answered "No." They either say "No," or hold their tongues, refusing altogether to acknowledge that the Lord Jesus Christ came in the flesh. It is then, remembering that further statement of John's, "Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world," that you can in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ deal with the evil powers and command them to come out. We as Pentecostal people must know the tactics of the evil one and must be able to displace and dislodge him from his position.
I was preaching in Doncaster, England, at one time on the line of faith and a number of people were delivered. There was a man present who was greatly interested and moved by what he saw. He was suffering himself with a stiff knee and had yards and yards of flannel wound around it. After he got home he said to his wife, "I have taken in Wigglesworth's message and now I am going to act on it and get deliverance. Wife, I want you to be the audience." He took hold of his knee and said, "Come out, you devil, in the name of Jesus." Then he said, "It is all right, wife." He took the yards and yards of flannel off and found he was all right without the bandage. The next night he went to the little Primitive Methodist Church where he worshiped. There were a lot of young people who were in bad plight there and Jack had a tremendous business delivering his friends through the name of Jesus. He had been given to see that a great many ills to which flesh is heir are nothing else but the operation of the enemy, but his faith had risen and he saw that in the name of Jesus there was a power that was more than a match for the enemy.
I arrived one night at Gottenberg in Sweden and was asked to hold a meeting there. In the midst of the meeting a man fell full length in the doorway. The evil spirit drew him down, manifesting itself and disturbing the whole meeting. I rushed to the door and laid hold of this man and cried out to the evil spirit within him, "Come out, you devil! In the name of Jesus we cast you out as an evil spirit." I lifted him up and said, "Stand on your feet and walk in the name of Jesus.""To another discerning of spirits" (1 Cor. 12:10). There is a vast... more
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I want to warn you against the foolishness of continually seeking to hear voices. Look in the Bible. Here we have the voice of God, who at sundry times and in divers manners, spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, and hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son. Don't run away with anything else. If you hear the voice of God it will be on the line of the Scriptures of truth given in the inspired Word. In Rev. 22:18, 19 we see the danger of attempting to add to or take from the prophecy of this Book. True prophecy, as it comes forth in the power of the Spirit of God, will neither take from nor add to the Scriptures, but will intensify and quicken that which already has been given to us of God. The Holy Ghost will bring to our remembrance all the things that Jesus said and did. True prophecy will bring forth things new and old out of the Scriptures of truth and will make them living and powerful to us.
Some may ask, "If we have the Scriptures, why do we need prophecy?" The Scriptures themselves answer this question. God has said that in the last days He will pour out of His Spirit upon all flesh," and your sons and your daughters shall prophecy." The Lord knew that in these last days prophecy would be a real means of blessing to us, and that is why we can count on Him giving us, by means of the Spirit, through his servants and his handmaids, true prophetic messages.
I want to give you a warning concerning listening to voices. I was at a meeting in Paisley in Scotland and came in touch with two young women. One of them wore a white blouse but it was smeared with blood. They were in a great state of excitement. These two girls were telegraph operators and were precious young women, having received the Baptism in the Spirit. They were both longing to be missionaries. But whatever our spiritual state is we are subject to temptations. An evil power came to one of these young women and said, "If you will obey me, I will make you one of the most wonderful missionaries that ever went out." This was just the devil or one of his agents acting as an angel of light. One of these young women was captured immediately and she became so excited that her sister saw there was something wrong and asked the overseer to allow them to be free for a time.
As she took her into a room, the power of Satan endeavoring to imitate the Spirit of God, manifested itself in a voice, and led this young woman to believe that the missionary enterprise would be unfolded that night if she would obey. This evil spirit said, "Don't tell anybody but your sister." I reckon that everything of God can be told everybody. If you cannot preach what you live, your life is wrong. If you are afraid of telling what you do in secret. Some day it will be told from the housetop. Don't think you will get out of it. That which is pure cometh to the light. He that doeth truth cometh to the light that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
The evil power went on to say to this girl, "You go to the railroad station tonight, and there will be a train coming in at 7:32. Buy a ticket for yourself and your sister. Then you will have six pence left. You will find a woman in a carriage dressed as a nurse, and opposite her will be a gentleman who has all the money you need." She bought her ticket and had just six pence left. The first thing came right. Next, the train came in at exactly 7:32. But the next thing did not come. They ran from the top to the bottom of that railroad train before it moved out and nothing turned out as they had been told. As soon as the train moved out the same voice came and said, "Over on the other platform." All that night until 9:30 these two young women were rushed from platform to platform. As soon as it was 9:30 this same evil power said, "Now that I know you will obey me, I will make you the greatest missionaries." Always something big! They might have known it was all wrong.I want to warn you against the foolishness of continually seeking to hear voices. Look... more
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The Gift of Prophecy
In 1 Cor. 12:10, speaking of the diversities of gifts by the same Spirit, Paul writes, "To another prophecy." We see the importance of this gift from 1 Cor. 14:1, where we are told to follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that we may prophesy. We see also that he that prophesieth speaketh unto man to edification, and exhortation and comfort. How important it is then that we should have this gift in manifestation in the church in order that the saints might be built up and made strong and filled with the comfort of God. But with this as all other gifts we should see that it is operated by the Spirit's power and brought forth in the unction of the Spirit; so that everyone who shall hear prophecy, as it is brought forth by the Spirit of God, shall know that it is GOD who is bringing forth that which is for the edification of those who hear. It is the Spirit of God who takes of the deep things of God and reveals them, and unctionizes the prophet to give forth that which is a revelation of the things of God.
Utterance in prophecy has a real lifting power and gives real light on the truth to those who hear. Prophecy is never a mind reflection, it is something far deeper than this. By means of prophecy we receive that which is the mind of the Lord; and as we receive these blessed, fresh utterances through the Spirit of the Lord the whole assembly is lifted into the realm of the spiritual. Our hearts and minds and whole bodies receive a quickening through the Spirit-given word. As the Spirit brings forth prophecy we find there is healing and salvation and power in every line. For this reason it is one of the gifts that we ought to covet.
While we appreciate true prophecy, we must not forget that the Scriptures warn us in no uncertain manner concerning that which is false. In 1 John 4:1 we are told, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." And John tells us how we can tell the difference between the true and the false, "Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God; but this is that spirit of antichrist whereof ye have heard that it should come." There are voices which seem like prophecy and some have got into terrible darkness and bondage through listening to these counterfeits of the true gift of prophecy. True prophecy is always Christ-exalting, magnifying the Son of God, exalting the blood of Jesus Christ, encouraging the saints to praise and worship the true God. False prophecy deals with things that do not edify and is designed to puff up its hearers and to lead them into error.
Many picture Satan as a great, ugly monster with great ears, eyes and a tail; but the Scriptures give us no such picture of him. He was a being of great beauty whose heart became lifted up. He is manifesting himself everywhere today as an angel of light. He is full of pride, and if you don't watch he will try to make you think you are somebody. This is the weakness of most preachers and most men -- the idea of being somebody! There are none of us who are anything, and the more we know we are nothing, the more God can make us a channel of His power. May the dear Lord save us from all these pride side-lines -- they are the devil's traps. True prophecy will show you that Christ is all in all, and that you are in yourself less than nothing and vanity. False prophecy will not magnify Christ but will make you think that after all you are going to be some great one. You may be sure that such is inspired by "the chief of the sons of pride."The Gift of Prophecy
In 1 Cor. 12:10, speaking of the diversities of gifts by the... more
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In 1 John 2:20 we read, "But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things." In verse 27 we read, "But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man should teach you; but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him." Even, when you are baptized in the Spirit you may say, "I seem so dry, I don't know where I am." The Word says you have an unction. Thank God you have received the anointing. The Holy Ghost here says that He is abiding and that He teaches you of all things. These are great and definite positions for you. The Holy Ghost would have you stir up your faith to believe that this word is true that you have the unction and that the anointing abideth. As you rise up in the morning believe this wonderful truth, and as you yield to the Spirit's presence and power you will find yourself speaking unto God in the Spirit and you will find that you are personally being edified by doing this. Let everything about you be a lie, but let this word of God be true. The devil will say you are the driest person and that you will never do anything, but you believe God's word, that the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you.
"I 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 edification." You must understand that God would always have you to be in the place of prophecy, for everyone who has received the Holy Ghost has a right to prophesy. In verse 31 we read, "Ye may all prophesy one by one." Now prophecy is far in advance of speaking in tongues, except that you have the interpretation of the speaking in tongues, and then God gets an equivalent to prophecy. In verse 13 we read, "Let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue, pray that he may interpret." This is an important word.
After receiving the Baptism in the Holy Ghost and speaking in tongues as the Spirit gave utterance, I did not speak with tongues again for nine months. I was troubled about it because I went up and down laying hands upon people that they might receive the Holy Ghost, and they were speaking in tongues, but I did not have the joy of speaking myself. God wanted to show me that the speaking in tongues as the Spirit gave utterance, which I received when I received the Baptism, was distinct from the gift of tongues which I subsequently received. When I laid hands on other people and they received the Holy Ghost, I used to think, "Oh, Lord Jesus, it would be nice if You would let me speak." He withheld the gift from me, for He knew that I would meet many who would say that the Baptism of the Holy Ghost can be received without the speaking in tongues, and that people simply received the gift of tongues when they received the Baptism. I did not receive the gift of tongues at that time, but nine months later I was going out of the door one morning, speaking to the Lord in my own heart, when there came a volume of tongues. When the tongues stopped I said to the Lord, "Now, Lord, I did not do it, and I wasn't seeking it; so You have done it, and I am not going to move from this place until you give me the interpretation." And then came an interpretation which has been fulfilled all the world over. Is it the Holy Ghost who speaks? Then the Holy Ghost can interpret. Let him that speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret, and God will give it. We must not rush through without getting a clear understanding of what God has to say to us.
"What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also" (Verse 15). If you pray in an unknown tongue in the Spirit you do not know what you are praying; you have no understanding of it. It is unfruitful to those round about you.In 1 John 2:20 we read, "But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know... more
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"Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. For 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" (1 Cor. 14:1, 2).
It is necessary that we have a great desire for spiritual gifts. We must thirst after them and covet them earnestly because the gifts are necessary and important, that we, by the grace of God having received the gifts, may be used for God's glory.
God has ordained this speaking in an unknown tongue unto Himself as a wonderful, supernatural means of communication in the Spirit. As we speak to him in the unknown tongue we speak wonderful mysteries in the Spirit. In Rom. 8:27 we read, "He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God." Many times as we speak unto God in an unknown tongue we are in intercession and as we pray thus in the Spirit we pray according to the will of God. And there is such a thing as the Spirit making intercession with groanings which cannot be uttered.
On this line I want to tell you about Willie Burton, who is laboring for God in the Belgium Congo. Brother Burton is a mighty man of God and is giving his life for the heathen in Africa. He took fever and went down to death. They said, "He has preached his last; what shall we do?" All their hopes seemed to be blighted, and there they stood, with broken hearts, wondering what was going to take place. They left him for dead; but, in a moment, without any signal, he stood right in the midst of them; and they could not understand it. The explanation he gave was this, that, when he came to himself, he realized a warmth going right through his body; and there wasn't one thing wrong with him. How did it come about? It was a mystery until he went to London and was telling the people how he was left for dead, and then was raised up. A lady came up and asked for a private conversation with him, and arranged a time. She asked, "Do you keep a diary?" He answered, "Yes," She told him, "It happened on a certain day that I went to pray; and as soon as I knelt, I had you on my mind. The Spirit of the Lord took hold of me and prayed through me in an unknown tongue. A vision came before me in which I saw you laid out helpless; and I cried out in the unknown tongue till I saw you rise up and go out of that room." She had kept a note of the time and when he turned to his diary he found that it was exactly the time when he was raised up. There are great possibilities as we yield to the Spirit and speak unto God in quiet hours in our bedrooms. God wants you to be filled with the Holy Ghost so that everything about you shall be charged with the dynamic of heaven.
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church" (Verse 4). I want you to see that he that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself or builds himself up. We must be edified before we can edify the church. I cannot estimate what I, personally, owe to the Holy Ghost method of spiritual edification. I am here before you as one of the biggest conundrums in the world. There never was a weaker man on the platform. Language? None. Inability -- full of it. All natural things in my life point exactly opposite to my being able to stand on the platform and preach the gospel. The secret is that the Holy Ghost came and brought this wonderful edification of the Spirit. I had been reading this Word continually as well as I could, but the Holy Ghost came and took hold of it, for the Holy Ghost is the breath of it, and He illuminated it to me. And He gives me language that I cannot speak fast enough; it comes too fast; and it is there because God has given it."Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may... more
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God the Holy Spirit can talk to God the Father in ways we cannot. "For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God" (1 Corinthians 14:2.) God the Holy Spirit can talk to God the Father in ways we cannot.
Praying in the Spirit acclimates us to the realm of the Gifts of the Spirit. I believe it is a stepping stone to the other gifts. For these six reasons you can see that speaking in tongues is much more than just a sign of the Holy Spirits Baptism.
I believe it is a stepping stone to the other gifts. For these six reasons you can see that speaking in tongues is much more than just a sign of the Holy Spirits Baptism.
Some have asked me, "What do you say when you pray in the Spirit?" Acts 2:11 explains that when we pray in tongues we extol "the wonderful works of God." The Holy Spirit will only glorify God, so we don’t have to worry about saying something wrong when we are praying in tongues.
There arc five recorded instances of people receiving the Baptism in the Holy Spirit in Acts.
The Day of Pentecost. Acts 2:4 says "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."
The people in the town of Samaria. "(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money . . . ." (Acts 8:16-18). The Samaritan believers must have spoken in tongues, because Simon the sorcerer wanted to buy the ability to lay on hands to impart the Baptism of the Spirit to people. He must have heard something that showed that these had been baptized in the Spirit.
Apostle Paul was baptized in the Spirit. "And Ananias . . . putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost" (Acts 9:17).
At Cornelius House. "And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God" (Acts 10:45,46).
The disciples of John the Baptist in Ephesus. Acts 19:1-6 says, "Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied."
Out of these five times we see that the Holy Spirit just fell on them two times, but in the three other instances, believers received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands. God can do it either way for you!
More Frequently-Asked-Questions . . .
How long do I have to tarry? In Acts 2:1 it says that the day of Pentecost "was fully come." Pentecost (also known as the Feast of Weeks) means "50." It was held 50 days after the Feast of Passover. This is important because God would not pour out the Holy Ghost until that day. So Jesus commanded the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the fulfillment of the Feast of Pentecost.
In Acts 2:1 it says that the day of Pentecost "was fully come." Pentecost (also known as the Feast of Weeks) means "50." It was held 50 days after the Feast of Passover.God the Holy Spirit can talk to God the Father in ways we cannot. "For he that... more
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A Practical "How-To" Teaching that had Helped Many Receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
by Reverend Richard Farley, Capital District Bishop, Pentecostal Church of God
The purpose of this sermon is to dispel wrong teaching about the Holy Spirit, give you a desire for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and help you see that this powerful biblical experience is for you today.
First, let me clarify that there is a difference between the Gift of Tongues (1 Corinthians 12:10; sharing a message for a congregation that is to be interpreted) and the prayer language that is the evidence of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
I remember my 84-year-old grandmother arguing this point with me. She had spoken in tongues only about four or five times in her life. She believed that the only time a person who was baptized in the Holy Spirit spoke in tongues was at the time the anointing came for a message in a church service or Bible study. If this were true the Apostle Paul would never have written 1 Corinthians 14. In this famous chapter he rebukes the Corinthian church for using the Gift of Tongues too much. In addition, he states that he spoke in tongues (from the context, he meant that he prayed in the prayer language) more than all of them. To repeat, the Gift of Tongues for congregational messages is different than the prayer language given to you as the evidence of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Six reasons why should you want to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and pray in tongues . . .
Praying in tongues builds your faith. "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost" (Jude 20). Some think you have to be "spiritually up" and anointed to pray in tongues, but praying in the Spirit builds our faith. If you need victory, pray in tongues.
Praying in the prayer language brings you spiritual rest. "For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing . . . ." (Isaiah 28:11,12). When we are tired or upset we can pray in tongues and receive supernatural rest from God.
Praying in the Holy Spirit can help us better understand the truth of God’s Word and His guidance. "Howbeit 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 show you things to come" (John 16:13). "Howbeit 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 show you things to come" (John 16:13).
Praying in tongues, as the Spirit impresses us can "take care of things" before they happen. Have you ever been awakened at 3 a.m. to pray and not know what to pray or how? Praying in the Spirit helps us in that circumstance. "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered" (Romans 8:26). 1 Corinthians 14:2 says, "For no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries."
Have you ever been awakened at 3 a.m. to pray and not know what to pray or how? Praying in the Spirit helps us in that circumstance. "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered" (Romans 8:26). 1 Corinthians 14:2 says, "For no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries."
Praying in the prayer language gives us a "direct line" to God. "For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God" (1 Corinthians 14:2.) God the Holy Spirit can talk to God the Father in ways we cannot. "For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God.A Practical "How-To" Teaching that had Helped Many Receive the Baptism in... more
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Christian Dictionary of Spiritual Gifts
Cor 12:1 It is important, brethren, that you should have clear knowledge on the subject of spiritual gifts.
The table shows where each of the 20 biblical grace-gifts is mentioned in the bible. Below the table is a brief definition for each spiritual gift.
Pastoring
Administration is a gift that provides insight into other people's spiritual gifting as well as natural talent, which allows for placing people who want to minister in a particular way together with those who need just this ministry. These are "well connected" advisors in the body.
Apostleship is the ability to communicate across cultural barriers and plant churches where there is no knowledge of the gospel. It is usually accompanied with a distinct calling and a miraculous lifestyle. In Greek (apostolos) "a sent one", or "a messenger", a Missionary.
Compassion transcends both natural human sympathy and normal Christian concern, enabling one to sense in others a wide range of emotions and then provide a supportive ministry of caring and intercessory prayer. Also called the gift of Mercy.
Discerning of Spirits is the heightened ability to read or hear a teaching, to encounter a problem, or to consider a proposed course of action, and then determine whether the source behind the teaching, problem, or action is divine, merely human, or satanic. This will be a much needed gift near the End of the Age.
Evangelism is a special ability to lead unconverted persons to a saving knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The person with this gift has the wisdom to know when, who, and how to call the rebellious into the Kingdom of God. Evangelists are the spiritual "obstetricians" in the church.
Exhortation is the gift of being able to encourage others by well timed and wise counsel. This gift builds the Body of Christ by helping new, young and adolescent disciples to turn from sin and believe in the power of the Holy Spirit. Also called the gift of Counseling, or the gift of Encouragement.
Faith as a gift is an extraordinary confidence in God.s Word that is unshakable by situations, pain, apparent failure, or ridicule. This gift may also strengthen the individual and other believers to wait upon the Lord
Giving empowers one in a sensitive way to detect material or financial needs and meet those needs with Spirit inspired generosity. Recipients of help from Christians with this gift have a clear sense that God has provided, not man.
Healing is a "sign gift" which enables one to function as an instrument of God's healing grace in the lives of hurting people. The gifts of healings (double plural in the Greek text) include miraculous healing of the body, the mind, the emotions, and relationships.
Helps enables one to assist people in skilled ways that are supernaturally enhanced by the anointing of the Holy Spirit. The helped person has the impression that they have been touched by God. Those with this gift should be highly esteemed in the Body.
Knowledge is an ability to remember Scripture or have it supernatural quickened, or to know a fact or truth about a person or situation revealed directly by the Holy Spirit--sometimes termed a word of knowledge.
Leadership in the Greek is actually "he who provides leadership in giving aid". These go first and lead by example, so that others are motivated to follow. Those with the gift of leadership are quick to identify problems and show by doing how to minister to those in need.
Miracles is another "sign gift" where the gifted person is able to cast out demons, show a supernatural sign to unbelievers, or perform a public healing--even in a hostile and unsupportive situation--all to the glory of God.
Pastoring is the collective (plural in Greek) ministry of the Elders to "shepherd" an individual or community of Christian believers. This gift is a special passion and empowering to lead people into green pastures.Christian Dictionary of Spiritual Gifts
Cor 12:1 It is important, brethren, that... more
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EXAM 1
4-1 What are the Great Faith verses of the Bible ?
4-2 What is the main reason Faith does not work ?
4-3 How does Faith work ?
4-4 How did man come to sin ?
4-5 Does Satan bind or oppress people who believe in God ?
4-6 Describe Satan's threefold ministry ?
4-7 Did God create the Devil ?
4-8 After you receive healing, then you can believe - True or False ?
4-9 Does God tempt man to do evil ?
4-10 Is the Age of Miracles over ?
4-11 Does everyone want to be healed ?
4-12 Do we need to pay tithes ?
4-13 In the Bible what is the reward of misuse of the tongue ?
4-14 Do we have a right to our own beliefs if we want health and prosperity ?
4-15 True or False - God's Word is Health so we should listen carefully and do what it saysEXAM 1
4-1 What are the Great Faith verses of the Bible ?
4-2 What is the main... more
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"I am the Lord that healeth thee"
"Healing is the children's Bread "- Jesus
A Biblical understanding of the nature of God will allow us to be healed and allow us to pray for others that they may be healed.
When you are sick healing is very important to you. After you are healed the goodness of God should convince you to turn your life totally over to God.
Dedicated to the Father in Heaven of whom Jesus said,"The Father that dwelleth in me, He doeth the works.."
To the Son of God, the Living Word { message } of God.
And to the Holy Ghost whom Jesus baptiizes us with
Attention is given to the book of James because it tells us how to avoid making mistakes about God's nature, how to stop sinning in the Church service and how to obtain joy, wisdom and healing. What more could one ask for?
The book of Numbers also shows the errors made by the Church in the Old Testament particularly with their mouth or speech, and the dire consequences of slandering God and His promises. The Apostle Paul said, "These things were written down for examples for us as to how we are to behave." !Corinthians 10:11
Ecclesiastes chapter 5 warns us "Watch your step when you go into the house of God, be not rash with thy mouth, nor hasty in the heart to say anything before God." Don't permit your mouth to cause your body to sin and don't say before the Angels "it is just a mistake."
We are to dwell on the correct nature of God revealed in His Word and use correct speech regarding God and correct behavior, particularly in the Church and in our daily lives.
Understanding your privilege to receive healing
Understanding your privilege to receive healing
We have the privilege to experience healing in our life. This privilege is found in the Word of God. The experience comes when we believe in our hearts and confess with our mouth. The song "Love and Marriage" says "you can't have one without the other."
Our fourfold privilege to healing
We have a redemptive privilege to healing..Isaiah 53:4-5
We have a legal privilege to healing..Hebrews 8:6,12:24 and 13:20, sealed or guaranteed with His own Blood.
We have a prayerful privilege to healing..Mark 11:24
We have a privilege of provision..Psalm 23:5 Healing is the children's bread at God's table prepared for us.
Do we have a right to our own beliefs?
No...Not if we want to walk in health and have prosperity.
Healing is part of the Great Commission
Read Mark 16:17-18 and James 5:14-15...These are commands.
The healing medicine found in God's Word
Listening to God's Word will give you a correct picture of the nature and character of God :Proverbs 4:20-22 Incline thine ear..for they are health (or medicine)
1..Attend to His Word
2..Incline your ear to His Word
3..Let it not depart from your ears
4..Keep it in the midst of your heart
Keep this medicine and take it whenever you need it, (not just once and throw it away).
Read...Psalms 119:130. The entrance of God's Word gives LIGHT and UNDERSTANDING
LIVE TO A RIPE OLD AGE
Read Psalm 34:12-14, 91:16, I Peter 3:10-12.."I am the Lord that healeth thee"
"Healing is the children's... more
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"I am the Lord that healeth thee"
"Healing is the children's Bread "- Jesus
A Biblical understanding of the nature of God will allow us to be healed and allow us to pray for others that they may be healed.
When you are sick healing is very important to you. After you are healed the goodness of God should convince you to turn your life totally over to God.
Dedicated to the Father in Heaven of whom Jesus said,"The Father that dwelleth in me, He doeth the works.."
To the Son of God, the Living Word { message } of God.
And to the Holy Ghost whom Jesus baptiizes us with
Attention is given to the book of James because it tells us how to avoid making mistakes about God's nature, how to stop sinning in the Church service and how to obtain joy, wisdom and healing. What more could one ask for?
The book of Numbers also shows the errors made by the Church in the Old Testament particularly with their mouth or speech, and the dire consequences of slandering God and His promises. The Apostle Paul said, "These things were written down for examples for us as to how we are to behave." !Corinthians 10:11
Ecclesiastes chapter 5 warns us "Watch your step when you go into the house of God, be not rash with thy mouth, nor hasty in the heart to say anything before God." Don't permit your mouth to cause your body to sin and don't say before the Angels "it is just a mistake."
We are to dwell on the correct nature of God revealed in His Word and use correct speech regarding God and correct behavior, particularly in the Church and in our daily lives.
Oppositions to receiving healing
Unforgiveness or bitterness
Healing includes forgivness of sins. James say's "If he or she has committed any sins they will be forgiven. Once you have been forgiven through salvation, healing or a miricle, you must forgive others just as God has forgiven you. If you allow any unforgiveness or a root of bitterness against someone to spring up within you, you become defiled and you cannot be healed until you take care of this.
Do you really want to be healed?
Jesus frequently asked people " what do you want". At the pool of Bethesda he asked the lame man" do you want to be healed"? While the man never did say "yes", his answer was close enough to qualify. Many times people enjoy the attention and sympathy and are not interested in being made whole.
Don't shut the windows of heaven by failing to tithe Malachi 3:10
After you have been saved or healed , you ought to tithe
Abraham paid tithes long before the giving of the Law at Sinai...Genesis 14:20 other references to tithing in the New Testament are: ..Matthew 23:23b..For we pay....and Hebrews 7:8.. .And here men die....
Seven deadly rewards for the misuse of the tongue in the Old Testament.
1. Death...Exodus 32:7-28
2. Death...Numbers 11:1-3
3. Death...Numbers 13:26-33
4. Death...Numbers 14:22-35
5. Death...Numbers 16:21-30
6. Death...Numbers 16:1-14,35
7. Death...Numbers 16:41-42
Sickness and death in the New Testament.
If God's word is disregarded or treated casually or rejected-then no healing or cure is to be found. Read 1 Corinthians 11:27-32, 1 Peter 2:24 and Matthew 8:16-17. Jesus said If you have already been healed get out of the sin business before something worse happens to you !
Is God opposed to himself?
If it was God's will for some people to be sick then He must oppose or stand up against himself so that He can heal them.
An easy and convenient way.
Many times people find it is much easier and convenient to say that one is sick for the glory of God, or that God is dealing with them, than it is to pray and believe what God said is true. While it is easier to lay the blame on God instead of meeting His conditions, it is in fact blaspheming His promises
The Chastening hand of the Lord
If men have enough sense not to chasten their children with sickness or disease-give God enough credit that He loves His children enough not to do such nonsense."I am the Lord that healeth thee"
"Healing is the children's... more
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"I am the Lord that healeth thee"
"Healing is the children's Bread "- Jesus
by Gene Lapansie
A Biblical understanding of the nature of God will allow us to be healed and allow us to pray for others that they may be healed.
When you are sick healing is very important to you. After you are healed the goodness of God should convince you to turn your life totally over to God.
Dedicated to the Father in Heaven of whom Jesus said,"The Father that dwelleth in me, He doeth the works.."
To the Son of God, the Living Word { message } of God.
And to the Holy Ghost whom Jesus baptiizes us with
The traditions of men
Attention is given to the book of James because it tells us how to avoid making mistakes about God's nature, how to stop sinning in the Church service and how to obtain joy, wisdom and healing. What more could one ask for?
The book of Numbers also shows the errors made by the Church in the Old Testament particularly with their mouth or speech, and the dire consequences of slandering God and His promises. The Apostle Paul said, "These things were written down for examples for us as to how we are to behave." !Corinthians 10:11
Ecclesiastes chapter 5 warns us "Watch your step when you go into the house of God, be not rash with thy mouth, nor hasty in the heart to say anything before God." Don't permit your mouth to cause your body to sin and don't say before the Angels "it is just a mistake."
We are to dwell on the correct nature of God revealed in His Word and use correct speech regarding God and correct behavior, particularly in the Church and in our daily lives.
TRADITIONS OF MEN
Ascribing evil to God.
False-Every good gift and every perfect gift comes from God. James 1:17
Thunderstorm damage is an "act of God."
False-If this were true, Jesus would have rebuked his own father's doing. Luke 8:23
God put sickness on me to teach me a lesson.
False-If this were true, Jesus would have had to sort out all those who came to him to be healed. Matthew 12:15, Luke 9:11, Acts 5:16
God created the devil.
False-God created a beautiful angel named Lucifer who chose to rebel and became the devil - Ezekiel 28:13
God tempts man to do evil.
False-God tempts no man and He, himself cannot be tempted. James 1:13
Jesus can heal everyone.
False- Jesus, himself could do nothing in his own town because of their unbelief. Luke 8:4
Requesting prayer from an elder and anointing with oil will bring healing.
False- The prayer of faith must be present also. James 5:15
As soon as I am healed, I will believe it.
False- You must believe that you received your healing before you actually receive it . Mark 11:22
Confess that I am healed and then receive it.
False-Confession alone will not do it. You must also believe in your heart that you have already received and then it will come to pass. We should not condemn those who confess positive, when their confession reaches their heart or spirit , they shall have whatever they have been saying ,according to Jesus. Mark 11:22 -
The age of miracles is over.
False - How could anybody be saved which is the greatest miracle?."I am the Lord that healeth thee"
"Healing is the children's... more
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"I am the Lord that healeth thee"
"Healing is the children's Bread "- Jesus
by Gene Lapansie
A Biblical understanding of the nature of God will allow us to be healed and allow us to pray for others that they may be healed.
When you are sick healing is very important to you. After you are healed the goodness of God should convince you to turn your life totally over to God.
Dedicated to the Father in Heaven of whom Jesus said,"The Father that dwelleth in me, He doeth the works.."
To the Son of God, the Living Word { message } of God.
And to the Holy Ghost whom Jesus baptiizes us with
Attention is given to the book of James because it tells us how to avoid making mistakes about God's nature, how to stop sinning in the Church service and how to obtain joy, wisdom and healing. What more could one ask for?
The book of Numbers also shows the errors made by the Church in the Old Testament particularly with their mouth or speech, and the dire consequences of slandering God and His promises. The Apostle Paul said, "These things were written down for examples for us as to how we are to behave." !Corinthians 10:11
Ecclesiastes chapter 5 warns us "Watch your step when you go into the house of God, be not rash with thy mouth, nor hasty in the heart to say anything before God." Don't permit your mouth to cause your body to sin and don't say before the Angels "it is just a mistake."
We are to dwell on the correct nature of God revealed in His Word and use correct speech regarding God and correct behavior, particularly in the Church and in our daily lives.
The origins of sin and sickness
Questions
Answers
How does sin enter the world ?
Wherefore... all have sinned. Romans 5:12
How did man come to sin?
Satan caused Adam to disobey God. Genesis 2:17 & 3:1-19
How did sin come to Lucifer?
Lucifer was perfect until his heart was lifted up in pride and iniquity was found in him. Ezekiel 28:15 -
Who caused Adam to sin, God or Satan?
Satan did. Genesis 2:17 & 3:1-19 At this time, Satan obtained lordship over all descendants of Adam who did not seek out and find the Living God. I John 3:8
Does God cause sickness?
He allows it, yes. Causes- never. James 1:17 Acts 10:38 proves conclusively that all the diseases cured by Jesus were caused by Satan.
Does sin sometimes bring about sickness?
Yes- Jesus used the same harsh rebuke (Greek-epitimao_ to rebuke both, the devil and sickness. Luke 4:35 & 4:39
Does Satan bind or oppress people who believe in God?
Yes, Luke 13:16 "And ought not this woman..."
Does Satan have special evil spirits whose job it is to make people sick?
Yes - evil spirits of: infirmity Luke 13:11, Deaf & dumb Mark 9:25, Unclean spirits Mark 1:23, Divination Acts 16:16, Many others Ephesians 6:12
What is Satan's threefold ministry?
To steal, to kill, to destroy, John 10:10
Comments: It is through your organization that i learned to forgive my husband and move on.... Vivian"I am the Lord that healeth thee"
"Healing is the children's... more
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FAITH WORKS THROUGH LOVE
Kenneth Hagin
Learning to walk in love is the most important thing we'll ever do in the area of faith. Everything we need to know about faith is found in Mark chapter 11. 22-25
22 And Jesus saith unto them, Have faith in God.
23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
25 AND when ye stand praying, FORGIVE, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
We are quick to quote Mark 11: 23 and 24, but did you ever stop to think that Mark 11:25 goes right along with them? Verse 25 begins with the word "and," a conjunction. In other words, verse 25 joins what Jesus is about to say with what He just said. "AND when you stand praying..." He is still talking about praying in faith, just as He was in verse 24. And what are we to do as we pray? "Forgive, if ye have ought against any."
Unforgiveness is the main reason why faith doesn't work and why people fail to receive healing. Many know it is wrong to hold something big against someone, but they say it doesn't hurt if you hold just a little something against someone.
This verse says, "And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have OUGHT against any..." (Mark 11:25). Did you ever look up the word "ought" in the dictionary? It means anything at all... little, big, or middle-sized! An Old Testament verse says, "The LITTLE foxes spoil the vines" (Song of Solomon 2:15). So many times, it's not the big things in Christians' lives that keep their faith from working and their prayers from being heard. Rather , it's the little things ...just a little "ought."
Galatians 5:6
6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; BUT FAITH WHICH WORKETH BY LOVE.
Faith works by love. If there is no love, faith won't work. And forgiveness has to do with love, God loved us and forgave us. Did He forgive us because we deserved it? No. He forgave us because He loved us. In Ephesians chapter 4 we read, "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you"(v32).
Have no ill will or unforgiveness toward anyone. Your faith will work when you walk in love!FAITH WORKS THROUGH LOVE
Kenneth Hagin
Learning to walk in love is the most... more
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The old man was amazed, at what had happened to his wife, and he cried out, "Make me walk, make me walk." I said to him, "You old sinner, repent." He cried out, "Lord, You know I never meant what I said. You know I believe." I don't think he meant what he said; anyhow the Lord was full of compassion. If He marked our sins, where would any of us be? If we will meet the conditions, God will always meet us. If we believe, all things are possible. I laid my hands on him and the power went right through the old man's body; and those legs, for the first time in four years, received power to carry his body, and he walked up and down and in and out. He said, "O what great things God has done for us tonight!"
"What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." Desire toward God, and you will have desires from God; and He will meet you on the line of those desires when you reach out in simple faith.
A man came to me in one of my meetings who had seen other people healed and wanted to be healed, too. He explained that his arm had been fixed in a certain position for many years and he could not move it. "Got any faith?" I asked. He said he had a lot of faith. After prayer he was able to swing his arm round and round.
Did you believe before you were saved? So many people would be saved, but they want to feel saved first. There was never a man who felt saved before he believed. God's plan is always this, if you will believe, you shall see the glory of God. I believe God wants to bring us all to a definite place of unswerving faith and confidence in Himself.
Jesus here uses the figure of a mountain. Why does He say a mountain? Because, if faith can remove a mountain, it can remove anything. The plan of God is so marvelous, that if you will only believe, all things are possible.
There is one special phrase to which I want to call to your attention, "And shall not doubt in his heart." The heart is the mainspring. See that young man and young woman. They have fallen in love at first sight. In a short while there is a deep affection, and a strong heart love, the one toward the other. What is a heart of love? A heart of faith. Faith and love are kin. In the measure that that young man and that young woman love one another they are true. One may go to the North and the other to the South, but because of their love they will be true to each other.
It is the same when there is a deep love in the heart toward the Lord Jesus Christ. In this new life into which God has brought us, Paul tells us that we have become dead to the law by the body of Christ, that we should be married to another, even to Him who is raised from the dead. God brings us into a place of perfect love and perfect faith. A man who is born of God is brought into an inward affection, a loyalty to the Lord Jesus that shrinks from anything impure. You see the purity of a man and woman when there is a deep natural affection between them; they distain the very thought of either of them being untrue. I say that, in the measure that a man has faith in Jesus, he is pure. He that believes that Jesus is the Christ overcomes the world. It is a faith that works by love.
Just as we have heart fellowship with our Lord, our faith cannot be daunted. We cannot doubt in our hearts. There comes, as we go on with God, a wonderful association, an impartation of His very life and nature within. As we read His Word and believe the promises that He has so graciously given to us, we are made partakers of His very essence and life. The Lord is made to us a Bridegroom, and we are His bride. His words to us are spirit and life, transforming us and changing us, expelling that which is natural and bringing in that which is divine.
It is impossible to comprehend the love of God as we think on natural lines. We must have the revelation from the Spirit of God. God giveth liberally. He that asketh, receiveth. God is willing to bestow on us all things that pertaiThe old man was amazed, at what had happened to his wife, and he cried out, "Make... more
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Ever Increasing Faith
by Smith Wigglesworth
"Have Faith in God
For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them" (Mark 11:22,24).
These are days when we need to have our faith strengthened, when we need to know God. God has designed that the just shall live by faith. Any man can be changed by faith, no matter how he may be fettered. I know that God's word is sufficient. One word from Him can change a nation. His word is from everlasting to everlasting. It is through the entrance of this everlasting Word, this incorruptible seed, that we are born again, and come into this wonderful salvation. Man cannot live by bread alone, but must live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. This is the food of faith. "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God."
Everywhere men are trying to discredit the Bible and take from it all the miraculous. One preacher says, "Well, you know, Jesus arranged beforehand to have that colt tied where it was, and for the men to say just what they did." I tell you God can arrange everything without going near. He can plan for you, and when He plans for you, all is peace. All things are possible if you will believe.
Another preacher said, "It was an easy thing for Jesus to feed the people with five loaves. The loaves were so big in those days that it was a simple matter to cut them into a thousand pieces each." But He forgot that one little boy brought those five loaves all the way in his lunch basket. There is nothing impossible with god. All the impossibility is with us when we measure God by the limitations of our unbelief.
We have a wonderful God, a God whose ways are past finding out, and whose grace and power are limitless. I was in Belfast one day and saw one of the brethren of the assembly. He said to me, "Wigglesworth, I am troubled. I have had a good deal of sorrow during the past five months. I had a woman in my assembly who could always pray the blessing of heaven down on our meetings. She is an old woman, but her presence is always an inspiration. But five months ago she fell and broke her thigh. The doctors put her into a plaster cast, and after five months they broke the cast. But the bones were not properly set and so she fell and broke the thigh again."
He took me to her house, and there was a woman lying in a bed on the right hand side of the room. I said to her, "Well, what about it now?" She said, "They have sent me home incurable. The doctors say that I am so old that my bones won't knit. There is no nutriment in my bones and they could never do anything for me and they say I shall have to lie in bed for the rest of my life." I said to her, "Can you believe God?" She replied, "Yes, ever since I heard that you had come to Belfast my faith has been quickened. If you will pray, I will believe. I know there is no power on earth that can make the bones of my thigh knit, but I know there is nothing impossible with God." I said, "Do you believe He will meet you now?" She answered, "I do."
It is grand to see people believe God. God knew all about this leg and that it was broken in two places. I said to the woman, "When I pray, something will happen." Her husband was sitting there; he had been in his chair for four years and could not walk a step. He called out, "I don't believe. I won't believe. You will never get me to believe." I said, "All right," and laid my hands on his wife in the name of the Lord Jesus. The moment hands were laid upon her the power of God went right through her and she cried out, "I'm healed." I said, "I'm not going to assist you to rise. God will do it all." She rose and walked up and down the room,Ever Increasing Faith
by Smith Wigglesworth
"Have Faith in God
For... more
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after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.
And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
FINAL EXAM
4-1 What did the Temple warning stones at the entrance say ?
4-2 Where was the Fortress of Antonio sometimes called "the Castle" located ?
4-3 How many Jews vowed with a curse on themselves to kill Paul ?
4-4 How many Roman soldiers were assigned to protect Paul ?
4-5 Who came from Jerusalem to Caesarea to testify against Paul ?
4-6 What was the name of King Agrippa's wife ?
4-7 Who said " Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian."
4-8 How many survived the shipwreck ?
4-9 Who was the chief of the island ?
4-10 How long did Paul dwell in Rome under house arrest ?after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet... more
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[28:1] And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita. And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live. And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.
In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously. And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.
So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed: Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary. And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux. And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days. And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli: Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome. And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appiiforum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage. The Appii Forum, or Market of Appius, was a town on the Appian Way about 52 miles from Rome. It was near the sea, and was a famous resort for sailors, peddlers, merchants and alike. The town of Three Taverns, also on the Appian Way, was about thirty miles from Rome. Zealous Christians from Rome, hearing about Paul's arrival in Italy, were willing to travel a significant distance on the Appian Way to meet and fellowship with the apostle!
The Appian Way
And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him. And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.
But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of. For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain. And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee. But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.
And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed,[28:1] And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.... more
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For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island. But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country; And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms. Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day. And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship, Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.
Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off. And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing. Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you. And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat.
The rocky cliffs and beach of St Paul's Bay where the apostle Paul, was shipwrecked in 51 A.D. On top of the cliffs (the Acropolis) the 4th century BC columns of the Doric Temple of Athena Lindia are just visible.
Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat. And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls. And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea. And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship. And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore. And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves. And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape. But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land: And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,... more
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