Tom and Donna Ministries, with Signs Following.

Repairing broken people through the power of the BLOOD and the SPIRIT of GOD.

ClearVisionRevival.com

Repairing broken people through the power of the BLOOD and the SPIRIT of GOD.

THIS IS THAT

This is a comprehensive teaching on SALVATION.

Act 2:16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
Act 2:17 And 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:
Act 2:18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
Act 2:19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
Act 2:20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:
Act 2:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Only a scriptural strong, single-minded church can meet the needs of this generation.
You can join in on this "signs following ministry" “Clear Vision Revival” and share in the real power with God.

What is the purpose of SPEAKING IN TONGUES ? Bible mentions speaking in tongues 35 times.
WHAT MUST YOU DO TO BE SAVED? (THIS IS THAT)
In Acts there are a total of 31 accounts relating to Christian conversion and of people becoming Christians.
SALVATION IS NOT MERELY A "FEELING"
Romans 10:9 states: "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe with thine heart that God has raised Him from the dead thou shalt be saved".
During the last century this text has been considered by fundamentalists such as Baptists and Brethren to be a promise depicting the way of salvation for sinful man. As a result evangelical campaigns are mounted whose sole aim is to induce people to make a "decision for Christ" followed by a public confession such as answering an altar call. Every type of psychological technique is used to promote these decisions, the candidate is then told he is saved. As we shall see, this can be totally incorrect and the above scripture is bring grossly misused.
The key to the above verse is that we must believe "in our hearts" for salvation. We put the question "Which heart"? The Bible refers to two. There is the heart of man and the new heart promised to those filled with God's Holy Spirit.
The Bible says: the heart (of man) is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked: who can know it." (Jeremiah 17: 9.) The heart of man is so treacherous that God tells us in Isaiah 44 how the heathen are able to use one half of a piece of wood to light their cooking fires and the other half to make an idol, and "He feedeth (spiritually) on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside that he cannot deliver his soul nor say `Is there not a lie in my right hand?` "
So who do you believe, Jesus or man??????
The Bible says: Jesus is the word and the word is Jesus, So who do you believe????
Will you stand before Jesus and say I didn't like your word or you??????

JESUS SAID:
Mar 16:15  And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mar 16:16  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Mar 16:17  And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
Mar 16:18  They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
So who do you believe, Jesus or man or your desperately wicked heart or a church ???????

Peter SAID:
Act 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.
So who do you believe Jesus or man?? Jesus is the word and the word is Jesus.

Peter SAID:
Act 10:46  For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
Act 10:47  Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
So how did Peter know they receive the Holy Spirit????

Paul SAID:
Act 19:2  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.
Act 19:3  And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
Act 19:4  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.
Act 19:5  When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Act 19:6  And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
Paul wrote his books inspired by the Holy Spirit and Jesus is the word and the word is Jesus.

MAN'S WAYS ARE NOT GOD'S WAYS
The error of the false prophets or preachers of Israel in Jeremiah's time was not hypocrisy but something far more dangerous. They were putting their trust in that which they felt in their hearts instead of in the specific commands of God`s Word. "How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies. Yes, they are prophets of the deceit of their own hearts ... they speak a vision of their own heart and not out of the mouth of the Lord." (Jeremiah 23: 16-2').
Yet today people are still pinning their hope of salvation to what they feel in their hearts. They could not trust a more treacherous vessel and their decision will endure for eternity. The delusion is even more dangerous when they neglect the baptism with the Holy Spirit "with signs following", which truly ministers salvation because of the image or idol called salvation which their hearts have deceived them into trusting. Only after the genuine Bible experience is our salvation assured in God's Word.
In Ezekiel` 36: 26-27 We read: "A new heart also will I give you and a new Spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes and ye shall keep my judgments and do them". In other words the characteristic of the new heart is that it teaches us not to trust our emotions and feelings but to obey God's Word. "Behold, saith the Lord. I will make a new covenant... I will put My laws into their minds and write them in their hearts, and I will be to them a God and they shall be to me a people". (Hebrews 8: 8-10.) And lest we should be in any doubt as to when this change takes place, Hebrews 10: 15-16 refers to the above scripture as being significant of the Holy Ghost witnessing within us.

A DIFFICULT QUESTION
How if this change of heart is a necessary and integral part of the new covenant could the Lord make salvation dependent solely on a decision of the old, treacherous heart? And what is more, a decision in the realm where it is most deceitful -in the identification of the person and nature of God. (Isaiah 44.)
The old man knows absolutely nothing about God. Scripture says : "No man can say or announce that Jesus is Lord but by the Holy Spirit". We must be"born of" or filled with the Spirit before we even begin to comprehend the lordship of Jesus Christ. A man who truly believes that Jesus is the Lord of all lives perpetually in the victory which Jesus has purchased. He has freedom from sin, freedom from sickness, power to testify and the power to demonstrate God's presence in his life. He has this: God-given ability to speak in tongues because of the indwelling Spirit, and the potential to exercise any of the miraculous gifts of the Spirit. He casts out demons by a word and is protected from accident. He lives in the supernatural world which God appointed for those born of the Spirit. In his personal life, Jesus is not his Lord in theory but in fact. The blood of Christ washes deeply in his soul, not dryly through his Iegal mind without effecting change.
The Lord has warned us of our tendency toward unbelief, but He has given us the answer, which is to obey His simple commands. His word is explicit. We cannot sidestep it and we should not try. Not a single scripture supports the idea of a saved condition anywhere short of the baptism with the Holy Spirit. Therefore let us enter wholeheartedly into this experience with thanksgiving.

THIS IS THAT ....
"But Peter ... Iifted up his voice and said: “This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel: and it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh." (Acts 2: 16-17.)
What is this? This is what happened in the upper room on that first Pentecostal Sunday:
I. The fire of God appeared. (Acts 2:1-4)
2.The sound of God's Spirit was heard. (John 3: 8, Acts 2:4)
3.They were all filled. (Acts 2: 4, Acts 10: 45-47, Acts 19: 6)
4.They spoke in tongues.

What is that" ? That, said Peter, is what has caused this -- namely, the Spirit of God poured out as promised.
Not a word from the Old or New Testaments suggests that this outpouring would be limited to one day. Bible teaching is to the contrary:
I. The experience was for all. (Joel 2.28)
2.Tongues was to be the sign. (Mark 16:17)
3.The experience was seen and heard. (John 3: 8, Acts 2: 33.)
4.It was continued throughout all generations. (Acts 2: 39.)
Why this is that?
This is that simply because the Holy Spirit was identified with the experience of tongues. Take this scriptural confirmation away and we indulge in guess work of the most dangerous nature. Whether in the house of Cornelius (Acts 10: 44) or at Ephesus       (Acts 19), the lack of THIS would have frustrated the receiving of THAT -- namely the wonderful and satisfying gift of the Holy Spirit, with tongues. *

Ye must be born again. (Joh 3:1-10)
hearest the sound thereof G5456   a voice of the sound of uttered words, of a language, tongue.
Joh 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
Joh 3:8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?
Repent, be baptized by full immersion and
receive the Holy Spirit
with the evidence or proof of speaking in tongues.
As Promised to ALL Believers.

Act 1:4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
Act 1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

Mar 16:14 - 20

Mar 16:14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
Mar 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mar 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Mar 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
Mar 16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Mar 16:19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
Mar 16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

Act 2:37 - 40
Act 2:37 Now 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?
Act 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.
Act 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
Act 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

SPEAKING IN TONGUES IS
BIBLE EVIDENCE OF HOLY GHOST BAPTISM.
JESUS CHRIST, Son of God, author and finisher of our faith, says believers will speak with new tongues. (Mark 16: 15·18.)
I. " Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature...."
2. " He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved...."
3. " He that believeth not shall be damned....."
".... And these signs shall follow them that believe...."
4. " In My name shall they cast out devils...."
5. " They shall speak with new tongues...."
6. " They shall take up serpents...."
7. " If they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them...."
8. " They shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover...."
1. "Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature ..."

What Gospel?
A Gospel that will bring people to believe, to be baptized, to speak in tongues, to work miracles? Or another Gospel of just words?
A Gospel described in both Old and New Testaments as one of Holy Ghost fire and power. Or another Gospel of hopelessness?
2." He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved..."
He that believeth what? The Gospel! The Gospel identifies a living Christ, one who died and rose again. One who calls us to personal repentance and to the waters of separation -- to our burial with Him in baptism. The Gospel also promises "signs following" - something our modern theologians know nothing about.
3." He that beleiveth not Shall be damned ..."
Any Greek concordance will assure us that to believe (psteuo) is to "adhere to," "trust," or "rely on." In short, to believe embraces placing oneself in the hands of God. To believe the Gospel is to accept the fact that it will be by obeying the commands we are now considering that our salvation will be effected.
"...and these signs shall follow them that believe...."
4." ln My name shall they cast out devils ...."
Jesus did, the disciples did, and the discerning of spirits was one of the gifts God set into the Church. (I Corinrhians 12: 10.) Today, in the 20th century, men and women are being delivered from the powers of darkness, from spirits of oppression and possession, by the word of command by Spirit-filled believers. The critics contest this claim, but this is understandable. After all, these signs follow the believers of the Gospel, not the critics of it.
5. "They shall speak with new tongues...."
Could any more direct reference be made here to the gift of the Holy Spirit? It was not until Pentecost and subsequent records that we find the evidence of the Holy Spirit. The apostle Peter identified the "promise" with the words: "He (God) hath shed forth this which ye now see and hear." (Acts 2: 33.) And again, the gift of the Spirit was identified among the Gentiles: "For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God." (Acts 10: 46.) We are reminded that, despite the reprimand Paul brought to the Corinthian Church, he addressed an assembly where all had the ability to speak in tongues. (I Corinthians 14: 23.)
6. "They shall take up serpents ...."
There would seem to be only one record in the New Testament of an encounter with a serpent. It was at Melita, after being shipwrecked, that Paul shook a viper from his hand. Jesus said of believers: "Behold I give you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you."
7. If they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them ...."
This statement was not given as a challenge, but as a promise. Again, it was not made as a feat of initiation into the joys of salvation, but as a reiteration of the countless promises of God to those who put their trust in Him.
8. "They shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover...."
To delete personal healing from the Gospel is to cut the Bible to ribbons. Thousands of promises in Old and New Testaments tell of God's healing nature and of His mighty power to set free from sickness and sin. It was through the healing Christ that the Gospel first found converts as miracles followed the preaching of the Word.
What, then is the Gospel we preach?
Even if we were unable to substantiate the authority of these verses from Mark, the signs promised are part and parcel of the ministry and message of Jesus Christ: The Gospel must be preached, believers must be baptized, unbelievers will be damned (judged by the Word), and the signs we have listed will be in the midst of the Church of the Bible.
Repentance and baptism will bring the mighty filling of the Holy Spirit to all, with the same evidence or proof now as then. (Acts 2: 37-39.)

THE SECRET IS IN BELIEVING
The word "believe" actually means to "adhere to " or "trust in" or "rely on". Obviously, to "acknowledge" Jesus Christ is not to "rely on" Him.
To admit His sacrifice and resurrection from the grave is not to trust Him, and to attend some organisation bearing His name is not necessarily to adhere to Him.

BELIEVING IS OBEYING
If we really believe Him, we obey Him. We believe He is alive and that He has given to us the plan of salvation. We accept gladly the pattern of repentance, of water baptism and the promised power of the Holy Spirit.
Our obedience indicates that we rely on Him, we "trust" Him to save us from sin and to fill us with the Holy Spirit. such believing will bring the power of God into our lives.

THE FOLLOWING STEPS WILL GIVE YOU THAT ASSURANCE OF ETERNAL LIFE....

1. REPENT G3340 to think differently or afterwards, i.e. reconsider (morally, feel compunction):--repent.
To repent is to repair or restore a wrong. The Bible tells us that "there is none righteous" (Romans 3:10). Having gone your own way, you sinned, but now you have turned to Jesus Christ and have admitted or confessed this sin. The forgiveness of God is assured (1 John 1:9).

2. BE BAPTIZED
Your restoration into the favour of a loving God is found through obedience. To be baptized is a command of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19). The Bible teaching on baptism by full immersion, as illustrated throughout the Word, is not to be confused with the unscriptural practice of infant sprinkling. Baptism is a commandment to all believers (Acts 2:38). It is also evidence of true repentance and a "good conscience toward God" (1 Peter 3:21).

3. RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT
You are promised a wonderful experience with your Saviour. "He will baptise you with the Holy Ghost and fire . . " (Matthew 3:11). You are encouraged to receive this power (Luke 11:9-13). By reading and believing the many accounts of the Holy Spirit in the early Church, you will find great faith to claim this experience.
You will "speak with tongues" as promised to all believers
(Mark 16:17).

4. CONTINUE IN FELLOWSHIP
It is only through your experience in Jesus Christ that you can become a member of the true Church (1 Cor. 12:13). Now you must continue in fellowship. To attend the meeting of the assembly is yet another commandment (Hebrews 10:25).
To receive constant ministry from the Word and to learn of your new standing in Jesus Christ is of utmost importance. Our spiritual condition relies on the blessings and encouragement fellowship offers (1 John 1:7).
The early Christians "continued steadfastly" in their new experience (Acts 2:42). Many new Christians fall away from God by failing to remain in constant fellowship.

5. WITNESS FOR CHRIST
Every member of the Body of Christ has a part to play in the spreading of the Gospel. You are given the power to witness (Acts 1:8). You are then encouraged to testify to the mighty experience of salvation, of the healing power of God, and of the Holy Spirit. To bring new converts or interested seekers to the meeting will not only be the means of saving many, but will also accentuate the joy of the Holy Spirit in your own life.

6. SUBMIT TO THE OVERSIGHT
You are encouraged to submit to those who are QUALIFIED BY GOD, not man, to teach and correct. Submission to scriptural guidance ministered with grace and understanding is just as vital in your walk with God as any other commandment. Your future is worth protection and this is God's way of assisting (Hebrews 13:17). The safe keeping of the flock is a very precious responsibility in the sight of the Chief Shepherd (Acts 20:28).

7. ENJOY YOUR SALVATION
God does not save you to persecute you nor worry you. To abide in Jesus will bring real joy and happiness (John 15:11). A happy, spirit-filled Christian is a real testimony for Christ. Your whole-hearted surrender will bring the power of God into operation through your witness to others. Rejoice continually in the Lord (Philippians 3:1, 4:4).
Love Him and His Word, love the work of the assembly, love one another.

8. SUPPORT YOUR CHURCH
So many today are roaming around from one church to another. They believe this to be the "liberty" of the Lord. It is not. It is a form of lawless independence. It is usually because they are not amenable to any type of oversight or correction. Having become enlightened through the Word, they now reject the warnings of the same Bible and bring reproach on their experience.
You are now part of a team, with pastors, elders, teachers, etc. They are given for a reason. This is the Bible pattern (Ephesians 4:11).

Only a scriptural strong, single-minded church can meet the needs of this generation.
You can join in on this "signs following ministry" “Clear Vision Revival” and share in the real power with God.

God does indeed declare "the end from the beginning". The Bible contains many prophetic scriptures concerning world events, the nation of Israel, and Jesus Christ. Many have been already confirmed by history, whilst others relate to what the Bible terms "the last days".
Despite man's preoccupation with knowledge and academic pursuitson, or on the Internet, Paul warns that many are "Ever learning, and never coming to the knowledge of the truth" (2 Timothy 3:7). Their desire for knowledge is misdirected. And: "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables" (2 Timothy 4:34, New King James Version).

'Beware lest any man spoil you through vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.' (Colossians 2:8).

Frequently asked questions about Speaking in Tongues.
For many people, 'speaking in tongues' is an intriguing and controversial subject. This article gives answers to the frequently asked questions about tongues.
Isn't it the case that speaking in tongues is not around any more?
The Bible first prophesied that believers would speak in tongues in
Isaiah 28 : 9-13, a Scripture Paul referred to in his writings on the subject
(1 Corinthians 14:21).
Jesus commended His ministry by telling Nichodemus that being born of the Spirit , accompanied by a 'sound' or 'voice' was essential for salvation
(John 3:5-8). His parting words in Mark 16:15-20 included mention of speaking in tongues.
If the message were to be different at some other later date it would make the Word of God into a lie when it says, 'Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever.' (Hebrews 13:8). Therefore, speaking in tongues is definitely for today.

A.D. 150 -- Justin Martyr (Greek Evangelist) (after the canon of scripture had closed): Reliable historians tell us that after the scriptures were written the gifts of speaking in unknown languages continued on. About 100 years after the founding of the Church, in a time when the apostles were all dead and the Church dispensation was well under way, Justin Martyr wrote an apologetic to Trypho the Jew: "If you want proof that the Spirit of God who was with your people and left you to come to us, come into our assemblies and there you will see Him cast out demons, heal the sick and hear Him speak in tongues and prophesy."
But didn't Paul say, 'Tongues shall cease?'
Yes, Paul did say that in Corinthians 13:8. However, this quotation is commonly taken out of context. What Paul said was that tongues, prophesies, and knowledge would all cease when 'that which is perfect shall come...'- the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.         (1 Corinthians 13:10).
That appointed time according to the Bible was to be when we would see the Lord: 'face to face', that is, when he has returned. (1 Corinthians 13:12.)
We know that we are in the last days when 'knowledge shall increase', and many prophesies are being fulfilled. Clearly as knowledge and prophesy have not ceased, neither have tongues. Thus, tongues shall cease, but not until the Lord returns.
Well, even if tongues are available, surely tongues can only come by the laying on of apostles' hands?
We see various accounts in the book of Acts where people received the Spirit with the Bible evidence of speaking in tongues. In Acts 2:4, 120 people including the apostles themselves, received the Holy Spirit/Tongues, on the day of Pentecost, without the laying on of hands of any other human.
Later, as recorded in Acts 9:17, Paul the Apostle received the Spirit when Annanias laid his hands on him. Yet, Annanias was not an apostle, simply a disciple. Subsequently, in Acts 10:44 Cornelius and his household were converted as Peter spoke the words of salvation. No 'laying on of hands' occurred here.
Don't you just speak a babble when you speak in tongues?
On the day of Pentecost, the disciples were speaking some recognisable languages and God went so far as to ratify this by having many witnesses there on that day to testify to the fact that they were speaking identifiable languages.
We are told however, that the languages given by God may not necessarily be identifiable by man since He said there would be tongues of men and angels,
(1 Corinthians 13:1). Since angels and men and women of all nations and languages are not available to ratify whether the tongues are of men or of angels, or not, it is not possible to prove whether a tongue is a known language on every occasion.
There is no basis however, for concluding that because there is no-one there to understand a tongue that it must be a babble.

Isaiah 28:11, 12. 'For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to his people.
To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.'
Isn't speaking in tongues for preaching?
It is sometimes proposed by those who are not filled with the Holy Spirit, that tongues was a tool given by God to preach His word to those visitors to the region at the time of Pentecost. Superficially, this argument appears plausible.
However, the story told in the first two chapters of Acts demonstrates that the disciples were not preaching but rather initially, praying for the Holy Ghost.
(Acts 2:1-4).
Although the visitors overheard the Galileans speaking miraculously in foreign languages, they were certainly not being preached to.
Indeed, if tongues were being used for preaching there would not have been a need for Peter to have stood up and explained to the crowd in his own language what had just happened. (Acts 2:14-40).
Paul tells us that it is with an understanding language, and not a tongue of the Spirit that is to be used for preaching. '...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.' (1 Corinthians 14:19).
The apostle had earlier said, 'For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him...
(1 Corinthians 14:2).

But won't I become a barbarian when I speak in tongues?
Those who wish to deny others the experience of receiving the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues often quote 1 Corinthians 14:11. Which says [in relation to speaking in tongues], 'Therefore if I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.'
Here Paul is not criticising the use of tongues but rather expressing concerns about the misuse of tongues. He explains that speaking in tongues is not for preaching as no-one will understand it, and if no-one understands it why speak to them in tongues?
Speaking in tongues in private communication with God does not make you a barbarian. In any event, to say that attempting to preach in tongues would make you a barbarian adds weight to the argument that tongues is not for preaching.
Why didn't Jesus speak in tongues?
Jesus lived under the Old Testament Law, of which tongues was not a part [although it was prophesied in it, in Isaiah 28:11.] He came to usher in the New Testament. In Mark 16, Jesus indicated that tongues would be one of the signs that would follow New Testament believers.
Hence, speaking in tongues was neither a part of the law nor of Jesus' personal ministry. The New Testament and tongues could only come into force after the death of the testator, Jesus Himself. Hebrews 9:15-17. Thus tongues could not be in force while Jesus was alive.
Jesus did not speak in tongues because He was not supposed to nor did He have any need to. Jesus did not need to be converted nor did He require any assistance in His communication with the Father. He was and is one with the Father and the Holy Spirit.
Jesus did not say He would speak in tongues, He said we would. Mark 16:17.
Why speak in tongues if you do not know what you are saying?
As previously discussed, speaking in tongues is designed by God for speaking to Him and to no other 1 Corinthians 14:2. In the book of James, we are told that the tongue is an unruly member that no man can tame - at one time we can praise God with it and the next, we can curse our brother. James 3:3-13.
The most unruly member.
It is not surprising that God has chosen to tame the most unruly member of our body and uses it to create a new language, pure and undefiled with which we might speak to Him.
Paul writes, 'Likewise the Spirit helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession with groanings which cannot be uttered. And He that searches the heart knoweth what is in the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.' Romans 8:26,27. Jude tells us that praying 'in the Spirit' edifies (builds us up) spiritually (Jude 20).
'If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask?'
Luke 11:13.
Isn't it possible for tongues to be of the devil?
No! In Luke 11, Jesus teaches the disciples to pray, particularly so that they might receive the Holy Spirit Luke 11:13 and reassures them by stating that their heavenly Father would only give good gifts. While people were seeking God, He certainly would not allow them to receive something spurious.

Interestingly, the next story in Luke relates to Jesus casting a demon out of a dumb man and being accused of having done so by the power of the devil. Jesus Christ, who was perfect, blameless and without sin, had an impeccable testimony. He demonstrated all of the fruit of the Spirit. He loved, forgave, uplifted and healed. He demonstrated mercy, kindness, temperance, gentleness, faith, and miracles. Finally, he gave his life for mankind.

In fact, when a person receives the Holy Spirit, that is, when they speak in tongues, it is common that then, or shortly after, ungodly practices and influences such as alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, bad language, gambling immorality and so on leave them. In other words, the conversion is to a Godly life, not the opposite.
Isn't speaking in tongues the least of the gifts?
There are people who quote the list in 1 Corinthians 12:28 and make the assumption that because 'diversities of tongues' is the last mentioned, it must be the least important. [Note that it is not the last mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10.] Some even go so far as to say that it is therefore not necessary at all.
There is no evidence to suggest that the order in which items appear in Scripture signify the greatest to least importance. For example, consider the Ten Commandments (Ex 20). Can we say that the 4th commandment
(Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.) was more important than the 6th commandment (thou shalt not kill)?
Consider also the list of the work of the flesh in Galations 5:19-21. Would one say 'murderers' which appears 15th down the list is less a work of the flesh than say, 'wrath' which appears at position 10?
Rather than attaching various levels of importance to the blessings of God and then perhaps even eliminating those we think less significant, surely we should happily embrace and appreciate all that God offers.
'Beware lest any man spoil you through vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.' (Colossians 2:8).

There are 8 Major Ministries.
The 8 Operations of the SPIRIT

1Co 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
8 Operations
1. first apostles.
2. secondarily prophets.
3. thirdly teachers.
4. after that miracles.
5. then gifts of heallings.
6. helps.
7. governments.
8. diversities of tongues.

1Co 12:29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
1Co 12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
1Co 12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
8 Operations
1. Are all apostles?
2. are all prophets?
3. are all teachers?
4. are all workers of miracles?
5. Have all the gifts of healing?
6. -------------------------------------helps.
7. -------------------------------------governments.
8. do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
So sit down and pray in tongues and start building your ministry from the ground up, with the mystery of the kingdom of God, who knows how far up God will take you.
1Co 14:2 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.
Mar 4:11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:
Rom 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
Eph 3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
Col 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
Col 2:3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Mat 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Mat 7:24  Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

The LOVE of GOD by the HOLY SPIRIT.
Rom 5:5  And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

1Co 12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
1Co 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have   not charity “this is LOVE”, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
Jud 1:19  These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. (I don't think they pray in tongues, Most Christian's build a house on the sand.)
Jud 1:20  But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, (this is praying in tongues)
Jud 1:21  Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
The best gift is LOVE, so how do you get the best gift??????   I think they you in tongues.
Sit down and pray in tongues and start building your LOVE of GOD from the ground up.

Let us wait on GOD.
Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Rom 12:4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
Rom 12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
Rom 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
Rom 12:7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
Rom 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
Mat 13:31 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:
Mat 13:32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.

Mat 13:24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
Mat 13:25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.

Mat 13:33 Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

So sit down and pray in tongues and let us WAIT on the HOLY SPIRIT to start building your LOVE of GOD from the ground up.
Mat 7:24  Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
Most Christian's build a house on the sand.

Mysteries? Speaking in tongues opens to you the mystery of GOD.
Paul prayed in tongues a lot and received revelation, understanding and knowledge of the kingdom of GOD.
Pray in tongues and edify yourself.
1Co 14:2 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.
1Co 14:18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
Eph 3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,)
The 14 books attributed to Paul are: Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Philemon, Galatians, Philippians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, Ephesians, Colossians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy and Titus. and Hebrews.

G3466   mysteries
mustērion
Thayer Definition:
1) hidden thing, secret, mystery
1a) generally mysteries, religious secrets, confided only to the initiated and not to ordinary mortals
1b) a hidden or secret thing, not obvious to the understanding
1c) a hidden purpose or counsel
1c1) secret will
1c1a) of men
1c1b) of God: the secret counsels which govern God in dealing with the righteous, which are hidden from ungodly and wicked men but plain to the godly
2) in rabbinic writings, it denotes the mystic or hidden sense
2a) of an OT saying
2b) of an image or form seen in a vision
2c) of a dream

Mar 4:11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:
Mar 4:12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.
Mar 4:13 And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?

Rom 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

1Co 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

Eph 3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,)
Eph 3:4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
Eph 3:5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

Col 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
Col 2:3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

People's heart is waxed gross, do your eyes see???   The eyes of your understanding.

Eph 1:17  That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
Eph 1:18  The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

Mat 13:14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
Mat 13:15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
Mat 13:16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.
Mat 13:17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

The light of the body is the eye.
Mat 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Mat 6:22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
Mat 6:23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!
Mat 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Hath lighted a candle.
Have you received revelation, understanding and knowledge of the kingdom of GOD?
Mar 4:21 And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?
Mar 4:22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.

Luk 8:16 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.
Luk 8:17 For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.
Luk 8:18 Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.

Edification of the Church.
Eph 3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,)
Eph 3:4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
1Co 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to                 edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

G3619 edification
oikodomē
Thayer Definition:
1) (the act of) building, building up
2) metaphorically edifying, edification
2a) the act of one who promotes another’s growth in Christian wisdom, piety, happiness, holiness
3) a building (i.e. the thing built, edifice)

Edification of YOU!
So it’s YOU first, then the church gets clean then cleans others.
1Co 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
G3618
oikodomeō
Thayer Definition:
1) to build a house, erect a building
1a) to build (up from the foundation)
1b) to restore by building, to rebuild, repair
2) metaphorically
2a) to found, establish
2b) to promote growth in Christian wisdom, affection, grace, virtue, holiness, blessedness
2c) to grow in wisdom and piety

1Co 14:5 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 edifying.
1Co 14:6 Now, 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?

Since we contact Jesus’ blood when we’re baptized, we receive all the benefits and blessings that come from His blood, the moment we are baptized!
Act 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.
remission G859 forgiveness, pardon, freedom, remission.

As a wise master builder - . The design.
The design or plan of the building is from God; all things must be done according to the pattern which he has exhibited; but the execution of this plan was entrusted chiefly to St. Paul; he was the wise or experienced architect which God used in order to lay the foundation; to ascertain the essential and immutable doctrines of the Gospel - those alone which came from God, and which alone he would bless to the salvation of mankind. Let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon - Let him take care that the doctrines which he preaches be answerable to those which I have preached; let him also take heed that he enjoin no other practice than that which is suitable to the doctrine, and in every sense accords with it.
Joh 14:23  Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
Joh 14:24  He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.
Joh 14:26  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Jude 1:21 (KJV) Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Romans 9:23 (KJV) And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
Romans 9:24 (KJV) Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?
Ephesians 1:18 (KJV) The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
Ephesians 1:19 (KJV) And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
Ephesians 1:20 (KJV) Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
Ephesians 1:21 (KJV) Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
Ephesians 1:22 (KJV) And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
Ephesians 1:23 (KJV) Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
Ephesians 3:14 (KJV) For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Ephesians 3:15 (KJV) Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
Ephesians 3:16 (KJV) That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
Ephesians 3:17 (KJV) That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
Ephesians 3:18 (KJV) May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
Ephesians 3:19 (KJV) And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
Colossians 1:25 (KJV) Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
Colossians 1:26 (KJV) Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
Colossians 1:27 (KJV) To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Romans 16:25 (KJV) Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
1 Corinthians 14:26 (KJV) How 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.
Galatians 1:12 (KJV) For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:17 (KJV) That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
Ephesians 3:3 (KJV) How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
1 Peter 1:13 (KJV) Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
1 Peter 1:14 (KJV) As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
1 Peter 1:15 (KJV) But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
1 Peter 1:16 (KJV) Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

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