Link to my video (Visions of the Nuclear Tribulation)

 

 Link to my video where I share the visions and dreams the Lord has given me concerning America and the Great Tribulation.

Visions of the Nuclear Tribulation - YouTube

Merry Christmas!!

 Merry Christmas from our family to yours! (Isaiah 9:6) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Matthew 1:21-23) And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.

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

Do you find it difficult to believe that Jesus came to be your personal Prince of Peace? (Written by my wife)

 

When you hear someone wish you a "Merry Christmas," do you find yourself thinking, "Not possible"? There have been times in my life when I have had this same attitude. I may not be able to exactly relate to what you are going through, but I do know that when your heart is broken, when you are living with an illness (explained or unexplained), when you feel lonely and unloved, when you have to choose between paying bills or buying food, when past Christmas memories bring more pain than joy, when someone you love is dying, when you face fear every day either from abuse or other circumstances, when you feel like God just doesn't care, how could one day a year suddenly be merry when all the others are steeped in misery?

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

You may fully grasp the concept of the miraculous virgin birth of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:23 "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us.") and even accept that Jesus was born to die for all of our sins (John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.), yet you still wonder if God truly loves or cares about you as an individual. You may find it difficult to believe that Jesus came to be your personal "Prince of Peace."

If God loves us so much, then why is life so full of pain? How do we find the kind of peace mentioned in Philippians 4?

(Philippians 4:7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Because I have experienced these things, I absolutely promise you that you can be in the midst of grieving over a lost loved one, have a mysterious neurological condition that doctors give up trying to diagnose, be facing homelessness, or be laying in extreme pain in a hospital bed after a second cancer surgery, and yet still find God's perfect peace in the middle of the storm. By surrendering my heart, mind and will to Jesus Christ, He has been my Prince of Peace. He continues to be my strength and joy.

(Psalm 34:18) The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.

In order to allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with His peace, we need to realize that God never promised us a perfect life, but He did promise we could still "be of good cheer," if allow Him to be Lord of our life.

(John 16:33) These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

People who believe God will prevent all bad things from happening to them or their loved ones end up hating God. They cannot find joy in the midst of suffering or trust in their hearts God is always good. They have difficulty trusting in the love of God. (1 John 4:8 ...God is love. & 1 John 4:19 ... He first loved us.)

Not only does God care about our pain, He grieves with us, He intercedes for us (Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. & Romans 8:26 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.). God IS fighting for us, but we tend to sabotage His plan, and the perfect peace offered to us when we live in rebellion.

Yes, sometimes God uses negative circumstances to test our love for Him, but in general, God does not intend for bad things to happen to His children. Jeremiah 29:11 states, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” God wants only the best for us. Does that mean God does not have any control? No, this means we will never fully know why bad things are allowed to happen because there is a war going on we cannot comprehend. (Ephesians 6:12) “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."

1 Corinthians 13:12 (For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.) reminds us that we cannot understand why things happen as they do because we cannot see the big, eternal picture, but when we get to heaven, it will all be crystal clear. This senseless world will make sense.

If we cry out to God, He will hear our pleas. He wants to protect us and save us. It may seem like evil is winning, and I do not believe that this world will ever improve. In fact, I know it will only get worse. Man’s desire for independence corrupts him more and more. The mentality of not wanting to be told what to do is only getting worse. It is up to you to surrender yourself to God as well as your independence. It is up to you to choose to live right and separate yourself from this world. Only then will the Holy Spirit flood you with peace.

Humble yourself and admit you have done wrong. The free gift of salvation begins with repentance and admittance of sin. Then you must begin to and continually walk in holiness to please God (Romans 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.).

Romans 6:1-2 tells us God's free gift of grace is not to be manipulated and abused for our own selfish will, "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" Grace is not an excuse to live however you want because you are a “Christian.” The opposite is true. We need to have a holy desire to please our Creator and live a truly Christian lifestyle. We need daily self-evaluation and repentance.

(Luke 9:23 ) Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.

(1 Corinthians 15:31) I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die [to sin] daily.

Daily very simply means we must crucify our flesh every day, not just once. Furthermore, you could claim Psalm 139: 23-24 as your daily prayer: Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.

Bottom line here is when we quit using the difficult circumstances of life as an excuse to refuse to do what you know goes against the Word of God, we can truly believe that God's Word is true. First evaluate your heart and actions to see if you are going against His will so He cannot help you. Then learn to focus on the eternal picture and see how much God loves you and allow Him to be your Prince of Peace!

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day (Written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)

 

I heard the bells on Christmas Day

By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
    And wild and sweet
    The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
    Had rolled along
    The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Till ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
    A voice, a chime,
    A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
    And with the sound
    The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
    And made forlorn
    The households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
    "For hate is strong,
    And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
    The Wrong shall fail,
    The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men."

Christmas That Beautiful Time of Year! Written by my wife

 

Note: All numbers in parenthesis represent scripture references that are listed at the end.

Christmas is a beautiful time of the year as we remember that Jesus left a place more perfect than we can ever imagine to live in a sinful, primitive, violent world.  While you sing worshipful songs and hear the story of Jesus’ miraculous birth to a virgin (1), please remember the story does not stop there.

Jesus was born for the sole purpose of giving up His life thirty-three years later.  Jesus gave up His throne surrounded by angels (2) for a life where His authority was rarely recognized.  He came to this cruel and heartless world in the form of pure innocence and humility (3).  He knew He would never fully be accepted by His peers (4), and that even those who claimed to love Him would desert Him in the end (5).  He knew not just the emotional sorrows He would face, but the physical as well.  He would willingly endure excruciating torture (6).  (The word excruciating exists because of the severe pain suffered during crucifixion.)  Yes, He also knew He would be raised from the dead three days after His death (7), but He did not endure long hours of agony just to glorify Himself.  He allowed Himself to be beaten raw and pierced through to die a slow death just for you and me! (8)  His blood on the cross is the only reason you and I have the option of spending eternity with Him in paradise.  (9) He paid for our sins by hanging in humiliation on a cross with wood splinters buried into an already raw and bloodied back, a crown of literal thorns causing blood to burn his eyes as it dripped down His face (10).

It is His glorious face we must seek today (11)! Do not throw away His precious gift bought with a terror we could never endure.  Repent of your sins and seek to live a life of holiness so that you can someday see the beautiful face of Jesus and His Father who allowed His son to be ripped from His side for more than three decades (12).

This Christmas, when you see the nativity sets of the shepherds and wise men kneeling at the manager of the baby Jesus, think of how much more magnificent it will be to bow at the throne of the living God (13)! When you sing, “O, come let us adore Him,” take a moment and thank Jesus with all your heart for choosing the path of pain and sorrow just so we can have an eternal life of peace and joy (14)!

Scriptures:

1)      "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." Matthew 1:23

2)     I saw the Lord sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing on His right hand and His left. II Chronicles 18:18

3)     And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.  Luke 2:16

4)     But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. Luke 17:25

5)     But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples deserted him and fled. Matthew 26:56

6)     He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. Scoured, beaten, bruised.  Isiah 53:3-4

7)     "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.' " Luke 24:5-7

8)     After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I thirst!" He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. John 19:28, 30

9)      For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Matthew 26:28

10) So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe. Then they said, "Hail, King of the Jews!" And they struck Him with their hands. John 19:1-3

11)  For He says: "In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. II Corinthians 6:2

12)  But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. REPENT therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. Acts 3:18-21

13) For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height-- to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Ephesians 3:14-21

14) And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." Revelation 21:4-5

The Rise of Witchcraft & Popular Culture: By Focus on the Family

 

The Rise of Witchcraft & Popular Culture: Is There a Connection? - Focus on the Family

(1 Corinthians 10:21) Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. (1 Corinthians 15:33-34) Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. (2 Corinthians 6:14, 17, & 7:1 ) Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

The Manger

 

Of course, mangers are animal feeding troughs but in ancient Israel they were made of stone - not what you would see in a modern-day nativity scene. Not comfortable, but great for protection. That’s why those who were experts in this matter, the priests, would put their newborn lambs in them for protection. But not just any lamb, the unblemished perfect lambs that were used in the sacrifice for sins.

And Bethlehem, where Jesus was born was FAMOUS for their UNBLEMISHED LAMBS used for the sacrifice. These lambs had to be perfect so they would wrap them tightly in cloth and lie them in the manger to keep them safe. This is exactly why the only time mangers are mentioned in Jesus’ birth story it is being told to shepherds. In Luke 2 it says “This will be a sign for you, you will find a baby wrapped in cloth and lying in a manger.” The shepherds would have understood this powerful parallel! THEY KNEW what the cloth and the manger meant! This baby would be THE PERFECT LAMB OF GOD! The Messiah who would sacrifice His life for the sins of the whole world.

He wasn’t just a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger, He was GOD: perfect, sinless and Holy, humbling Himself to become the perfect sacrifice to reconcile us back to Himself!!

Who do you say that He is?

 

Who do you say that He is? 

Who was this babe born over two thousand years ago in Bethlehem of Judea? Many claim that he was a prophet, a great teacher, or just a good man. However, who do you say that He is?

There is one God, who is revealed in three distinct persons, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Father sent the son, to bring redemption to fallen mankind. Through the death of Christ upon the cross the free gift of salvation has been provided to all who will put their faith in him.

Christ said, that before Abraham was, I AM. Christ declared himself to be the Great I AM, by making this statement.

Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”  John 8:57-58    

The prophet Isaiah wrote that the future Messiah would be called, the Mighty God and Everlasting Father!

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.  Isaiah 9:6-7

 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”  Matthew 1:23

John chapter one, as well as Colossians one, reveal that Christ is indeed God, the creator of all things visible and invisible. He is the image of the invisible God. All things were created through him and for him.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.  John 1:1-5 & 10-14

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.  Colossians 1:15-18 

Let us remember that Christmas is not about the mythical Santa Claus or reindeer. Jesus is the only reason for the season! 

Jesus Christ the Son of the Father is God

 

Link to 2018 Dream of the Covid-19 Pandemic

 On March 28, 2018, the Lord gave me a dream about the Covid-19 pandemic. Below is a link to that writing. The Lord showed me that an airborne plague would sweep this nation and many people would die. The multilayered dream also was a reference to many other judgements that would follow. The Lord showed me the time known as the Beginning of Sorrows that will lead to the Great Tribulation. The Lord also showed me the need to eventually prepare a place in the wilderness to ride out the coming storm (Rev 12).

In other dreams, visions, and words, the Lord showed me the rioting that occurred across the nation. The Lord spoke to me audibly, "Chaos, panic in the streets, America is going down." I saw the capitol building with an American flag on top slowly descending into darkness. I saw all of this years before the rioting and chaos became reality. The Lord also showed me our dried-up economy, the inflation that we see today will get a lot worse. Here is the link to the original writing.

Final Hour Holiness Ministries: Dream of the Coming Plague

Happy Thanksgiving 2024!

 

Are you Empty Inside, or Have you Been Filled with God's Holy Spirit?

 

Are you Empty Inside, or Have you Been Filled with God's Holy Spirit?

John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

Christ said that the Kingdom of God resides within us. You must be filled with the Holy Spirit to be a citizen of God's kingdom. Salvation is not complete without being indwelt (baptized and filled) with the Holy Spirit. We are saved by faith alone in the finished work of Christ upon the cross. However, you must put your faith in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We come to Christ as we are and allow his Holy Spirit to transform us from the inside out.

Many churches teach that when a person accepts Christ, they receive the Holy Spirit immediately. The truth is that a person must seek after and ask God for the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:9-13). Salvation is a three-step process, you must repent of your sins and make confession of Christ, be water baptized in Christ, and be filled/baptized/indwelt by the Holy Spirit.

Luke 11:9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.  11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 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 him?

The Holy Spirit not only empowers us to spread the gospel, he also transforms us into a new creation (born again). God is the potter, and we are the clay that he molds into his own image. It is impossible to live a holy life separated from the sinful culture, without the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. 

There are nine gifts, as well as nine fruits of the Holy Spirit. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are given to a believer according to God's will (1 Cor 12). The fruit of the Holy Spirit should be present in the lives of all believers (Galatians 5).

Please read my teachings on the Holy Spirit from these links. 

Final Hour Holiness Ministries: Speaking and Praying in Tongues

Final Hour Holiness Ministries: The Message of the Full Gospel

Acts 8:14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Acts 19:1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 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. 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. 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. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Acts 2:1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 2:14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. 15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams. 18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants, I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.

Speaking and Praying in Tongues

 

Speaking and Praying in Tongues

 The gift of speaking in unknown tongues comes in two forms. There is a prayer language that benefits the believer only, and there is the giving of a message in tongues to an assembly that must be interpreted. Here are scriptures concerning the prayer language. (1 Cor 14:2) For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. (1 Cor 14:14) For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.

Tongues are an unknown language that is spoken by those who have been filled with God's Holy Spirit (also known as the Baptism in the Holy Spirit). Tongues may be the languages of men or of angels. (1 Cor 13:1) Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

 When a person prays in the Spirit and with understanding, they are praying in tongues with the understanding given by the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is making intercession for them and others through this unknown language. Tongues are both a sign to you in prayer, as well as a sign to unbelievers within an assembly where a message is given. 

1 Cor 14:14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 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.

(Isaiah 28:11) For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. 

Intercessory prayer is standing in the gap for others. It is praying for their needs, protection, health, as well as spiritual condition. It is important to also pray in tongues in intercession for others. You may not fully know what to pray for on behalf of others, but the Holy Spirit does. 

Praying in tongues is also beneficial when a person is engaging in spiritual warfare. When you are under any form of attack it is good to pray in tongues. If you have a nightmare, or a person is persecuting you at work, school, home, or everything seems to be going wrong, it is good to take a moment and pray in tongues, either silently, or vocally.

Mark 16:17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."

The gift of tongues is also given to some for giving a message within an assembly of believers. If a person gives an audible tongue, it should be interpreted by one or more people within the congregation. See 1 Corinthians chapter 14 for how to use tongues decently and with order.

 The Bible is clear that not all speak with tongues, or interpret, these are gifts of God's Spirit given as he wills to those who have been baptized and filled with his Holy Spirit. Many churches teach that the gift of tongues is the evidence that a person has been filled with the Spirit. Tongues are normally the evidence of the baptism in the Spirit, but not always.

The apostle Paul said: 

(1 Cor 14:18 ) I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all 

(1Cor 14:5)  I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is the that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

 There are people filled with the Holy Spirit that don't understand or believe in tongues, or other spiritual gifts. Many within holiness churches and groups experience the infilling of the Holy Spirit without many of the manifestations. Many live a transformed life, full of good fruit, which is the most important evidence of the infilling of the Holy Spirit. Many Nazarenes, Wesleyan, Free Methodists, Church of God etc. testify to the life-transforming power of the Spirit in their lives.

In order to receive the gift of tongues, you must seek God for the baptism and infilling of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said to ask the Father for the Spirit because the Father gives good gifts to those who ask. If you feel tongues coming into your spirit and mind, you need to open your mouth and speak by faith. God will not force tongues out of your mouth because it comes from faith. Allow yourself to babble until a distinct language comes.

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Many Christians have never been taught that there is more to their spiritual walk. In order to live an overcoming Christian life in these dark times, it is essential that we be filled with God’s Holy Spirit (Baptism in the Holy Spirit). You cannot be saved unless you have been filled (baptized) with the Holy Spirit. The atonement of Christ provided for the fullness of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. The Holy Trinity is received by faith alone in the finished work of Christ.

The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a second act of Grace, and it is when a believer is filled and becomes indwelt by the Holy Spirit. The Baptism is an immersion of power that is accompanied by spiritual gifts according to God's will and must be sought after by faith. The Holy Spirit is God, he is the third person of the Holy Trinity, and he indwells us, as well as ministers to us. It is God’s will that we all experience the fullness of God and that is only possible by receiving the baptism in the Spirit. The infilling of the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the hands of the Apostles within Scripture. It was first given on the Day of Pentecost to those seeking God in the upper room. You may receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit by earnestly seeking God in prayer, or through the laying on of hands.

Acts 2:1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

There are nine gifts and nine fruits of the Holy Spirit. It is God's will that we seek him for the fullness of his Spirit. The strivings of the flesh are worthless. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we may become a new creation (set apart people). Only through the Holy Spirit is the love of Jesus poured into our hearts. We cannot walk, live, or bear good fruit apart from the Holy Spirit. If you love Christ, you will keep his commandments. This is only possible by being transformed from the inside out by the Holy Spirit. To live and walk in the Spirit is to walk away from sin.

I'm an old school Christian that is not into Christian entertainment, but into God's Word. I believe that we are saved by God's Grace alone and Not by our works. However, many churches are Not teaching their people about sincere repentance and getting the sinful bondages out of their lives. After we are truly saved through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross, we need to learn to Walk in the Spirit and bear good fruit (Gal 5). You cannot walk in the Spirit by your own merit. It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that you are able to live an overcoming life and bear good fruit. You must turn the reins of your will and life over to God and let him refine you and make you into a reflection of him. If the Holy Spirit dwells within you then you must allow him to manifest the attributes of God. You can only put down sin in your life by surrendering to God's Spirit.

The true gifts of the Spirit should be commonplace within the church today. A healthy church that teaches sound doctrine, will not quench God’s Spirit, but will allow God entrance to their services. God should not be put into a box, he should be allowed to speak, teach, as well as lead the service.

John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

1 Corinthians 14:22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

1 Corinthians 14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues

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Acts 8:14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Acts 19:1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 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. 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. 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. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

1 Cor 12:4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

1 Cor 14:2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 1 Cor 14:14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.

The apostle Paul teaches that the gifts of the Spirit must be done in an orderly manner. 1 Cor 14: 26 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. 30 But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. 32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

Here are some more scriptures on the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 2:14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. 15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams. 18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants, I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.