Speaking in Tongues

The research team from Rousse, Bulgaria, which also worked out a computer program that translates texts, now claims they have patented the technology that converts words spoken in one language into digital code, which can then be immediately interpreted into another language.

The scientists claim the translator chip can be inserted into any phone. The project leader told national Bulgarian TV, "A person can talk freely on the phone in their mother tongue, and at the other end of the world, people can hear the translation of what they say in their language." The research team said that if investors show an interest in the technology, practical application can begin within a year.

But did you know the Bible teaches that God has had a patent on this technology for thousands of years? Stay with us friends. We're going to learn more as Amazing Facts brings you this edition of Bible Answers Live.

[PROGRAM INTRODUCTION]

Pastor Doug: We are back, and this is Bible Answers Live. If it is your first time tuning into the program, this is a live, interactive Bible study that is being broadcast around the world via the Internet and across North America. My name is Doug Batchelor.

Pastor Dick: My name is Dick Devitt. Pastor Doug, we start with a word of prayer. Let's do that shall we?

Heavenly Father, we thank You and praise You again as we come together to open the Word of God. We look forward, Lord, to hearing from You tonight. There's really nothing that we can say or do without You leading out, without You being with us. So Lord, we humbly ask You to speak clearly and calm our minds and our hearts, that we may hear Your still, small voice. As our callers express their questions, may we be able to relate the Word of God in a saving way. Thank You Lord. In Jesus' name, amen.

Pastor Doug: Amen!

Pastor Dick: Well Pastor Doug, this is a fascinating bit of exploration that you've been talking about here, this way to understand, or translate, languages. In fact, I have a piece of software on my computer where I can sit and speak and my computer will type it out for me.

Pastor Doug: That is fascinating enough to me. I've had that software too, because, you know I type with two fingers. I have several books out, but it's embarrassing when I'm on the airplane and people see me with my laptop and there I am just pecking away with two fingers.

Pastor Dick: Uh-huh

Pastor Doug: So I have tried the software before speaking, and it's amazing. But this invention is where you can speak in your language and somehow, it recognizes that, converts it and translates it into the selected language - -

Pastor Dick: That is amazing!

Pastor Doug: - - at the same time.

Pastor Dick: That's amazing.

Pastor Doug: Absolutely. But, of course, this technology goes all the way back to Genesis chapter 11. The Bible says the whole earth was of one language; and at that time, when God confounded the languages, He used that technology to reverse communication for the purpose of spreading people around the earth.

But then in Acts chapter 1 and Acts chapter 2, the Lord then converts that gift again into the ability to speak in languages that they had never formerly known or studied. Jesus said in Mark chapter 16 one of the gifts of the Spirit would be that they would speak in new tongues, new languages.

It is a gift of the Spirit, but one of the most misunderstood gifts of all the gifts that Paul cites.

Pastor Dick: Um-hmm

Pastor Doug: People may have questions about the gift of tongues. We welcome those tonight. We have a free offer that answers a lot of these questions about the gift of tongues, the way that it is often misunderstood, what it is for and what it is not for.

Pastor Dick: Let me ask you a question, and then I want to tell our listeners about our offering tonight. Pastor Doug, is it possible, I'm thinking theoretically now. Is it possible that man is trying to take God's place with a lot of these inventions? I mean, God confused the languages, right? He took it away for a purpose.

Pastor Doug: Well, I think that there are many cases where man is trying to put himself in the position of God. That's probably more in the area of some of the cloning and experimentation with the mysteries genetics and life.

Pastor Dick: Um-hmm, um-hmm

Pastor Doug: But this, to me, seems like a pretty practical thing. I might appreciate being able to call and talk to friends in other parts of the world where I became frustrated because I can't communicate.

Pastor Dick: Sure, yeah, right.

Pastor Doug: I've often been in Russia or India, and you've been in Africa, and you want to be able to hear and understand what they're saying, and you feel left out. So this would be fascinating.

Pastor Dick: Alright. If our listeners have any questions about this sort of thing, it's a good Bible-related question. Our offer tonight is a booklet you wrote Pastor Doug, called, Captured by Tongues.

It will answer questions such as what should we expect from an outpouring of the Holy Spirit? Does that mean that it is always associated with a manifestation of the gift of tongues? This is an excellent book that you will want in your library, Captured by Tongues.

Pastor Doug: What the gift of tongues is for and what it is not for; and sometimes, the way it is abused in churches, sometimes we'll hear people just stand up and start babbling in tongues in the middle of a sermon, and they say, "This is a message from God." So people who might have any questions about this, this is a perfect book for them.

Pastor Dick: 1-800-835-6747 is the number if you would like a copy of this book. That's our resource operators. They're standing by, 1-800-835-6747. You can call that number if we mention any other resources on the program as well. We'll be glad to send them to you this evening.

Pastor Doug, we do a couple of Internet questions, or other questions, before we go to the phones. The first one this evening comes from Gina in North Highlands, California. She would like to know is it alright for a person to go to a college of another faith, as long as you're solid in your own beliefs and your own faith? She said she wants to study for a Christian ministry and she's wondering if it would be okay.

Pastor Doug: Well obviously, different colleges that are founded on the various denominations are going to be biased to the teachings and doctrines of their denomination that could be in opposition to the faith of one of the students.

Pastor Dick: Um-hmm

Pastor Doug: First of all, you should stay true to the Word; but you can know that if you go to a college that has a differing denomination, its foundation, you may be challenged. You want to be thoroughly rooted in your beliefs. What concerns me even more than this is there are Christians that sometimes, in order to complete certain degrees, they end up having to go--sometimes it's for finances, sometimes it's for availability--to a secular college.

Some of those classes, there are some good teachers, but some of them are diabolical and they feel like it's their mission to challenge the faith of Christians; and they'll be exposed to a lot of humanism and evolutionism, and that is even more dangerous. But a person needs to be pretty selective.

If they're going to complete a degree at a Christian college that is not of their faith, make sure they are grounded.

Pastor Dick: Well grounded, and probably able to explain why they are so well-grounded.

Pastor Doug: That's right, that's right.

Pastor Dick: I'm sure there will be opportunities to do that.

Pastor Doug: To be challenged, yeah.

Pastor Dick: Right. Okay, very good. Second question. This comes from St. Lucia, down in the Caribbean.

Pastor Doug: Um-hmm

Pastor Dick: And it says, "I have trouble, and I'm looking for someone to help clear my mind. From growing up, I was instructed that any game of chance is gambling, but it seems, most recently, that this is beginning to change in my country. Here in St. Lucia, there is an emerging trend that our members and directors in our mission have fallen into a trap where most furniture stores seem to entice customers by offering a number of opportunities to win cash, cars, trips, etc., for every hundred dollars you spend.

"You have a coupon where you fill your name in and they have a drawing every month, and that sort of thing." They want to know if these are legitimate for a Christian to participate.

Pastor Doug: Well there are some thin lines that go through there. Gambling, of course, I don't believe a Christian should participate in, whether it's purchasing a lottery ticket or purchasing a raffle. Unfortunately, there are even some churches that support raffles. If you want to make a donation to a cause, there are ways of doing it without connecting it with chance and gambling.

I might go to a restaurant, and you've probably seen this, where they'll say, "We're giving away a free meal. If you take one of these tags here, you might win the free meal." No expense involved; so I'm not squandering God's money hoping to get something for nothing. It's a promotion where they're tying to give something away for free; and I don't see anything wrong with that.

But it's when we start taking risks and gambling God's money, hoping to get something for nothing. I don't believe Christians should participate in that. And unfortunately, now the governments and states are sponsoring the addition of gambling.

Pastor Dick: Yes, right, right. Okay.

Pastor Doug: We can move on.

Pastor Dick: Let's go to the phones. We'll take our first caller for this evening. We'll go to Scappoose, Oregon. We want to talk with Bradley, who's a first-time caller. Welcome Bradley.

Bradley: Hello Pastor Doug

Pastor Doug: How are you doing?

Bradley: Say, I was wondering if you could give me some discernment of Scripture, Revelation 4:6 to 8, when it talks about these four beasts next to God, closer than the 24 elders, and they're quite descriptive in description of the beast. Are these literal descriptions, or what is your thought on these passages here?

Pastor Doug: Aright. Good question. When we look at Revelation 4, verses 6 through 8, actually it goes beyond that. You can go through verse 9. It tells about these beasts around the throne of God and it says, "One is like a lion; the second is like a calf; the third has the face of a man; the fourth beast was like a flying eagle."

Then when you jump to Ezekiel, it tells you about some beasts that are very similar to these beasts. You can't avoid noticing some of the similarities. Ezekiel chapter 1, verse 10, "As to the likeness of their faces, they had four faces, the face of a man, the face of a lion, they had the face of an ox, and the face of an eagle." Same thing you see there in Revelation.

The calf and the ox, they're both cattle, same thing. So many scholars, and you've probably heard this Pastor Dick, have believed that these represent the four, primary temperaments of man and the four faces of the Gospel.

Pastor Dick: Um-hmm

Pastor Doug: You have the Gospel of Mark, is like the eagle; Matthew is like the lion; Luke is like the man, who is the physician; and John is the sacrifice, the calf. And so it's giving the different dimensions of Christ's nature, and also, the different temperaments that you might find.

We've all heard people talk about some are choleric, and some are sanguine, and some are melancholy, and some are phlegmatic.

Pastor Dick: Um-hmm

Pastor Doug: It's interesting when you study these dimensions. There are four sides to the New Jerusalem, three gates on each side. God had three sets of four stones put on the high priest's chest, representing the variety of people that will make up His kingdom.

So I think they are real creatures that are around the throne because there are two visions, both Ezekiel 1 and in Revelation 4, that talk about them. But in some places in the Bible you see God sitting among two angels. For instance, in Isaiah chapter 6, and in some of the other visions.

But keep in mind, in Revelation this is a vision. Ezekiel had an apocalyptic vision. It's very likely that these creatures are symbolic; but I wouldn't rule out that there's something there.

Pastor Dick: Um-hmm

Pastor Doug: So, hopefully that helps a little bit, and I appreciate your question Bradley.

Pastor Dick: Thanks for the call Bradley. We'll go to Lancaster, California. Ron is a first-time caller listening to us on the Internet. Hello Ron.

Ron: Hi, thank you for taking my call, first-time caller and listener.

Pastor Dick: Alright

Ron: Okay. My question real quick references Revelation 12, verse 17, and cross-references Revelation 14:12.

Pastor Doug: Right

Ron: My question is, let me preface this, the former denomination that I was with we were taught this was us. My question is the second part of the verse is 17, "...makes war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God, and the testimony of Jesus Christ." Who is that? Who's the remnant church they're talking about here?

Pastor Doug: Well first, let's identify the Commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus. If we look in Revelation 19, verse 10, always let the Bible interpret the Bible. It says, "For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." So back in Revelation 12, it says they "keep the Commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus, which is the spirit of prophecy."

The Commandments and the testimony, the Commandments and the spirit of prophecy. Now go with me, do you have a Bible handy?

Ron: Yes I do.

Pastor Doug: Go with me to Isaiah chapter 8, and in Isaiah chapter 8, we can start with verse 16. It says, "Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples." Now we know that those that have the seal of God are saved, right?

Ron: Right

Pastor Doug: Then you go to Isaiah 8, verse 20, "To the law and the testimony," there's the Commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus, just like we see in Revelation chapter 12. So two characteristics; and incidentally, the terms here, the "law" and the "testimony," that is synonymous with the law and the prophets.

On the Mount of Transfiguration in Mark chapter 9, two individuals appear to Jesus, Moses and Elijah. One was the giver of the law, the other was the greatest of the prophets, the law and the prophets. Do you still have your Bible handy?

Ron: Yes I do, but bear with me. I'm with a three year old.

Pastor Doug: Okay, hey, I can relate.

Ron: Okay

Pastor Doug: In the last verse in the Old Testament it says in Malachi chapter 4, "Behold, I send you Elijah the prophet." "Remember the law of Moses." The prophets and the law. This is the Word of God. These are the two sides of that double-edged sword, the Word of God. So it's telling us that the dragon is especially infuriated with those who live by the Word of God.

That's who they are.

Ron: And who are they? Is this a specific denomination in these days, or is it to be seen later?

Pastor Doug: Well, it's my belief, and I would hope everybody has this belief, that there is a denomination that is closer to the Word than others. Now that should stand to reason. If you were to just take all the different denominations and put them on some kind of graph, and then ask an angel to tell us which is closer to the Bible than the others, some would score higher than others, correct?

Ron: Okay

Pastor Doug: So, a denomination, a church that stays the closest to the Bible, they are the people of God. Now let me make something very clear. In the Old Testament, Ron, God had a special people to whom He committed the oracles of truth. I'm quoting Paul right now. What were those people? Who were they called?

Ron: The Jews, the Israelites.

Pastor Doug: Exactly. Does that mean that they always did everything right?

Ron: Not even.

Pastor Doug: No. They made lots of mistakes.

Ron: They were a stiff-necked people.

Pastor Doug: Exactly, but they were a people to whom He had committed the truth. Matter of fact, Jesus said to the Samaritans, "Salvation is of the Jews."

Ron: Um-hmm

Pastor Doug: In other words, they had the Scriptures. I believe there are people and there are denominations, there is a denomination, that I think has the best grasp of the Scriptures. And it's my denomination [chuckles].

Pastor Dick: [Laughs]

Pastor Doug: But, I imagine a lot of people out there feel the same way.

Pastor Dick: That's right, of course.

Pastor Doug: You don't hear me bragging about my church very often on the program because I like to really stick to the specifics of the Bible questions. But I think most people out there would like to believe their church is the church. If they don't believe that, then they're going to the wrong church, right?

Ron: Right

Pastor Doug: They ought to change.

Ron: What about the messianic movement, the messianic Jews who are Jews who accept Yeshua, Jesus is their Messiah, who keep the laws and the testimony of Jesus? Could that be them?

Pastor Doug: Well it - -

Ron: What I'm trying to say is this major denomination does say exactly the same thing, that they keep this.

Pastor Doug: If I ever sat down with you and we went through a list of denominations, I could give you my personal opinion about which ones are the closest to the Scriptures. And I think people might start with some of these groups like Reverend Sun Myung Moon. He claims to be Christian, among other things. Well, most folks who know his teachings say it's crazy.

So you could start there and you could scratch off a lot of them that have just a few elements of Christianity. Then you go on up the list and you're going to find some in their teachings--I'm not talking about the people, or their buildings, or how they sing, or their choir, or how dynamic their TV programs are--I'm talking about in their foundational teachings, they are adhering to the Word, that's what you go by.

Ron: So in closing, from the synopsis of what you're saying is, today, in 2003, there is one denomination that is the remnant that is the one true church?

Pastor Doug: I believe that there is a denomination that has had the truth committed to them; yes, that has come out of the false teachings of the Dark Ages and has gone back to the Bible. But let me - -

Ron: And how do you find that out of the Bible?

Pastor Doug: Let me ask you one more question here while we're talking about this.

Ron: Sure

Pastor Doug: That is not to say--that's not a question, it's a statement--that there are not people on their way to heaven in many denominations. You hear that? I want to make sure everyone hears that Dick.

Pastor Dick: Um-hmm, um-hmm

Pastor Doug: But I believe there is a church. I don't believe in this mystic, Eastern thinking that all rivers lead to the ocean and all churches get you to heaven and it doesn't matter what church you belong to. I think it does matter. But we have a lesson we offer for anyone that wants to know what I believe about that. It's a lesson called, The True Church.

Pastor Dick: Um-hmm

Pastor Doug: I think it's called actually, "What's Wrong with My Church?"

Pastor Dick: "What's Wrong with My Church?" yeah.

Pastor Doug: So we'll send you that for free, and hopefully that will help a little bit Ron.

Pastor Dick: Ron, call our resource operators, 1-800-835-6747, and ask for, "What's Wrong with My Church?" and we'll send it out to you. After you've had a chance to go through it, call us back and tell us what you think. Let's go next to Orlando, Florida, Pastor Doug. Franklin is a repeat caller, listening to us on the Internet. Hello Franklin.

Franklin: Hello

Pastor Dick: Your question please?

Franklin: Is the strong drink mentioned in Proverbs 31:6 referring to unfermented wine? Why is it called "strong drink" if is not unfermented wine? In Proverbs 31:6 it says this, "Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts."

Pastor Doug: Well I think that it is fermented. Obviously, there where it says give it to him who's ready to perish, there must be some numbing influence. Matter of fact, when Jesus hung on the cross, they offered Him sour, or fermented, wine because it was a narcotic to help deaden the pain.

When He tasted it and recognized what it was, it says He refused to drink it. That's why He later said, "I thirst." Actually He said, "I thirst" just before that. That's why they brought it to Him. But here in Proverbs 31, it is strong drink. If you look in Proverbs 23, it tells you, "Look not upon the wine when it is red, when it gives its color in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At last it bites like a serpent."

So it's telling us that, obviously, alcohol is a drug, and when used as a drug, that's one thing. I believe that there's certain drugs out there that God may have made available for emergency medical treatment; but when people take drugs on a regular basis so they can inoculate or medicate themselves, that's called a drug addiction, or drug abuse.

Pastor Dick: Um-hmm

Pastor Doug: And alcohol should not be drunk for its narcotic affect. You can gargle with it and it'll kill germs in your mouth, but you got to make sure you spit it out. So yeah, I believe here in uh--you still with us Franklin?

Franklin: Yes I'm here.

Pastor Doug: Yeah, I believe in Proverbs 31 that it was fermented.

Franklin: Okay

Pastor Doug: Okay?

Franklin: Alright

Pastor Doug: Alright. Now I've written a book on that that we'll send you a free copy. It's a bargain you can't refuse. Free phone call, free copy.

Franklin: [Laughs]

Pastor Doug: It's called, Wine and the Christian. It's a study I put a lot of heart and soul in, Wine and the Christian.

Franklin: Thank you

Pastor Doug: Okay

Pastor Dick: Alright. Thanks for the call Franklin. Again, call our resource operators, 1-800-835-6747. Pastor Doug, let's go to Edison, New Jersey. Michael is listening on WMCA. Michael, what's your question tonight?

Michael: Hi

Pastor Dick: Hi

Michael: My question refers to Romans 14:5. I was wondering if that refers to the Sabbath?

Pastor Doug: Alright. Let me read this for our friends. "One man esteems one day above another: another man esteems every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind." I'm also going to read verse 6 if that's okay?

Michael: Okay

Pastor Doug: "He that regards the day, regards it unto the Lord; and he that regards not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eats to the Lord, he eats and he gives God thanks; he that eateth not to the Lord, he eateth not, and giveth God thanks."

Paul is speaking here, I believe, first of all, he's addressing Romans who are converting to Christianity and what of the Jewish laws are still intact. The Jews had a number of ceremonial holy days that came on a yearly basis. And it was not required for converts to Christianity, the new converts, to be circumcised, or practice the ceremonial aspects of the Jewish law because they were shadows that pointed to Jesus.

But that's completely separate from the Ten Commandments; and the Sabbath was a weekly commitment. So Paul I think is very clearly addressing the ceremonial laws and holidays. You know, a modern comparison for this would be, Pastor Dick, there are Christians who want to remember the birth of Christ during Christmas.

Pastor Dick: Um-hmm, um-hmm

Pastor Doug: There are some who say, "You know, I don't believe that that's when He was born so I'm not going to have anything to do with it. There's some pagan trappings."

Pastor Dick: Right, right.

Pastor Doug: And I think everyone needs to be persuaded in their own mind.

Pastor Dick: Exactly

Pastor Doug: I mean, you can't imagine, Michael, God telling Moses that someone should be stoned for breaking the Sabbath in one part of the Bible, then go to the other part of the Bible and say, "Well if you want to keep it, go ahead. If you don't, it's up to you." That would be pretty inconsistent.

So he's not talking about the Sabbath Command here. He's talking about the Jewish holy days. Okay?

Michael: Okay

Pastor Doug: I hope that helps.

Pastor Dick: Alright, thanks for the call Mike. Let's go to Mt. Vernon, New York. Albert is listening on WMCA. Welcome Albert.

Pastor Doug: Pardon me, one more thought came to me. Albert,

Albert: Yes?

Pastor Doug: Stay with us. One more thought. When I hear about Romans chapter 14, verse 5, can you ever imagine a pastor, would you ever say to your flock, or any pastor, "If you want to come to church Sunday, that's okay. If you don't, that's okay you know. Whatever day you want to come...." They don't say that! [Chuckles]

Pastor Dick: [Laughs] No.

Pastor Doug: Alright, I'm sorry Albert, go ahead.

Albert: Okay hi.

Pastor Doug: Hi

Albert: I'll try to make this brief. I'm trying to explain to somebody that Jesus is God, and refer them to John 1:1-14. Other than that text, are there any other passages I can refer them to? Also, when I read it to them they asked me, "Well, how is it explained when Christ was on the cross, and He said, 'Father, why" - -

Pastor Doug: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

Albert: Right

Pastor Doug: Alright, let me answer you quickly. Are there some other Scriptures? Yes, John 8:58. Jesus said, "Before Abraham was, I am." He claimed divinity and that's why they were going to stone Him. The Jews knew that He claimed divinity there.

Pastor Dick: Um-hmm

Pastor Doug: In Galatians 4:4, "When the fullness of time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law." He was born under the law; so He looked like a human, but He was divine. He lived before He was sent forth. I've written a book called, The Trinity, that has a whole section that talks about the divinity of Christ we'll send you for free. Would you like that?

Albert: Okay

Pastor Doug: It has a lot of Scriptures in it. Just ask for Pastor Doug's new book on the Trinity and it'll give you a lot more. And the second part of your question - -

Albert: Was when I referred them to John, I was kind of stumped when they asked me how do I explain God being separated from Jesus when - -

Pastor Doug: Oh, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

Albert: Right, um-hmm

Pastor Doug: Well, Jesus was quoting from Psalm 22 there. Before the high priest offered the passover lamb, he would quote from the Psalms. Jesus was serving as both the Passover Lamb and the High Priest and that's why He quoted that. He was trying to get everybody around the cross to recognize that He was the Messiah.

Psalm 22 Pastor Dick is, of course, one of the most powerful, messianic Psalms in the Bible; and He was hoping they would look at that and say, "This was Him! This was the one!"

Pastor Dick: Um-hm, fulfillment.

Pastor Doug: Yeah. So it wasn't a cry of despair, because His closing words were, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit."

Pastor Dick: Right, right

Pastor Doug: Anyway, hope that helps you Albert. We're going to take a break for just a moment friends. Don't go far away because we have some important announcements we're going to be sharing with you. Also, we'd encourage you to check out the Amazing Facts' website with all the resources that you're going to find there at AmazingFacts.org.

If you've been blessed by the program, drop us a line and let us know. You can communicate on the website. You can even make a donation online if you say, "Hey you know, I enjoyed that program. I'd like to keep it going." Ninety-nine percent of the books and resources we offer here can also be seen on the website.

So check out AmazingFacts.org, or AmazingFacts.com, or AmazingFacts.tv, or AmazingFacts.net. Be right back.

[COMMERCIAL BREAK]

Pastor Doug: We're back listening friends after the break. This is Bible Answers Live. As you can tell from the title of the program, we are giving Bible answers live on the air. My name is Doug Batchelor.

Pastor Dick: My name is Dick Devitt. Pastor Doug, Amazing Facts has put together a little book of some of the best amazing facts that we've used over the last nine years. We want to make that book available to anyone who will send us a donation of any size, we'll send it to them.

Pastor Doug: That's right.

Pastor Dick: We're also looking for amazing facts that we could use on this program, so if our listeners would like to write an amazing fact of 500 words or less and send it to us, we'll take a look at it and - -

Pastor Doug: Hopefully incorporate it in one of our programs.

Pastor Dick: That's right.

Pastor Doug: We're always on the search for new amazing facts.

Pastor Dick: Let us hear from you folks. Let's go back to the phones Pastor Doug and take our first call for this part of the program. We want to go to Jensen Beach, Florida. Cynthia is listening on WCNO. Hi Cynthia.

Cynthia: Hi, how are you?

Pastor Doug: Very good

Pastor Dick: Good

Cynthia: I want to let you know what a blessing your program is.

Pastor Doug: Well thank you. Get real close to your phone. We can barely hear you.

Cynthia: Okay. You were speaking about speaking in tongues in the beginning of the program.

Pastor Doug: Right

Cynthia: I've heard people talking that, in some churches, that somebody tried to teach them how to speak in tongues. Can you address that?

Pastor Doug: Well that, sometimes, is called "priming the pump." It varies from church to church. There are hundreds of churches that believe and practice this, thousands. But I've heard of cases where someone finds it's unnatural to babble in tongues, and they'll be encouraged.

I've got one friend in particular who went to a charismatic service and they said, "Would you like the gift of to be baptized in the spirit?" and they equated that with speaking in tongues, or this glossolalia, babbling. And he said, "Well, yes, if it's the gift of the spirit, I want it." They said, "Well say 'Hallelujah' and repeat it." "Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah."

"Say it a little faster." "Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah." "Faster." "Hallelujah, hallelujah." And pretty soon he was babbling. They said, "You've got it." Well you know, I can't find any precedent for that in the Bible. That's not the gift of tongues and that's certainly not how to get it.

The gift of tongues is something that God gives in His timing. There's nowhere in the Bible where anybody primes the pump. God gives His people, supernaturally, the ability to speak in other languages for the purpose of spreading the Gospel, not for their own entertainment or to be some kind of a side show for anybody.

Pastor Dick: Um-hm. I have counseled people also, Pastor Doug, who've come to me and said they were attending charismatic churches and they were told that if they didn't have the gift of tongues that they weren't saved; and that's very dangerous.

Pastor Doug: Or that they didn't have the Holy Spirit.

Pastor Dick: Or that they didn't have the Holy Spirit.

Pastor Doug: And nowhere in the Bible does it say that the evidence for the Holy Spirit is the gifts of the Spirit.

Pastor Dick: Right

Pastor Doug: Jesus said you'll know them by the fruits of the Spirit - -

Pastor Dick: There you go.

Pastor Doug: - - that are completely different. Different gifts are given to different people; tongues is one of the gifts. So hope that helps a little Cynthia.

Cynthia: Thank you

Pastor Dick: Thank you

Pastor Doug: Send for the free book on tongues that we're offering tonight.

Cynthia: Okay, will do. Thank you.

Pastor Dick: Alright. Thanks for the call Cynthia. 1-800-835-6747 is the number. To Brooklyn, New York. Theresa is listening on WMCA. Hi Theresa.

Theresa: Hi

Pastor Doug: Welcome, and your question?

Theresa: My question to you is what does the Bible have to say about once saved, always saved?

Pastor Doug: Well, the idea that once your saved you are not allowed to choose another master goes against everything that God teaches in His word. The Bible tells us that we can always choose who we want to serve. Now, can a person have assurance of salvation? Yes I believe they can.

Theresa: Um-hmm

Pastor Doug: Once a person is saved, is it impossible for them to be lost? The Bible teaches something very contrary to that. Matter of fact, Peter talks about those who were in the way, that have turned from the holy commandment delivered unto them.

Pastor Dick: Um-hm, um-hm

Pastor Doug: And they are like the dog who returns to his vomit or the pig that was washed, to wallowing in the mire. You've got Judas who was chosen as an apostle. Jesus sent him out preaching. The Bible says that the Holy Spirit attended his preaching and there were miracles that were done; but yet he resisted the Holy Spirit and he turned from Christ.

Balaam the prophet was a prophet of God that then became covetous, and he died lost. He turned away.

Pastor Dick: Um-hmm

Pastor Doug: So yes, once a person is in a relationship with the Lord, they are free to choose to turn away. See, people confused statements of Jesus. Jesus says, "I will never let you go. I will never forsake you." He doesn't. But that doesn't mean that we cannot run off; and so often in the Bible the Lord says that He's married to us, but the church basically goes whoring, is the word the Bible uses.

The church prostitutes itself to the world. So can we leave Him? Yes. Will He leave us? No. There's a difference.

Pastor Dick: The most prominent example is King Saul.

Pastor Doug: Right, yeah, chosen by God, filled with the Spirit; and through little by little degrees of rebellion and resistance, he grieved away the Spirit and he dies lost at his own hand.

Pastor Dick: Right, right. And then there are other examples of exactly the opposite. Peter, for instance, was so impetuous and was chided by Jesus; and yet, I'm looking forward to seeing Peter.

Pastor Doug: That's right.

Pastor Dick: A great, great character, and just can't wait to see Peter.

Pastor Doug: One more verse I'd like to give you. In Ezekiel 18:24 Theresa,

Theresa: Yes?

Pastor Doug: "But when a righteous man turns away from his righteousness, and commits iniquity, and does according to all the abominations of the wicked, shall he live? All his righteousness that he has done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he has trespassed, and in his sin that he sinned, he will die in them."

That's pretty plain; and then he says if the wicked man turns, he'll live. So it depends on who you're following. You can't just go through some ritual and then live for the devil and say, "I'm saved."

Theresa: Oh I see, thank you.

Pastor Doug: Okay? We've got an article on that that we can refer you to, and it's called, Heavenly Hostage.

Theresa: Heavenly Hostage?

Pastor Doug: Heavenly Hostage. If you call our resource number, they'll send you a copy of that.

Theresa: Okay, thank you.

Pastor Doug: It's also online.

Theresa: Thank you very much.

Pastor Doug: God bless you.

Theresa: You helped me a lot.

Pastor Doug: Praise the Lord!

Pastor Dick: Thank you for the call Theresa. Heavenly Hostage. You can get a copy of it by calling this number we've been giving, 1-800-835-6747, or by going to the Amazing Facts' website, AmazingFacts.org. Pastor Doug, to Rogers, Arkansas. Lester is a first-time caller listening to us on the Internet. Welcome Lester.

Lester: Thank you. My question has to do with Leviticus 19:28. We have some young men in our church that are getting tattoos and piercing different parts of their bodies in the name of being relevant to non-believers. Is that legitimate? Or does Romans 12:1 and 2 also apply?

Pastor Doug: Well Romans 12, it says we're not to be conformed to the world, and I do believe it applies. And of course in Leviticus, it says you're not to put any markings on your body. Matter of fact, some translations say very plainly "tattoos." So I think it's a pretty feeble argument that we want to be relevant.

If you want to impact someone, you do it by your example, not by compromising and becoming like the world.

Lester: I would agree; and I would think that more the underlying reason is sort of a subtle rebellion to the church and the establishment. But then we also have to balance that, though, with James 5:9, do we not?

Pastor Doug: Well let me read that real quick. I'm trying to remember what James 5:9 says.

Lester: "Do not complain, brethren, against one another that ye yourselves may not be judged: behold, the judge is standing at the door."

Pastor Doug: That's talking about grudging not one against another. I don't think that verse there is saying that we're not suppose to hold each other up to godly standards, - -

Lester: Very good.

Pastor Doug: - - especially if these are young people. The Scriptures that are often quoted about not judging are abused. That's one reason that the church has been spiraling closer and closer to the world, is because everyone says, "Don't judge, don't judge, don't judge," and nobody ever says, "I am my brother's keeper."

We all say, "Well, am I my brother's keeper? I don't have to care about what he does." But that's the wrong attitude, especially if these young people are mutilating their bodies. These tattoos are a fad and they're going to be scarred for life.

Lester: Yes. The other verse they're using is right before Leviticus 19:28. They're using verse number 27, and they say, "Oh, well we're not suppose to be cutting our beards." But what's the answer to that?

Pastor Doug: Well first of all, it's telling us that you're not to do that for the dead. Let me see here, in Leviticus 21 it also says don't make any cuttings in their flesh. They're not to put baldness on their heads. They used to do this for the dead.

Lester: Right

Pastor Doug: They'd shave off their beards, they would cut their flesh, and it was a sign of how the pagans mourned. God said to His people, "You're not to do that. You are holy to the Lord." So to take that about not cutting the beard for the dead, they're still not to do that. That's not talking about shaving. So they're misapplying the Scripture.

Lester: Very good, okay, thanks so much.

Pastor Doug: If you want an example, the Bible says that Joseph and Mephibosheth and other people shaved in the Bible; so there's no prohibition against shaving in the Bible. It was not cutting your beard for the dead.

Pastor Dick: Um-hmm

Lester: Excellent.

Pastor Doug: Okay?

Lester: Very good, thank you.

Pastor Doug: You're welcome.

Pastor Dick: Thanks for the call Lester. To Fresno, California. Charlie is listening on KARM. Charlie, welcome to the program.

Charlie: Hello, how are you doing?

Pastor Doug and Pastor Dick: Good

Charlie: Well, I enjoy your program all the time. I listen to it, but I'm a first caller, first time calling.

Pastor Doug: Well glad you called.

Charlie: And I have a question, and that is, I was talking to a Christian and he was saying that Jesus drank wine. I remember hearing you were talking about that earlier; but I'm trying to find the Scripture verses telling that He did not drink fermented wine, because I know He didn't drink fermented because He didn't like it. So I know that; and they were talking in Proverbs that wine is a mockery.

Pastor Doug: Well, there's a number of verses that we could go to. First of all, the idea that Jesus drank fermented wine, I believe, is a terrible abuse of those verses that talk about wine. The word "wine" in the Bible is clearly used two ways. You do not find the word "grape juice" anywhere in the Bible.

Charlie: Right

Pastor Doug: It's either called "new wine," "strong drink," and then sometimes just "wine" and you had to read the context. Their wine skins were not labeled in Bible times the way bottles are today, where it told what the alcoholic proof content was, what the percentage was. The longer it sat in the wine skin, they knew it became old wine, it would gradually ferment.

Those that wanted to be faithful to God avoided the old wine because they didn't want to drink and numb their senses. That's why when they offered Jesus fermented drink on the cross He turned away. At the Lord's Supper, Jesus said to the apostles, "I will not drink this again until I drink it with you new in the Father's kingdom." New means new wine, unfermented.

Charlie: Ohhh

Pastor Doug: And John the Baptist, who was a cousin of Jesus, it said that he didn't drink wine or strong drink because he had a holy mission. So it's safe to assume Jesus did the same thing.

Charlie: Um-hmm

Pastor Doug: Now, because He turned water into grape juice at a wedding and they said that, "You saved the best for last," doesn't mean that He had saved the strongest drink for last. It's the opposite. You can get strong drink all year long in Palestine, in Israel. You couldn't get the new wine, except during the harvest.

Charlie: Um m

Pastor Doug: So it's just a terribly abused--you know, this is in my book I'll send you for free, Charlie.

Charlie: Okay

Pastor Doug: The Christian and Alcohol

Charlie: Okay

Pastor Doug: You just call the resource number and say, "I'd like to get a copy of Pastor Doug's new book." Tell them you're listening to Bible Answers Live. Pastor Dick will give you the number, the Christian and Alcohol.

Pastor Dick: 1-800-835-6747.

Pastor Doug: Make sure you call Charlie.

Pastor Dick: Thank you Charlie for the call. Let's go next, Pastor Doug, to Brooklyn, New York. Ricardo is a first-time caller on WMCA. Welcome Ricardo.

Ricardo: Yes, good evening.

Pastor Dick: Good evening

Ricardo: I have a question about Romans chapter 1, verse 28.

Pastor Doug: Okay

Ricardo: Yeah, Romans 1, verse 28.

Pastor Doug: Alright. Let me find that real quick. I'm about there, and here we go, and verse 28, "Even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient."

Ricardo: Yeah, more specifically, what does it mean to have a reprobate mind? I mean, what does that mean?

Pastor Doug: "Reprobate" means "continually rebellious." I'm looking at some other translations here. It means "debased," and I'll even tell you what it means in the original language. It's "adokimos," and it means "to have a rejected, rebellious, worthless attitude." It means to be debased.

Ricardo: So when you reach that point, are you telling me that, like, there's no hope for you, once you reach that state?

Pastor Doug: Well, if you pull over in that state of mind and park there and turn off the engine, then you're in trouble. But I believe that if a person is convicted in their heart, that they are being rebellious and reprobate and they repent, God can change your heart. That's why Isaiah chapter 1 says, "If you repent and turn from your wicked ways, you can be as white as snow."

But then he goes on to say, "But if you refuse and rebel," it's a Hebrew equivalent of reprobate, "you will be devoured by the sword." So, you've got the choice of repenting and saying, "Lord, change my heart, change my mind," and He will; or choosing to say, "Oh well, I guess I'm just rebellious and living in rebellion."

Ricardo: Oh okay

Pastor Doug: He can change your heart. Are you afraid that you have that problem Ricardo?

Ricardo: Yeah. You know, I don't want to mention what the area I have that problem, but it's very, um - -

Pastor Doug: You're struggling with something.

Ricardo: Yes, struggling.

Pastor Doug: Would you like us to pray for you?

Ricardo: Yeah, that would be good.

Pastor Doug: Why don't we do that right now. Ricardo, we're going to talk to the Lord right now and invite others to join.

Father, we sense, in talking to Ricardo, that he is struggling. The very fact he has called us indicates he recognizes that there's some area in his life where he's living in rebellion to what he knows is right. Soften his heart. I pray You will do for him what he knows he is powerless to do for himself. Please Lord, deliver him from whatever the chains are that are binding him, and I pray that You'll give him that change of heart that he longs for, and that purity of soul that will be accompanied by the peace of the Spirit. So be with him please Lord, and help him to have that new life. In Christ's name we pray, amen.

Pastor Dick: Amen

Ricardo: Oh thanks a lot.

Pastor Doug: Okay, you're welcome, and I hope to hear from you, that you're doing better.

Pastor Dick: To Greensboro, North Carolina. Brandon is listening on WPPL. Hello Brandon.

Brandon: Hello Pastors

Pastor Doug: How are you doing?

Brandon: Good

Pastor Doug: Your question?

Brandon: My question is in Daniel chapters 11 and 12, I was wondering how did the kings of the north and south fit in in prophecy, because I know that has something to do with prophecy.

Pastor Doug: Yeah. Let me tell you what happens several times in the Bible. If you read in Isaiah chapter 12, Ezekiel chapter 28, there are two prophecies where they start out talking about earthly kings, and then they transition to the power behind those kings, which is the devil.

Brandon: Um-hmm

Pastor Doug: In Daniel 11, it starts out talking about the kings of Greece and the divisions of the Greek and Persian empires; and then he transitions behind the scenes by the end of the chapter to the real battle between the dragon and Michael. The king of the north is synonymous with a great, evil power.

If you look in Isaiah, it tells us that the devil wants to sit enthroned in the sides of the north and it's a term that's used for the devil. Let me find that for you. Matter of fact, we have a lesson we can offer you that talks specifically about the devil and some of these verses, and it's called, What You Don't Know Will Hurt You.

Brandon: Yeah, I took that already.

Pastor Doug: The one about the devil? Well have you read in the verse in Isaiah chapter 12 where it talks about the devil? Did I say Isaiah 12? I think what I meant was 14, verse 12, let me go here real quick. Yeah, "How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!"

Brandon: Yes

Pastor Doug: "For you said, '...I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north." So Satan wants to sit on top of the world. Just picture the North Pole for a second. So the king of the north in the end of Daniel ends up really talking about the devil; and he operates through earthly governments, don't misunderstand.

But, then it talks about Michael standing up and the conflict comes to a head, so to speak. You know, you're asking a big question because what you're asking for me here, to explain it adequately, I need to march through two chapters in Daniel, which is a big answer. In our advanced Bible study series, we offer some lessons that deal with Daniel.

Can you get on the Internet Brandon? Are you there?

Brandon: Yeah

Pastor Doug: Are you able to access the Internet?

Brandon: Not right now.

Pastor Doug: Alright, well then call the resource number and ask if you can sign up for the advanced Amazing Facts' study course. There's no charge. It will take you through some of these deeper prophecies, okay?

Brandon: And what number is that?

Pastor Dick: 1-800-835-6747, it's a free call, the lessons are free. If you'll call them tonight and ask to sign up for the advanced course, they will sign you up and start sending the lessons to you right away Brandon. Thanks for the call, and let us know what you found out after you've gotten signed up and have gone through the lessons.

Pastor Doug, let's go to Long Island, New York. Andre is a first-time caller on WMCA. Hello Andre.

Andre: Hi, my question is can you go into detail about the Godhead, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, how they are three Peoples, yet one?

Pastor Doug: Well, I can't do an exhaustive study, but I'll give you a few basics if that will be okay? First of all, the concept of one is the most misunderstood concept that people struggle with. Moses says, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one." But it's also Moses who wrote a man leaves his father and mother and cleaves to his wife, they become one.

Well, that oneness in the Bible doesn't always mean that it's one numerically. You can remember, Andre, in John 17, Jesus prays the apostles might be one, even as He and the Father are one. One means unity. So that's one point. Then, of course, you read in Genesis, it says, "God said, Let us make man in our image," and you find that phrase many times in the first book of the Bible.

God refers to Himself as "us." And, of course, the Bible tells us God said we're to baptize, in Matthew 28, in the name of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. You look at the characteristics of God, Andre, that God is all-knowing. Well, the Bible tells us that the Spirit is all-knowing. The Spirit knew what was in people. Jesus is all-knowing. He knew what they were thinking.

God is all-knowing, all-powerful; and the characteristics of God, Jesus and the Spirit and the Father have. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. You read where it says in the beginning all things were made by Jesus in John chapter 1. So Jesus must also be part of God, see what I'm saying?

It's a big subject. I'll send you my book for free Andre. Would you like that?

Andre: Okay

Pastor Doug: It's a simple book, but it gives a lot more Scripture than I can share in a brief answer like this on the phone.

Andre: Okay

Pastor Dick: Just call the resource operators, Andre, at that number I've been giving, and ask for, The Trinity, and they'll send it to you. It's 1-800-835-6747. Pastor Doug, let's go next to West Palm Beach, Florida. We want to talk with Ron who's listening on WCNO. Hello Ron.

Ron: Yes hello, how are you doing sir?

Pastor Doug: Good. Thanks for your patience, and your question?

Ron: My question was that today a young man got on the radio and he was talking Paul never spoke in tongues. So I wanted to know if that's true or not, and if it's true, then where do I find where Paul never spoke in tongues? Because Paul, I thought he said he did speak in tongues, so I'm kind of confused on that issue.

Pastor Doug: Yeah, Paul does say he speaks in tongues. I'm trying to find it. I'm doing a search here with my Bible program real quick. Here you go, 1st Corinthians 14, verse 18. "I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than you all," 1st Corinthians 14:18. The word "tongues" there means "languages."

Paul was the most educated of the apostles. Even though he was not one of the first 12, he later calls himself an apostle. He spoke in more languages. We know that he spoke Greek, Latin, Hebrew, and probably a few of the Asian dialects. Don't you think that's safe to say Pastor Dick?

Pastor Dick: Um-hm, yes, uh-huh.

Pastor Doug: He traveled widely and he was very, I think, a powerful linguist.

Pastor Dick: Right, well educated, um-hmm.

Pastor Doug: So, Paul did speak in tongues, okay? Ron?

Ron: Okay

Pastor Doug: Hope that helps you. And order that book that I'm offering. I think that will be good for you. Who do we have next Pastor Dick?

Pastor Dick: Well let's see if we can get one more before we wind up the program this evening. We'll go to Sacramento, California. Carla is a first-time caller on KFIA. Hi Carla.

Carla: How are you doing?

Pastor Doug: Very good, thanks for your call.

Carla: I've got a question. My sister wanted to know if denominations or churches still celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles?

Pastor Doug: Well some do. There are some messianic congregations and other congregations that believe in the feast days in the Bible.

Carla: Uh-huh

Pastor Doug: And they do practice the various feasts. Tabernacles is one of those feasts.

Carla: Okay

Pastor Doug: My personal belief is, as I read the New Testament, that the purpose for the ceremonial, annual feasts was fulfilled when Jesus came. That's why you read in Colossians chapter 2 that the holidays and things that were shadows were nailed to the cross.

Carla: Um-hmm, um-hmm

Pastor Doug: Jesus was the fulfillment of all that. Now the spiritual application of these we keep. For instance, you know how churches celebrate Communion, where they have the bread and the wine?

Carla: Yes

Pastor Doug: That is an example of the Passover, because the first Communion service Jesus had was a Passover service. That's why He said, "I want to eat Passover with you" and that was the Last Supper. The Last Supper was a Passover; but it changed. The old Passover, they'd kill a lamb. We don't need to kill a lamb anymore because Jesus is our Lamb.

So all of the Jewish feasts went through a radical change. We apply them spiritually now.

Carla: I see. Okay, that answers my question. I just wondered, and she was thinking that people should, or denominations should, participate or have these feasts.

Pastor Doug: We've got a book on that I'll send you for free. It's by Joe Crews. It's called, Feast Days & Sabbaths.

Carla: Okay, alright.

Pastor Doug: I hope that will help you. Pastor Dick will give you the number one more time.

Pastor Dick: 1-800-835-6747, Feast Days & Sabbaths, Carla, is the name of the book. Call that number and we'll send it to you tonight. Pastor Doug, the fastest hour in radio.

Pastor Doug: It is. Boy, tonight went real fast. I think we got a few more questions. And for our listening friends, you know we never want to be rude and rush through someone. We try to balance our desire to be timely with the questions, to also get as many callers as possible because there are people always waiting.

If you've been blessed by the program, we would love to hear from you. It means so much if you take a moment and drop us a line. As we've said, you can even do that at our website. Just email us at the AmazingFacts.com; and you can email me at Deb@AmazingFacts.org. Most of all, we do this program because we don't just want you to know the details, but Jesus, the Truth that sets you free.

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