Do All Speak With Tongues?

Here are a few questions and answers on speaking in tongues, a controversial issue in Christendom. Every Bible question has a Bible answer. Please approach this prayerfully and let the Holy Ghost guide you in finding the truth about this topic.

1. What is tongues-speaking?

Tongue-speaking is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

^{1 Corinthians 12
1}Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
 ⁴Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
 ⁵And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
 ⁶And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
 ⁷But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
 ⁸For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
 ⁹To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
 ¹⁰To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
 ¹¹But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

From what the Bible says, I understand that there are two types of tongues-speaking;
i. The Unknown tongue-
Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.-  
1 Corinthians 14:13
ii. The different languages spoken by people which can be understood by speakers of that language.
 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: -1 Corinthians 14:18

2. Is tongue speaking an evidence for having the Holy Ghost?

NO. The reason why I do not believe speaking with tongues is the evidence of the Holy Ghost is that I have seen fetish priests in Ghana speak in tongues and someone interprets.   

1 Corinthians 13:1-3

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. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

3. Must every Christian speak with tongues?

No. The Bible does not say anywhere that everyone must speak in tongues. Rather, this is what the Word of God says.

1 Corinthians 12:27-31

27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 

28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 

29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 

30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? 

31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

 Here, it is clear  that God gives people to the gifts as He wills and He does not expect all of us to speak with tongues. But it goes on to say;
  Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.-1 Corinthians 14:39
 

4. Why do some Christians believe that everyone must speak in tongues?

I am not sure why some Christians believe firmly that everyone must speak in tongues. I think they base their belief on Acts 2 and Mark 16. 
However, in Acts 2, the kind of tongues they spoke, the people understood them in their own languages. Also, for Mark 16, the Bible states clearly in Corinthians that not all speak with tongues, not all heal etc.

Acts 2:1-8

1 And when the day of Pentecost was 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 all the house where they were sitting. 

3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 

4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 

5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 

6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 

7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 

8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?


It is evident from this passage that the disciple did not speak in an unknown tongue but rather spoke in languages that the foreigners could understand in their own languages.

^{Mark 16:17-18
17}And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
 ¹⁸They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.


1 Corinthians 12:28-30
²⁸And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
 ²⁹Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
 ³⁰Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

Some believe that since the disciples spoke in tongues on the day of Pentecost, every Christian must speak in tongues. This believe is an error because they spoke in tongues for a purpose-there were many people from different parts of the world at the place. So God saw it necessary for the disciples to preach to them in their own languages. And as a result, about 3000 were added to the believers.

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 14:22
  

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.  

1 Corinthians 13:1

5. How will I know if someone has the Holy Ghost?
For the evidence of the Holy Ghost, click on the link Evidence of the Holy Spirirt

For more study read on the topic; 1 Corinthians 12, 13 and 14.

Is There A Trinity? There is only ONE GOD

LORD JESUS CHRIST = LORD GOD ALMIGHTY

There is only ONE GOD

‘Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.’- Deut 6:4

“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Mark 12:29

Here are some scriptures to prove this.

LORD JESUS CHRIST	GOD
Jesus The Rock Matt. 16:17-19, Isa 28:16, Acts 4:11-12, 1Cor 10:4, Num 20:1-11, Eph 2:20-22, 1Pet 2:6-8	God the Rock Deut 32:1-4, 2Sam 22:13, Psa 18:2, Ps 31:3, Psa 76:34-35, Psa 89:26, Isa 17:10-11
Jesus The Creator Jn 1:10, 1Cor 8:6, Eph 3:9, Col 1:12-17, Heb 1:8-12, Rev 4:8-11, Rev 10:6, Rev 14:6-7, Rev 21:5-7, Rev 22:3, Rev 7:17	God the Creator Gen 1:1, Gen 2:7, Job33:4, Psa 33:4-6, Isa 40:28, Isa 44:24, Isa 45:11-18, Mal2:10
Jesus Is Coming 1Thes 3:11-13, Matt 25: 31,46, Titus 2:11-13	God Is Coming Zach 14:4-5, 1Thes 4:13-18, Rev 19:11-16, Psa 50:1-6
Jesus The Redeemer and Saviour 1Jn 4:14, 1Pt 2:21-24,Acts 20:26, Gal3:13, Luke 24:21-29, Lk 2::10-11, Jn 4:40-42, Acts 12:23, Phil3:20, 1Tim 1:1-3, 1Tim 4:10, Titus 2:10-13, 1Pt 1:10-11, Jude25	God The Redeemer and Saviour Psa 78:34-35, Isa 47:4, Isa 44:6, Isa 43:3-11, Isa 45:21, Isa 49:26, Psa 106:21, Lk 1:46-47
Jesus First and The Last Rev 1:7, Rev 22:13	God First and The Last Isa 41:4, Isa 43:10,11, Isa 44:6, 8
Jesus The King Matt 2:1-6, Lk 19:32-38, Lk 23:3, Jn18:27, Jn 19:21, 1Tim 6:13-16, Rev 15:1-4, Rev 19:11-16	God The King Psa 47, Psa 44:4, Psa 74:12, Isa 43:10-15, Isa 44:6-8, Jer 10:10, Zach 14:9
Jesus The Shepherd Jn 10:8-12, 1Pt 2:21-25, Heb 13:20, 2Pt 5:4	God The Shepherd Psa 23, Isa 40:10-11, Psa 100
Jesus The I Am and I Am He Jn 18:5-8, Rev 1:17-18, Jn 8:24-28	God The I Am and I Am He Ex 3:13-14, Isa 43:10,11-25

JESUS CHRIST  the same     Yesterday      Today      and      Forever (Heb 13:8)

Source: The Lord God Hath Spoken

This is the Revelation of Jesus Christ to His church I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Rev 1:8

‘And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.’ 1Tim:3:16

‘Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.’ Jn 14:8-12

^‘In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. And the Word was made 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.’  Jn 1:1-5,14


‘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.’ Isa 9:6


‘For in Him dwelleth the fullness of Godhead bodily.’  Col 2:9

Muslim Girl Healed In The Name of Jesus Christ!

My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power. 1 Cor 2:4-7

The kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 1 Cor 4:20

A Muslim Girl Believed and Saw What Jesus Can Do!

On Monday, this week, a Muslim girl (about 16 years old) told me how worried she was because her 4year old sister's health has been detriorating very fast because of some sort of a mysterious disease. The disease, which the doctor's in England could not tell what it was, was making her  to be unable to eat or drink anything. 

When I heard this, I had compassion for the little girl and I told her that 'I serve a living God whose name is the Lord Jesus Christ. He can heal your sister if you will believe in Him, I will pray for her in Jesus' name and your sister will be well.' I then told her some of the miracles Jesus has done in my own life. Before I finished, she said 'I believe, pray for my sister.' So I prayed for the sister in Jesus' name and asked her to respond by saying 'Amen,' which she did. On Wednesday (2 days later) she came to me looking extremely happy and she said 'Mr. Arthur, you are a gentleman! My sister is healed and she is now back to normal, eating normal and she has regained her weight. Thank you.'  I told her to give thanks to Jesus and keep trusting Him. She said I believe in Him. 

Jesus is the name above ALL NAMES.

There is no name given unto men whereby we must be saved but the name LORD JESUS CHRIST.

 

At the mention of the name Jesus, every knee must bow and every tongue must confess that Jesus is Lord. 

You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.- John 14:14


(Names witheld for obvious reason)

My faith has found a resting place-Hymn

1. My faith has found a resting place

    
1. My faith has found a resting place,
     Not in device nor creed;
   I trust the Ever-living One,
     His wounds for me shall plead.
• I need no other argument,
    I need no other plea;
  It is enough that Jesus died,
      And that He died for me.
2. Enough for me that Jesus saves,
     This ends my fear and doubt;
   A sinful soul I come to Him,
     He'll never cast me out.
3. My heart is leaning on the Word,
     The written Word of God,
   Salvation by my Savior's name,
     Salvation through His blood.
4. My great Physician heals the sick,
     The lost He came to save;
   For me His precious blood He shed,
     For me His life He gave.

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/330#ixzz1o6PDN9Tj

Are You Guilty of Adultery?

Watch how you dress, women and  be mindful of what you look at, men.

    “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

(Matthew 5:27-28)

You woman who dress anyhow and make men lust after you will also be found guilty of adultery/fornication. Remember that it takes two to commit adultery not one. So if you call yourself a Christian and you go about almost naked without thinking of the effects, you will one day  be answerable before God for making many men commit adultery with you. Be very careful if you are doing that for people to look at you and say you look sexy.

Men are normally aroused by what they see so do not think that Christianity is all about the heart so you will dress almost naked and walk about in the streets. You women who post almost naked pictures on the internet (facebook and others), exposing your breast, thighs etc., men are committing adultery with you everyday and you will be guilty on that day.

Men, stop looking at naked pictures and pornography. 

Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand. 

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. - Philippians 4:8-9

THE TRUTH ON WATER BAPTISM Part 1

I will restore saith the Lord

Is it ok to baptise  the way we want? Which is the right baptism? Should it be in water, sprinkling or waving a flag over the person? Should it be in the name of the Lord Jesus or in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost? Are they all the same? How was it done in the Bible? I believe since God is not the author of confusion, there must be a clear and definite way to baptise a believer. Water baptism is a basic requirement to a Christian's salvation. 'He that believeth AND is baptised shall be SAVED' Mark 16:16

WATER BAPTISM is a basic requirement to a Christian salvation.
Mark 16:16 - 'He that believeth and is baptized shall be SAVED; but he that believeth NOT shall be damned.'

1Peter 3:21- and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God.It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

 Romans 6:3-4 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

The Bible cannot contradict itself because it is the word of God. So how should it be done? Let us therefore take a closer look at this all-time controversial issue.

The word baptize originated from the Greek word baptizo which means to IMMERSE in water.

For the first 300 years from the death of Jesus Christ, baptism was always performed by by IMMERSION OF THE PERSON UNDER WATER.

Acts 8:38-39 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water...

John 3:23 Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized.

Matthew 3:13-17 The Lord Jesus Christ, our perfect example in all things,  was baptised in the Jordan River

It is therefore evident from these scriptures that Water baptism was originally performed by immersion of the person under water.

In Part 2, we will be looking the name(s) that must be used in baptism. Should it be done in the name of the FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT or in the name of the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Part 2 is out now

PUTTING ON THE WHOLE ARMOUR OF GOD

The Armour of God

Armour or armor is protective covering used to prevent damage from being inflicted to an object, individual or a vehicle through use of direct contact weapons or projectiles, usually during combat, or from damage caused by a potentially dangerous environment or action- Wikipedia

Ephesians 6:10-17

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

The putting on the whole armour will protect the Christian.

breastplate of righteousness
Seek ye first the kingdom of God and its righteousness and all other things shall be added unto you.

belt of truth

The devil is a liar and the father of all liars. We must endeavour to tell the truth no matter what.

shield of faith

Faith protects us from the devil. The devil is afraid of you if you have faith because with faith all things are possible for you. Jesus said if have a little faith like the mustard seed, you can say to the mountain to be moved and it will. 

The devil's tactic is to make you doubt God's word just as he did to Eve in the Garden of Eden. Mind you that doubting His word is contrary to His will. 

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Heb. 11:6)

sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God

The word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword. Notice the devil was defeated by Jesus with the Word of God. He always quoted 'it is written...'
 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.(John 1:1)
This is the reason why you will always defeat the devil when you apply the Word.

 

 

WHY LITTLE BETHLEHEM?

The old Hebrew name bêth lehem, meaning "house of bread", has survived till the present day. It is a town on the West Bank, south of Jerusalem currently with the population of about 30000 people. The New Testament Gospels of Matthew and Luke identify Bethlehem as the birthplace of Jesus of Nazareth.

God usually takes what people disregard and makes it great. Just as the Bible describes John de-Baptist to be the greatest of all men even though he had no qualification or dignity, Bethlehem with poor reputation was chosen by God for the birth of the Messiah. 

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
   though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
   one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”  Micah 5:2

BETHLEHEM 

BETH= House  LE= God  HEM= Bread (Greek).  So it means THE HOUSE OF GOD'S BREAD

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." John 6:35

 Jesus being the bread of life could not be born at any better place than Bethlehem (the house of God's bread). King David was born in Bethlehem and he was rejected just like Jesus was  also rejected by His own people. In this end time, He is once more rejected and He is standing at the door knocking. He has been put out of the church. Revelation 3:20

In teaching His disciples how to pray, He asked them to say Give us our daily bread. This bread was provided for Israel every night from heaven in the wilderness. He broke the bread during the last supper with His disciples and said, this is my body which is broken for you. DO THIS IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME. It is good we remember the birth of Jesus but what He wants us to remember always is His death.

 We will be filled as we eat this bread (the Word of God) daily and we will not die.

Watchman

Watchman
This is for all Pastors, Bishops, Teachers Evangelists, Prophets etc. Read it and discern what the Lord is telling you.

Ezekiel 33:1-9
¹ The word of the LORD came to me: ² “Son of man, speak to your people and say to them: ‘When I bring the sword against a land, and the people of the land choose one of their men and make him their watchman, ³ and he sees the sword coming against the land and blows the trumpet to warn the people, ⁴ then if anyone hears the trumpet but does not heed the warning and the sword comes and takes their life, their blood will be on their own head. ⁵ Since they heard the sound of the trumpet but did not heed the warning, their blood will be on their own head. If they had heeded the warning, they would have saved themselves. ⁶ But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone’s life, that person’s life will be taken because of their sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood.’

 ⁷ “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. ⁸ When I say to the wicked, ‘You wicked person, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. ⁹ But if you do warn the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved.

Isaiah 21:11-12

 ¹¹ A prophecy against Dumah:

   Someone calls to me from Seir,

   “Watchman, what is left of the night?

   Watchman, what is left of the night?”

¹² The watchman replies,

   “Morning is coming, but also the night.

If you would ask, then ask;

   and come back yet again.”

Why It Had To Be Shepherds

Just as there are images from TV all around us but we cannot see unless we tune in to a TV, there are hosts of angels all around us but we cannot see them unless we tune in to God's channel. 

In Luke 2: 1-20 the birth of Jesus was revealed to Shepherds.
⁸And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
 ⁹And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
 ¹⁰And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
 ¹¹For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Q. Why was it revealed to shepherds but not intellectuals, theologians or even priests? 
Those people could not receive such a message because it was contrary to their way of thinking and what they had been taught in their seminaries. God does not need anyone to interpret His Word. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation- 2Peter 1:20.

For instance, Isaiah prophesied about the coming of the Messiah and it happened and Joel also spoke about the  Pentecost and it also came to pass just as it was said.

Even though the shepherds spent about 2 years before they arrived at where Jesus had been born, yet the religious leaders had no knowledge of His birth. Just as they did not catch the revelation at His first coming, it will be the same at His second coming. 

It had to be shepherds because shepherds are always there for their sheep and they had to come and look after the sheep (Jesus) who had been born in a manger. Shepherds were people who were not respected by their society but it pleased God to tell them about the birth of Christ first.

Peter was not educated but Jesus chose him to look after His sheep. The prophets of old clothed themselves in sheepskin and just think of what that meant. The word of God always come to the prophets who are usually rejected by the society. Amos 3:7

In our age, God's promise (Malachi 4:5-6, Revelation 10:7, Luke 17:30) has been fulfilled but it has been rejected. 

Have Faith in God

Mar 11:22-26
22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. 23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. 24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive [them], and ye shall have [them]. 25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
� KJV

My Notes on the Book of Revelation

This is the excerpt of my notes I made on the Book of Revelation. This is brief overview of this great book which was authored by God Himself. The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. (Rev 1:1)

Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near. Rev 1:3


Chapter 1
God shows John the true identity of the Lord Jesus as:

• Alpha and Omega
• The Beginning and the Ending
• The Almighty

Jesus is the ONE walking in the midst of the 7 Churches.

Chapters 2 & 3

Messages to the 7 Churches.

To Ephesus,  These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lamp stands.

To Smyrna, These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.

To Pergamus, These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword.

To Thyrtira,  These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. 

To Sardis, These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.

To Philadelphia, These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.

To Laodicea, These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation.

Chapter 4

John was invited up to heaven.

He sees the 24 elders and the 4 beasts. Also there was only ONE on the throne. 

Chapter 5 & 6

The book sealed with 7 seals.

The Lamb took the book and opened the seals.

Chapter 7

4 Angels standing at the corners of the earth were instructed by another having the seal of God not to hurt the earth until God's servants are sealed.

Chapter 8 

The 7th seal opened.

Chapter 9

vs 1-12 The 5th Angel opens the bottomless pit.

The tribulation

vs 13+ 6th Angel sounded and he loosed the 4 bound angels to slay 1/3 of men.

Chapter 10

A mighty Angel cried out and 7 thunders uttered their voices.

John was asked not to write those things the thunders said.

But in the days of the voice of the 7th Angel, the mystery of God should be finished.

Chapter 11

Two witnesses prophesy for 3.5years with power.

They were killed after the 3.5years

They resurrected after the 3rd day and ascended to heaven. 

Chapter 12

A woman gave birth to a man child.

The dragon=old serpent= the Devil=Satan persecuted the woman (true Christians).

Chapter13

That beast with name of blasphemy.

All that dwell upon the earth shall worship him whose names are not written in the Lamb's book of life.

666 revealed.

Chapter 14

A lamb stood on Mt Zion with 144,000 having his father's name on their forehead.

The harvest time.

Chapters 15 & 16

Plagues- the wrath of God.

Chapter 17

The judgement of the whore, the mother of harlots.

The mystery of the woman revealed.

Chapter 18

Another Angel came from heaven and cried out 'come out of her my people so that you be not partakers of her sins.'

The riches of the woman

Chapter 19

Saint in heaven praising God

The marriage supper

Jesus prepares to fight the devil.

Chapter 20

Satan bound for 1,000years 

The Saints reigned with Jesus for a 1,000years

The resurrection

The judgement

Chapter 21 & 22

New heaven and New earth

Description of the New Jerusalem

The Saints are comforted and the warning that His coming is at hand.

22:7  “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.”

Look forward for some more notes on some of the chapters of this great book.

A PEARL OF GREAT PRICE

The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl   

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.  (Matt. 13:44-46)

The kingdom of heaven is so important/precious that we should give all for it. Paul and Moses gave up all for this pearl of great price.

Moses

By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. (Heb. 11:24-26)

Paul 

If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 

What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ. (Philippians 3:1-8)

In the same way, God requires us to give up all for this Pearl of Great Price.

Why Do Christians Suffer?

For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. HEBREWS 12:6

God brings tensions into the church, for every son that cometh to God must be tried, and proven, and tested. He lets sickness strikes you. He lets diseases come on you to test you and to prove you, to show the world that you're truly the seed of Abraham. He permits it by His own will. He permits disasters; He permits the friends to turn against you. He permits all these things, and turns the devil loose to tempt you, and he'll do all but take your life. He could throw you on a bed of affliction; he could turn your neighbors against you; he could turn the church against you; he can do most anything, and it's God's will for him to do it. We are taught that it is more precious than gold to us.- Possessing The Enemy's Gates

JOSEPH A PERFECT TYPE OF JESUS CHRIST

 

The name Jesus means Saviour. He came to save His people from their sins. Joseph saved his people.  

He was hated by his brothers so was Jesus hated by the religious leaders and his own people (Israel). They shouted crucify Him!

Joseph could see the future through dreams and so did Jesus see the future.

He was loved by his father just as Jesus was loved by God.

Joseph was sold for 30 Shekels of silver and so was Jesus.

Joseph did not defile himself with the king's wife, so was Jesus sinless. He did not bow o the devil when offered the whole world and everything in it. 

He was put in prison and Jesus was also crucified and put in the tomb.

In prison, he saved one prisoner and another was lost. On the cross, Jesus saved a prisoner and the other was lost.

He left prison and rose to the highest office of being at the right hand side of Pharaoh. Jesus rose from the dead and is sat at the right hand side of the Almighty.

The trumpet sounds at the appearance of Joseph. The trumpet will sound at the second coming of Jesus.

Every knee bowed at the mention of the name Joseph and at the mention of Jesus, every knee will have to bow and every tongue will confess...

Joseph married a gentile bride when he was rejected by his people. Jesus turned and married the gentile bride when He was rejected by Israel.

He had gentile children and so has Jesus made us sons and daughters of the Most High.

Joseph forgave his brothers for all the cruel treatment and Jesus also said 'Father forgive them' when He was being killed.

Joseph revealed himself to His brothers when his bride was in the palace. Jesus will reveal Himself to Israel when His bride is already in His palace.

When Joseph's brothers realised who he was, they cried for all the cruelty meted to him. Israel will weep when He reveals Himself to them at His second appearance.

Was It An Apple or Sex?

Can we eat this and realise we
are naked? 

We have been made to believe that Adam and Eve ate an apple and that caused the fall of man. By the grace of God I will explain for you to see what actually happened in the Garden of Eden. In fact, it does not mention anywhere in the Bible that they ate an apple. If it was an apple, why don't we stop eating it? Who then started this lie which has no basis in the Bible?

Genesis 3

¹Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made.

And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

⁶And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

⁷And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.

¹³And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.

¹⁴And the LORD God said unto the serpent,...upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:

¹⁵And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

¹⁶Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children;

²⁴So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

Genesis 4

¹And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.  ²And she again bare his brother Abel.

⁸And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.

Please read the following notes and I believe God will help you to see the truth.

1. The Serpent was more subtile than any of the beasts
2. The Serpent was a HE and he could walk and talk
3. The Serpent was not like snake we know today but God changed it nature from that day through the curse  
4. The curses clearly indicate that what they did was not eating of an apple but rather something that has to do with nakedness and bringing forth children-sex
5. There is no fruit in the world, when eaten makes someone realise that he/she is naked
6. The Bible types tree to human (John 15, Psalms 1:3 etc)
7. If the tree of Life in the Garden was Jesus (Genesis 3:22, Revelation 2:7, 22:2, 22:14) so was the tree of knowledge of good and evil a person.
8. According to the curse, the serpent will have a seed (child- Cain also later Judas Iscariot) and Eve will also have a seed (child-Abel also refers to Jesus) and they will be enemies.
9. Cain and Abel were twins
10. The Bible never mentions Cain as one of the children of Adam- (Genesis 5, 1 Chronicles 1, Luke3:38)
11. Cain was the son of the devil (1John 3:12)
12. The first person to murder was Cain because he was from the devil but not Adam
13. Jesus said the devil was the murderer from the beginning, referring to Cain murdering Abel (John 8:44)
14. Cain's descendant (Lamech- Gensis 4:19) was the first to take two wives

Conclusion: the Serpent first had sex with Eve and concieved Cain and then Adam also had sex with Eve and Concieved Abel.

Jesus gave a parable to explain this.
Matt13
²⁴Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
 ²⁵But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
 ²⁶But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
 ²⁷So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
 ²⁸He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
 ²⁹But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
 ³⁰Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

For those who think it is not possible for twins to be born to different fathers, check from the links belows.

i)  Twins from Different Fathers- The Telegraph
ii) Twins From Different Fathers- Daily News

Were We Born Wrong?

Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews came to Jesus by night confessing that they know he was a Man sent by God. Jesus made it clear that knowing that He was sent by God is not enough but that

Except a man be born again, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Jesus went on to explain he that is born of the flesh is flesh and the Bible says flesh and blood cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. This is bacause the flesh is always in conflict with the Spirit. The works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit are listed in Galatians; sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Gal 5:16-25)

Why should we be born again?

THIS IS THE MOST INTERESTING BIT. We must be born again because we were born wrong. This is just like making the correction when we did some task wrong in school. Because we were born wrong, Romans 3:23 says ALL have sinned. In fact, if we want to know the perfect will of God, we must look at Jesus' example. When God decided to come to the earth: Immanuel-God with us, He bypassed the way you and I were born because it is wrong. He was born not by a product of a man and a woman meeting but by a virgin birth. That is why Jesus was sinless but all others have sinned. We therefore need to be born again.

We inherit our parents' DNA when we are born and that is why we look and behave like them- we desire to sin. But once we are born again, our nature becomes like that of God and we behave like Him and hate what He hates. We are no more slave to sin once we are born again.

John 4:24 says God is Spirit and they that are born again have the Spirit of God. They cannot please God that are of the flesh but as many that are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit. (Romans 8)

Remember, all our woes started in the Garden of Eden.

Today, many will ask the same question as Nicodemus How Can I Be Born Again?