Home Bible Studies

Reaching into the homes of a searching world, Bible studies are a proven method of teaching God's Word and showing His love.  One of the primary factors in the success of the POM, Bible studies have literally impacted city upon city.

The purpose of Ministry Teams is to provide a means in which the impact of Bible studies can reach out, encompassing a greater surrounding.  As a Team, development, teaching, training, mentoring, and coaching take on a new meaning as people are transformed from hungry hearts into grateful souls and, finally, into leaders reaching out for more hungry hearts.

It is through providing a core within which one can relate and feel belonging and security that the atmosphere for molding is begun.  In this setting, Ministry Teams solidify new converts in the Word of God and encourage saints to partake in the discipleship process of souls.

Repentance

Beginning with God's appeal to Cain, God has demanded repentance.  Every heeded exhortation for repentance brought revival and life; every exhortation for repentance that was ignored brought judgement and death.

Without repentance, it is absolutely impossible for a sinner to receive forgiveness of sins. 

Jesus said, "Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish"  (Luke 13:3).  Peter reiterates the fact, "The Lord...is long suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance" (II Peter 3:9).

The New Testament begins with a call to repentance with John the Baptist's ministry, "Repent ye, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand" (Matthew 3:2).  John the Baptist was the personification of repentance.  He wore camel skins and ate locusts and wild honey (Matthew 3:4).  His entire life made the statement that he was dead to himself.  His words exemplified his life's mission, "Behold the Lamb of God!" (John 1:36) and "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30).

Man started in the Garden of Eden.  John baptized in the wilderness.  Jesus' journey to him in the wilderness is symbolic of how far man has drifted from God.  Jesus meets us in the wilderness of our lives.

John said, "I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe-latchet I am not worthy to unloose" (John 1:26-27).  Although they could not see Him, the eye of faith could detect Him.  The personification of repentance (John the Baptist) came in contact with the personification of righteousness (Jesus) .  The life of John the Baptist shows us the requirement for our entering His presence.  If you repent, you, too, may see God.

Questions: 

1. What is repentance?  (Reference: Zondervon Pictorial Bible Dictionary)

    a.  Repentance [Greek = Metanioa] (Acts 2:38, Romans 2:4) means:
        (1)  A change of mind with regard to sin.
        (2)  A sorrow for sin which primarily is intellectual in nature.

    b.  Repentance [Greek = Metameleia] (Matthew 27:3, II Corinthians 7:9-10) means :
        (1)  A change of soul.
        (2)  A sorrow for sin which is primarily intellectual in nature that leads to turning away from sin

    c.  Repentance is death to sin, self, and the world (Romans 6:2-4).

    d.  Repentance was symbolized in the Old Testament by the Brazen Altar , the first article of furniture as you entered the Tabernacle.  It spoke of Death .
        (1)  Central to the Israelites' worship in the Old Testament was the Tabernacle as described in Exodus 19-40.  More detail was given in thirteen chapters in the book of Numbers, eighteen chapters in the book of Leviticus, two chapters in the book of Deuteronomy, and four chapters in the book of Hebrews, with many other verses throughout the Bible.  The tabernacle consisted of two rooms, the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies, with an outer court surrounded by a linen fence.  There was one gate on the east side of the Outer Court.
        (2)  In the outer court are two items of furniture that represent judgement:  the Brazen Altar and the Laver of Water. Both are interconnected and complement each other.
        (3)  The Brazen Altar was a place of death and shedding of blood.  It was the largest object in the Outer Court.  It could not be missed.  Morning and evening sacrifices were offered daily.  Specific animals were sacrificed on the altar, representing and providing a temporary substitute for Jesus.  The blood, the smell, the burning, all spoke of death.  The Brazen Altar could not be bypassed.  A sacrifice (death) was mandatory (Exodus 30:9, Leviticus 10:1, Genesis 3:21, 4:3-5).  It was not a beautiful sight.  Repenting is repulsive to the natural man.
        (4)  The Laver of Water was a place where blood and water must be mixed.  The Bible says "Wash at the Laver, that ye die not" (Exodus 30:20).  The washing of the hands and feet was necessary for the Priests to enter the Holy Place.  This washing reminded the priests of their initial baptism where they were completely washed in preparation for their role as a priest (Exodus 29:4, 40:12, Leviticus 8:6).
        (5)  The Brazen Altar represents repentance (death), and the Laver of Water represents baptism in Jesus' Name (by receiving the name of Jesus, His blood line and water are mixed).  From His side came blood and water which gave birth to His bride (Colossians 2:9-12, 3:1-14). Both repentance and baptism in Jesus Name are necessary for a person to receive the gift of forgiveness or remission.  Once a person is baptized, further forgiveness can be received by repenting (I John 1:9; 2:1).
         (6) When the new heaven and new earth are made (Revelations 21), theses articles of furniture (Brazen Altar and Laver of Water) will represent judgment.  Hell will be thrown into the Lake of Fire.  Water will no longer be necessary; the throne will sit on a sea of glass.

    e.  Scriptures that help us understand the meaning of repentance:
(1)  Asking for mercy (Psalm 51:1, Luke 18:13, Proverbs 28:13).
         (2)  Asking for forgiveness (Psalm 25:18; 32:1, Ephesians 1:7, Acts 26:18, Psalm 103:4).
         (3)  Confessing your sins (Proverbs 28:13, Psalm 51:3, II Samuel 12:13, Mark 1:4-5, Luke 15:21, 1 John 1:9).
         (4)  Realizing we sin against God (Psalm 51:4).
         (5)  Being honest (Psalm 51:6).
         (6)  Forsaking wicked ways and unrighteous thoughts and returning to the Lord (Isaiah 55:7).
         (7)  Dying out to sin, self, and the world (Romans 6:2-4).
         (8)  Changing your mind (Matthew 21:28-29).  It affects the intellect and causes complete renewal (Romans 12:2). 
         (9)  Being converted (Acts 3:19).
       (10)  Putting away strange gods and serving Him alone (I Samuel 7:3).
       (11)  Humbling yourself before God (II Chronicles 7:14, James 4:6-10).
       (12)  Turning to the Lord (Acts 9:35, Isaiah 55:7, I Thessalonians 1:9, Acts 26:18).  The Roman Army used the Greek word metanaeo to say "about face."   It affects the will.  We turn away from sin, self, and the world and start walking toward God.
       (13)  Turning from evil ways and violence (Jonah 3:5-8).
       (14)  Bringing forth fruits meet for repentance, proof, evidence of a changed life, reformation of life (Matthew 3:8).
       (15)  Committing ourselves to teach others to become converts (Psalms 51:13).  We become soul winners.
       (16)  Making changes in our lives (Luke 15:20).  The prodigal son didn't stay in the pig pen; he took action:  "he arose, and came to his father."  He changed what he was doing.
       (17)  Bringing about sorrow that affects the emotions (II Corinthians 7:7-11, Luke 18:13).

2.  Is repentance necessary for salvation?

    a.  Jesus said, "Except ye repent ye shall like wise perish" (Luke 13:1-5).

    b.  "And the times of this ignorance God winked at, but now commanded all men everywhere to repent" (Acts 17:30).

    c.  It is obedience to Jesus' commandment (Matthew 4:17).  We are to obey all the commandments (Matthew 28:20).

    d.  Jesus is "long suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance" (II Peter 3:9).

     e.  Paul's mission that people would receive forgiveness (Acts 26:15-21).

     f.  Men should repent (Mark 6:12).

     g.  Necessary for sins to be blotted out and conversion (Acts 3:19).

     h.  Needed for life (Acts 11:18).

     i.  Must be preached in all nations (Luke 24:44-47).

     j.  Peter's message on the day of Pentecost, "Repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 2:38).  Note that Peter said, "everyone" should repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

    k.  He has no pleasure in seeing the wicked die, he wants them to turn from their ways and live (Ezekiel 18:21-24).

    l.  John the Baptist and Jesus taught it as a basic requirement of entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 3:2, 8; 4:17).  It is necessary to be born of the water and spirit (John 3:3-5).

3.  Several scriptures tell us that we must obey the Gospel. 

"But they have not all obeyed the gospel" (Romans 10:16).

"In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ" (II Thessalonians 1:8).

"For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end of them that obey not the gospel of God?  And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?"  (I Peter 4:17-18).

The gospel is Christ died , was buried , and rose again (I Corinthians 15:1-4).

If obedience to the Gospel will keep me out of flaming fire, how do we obey the gospel?

Jesus gave us the answer in His first sermon.  He said, " Repent (die) and believe the gospel " (Mark 1:15, Matthew 4:17).  The Church, being his body, must experience the death, burial and resurrection (Romans 6: 2-4).  Jesus tells us that to obey the death, burial and resurrection, we must die.   If we die (repent), it is only natural for us to be buried (baptized in Jesus' Name), and then He can give us the resurrection power (the Holy Ghost).

To obey the gospel (II Thessalonians 1:8), we have to die (repent), be buried (immersed in water) in Jesus' name and receive the resurrection power, the Holy Ghost - Christ in us the hope of Glory (Acts 2:38, Luke 24: 44-49).

4.  How do you repent?

     a.  Feel after Him, seek Him, find Him (Acts 17:27).

     b.  Abide in Him (I John 3:36).  Spend time with Him.  Pray.  Depend upon Him.

     c.  Believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).

     d.  Restoration/restitution [to restore, give back] (Luke 19:1-10).  Caution:  Some lives are so entangled that it is impossible to straighten every thing out, (i.e. marital and moral problems).  Do what is possible to prove your change of heart.  Leave the rest in God's hands. 

     e.  Ask Him to help you overcome your unbelief (Mark 9:24).

     f.  Godly sorrow worketh repentance-heart sorrow (II Corinthians 7:9-11, Psalm 34:18; 51:17, James 4:9, Joel 2:12, Zechariah 12:10-14).  Let the tears flow.  If you are a man, crying is manly before God.  Nothing cleanses like tears.

     g.  Be able to say, "not my will, but thine be done" (Luke 22:42).  Surrender yourself to Jesus.  Die out to yourself, your ways, your plans.  Give yourself totally, unreservedly unto Jesus.  Put your life on the altar.  Lift your hands to him [surrender] (Psalm 28:2; 63:4; 134:2).

     h.  Ask for mercy (Isaiah 66:2, Luke 18:13).

     i.  Confession/Contrition = Genuine sorrow for sin.  He will look to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit (Psalm 51:17).

     j.  Turn from idols and all your abominations (Ezekiel 14:6).  Turn from your old ways and start walking toward God.

     k.  Draw nigh to God, cleanse your hands, purify your hearts.  Be troubled, mourn and weep.  Be humble; don't judge (James 4:8-11, II Chronicles 7:14).

     l.  "Woe I am undone" (Isaiah 6:5).  Undone means not done or finished.

     m.  "I will declare my iniquity, I will be sorry for any sin." (Psalm 38:18)

     n.  Ask God to search your heart (Psalm 19:12, 13; 139:23, 24).

5.  Who preached repentance in the New Testament?

    a.  John the Baptist (Matthew 3:1-2, Mark 1:4).

    b.  Jesus (Matthew 4:17, Mark 1:15; 2:17, Luke 24:47).

    c.  Peter on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:38; 3:19).

    d.  Paul (Acts 20:21).

    e.  Apostles (Mark 6:12).

6.  Will Jesus forgive our sins if we confess them?

    a.  "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins" (I John 1:9).

    b.  Will receive mercy (Proverbs 28:13).

    c.  "So great is His mercy toward them that fear Him."  "As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us" (Psalm 103:11-12).

     d.  "He delighteth in Mercy."  "..thou will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea" (Micah 7:18-19).

     e.  He will remember them no more (Jeremiah 31:34, Hebrews 8:12).  We will not have to be embarrassed when we get to heaven.  He will not remember our sins.  In His mind our sins will be gone.

     f.  He will abundantly pardon (Isaiah 55:7).

7.  What is the meaning of "Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance" (Matthew 3:8)?

    a.  Good conversation; righteousness; manner of life (James 3:13-18).

    b.  Live a holy/sinless life (Romans 6:19-22).

    c.  Do works meet for repentance (Acts 26:20).

    d.  Works follow them that die (Revelation 14:13).

    e.  Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22,23, Romans 7:4).

    f.  Good Works (Ephesians 2:10, II Timothy 2:21, Titus 2:14, Colossians 1:10).

    g.  All goodness and righteousness and truth (Ephesians 5:9).

    h.  Righteousness (Philippians 1:11).

    i.  Walketh uprightly and worketh righteousness (Psalm 15:1, 2)

8.  To whom do you repent?

    a.  To God (Acts 20:21).

    b.  One mediator - Jesus - God (I Timothy 2:5).

9.  In God's plan of salvation, repentance is a prerequisite to what?

    a.  Baptism in Jesus' name and receiving the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38).

    b.  Entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven (Mark 1:4, Matthew 3:2; 4:17).  Entrance into the kingdom requires being born again of the water--baptism in Jesus' name and the spirit--receiving the Holy Ghost (John 3:5).

10.  What are the results of repentance?

    a.  Abundant pardon (Isaiah 55:7).

    b.  Sins blotted out (Acts 3:19).

    c.  Restitution [to restore, give back] takes place (Luke 19:1-10).

    d.  Reconciliation [to restore to friendship or harmony] (Matthew 5:23-24).

    e.  Receiving mercy and enables a person to prosper (Proverbs 28:13).

    f.  Life (Acts 11:18).

    g.  Cleansing from unrighteousness; (I John 1:9).

    h.  A new heart (Ezekiel 18:31).

    i.  Joy in Heaven (Luke 15:7, 10).

    j.  God draws near the broken hearted (Psalm 34:18, Isaiah 57:15, Luke 15: 22-24 [Father = God]).

    k.  The qualities of love, kindness, and meekness (Colossians 3:12-17).

    l.  A changed life (Matthew 3:8).

    m.  Born of the Word (James 1:18, I Peter 1:23, I Corinthians 4:15).

    n.  Confessed sin (Psalm 51, II Samuel 12:13, Luke 15:21, Proverbs 28:13, I John 1:9).

    o.  Obedience to the Bible (Matthew 28:20, i.e. Acts 2:38 is a commandment).

11.  Does repentance entitle a person to pardon or does it just qualify them for it?

Repentance qualifies a person for pardon, but it does not entitle him to it (Acts 3:19, Isaiah 55:7).  A person does not earn forgiveness by repenting, but it is a condition for it.  Baptism in Jesus' Name is also an important condition.

12.  What enables us to repent?

     a.  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and not of yourselves: it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8-9, Acts 11:15-18, II Timothy 2:24, 25).  In our flesh dwelleth no good thing (Romans 7:18).

     b.  The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance (Romans 2:4).

     c.  His "long suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance" (II Peter 3:9).

     d.  Conviction of sins from hearing God's Word (Acts 2:37, 38).

     e.  The preaching of God's Word (Jonah 3:1-10, I Thessalonians 1:5-10).

     f.  Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost (Titus 3:5).

     g.  Chastisement or Judgement from God (Rev 3:19, II Timothy 2:24-25).

     h.  The Holy Ghost (I Thessalonians 1:5-10, John 16:7-11).

Note:  If God gives you an opportunity to repent, take it.  His "Spirit will not always strive with man" (Genesis 6:3). "Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call upon Him while He is near" (Isaiah 55:6).

13.  What is a good example of repentance in the Bible? 

     a.  The prodigal son was in a pig pen, he came to himself, made a decision to change, got up and turned toward his father's house (a new direction), confessed his sin and was pardoned (Luke 15:11-32).

     b.  David's confession (Psalm 51).

14.  Who needs to Repent?

      All people (Romans 3:23, 1 Corinthians 15:22, Romans 5:12-19, Luke 13:5).  We are all sinners.

15.  What are the benefits of repentance?

      a.  Blessed and sins forgiven (Psalm 32:1, Matthew 11:29-30).

      b.  Restitution (Luke 19:1-10).

      c.  Peace of mind due to confessed sin (II Samuel 12:13, Luke 15:21, Psalm 32:3-5, 51).

      d.  Mercy (Proverbs 28:13, I John 1:9).

      e.  Birth of the Word (John 3:5, I Peter 1:23).

      f.  Prepares the person (temple) for God's name (baptism) and presence--receiving the Holy Ghost.

      g.  Cleansing (Psalm 51:7, 10).

16.  What is not repentance?

     a.  Thirst or conviction (John 7:37, Isaiah 55:1-2).  Conviction accompanies salvation, but is not salvation (Matthew 11:28).

      b.  Remorse, emotion, anguish.  Judas felt intense anguish and remorse but he did not change his mind, his course, his direction.  Rather than returning to Jesus, he hanged himself (Matthew 27:3-5).

      c.  Confession alone.  Saul confessed but he did not repent (I Samuel 15:24).  He used confession to manipulate.  Verse 30 states his reason for confessing.

17.  Do we have to continue to repent?

      a.  He never promised anyone strength apart from continued dependence upon Himself (Jeremiah 10:23-24, John 15:5).

      b. We are made perfect in our weakness (II Corinthians 12:9-10, 13:3-11).

18.  What is a prerequisite of repentance?

     a.  Realizing we are sinners (Psalm 51:5).
         (1)  "All have sinned" (Romans 3:23).
         (2)  "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (I John 1:8).  "If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His work is not in us" (I John 1:10).

     b.  We must believe (Hebrews 11:6, John 1:12).

     c.  Unbelief and disobedience were man's sin in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3).  From that time forward the plan of salvation was based on belief and obedience.  The obedience of faith (Romans 1:5, 16:26) means that obedience is part of true faith.  If we believe, we must do something.  We must start with repentance.  In Romans 10:4-16 Paul was talking to Jews who understood that he was quoting from Deuteronomy 30:11-20 which states that we must do something to show our belief.  Belief, alone, is insufficient.  To be reborn, we must repent, be baptized in Jesus' name, and receive the Holy Ghost.  The Holy Ghost is given to them that obey Him (Acts 5:32).

19.  Is it possible to always receive forgiveness? 

The Bible speaks of some sins that are beyond forgiveness.  They are:

The unforgivable sin (Matthew 12:22-32) or the unpardonable Sin (Mark 3:28-30) is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.  If a person continues to reject Christ and hardened himself against the truth, his continued rejection is unpardonable.

The reprobate mind refuses to have God in his knowledge.

A place where there is no more forgiveness.  The person willfully sins after receiving knowledge of truth (Hebrews 10:26).  There is no hidden sin.  God sees all.

20.  When should we repent?

     a.  As soon as possible after we sin.

     b.  Every time we pray.
           (1)  The tabernacle plan shows us how to pray.  The people entered through the camp of Judah which means praise.  The first thing that they saw in the outer court was the enormous brazen altar sitting on a mound of earth where death took place (Exodus 20:24-26, Leviticus 9:22).  There sacrifices were offered.  Once they offered the sacrifices (repentance) and washed at the Laver of Water [blood and water had to mix], they entered into the Holy Place where petitions were offered at the Altar of Incense.  Finally the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies with the Ark of the Covenant saturated with incense (praise/worship).  Then they walked back out and passed through Judah (praise) again.  These are the basic elements of prayer: Praise, repentance, petitions, praise.
                  Note:  Fire from the Brazen Altar was required to light the incense at the Altar of Incense in the Holy Place.  The fire at the Altar of Incense was a continuous reminder of the Brazen Altar (Altar of Sacrifice/Repentance).  If there was no sacrifice (Repentance) at the Brazen Altar, there could be no fire to light the incense, and subsequently no fire to light the candlestick.  If we repent, His light will shine in our lives.
           (2)  The Lord's prayer shows us how to pray and include repentance:
                  a)  "Our Father who art in heaven hallowed by thy name."  We praise Him.  He is holy.
                  b)  "Thy Kingdom come."  Not our Kingdom.  We acknowledge our part in bringing forth His purpose and will in our submitted lives.  David's confession in Psalm 51:3 shows what he was going to do--win souls.
                  c)  "Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven."  Not our will but His has to be done.  We must be obedient to his word and repent/die out to the things that we are doing that are opposed to the word.  We must repent if we are not doing His will.  In earth, means our bodies made from mud (earthen vessels).  We must obey as the angels in heaven obey Him.
                  d)  "Give us this day our daily bread"  begins the petitions which include repentance, (i.e. "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those that trespass against us").  Note:  If we don't forgive, he cannot forgive us.
                  e)  And "For thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever" concludes with praise.

      c.  Paul said, "I die daily."  He stayed in a state of continual repentance.

     d.  Continuously if we want to be a good witness and let His light shine (II Corinthians 4:10-12; 12:9-10; 13:3-4, Jeremiah 10:23, John 15:5, Colossians 1:9).

21.  What happens to a person that doesn't repent? 

     a.  God resisteth the proud (James 4:6).

     b.  The world will be judged (Acts 17:30-31)

     c.  Visited with the dryness of death (Jeremiah 17:5-6, 13)

     d.  Given over to self trust and self justification (Jeremiah 17:9)

     e.  Blinded (John 5:44, Isaiah 29:11-14, John 9:40-41, Colossians 1:13, Acts 26:18)

     f.  God will judge all disobedience (Romans 5:18-19, Hebrews 2:2, I Timothy 9).

     g.  Judgement of flaming fire will be on those that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ (II Thessalonians 1:7-8).

22.  What is the great omission to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15-18, Luke 24:47-49, Acts 1:4-8)?

On the surface, the great omission to the Great Commission is our failure to obey His main command to "Go Ye"..."make disciples."  Digging a little deeper, the omission is a repentance problem.  We fail to die out to ourselves, our way of life, and our plans and kingdoms.  Jesus is not on the throne of our lives; we are.  If we were dead to ourselves, we would be serving Him.  We would be disciples (learners), eagerly seeking after that which would make us effective.

We are called to be ministers and to witness (Acts 1:8) those things that we have seen, heard, felt, and experienced pertaining to Him.

It is interesting that the words martyr and witness originate from the same Greek word martus .  Both require death to self.  He is waiting for us to repent.

23.  What is (are) the consequence(s) of not repenting (harboring sin)?

       a.  God will not hear your prayers:
            (1)  "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me" (Psalm 66:18).
            (2)  "But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear" (Isaiah 59:1-12).
            (3)  "The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open unto their cry.  The face of the Lord is against them that do evil.  The righteous cry and the Lord heareth and delivereth them out of their troubles" (Psalm 34:15-17).
            (4)  "The Lord is far from the wicked; but he heareth the prayer of the righteous" (Proverbs 15:29).

       b.  They will face judgement in Hell:
            (1)  "In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ" (II Thessalonians 2:8).
            (2)  "The wicked shall be turned into hell and all the nations that forget God" (Psalm 9:17).
            (3)  "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord"  (Romans 6:23).

Conclusion

The fire that lit the fire on the Brazen Altar came from God (Leviticus 9:24), and it was to never go out (Leviticus 6:8-13). 

There are two ways to keep the fire burning:

(1)  We can keep the fire burning by adding wood (humanity) to the fire.  In obeying the Great Commission, "Go Ye"..."make disciples," we can keep the fire ablaze.

(2)  The Brazen Altar is symbolic of Repentance.  If we take every opportunity to repent (die out to sin, self, and the world) and give ourselves unreservedly unto Jesus by presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God (Romans 12:1), the fire will continue to burn.  His spirit (light) will radiate from our life.  When Jesus died on the cross, His flesh was rent (Hebrews 10:20) and His Spirit was released to whosoever will.  When we rent our flesh (die out to ourselves) people will not see us but Jesus (His Spirit) in us. 

"If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.  For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it" (Luke 9:23-24).

"Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit" (John 12:24).

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20).

"Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.  For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be manifest in our mortal flesh.  So then death worketh in us, but life in you" (II Corinthians 4:10-12).

 Repent.

Speaking In Tongues: Part I

Throughout Christianity there is a great misunderstanding about speaking in tongues.  The basic problem is that people are not aware of the fact that there are three types of speaking in tongues.  Everyone must experience (1) the speaking in tongues that is connected to the initial evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost and (2) their personal prayer language.  The last type of speaking in tongues (I Cor. 12:10), divers kinds of tongues, can and should be sought by all, but is not necessary to speak for salvation.

The confusion comes from people who mix the last type of speaking in tongues with the first and second, and say that it is not necessary to speak in tongues.  They are making a serious mistake.

The Book of Corinthians was written to people who had already repented of their sins, been baptized in Jesus' name, and received the Holy Ghost with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues.

The epistles are letters written to early Christians.  If people have not obeyed the plan of salvation and read the epistles, they are reading somebody else's mail.  It is no wonder they don't understand.  It is no wonder there is so much confusion.

The apostle Paul was not telling them not to speak in tongues but when and where to properly use them.  If you complete I Cor. 14 it should be obvious that Paul was not saying do not speak in tongues for he said v. 18 "I thank my God I speak with tongues more than ye all" and v. 39 "forbid not to speak in tongues."

2 Tim 2:15 "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a work man that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."  Study the following scriptures carefully to understand the differences in the different types of speaking in tongues.

THREE TYPES OF SPEAKING IN TONGUES:

There are three types of speaking in tongues.  Each type has a different purpose.  Everyone in the New Testament experienced the first and second type--the initial evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost and tongues used in personal prayer.  Some people may never experience the third type, which is the gift of tongues, although it is something to which we should definitely aspire.

The following diagram illustrates the three types of speaking in tongues with scriptures that apply to each:

Speaking In Tongues: Part II

A.  In the New Testament there are 24 direct references to tongues.

The first one, in Mark 16:17, says, "These signs shall follow them that believe . . . They shall speak with new tongues."

The last one, in I Corinthians 14:39 says, "Forbid not to speak with tongues."

The 24 Scriptures in the New Testament are as follows:

• Mark 16:17
• Acts 2:4
• Acts 2:8
• Acts 2:11
• Acts 10:46
• Acts 19:6
• I Corinthians 12:10
• I Corinthians 12:30
• I Corinthians 13:8
• I Corinthians 14:2
• I Corinthians 14:4
• I Corinthians 14:5
• I Corinthians 14:6
• I Corinthians 14:9
• I Corinthians 14:13
• I Corinthians 14:14
• I Corinthians 14:18
• I Corinthians 14:19
• I Corinthians 14:21
• I Corinthians 14:22
• I Corinthians 14:23
• I Corinthians 14:26
• I Corinthians 14:27
• I Corinthians 14:39

B.  Two indirect references to tongues in the New Testament are as follows:

     1.  Romans 8:26 refers to use of tongues in personalized prayer.

     2.  James 3:1-12 explains why God uses the tongue.
 

C.  In the Old Testament there are two scriptures that pertain to tongues:

1.  Genesis 11:9 states that God confounded the languages at Babel and that:
          ~It confused the people.
          ~It separated the people.
          ~ Note:   On the day of Pentecost the opposite of this took place:  Speakers were not confused; they were united.

2.  Isaiah 28:11-12 states, "For with stammering lips and another tongue will He speak to this people. To whom He said, this is the rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear."  It is a prophesy connecting the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, The Feast of Pentecost, and the Day of Pentecost when 120 disciples received the Holy Ghost in the upper room.