Over the centuries the translators of our Common Version English Bible have used the phrase "Holy Ghost" without any authority. The original Greek word is pneuma--spirit. In more recent times the Revised Version of the New Testament changed the word "Ghost" to read "Spirit." [...]
Nowhere in the Bible does it say we are not to use anointing oil. However, it is important to consider how and for what purpose anointing oil was used in Bible times, and if it would serve any purpose today. Anointing the body or [...]
No, being filled with the Holy Spirit is not the same as speaking in tongues. There are only three instances where speaking in tongues is recorded in the New Testament: Acts 2:1-11, 10:38-48 and 19:1-8. In each instance, those who spoke were apostles who had been [...]
Many Pentecostal Christians today claim to speak in tongues. Some claim to be speaking in some actual human language other than their own, while others claim to be speaking an unknown tongue, or a language of angels - not a human language found on [...]
Many Pentecostal Christians today claim to speak in tongues. Some claim to be speaking in some actual human language other than their own. Others claim to be speaking an unknown tongue, or a language of angels - not a human language found on earth. [...]
Thank you for your interesting question. Generally in the New Testament, the word office describes a position of service in the church such as a deacon, or an elder (translated bishop). When the early church was being established, the apostle Paul gave some helpful [...]
Ten days after Jesus ascended into heaven, the first Christians were gathered together for the day of Pentecost. They heard a loud noise like a violent wind, and the holy spirit suddenly appeared as tongues of fire which rested on each of them, and [...]
1 Corinthians 12 is a good chapter for this. Ap. Paul talks about how through the Holy Spirit we are given special abilities – wisdom, prophecy, etc. 1 Cor 12:4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit… 7 But to each [...]
The phrase “One baptism, but many re-fillings” is not found in the scriptures. Sometimes denominations have a catch phrase that may not be scriptural but has a lot of meaning to that particular group. It would be best to ask those who use it. [...]
Jesus promises that the Comforter or the Holy Spirit will guide us to understand the truth (John 16:13). Spiritual truths cannot be understood and appreciated by a fleshly mind. If we understand the Plan of God and what he would have us do and [...]
The miraculous gifts of healing, speaking in foreign languages, and interpreting foreign languages were introduced at Pentecost for the spreading of the gospel. Acts 2:4-12 "…they were all filled with the holy spirit and began to speak in other tongues …there were dwelling in [...]
Respecting God, Psalm 90:2 declares, “from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” Hence, God has no beginning and no end. God is eternal and God is a spirit (John 4:24.) God’s angels are also spirits (Hebrews 1:7). We are assured in Genesis 16:13 that God [...]
“Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus [...]
Thank you for your thoughtful question. The relevant Greek word in John 1:33 is "en," which is frequently rendered "in" but can also mean "with." Thus, we see disparity in the translations of this text. "[Jesus] is he which baptizeth with [en] the holy [...]
We believe the term “born again” (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #1080) is not necessarily a correct translation in every scripture. For example, in the context of John 3:1-13, verse 3, “born again” should be translated “begotten,” meaning conception, not birth, since one’s spirit birth (in heaven) will [...]
This is an age of general enlightenment. Knowledge is increasing along all lines, and specially so in regard to the teachings of the Scriptures. The superstitions and theories of the darker past are fading away in the light that is gradually widening out unto [...]
Isaiah 9:6: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son, is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." Regarding the possible confusion [...]
In his prayer, St. Paul evidently distinguishes between spirit, soul, and body. We should bear in mind that his letter was addressed to the Church collectively, and not so much to individuals. We can be quite sure that the Apostle did not refer to [...]
The inspired writers of the Bible tell us just what became of the spirit of the thief who died upon the cross. And they also tell us what becomes of the spirits of those who were devoted followers of Christ and were faithful even [...]
The Spirit clearly refers to Jesus Christ, the Bridegroom. His Bride is to be the Church glorified. (See `Rev. 21:9`; `Rev.19:7-9`.) The marriage, or union, referred to in the last Scripture, takes place at the second coming of Christ (`John 14:3`). The reign of [...]
