I was sharing with the folk on Sunday how I had a bad debtor to my small gotcha187. The situation was becoming increasingly unpleasant. As I prayed, read the word and meditated I felt the Lord gave me me an answer.

I wrote a letter to that bad debtor saying that, since the Lord had forgiven me so much more and has instructed me to forgive I had chosen to forgive him and free him from his debt. I then reminded him of the far greater forgiveness he has received from God through our Lord Jesus Christ and invited him to commit his life into God's care. He came to visit me and I was further able to establish him in the truth. He promised to pay his debt but I told him that was not necessary since I had forgiven him. I reminded him that God does not forgive us and then hold us to our debt and that forgiveness that demanded payment was not really forgiveness at all.

I have to confess that I have not had a bad debt since then and, as I lightly told the church folk, I rather assume that the devil won't allow it as he always seeks to prevent the gospel from being preached. I also advise others in business to make the most of their opportunities and, if they have bad debtors follow my example.

In Christ,

Kerry

Brother Gerry,

Sorry, I misunderstood your other post. I thought you were saying that Peter and his group were speaking in tongues and that the household of Cornelius heard (understood supernaturally). I do not deny that is possible but it actually appears we agree on who did the speaking and who heard.

Sorry for the misunderstanding.

Actually I was getting annoyed with myself because I read the site and know that this is not a preferred subject on this forum. I respect any request that is made of me and did not come to share to cause any angst. I do mourn because I feel that people reject the specific gift of Christ (he will baptise you with the Holy Ghost) and I have no regrets over the way I have followed Christ and have believed. The Father has never let me down. My greatest joy is sharing my enthusiasm with others and learning how Christ has made them anew. We can spend so much time over these things that we forget to take the gospel into the world. I discovered that I was preaching to the converted and forgot so many who are in great peril. I hope you can understnd my heart. I love discussing the Bible but I sincerely grieve everytime I hear of one who has died without knowing Christ as Lord and Saviour.

Once again, sorry for the misunderstanding and, thank you, Tom for your encouragement.

Love,

Kerry.

Hello, Tom,

I hope you don't mind, I prefer to avoid titles altogether although I think that 'brother' is best since it puts us on equal footing.

Thank you for the encouragement. It was not the church I attend that made this error but, as we live in a small country town we were trying to work together with the other churches in reaching the youth. It was their leaders who caused the confusion and is one reason I don't get involved in ecumenical outreaches any more. They asked for my youngest son to go to their kids club and I said, "No."

It is sad that we have to divide ourselves from those who are unruly but it is absolutely necessary for our children.

Love,

Kerry.

Brother Jerry,

Continuing where I left off. Sorry about the break.

It appears, from the reaction in Acts that, although all those who originally heard understood there was some debate afterward about the accuracy of their assumption they had actually understood. Now, I'm sure you would never have convinced those who heard and received that which was said that they had not heard it but, something created doubt so that Peter (led by the Holy Spirit) felt it necessary to defend that which they heard. And how does he begin, "These are not drunk as you suppose." Sounds to me like popular opinion was shifting.

How could the doubters confuse those who had heard so clearly? I believe Isaiah gives us the understanding when he prophesies, "With a stammering lip and (for your sake) foreign languages I will speak to this people." Isaiah 28:11. I am sure you have heard one speak with a stammer? I had a friend who stuttered so bad that he was almost impossible to understand. While I was trying to understand what he was telling me one day I thought, "He sounds just like someone speaking in other tongues." It may not mean much to you but, to me it was like turning a light on. No longer was I skeptical because I saw the Biblical connection to what was happening.

Interestingly, when I first came to know him I needed someone else to interpret what he was saying (even though he was speaking perfect English - just with his bad stutter) until I learned to take the small but clear parts and discern what he had said.

I think that's enough of that.

You mentioned that you perceived that I came under the holiness teaching? I suppose you are right, although I don't have much knowledge of the actual doctrines. I do recall my dad telling me, when I asked why the Assemblies of God here in Australia taught so differently to the one in southern Africa where I grew up that the Assemblies of God in South Africa and Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) came from the holiness movement and was formed by 2 Elim missionaries (Fred and James Mullen) whereas the Asuza Street had not. Although I must add that the most readily available doctrinal books were Baptist (their missions ran the bookstores over there) so you may see that appear on the odd occasion.

Love Kerry.

Dear Tom,

Yes, I believe they are. And also taking into consideration 1 Corinthians 12 & 13. We do not allow declaration in tongues without interpretation. However we do allow the individual to exult in the Lord in tongues which, perhaps is where you would have a problem. You must understand that Tongues is not the central issue of our preaching - though we stand fast in the liberty Christ has given us. It is obviously more important to us that those who hear receive what is being said. I agree with Paul. I would rather speak to you in the language you understand so that you may receive what is been said than to stand on a street corner talking to the air. You may not believe this but you are more important to me than I am to myself.

Love,

Kerry.

Brother Jerry,

Forgive me, I don't know how to add multiple quotes in my reply to you so I ask you to be paitient in my weakness.

With regards to your reply concerning languages of angels and men. You contend that men understood angels but concluded because those angels spoke the languages of men. That is still not conclusive evidence that angels always speak the languages of men.

With regard to your answer on Acts 10 in Cornelius' home, I am surprised at how you misconstrue the sentence structure. You saying that the Holy Ghost fell upon them because they heard Peter speaking in tongues? That's an interesting twist. Let me tell you how I plainly read and interpret that same passage.

"And those of the circumcision who believed and had come with Peter were astonished because the Gift of the Holy Ghost had been poured out on the gentiles also; for they (of Peter's party) heard them (of Cornelius'household) speak with tongues and magnify God. So Peter answered, "Can anyone forbid these to be baptised in water who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have." (paraphrased).

I think, if you were to take it to someone who teaches english structure on subject and matter that this is quite correct. You will find also that it sits more comfortably with the passages of events in Acts 2 and Acts 19.

Let us return to Acts 2 where there is the emphasis of understanding what was being said. We all know that it plainly states that those who heard understood because they heard it in their own language. However, I must ask, how did some conclude that these were drunk (as they derided). Why did Peter, under the annointing of the Holy Spirit feel to defend the accusation? I have met many drunks I could not understand and, let me tell you, none of them were speaking another language. I would have described it in the same manner you describe the Pentecostal/Charismatic utterances common in their churches - gibberish.

I must leave for work now so I'll leave you to consider what I have just said and will return as soon as possible.

Love Kerry.

I believe in being honest with our children. I was told, having told my children if I did anything wrong that they were to tell me I had done wrong that I was making a rod for my back and that my children would be disrespectful. What I said to them was, "If its wrong for you, it's wrong for me."

I have not found it to be arduous, neither have my children been disrespectful. In fact, I have the respect of both my sons and Paul, my oldest, when going through the lowest moment of his life [I had taught him not to drink alcohol and avoid cavorting in worldly pleasures but, others: "leaders in the Church" had instructed him otherwise so that he disobeyed me] would contend with others, "My dad is right!"

I think the greater risk is when we have one rule for them and another for ourselves. This encourages rebellion and disrespect so I always encourage, "Take the same risk I did, its worth it."

Love,

Kerry.

Pastor Roger,

You certainly have said much concerning the Gospel. It is good to hear the many facets of our faith and the encouraging words of our Lord Jesus.

I was thinking this morning, the whole sum of the Gospel may be found in that one statement of Scritpure, "Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved."

That demands of everyone and excludes no one. We are only excluded when we resist the Gospel and will not believe in the Lord Jesus.

Kerry.

[BUT, they will have mansions in Heaven for eternity with JESUS.]

Brothers and Sisters,

 BUT, they will have mansions in Heaven for eternity with JESUS.

Dear Tom,

I just beamed when I read your emphasis. I once told a group of people I was speaking to that I am a real estate agent of heaven, and that I'm here to offer them a prestigious mansion in the best city one could ever hope to live in (and they'll live for all eternity!). I am even happy to give them the best I have - the ones closest to Jesus and the river of His blessing - and will content myself to live on the edges of the outer suburbs of the Heavenly Jerusalem because I know that the humblest abode up there will outshine the best palace this world could offer. As you probably realise I then went on to share the Gospel and how, by faith and because of God's abundant grace they might avail themselves of one.

"It's a gift," I told them, "But it will cost you everything. You cannot purchase it but, neither can you bring your worldly baggage with you. You must surrender all for Christ and you will receive all He has for you."

One thing we all can be sure of: we'll miss nothing for Christ is everything.

Thanks for the happy memory,

Kerry

Brother Gerry,

Let me first say, while I believe in speaking in tongues and as evidence of the baptism in the Spirit, it is not what I am all about. It is a part of the all inclusive experience of salvation brought to us by our Lord Jesus Christ. I have found it both Scriptural and very real. I understand some people's apprehension due to excesses in the Charismatic movement but I will not deny my faith. What I will do is put forward some thoughts and questions and you can answer them as you will.

You seem fixated with this idea about tongues and unknown tongues. One is right and the other is wrong. Yet I am concerned at how you come to your conclusion. So let me first ask you a question, do you know any man who speaks with and understands the languages of the angels (1 Corinthians 13:1)? I know the angels do and that God does but I have yet to meet a man who does.

There is a second question I would like to pose. You often refer to Cornelius' home and the events there. You say that everyone understood everyone else. Are you reading the same Bible as me or, have you concluded because it says, "They heard them speak with tongues and magnify God" that this is sufficient proof that they understood each other? That is a pretty shaky foundation for declaring something to be a truth. Could it not equally be concluded that, because they heard them speak in tongues that they accepted they were glorifying God?

The phrase "unknown tongue" used in Pentecostal and Charismatic circles comes from Isaiah's prophecy in the Old Testament as translated in the KJV, "With a stammering lip and an unknown tongue I will speak to this people." I notice even the NKJV alters this to fit known languages rather than unknown ones. We can get rather semantic if we argue over phrases rather than discuss the doctrine.

Yours in Christ,

Kerry

Isn't it interesting how the talk of certain subjects can get our ire up. When I was 17 I learned Psalm 1 off by heart - because the Lord was speaking to me by it. I shared it with my friend Gary quoting verse 3 where it says, "Whatever he does will prosper." He quietly warned me that people would think I was a "prosperity preacher". I had never heard of them. I like Paul's lesson the best: "I have learned both to abound and to be abased". Can we learn that lesson too?

Lightening destroyed the computer I had given our small church. My pastor is on the local community radio and depended on the computer I had set up for him to prepare his program. I said to my wife, "I will have to buy another one."

"we can't afford it," she argued, "Look, I might be losing my money soon."

I told her I could not leave the house of God in disrepair and I must make sure that there is "meat in the house of God". Not physical meat, but spiritual. This is a gospel arm of the church and to neglect it may condemn many to hell. I told her I believed God would cover the cost of the computer and we shouldn't worry about the future and her income. I bought the computer on hire purchase because I don't have money lying about like that. God has increased my business to cover the cost of the computer and more.

Am I prosperous? You bet! I am prospering in the love and grace of God and I ask for no more.

Love,

Kerry

This all makes good reading. I hurt so much for the kids at Dan's school because most of them don't know the depths of love we talk of. Some are very jealous of Daniel simply because he gets hugs from his mum. Of course he's getting to that age when it can become very embarrassing for him but he welcomes them at home.

One day Dan asked me what a deacon was. What had happened was my dad and I were joking about something being the deacon's job. I pointed him to Acts where they chose men to take the load of work off the apostles shoulders and somehow we got talking about church structure that there were pastors, elders and deacons.
"So, which one can I be?" he asked (he was 8 at the time).

"Well," I replied jokingly, "Grandpuff is the pastor and, since I do that kind of work in the church I suppose I would be the elder, so you'll have to be the deacon."

"What does the deacon do?" he continued.

Again I was pulling his leg and answered, "All the work."

You will not find a more willing worker in the church. He often says, "I'd better do that because I'm the deacon."

I am so spoilt with the parents, wife and children God has given me that it is hard not to give continual thanks.

I tell you what, the things we teach our children often come back and teach us a thing or two as well.

To those who have added their stories I encourage, keep up the good work!

Love,

Kerry

Amen to that.

Kerry

Pastor Tom,

Thanks for your reply. I don't watch television so it would be unfair for me to comment on what they are doing other than its one of the reasons I don't watch. I get disappointed with people selling "holy water" or "anointing oil" or any other such gimmik. The gospel is and always should be free.

I, too, believe that God is sovereign (the term which is used, I think), I just place a different interpretation on it than you do. I believe God sovereignly gave me the permission to ask, so I do, and I expect Him to answer in accordance with His promise.

As for speaking in tongues well, Paul told Timothy to avoid endless arguments and, since we are both convinced in what we believe to the point of not being turned it is, perhaps best avoided.

There is so much we can still agree upon.

Love,

Kerry.

Hi folk,

I wondered how well I would be received if I told you about myself? Nothing sinister of course. I am a Christian. I do believe that Jesus is the only way to God. I love the Bible and I love to witness.

My testimony? I was born with an illness the doctor was concerned about. A operation could have healed me but the doctor was concerned I would not survive the operation; his only course of action was to give me a rather severe medication and hope I survived till I was strong enough to survive the operation. Mum and dad, fairly young Christians were praying one day. My dad always prays around the world and back again so, while he monopolised the conversation one way mum took to reading her Bible and began reading in Mark's gospel. When he finally stopped she asked him, "I've been reading here in Mark 9. This man brought his son to Jesus, can't we do that with Kerry? Not having a plausible argument he agreed and they prayed for me. I awoke and started crying. "What should I do now?" mum asked. "Feed him, I suppose," answered dad (I had never been able to eat without medication first and they had run out). They discovered I was healed.

Of course I only knew this later in life when I could understand (either 5 or 6, I think). My dad telling this testimony stunned me. It was a Saturday night breaking of bread service where there was open ministry. At that tender age I walked around and around the church building and dedicated my life to God (rather I recognised that it fully belonged to Him). How could I, born dead, refuse God the life He had given? I doubly belong to Jesus.

I'm afraid those who tell me that miracles ceased with the apostles do not find me supportive of their argument. If you want to know who I am then you must be open to receive that I believe the Bible and I see in it miracles, speaking in tongues, the impulsive, Spirit induced manifestation of His own gifts and, most importantly the free gift of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. I do not disrespect those who disagree with me and, quite honestly if they preach Christ have a great respect for their preaching of the Gospel.

I love reading Spurgeon. When I was a teenager, while others were talking of their rock stars I spoke about preachers. At the age 0f 16 or 17 I carried around a Billy Graham message - "The blood" (preached in India, I think) - as a witness tool. Since I had to endure listening to Gary Glitter and the like I made sure they heard that important message. Today my greatest joy is leading others to Christ. I am not a pastor in the church sense. I drive for a living. I write gospel choruses because I love singing and am priveleged to have a pastor who will share his pulpit with me.

I love you

Kerry