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Before reading this, read Chapter 1:
History: God's Voice Speaking To His Children - The Apostles Received A Double Portion

History: God's Voice Speaking To His Children

The VOICE Of The LORD
Divides The Flames Of Fire
(Psalms 29:7) 

As I meditated on this particular chapter for our book, Jesus said to ask you, the reader, "why do you believe you received the Holy Spirit?"  What was God's purpose in giving you His Spirit who is Holy?  

In the following chapters we will prove that God's Will, intent, and delivered PROMISE has come in order to give you His presence, nature, and image through His voice.  These chapters are dedicated to helping you, God's child, answer the above questions; and both hear and recognize His voice within your Being.   

Fifty days after Jesus rose from the dead, Jehovah delivered His Promise to all who waited as commanded by Christ Jesus.  Jehovah gave His own Holy Spirit to live within each individual believer who had received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior; and had gathered together in one place, one time, and ONE ACCORD as Jesus had instructed them to do.  One hundred and twenty disciples, including the Apostles, received the Holy Spirit baptism; and were fully submerged into their new Spiritual birth.  All became children of God, and all heard their new Father speak through them in multiple languages {tongues}.  Christ's Spiritual Church/Body, and Bride were born.

This second giving of the Holy Spirit to the Apostles not only gave them their new Spiritual birth, but also completed the two halves of their gift discussed in our last chapter.  This package, Christ's Spiritual heart and Jehovah's Spiritual voice, established them in God's promised power, and as the Elders over Christ's earthly Church.  It gave them the equipment necessary for the edifying revelation knowledge, teaching and judgement of Christ's new congregation on earth.

Acts 2:1-4 informs us that FIRST the divided tongues of FIRE appeared.   The Holy Spirit THEN filled each person; and they spoke in a foreign tongue as the Holy Spirit CAUSED them to speak.  Psalms 29:7 tells us that IT IS "THE VOICE OF THE LORD {our Father that} DIVIDES THE FLAMES OF FIRE!"

On the day of Pentecost, the voice of the LORD divided in flames of fire, and sat upon each disciple.  He then entered into each disciple and spoke through them.  Why do I say the LORD appeared as divided tongues, or flames of fire, and entered into each of them?  For two reasons:  

(1)  Throughout the Old Testament the LORD appeared as, and in, fire.   Nelson's Study Bible teaches us in their note on Acts 2:3, "After the great crowd-gathering sound of verse 2 came the visual manifestation of God.  Fire often indicated the presence of God.  God initially appeared to Moses in a burning bush that was not consumed (see Ex 3).  God guided the children of Israel with a pillar of fire by night (see Ex 13:21, 22), and He descended before them in fire on Mount Sinai (see Ex 19:18).  God sent fire to consume Elijah's offering on Mount Carmel (see 1 Kin 18:38, 39), and He used a vision of fire to warn Ezekiel of His coming judgment (see Ezek 1:26,27)."

(2)  Jesus told the disciples to wait in the upper room for the PROMISE OF THE FATHER [Lk 24:49]; and we are told by Peter that this manifestation of fire and the speaking of tongues is the Promise of the Father fulfilled. 

They received the Father's own Spirit, His Holy Spirit; and each of His children heard the voice of their Father from the depths of their new re-born inner spirit for the first time.  This internal dwelling signified that God Himself had moved from external habitation around/over His people, to internal habitation within each believer, and all believers together as one.  "Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone, in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord {Christ Jesus}, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God {Jehovah, the LORD our Father} in the Spirit. (Eph 2:19-22; NKJ)

Acts 1:14-15 informs us that there were one hundred and twenty disciples, men and women, present as the Holy Spirit descended upon them in tongues of FIRE.  The disciples who had come together as Jesus commanded, saw God's voice manifest as FIRE, and heard God speak through each disciple; just as, many years before, all of Israel heard God speak out loud from the FIRE at Mount Sinai, on the day that would later be called Pentecost.  All of Christ's disciples who waited as ONE, heard God speak through them; and an unnumbered people heard Him speak through the disciples in a language that the listener understood, and the speaker didn't. 

The Holy Spirit Outpouring...
Acts 2:5-13 continues telling us, "there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven.  And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language.   Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, "Look, are not all these who speak Galileans?  And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?  Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs -- we hear them speaking in our own tongues {languages} the WONDERFUL WORKS OF GOD {they PRAISED God}.'   So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, 'Whatever could this mean?'  Others mocking said, 'They are full of new wine.' 

Peter, standing up with the eleven Apostles {among the 120 disciples}, raised his voice and said to them:

Though from many different nations, these men were all Jews.  They had come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Pentecost Feast as commanded in God's Law.  For the Hebrews, the 'Promise of the Father's Holy Spirit' evoked a different mental imagery and spiritual expectation than it does in most Christians today.  They knew that Israel's prophets had spoken as Jehovah's Holy Spirit placed God's Word in their mouths and gave them utterance. Peter reminded them of Joel's original prophecy, which said:  "And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit ON ALL FLESH; YOUR SONS AND DAUGHTERS WILL PROPHESY, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.  And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days...  And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be SAVED. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, as the LORD has said, among the remnant whom the LORD calls" (Joel 2:28-32; NKJ).  We will discuss both Mount Zion and Jerusalem in relationship to this prophecy, in a later chapter.

Neither Joel's original prophecy in Joel 2:28-32, nor Peter's quote and explanation of that day's events in Acts 2:17-21, states that God's people will speak in tongues.  Rather, both say that the Holy Spirit will be poured out on all flesh; and God's chosen people, His children, will prophesy, see visions and dream dreams. Yet, Peter informs all onlookers, including today's reader, that the manifestation of God speaking to, and through, all His disciples was, and is, the pouring out of our Father's Holy Spirit on all flesh, as foretold by Joel.  In other words, God pouring out His Holy Spirit, and God speaking through His Spiritual children was, and is, synonymous.  

Peter tells you that when you receive the Holy Spirit you will speak as the Holy Spirit speaks through you, or as the Spirit gives you utterance; but, He does not say this will continually be limited to a foreign language that you, the speaker, does not understand.   Acts 19:4-6 confirms this, saying, "Then Paul said, 'John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.'  When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and PROPHESIED {speak or sing by inspiration in simple discourse or prediction}." (NKJ).

In quoting Joel, Peter references the intent in God's original words.   Again, in the Old Testament Hebrew, 'prophesy' is defined by Strong's Concordance as, "to prophesy, i.e. speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)"; as opposed to the Hebrew word 'prophecy', which is defined as, "a prediction (spoken or written)".   

We can read Joel 2 and Acts 2 in this manner:  "I will pour out of My Spirit on ALL flesh; your sons and your daughters will speak or sing by inspiration in simple discourse or prediction, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams.  And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in these days {NOW}; and they will speak or sing by inspiration in simple discourse or prediction."

Today, many Christians mistakenly limit prophesy/prophecy to the prediction of future events.  In reality, it is to speak or sing under the inspiration of God's own Spirit, God's Word for the teaching, nurturing and correction of God's people; and occasionally it delivers the details of a future event.  It is also, as we will learn, (1) to baptize our tongue so that we might praise our Father through His own Spiritual inspiration, as the Spirit gives us utterance, (2) stop satan, and (3) place Christ's congregation on the Spiritual Mount Zion where they belong through Christ's sacrifice.  In short, God's purpose is to BUILD His Kingdom on earth: within each individual believer, and Christ's total congregation as one unit, one Body. 

Peter's statement boldly tells the onlooker that all believers, and the believer's sons and daughters will not only prophesy, but also dream dreams, and see visions.  Visions and dreams are God's Word spoken by God, and then seen within the mind of the receiver.  For example, if I say to you car, water, dog, or child, you see different images within your mind.  In similar manner, God's Word spoken into your spirit, by God, produces the pictures you see within your mind. 

Those present on the day of Pentecost understood that Peter's reference to Joel's prophetic 'Word' was affirmation of God's promised voice.  They grasped that the promise of the Holy Spirit living within each believer, meant the manifestation of God's voice from within the convert; and God's Word placed in their heart and mouth.  Joel's prophecy is one of many that promises our Father's Spiritual downpour.   A few others are given below:

All Strong's Concordance definitions are in ( ); and my comments are in { }.     

(Isa 28:7-12)  But they {prophets and priests} also have erred through wine, and through intoxicating drink... For all tables are full of vomit and filth; no place is clean.  To whom will He teach KNOWLEDGE? And to whom will He make to understand the message {of His Word}?  Those just weaned from milk.  Those just drawn from the breasts... For WITH A FOREIGN TONGUE or LANGUAGE, and ANOTHER TONGUE (instrument of speech, A FORK OF FLAME) He will speak to this people (A CONGREGATED UNIT), to whom He said, 'This is the REST (MATRIMONY) with which you may cause the weary to rest (ie. settle down; give comfort),' and, 'This is the REST'; yet they would not HEAR intelligently {with understanding in their mind}."

By definition, Jehovah's tongue is a 'Fork of Flame', or tongues of fire.  Again, we read in Psalms 29:7 "The voice of the LORD divides the flames of fire."  Jehovah's voice, mouth and tongue are Holy.  We will find that our mouths and tongues, much like the Old Testament prophets mouth's and tongues, are baptized in the Fire of Jehovah's Spirit.

The Hebrew word translated 'REST' is also defined as MATRIMONY.  We begin to  understand how very important the 'REST' of God is to Christ's Bride, His Spiritual Church.  Through it we enter into matrimony with Christ Jesus.  When we deprive ourselves from hearing His voice, whether it be in multiple tongues or in our own native tongue, we fail to enter into God's Rest, or MATRIMONY with Christ Jesus.  All members in the Bride are filled with the Spirit of God: "And the Spirit and the Bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" ..." (Rev 22:17; NKJ).  The Bride says 'Come'; but she says it as the Spirit of God gives Her utterance. 

We are told something very special in the above scripture. It is by way of God's own voice speaking through us in multiple languages, or in our native tongue as the Spirit speaks through us, that we can CAUSE {not help or assist} another weary human to enter into God's REST and MATRIMONY.   When we allow Jehovah's own Spirit to speak through us, we are able to give God's comfort to another.  Because God is the Word, the very nature of God's love, strength and power is given by the Spirit as He speaks God through the Believer. This is confirmed in Isaiah 50:4, "The LORD God hath given me the tongue of the DISCIPLES (instructed:-...disciples), that I should KNOW HOW TO SPEAK THE WORD in season to him that is weary: He wakeneth morning by morning, HE WAKENS MY EAR TO HEAR AS THE DISCIPLES (instructed:-...disciples). 

Isaiah 28:7-12 also tells us, of course, that Jehovah had 'wakened' this writer's ear and CAUSED him to HEAR God every morning {early}!  Through my many years of walking with our Lord, I have gone through our Lord's rigorous discipline and continuous prompting so that I was taught to rise up early each morning and spend time listening to Him, as well as speaking with Him.  God has insisted that I allow Him to write through me first thing, daily.  This time is for both my own growth through God's words to me, and also for 'God's Daily Word' which is written for His Body members.  For me, this time is a MUST!  

As you read the Bible, begin to pay attention to how many of God's people rise early in prayer.  This includes both the Old and New Testaments; and also INCLUDES Jesus Himself!  Those who do not hear God should pray daily, "Lord waken my ears (and open my eyes) that I might learn, and KNOW you as you KNOW me."  Those who do hear God should pray daily, "Lord open the ears (and eyes) of my sisters and brothers in you, that we/they might learn, and KNOW you as you KNOW us/them."

(Ezek 39:29)  'And I will not hide My face from them anymore; for I will have poured out My Spirit on the house of Israel {His remnant in Christ},' says the LORD God'.

(Prov 1:23) You turn around AT MY REPROOF {Chastisement, Correction}: behold, I will gush forth (pour out) my Spirit unto you, I will make known My Word to you.

(Mark 16:17)  "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; THEY WILL SPEAK WITH NEW (FRESH) TONGUES (LANGUAGE, SPECIALLY {but not limited to} ONE NATURALLY UNAQUIRED)"(NKJ).

On the day of Pentecost, both believers and on-looking unbelievers knew that what had previously been limited to Jehovah's prophets was now being 'poured out onto all flesh' through God's Spirit. "Their sons and their daughters were prophesying {speaking as the Spirit gave them utterance; they spoke under the inspiration of the Spirit}, their old men would dream dreams, their young men would see visions.  And also on Jehovah's menservants and on His maidservants Jehovah was pouring out His Spirit". 

As you re-read Acts 2:22-41 in your Bible, notice that Peter is not concerned with convincing the crowd that the Holy Spirit can speak through human beings.  He is focused on proving that Jesus has been crucified, risen from the dead, and is the Christ their Lord.  No one in either group, the disciples or the unbelievers, argues with Peter over his statement that God is speaking through the disciples. In fact, Paul later explains in 1 Corinthians 14:22 the most likely reason God spoke in multiple languages on that day: "Multiple languages {tongues} are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying {speaking or singing in their native tongue so that the speaker and listeners can mentally understand what God is saying, as the Spirit gives utterance} is not for unbelievers but for those who believe" (NKJ).  During this time period, all Jews/Israelites accepted that God spoke through individuals; but for the disciple to speak a foreign language to the listener, beyond what the disciple understood in his native language, proved it was the Spirit who spoke through EVERY disciple's mouth.

Nelson's Study Bible teaches us in their note about Acts 2:16-21, "Peter began his sermon by quoting Joel 2:28-32...  In that passage, God had promised that there would be a time when all those who followed Him would receive His Spirit, and not just the prophets, kings and priests.  PETER POINTED OUT THAT THAT TIME HAD COME TO PASS.  GOD WOULD SPEAK TO AND THROUGH ALL THOSE WHO WOULD COME TO HIM, WHETHER IN VISIONS, DREAMS OR PROPHECY.  This was the beginning of the last days.  God's final act of salvation began with the outpouring of His Spirit.  This final act of deliverance will continue to the end of this age."

How is it that God speaking to, and through, you provides 'deliverance'?  Upon receiving the Holy Spirit, you are re-born back into the Kingdom of God within your heart and mind; your spirit man is reborn.  However, through the world you are continuously fed the lies and deceit of satan.  The Holy Spirit has been given to you so that you can hear the very nature of God Himself speak to you after your spiritual rebirth; and, this causes God's constant building and transformation of your spirit, heart, and mind into His.  God's voice, when listened to, provides a continual antidote, or counter attack, to the voice and nature of satan.  "Therefore "Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord... I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty" (2 Cor 6:17-18; NKJ). 

Some would say, "I can gain that as I read the Bible."   To a certain extent you can.  However, God's personal correction, direction and edification for you individually can only be received through the voice of God who sees YOUR heart.  Only He truly knows your Spiritual (and physical) needs.  Only He can personally lead you into all the truth on a continuous, daily basis.

On Pentecost, the surprise manifested by God was not the power and presence of God speaking through human beings, as it is for some today.  Again, this had been done previously through God's prophets, and His Son Jesus Christ.  A miracle was manifested as Jehovah gave His own Spirit to both live within, and speak through EVERY disciple gathered together in one accord, one place and one time.  Each individual believer who consumed God internally received God's personal (*)intercessor, His Holy Spirit, to lead and guide them into all the truth about themselves, God, and all things.  Each member in the Spiritual Body of Christ was filled with the fullness of Jehovah's Spirit; and spoke under the power of God's own voice as He placed His Word in their mouths.  [(*) Strong's #3875; Jn 14:16, 26; Jn 15:26; Jn 16:7].

Christ's Infant Physical Church verses His Infant Spiritual Church...
Many more than one hundred and twenty individuals believed that Jesus was the Son of God on the day of Pentecost.  This is witnessed by the numbers who followed Jesus while He walked in His earthly ministry.  All those who had received Jesus Christ as their Savior entered into His infant physical church.  However, only one hundred and twenty disciples waited in one accord, one place and one time, as commanded by Jesus through His Apostles; and entered into Christ's Spiritual Church and Spiritual Body membership.  These are those who were filled with God's Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues {multiple foreign languages; the language of men and angels}. 

Two Spiritual things happened on the day of Pentecost.  They are:

(1) All who received the Holy Spirit were given Spiritual birth, and spoke as the Holy Spirit gave them utterance (unlike the Apostles who received the Holy Spirit in John 20).  They all became witnesses to the truth of Christ, as the Spirit spoke through them. 

As Jehovah gave/gives His own Spirit (who is Holy), He gives us His voice of correction and guidance which leads us into the praises of God.  This causes the image of Christ Jesus to live within each us, and all of us together:  "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you MAY {be allowed to} PUBLISH, (ie celebrate; Strong's Concordance) the {Spiritual} praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Pet 2:9). 

By giving each individual convert His own Spirit, God guaranteed Himself that each believer had received the spiritual power for the transformation of their human soul {heart and mind} into God's own nature and Spirit.  This is why Christ came, was sacrificed, and rose from the dead. 

Why the voice of God?  Just as Jesus walked in FEAR of Jehovah, so we are also given the same opportunity for growth.  Again, Moses said to the first congregation who heard the voice of Jehovah (out loud), "Do not be afraid; for God has come to TEST you {will you receive His voice or not?}, so that His FEAR may be in your face, SO THAT YOU DO NOT SIN!" 

In Genesis, before the fall of mankind, it was the VOICE of God that Adam heard walking in the garden.  Throughout history Jehovah has wanted to take direct responsibility for the RAISING UP of all His children.  "For whom He FOREKNEW {you and me}, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that HE MIGHT BE THE FIRSTBORN AMONG MANY BROTHERS {children}.  Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified." (Rom 8:29-30; NKJ).  We are truly the brothers of Christ Jesus, and children of God.

(2)  Despite the fear these disciples must have felt so soon after Christ's crucifixion, these one hundred and twenty disciples waited in one accord, one place and one time in submission to Christ's command and will.  These had given complete control of their earthly lives to Christ, who is the Head of this new Spiritual Body.  Because they now received Jehovah's SPIRITUAL INDWELLING AS ONE BODY, they were Christ's FIRSTFRUITS on earth; a pleasing sacrifice of praise to Jehovah.

God speaks through us as we receive the Holy Spirit.  This is confirmed in the following verses:

(Acts 10:45-46)  And those of the circumcision {Jews} who believed {in Christ} were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles {all non-Jew/Israelite} also. For they heard them speak with tongues and MAGNIFY {PRAISE} GOD" (NKJ). 

Note:  Again, we read that the Holy Spirit praises God as He speaks through us!

(Acts 19:4-6)  Then Paul said, 'John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.'  When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and PROPHESIED" (NKJ).

Note:  THEY PROPHESIED, spoke or sang in their native tongue so that the speaker and listeners could mentally understand what God is saying, as the Spirit gave utterance}; and also spoke in tongues {multiple foreign languages; the language of men and angels}.  As we previously read, this verse confirms that as we receive the Holy Spirit, He speaks in both a foreign language and/or our native tongue.

Each member in Christ's Body is filled with the fullness of Jehovah's Spirit.  Each member in this Body receives their portion of Christ's Body.  This is the reality of communion as we break the bread of Christ's Body, and we each receive a piece.  Jesus, the Head of His Body, is SHARING His Body with each other member, you and me.

Upon God's will, He pours out His Spiritual power in order that we be witnesses for Christ:  Jesus said, "you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me {who I AM}... to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8; NKJ). 

God has said to me many times that His {miraculous} power is locked in 'His love' where it is safe from those who would abuse it.  He teaches us in His Word that we are to be in His nature of sincere 'self sacrificing' love, not just towards God but towards all.  In order to experience God's power and presence equal to, or in greater amount than, the original church, we must walk as fellow members in the same body, His Spiritual Body.  Those not walking in His Spirit of forgiveness and love will fail to receive His power and full presence.  Just as my thumb will never know the full power that my whole body of members experiences, neither will any one person walking separate from Christ's Body know the fullness of God's power. To walk out of love with the other members in Christ's Body {or any other Being}, is to walk separated from the one, and only, true Body of Christ.

We Will Not Be SHAKEN...
To further prove that His original intent was to give us knowledge of Himself through His voice, the Holy Spirit, speaking through Peter, said the following in Acts 2:25-28, "For David says concerning Him {Christ Jesus}: 'I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for He is at my right hand, THAT I MAY NOT BE SHAKEN. Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; moreover my flesh also will rest in hope.  For You will not leave my soul {mind and heart} in Hades, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.  You have made known to me the ways of life; you will make me full of joy in Your presence {face}.' (NKJ)

God is teaching us that if we will {Spiritually} see {with our Spiritual eyes} Jesus/Jehovah before our face {neither look right nor left, but keep our eyes on Him}, He remains at our right hand {the hand of power}; and because of this, we will NOT BE "shaken".  

Why does David say "we will not be SHAKEN"?  In our chapter 'Old Testament Prophets', Paul warned us while speaking from Hebrews 12:25-29, See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth {to all of Israel at Mt. Sinai}, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, whose VOICE THEN SHOOK the earth; but now He has promised, saying, 'Yet once more {obviously, with His voice} I SHAKE not only the earth, but also heaven.'  Now this, 'Yet once more,' indicates the removal of those things that are being SHAKEN, that is things that are made, that the things which cannot be SHAKEN may remain.  Therefore, since we are receiving a Kingdom that can not be SHAKEN, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with REVERENCE and Godly FEAR.  FOR OUR GOD IS A CONSUMING FIRE {BAPTISM}.

The above scripture, is loaded with the Wisdom of God.   It is almost more than our minds can take in. Thank God for Christ's mind in us. We do not want to be 'shaken' and REMOVED; we want to STAND and REMAIN in God, who is the Word.  Israel did not escape the anger and SHAKING of Jehovah, when they refused His voice as He spoke on earth (Mt Sinai).  The first SHAKING was limited to the earth; and now Jehovah has promised 'Yet once more I SHAKE not only the earth, but also heaven.'   'Yet once more,' indicates the removal of those things that are being SHAKEN {NOW!}, THAT IS THINGS THAT ARE MADE, SO THAT ONLY the things which CANNOT BE SHAKEN {the Word, Himself in us} may remain."  

Paul then tells us that "we are {NOW} receiving a Kingdom that can not be SHAKEN".  Luke 17:21 teaches us that "the KINGDOM of God is within YOU" {NOW}.  As we receive the Holy Spirit's voice within, we receive the Kingdom of God internally.  Through the Fire Baptism, we receive a Kingdom that can not be 'SHAKEN'; and we receive it NOW!  Praise God! 

You may, or may not, hear God as clearly as I and so many other Christians do.  However, you can hear Him within your heart always.  Learn to RECOGNIZE His voice, will and way over your own.  The easiest and most secure way of doing this is to spend time with the written Word, daily.  Even those of us who hear His voice clearly need to continually seek verification within the Bible.  The spoken Word of God never disagrees with that which He has already written!  This is why Jesus repeatedly fought satan in the wilderness of tests and trails saying, "It is written" [Matt 4:4-10].  He is His spoken and written Word.  He is the Word.  Revelations 19:13 teaches us the following about Christ Jesus in His RESURRECTED LIFE:  "He {Jesus} was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and HIS NAME IS CALLED THE WORD OF GOD" (NKJ).

As if this isn't more than enough to convince us that we must receive His voice and not reject Him, He teaches us that BECAUSE we have received the Kingdom that can not be SHAKEN, we have grace so that we MAY serve God in the ONLY way acceptable to Him: in reverence and FEAR.  "FOR OUR GOD IS A CONSUMING FIRE {BAPTISM}".  Just as we were told that (the Spirit of) the FEAR of the LORD rests in Jesus, and Jesus' delight is in the FEAR of the LORD, Jehovah's voice causes us to be in 'awe', 'reverence', and 'FEAR' of Him SO THAT WE DO NOT SIN! 

My own personal Fire Baptism (of tests and trials) has taught me that it is my God inspired awe, reverence, and fear of God THAT HAS CAUSED His reality in me, beyond the world's reality and logic.  For me, His command is greater than the world's demand.

Did you notice as you read Acts 2:25-28, that it is "because we can not be 'shaken' INTERNALLY, that our heart rejoices and our tongue is GLAD?"  Strong's Concordance defines the word translated 'GLAD' as:

"to jump for joy...: KJV-- be (exceeding) glad, ... rejoice (greatly)". This word comes from the Greek word defined as:

"to jump; ...to gush: KJV-- leap, spring up". 

To not be 'shaken internally' is to STAND in faith and belief in what God has said/written about Himself.  Because we can not be shaken internally, our heart rejoices and our tongue jumps for joy, and springs up greatly rejoicing.  To 'greatly rejoice' is to praise.  It is because "we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be SHAKEN" that we have grace, "may serve God acceptably with REVERENCE and Godly FEAR", that our heart rejoices, and our tongue jumps FOR JOY {praises in order to obtain JOY}, greatly rejoicing and praising God.  

We are told in Hebrews 12:2, that Jesus "for the JOY that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame..." (NKJ).  Of Jesus, who endured Hell for our sake, Acts 2 goes on to say, "moreover my flesh also will rest in hope. For You {Jehovah} will not leave my soul {mind} in Hell, nor will You allow Your Holy One {Christ Jesus} to see corruption.  You have made known to me the ways of {your Spiritual} life; YOU WILL MAKE ME FULL OF JOY IN YOUR PRESENCE {YOUR FACE}.'  

Just like Jesus, our heart rejoices, our TONGUE is glad {baptized in Jehovah's fire}, and the praises of our Lord and Father spring up inside of us BECAUSE WE ARE NOT SHAKEN INTERNALLY (no matter what happens externally), and we walk in Godly Fear.  We gush forth praises of Him, as the voice of the Holy Spirit 'utters' using our tongue and mouth.  Through this praise, we are placed in the presence of our Father, and HE MAKES US FULL OF HIS OWN JOY.  This is why the Bible teaches us in John 4:23-24, "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.  God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in Spirit and truth" (John 4:23-24); and "We are the circumcision {in heart}, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh" (Phil 3:3).

Notice, John 4:23-24 says, "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him MUST worship in Spirit and TRUTH" (NKJ).  At the beginning of the chapter we read Jeremiah 7:23-28.  This scripture told us that the TRUTH perishes and is cut off from our mouths when we do not incline our ears, listen to the voice of God, and receive correction; but instead, follow the counsels and dictates of our own evil hearts, and therefore go backward {backslide} and not forward.  

Peter taught that after receiving the Holy Spirit, we should expect to hear God speak through us.  Speaking in tongues {multiple foreign languages; the language of men and angels}, as we have seen, is only one form of prophesying, speaking or singing by inspiration simple discourse or prediction {speaking or singing in their native tongue so that the speaker and listeners can mentally understand what God is saying}, as the Spirit gives utterance.  On the day of Pentecost, God manifested in this way to prove to the unbelievers that it was He, Jehovah, speaking through the disciples; and not the disciples praising God under their own initiative and power.  As Moses said, "Oh, that all the LORD'S people were prophets and that the LORD would put His Spirit upon/in them" (Num 11:29).  Jehovah has answered Moses' prayer! 

The PROMISE:
Who was, and is, the Father's Promise to?  In Acts 2:38-39, Peter answers this as he instructs the non-believing onlookers to, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  For the PROMISE is to you and to your children, and TO ALL AFAR OFF, AS MANY AS THE LORD OUR GOD WILL CALL."  Our Father's Promise is to you and me - to all those within Christ.  If you have come to Him, He has called you; and you have already heard His voice at least once.  You have responded to Him in love and obedience.  

Again, our Father, Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit share the one Spirit.  This Spirit is the Holy Spirit belonging to Jehovah.  As promised, our Father gives HIS OWN SPIRIT to every believer who submits to the call of God.  We have all been promised that the LORD will pour out His own Spirit in us; and therefore, we will prophesy {speak or sing in our native tongue so that the speaker and listeners can mentally understand what God is saying, as the Spirit gives utterance}, see visions, and dream dreams.   Jehovah promised us, "in the last days... I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they {all within Christ Jesus} will prophesy, speak or sing by inspiration in simple discourse or prediction".

The Bride/Church Of Christ Is Built...
Within the last ten to fifteen years, many denominations have accepted Christ's prophetic ministry.  Having a prophet speak in the Sunday service has become 'politically correct', so to speak.  Because of this, many believers are now taught that it is alright to accept what Christ's Word has always taught and insisted on - the presence of His prophets within His one Church.  From the beginning, prophets were given to God's people for their edification.  Unfortunately, religion has always battled against God's TRUTH.

In fact, Christ's Church was/is BUILT on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets:

(Eph 2:19-22) Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone {Himself an Apostle and Prophet; Heb 3:1, Lk 24:19}, in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God {our Father} IN THE SPIRIT. (NKJ)

Please notice that Ephesians 2:19-22 tells us that we, who are, "being joined together, grow into a holy temple IN the Lord {Jesus}, in whom we also are being built together for a dwelling place of God {our Father} IN THE SPIRIT".  As we come together as one in Christ Jesus, in His name and Body, we are also being built into the one SPIRITUAL temple and home of our Father.  Jesus both pleases His Father, and provides for Him a NEW, ACCEPTABLE  ETERNAL home as He perfects and completes HIS OWN BODY {members} in SPIRIT.  It is the SPIRITUAL CHURCH that is Christ's Body AND BRIDE! 

The SPIRITUAL CHURCH does not necessarily include all those within the physical church's denominations or religions.   Do not confuse the physical church with the ONE SPIRITUAL TEMPLE OF GOD!  There is but one SPIRITUAL CHURCH belonging to Christ; and it includes all those who have faith in the ONE gospel who is Christ.  This SPIRITUAL CHURCH IS THE FUTURE HOME OF OUR FATHER; and is being built, prepared and completed NOW!  God is our only TEMPLE of congregation, in the future: "But I saw no temple in it {New Jerusalem, Christ's Bride}, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple" (Rev 21:22; NKJ). 

Ephesians 4:11-16 speaks to us regarding Christ's FIVE FOLD MINISTRY, saying:  And HE HIMSELF gave some to be APOSTLES, some PROPHETS, some EVANGELISTS, and some PASTORS, and TEACHERS, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith {who and what do we have faith/belief in?}and of the KNOWLEDGE OF THE SON of God, TO A PERFECT MAN, to the measure of the STATURE OF THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head-- Christ-- from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint {member with member} supplies, according to the effective working by which every part {member} DOES IT'S SHARE, causes growth of the body for the building of itself IN LOVE" (NKJ).

By adding all five of these jobs to HIS CHURCH, CHRIST ASSURED HIMSELF OF BALANCE (in love), AND PROTECTION for HIS BRIDE.  Denying the necessity of any one, or more, of these jobs/offices is to expose and submit CHRIST'S BRIDE to the trickery of men, and the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting.

Christ Himself gives the apostles, prophets etc. to HIMSELF, HIS CHURCH!   This is so that the saints are equipped {taught} properly for the work of HIS MINISTRY and the EDIFYING/BUILDING UP OF HIS BODY!  When a pastor, teacher, evangelist (whoever) denies CHRIST'S WILL for CHRIST'S CHURCH, by denying the rest of Christ's 'five fold ministry', they no longer are edifying our Lord's Body.  They are leading us into manmade RELIGION in which man's opinion and 'SELF' interests, based on fear and/or greed, have been allowed to supercede the Will of OUR Savior.  They are not leading us into the unity of HIS ONE FAITH, and increased KNOWLEDGE {KNOWING} of Him.  Remember, God said in Hosea 4:6, " My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge."

What hope does His Body have for the "PERFECT MEN", the STATURE OF THE "FULLNESS OF CHRIST under these circumstances"?  Those who would do these things have put their SELF before the "equipping of the saints".   These are the wolves in sheep's clothing, robbing Christ Himself of His inheritance which is who we are.

By speaking HIS TRUTH in HIS LOVE, CHRIST'S CHURCH, BRIDE, is to grow up into Him who is the Head.  From the Head, the rest of HIS BODY is joined and knit together with EVERY OTHER MEMBER.  EVERY MEMBER SUPPLIES, and EVERY MEMBER SHARES SOMETHING with Christ's other Body members, including the Head Himself.  This ALONE CAUSES {not helps or assists} HIS GROWTH in HIS BODY FOR THE BUILDING OF HIMSELF  {His Church} IN LOVE!

Actually, the 'five fold ministry' {apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher}, never called such in the Bible, limits Christ's intent.  In 1 Corinthians 12:28-31 we are given a much more extensive list of church jobs, or ministries: "God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, then healers, helpers, administrators, speakers in various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?  Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?  But earnestly desire the spiritual endowment(s). And I will show you a still more excellent way - {LOVE}". 

Notice, that all the five fold positions give God's Word to the congregation in a language that all present can understand; while the other ministries, "workers of miracles, then healers, helpers, administrators, speakers in various kinds of tongues" do not.  This is why occasionally scripture mentions these five separately.  These five jobs are given so that Christ's earthly church will not be tossed to and fro and carried away by all sorts of doctrines not of Christ's one truth, or gospel {now written in the Bible}".    

All gifts, including the apostle, prophet etc. are for OUR edification: "for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the KNOWLEDGE OF THE SON of God, TO A PERFECT MAN, to the measure of the STATURE OF THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST; that we should no longer be children,... carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but,... may grow up in all things into Him who is the head-- Christ-- from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what EVERY JOINT {MEMBER} supplies, according to the effective working by which EVERY PART {MEMBER} DOES IT'S SHARE, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself IN LOVE" (NKJ).  

'Every member DOES IT'S SHARE'!  Christ's Body is not limited to the FIVE FOLD {position} ministry.  Christ is all in all; and again, EVERY MEMBER DOES IT'S SHARE.  In fact, this is why we are taught in I John 2:27, "the anointing which you took from Him {Christ the anointed} lives in you, and you do not need that anyone {any man/woman to} teach you; but as the same anointing {Christ} teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie; and just as you are taught, you will live in Him". 

Of course, you must hear Him from within in order to be taught by Him personally.  Often, as we read the Bible, we are shown spiritual insight that was not there when we previously read the same scripture.  This is the voice of God's Holy Spirit within your heart, teaching you Himself.  As on the day of Pentecost, we should also hear God speak through our mouth, as we receive the Holy Spirit; and continue to mature as Christians.

The Role Of The Holy Spirit and The Prophet In Christ's Church:
American Heritage English Dictionary defines 'prophet' as: "a person who speaks by divine inspiration or as the interpreter through whom a divinity expresses His will; a predictor or soothsayer".  All Word from God is inspired, in both the written and spoken form; but not all foretells future events. False prophets, psychics etc. allow spirits other than the Holy Spirit {the Spirit who is Holy} to speak through them. This is often referred to as "CHANNELING". I think it goes without saying, that we Christians are completely against such practices.  We belong to ONE SPIRIT only - The Spirit who is Holy!

Just as God's other children are to now prophesy, speak or sing by inspiration in simple discourse or prediction, a prophet also "speaks by divine inspiration" as the Spirit gives them utterance.  However, a prophet speaks to the Body of Christ for it's edification.  In most all cases, the prophet acts as the middle man between God and His children, sharing 'common' knowledge for all!

The job descriptions for the Old Testament prophets and the Holy Spirit are very similar.  In the Old Testament, the prophets foreshadowed the forthcoming reality of God, which is the voice of the Holy Spirit, within every believer.  Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary told us in 'The Old Testament Prophets', "The main role of the prophet was to bear God's Word FOR THE PURPOSE OF TEACHING, REPROVING, CORRECTING and TRAINING IN RIGHTEOUSNESS <2 Tim. 3:16>."  This is because it was the Holy Spirit who spoke through the prophets to God's children.

In the New Testament we find that the Holy Spirit TEACHES, REPROVES, CORRECTS and TRAINS EACH OF US IN GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS, Himself.  God's voice is His personal gift to each member in His Son's Spiritual Body and Bride.  This fact was witnessed on the day of Pentecost. 

In the Old Testament the Holy Spirit placed Jehovah's Word in the prophet's mouth, and then gave the prophets utterance so that the Word of God was delivered to the God's people.  It is the same today.  This will continue to be so UNTIL "we all come to the unity of the faith and of the KNOWLEDGE OF THE SON of God, TO A PERFECT MAN, to the measure of the STATURE OF THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST"; and we need only the anointing {His voice in us} to teach us all things."

John 1:18 tells us that "No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has DECLARED {considered (spoken, rehearsed) aloud} Him" (NKJ). 

Jesus promised us all, as He spoke to His disciples, "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. But when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but WHATEVER HE HEARS HE WILL SPEAK; and HE WILL TELL YOU things to come.  He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and DECLARE {announce} it to you.  All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He {the Holy Spirit} will take of Mine and DECLARE {announce} it to you" (John 16:12-15; NKJ). 

Today the Holy Spirit lives within each Spirit filled child; and His VOICE is not limited to the prophet.  It is the Holy Spirit who speaks through us and DECLARES the things of God!  He is our TESTIMONY!

On, and after, the day of Pentecost God's Holy Spirit spoke/speaks directly to the heart of God's Spirit filled child, just as He did the prophets of old; and each child can speak or sing by inspiration in simple discourse or prediction AS THE SPIRIT GIVES THEM UTTERANCE, whether it be in tongues {multiple foreign languages; the language of men and angels} or their native tongue so that the speaker and listeners can mentally understand what God is saying.  In both cases, it is God speaking through His own heart within God's Holy Spirit, living within each child; and it is God's Spirit that gives His child utterance! 

You Are A Son Of God...
We are all Sons of God in Christ Jesus: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man {nor color nor specific race}, there is neither MALE nor FEMALE; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Gal 3:28; NAS) ; and "those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God" (Rom 4:28; NIV).  You are a Son of God; our God wants a speaking relationship with His Sons!  We are all one NEW nationality, race, and KINDRED in Christ!

Let me repeat our Lord's question to you again:  'Why did you receive the Holy Spirit from God?  What was God's purpose in giving you His own Spirit who is Holy?  I can not express in words, the awe, joy and excitement I knew the first time I heard God's voice. 

In our next chapter we will discuss the Baptism of our tongue through God's Holy Spirit; and OUR OWN DAY OF PENTECOST.  The LORD manifests as fire; and we will find upon close observation, that we receive the FIRE BAPTISM into God's Sprit as our LORD applies His own tongue, mouth, and Word of fire to our tongue, mouth and heart. 

Our Father literally gives you His HOLY KISS, baptizes your tongue,
and circumcises your heart through the voice of His Holy Spirit!

The next chapter can be read at:  Fire Baptism

If you would like to print this and share it with your brothers and sisters in Christ, or the world, please feel free to do so. However, I ask that you always leave my name on the messages God writes through me; and never sell them. Thank you so much for your love.

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