The Gift of Tongues, Why The Controversy?

 ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭14:2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

"For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit."

I remember years ago participating in a Bible study and someone asked the question, "Why is the gift of tongues controversial?" There was quite a bit of discussion that followed until one gentleman simply made this statement:

"The reason the gift of tongues is controversial is because we don't really know what it is."

Now some will assert that the gift of tongues is a prayer language. The evidence for that is the above mentioned verse. However, while it can certainly be inferred from that verse, it doesn't actually say that it is a prayer language. Others assert from chapter 13:1 that it is an angelic language. The problem there is that every single time we see an angel speaking in scripture the angel is speaking in a language that the hearer understands. Either way we really don't know. Also when we hear someone speaking in an unknown tongue we don't know whether it is a genuine manifestation of the spirit or if they are simply babbling unintelligibly.

It isn't hard to fake tongues and we also have to remember that Satan has his counterfeits. One of the most foolish things I ever heard from a pulpit was a preacher saying that nothing makes the devil shake in his boots more than when a church is praying in tongues. That doesn't scare the devil at all. An entire church praying in a language even they don't understand isn't a threat. It's probably to his benefit because he can insert his counterfeits.

So what do we know?

Tongues are NOT for every believer!

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭14:5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

"I would like every one of you to speak in tongues,"

This is the proof text that is used to assert that the gift of a prayer language is intended for all believers. The problem is that those who assert that this verse proves that all believers should speak in tongues stop reading right here. However, if you continue reading it is very clear that this isn't what Paul is saying in this passage. Here is verse 5 in it's entirety:

"I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified."

Anytime you see the word 'but' or 'however' in a sentence or paragraph it is what comes after that word that is important. In this case Paul is expressing making a choice between the gift of tongues and the gift of prophesy. Notice he didn't say, "I would like you all to speak in tongues AND I would like you to prophesy." It is an either/or statement. Given the choice, Paul would prefer you NOT have the gift of tongues if it meant having the gift of prophecy. Tongues can only benefit the person speaking unless there is interpretation. Prophesy can build up the entire church. This is further demonstrated in verses 18 and 19 of the same chapter:

"I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue."

There's that word 'BUT' again. It is more important to have gifts that edify the entire church than a gift that only edifies the individual. As one pastor said;  "Many of you want to babble nonsense in front of everyone but won't say 'Jesus is Lord' in English."

Here's the bottom line:

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭12:7‭-‬11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

"Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines."

God distributes the gifts the way he sees fit. Not everyone gets the same gifts.

Not everyone gets the gift of tongues...and that's OK.

Tongues are never to be used publicly unless there is an interpreter.

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭14:28‬ ‭NIV‬‬

"If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God."

This really needs no additional commentary. Paul's words are not ambiguous. If there is no interpretation then remain silent. 

This is a command that is often violated in many of the more charismatic churches today. And because of that, often these churches look just like what Paul described in verse 23 of the same chapter:

"So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and inquirers or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind?"

I would probably agree with them. I firmly believe that a major reason there is such opposition to tongues and gifts in general, is because people violate this very command. Years ago Dr. John MacArthur wrote a book called Charismatic Chaos. If the church had obeyed Paul's command to abstain from tongues in public if there was no interpreter, Dr. MacArthur might have written a book entitled Charismatic Order.

If a person speaks in tongues publicly without an interpreter they are violating the command in scripture. Violating the scriptural command is SIN. No ifs, ands, or buts.

Why are tongues so common but the other gifts so rare?

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭12:8‭-‬11‬, 28 ‭NIV‬‬

[8] "To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, [9] to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, [10] to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. [11] All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

[28] And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues." 

When you look at all of the gifts listed here it is obvious that most of the other gifts are extremely rare. There are very few who have the gift of healing or working miracles. The gift of prophecy seems to be more common but in reality, most of what is being portrayed as prophetic is not prophetic at all. The same is true of messages of knowledge and discernment. It is very odd that there is an apparent abundance of tongues but the gift of interpretation is almost non-existant.

Verse 28 lists the giftings in order either of importance, prominence, or both. Tongues is at the very bottom of the list. Chapter 14 makes it clear that other gifts are more important than tongues.

In ‭‭verse 12‬;

"So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.

In the modern church it seems it is exactly the opposite. It should cause us to question the legitimacy of the gift especially because the most common gift is the one gift we cannot be certain what it is.

What we know about tongues.

1. We DON'T know for certain what the gift of tongues actually is.

2. Not every believer will have this gift

3. It is to be kept private unless there is clear interpretation

4. It is not as desirable as other gifts. 

The most important thing is not to be manifesting the gifts of the spirit but to be growing in the fruits of the spirit. Jesus said in John‬ ‭15:8‬:

"This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."

In the sermon on the mount Jesus showed that it is possible for people to be operating in the giftings of the Holy Spirit but not actually be reborn of the Holy Spirit. 

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:21‭-‬23‬ ‭NIV‬‬

[21]  “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. [22] Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ [23] Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ "

Jesus didn't say a few. He said many.

What a tragedy that many who have excelled in the gifts will actually be sent to face judgment at the end of the age because they never were reborn. 

Gifts are important but they are given by God as he determines and they pretty much take care of themselves. We need to be about growing into Christlikeness and not be focused on the lesser things.

 ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭13:5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

"Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?"

Examining ourselves is something we should be doing on a daily basis. I firmly believe that a person cannot lose their salvation. But it is very possible that people might believe they are saved when they really aren't. Having spiritual gifts is not an indication that we are saved. Growing in Christlikeness is.

So whatever gift you have, use it according to directions given in scripture. But let's keep the main thing, the main thing.

Stop wasting Time With People

 Matthew‬ ‭7:6‬ NIV

“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces."

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭10:14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

"If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet."

I need to clarify at the onset that I am not saying, 'don't spend time with people.'  I am specifically saying not to WASTE time with people. 

I begin with a story.

There was a youth pastor at a church I attended many years ago who was very popular with the kids. He was very high energy, enthusiastic about his passion for the Lord, and the kids really related to him very well. Some time down the road he was replaced by another pastor and there wasn't much expalnation as to where he had gone.

I learned later the account of what happened to that young pastor after he shared his story with a friend. He said he knew full well that many of the teenagers who showed up on Wednesday night were just there because their friends were there, not because they had any real interest in the things of the Lord. While he was glad they were there he didn't waste his time with them. He devoted his time to the young people who needed to talk to him and receive counsel.

The leadership didn't like his approach and told him he needed to reach those kids sitting in the back playing on their cellphones because they were the ones that really neede to be saved. He explained his position and even went as far as saying that it wasn't his job to get them saved, but to disciple those who were actually being saved. 

They ended up firing him.

The Great Commission

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28:19‭-‬20‬;

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Jesus commanded us to preach the gospel, baptize and disciple people. But often in our zeal we think it is our job to do something he did not tell us to do.

It is NOT our job to get people saved!

That is the job that can only be accomplished by God alone through the rebirth.

Often we make the mistake of thinking it is our job to get people saved and if we are unsuccessful that it is somehow our fault. The fact is that unless God is saving someone they are going to reject the gospel. Romans 8:7 explains:

The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 

That is the state of every single man, woman , and child until God regenerates them by his Holy Spirit and changes their nature. It doesn't matter how well you present the gospel or how often you present it; If God isn't saving that person you are speaking to a dead person. And that is exactly how Paul explains it in Ephesians 2:1 and 5.

[1] As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 

[5] made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 

The word for dead is the Greek word necros and it means 'dead.' Before we were saved we were literally spiritually dead. Dead people cannot hear. Spiritually dead people cannot respond to the gospel call. As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 1:18:

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 

Conversion is a miracle as great as physically raising a dead person to life. It can only be accomplished by God himself.

So Why do we preach and disciple?

Simply because God chose to do it that way. But we must remember 2 things:

1. We cannot get people saved

2. You cannot disciple a goat into a sheep.

So don't waste time with people.

The Young Man

The young man looks beyond the field

For a world unknown to be revealed

Full of hope, fortune and richest dreams

Of a bright full future the dawn’s light brings.

But he died many years ago.

The world, a page upon which to write

His life before before him, a future bright

Ambition unbridled as a beast set free

With a youthful heart, the world to see. 

But he died many years ago

And lo, there came a maiden fair

When Springtime blooms were in the air

Through summer’s heat and stormy rains

‘Fore Autumn’s first breath the beast was tamed.

But he died many years ago

Tales begin with a newborn’s cry

The youth grows tall as the years roll by

The seasons come and go again

Now heed the words that Wallace said,

“All men die but few men live.”

Not what we gain but in what we give

Truest treasure in this world we find

Not what's acquired, but's left behind

For in the book we are but one line

A fleeting moment in the space of time

We’ll pass the torch before too long

Then will it matter once we're gone?

But in a flash, the young man’s old

Forgotten now, with much untold

Years have passed since he was born

His life and times, now go unmourned.

Why, his life and times unmourned?

Because he died many years ago.

Does God Really Hate Divorce?

Does God Hate Divorce?

Yes, he does. But many misunderstand the verse in Malachi 2:16, which in some cases is translated, “God hates divorce,” or “God hates putting away.” Often the verse is taken out of context so it is important to look at the entire section to see what is really meant.

‭‭Malachi‬ ‭2:14‭-‬16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

You ask, “Why?” It is because the Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant. Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth. “The man who hates and divorces his wife,” says the Lord, the God of Israel, “does violence to the one he should protect,” says the Lord Almighty. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful.

It is not the actual filing for divorce that God hates. It is what led up to the filing – breaking faith with your spouse. 

Many have the idea that being unfaithful simply means adultery. But the above verse demonstrates that it goes beyond that. Hating the one you should love is being unfaithful. The man or woman who abuses the other is being unfaithful and doing violence to the one he should protect. Simply put, marriage vows go beyond simply abstaining from sexual immorality. To violate those vows is to be unfaithful.

Seven years ago, I went through my divorce. It was the most excruciating time for me, as well as the time of my life when I felt the most ashamed. I was not innocent by any means but the situation had become completely unlivable. 

At some point in the proceedings my attorney said, “Men don’t leave their wives and children unless they have fallen in love with someone else.” I was taken aback because I had not fallen in love with anyone and wanted nothing to do with a relationship at that point. The last few years of my marriage were hell on earth and I was not interested in repeating the experience. I told the attorney that being with someone else was the last thing on my mind. 

“Believe me,” He chuckled. “I’ve been in this business a long time. I can tell almost immediately whether a man or woman I am representing is seeing someone. And no, you are not seeing anyone.” I said, “I don’t follow.” He continued, “When a man or woman falls in love with someone else and leaves their partner it’s because the relationship has become boring and they think they have finally found their soulmate. However, when a man or woman leaves their spouse and DON’T run into the arms of another, they aren’t leaving. They are ESCAPING. They know the grass won’t be greener but the present situation has become unlivable and they simply cannot go on like this.”

I heard about one woman saying to her husband as she left, “ I don’t need you in order to have a miserable life. I can do that by myself.” That woman’s words were a wake up call to the man and he truly repented and today they have a beautiful ministry together.

A Word to Pastors and Counselors

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭7:10‭-‬11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.”

Often we read just the first part of that passage and stop. Any time you see the word ‘but’ or ‘however’ in a sentence or paragraph, it is what comes after that word that’s important. God does allow for a person to leave as long as they are willing to live single. They have not violated anything at that point.

Pastors need to understand that the only authority they have is what the scripture gives them. If a man or woman leaves their spouse the only condition placed on them is that they remain single. Pastors do NOT have the authority to enforce any conditions beyond that.

If you have someone come into your office and tell you they are leaving their spouse the first thing you need to ask is if they have found someone new. If they have, they are automatically in the wrong. That is adultery.  But if they haven’t, then they are most likely escaping a situation that has become unlivable. Pastors, you need to get out the magnifying glass and carefully scrutinize the person they are leaving and try to determine what made that individual rather be alone than live with that person. Instinctively, we know that divorce is not the easy way out. So, unless they are being carried off by illusions of romance and excitement they are probably in a horrible, abusive situation.

THEY ARE ALLOWED TO LEAVE!

Pastors have no authority to tell anyone that they must remain in a situation they find unlivable.

Emotional Abuse

This is an area that the church needs to educate themselves on. It is more complicated than physical abuse because it’s not as obvious. Mental and emotional abuse is often difficult to identify but the Bible does give us some principles to guide us.

Men are commanded to love their wives as Christ loves the church (Ephesians 5:25) and honor them as the weaker vessel (1 Peter 3:7). And wives are to love and respect their husbands. Now, for a marriage to work will require both a husband and a wife to practice repenting, forgiving and extending a LOT of grace because WE ARE ALL going to fall very short of that standard. But, if a man or woman relates to their spouse in ways that are not characteristic of love and respect then at the very least, it is heading in the direction of emotional abuse.

One thing people, and pastors especially, need to be aware of is that emotional abusers are manipulators. Not only are they manipulating the one they are abusing but they are also trying to manipulate those around them. Pastors, if you are potentially in a position to be counseling this couple be aware that you are the number two target of the abuser. You need to be very wary of their gaslighting tactics. A lot of people, pastors especially, are fooled by these people.

This is especially true if the abuser ever loses control over the one they are abusing. At that point they will do everything they can to control what other people think of that person, especially their children if they have any. 

Concluding remarks

A few points to remember:

• If you haven’t heard both sides you don’t know the story. Don’t let either spouse try to get you to take sides. 

• If a spouse leaves but not for someone new, they are most likely escaping a situation that is unlivable.

• If a person left simply to get away, be aware that the other spouse is going to try to get you to believe the other person is the bad guy.

• Pastors, don’t attempt to go beyond the authority the scripture specifically gives you. You don’t have the authority to tell people what to do if it is not specifically stated in the Bible.

Beyond that, try to be there for the people but don’t become too emotionally involved in the situation. They need us to keep a level head.

We have to understand, at the end of the day, we are all accountable to God and that includes the couple who are separating. It is ultimately God who will judge them. We can try to help in whatever way we can by being supportive and counseling and encouraging them to reconcile but ultimately they will answer to God and God will judge. When it is clear that one or both of the spouses has acted in ways that are contrary to the biblical mandates for conduct in a marriage and refuse to be corrected, then we should stop wasting our time with them. 

Sometimes reconciliation is not possible.

One obvious question is whether the people will ever be allowed to remarry. The answer is that there are situations where people are allowed to remarry but that’s a subject for another blog. Ultimately that is between them and God as well.

When Jesus was asked about divorce he said that it was never intended that men and women would be separated except by death. But it was allowed because of the hardness of the people’s hearts. That is essentially what Paul was saying in 1 Corinthians 7:10; people should not be separating. But because of the hardness of people’s hearts it may be necessary. A Godly husband or wife is not going to be manipulating and abusing their spouse. So if you are being abused and manipulated you are not required to remain in that situation. And if you are the other spouse, you need to do what the man whose wife left saying that she could be miserable by herself did: 

Examine yourself and repent!

God's Covenant people. What About Israel?

‭‭Romans‬ ‭11:17‭-‬21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

[17] "If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, [18] do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. [19] You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” [20] Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble. [21] For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either."

We have seen and been horrified by the events that have been happening in the nation of Israel recently. As can be expected the prophetic prognosticators have come out of the woodwork in full force as well.

But how are we to understand what the scripture says about Israel as it relates to the modern world and to the gospel? There are two predominant views that carry some truth to them but also a lot of error. They are 'replacement theology' and 'dispensational theology.' Both of these ideas are much too in depth and complicated to go into here but we'll just do a very basic overview here as it relates to the ethnic nation of Israel.

Replacement Theology

This is the idea that the church has replaced Israel and that all of the unfulfilled covenant promises are to be fulfilled in the church. This idea goes back to the mid-2nd century promoted largely by Marcion. It asserts that God is finished with Israel because they broke the covenant and he has instituted a new covenant with a new people group -- the church. 

Dispensational Theology

This is a much more recent idea promoted by James Darby in the earlier part of the nineteenth century. Dispenasationalism was not part of teaching for nearly all of the church age. This belief system goes into many areas such as the covenants, prophecy, and eschatology. These are also too complicated to go into here. What we need to know for the purpose of this talk is that dispensationalism makes a distinction between Israel and the Church. It largely interprets the book of Revelation as the Church having been raptured before the tribulation and these events mostly affecting the nation of Israel. It should be noted that the rapture is also an idea that was previously not part of early church teaching. Some have even gone so far as to assert that God has a separate plan for saving Israel than for saving the Church which is completely heretical.

If the replacement view is correct then the image Paul presents in Romans 11 should be one olive tree being uprooted and a new olive tree being planted. If the dispensational view is correct then the image should be two olive trees, one representing Israel and the other representing the Church. 

But what we actually see is a single olive tree with natural branches broken off (ethnic Israelites) and unnatural branches (Gentiles) grafted in. It is one covenant people that now includes Gentiles.

Same Covenant people but a New and Better Covenant

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭31:31‭-‬34‬ ‭NIV‬‬

[31] “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. [32] It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the Lord. [33] “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. [34] No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭8:7‬-8, 13 ‭NIV‬‬

[7] For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. ‭‭[8] But God found fault with the people and said: “The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah.

[13] By calling this covenant “new,” he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear.

Between verse 8 and 13 of Hebrews, the writer had quoted those verses in Jeremiah. Note that Jeremiah says that this 'NEW COVENANT' would be with Israel and Judah. After Jesus ascended and Peter preached his first sermon on Pentecost there were 3,000 people who were saved that day -- ALL JEWS. For the first decade or so the only Christ followers were Jewish -- ethnic Israelites. 

By the last half of the first century the tipping point was reached when there were more Gentile Christians than Jewish Christians.

As unpopular as it is to say in our world of politcal correctness, the early persecution of the Church was at the hands of the Jews, not the Romans. The first martyr, Stephan, was killed for calling the Jews out on their hypocrisy. They accused him of speaking against Moses and he reminded them of their history, one of chronic disobedience. As Jeremiah said, they had broken the covenant.

This brings us to Paul's words in Romans 11. Natural branches have been broken off because of unbelief and unnatural branches have been grafted in. It is still the same covenant people but a new covenant.

What is a Jew

‭‭Romans‬ ‭2:28‭-‬29‬ ‭NIV‬‬

[28] A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. [29] No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.

This really needs no commentary. Bloodline doesn't make someone a Jew. With that in mind when we see verses like Romans 11:26:

...and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: 'The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.' 

It seems to imply that when the New Testament speaks of Israel, it refers to Israelites who have received Christ. Note in Romans 11:28 the word 'only.' It does not say, "A person is not a Jew who is one outwardly," it says "ONLY OUTWARDLY." That seems to imply that to be a true Jew means BOTH outwardly and inwardly.

Ultimately, those who reject Christ as Savior, both ethnic Jew and Gentile will not be saved. So, when it says that all Israel will be saved it refers to those who are both outwardly and inwardly Jews.

Earlier, John the Baptist had warned the Jews about claiming their ethnicity in Luke ‭3:8‬ (‭NIV).‬‬

"Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham."

Being an ethnic Israelite will not save them. Repentance and faith in Christ will be the only thing that will, for both Jew and Gentile.

What About End Time Prophesy?

I have heard some who hold a covenantal view say that the fact that an actual nation of Israel exists is completely insignificant. I don't see how they can say that because even on a historical and geopolitical level the existence of a state of Israel is very significant. All of the conflicts in the middle east stem from the conflicting religious beliefs of both Jews and Muslims that believe the land belongs to them. And that goes back to Abraham.

But how does that figure into end time prophesy?

The honest truth is we really don't know. So spending too much time speculating about end time prophesy is somewhat pointless. 

Obviously, God is completely sovereign and is completely in charge of the unfolding of history. That means it is part of his sovereign plan that an actual nation of Israel exists today. But how that actually works out is still a mystery.

Romans 11 does seem to imply that there will be, for lack of a better word, an influx, of ethnic Israelites who will come to saving faith in Jesus Christ as their Messiah and these natural branches will be grafted back in. 

Yes Lord, may it be so. 

In the meantime, we have Kingdom work to do and we need to be about our Father's business.

Refuting Universalism

 

The universalist has an idea that eventually everyone gets to go to heaven because God loves everyone. 

Here's a question to ask:

"Does Judas Iscariot eventually get to go to heaven?"

If the answer is no. Then universalism is false. Not everyone gets to go to heaven.

If the answer is yes. Then Jesus was either lying or he was wrong. Either way he isn't the savior because he said in Matthew 26: 24 that it would have been better for him if he had never been born.

If even Judas eventually ends up in heaven then his ultimate end will be good and Jesus's statement was false.

There is no ambiguity in that statement. Nobody comes back from hell!

Dante had it right when he pictured the sign over the entrance into the inferno:

"Abandon all hope who enter here!"

"And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.”

Revelation 14:11 ESV

But what about the Greek word for eternity, 'aionios' Which translates as 'an age?'

That word can either mean an age or eternity. 

One problem with the universalist's assertion is that if you look at the context the word is used it is obvious it means eternity. The other problem is it is the same word used to refer to eternal life. By that token we would have to assume the possibility that heaven will only be temporary as well.

Universalism is nothing new. The reason people embrace it is because we don't like the idea of an eternal hell. Especially the idea that some of those we know as 'good people' may end up there. God has a few things to say about that:

1. There are no good people.

"...as it is written: 'None is righteous, no, not one;' "

Romans 3:10 ESV

2. Only God is good.

"And Jesus said to him, 'Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.' "

Mark 10:18 ESV

3. Our righteousness is not acceptable to God. 

"We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away."

Isaiah 64:6 ESV

 

And this is where we really get in trouble:

"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death."

Proverbs 14:12 ESV

Universalism is simply a human idea. But it ends in death.

We need to scrap our ideas and take to heart what the Bible actually says.

When Peter preached on that first Pentecost after the ascension his message was one of warning:

"And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, 'Save yourselves from this crooked generation.' "

Acts 2:40 ESV

If universalism was the proper way to understand the gospel then Peter would have said in verse 38; "Repent and be baptized so that you may be among the first to get into heaven and get a better reward." 

If you get to go to heaven regardless then there is no reason to go to church, endure persecution or suffer for the sake of Christ. There is no reason not to indulge our fleshly lusts and morays. 

But there is a reason:

Because the wicked have their place in the lake of fire. 

And they don't ever come back.

Sometimes We Should Ask God to Send Someone Else

 IS IT EVER APPROPRIATE TO ASK GOD TO SEND SOMEONE ELSE?

"But he said, 'Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.' ”

Exodus 4:13 ESV

If you are familiar with the call of Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt you will remember that Moses raised all kinds of objections as to why he was the wrong person to lead them. After God had answered all his objections Moses showed his hand -- he simply didnt want to go.

So the question is; Is it ever appropriate to ask God to send someone else? I believe there are times we should ask God to send someone else and I'm going to give some examples that Moses DID NOT use.

1. Will this mission put me in a compromising situation where I might be tempted?

James 1:13 says;

"Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.' "

If you are a married church elder and there is an unsaved attractive single woman at your workplace it would be risky to meet her for coffee to share the gospel. You might be able to share discreetly at the workplace but it would be wise to ask God to put someone else in her path who won't be tempted. (Thankfully I have a wife who I can suggest.)

2. Is this going to distract from what God has already called you to do.

I'm reminded of the story about the prophet who was told to prophesy against Jeroboam in 1 Kings 13. God had told him precisely what he was to do and another prophet came and told him that God had told him to tell the prophet to deviate from his original plan.

This was disobedient. If God has given you clear direction through his voice he will not speak through a different voice to change your direction. 

Sometimes a seemingly new call may be a GOOD thing but not a GOD thing. In that case you should stay where you are on the original mission but it is perfectly appropriate to ask God to send someone else who can fulfill that mission

3. When you truly cannot be effective. 

In a situation where someone is blatantly hostile toward you for whatever reason they are not going to receive anything you say to them. There's no point in stirring up more hostility but asking God to send someone else where there is no hostility that they would listen to is totally fine.

Sometimes it may simply be that you've already done everything you can. In that case maybe it's time for someone else to pick up where you left off. 

"I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth."

1 Corinthians 3:6 ESV

Even Paul didnt do everything. Apollos picked up where Paul left off.

4. Sometimes our own motives for wanting to go aren't the best.

This one is difficult because our hearts are deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9). Often we can convince ourselves that our motives are pure when they really aren't. Years ago there was an opportunity to go to Africa on a mission trip. I was excited about going but then I was convicted that while I did care about reaching the people with the gospel my real motives were about my hunger for adventure. I wanted to see Africa. When I was honest with myself I realized that my reasons were more about myself than caring for others. Therefore I passed on the opportunity and someone else was able to go.

So these are a few reasons where it may be completely appropriate to ask God to send someone else. Remember we have an enemy who is very good at imitating God's voice. He is very subtle in distracting us even by things that may be good, but just not for us at a particular time. You will notice that Moses didnt use any of these objections because they didnt apply. But if these objections do apply, then stay put and ask God to send someone else.