Will Publishers of Books That Go Contrary to the Word of God be Held Responsible for the Writers Content?

Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly, (James 3:1 NIV)

     Zondervan Books recently announced that it has signed a book deal with author Tim LaHaye to publish his latest tome, Edge of Apocalypse, another premillennial dispensational-oriented book by the writer who’s “Left Behind” series has sold over 65 million copies, worldwide.

     Tim LaHaye (with co-author Jerry Jenkins) is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 70 nonfiction books, many on biblical prophecy and the End Times, and is the coauthor of the record-shattering Left Behind series, initially published by Tyndale Fiction books. He is considered one of America's foremost authorities on biblical end times prophecy. The new book is co-authored by Craig Parshall a highly successful lawyer from the Washington D.C. area and the author of the legal thrillers, Chamber of Justice series. Zondervan plans to release the book worldwide on April 20, 2010 with a first print run of 500,000 copies.

     The renowned publisher claims it is the world's leading Christian publisher of books whose authors are noted for their excellence in the craft of writing as well as their worthy contribution to the ongoing global evangelical conversation. Zondervan adds that “the works published by Zondervan not only confirm readers' faith and understanding, they also challenge and stretch readers' thinking.”

      Zondervan also claims that “for more than 75 years, it has delivered transformational Christian experiences through general, ministry, and academic resources by influential leaders and emerging voices,” and boasts of  having been honored with more Christian Book Awards than any other publisher and many of their books are translated into nearly 200 languages in more than 60 countries.

 

     Three years after the success of the Left Behind series, LaHaye returns to publish Edge of Apocalypse, an apocalyptic epic infused with political intrigue, of which the premise is gleaned by him from today's news headlines, and will be the first edition of a new series called The End. 
      Based on comments quoted by Zondervan, LaHaye says he is "thrilled to partner with Zondervan to produce a series hopefully even more innovative than Left Behind; "While my past works have piqued interest in biblical prophecy on a global level, The End series includes many prophecies that were not covered in Left Behind." 

     One cannot question the fact that Zondervan, as well as Tyndale and other Christian book publishers, have published numerous books throughout their existence that have been not only edifying to Christian readers, but many secular folks as well. The basic tenets (salvation, faith, the life of Jesus Christ) have impacted millions of people to a greater understanding of Christianity itself.

      However, a doctrinal position (such as Left Behind) which has been hotly debated for the last 150 years, one where the majority of born again, evangelical Christians have accepted without question, is rather disturbing. Zondervan, I’m quite certain, has published books on numerous Christian issues regarding the basic tenets of Christianity, which few (in the theological community, at least) recognize as orthodox. But the “Left Behind” theory (and now more with the Edge of Apocalypse) begs the question of Zondervan’s eschatological credibility.

      Did Zondervan, when it was first presented with the idea of LaHaye’s Edge of Apocalypse premise, do any research with members of the theological academic community as to its biblical soundness or hermeneutical veracity, besides Dallas Theological Seminary, whose basic eschatological foundation is based on dispensational premillennialism?

     The End Times debate as to whether Christians will be raptured to heaven before, in the middle or at the end of a seven year period of tribulation preceding Christ’s return has been hotly debated (especially) for the last three to four decades. The prevailing doctrine has been premillennial to say the least, but does that mean that position is biblically correct? Should we not ascertain this information beyond a shadow of a doubt before we prematurely publish it?

      Most recently, new authors have emerged that provide sound biblical proof and evidence that not only challenges the dispensational premillenial position, but out right debunks this premise. Authors such as Stephen Sizer, Steve Wohlberg, Barbara Rossing, Arnie Suntag, Dave MacPherson and others present more than a sound case against the Left Behind and Pre-Tribulation Rapture to heaven notions being propagated by not only Tim LaHaye, but also by many other authors and preachers like Mike Evans, John Hagee, Tommy Ice and Hal Lindsey, who jump started this mind set with his (also) extremely financially successful book, The Late Great Planet Earth.

One can only surmise publishing companies like Tyndale and Zondervan can claim it’s not their responsibility to deeply check out the biblical veracity of the premises that authors such as LaHaye, Hagee, Evans, Ice and Lindsey promote or write about. Their bottom line is the profit margin; this is why they are in business to begin with.

However, if it ends up that the theories of these authors are proven wrong (many of these authors have been publically challenged and warned about erroneous interpretations concerning their theology, and they have had the opportunity to recant their respective positions, but chose not to), will their publishers be subject to the consequences that were forewarned to all those who chose to be the teachers of God’s word?

….and when were we forewarned?

"You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you." Deuteronomy 4:2

"Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it." Deuteronomy 12:32

"Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar." Proverbs 30:5-6

"If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." Revelation 22:18-19

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              For more information click here Joe Ortiz

Renowned Prophecy Author Uses Ortiz' Blog to Send Open Letter to Proponents of the Left Behind Doctrine!

[Dave MacPherson, renowned author of several books that challenge Pre-Tribulation Rapture and Left Behind doctrine, sends ‘open letter’ to so-called prophecy experts]

By Joe Ortiz

    [We are deeply honored that renowned ‘anti-Left Behind’ author, Dave MacPherson has chosen our blog to send an open letter to a group of authors, writers and evangelicals who believe in the Left Behind, Pre-Tribulation Rapture doctrines. Dave Macpherson is a great writer who has authored about a half a dozen books aimed at refuting the Pre-Tribulation Rapture, including Rapture, The Great Rapture Hoax, Incredible Cover Up, The Rapture Plot, The Three R's as well as thousands of articles that are currently featured on the Internet. The following OPEN LETTER to proponents of the Pre-Tribulation Rapture is the most recent polemic by MacPherson and we are honored he chose our blog site as its launching pad before he disseminates the open letter throughout media and the Internet.] 

     I have read Joe Ortiz' two books (The End Times Passover and Why Christians Will Suffer Great Tribulation)  and believe they provide possibly the most biblically sound and well documented material that out right refute the dispensational premillennialism doctrines of Left Behind and the Pre-Tribulation Rapture. Authors such as Tim LaHaye, John Hagee, Hal Lindsey, Mike Evans, Tom Ice and others who support the Left Behind notions and the Pre-Tribulation Rapture, would do well by reading and studying Joe Ortiz' books to finally put closure to that debate and instead focus on enhancing the kingdom of God. Following is my open letter to those who still believe in the Left Behind and Pre-Tribulation Rapture deception. (Dave MacPherson, 11-12-09)

                              EDWARD IRVING IS UNNERVING!

     All of my books since 1973 have stated that Rev. Edward Irving and his followers (Irvingites) - as well as Margaret Macdonald - taught a pretribulation rapture before John Darby did.
     Margaret's 117-line pretrib "revelation" account (which, by the way, contains 59 Bible verses or parts of verses - about one in every other line) was admittedly not as detailed as the many articles in "The Morning Watch" (Irvingite journal) which from 1829 to 1833 clearly and extensively portrayed a pretrib rapture. Naturally my Darby-exalting critics gang up on Margaret so that they won't have to face up to overwhelming evidence that the Irvingites did in fact precede Darby!
     (While I'm at it - I wish now that I had never used terms like Margaret's "revelation" or "vision" even though others have. I should have referred only to her "view" or "Scriptural interpretation." If I had done so, my opponents wouldn't have had an excuse to associate "occult" or "witch" or "demon" with her totally Biblical discussion while playing the current rapture debate "game of gossip"!)
     Scofield and Ironside are among the Darby defenders who have boldly concluded, minus evidence that pretrib rapturism never existed in Irvingite circles.
     Even Ernest Sandeen's "The Roots of Fundamentalism" (p. 64f) asserted that Irving and his followers didn't teach anything resembling a Darbyesque secret, pretrib rapture. (His conclusion was based on only two unrelated (!) prophetic utterances which were spoken many months after pretrib was first clearly taught in Irving's journal in Sep. 1830!) J. Barton Payne responded to Sandeen by writing that "MacPherson has once and for all overthrown Ernest Sandeen's assertions that the Irvingites never 'advocated any doctrine resembling the secret rapture' and that to connect J. N. Darby and early dispensationalism with Irving's church is 'a groundless and pernicious charge'....For serious students of the history of dispensationalism the study of MacPherson's discoveries has become a must." (Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, Winter, 1974)
     R. A. Huebner, a militant member of the Darbyist Plymouth Brethren, added his own name to the Irvingism-bashing list and even talked Walvoord, Ryrie, LaHaye and some other pretrib leaders into joining it. In his 1973 book Huebner actually stated: "The Irvingites (1828-1834) never held the pretribulation rapture or any 'any-moment' views." His 1991 book repeated this by declaring that "the Irvingite system was a complex" that can be found "in posttribulational writers."
     But the champion Irvingism-basher, who isn't bashful, is Thomas Ice whose Darby-shielding darts are multiplied and repeated on the internet, world without end. He makes sure that readers of his "When Did J. N. Darby Discover the Rapture?" piece will discover his repetition that "Irving never held to pretribulationism." In his "Myths of the Origin of Pretribulationism - Part II" he states that "One of Dave McPherson's strangest claims is that Edward Irving and the Irvingites taught a pre-trib rapture." And he even speaks disparagingly of "two British theologians" (Mark Patterson and Andrew Walker) who have written that "it is incontrovertible that Irving held to a pretribulation doctrine in a form that is developed and remarkably similar to contemporary dispensational views." (!) 
     My book "The Rapture Plot" (available online) includes many quotes from Irvingites proving that they taught a pretrib rapture as well as pretribulationally-correct imminence. Here are just a few examples from several issues of "The Morning Watch":
     "Philadelphia" is described as worthy Christians who will be raptured before "the great tribulation" (TMW, Sep. 1830, p. 510)
     "...the great tribulation from which those dead in Christ, and those who shall then be alive and looking for him, shall be exempted, by being caught up to meet the Lord in the air...." (TMW, June 1831, p. 284)
     Walvoord's, LaHaye's, and Ice's "any-momentness" is clearly seen in this Irvingite journal which stated: "...we miss the true object of faith and hope in the coming of the Lord, not only when we overleap it altogether, but when we interpose any screen whatever; when we look for any event of persecution or tribulation, for any combination of kings, any gathering of people, any manifestation of Antichrist." (TMW, Dec. 1831, p. 253)
     One writer spoke of "the translation for the living...of which we may daily expect the accomplishment...." He added: "During this most horrible time of the reign of the last Antichrist, the risen and translated saints shall be with Christ...." (TMW, Mar. 1832, pp. 12-14)
     John Tudor, TMW editor, said that "some of these elect ones shall...be left in the great tribulation...after the translation of the saints...." He added that there is "nothing further to expect before the actual coming...." (TMW, Sep. 1832, pp. 11-12)
     "The literal time of 1260 days...does not commence till the moment of the translation of the saints...." (TMW, Sep. 1832, p. 48)
     It should be pointed out that during pretrib dispensationalism's earliest development, there were those who quickly changed from the prevailing posttrib historicism to pretrib futurism, some who changed later on, and some who never changed. Naturally Darby-guardsmen such as Huebner and Ice have selectively focused on historicist Irvingites and purposely covered up pretrib futurists among the same British group to make it appear to their trusting readers that the Irvingites were totally pretrib-deficient! 
     My first paper on Biblical prophecy was written in 1968. If I could have known beforehand that Darby protectors would either ignore, smear, or pseudo-scholarly skip over Margaret's main point (a rapture before Antichrist's revealing) and deviously quote lines only before and after it (what Dr. Tommy Ice does repeatedly), I would have focused on the incredible quality and quantity of the output of the innovative Irvingites - and brought in Margaret only as the one they claimed as their inspiration.

     Even William Kelly, Darby's editor, knew that for 60 years evangelicalism had credited Irvingism, and not Darbyism, with pretribism. Which is why Kelly (while noting "the early prophesying and tongues in Scotland" but adding that "we may pass these over") focused on Irvingite writings, and not Margaret's, in a lengthy series (1889-1890) in his own journal. Readers of "The Rapture Plot" know that Kelly, in Ice-like fashion, made so many dishonest changes while analyzing Irvingism in a supposedly fair and balanced way that evangelicalism, unable to examine hard-to-locate Irvingite writings, eventually accepted Kelly's revisionism, the goal of which was to project Darby as the pretrib rapture originator as well as the "father of dispensationalism" - and we know how well Kelly was successful!

     I have focused on pretrib rapture beginnings for 40 years and have offered $1000 if anyone can show where I have ever dishonestly concealed or changed anything in any important rapture-related document. Unlike my opponents, my book royalties have always gone not to any individual but to a nonprofit corporation which has never paid any salary to anyone. While you're wondering if you should obtain my 300-page book "The Rapture Plot," I invite you to read my many internet articles including "Famous Rapture Watchers," "Pretrib Rapture Diehards," "Humbug Huebner," "Thomas Ice (Bloopers)" and "Thomas Ice - Hired Gun," "X-Raying Margaret," "Deceiving and Being Deceived," and "Pretrib Rapture Dishonesty." 

      

Dave MacPherson

[Thank you Dave MacPherson; I’m truly honored by your comments and for choosing our blog to send out your ‘open letter’ to Left Behind and Pre-tribulation Rapture theorists.

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For more information or author contact, click here Joe Ortiz

Do Modern Day Prophets Receive Their Predictions from The Holy Spirit, Or From Other Men?

        

The disciples of Jesus had been promised one important thing by Him before He ascended to Heaven, and that is fulfillment of a promise God had made (Luke 1:35, John 14:26, Acts 1:16) to them, which was that they would receive an infusion of power like no human has ever experienced before. Prior to the crucifixion and Resurrectionn of Jesus Christ, the world had been completely controlled by Satan and his minions (one third of the angels that defected God’s Kingdom with Satan); however, by His resurrection, Christ defeated the devil completely by especially robbing him of one of his greatest tools: death!

     This power, which can only be given to those who believe in and obey Christ, comes in varying gifts (1 Corinthians 4-14):

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.

 ⁷Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. ⁸To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, ⁹to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, ¹⁰to 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 gives them to each one, just as he determines.

     Unless a person possesses this power, it is futile to access God in any form, nor to receive His blessings. There are millions and millions of people, stiff necked people, who resist the Holy Spirit because they believe they have access to knowledge that is as good or even better than what Jesus has.

     This was Satan’s first big mistake, which has cost him eternal damnation. While still around until Jesus finally returns to rule and reign on earth forever, Satan still has access and power to drive a wedge between Christ and His followers. Any lies (or denials of the power of Jesus) are mere smokescreen by Satan to seduce God’s children away from Him, and then thrust them into eternal destruction along with him at the end.

     The Holy Spirit was first given as a free gift to the Apostles and then later to those of us who follow Christ, to strengthen and encourage us as we sojourn throughout this life. To those who reject this gift, they have no truth in them and use only man made precepts and diabolical concoctions as their guide to ersatz wisdom to their own destruction. If it’s not of God, nor is Jesus-centered, it is of satanic origin; and, sadly, there is a price for this folly, eternal damnation.

     There are many people who make claim they have read the Bible numerous times and many say they do not trust what it says, relegating it to the dust heap of other tomes written by mere men and woman who are solely offering their own opinion. Who are these people who read and follow others and their books of ersatz wisdom, who glean their guidance from them if they are not also written by mere mortals themselves? 
     For those who yearn greater knowledge about God and His will for His creation, no person can access that wisdom without seeking and  receiving that power. Some have done so, listened and understood it for a brief period of time, then chose to walk away from it. This act is called the unpardonable sin:

     4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, 6 if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.


     Sadly, many believers, once they have sought, accepted and received specific wisdom from the Holy Spirit, have depended solely on their own understanding (human wisdom taught by man) and, although paying lip-service God, they have incorporated the word of God with man's perceptions and now follow their own ways:

     The Lord says: "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men, (Isaiah 29:13)."

     This is so evident in the so-called PROPHECY arena, where many Bible students (and even long-time teachers and preachers) promote a Gospel that does not abide with the written (and spoken) word of God, but has been diluted by man's own interpretation . Many of those have no idea what the word prophecy truly means and, motivated more so by self-glory, promote unbiblical theories they heard and received from other self-appointed profits...rather prophets!
    Rather than praying for God's wisdom, they roam through the Bible to find scripture that will fit their own theories rather than allowing God's word to illuminate (and confirm for) them what is myth and what is truth. Obviously, making predictions (as some believe is their prophetic gift) based on news items or the varying thousands upon thousands of so-called prophetic books flooding the Christian book market by other self-appointed prophets. does not fall withing the purview of God's word. Jesus Himself told us that concerning times and epochs, only the Father knows, regardless of how many may try to prove differently by offering a variety of time-frame formulae that are man-made.
     I, myself, have been accused of offering my own version of prophecy, my accusers not knowing (nor have read my two books) to realize that I don't present time-lines, graphs or juxtaposed scripture, but rather present God's will, what He proclaims for His creation, the true definition of PROPHECY!
     Therefore, please pray before you begin reading the following scripture that pertain primarily to the Holy Spirit to learn who He is and what He does and what He says and claims for His disciples. Let us find out if our knowledge truly comes from the Holy Spirit or from men who trust in the rules and folly of other men:
     1.    Matthew 1:18

[The Birth of Jesus Christ ] This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 1:17-19 (in Context) Matthew 1 (Whole Chapter)

2.    Matthew 1:20
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 1:19-21 (in Context) Matthew 1 (Whole Chapter)

3.    Matthew 3:11
"I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Matthew 3:10-12 (in Context) Matthew 3 (Whole Chapter)

4.    Matthew 12:32
Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.
Matthew 12:31-33 (in Context) Matthew 12 (Whole Chapter)

5.    Matthew 28:19
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,
Matthew 28:18-20 (in Context) Matthew 28 (Whole Chapter)

6.    Mark 1:8
I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
Mark 1:7-9 (in Context) Mark 1 (Whole Chapter)

7.    Mark 3:29
But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin."
Mark 3:28-30 (in Context) Mark 3 (Whole Chapter)

8.    Mark 12:36
David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared: " 'The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet." '
Mark 12:35-37 (in Context) Mark 12 (Whole Chapter)

9.    Mark 13:11
Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
Mark 13:10-12 (in Context) Mark 13 (Whole Chapter)

10.                     Luke 1:15
for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth.
Luke 1:14-16 (in Context) Luke 1 (Whole Chapter)

11.                     Luke 1:35
The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.
Luke 1:34-36 (in Context) Luke 1 (Whole Chapter)

12.                     Luke 1:41
When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Luke 1:40-42 (in Context) Luke 1 (Whole Chapter)

13.                     Luke 1:67
[ Zechariah's Song ] His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:
Luke 1:66-68 (in Context) Luke 1 (Whole Chapter)

14.                     Luke 2:25
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
Luke 2:24-26 (in Context) Luke 2 (Whole Chapter)

15.                     Luke 2:26
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
Luke 2:25-27 (in Context) Luke 2 (Whole Chapter)

16.                     Luke 3:16
John answered them all, "I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Luke 3:15-17 (in Context) Luke 3 (Whole Chapter)

17.                     Luke 3:22

and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."
Luke 3:21-23 (in Context) Luke 3 (Whole Chapter)

18.                     Luke 4:1
[ The Temptation of Jesus ] Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert,
Luke 4:1-3 (in Context) Luke 4 (Whole Chapter)

19.                     Luke 10:21
At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.
Luke 10:20-22 (in Context) Luke 10 (Whole Chapter)

20.                     Luke 11:13
If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
Luke 11:12-14 (in Context) Luke 11 (Whole Chapter)

21.                     Luke 12:10
And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
Luke 12:9-11 (in Context) Luke 12 (Whole Chapter)

22.                     Luke 12:12
for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say."
Luke 12:11-13 (in Context) Luke 12 (Whole Chapter)

23.                     John 1:33
I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.'
John 1:32-34 (in Context) John 1 (Whole Chapter)

24.                     John 14:15
[Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit ] "If you love me, you will obey what I command.
John 14:14-16 (in Context) John 14 (Whole Chapter)

25.                     John 14:26
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
John 14:25-27 (in Context) John 14 (Whole Chapter)

26.                     John 16:5
[The Work of the Holy Spirit] "Now I am going to him who sent me, yet none of you asks me, 'Where are you going?'
John 16:4-6 (in Context) John 16 (Whole Chapter)

27.                     John 20:22
And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.
John 20:21-23 (in Context) John 20 (Whole Chapter)

28.                     Acts 1:2
until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.
Acts 1:1-3 (in Context) Acts 1 (Whole Chapter)

29.                     Acts 1:5
For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
Acts 1:4-6 (in Context) Acts 1 (Whole Chapter)

30.                     Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Acts 1:7-9 (in Context) Acts 1 (Whole Chapter)

31.                     Acts 1:16
and said, "Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus—
Acts 1:15-17 (in Context) Acts 1 (Whole Chapter)

32.                     Acts 2:1
[The Holy Spirit came on The Day of Pentecost] When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.
Acts 2:1-3 (in Context) Acts 2 (Whole Chapter)

33.                     Acts 2:4
All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Acts 2:3-5 (in Context) Acts 2 (Whole Chapter)

34.                     Acts 2:33
Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.
Acts 2:32-34 (in Context) Acts 2 (Whole Chapter)

35.                     Acts 2:38
Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:37-39 (in Context) Acts 2 (Whole Chapter)

36.                     Acts 4:8
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people!
Acts 4:7-9 (in Context) Acts 4 (Whole Chapter)

37.                     Acts 4:25
You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: " 'Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?
Acts 4:24-26 (in Context) Acts 4 (Whole Chapter)

38.                     Acts 4:31
After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
Acts 4:30-32 (in Context) Acts 4 (Whole Chapter)

39.                     Acts 5:3
Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?
Acts 5:2-4 (in Context) Acts 5 (Whole Chapter)

40.                     Acts 5:32
We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him."
Acts 5:31-33 (in Context) Acts 5 (Whole Chapter)

41.                     Acts 6:5
This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.
Acts 6:4-6 (in Context) Acts 6 (Whole Chapter)

42.                     Acts 7:51
"You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit!
Acts 7:50-52 (in Context) Acts 7 (Whole Chapter)

43.                     Acts 7:55
But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
Acts 7:54-56 (in Context) Acts 7 (Whole Chapter)

44.                     Acts 8:15
When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit,
Acts 8:14-16 (in Context) Acts 8 (Whole Chapter)

45.                     Acts 8:16
because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.
Acts 8:15-17 (in Context) Acts 8 (Whole Chapter)

46.                     Acts 8:17
Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
Acts 8:16-18 (in Context) Acts 8 (Whole Chapter)

47.                     Acts 8:19
and said, "Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit."
Acts 8:18-20 (in Context) Acts 8 (Whole Chapter)

48.                     Acts 9:17
Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit."
Acts 9:16-18 (in Context) Acts 9 (Whole Chapter)

49.                     Acts 9:31
Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.
Acts 9:30-32 (in Context) Acts 9 (Whole Chapter)

50.                     Acts 10:38
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
Acts 10:37-39 (in Context) Acts 10 (Whole Chapter)

51.                     Acts 10:44
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.
Acts 10:43-45 (in Context) Acts 10 (Whole Chapter)

52.                     Acts 10:45
The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.
Acts 10:44-46 (in Context) Acts 10 (Whole Chapter)

53.                     Acts 10:47
Then Peter said, "Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have."
Acts 10:46-48 (in Context) Acts 10 (Whole Chapter)

54.                     Acts 11:15
"As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning.
Acts 11:14-16 (in Context) Acts 11 (Whole Chapter)

55.                     Acts 11:16
Then I remembered what the Lord had said: 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'
Acts 11:15-17 (in Context) Acts 11 (Whole Chapter)

56.                     Acts 11:24
He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
Acts 11:23-25 (in Context) Acts 11 (Whole Chapter)

57.                     Acts 13:2
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."
Acts 13:1-3 (in Context) Acts 13 (Whole Chapter)

58.                     Acts 13:4
[On Cyprus] The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus.
Acts 13:3-5 (in Context) Acts 13 (Whole Chapter)

59.                     Acts 13:9
Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said,
Acts 13:8-10 (in Context) Acts 13 (Whole Chapter)

60.                     Acts 13:52
And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 13:51-52 (in Context) Acts 13 (Whole Chapter)

61.                     Acts 15:8
God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us.
Acts 15:7-9 (in Context) Acts 15 (Whole Chapter)

62.                     Acts 15:28
It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements:
Acts 15:27-29 (in Context) Acts 15 (Whole Chapter)

63.                     Acts 16:6
[Paul's Vision of the Man of Macedonia] Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia.
Acts 16:5-7 (in Context) Acts 16 (Whole Chapter)

64.                     Acts 19:2
and asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" They answered, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."
Acts 19:1-3 (in Context) Acts 19 (Whole Chapter)

65.                     Acts 19:6
When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
Acts 19:5-7 (in Context) Acts 19 (Whole Chapter)

66.                     Acts 20:23
I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me.
Acts 20:22-24 (in Context) Acts 20 (Whole Chapter)

67.                     Acts 20:28
Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.
Acts 20:27-29 (in Context) Acts 20 (Whole Chapter)

68.                     Acts 21:11
Coming over to us, he took Paul's belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, "The Holy Spirit says, 'In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.' "
Acts 21:10-12 (in Context) Acts 21 (Whole Chapter)

69.                     Acts 28:25
They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: "The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your forefathers when he said through Isaiah the prophet:
Acts 28:24-26 (in Context) Acts 28 (Whole Chapter)

70.                     Romans 5:5
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Romans 5:4-6 (in Context) Romans 5 (Whole Chapter)

71.                     Romans 9:1
[ God's Sovereign Choice ] I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit—
Romans 9:1-3 (in Context) Romans 9 (Whole Chapter)

72.                     Romans 12:1
[Living Sacrifices] Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.
Romans 12:1-3 (in Context) Romans 12 (Whole Chapter)

73.                     Romans 14:17
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,
Romans 14:16-18 (in Context) Romans 14 (Whole Chapter)

74.                     Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:12-14 (in Context) Romans 15 (Whole Chapter)

75.                     Romans 15:16
to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles with the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:15-17 (in Context) Romans 15 (Whole Chapter)

76.                     1 Corinthians 6:19
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;
1 Corinthians 6:18-20 (in Context) 1 Corinthians 6 (Whole Chapter)

77.                     1 Corinthians 12:3
Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:2-4 (in Context) 1 Corinthians 12 (Whole Chapter)

78.                     2 Corinthians 6:6
in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love;
2 Corinthians 6:5-7 (in Context) 2 Corinthians 6 (Whole Chapter)

79.                     2 Corinthians 13:14
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
2 Corinthians 13:13-14 (in Context) 2 Corinthians 13 (Whole Chapter)

80.                     Ephesians 1:13
Ad you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,
Ephesians 1:12-14 (in Context) Ephesians 1 (Whole Chapter)

81.                     Ephesians 3:5
which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets.
Ephesians 3:4-6 (in Context) Ephesians 3 (Whole Chapter)

82.                     Ephesians 4:30
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Ephesians 4:29-31 (in Context) Ephesians 4 (Whole Chapter)

83.                     1 Thessalonians 1:5
because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.
1 Thessalonians 1:4-6 (in Context) 1 Thessalonians 1 (Whole Chapter)

84.                     1 Thessalonians 1:6
You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 1:5-7 (in Context) 1 Thessalonians 1 (Whole Chapter)

85.                     1 Thessalonians 4:8
Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 4:7-9 (in Context) 1 Thessalonians 4 (Whole Chapter)

86.                     2 Timothy 1:14
Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
2 Timothy 1:13-15 (in Context) 2 Timothy 1 (Whole Chapter)

87.                     Titus 3:5
he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
Titus 3:4-6 (in Context) Titus 3 (Whole Chapter)

88.                     Hebrews 2:4
God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.
Hebrews 2:3-5 (in Context) Hebrews 2 (Whole Chapter)

89.                     Hebrews 3:7
[ Warning Against Unbelief ] So, as the Holy Spirit says: "Today, if you hear his voice,
Hebrews 3:6-8 (in Context) Hebrews 3 (Whole Chapter)

90.                     Hebrews 6:4
It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit,
Hebrews 6:3-5 (in Context) Hebrews 6 (Whole Chapter)

91.                     Hebrews 9:8
The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still standing.
Hebrews 9:7-9 (in Context) Hebrews 9 (Whole Chapter)

92.                Hebrews 10:15
The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says:
Hebrews 10:14-16 (in Context) Hebrews 10 (Whole Chapter)

93.                1 Peter 1:12
It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.
1 Peter 1:11-13 (in Context) 1 Peter 1 (Whole Chapter)

94.                1 Peter 2:5
you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 2:4-6 (in Context) 1 Peter 2 (Whole Chapter)

95.                2 Peter 1:21
For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
2 Peter 1:20-21 (in Context) 2 Peter 1 (Whole Chapter)

96.                Jude 1:20
But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.
Jude 1:19-21 (in Context) Jude 1 (Whole Chapter)

97.                Revelation 21:10
And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God.
Revelation 21:9-11 (in Context) Revelation 21 (Whole Chapter)

     In conclusion, none of us who follow Christ as His disciples possess any true wisdom of our own. Those things (of God’s wisdom) that we speak of have been bestowed to believers as a gift from God, not of our own understanding. The Apostle Paul summed it up best in 1 Corinthians 2:1-16:

 ¹When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.^{] 2}For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. ³I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. ⁴My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, ⁵so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.

 ⁶We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. ⁷No, we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. ⁸None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. ⁹However, as it is written:

   "No eye has seen,
      no ear has heard,
   no mind has conceived
   what God has prepared for those who love him"— ¹⁰but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.

      The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. ¹¹For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. ¹²We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. ¹³This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. ¹⁴The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. ¹⁵The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment:
 ¹⁶"For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:6-16, NIV)

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For more information about this blog and the author's two recently published books (The End Times Passover and Why Christians Will Suffer Great Tribulation (Author House Publishing), click here: Joe Ortiz

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