On Sunday morning, we often have people come to our service that I don’t recognize. If they don’t arrive with or ask for someone, I usually ask if it’s their first time with us. We love having new people, and I welcome them and give them a visitor’s card. Some seem a bit shy as the praise and worship service begins, while others join right in.
If the people didn’t know before they came, it doesn’t take long before they realize Heritage Christian Ministries is Pentecostal. I’ve attended Pentecostal Churches where you might not hear someone praying in tongues for weeks or longer. Thankfully, the HOLY SPIRIT is a frequent and welcomed participant in our services. If that bothers you, you might not feel comfortable, but I hope you stay and give the HOLY SPIRIT a chance to touch you.
Pastor Bob recently preached a Sunday message on speaking in tongues, with numerous Bible references. If it wasn’t clearly backed up by the scriptures, we wouldn’t have any part in it. We not only preach about the gifts of the SPIRIT, but we teach about them and encourage our people to operate in their gifts. Why? We need the comforter, we need the help to pray, and we need the power to be witnesses (Act 1:8). With so much of the New Testament teaching us about the HOLY SPIRIT and the infilling, with the evidence of speaking in tongues, it shows how important it is to GOD.
What about those who say tongues are not for today and worse? First, I would caution those who criticize the gifts, because blaspheming the HOLY GHOST (Mat 12:31-32) is the only unforgivable sin in the Bible. As for this ministry, souls are saved, hearts and lives are changed, blinded eyes are opened, spirits of oppression are cast out and people are delivered. If we are in error, would GOD honor our prayers, many of which are prayed in tongues? Study the scriptures and sincerely ask GOD to show you the truth. “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him” (Mat 7:11 KJV)!
Wayne Lance – That’s Good News to Share!