An outstanding exposition that contrasts scriptural principles with charismatic practices based on the experience of the church at Corinth. Also available in Spanish!

In considering this controversial theme, the author had a fivefold intent: To examine every passage in the New Testament dealing with the gift of tongues. To consider the significance of tongues in the Old Testament. The Apostle Paul indicated that God's purpose for the gift of tongues could be discovered in the Law (1 Corinthians 14:21-22). To study the gift of tongues from a dispensational point of view, in light of God's marvelous and yet distinctive programs for both Israel and the Church. To provide a definitive answer to the difficult question, When did tongues cease? To apply the rich truths of this study to the proper functioning and conduct of the local assembly of believers today.

As an internationally gifted speaker and author, David Bennett explains how God uses believers with the Gift of Mercy to benefit the Body of Christ. Using Biblical characters, great historical men of faith, and contemporary real-life people, David opens the heart and soul of Christians spiritually endowed with the Motivational Gift of Mercy. Beginning with Scripture, David defines and demonstrates the Gift of Mercy as it plays out in real life Christianity. Gleaning from the personal lives of past and present saints, David details how the believer with this Gift can be characterized, identified, motivated, and used in the Church of Jesus Christ today. David believes that for the body of Christ to function successfully each member must recognize his divine purpose and function for the health and growth of the body, and carry out his intended objectives and responsibilities in the power of the Spirit.

Paul's letter to Titus is one of the most neglected letters of the New Testament. Many have contended that it is an incoherent letter devoid of a theological message and purpose. This study proposes otherwise, presenting an entirely new structure for Titus that demonstrates how the theme "Exhort and Reprove to Commendable Works according to the Hope of Eternal Life" unfolds through the chiastic structures in the letter. Jeon not only demonstrates the unity of the letter but also invites the reader to explore other ways chiasms can be used to enhance New Testament interpretation. Any intrigued by Titus, and the Pastoral Letters as a whole, will discover herein a unique approach to the letter and a fresh and invigorating interpretation of its underlying message.

In most areas of this Epistle, B. Ward Powers has come to share the interpretation of Paul's meaning held by the Early Church Fathers; although he explains and expounds those views. This is particularly the case in relation to chapters 12 through 14 where, in keeping with the Early Church Fathers, the Reformers, most Scripture expositors until recent times, and many present-day exegetes, Powers expounds the interpretation that tongues refers to human languages spoken on earth. The one major area where Powers parts company with the Fathers of the first Christian centuries is in relation to matters of sex and marriage, divorce and remarriage, and attitudes to women generally. Here Powers explains that Paul is more affirming of sex, marriage and remarriage, and women than many early writers (and some modern writers) have understood him to be. We need at times to take considerable care, he writes, to understand the meaning of what Paul says to the Corinthians, and in coming to terms with how this teaching is to apply to us in today's world. But when we have arrived at our understanding of these things, then there is no question: this is the Word of God to us, and we must take it very seriously indeed. We cannot just dismiss it offhandedly and simply say, 'Well, that is just Paul's opinion, and we can take it or leave it.' Not at all: Paul has explained clearly that what he writes comes with the inspiration and authority of the Holy Spirit of God.

The focus of this study is upon ecstasy as the confusing antecedent of Corinthian glossolalia. Most commentators accept ecstasy as the most significant characteristic of the Corinthian Christian glossolalic phenomenon. This assumption is questioned in this research, because it needs to be clarified. It is contended that ecstasy is the confusing element because it was characteristic of the contemporary Corinthian mystery religious practice and that that background was carried into the Corinthian church thus colouring Paul’s treatment of the subject. It is not to be seen as an essential element of glossolalia. Most commentators agree that the glossolalic phenomenon in the Acts is different from that at Corinth. What then is a valid charismatic glossolalia? It is contended that the Acts draws attention to the only authentic cases (and they are three) of glossolalia in the Bible. The book of First Corinthians gives a corrective to an abuse, with no clear authentication of a gift. Paul gives guidelines necessitated by the background of religious ecstasy. Hence, instead of proposing ground rules for a valid spiritual expression, it becomes apparent that First Corinthians is giving a restrained corrective against an abuse of contemporary culture that masqueraded as an authentic Christian experience. It is ecstasy that is the confusing element to this picture. It should be added, that the Acts experiences speak of valid one-stage linguistic phenomena, whilst the gift to the church in 1 Corinthians is clearly a two-stage phenomenon. Bergsma, reflecting on the repetitious and almost daily "unsignificant (sic) revelations" of modern glossolalists, believes that they are "misguided or ... presumptuous. It is like the Himalayan Mountain in obstetrical labour and producing a mouse!” The preoccupation and emphasis is out of all proportion to the minimal benefits derived, and indeed the mischief it generates. The overall significance of the study is to provide a basis for authenticating a valid glossolalic expression, and all this comes from the foundation of the test case in Corinth, which in turn is dependent upon an understanding of ecstasy in the antecedent Mystery Religions of Corinthian contemporary society. Dr Clifford Wilson - himself a prolific author – urged: “Whatever else happens, you must publish the historic material, there are very few people who have any idea of the true background of glossolalia within their denominations”.

How Spiritual Gifts Can Unleash the Power of Everybody! This practical guide for pastors and church leaders is newly edited and revised to include one powerful handbook of the best Team Ministry resources. It provides • Tools to help pastors and church leaders activate members’ gifts • Methods for developing volunteers and leaders in your church • Ways to use your members’ spiritual gifts to help your church grow • Questions and tools for teaching the nine team gifts in a small group or Sunday school setting (or use in a seminar). Team Ministry: Gifted to Serve is the perfect companion for ministry leaders who want to take their churches to new heights for God’s Kingdom.

In 1906, a new religious phenomenon emerged from California. Then, just over sixty years later, a million-fold expansion occurred. What was the catalyst for this explosion of growth? The Pentecostal Paradox explores the history and rise of a new religious movement called the Pentecostals. Drawing on eyewitness accounts, newspaper articles of the day, and other long-forgotten sources, author G. J. Hocking weaves together an accurate history of the movement to the present day. Filled with fascinating stories—the mailing lists of over 50,000 subscribers go missing; a preacher hijacked the pulpit causing untold havoc; a report of flames shooting fifty feet in the air—The Pentecostal Paradox asks: Were these events fact, fiction, or real phenomena? In this timely work, California the Charismatic Cradle features prominently as the author juxtaposes the rise of Pentecostalism with both the California gold rush and the San Francisco earthquake. Eventually, a “God Rush” occurred in 1906 as many rushed to Azusa Street, Los Angeles. How will this book shed light on this vast group? What next for Pentecostalism? These questions are answered in a candid and yet concise way in this much-needed analysis of the Pentecostal movement.

Is having a prayer language scriptural today? If it s a legitimate gift from God, should I actually ask Him for it? Praying in the Spirit is a book on the New Testament gift of glossolalia.Robert W. Graves shows the uses of prayer language in devotions, intercession, praise, and worship. Through biblical teaching and straightforward...

Presently, there is a growing fascination with angels. They have captured the attention of people and raised their curiosity. Many people disbelieve in the reality of angels. However, angels are real; they are not just imaginary figures as confirmed by the Bible. America has been inundated with a fascination for angels. Every year, there are conferences, seminars, and college courses on angels. Angels have become so popular that the networks are making movies about them, for example, Ghost, Touched by an Angel, just to name a few. Today Satan is working through his unholy angels to destroy the child of God and to thwart the plan of God. However, through Christs death on the cross, Satan and his demons are defeated and are waiting for their final judgment. Yet in the meantime, they are doing all they can to destroy as many as possible.