Sullivan church of Christ – Sullivan, MO
Date: March 30, 2008
“From Heaven or Of Men?”
THE PENTECOSTAL HOLINESS CHURCH, ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH,
AND NAZARENE CHURCH (Part 2)
Marvin L. Weir
MODERN DAY MIRACLES
It should be obvious by now that "tongue speaking" and the ability to work "miracles" are
an outgrowth of Holy Spirit baptism. Let us take the Bible and prove or test the claims of
modern day miracles workers (1 John 4:1).
Did the apostles and those they gave such gifts to have the ability to work miracles in the
early church. Absolutely! Keep in mind that it was the apostles that were baptized in the
Holy Spirit and that they had the ability to speak in tongues and work miracles. It is of
utmost importance for one to realize that the only way spiritual gifts could be imparted to
others was by the laying on of the apostle's hands. Simon the sorcerer was a fake who
became a believer and was baptized into the Lord's church (Acts 8:13). When Simon saw
genuine miracles he was amazed and when he saw "that through the laying on of the
apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money" (Acts 8:18), [emphasis
MLW]. The laying on of an apostle's hand is the only way the Bible teaches that spiritual
gifts could be imparted to others. Thus, when the last apostle died, so did the ability to
impart spiritual gifts!
Modern day miracle workers claim to do mighty works but talk minus action will not
suffice. The Bible teaches that "Jesus went about in all Galilee, teaching in their
synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of disease
and all manner of sickness among the people" (Matt. 4:23), [emphasis MLW]. God's Word
also says that Christ gave the twelve apostles "authority over unclean spirits, to cast them
out, and to heal all manner of disease and all manner of sickness" (Matt. 10:1), [emphasis
MLW]. Did you notice the word "all" in each of the above verses of Scripture? Bible miracles
were also instantaneous and easily discerned. When was the last time you saw the
missing arm or leg restored to a person? When have you seen the skin of one terribly
burned by fire made new? Have you seen a leper's sore instantly cured? Have you ever
seen these so-called miracle workers put their tent up at the local cemetery? The answer
is "no," and I wouldn't hold my breath until such a happening occurs! Bible miracles were
not just for internal ailments but also for external ailments (those easily identified).
But the Bible clearly teaches: "Love never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they
shall be done away; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be
knowledge, it shall be done away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; but when
that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away" (1 Cor. 13:8-10).
Note that "prophecies," "tongues," and "knowledge" will be done away. These are
supernatural gifts because common knowledge still exists. These miraculous gifts will be
"done away" when "that which is perfect is come" [emphasis MLW]. "That which is perfect"
refers to completed revelation, the Holy Scriptures, the Bible. Before the Bible was
complete there was the need to confirm the word of those preaching and teaching and
genuine miracles did such (cf. Mark 16:20).
Today miracles are no longer needed to accomplish what they once accomplished because
we have the authoritative Word of God in its completeness (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:3).
Each person today has access to "the perfect law, the law of liberty" (Jam. 1:25), but such
was not the case before revelation was completed.
Our desire is to "speak the truth in love" (Eph. 4:15) because of the value of a soul (Matt.
16:26). As Jesus implored, "Take heed what ye hear…" (Mark 4:24) and "how ye hear" (Luke
8:18). May we all have hearts that desire to glorify God and not man, and may we realize
that we will all be judged by the words that Christ has spoken (John 12:48) and not by man-
made creeds.
It has always been true that "except Jehovah build the house, they labor in vain that build
it…" (Psa. 127:1). It may not matter to you today that the Nazarene, Assembly of God, and
Pentecostal Holiness Churches are not from heaven, but of men. But in that Day it will
matter!
— via “Gospel Preceptor,” www.gospelpreceptor.com
WHAT ARE THE NEW HEAVENS AND NEW EARTH?
Ben Justice
Scoffers were asking, “Where is the promise of his coming” (v. 4). Peter exposed and
corrected their erroneous assertions concerning the Lord’s second coming (v. 5-14).
According to Peter in verse 7, “the heavens and the earth, which are now” have been
“reserved unto fire.” Verses 10-12 expand upon verse 7. Reading these verses clearly
reveal that this universe and this earth and all the elements that make it up will go out of
existence. Verse 10 says the earth and the works that are their “shall be burned up.” It is
truly unfortunate that the “New World Translation” has “discovered” — “and the earth and
the works in it will be discovered.” In view of the coming calamity upon the universe and
earth, Peter asked a question in verse 11-12. Then, in verse 13, Peter declared,
“Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for a new heavens and a new earth,
wherein dwelleth righteousness.” “We” refers to Christians. Christians “look for a new
heavens and a new earth.” To suggest that this present world will still exist in some
renovated form is to contradict what Peter just said about it in verses 10-12. The term
“new” is from the Greek word kainos. It means “that which is unaccustomed or unused,
not new in time, recent, but new as to form or quality, of different nature from what is
contrasted as old” (Vine, Pg. 430-431). Thus, the word has to do with quality. The new
heavens and the new earth will be fresh and new — not worn and old — as are the
heavens and the earth which now exist. Thus, the earth that will then be is not this one.
Note as well what dwells in the new heavens and the new earth. Peter said
“righteousness.” The Bible clearly teaches that the final abode of the righteous is heaven
(cf. Matt. 25:46). Therefore, the new heavens and new earth is heaven itself. Paul said to
the Philippians, “For our conversation (citizenship — ASV) is in heaven; from whence also
we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Phil. 3:20). The Christian’s hope is laid up
in heaven (Col. 1:5).