Jan-March-06

The first Biblical occurrence of speaking in tongues was at the tower of Babel (see Genesis 11:1-9). Instead of all human beings speaking just one common language, God miraculously intervened and now there were hundreds of different languages which eventually became scattered throughout the different nationalities of the world!

Out of all these nationalities, God chose the Hebrews to be His peculiar people (see Psalms 135:4). Since they were God’s chosen, He desired them to follow and keep all His commandments and to spread His truths to all other nations (see Deuteronomy 26:16-19). But their history shows that they chose instead to disobey God, rejected His truth, embraced custom and tradition, were defrauding the world with a counterfeit gospel, and they would not repent–going so far as to crucify God’s Son Jesus Christ! God then set them aside and chose the Gentiles to be His people (see Matthew 23:37-39; Acts 18:6; Romans 10:16-21, 11:1-28). But in mercy, God gave the Jews one last chance of gaining salvation, and this last hope was to be seen through a special miracle.

When Jesus trained His disciples during His three-and-one-half-year ministry, He limited their training towards reaching out to the Jews living in Israel and Samaria. However, after Christ ascended into heaven, He desired to send His disciples with the gospel truth, not just to the Jews, but now to every nation. Jesus had already foretold that His disciples would speak with "new tongues" (see Mark 16:17-18), and now it was time for the promised sign to arrive. But what kind of tongues did they speak?

In the spring of the year, just 50 days after Christ's resurrection, our Lord's followers first spoke in tongues. A group of about 120 believers were gathered together in obedience to Jesus who had "commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father" (Acts 1:4). It was the feast of weeks, and the city of Jerusalem was crowded with pilgrims “out of every nation under heaven” (Acts 2:5). It was at this time that God chose to pour out His Spirit in a marked way. These believers had been together for 10 days, during which time they had worked out all their differences and were now perfectly united in the bonds of peace and love. The day of Pentecost had arrived, when suddenly they heard a sound like that of a strong wind and saw a fire-like form flicker above every head in the room. The Holy Spirit came upon every individual, and they "began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance" (Acts 2:4).

When the sound of this occurrence was heard, the curious crowd came flocking together to see what was happening. With thousands of people gathering around to hear, the disciples began to speak. But this was no normal speech–it was with the gift of tongues. It caused great confusion and amazement. Never before had men been able to speak a language that they had never learned. It caused such consternation to the wondering crowd, that they even listed all the different languages that were spoken and understood. There were a total of fifteen: Parthians, Medes, Elamites, Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, Libya, Rome, Cretans and Arabs.

There is no question about it, the disciples were miraculously given the ability to speak plainly and clearly in other languages without ever having learned them. They were not babbling, speaking gibberish, or speaking in languages that no one could understand, but they were given the ability to speak the language of those to whom they were trying to witness to. “Jews, devout men...heard them speak in his own language...And they were all amazed and marvelled...” (Acts 2:5-7).

The speaking in “other tongues” did not come by man's own efforts, but it was a gift the Holy Spirit. The Lord desired that the gospel would rapidly go to many different countries in a most miraculous manner. The gift of tongues was evidence to the unbelieving Jews that God was indeed in this work and the gospel message was from Him. It was not given to edify the believers, to grant them a special feeling, or as unintelligible utterances. It was a gift that enabled God’s people to speak in the languages of their hearers, and now this promised sign had been given!

The result of Christ's followers receiving the gift to speak in different languages was the conversion of “about three thousand souls” to Christ in one day (see Acts 2:41). So not only was this gift of tongues given to be the promised sign to the Jews, but it was also given for the proclamation of the gospel. With such a large number of Jews from all over the world accepting this gospel truth, the message could then spread with lightning speed as they would take it back to their homes. But what about the next time the Holy Spirit was poured out and tongues were spoken?

About 7 years later, in 38AD, occurred the second recorded instance of tongues. Peter was led by the Holy Spirit to visit the home of a Gentile named Cornelius, who was a Roman Centurion in Caesarea. As Peter was preaching the gospel truth unto Cornelius and his family and friends, they all believed and accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. Then the Holy Spirit fell upon all of these Gentile believers and they began to speak in tongues. The hearers of these Gentiles were Jewish Christians who had accompanied Peter, and they heard these “speak with tongues and magnify God” (Acts 10:46).

When Peter was later explaining to the other apostles and brethren about what happened in Caesarea, he says that “the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning” (Acts 2:15). So these Gentile converts spoke known discernable languages which were understood by their listeners just like with the disciples at the beginning. By speaking in languages they had never learned, these Gentile believers showed their Jewish Christian audience that the Spirit of God was including them in “the family of God” as His “chosen people” (see Galatians 3:26-29; Romans 10:12). It also showed that the gospel was to be preached “to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people” (Revelation 14:6), and not just to the Jews alone. And to effectively accomplish this, God gave His people the ability to speak in different languages. But what about the third time tongues were spoken?

In 51AD, about 13 years after the Holy Spirit was poured out in the home of Cornelius, Paul was preaching to 12 people. They had been baptized with “John's baptism,” but were not yet aware that the Holy Spirit had come to indwell believers in Christ. So Paul instructed them, re-baptized them in water, laid his hands on them, and instantly “the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues and prophesied” (Acts 19:6). The Greek word for “tongues” used here is “glÇssa” which translates “a language”. So these 12 men spoke in other languages not before learned by them, but were understood by the people who heard them. This final occurrence of the gift of tongues is illustrating the importance of rebaptism. The Lord gives His approval upon rebaptism when you learn greater truths from His word, and He signified it by pouring out His Spirit and giving the gift of speaking different known languages.

Having looked at every occurrence of the true gift of tongues in the Bible, the only conclusion to which we can come to is that tongue-speaking is the miraculous gift of being able to speak another known language to people with whom we would otherwise be unable to communicate. The manifestation of the Spirit in all three instances was not vain babbling or gibberish that could be confused for a drunken man's speech; it was not a language that no one could understand, or that had to be deciphered by the hearers; but it was the perfectly understood use of foreign languages spoken under the power of the Holy Spirit. This is the true gift of tongues.

The very fact that there is something true, is usually an indicator that the devil has counterfeited it in order to deceive. This is true in the case of tongues. Not only can God give the miraculous gift of speaking in other languages before unknown, but the devil can also speak through people (see Mark 1:23-26, 5:7-12). So then there can be a false gift of tongues. And in 1 Corinthians we learn that some kind of tongues-speaking was being practiced in a church of God among the believers in this city. Was this the true kind of tongues, or the counterfeit?

Paul stated that the Corinthian church members were carnal and that there was strife, envying and divisions among them (see 1 Corinthians 3:1-3). There was such a severe case of fornication among them, that it was even shocking to the Gentiles (see 1 Corinthians 5.3). Brothers were going to the law and suing one another (see 1 Corinthians 6:5-7). They were doing wrong and defrauding their brethren (see 1 Corinthians 6:8). Their women were not dressing as they should, instead they were dressing like harlots (see 1 Corinthians 11:1-16). There were heresies among them (see 1 Corinthians 11:19). They were defiling the Lord's supper, and for this cause some of them had died (see 1 Corinthians 11:20-22, 29, 30). There was confusion and disorder in the church (see 1 Corinthians 14:33-40). There were also false apostles and unrighteous ministers among them (see 2 Corinthians 11:13-15). Etc.

These strong statements from Paul were far from being complimentary regarding the Corinthian church. Certainly they were not a church to model after, but a church that was in need of conversion back to God. In fact, they were in danger of receiving another gospel and another Jesus, or even receiving another spirit (see 2 Corinthians 11:3-4). Thus they were far from being an example of a church that was filled with God’s Spirit, but they were actually a church that was in grave danger of being deceived by a counterfeit, false spirit.

Among the issues Paul dealt with these believers in Corinth was a big problem with the gift of tongues. It appears that the church services were being disrupted by people making sounds that neither they, nor anyone present, could understand or interpret. We can be sure that a counterfeit kind of tongues-speaking was taking place in this church, or there would have been no problem.

Were the tongues in Acts different from the tongues in 1 Corinthians? Yes. In Acts we find only three occurrences of tongues-speaking over a period of 20 years. But in Corinth, tongue-speaking was a regular practice during church services. In Acts we find no indication that any one person had the gift of tongues: at Pentecost it was the whole group of disciples (about 120 of them); in the home of Cornelius it was all the new converts; at Ephesus it was all 12 who had just been instructed and rebaptized. But in 1 Corinthians 12:10 we read about there now being individual believers speaking tongues, as well as a gift of interpretation of tongues in that group.

We can clearly see that Paul is rebuking and chastising the believers for allowing a counterfeit tongues-speaking into their midst. He is not teaching that this counterfeit tongues is something we should desire. He is not teaching that we should speak without understanding, or that we should speak in a babbling or gibberish language that no one understands. But Paul is trying keep this false type of tongues-speaking from continuing to be a problem in the Corinthian church, and he emphasizes again that the main purpose of tongues was a sign “not to them that believe, but to them that believe not...(to) those that are unlearned, or unbelievers” (1 Corinthians 14:22-23). In following this counsel, tongues would then become a credential sign to these unbelievers as to who was proclaiming the real gospel truth.

The incident recorded in Acts chapter 2 is the first time that the true gift of tongues was given. But for many centuries previous to this, non-language utterances of gibberish had been observed and noted. These kind of unknown tongues had nothing to do with Christianity or the God of heaven, but were found in the various pagan, spiritualistic and occultic religions and groups. There have been recorded and documented instances of such counterfeit tongue speaking in both ancient and modern times in the following religious circles: Egyptian priests, Greek priests and priestesses, Shamans or medicine men, African tribes, Tibetan monks, Hudson Bay Eskimos, North Borneo pagans, an Islamic saint, even by Brigham Young and other Mormons. Tongues have also been reproduced in psychological studies.

These above occurrences were not the tongues of languages, but were mere babbling and gibberish. In fact, here is an example of tongues-speaking recorded and transcribed from more modern times: “prou pray proddey, pa pallassate pa pau pu pe, teli terattata taw, terrea te te-te-te-te, vole virte vum, elee lete lede luto, singe singe singe, imba, imba, ima.” All such tongue gibberish is nothing more than a cleaver satanic counterfeit of God's true miracle of speaking real, known and understood languages.

The evidence above demonstrates that what is currently practiced as tongues-speaking is not a supernatural gift from God, but is more closely linked with the pagan, spiritualistic and occultic form of tongues. And even though few Christians would want to associate themselves with these satanic groups, many are involved in speaking the same counterfeit form of tongue gibberish!

Yet there are many sincere and honest Christians today who, just like in Corinth, have spoken in this counterfeit type of tongues. Many of these dear people do not know that this is not the true gift as spoken of in the Bible. They truly love the Lord and have thought that this is what God desired. And God, in mercy, winks at the times of our ignorance, and He therefore condemns no one for their honest mistakes, “but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30). We are judged by the light that we have received and by the use we have made of that light. Mercifully, the Lord allows correction and instruction to come to His people, because He loves them dearly and does not want them to be lost (see Jeremiah 31:3; Revelation 3:19; Ezekiel 18:23). Will you allow the Lord to correct and instruct you through His word?

It is important to realize that people were never taught how to speak in “tongues.” The power came upon them suddenly and instantaneously (see Acts 2:2-4, 10:44-46, 19:6). They were “unlearned and ignorant” (Acts 4:13). This confirms that they had not learned these foreign languages by natural means. So the true gift of tongue speaking was not learned or taught. It was not the result of training. Like miraculous healings, it came suddenly. Generally, people had no idea it was coming, were not expecting it, and had no control over it when it came. Whereas modern tongue speakers often “learn” to speak in tongues by listening to others do it and then trying to imitate them, or by being trained how to do it. Thus they do not have the true gift.

The miracle of the true gift of tongues was that God’s people could speak existing languages which they had never studied, and their foreign listeners could recognize and clearly understand the gospel message! If people today were really speaking in tongues, as in the Bible, a person would suddenly be able to speak French, Spanish, Russian, etc., to others who understood these languages, without ever having studied the languages or practiced them at all. But this is not what happens in the modern tongues movement. They do not speak real languages. And what they do speak is either learned by observing others, or by being instructed on how to do it. Therefore they are being deceived by the counterfeit tongues of the devil, and all the time believing that they are being blessed with gifts from God!

Besides this, there are some that suppose that if there is a supernatural manifestation, then it must be from God. This is actually one of the most dangerous views to hold, for it opens the mind up to the manifold deceptions of the devil. It has already been clearly shown that there have historically been supernatural manifestations among heathen religions, and that demons can speak through human beings. For this reason, the Bible gives us very clear warnings. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try (test) the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1. “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” 1 Timothy 4:1. If we should believe that every spiritualistic manifestation is from God, we will inevitably be deceived.

The most solemn warnings are given that there are many false prophets in the world, and thus we cannot believe that every spiritualistic manifestation must be from God. Not only that, but this is a warning specifically directed to our time, because Paul tells us that in the “latter times” some are going to listen to these “seducing spirits” and to the “doctrines of devils.” Clearly, we must test every supernatural manifestation. Just because an event, or an occurrence–such as tongues, takes place, does not mean that it is from God. “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no marvel: for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” 2 Corinthians 11:13-15. Hence, we cannot go by feelings because the devil can so disguise himself as to appear as a glorious angel of light, and his agents can appear as the ministers of righteousness. So the absolute last test to use is the test of feelings.

The most prominent of the tests is found in Isaiah 8:20: “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” The most unequivocal statement is made that if the law and the testimony are not adhered to, we are not to listen to them. God's Spirit will always work and teach in accordance with God’s law and Bible truth. God’s law is the foundation of His government. It is a transcript of His character, and God has declared that He will never alter it (see Psalms 89:34; Luke 16:17). If a spiritualistic manifestation is not in accordance with God's ten commandment law and the rest of Scripture, then there is no light in it. The Scripture does not say, there is some light; it says “NO LIGHT”. So it doesn't matter how wonderful it may feel; it doesn't matter how good it may look; it doesn't matter how high the profession is; if all of God's law and Bible truth is not being upheld, then there is absolutely no light in it. It is a false spiritualistic manifestation from the devil, and it cannot be trusted. This one test alone actually exposes the fallacy of hundreds of spiritualistic manifestations.

But many who are really using counterfeit tongues have substantiated their claim that what they were doing was from God because of all the miracles and healings that had happened. Once again, we must investigate from the Bible to see whether this is a valid test to use. “And then shall that Wicked be revealed...after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” 2 Thessalonians 2:8-10. Certainly it is not safe to trust in miracles since we are specifically told that there will be counterfeit signs and lying wonders worked among us in order to deceive. In fact, we are repeatedly warned that the devil will work, especially through miracles, in the last days. “He doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men...For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” Revelation 13:13, 16:14. Obviously, the devil will work miracles, signs, and wonders in the last days; so just because a movement exhibits these supernatural workings, does not mean that God’s Holy Spirit is involved!

The Bible is clear that the most important work of the Holy Spirit is not to manifest itself through miracles of healing or through the gift of tongues, as many people claim today. One of the most important functions of the Holy Spirit is to lead God's people into all truth. “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.” John 16:13. Jesus tells us that when the Comforter comes, He will guide us into all truth. The job and function of the Holy Spirit is to guide God's people into the correct understanding of the truths found in God's word. This is such a major part of the Holy Spirit's work that He is called the “Spirit of truth” (see John 14:17, 15:26). So if there should be a spiritual manifestation from God’s Spirit in our midst, it will be for the purpose of leading and guiding God's people into all truth.

The Bible is also very clear that God gives the gift of prophecy to guide His people into truth. God gives the gifts of pastors, evangelists, apostles, etc., to teach His people the truth. God gives the gift of tongues to be able to communicate this truth to those who would not be able to otherwise understand. But the gifts that the devil gives would be just the opposite: they would not lead and guide God’s people into all the truth. Thus his counterfeit gift of tongues would not be able to communicate truth to anyone, but would be utterances that no one could understand or interpret–such as gibberish.

If what we are saying is not understood by our listeners, we are speaking to the air, and we might as well not even be talking. “Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me” (1 Corinthians 14:11). It does absolutely no good for us to speak with one another, if we don't know what each other is saying!

How much clearer could it be? There is no value in speaking in tongues without you, or your listeners, understanding what you are saying. The entire point of speaking is to communicate. Unknown babbling does not accomplish this. Thus the modern tongues-speaking is not from God because it does not abide by the instructions found in His word. And it is very dangerous to submit ourselves to the working of a spirit that is not from God.

Certainly the Holy Spirit was not giving approval to that which was so unprofitable and disorderly in Corinth, and neither is He working in the modern tongue-speaking churches of today. If these churches have the real "Pentecost experience" like the apostles, modern tongue-speakers would speak known, existing languages. But to speak in gibberish and nonsense is like little kids making meaningless sounds to imitate a foreign language. This is what tongue-speakers subconsciously or unknowingly speak. It is not a language at all, but is really the counterfeit of the devil.

Yet some may argue that uninterpreted tongues are just the person speaking or praying unto God and not to men (see 1 Corinthians 14:2, 14). But as God is the Creator of all languages, He can understand all languages. So why would you need to speak unto God, or pray unto God, in another language that neither you nor anyone else can interpret or understand, when you can speak and pray to God in your own language? Besides, you would be guilty of edifying yourself (see 1 Corinthians 14:4), instead of edifying others, and Paul was very explicit to commanded such people to be quiet (see 1 Corinthians 14:28).

The only way that we can be safe in these last days, when every deception and falsehood is so prevalent, is to diligently study the Bible for ourselves, striving to live by every word, and to test all spiritual manifestations by this truth. The real quandary comes when we see that God’s word conflicts with what we may have previously believed. Do we then believe the Bible, or are we going to continue in the wrong way that we are going? Jesus has foretold the mournful words that will be spoken to those who choose to follow their own ways, instead of following the word of God. “Not every one that saith to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:21-23. There are going to be many who have prophesied, many who have cast out devils, many who have done miracles, many who have spoken in tongues, but Jesus says: “I never knew you.” Why? Because they were involved in the deceptive counterfeit of the devil, and they did not keep all of God’s commandments, but continued to “work iniquity”. We must be following and doing our Father's will, keeping all of His commandments out of love for Him, in order to avoid hearing this terrible denunciation against ourselves and losing salvation (see John 14:15, 21, 15:10; Revelation 22:14-15).

Understanding the nature of true spiritual gifts helps us to appreciate the real reason for these gifts, and also helps us distinguish them from the devil’s counterfeits. The Bible gift of tongues involved people speaking existing languages without ever having learned them. The result was a saving message capable of being understood and translated by those who knew the language. But the Bible does not recommend using tongues which cannot be understood or interpreted, or are nothing more than gibberish and nonsense. Neither does the Bible recommend using tongues as a private prayer language. Besides, all non-language tongues-speaking is dangerous. It leads a person to take something that is counterfeit as being the genuine miracle and token of God's approval. Like transcendental meditation, mystical rituals, and other mind-emptying procedures, it opens the door to demonic influences. And worse of all, it promotes a false unity with other tongue-speaking people and groups even though they hold widely diverse beliefs on the essential truths of God’s word.

In this short study, we have seen that the modern "tongue speaking" movement that many are involved in–especially among the charismatic churches and people, actually fails on every test of God’s word. Thus it is a counterfeit, a fake, sent by Satan to fool people into accepting false doctrines and losing eternal life.

Yet God, in love and mercy for His honest people, does not want to see any of them deceived by a counterfeit of the devil and lost thereby. So in order to save them, God calls all of His true followers who may find themselves connected to any of these churches or groups that speak non-language tongues, or in any other movements which are breaking some or all of God's law, to follow His last message of mercy found in Revelation 18:4-5. “And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.” Will you heed God’s call?

We have just written and printed up a new tract which reaches out to the world with the truth about tongues. The title of the tract is "The Promised Gift of Tongues". To all on our mailing list, we are enclosing a free copy of this tract, which is available at this Ministry for a suggested donation of only $.08 each. It is hoped that after you have read through and examined this tract that you will see a need to spread it to all in your community.

Now for the whole year of 2005, our TrueChurchofGod.info Web Site had over 133,700 hits, which were generated by over 35,870 visitors. In these Visitor Sessions, over 78,270 documents of Present Truth were viewed, and over 6.45 billion bits of information were downloaded! MAY GOD'S HOLY NAME BE PRAISED FOR EVER!!

Now for the whole year of 2005, our LightMinistries.com Web Site had over 1,617,300 hits, which were generated by over 267,600 visitors. In these Visitor Sessions, over 756,400 documents of Present Truth were viewed, and over 101.44 billion bits of information were downloaded! MAY GOD'S HOLY NAME BE PRAISED FOR EVER!!

For those who are not able to have a home church to attend and who miss the benefit of fellowshipping together with others of like faith, there is an on-line home church which meets every Sabbath at 12:00 noon Central Time. This is a live broadcast of one of our separated Home Churches in Indiana which is pastored by brother Nicholas. Please feel free to come and fellowship with others of like faith and enjoy the spiritual uplifting experience, and also be able to chat with them after church! If you would like to fellowship, go to www.RemnantofGod.org/pogmchat.htm.

As we enter upon another new year, please do not forget that the devil is working harder to hinder the spreading of the third and fourth angels' messages in any and all ways that he can. Especially are his efforts to accomplish this aimed at the Legislative branches of the various Governments around the world--especially here in the US. We know that the devil will not stop until he accomplishes his evil agenda. Thus it is imperative that we all do what we can now to spread the present truth, because it will be increasingly more difficult to do so later. And within a short time, it will be considered a crime against humanity to do so!

"The work which the church has failed to do in a time of peace and prosperity she will have to do in a terrible crisis under most discouraging, forbidding circumstances. The warnings that worldly conformity has silenced or withheld must be given under the fiercest opposition from enemies of the faith....This day is just before us. The members of the church will individually be tested and proved. They will be placed in circumstances where they will be forced to bear witness for the truth. Many will be called to speak before councils and in courts of justice, perhaps separately and alone. The experience which would have helped them in this emergency they have neglected to obtain, and their souls are burdened with remorse for wasted opportunities and neglected privileges.

"My brother, my sister, ponder these things, I beseech you. You have each a work to do. Your unfaithfulness and neglect are registered against you in the Ledger of Heaven. You have diminished your powers and lessened your capabilities. You lack the experience and efficiency which you might have had. But before it is forever too late, I urge you to arouse. Delay no longer. The day is almost spent. The westering sun is about sinking forever from your sight. Yet while the blood of Christ is pleading, you may find pardon. Summon every energy of the soul, employ the few remaining hours in earnest labor for God and for your fellow men....Your duty cannot be shifted upon another. No one but yourself can do your work. If you withhold your light, someone must be left in darkness through your neglect....

"Another year of our time to labor has rolled into eternity. Every day we have been associating with men and women who are judgment bound. Each day may have been the dividing line to some soul; someone may have made the decision which shall determine his future destiny. What has been our influence over these fellow travelers? What efforts have we put forth to bring them to Christ?...

"Glorious will be the reward bestowed when the faithful workers are gathered about the throne of God and the Lamb....They have been partakers with Christ of His sufferings, they have been workers together with Him in the plan of redemption, and they are partakers with Him in the joy of beholding souls saved through their instrumentality to praise God through all eternity." Testimonies, vol 5, p 463-464, 466-467.

TO OUR READERS AND SUPPORTERS: Please know that "Let There Be Light" Ministries is not concerned with using your prayers and donations to build itself into a kingdom, but is concerned with getting the Present Truth into the hands of the common people quickly, effectively, and wisely. Instead of working towards acquiring expensive video and T.V. production equipment, satellite or shortwave facilities, we would rather use the Lord's money in publishing and distributing materials which give the full present truth gospel, as well as supporting many full-time foreign ministers and workers in various countries around the world who have proven themselves to be reliable and stable. With their monthly support and present truth materials supplied them, these ministers and workers then have the ability to more effectively spread the spoken and printed truth, establish the people in it, and carry this precious truth into the very homes of those who sit in darkness. This is how the Loud Cry of the third angel will be spread, and is now being spread! If the Lord impresses you to help in these endeavors, your donations will be greatly appreciated--not just by this Ministry, but by many others as well! MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU!

"Let There Be Light" Ministries is devoted to the spreading of the full present truth gospel message worldwide, and has been doing so since 1986. This Ministry has operating expenses covering the areas of: printing, publishing, and writing of present truth books, booklets, tracts, and other literature; video and audio taping, production, and distribution; supporting several ministers and workers in foreign Countries; mail order--both domestic and foreign; holding meetings--both locally, nationally, and internationally; answering correspondence and questions regarding the message of truth; offering National and International Bible studies; sending free present truth literature to contacts in many poor Countries; etc.

May our God and Saviour continue to lead and guide all those who have helped this Ministry reach out to souls who sit in darkness with the precious light of gospel truth. May our supporters remember that they share in each and every soul who has been reached by this Ministry and converted to the Lord and His present truth!

We are currently supporting several workers in many different Countries on a monthly basis. We check into the economy of each area and supply a base support which is adequate depending on their situation, but not extravagant. This base support is to ensure that the monthly needs of each worker and family is met for that month so that the worker may devote full time to the ministry work. In addition to this, we are sending extra materials for evangelism, and money for printing, publishing, holding meetings, traveling, and other necessary areas in spreading the Present Truth in their Country. And as the work extends, especially will the expenses for evangelism expand. Whatever you can send to help in this necessary and vital area is greatly appreciated.

The work of spreading God's present truth is not to be limited, but must extend world-wide to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people before our Saviour can come (Matthew 24:14). What better way of spreading the present truth gospel than by having workers who speak the native language, who reside in that particular Country, who can live and preach the truth, visit the interests in their homes, and spread the printed truth translated into their common language!

"Our publications should be printed in other languages, that foreign nations may be reached. Much can be done through the medium of the press, but still more can be accomplished if the influence of the living preacher goes with our publications....The Lord has moved upon men of other tongues and has brought them under the influence of the truth, that they might be qualified to labor in His cause." Testimonies, vol 3, p 204-205.

"Every opportunity should be improved to extend the truth to other nations. This will be attended with considerable expense, but expense should in no case hinder the performance of this work. Means are of value only as they are used to advance the interest of the kingdom of God. The Lord has lent men means for this very purpose, to use in sending the truth to their fellow men." Testimonies, vol 3, p 208.

I'm in the process of sending out a package with the "Ten Virgin Parable CD" to every SDA church. (Editor's Note: may God be praised, and am keeping it in my prayers. Hope others will be convicted to do the same work!)...I've already sent out 110 to the Attention of the Church Secretary...I'm hoping one of them might get convicted and have other members of the SDA church listen to it as well.

Greeting in the precious name of Jesus. Let us give thanks unto His holy name for He is good. My brother, please continue to lift up His holy name. We don't have a lot of time left now. When we (God's people) was to lift up His holy name, we was putting people to sleep. Now is the time (to) preach the third angel's message.

May (I) once again greet you in His wonderful name and may His peace love and joy be with you always. May I take this opportunity to thank you very much for the money you have sent to me. Thank you very much. We have just beginning to deliver out tracts in ____ and ____ places, and thousands of copies were given out.

I'm pleased to announce that pastor ____, on his return from USA, will call on me and we will both run a Mission in the ____ area very soon. Pastor ____ is no longer in the S.D.A Church. He was a General Secretary for the Church before he went out. I have also being encouraged by some of the SDA pastors to run a Mission with Pastor ____. Pastor ____ believes in the "Righteousness of Christ" and what we believe in, that is why he was not wanted by the church....

The mind has great control over our body. A happy healthy mind in a healthy body is the good to be attained. Happiness of mind can be achieved by stopping all unnecessary worries. It will be observed that in nature, nobody worries for future. If a list is made of all the worries, it will be found that most of them are unnecessary and could be easily avoided. Everybody should take interest in others and in literature, music and some fine walks in view of nature. To love all beings and be friendly with them. To forgive them all and ask them to forgive you. To give is divine. To earn a living honestly is human. To snatch other's property and cause pain to others in body, by words or even mentally, is a sin. We all are born as humans. Lets try to be humane and divine....

"God requires all who believe the truth to make special, persevering efforts to place themselves in the best possible condition of bodily health, for a solemn and important work is before us. Health of body and mind is required for this work; it is as essential to a healthy religious experience to advancement in the Christian life and progress in holiness, as is the hand or foot to the human body. God requires His people to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord. All those who are indifferent and excuse themselves from this work, waiting for the Lord to do for them that which He requires them to do for themselves, will be found wanting when the meek of the earth, who have wrought His judgments, are hid in the day of the Lord's anger". 1T 619.

Thank for a Newsletter with helpful teachings. Thanks also for the support of the work. It has taken some times that I have not written because of some commitments here and there, as I had told you last time that there are things which are being adjusted in regards to the work here for the devil has brought in some confusing elements which must be dealt with much care. Pray for us as we are praying for the work to go forward in God's appointed way.

The month of October was a wonderful and blessed month ever. In this month we managed to conduct several seminars on religious liberty in several centres where our people live. Nevertheless the enemy was not asleep, for he loves to discourage and to dishearten God's people, and to press them so sore that they may (even) despair in life.

On October 28/2005 we were doing follow-up with brother ____ in one of the centres in ____, when I received a phone call from my brother at home calling me home immediately. On enquiring why that urgent call, he told me that my young son six years old has burned down my house. I was shocked but not disappointed for I encouraged my heart in the Lord. I remember also several promises in the word of God, I remembered the story of Job and Jonah 2:7, 2:4; PS 118:5. It was on Friday evening and the Sabbath was about to begin, nevertheless we kept the Sabbath smoothly and on Sunday 30th we conducted elders and ministers seminar and after that I went home to see the ruin.

Oh friend the enemy knows how to discourage, all things (beddings, furnitures, children's clothing that were in the room, several books, and many other things) was consumed by fire. But the good news is that the three volume set of Spirit of Prophecy, Bibles, and Exhaustive Concordance remained, though slightly burned. (Editor's Note: you are indeed in our prayers, and praise God that not one person was burned!) This was the house which brother ____ and other ministers lived in when ministering in ____ area. It was a house set apart for visitors. All the belongings of brother ____, clothing, shoes, and books all were consumed. Nevertheless we take hold of our trust in God and He will make us to triumph, for Jesus is the end and the beginning.

Good evening! How are you recently (doing) over there? Despite facing some technical problems here and there, I had the booklet "Bible Separation" Pt 1, printed out yesterday and sent this afternoon. Many thanks for His guidance and help and also for prayers from you and our brethrens and sisters, praise His name!...

I'm planning of designing a small enrolment card for distribution when I reach there, and also renting a mail box. Do you think it is much better to set up a local Chinese Bible Correspondence Course centre here? (Editor's Note: yes, as it will be much quicker and probably gain more interest as they do not have to write to USA for the Lessons.) In that case, I will need a room to store the lessons, tracts, and any relevant materials....

Early this year he wrote to me for some booklets & tracts for distribute at home. So I did post him some, including 50 copies of "Why Are Protestants Bowing to the Pope?" He flew to his province property for a week holiday & without delay he distributing those booklets and papers in surrounding villages dominated by Anglicans.

One day ____ went to his ____ house, the Anglican bishop. He said, he briefly explained the book entitled "Why Protestants Bowing to Pope?" and gave (him) 20 copies to (the) bishop. After 3 months later, the bishop wrote back to ____ and told him, "the book you gave me freed me to leave satan's church (Anglican) and now with 28 souls we are worshipping on the Sabbath in my house. Church is about to expel me out from the church." (Editor's Note: praise God! And please let us pray for the Sabbath truth to fill PNG and free out more precious souls from the devil's camp!)

____ said, (the) ex-bishop and his members requested for another 400 copies of "W.P.B.T.P.?" in english and Pidgin....They really want those booklets to distribute onto their Anglican brethrens. I finished translating "W.P.B.T.Pope?" into Pidgin and someone is doing the typing for me...Please Elder Bob, send 400 booklets if those booklets are available in the stock so that we may satisfied their needs/request. (Editor's Note: already in the mail!)

September 21st - 2nd Oct, 2005, we run one of our record breaking and unforgettable Camp ever in PNG. Seven thousands plus people attended the Camp, and 98 candidates been baptized on the Sabbath! Every booklet you send to me was given away during the camp, with 2000 Pidgin booklets and tracts. Nothing remain in my stock!

To accept the Lord and obey His divine call to work in His vineyard, sometimes its not an easy task. Leaving the families at home for months; taking the toughest journey through the forests; climbing up and down the steepy mountains with booklets, tracts and sound systems; hunting the souls for God; everywhere enemies of truth always there; many a times houses hasn't provided (us, so) we slept outside in animals house (pork) or under the big shady trees; or sometimes chasing us away (who) ignoring the Sabbath truth; some gotten punch and bleed on face; persecution are still tough by words and in actions.

We met some of our familiar faces in street, and they told us a surprising news, that they have already organized and beginned their home church....(For) 3 Sabbaths we enjoyed fellowshipped with 2 separate home church groups. Many souls converted from the street preaching, (and) we announced publicly the location of our home churches. Each Sabbaths we were happy to see new people adding. Some senior people said, "We are now searching for present truth. We know where the Spirit is moving. We understand that God is leading this Movement." Praise God - (Isa 60:1-5)....

He said, "every Fridays and Mondays I used to preached in the market places without the speaker system, but people are often creating too many noises and (thus people could not hear, or became confused, and this) discouraged me, and I'm not preaching anymore (in the streets)! (Yet after I encouraged him, he said), "But from now on I'm gonna start again."

Elder Bob, I'm appealing on behalf of bro ____ for the speaker system, a portable one, which he can carry with him from street to street, (and then he will be able) to warn the people in the city (above the distracting noises caused by the people). Kindly, I'm asking $200 USD (for this)...and the rest we will meet it....

One (box of) 75 kg of 2nd hand clothes (were) purchased at K-390.00 for the poor and 1/2 naked (people) and orphans, money been donated by L.T.B.L. ministries. The 2nd hand bail, plus 5 boxes of English and Pidgin tracts and booklets were paid and aired through (a) one-engine aircraft, while 8 boys (workers) taking the tough journey by foot track through (the) rain forest, and it lasted them 8 1/2 days to arrive at the airstrip to collect their cargos. After (a) night rest, they walked another 2 days to reach their destination from the airstrip.

They stayed in the village ____ for one whole week. Clothes were fairly distributed in 3 different villages. (The) boys presented the Repentance Message, booklets (were) given out, (and the) folks really appreciated the free gifts they received, as (well as the) blessings--including God's Word as they never heard before. After the program (was over and) before they left, spokesmen from 3 villages (all) agreed and (they) invited the boys again for (to come back) next (time to put on a) combine crusade (for) this year (of) 2006.

A day before the boys left, brother ____ (became) sick with cold malaria and he vomited the whole night, so he lost all his strength and he could not afford to walk back home. He remained back at the ____ airstrip under the care of 2 Anglican couple, and (the) rest of the seven boys came back home. As soon as they arrived with the news, I arranged with ____ Aviation and they transported him (the sick brother) to ____ Airport, and now he is still admitted in ____ General Hospital. He's in a bad condition, so please we need your prayers. (Editor's Note: We sure will keep him, and you all, in our prayers.)...

Hi! How are you? This is ____. I am very sorry for the delayed report. It is because that my computer got some big trouble again that is why I wasn't able to send to you those translations that I did. Also I got problems with my e-mail add, and now this is my new e-mail add. As of now my computer is still under repair. The enemy is really mad with what I am doing that is why he is attacking my tools in doing God's work. Though I am very careful in using my computer, so that it will not get some problem, but satan is always troubling me and my work.

But praise the Lord for bringing us courage to continue in His service. Though I can't do my work now in translating our booklet until my computer get okay, I'm on medical missionary (work). I believe that we need to revive it again since a lot of people are sick and in sin and we need to point them to our Saviour for the healing of the soul. We need to teach them the natural way of healing. In doing this we can open for them our message, especially the Sabbath which is being transgressed universally. This is God's agencies to call sin-sick souls especially now in this last days.

So please pray for us here, especially our plan of work in serving the Lord. Our country now is in big problem, and the statesmen are saying that the solution for the crisis that is happening is the Charter Change (altering the Charter or Constitution of the Philippines). They are trying to remove from us our religious liberty, and we know that this is the fulfillment of the prophecy. Jesus is coming very soon. Calamities after calamities happened in every country all over the world, and we need to do our part in giving warnings to the people....

Do you remember the policeman whom I told you? He is now active in our Sabbath meeting worship. He did change his life through the help of the Holy Spirit, in fact he is now striving to be a vegetarian. (Editor's Note: may God be praised.) He is the one used by God to gather in listeners in ____, the place I’ve been where seven souls attended our gathering for Bibles studies.

I’m very thankful to God that in a very simple way He is convicting His children to accept the truth, and want to extend also may warmest gratitude for your continued help and support for my work here laid on me by our Saviour Jesus Christ. Brother Bob, thank you very much, I pray that God will continue to bless you, your ministry, your family, and all the brethren there, and all the supporters of “Let There Be Light” Ministry....

About the policeman whom I told who accepted the message. He always goes with me in my house-to-house Bible study in his free time. He is now a vegetarian, he never drinks wine anymore and even smoking, he is very thankful for the Lord. Last week I received a message from his wife (a police also) and this is what she told me "brother, sorry to say this but I wanna tell you frankly. Stop convincing ____ (her husband) to recruit us to join in your sect. ____ is enough you have recruited. Our life becomes troubled since he joined your SDR (Seventh-day Remnant)."

I told her that it's not me who convinced or converted ____, it is the Holy Spirit who works with him, and about convincing her to study and hear the message, it is the working of the Holy Spirit to him to let her know the truth he received. I told her too that brother ____ changed his life from a transgressor of the law of God, and he is now a new man and so we must thankful instead.

You know brother Bob, after a week before our fellowship in ____, she sent me a message again and asking me to counsel them, and she wants to attend the coming fellowship. In God's grace during our fellowship she was there. And stated that she still wants to attend our worship and Sabbath services. (Editor's Note: Amen!) Thank God she was opened now than before.

Our house-to-house work was blessed of God; there was a man in Baptist Church who heard our message in regard to the Sabbath. He is very open and he is receptive for the truth we have presented. He told us that before we visited him he actually knows about the Sabbath, but one time he asked about it to his Baptist pastor but (who) answered him and said that it was already nailed to the cross. So since that time he never study about it, but was always convinced by his conscience that the Bible Sabbath is true and the interpretation of his pastor is false. He is very grateful that we visited him and once again his conviction for the truth about Sabbath revived again. He told us that he is going to attend our Sabbath services but wanted to share the truth first to his brethren in the church. I hope and pray that God may use him in this service....

I am very thankful to the Lord for these entire things, may He ever guide us so that we may not fall. The time is getting shorter and shorter and you know here in the Philippines every day there are many protesters, rallies going anywhere, and there is no safety everywhere without God's protection. The time is coming that our houses, lands and even money will be of no value. I pray that God will lead my way always so that I will not stumble and fall....

Last three weeks I was invited by an Adventist couple who are longing for the message in regard to the present truth. Actually we met and studied some of the truth years ago. I am thankful that God touched their hearts to study more about the present truth now and much eager than before. I was three times been there every Sabbath. It’s in ____ city two hours travel from here in our town in ____. They have many questions about separation, Babylon, etc., and in God’s grace they were enlightened more, they are looking to be with us soon. I am praying that the seeds of truth sown will continue to spring in their hearts. They still want me to continue our series of study.

Here in ____, I am continuing to follow up the house-to-house work for the new listeners of truth. Another family was added who wants to know our message. I shared to them first the distinguishing mark of the Remnant, the true church of the last days for they are active member of a Methodist church. They are happy and are willing to study more about the Bible truths. I shared to them about keeping the Sabbath, which is the main characteristic of the Remnant Church, and they are very open for the Sabbath truth. Also the group whom I always visiting every Sabbath here in ____; many times I’ve been there and still want to lean more though they still holding the position in regard to the Hebrew name (for God and Jesus) which to them should not be translated. But I still keep praying that in God's opportune time they will totally erase fanaticism in their hearts....

He that keeps Israel has watched over our souls like we are the (only) persons on the earth (which) He has supplied our needs and reduced the pressures that we are called to go through. He has opened a few opportunities in sharing the good news, but all in all we thank Him who has enabled us to speak words of warning to those we meet on the road, on funeral services, in their place of work and homes.

Elder the (evangelism) materials on site are getting spoilt due to rain and over stay in (this new but unfinished building) place. It is my prayers (that some will be impressed to) help towards cement (being) given (or purchased so) to put them on the foundation (and get them off the dirt) as I wait for any other help....

We made a visit some time back to ____, this visit has yielded seven families now praying in their homes. I met with brother ____ who invited us to ____. He told us how the (church leaders) drilled him for taking me in their Church. Three times the Church board sat over his issues, for he had thought of remaining in the Church and (to) reform (it from) within, but the message I shared with that Church brought (a) crisis. So with increasing time he has been chased out, (and) upon his living seven others who were holding the same views were also ordered out of Church (and) they are married and (with) families. We are planning to have a camp in their place or ours at the end of the year as long as funds will be available at the turn of this year or the beginning of next year. This will help them know our stand as home Churches, the principles of separation, the issues of fanaticism. Etc. So by this letter I humble ask for financial assistance to hold the foresaid meeting.