From: John & April Correia [email protected]
Subject: Encouragement's From The Heart - October 16, 1998
Date: Thursday, October 15, 1998 20:28 PM

"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind, ... put on the new man which was created according to God, in righteousness and true holiness.  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." (Ephesians 4:23, 24, 30) "... The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  Against such there is no law.  And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with it's passions and desires."  (Galatians 5:22-24)  

I was given some information by a mom who was concerned with the beliefs of a local "Christian" school she was looking into for her child.  She didn't understand why some of their beliefs bothered her only that it was enough to stop her from placing her child in that school.  This particular school/congregation are of the Word Faith doctrine and one of their beliefs is speaking in tongues as proof you are filled with the Holy Spirit.  

According to Scripture when we are born again we are born again of spirit and thus we are called to be renewed in the spirit of our mind.  Scripture also tells us that God has sealed us with His Spirit, for the day of redemption, and we are not to grieve Him.  His fruit (outward proof if you will) is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  Speaking in tongues is one of the "gifts" of the Spirit, and is a lesser gift at that, and is not a proof that you are indwelt with the Holy Spirit.  This is a much abused gift in some congregations today and we must pay close attention to what Scripture has to teach us concerning Spiritual gifts - which you can read about in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, 13 & 14, and Ephesians 4.  

I encourage you to test these things, beloved.  You will be blessed when you do.  

by April Correia
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The above message is sent to you as encouragement. Please feel free to pass them on to others. If you'd like to be added to the mailing list reply to [email protected] Subject:  "add to"  to remove  "remove".   Have a joyous and bountiful day in the Lord!April Correia   Stop by and visit  "Encouragement's From The Heart" Website.   Special thanks to our  Webmasters,  Chris & John!  http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Ridge/1483/encourag.html   All glory to God!
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