Pastor Shafer

Acts 10:44-48 (KJV) 

44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 

45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 

46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 

47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 

48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. 

[Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?].

The question is, shall we baptize these Gentile converts who have been born again, whose sins are already remitted, and who have received the Spirit baptism as we did at Pentecost? Or, shall we not baptize them? 

Here and in the case of Paul 
Acts 9:17-18 (KJV) 
17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 
18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. 

it is clear that sins were remitted and the Holy Ghost given before water baptism. If water baptism was essential to the remission of sins, shall we accuse God of getting ahead of His own program? 

Or shall we be more sensible and accept God's work of forgiveness without water baptism?

March 28 2014 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Nathan Toronga Christian Elder.

Yes, it is possible to speak in tongues before water baptism. Acts 10:44 clearly shows that.

However, speaking in tongues does not save. That is why Peter proceeded to baptize them. Acts 10:47-48.

Also know a few things:
A. Anyone who speaks in a tongue MUST interpret, or someone must interpret. Otherwise, the speaker must keep silent in the Church. 1 Corinth 14:27-28.

B. Only a total of 3, maximum, may speak, one at a time, while someone interprets. 1 Corinth 14:27-28.

C. Tongues are a sign for unbelievers, not believers. 1 Corinth 14:22. If you can check your bible, nowhere do you find tongues in the Church, except at Pentecost, because those listeners were unbelievers. And to Peter's group, because they were failing to believe that the time for gentiles had arrived.

Nowhere do you see tongues in the congregation of believers.
- tongues are a sign for unbelievers. 

I hope this sheds some light on this topic.

Bless.

March 28 2014 • 18 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report