What's Your Sign?
b c d e f g h i
by Glen Morris
This past generation has seen an explosion in the rise of the occult and astrology. Television programs and commercials promote psychics, seers, and mediums. Of course, none of this has a place in the life of a born-again Christian who is trusting Jesus as their Saviour. If you're one who claims to be a Christian and you follow the daily horoscopes you should be ashamed of yourself for delving into the occult. No, my friend, it is NOT innocent "fun" or entertainment. It is idolatry. It shows how America has exchanged the Bible for manmade horoscopes and witchcraft!
But this article does not deal with the occult, demonism, or witchcraft. It is about Christians, who, although shun the thought of getting involved in seeking signs from the stars, are still seeking after something that is as damning and demonic as witchcraft. I'm not on a witch hunt, I'm just letting you know what the Bible says.
If you're smart, and use your King James Bible to do your homework, you will see that the Bible plainly exposes this modern day heresy of speaking in "tongues."
In Matthew 16:1-12, the Pharisees and Saducees (unconverted, religious leaders of Jesus' day) came to Jesus looking for a sign from Heaven, so He might prove to them that He was, indeed, the Son of God. Jesus quickly rebuked them and told them:
O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.
After this discourse, Jesus warned His disciples to beware of the "leaven" of the Pharisees and Saducees. The disciples were puzzled with what Jesus was trying to say. Since the disciples were with Jesus during the time He was scolding the Pharisees and Saducees, they had not yet eaten. They could not understand what Jesus meant when He warned them about the "leaven" of the Pharisees and Saducees. Was He talking about bread? What could Jesus have meant when He spoke of the leaven of the Pharisees and Saducees? Of course, Jesus was not referring to the leaven of bread. He was referring to the "doctrine," or the teachings, of the Pharisees and Saducees.
Leaven is a sign of fermentation. Leaven, or yeast, is fermentation to bread, just as fermentation is to wine. Fermentation is when food rots and decays. Jesus was referring to the rotten, decaying doctrine of the Pharisees and Saducees.
One of the signs of rotting and decaying doctrine is that of seeking a sign. The Pharisees and Saducees were seeking a sign from Heaven so Jesus would prove to them that He was the Son of God. But what was Jesus' rebuke?
A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign. . . Matthew 16:4
Not only did Jesus rebuke the sign seekers, but
. . . he left them, and departed.
The Just Shall Live by Faith!
Jesus has nothing to do with a church or people who are going around seeking signs. Sign seeking is the direct opposite of faith. In Hebrews 11:1 we read:
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things NOT SEEN.
How does a child of God please God? Hebrews 11:6 tells us the answer,
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek HIM.
How does a person become a child of God? Through faith in Jesus, of course. How does a Christian grow spiritually? Again, by faith. We see in Galatians 3:11,
The just shall live by faith.
Today, we have a whole facet of "Christianity" who are seeking signs. They teach that unless you speak with "tongues" you are not filled with the Holy Spirit. Some Charismatics will go so far to say that you're not saved if you don't "speak with tongues."
A WICKED AND ADULTEROUS GENERATION SEEKETH AFTER A SIGN!
How do we please God? Whom does God reward?
. . . they that diligently seek HIM.
How does a child of God "seek Him?" We read in Matthew 6:33,
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
What are we to seek first? The kingdom of God and His righteousness.
Answer this, Christian friend: According to the Bible, is the child of God to go around seeking signs? Absolutely not! The Bible plainly says we are to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
Do you know, Christian friend, that God is more concerned with the way you live your everyday life than if you are sign seeking? Do you realize that God is more concerned with holiness than if you speak in so-called "tongues?" Some of the most worldly people are tongue-talkers. If you don't believe me, just watch them swing and sway to a heathen Rock beat, the men have their long, effeminate hair, and the women wear their thick make-up on your "Christian/Charismatic" television station!
"But," you say, "the Bible says in Mark 16:17,
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues.
Doesn't this prove that Christians should cast out devils and speak in tongues?"
I agree, the Bible does say that. But it also says that and more. Why don't you read the ENTIRE PASSAGE, instead of picking out your "pet" verses that only fit what YOU want to believe. If it says that a Christian is to cast out devils and speak with tongues, then you should also read verse 18, which says,
They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Okay, Charismatic friend, if you are to speak in tongues, then go find a poisonous snake and handle it. Or, how about taking a bottle of poison and drinking it? What's wrong, are you chicken? Don't you have enough "faith?" If you're such a spiritual Christian and God wants you to cast out devils and speak in tongues, wouldn't you want to follow the whole Bible and not just pick out the pet verses YOU want to believe to fit your religion? Of course you're not going to do that. Perhaps you do not have enough "faith," as you tell those of us who do not "speak in tongues!!"
You may ask, "Well then, what about in Acts 2:3-4, on the Day of Pentecost, when the disciples were in the upper room and as they were praying,
. . . there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance?"
Yes, that's also in the Bible. So far, you know two passages. How many more do you know, or is that all? You seem to know a lot about those two passages, but did you also know that the disciples HAD NO IDEA that they were going to speak in "other tongues"? What did Jesus say was going to happen on the Day of Pentecost after they received the Holy Spirit? Did He say that they were going to speak in tongues? Let's see what He said in Acts 1:8,
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye SHALL BE WITNESSES UNTO ME both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
The purpose of God giving the power of the Holy Spirit to the disciples was not so they could go around blabbering like a bunch of fools. The Holy Spirit was not given so Charismatics could think they were better than or more spiritual than other Christians. The Holy Spirit was given so the disciples would have power to WITNESS to people and win them to Jesus!
Sure, you also know Acts 2:4, which says,
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
But since you are so smart, what about Acts 2:6?
Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because EVERY MAN HEARD THEM SPEAK IN HIS OWN LANGUAGE.
I'm not real smart, but this verse does say that every man heard them speak in his own language. I wonder what that means? How much plainer can it be?
What do you have at your tongue-talking gatherings? A bunch of jibber-jabber that no one can understand. It is nothing more than an ego trip put on by a bunch of immature, baby Christians; and they think that they're being spiritual!
Charismatics look down on anyone else who does not jabber like they do and think they are better than anyone else. That sure is the spirit of I Corinthians 13:1, isn't it?
If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? (yes they are) I Corinthians 14:23.
Though I speak with tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity (love), I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
God gave the disciples the ability to speak in other known languages so those visiting from other countries on the day of Pentecost could hear the Gospel in their own language! That's all. There's nothing spooky about that!
No, my carnal friend, God wasn't asking us to speak in an "unknown" tongue, handle snakes, drink poison, heal the sick, or cast out devils. God gave the signs when He was good and ready. The disciples DIDN'T GO AROUND SEEKING THEM!
Are you smarter than God? The Charismatics think they are. What did the disciples do? Mark 16:20 gives us the answer,
And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
If you want to be spiritual, why don't you follow the whole Bible? Where's all the preaching about going forth, and preaching everywhere? How many people have you told about the Saviour lately? Do you even know how to show a lost person in the Bible how to get saved?
If God wants signs to follow you, that is God's business. He chose to let signs follow the disciples. He may or may not want signs to follow you. Why don't you let God decide what He does or does not do and quit playing God, yourself, deciding who is spiritual and who isn't? Why don't you get busy being more concerned about keeping souls out of Hell and doing that for which Jesus came and died: soul winning. Jesus didn't die so Christians would go around blabbering and making fools of themselves like a three-ring circus. He died so we could be saved and bear fruit!
We read that Jesus said that a "wicked" generation seeketh after a sign. That is not too hard to understand, but why did Jesus say to His disciples that an adulterous generation seeketh after a sign? What does this mean? That's easy.
Little do most Christians realize that, although they may be single, as far as their spiritual marital status is concerned, they are committing spiritual adultery. As a result, Exodus 20:14, one of the Ten Commandments takes on a new meaning,
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Adultery is a sign of infidelity or unfaithfulness by one or both married partners. I Corinthians 11:2 says,
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
A born-again believer belongs to Jesus. In a spiritual sense we are married to Him. Christians, some day, we will become the Bride of Christ at the Rapture, just as a married woman is to her husband. Just as a married couple is to find ways to please each other, the Christian is to find ways to please God.
Christian friend, do you want your prayers answered? Of course you do.
And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. I John 3:22
If you want your prayers answered, then you must do things that are pleasing in God's sight.
Let me ask you this simple question: If you are doing something that God calls wicked and adulterous, is God going to answer your prayers? If you are going around seeking signs, is God going to answer your prayers?
This is exactly what the Devil tried to do with Jesus in Matthew 4:6-7. Jesus was fasting in the wilderness for forty days and forty nights. Physically speaking, He was probably as weak as a human being could be and yet stay alive. It was at that time that the Devil came to Him and said,
. . . If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Sounds like the Devil had a pretty good argument, didn't he? He even used Scripture to try to get Jesus to get some assistance from the angels. But what did Jesus answer?
Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
Wouldn't you think the Devil was correct in using the Scriptures to get the angels to minister to a physically weak Saviour? Yet, Jesus rebuked the Devil for tempting Him. Jesus did not come to earth to turn stones into bread, He came to redeem mankind from their sins.
That just goes to prove that you can twist and pervert the Scriptures to promote just about anything you want. That's why there are so many branches of "religion" which call themselves Christian. Yet, most of them do not agree with the other. Who's right?
When studying the Bible, you have to use the entire Bible in context, not just pick up a verse here or there and make a hobby horse out of it. Notice how many Scriptures I use in this brochure. I am,
. . . comparing spiritual things with spiritual. I Corinthians 2:13
Do you want to understand the Bible? Of course you do. Then why not use God's method of Bible study?
Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? . . . For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little. Isaiah 28:9-10
In the Bible, milk represents the simple truths. A baby cannot eat a steak because his body is not mature and has not yet grown enough to be able to chew or digest meat. But a mature Christian, one who is older spiritually and has gone through the process of spiritual growth, is able not only able to digest biblical milk, but also the more difficult meat of the Word. So is the life of the Christian. A younger, immature Christian can only understand the simple, basic truths of the Bible. The more mature Christian is able to understand the more complex truths of the Bible only because he has grown to the state where he is spiritually stronger and has gone through the growth process. He has compared Scripture with Scripture, not Bible study tape with Bible study tape, or book with book! You don't study the Bible using commentaries and books. That's an insult to the Holy Spirit's ability to teach you! You're using man's thoughts to interpret Scripture, and that's idolatry!
Just like the Devil tempted Jesus to turn the stones into bread, are you tempting God by seeking a sign? The Devil was; and I think the Devil is smarter than you. Has the Devil outsmarted you by getting you to seek signs? Is he using the Scriptures to manipulate you into seeking a sign instead of properly utilizing the Holy Spirit to win others to Jesus? The Devil tried to outsmart Jesus. Don't you think he'll try to outsmart you?
How did Jesus answer the Devil? With the correct Scripture. Are you smarter than Jesus? Then you should use the method Jesus used. Then, how does a Christian please God?
Without FAITH it is impossible to please him. Hebrews 11:6
What is the opposite of faith? Sight. But what does II Corinthians 5:7 say?
For we walk by FAITH, not by sight.
Well, does that mean that if we walk by sight (like "doubting" Thomas did) we are not walking by faith? Of course! You're catching on! Does that mean that if we seek after signs we are not walking by faith but by sight, and our lives are not pleasing to God? If we are seeking a sign, are we tempting God? Are we being wicked and adulterous? Are we being unfaithful to our Groom? That's what the Bible says.
The problem with Christianity today is that Christians are anemic. They're weak and puny. Why? Because Christians don't spend time in the Bible. Christians are like the disciples who, after Jesus' resurrection were questioned by the two in white apparel:
Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? Acts 1:11
Nothing has changed today. Christians are still star-gazing and looking for a sign from heaven while the world is going to Hell; and they never win anyone to Jesus.
Christian friend, is your life pleasing to God? Are you living a life of faith (one guided by the King James Bible), or are you always looking for signs, like a wicked and adulterous generation? Instead of looking for signs, why don't you get busy spending as much time trying to win people to Jesus as you are sign-seeking? Jesus said,
. . . there shall NO sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. Matthew 16:4.
What was the sign of the prophet Jonas? Matthew 12:40 says,
For as Jonas (Jonah) was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
Instead of seeking after signs, why don't you go around preaching about the sign of Jonah? Why not go around preaching that Jesus went to Hell for our sins, and that He arose from the dead three days later, instead of doing something that Jesus condemns? Why not get as concerned about that which God is concerned?
If we are to walk by faith and not by sight, and if without faith it is impossible to please Him, how do I walk by faith? I'm glad you asked.
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17
How are we to please God? By faith. How do we get faith? By reading and hearing the Bible being preached, and going to a church that preaches the entire Bible; a church that seeks to win the lost to Jesus, not one that is a sign-seeking church. If you are not sure how to find a non-sign seeking Bible preaching church just write to me and I'll help you find one.
The stage is being set. The Devil is preparing the world for the Anti-Christ and False Prophet. What will the Devil use to deceive the world into following them?
Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and SIGNS and lying WONDERS, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish . . . And for this cause, God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be DAMNED who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. II Thessalonians 2:9-12.
Did you read that, my friend? The False Prophet will use signs and lying wonders to deceive the nations into accepting the Anti-Christ as the saviour of the world. And to think that a vast majority of Christians have been sucked up into this Charismatic, Ecumenical mess.
I have no doubt in my mind that this is one of the ways the Devil is using to keep Christians away from winning people to Christ. Christians are so wrapped up in the Charismatic Movement that they truly believe that this is a movement of God. They have even been deceived into thinking that the Charismatic Movement is a revival! I do not. I believe that the Devil is using the Charismatic Movement to deceive baby, immature Christians by signs and lying wonders, to make a sign-seeking generation think that this is of God while the world goes to Hell.
How do I know? Matthew 24 speaks about the Tribulation period; a time of great persecution, death, famine, and disease. The disciples came to Jesus one day on the Mount of Olives and asked Him,
Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the SIGN of thy coming, and of the end of the world? Matthew 24:3
Jesus goes on to explain that there shall be wars and rumors of wars, famines, pestilences, earthquakes, and so on, as a sign of the end of the world. Jesus also goes on and says,
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Notice the phrase, if it were possible. Many Christians are so swept up in the Charismatic Movement that it will only take the Rapture to separate them from their sign seeking. They are so deceived by signs and lying wonders that only the Rapture will be able to keep them from following the Anti-Christ and the False Prophet right into the Tribulation.
Could it be that the False Prophet will have such "charisma" that he, too, will be able to speak in tongues, heal the sick, raise the dead, and perform miracles? And why not? The world is looking for signs!
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. II Corinthians 11:14.
But though we, or an angel from heaven, (even the "Blessed Virgin Mary" at Fatima) preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man (even the Pope) preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. Galatians 1: 8-9
Did I make you mad by saying this? Good! Here's more.
For years, the Roman Catholic-controlled media has been feeding us lies about weeping statues and pictures, visions and apparitions (i.e., Our Lady of Fatima, Medugorje, and others) so they could control their ignorant followers by following signs and wonders instead of following the Bible.
In Revelation 13, we see an example of a miracle being performed by the False Prophet during the Tribulation Period,
And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, and deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast . . .
I don't know about you, but if I saw someone commanding fire out of Heaven they would definitely get my attention! That's exactly what the Devil is using today to deceive Christians into believing that their sign seeking is of God. It is also deceiving unconverted people into thinking they are truly saved because they can blabber in some unknown tongue. Salvation is of God, not something that is conjured up by man.
When God told Moses to go to Pharaoh, and tell him to let His people go, God allowed Aaron and Moses to perform some convincing miracles to show Pharaoh that Moses was God's man. But, was Moses ever surprised when Pharaoh summoned his sorcerers and magicians to COPY "in like manner" the miracles that Moses performed:
And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent. Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. Exodus 7: 10-11
I'm sure Moses got a little nervous at that point. Had God let Moses and the people of Israel down? Not on your life. Read Exodus, chapter seven and following, and see that God eventually showed Pharaoh who was God!
Christian friend, have you been deceived? Are you one who has been deceived by the Devil by seeking after signs? Is your life pleasing God? Are you spending time in the Bible daily, instead of spending time reading books written by men? Are you spending more time watching the so-called "electronic church" on television, listening to so-called "Christian" radio, reading daily devotionals like Our Daily Bread, or listening to cassette tapes, instead of attending a local, soul winning, independent New Testament Baptist church? Of course, if you are an inmate, you will have a difficult time finding any "church" services in your prison that preaches the King James Bible and salvation by grace through faith in Jesus alone, so God is understanding and patient in those circumstances.
Don't forget, even Jesus, Who was the perfect example of Spirit fullness NEVER spoke in tongues! Figure that one out! Are you better than Jesus? Isn't He our perfect example of the Spirit filled life? No doubt, you tongue talkers think you're better than the Son of God! You want to do something He did not do. Oh, yes, He did walk on the water. So, since you think you're so spiritual why don't you try that? Peter did; and he even cursed and swore; or try raising someone from the dead!
No, you're problem is just that you want to show off in church and get all the attention. You want others to think that you're spiritual, when you're just proving how immature and ignorant you are, and how little you know about the Bible. You're showing that you are rebelling against the Bible.
Here are some more verses that refute Charismatic tongue talking:
* Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. I Corinthians 14:19
* Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not (a soul winning tool): but prophesying (preaching) serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? I Corinthians 14:22-23.
* For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. I Corinthians 14: 33-34
* And God hath set some (not all) in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues (last of all). Are all apostles? (no) are all prophets? (no) are all teachers? (no) are all workers of miracles? (no) Have all the gifts of healing? (no) do all speak with tongues (known languages)? (NO!!, NO!!, NO!!) do all interpret? (no) I Corinthians 12:28-30
Well, my friend, how does your life compare to God's Word? Is God's Word messing up your religion? Do there need to be some changes? Or will you blindly and ignorantly be sign seeking the rest of your life and have no rewards in Heaven for not winning people to Jesus?
If you have any sincere questions feel free to e-mail me. If you just want to argue and try to prove the perverted Charismatic position, don't waste my time or yours! (Jude 1-25)
A WICKED AND ADULTEROUS GENERATION
SEEKETH AFTER A SIGN.
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