Is This Sin?

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Sex Outside Marriage

Q: I am 50, my fiancée is 55, we will be married in nine months time. We are both devoted Christians, married once before, with children and grandchildren. Are we sinning when we have sexual relations before we get married? Brian

A: Of course, it's blatant adultery and fornication. Mtt. 15:19-20, Eph. 5:3, 1 Co. 6:9-20, 1 Co. 10:8, Gal. 5:19, Heb. 13:4, Rev. 21:8 etc. If you are really a Christian, you will honour Christ, not trample on His Word. It would be very unwise to marry in your confused state Brian. Are you certain that Jesus has told you both to marry? Think of the terrible example you are setting to your children and grandchildren. Repent, and use what brief time you have left to serve Christ wholeheartedly.

Interpreting Tongues

Q: I hear pastors and leaders speaking in tongues. I really would like to know what they are saying, and how they do it? Ray

A: Like many, you confuse speaking in tongues with tongues in personal prayer and worship. Speaking in tongues must always be interpreted so that listeners will be edified. Either the speaker interprets their own message, or another worshipper will do so. But it must be interpreted, otherwise the speaker should shut up. See 1 Co. 14:13-28.

However, worshipping and praying in tongues individually need not be interpreted because the believer is addressing God, not men. Eph. 6:18, Ro. 8:26-27. But even in this case, the Holy Spirit will often give the person worshipping or praying the interpretation if they ask. Jas. 1:5-7.

Your Owner's Manual

Tongues is only for Spirit-filled believers, and is proof of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. It is a distinct experience that follows salvation. Many Christians ignore it to their eternal loss. Some freaky cults, like the UPC, go to the opposite extreme, and falsely claim that unless you have tongues you are not saved.

Trunkless Elephants?

Q: I am born again and I received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, but I have not yet spoken in tongues. Does it usually happen immediately? Glenn

A: Only try to receive the baptism after you are born again. Once you are born of God, you simply ask, and receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit by faith in God's Promises. When you are baptised in the Holy Spirit, you will have tongues; until you have tongues you are not baptised.