What About Speaking in Tongues?

07/02/09

Author:Roger Barrier

Dear Roger,

I am a member of Casas and I work for (company name withheld). We take the girls to various Assembly of God Churches, but I am allowed to bring some of them to Casas on Sunday mornings and they love it. The Church we go to on Saturday night is offering Bible classes that I thought about taking…. The application is very detailed and asks if I have been filled with the Holy Spirit with evidence of tongues, and (do I use) tongues in current prayer life? This was the only question on the application that I did not know how to answer... except (to say) “no”. :) I welcome any advice and suggestions.

Thank you,T (Name Withheld)

Dear Name Withheld,

I think that the best way for me to answer your question is to simply lay out for you the Biblical teachings regarding the gift of tongues. My answer will be rather pedantic; but, be patient; I believe this is the best format for helping you understand the gift. I will finish answering your question with a description of how we ...

How Do We Handle Divorce and Remarriage Issues in Our Church?

06/23/09

Author:Roger Barrier

Dear Roger, 

 

My marriage is a bust. My wife and I are fighting constantly. I wonder why I ever married her. I feel that my love for her is gone. We have been to counselors many times but nothing seems to help. I think all the fighting is scarring our children. They are upset, scared, and confused. I know we are damaging them. I want out; but I am a Christian and I am afraid that God will punish me for getting a divorce. Can you give me some guidance? Specifically, what does the Bible teach about divorce? I am struggling with whether to stay in this marriage or to get out. I want a divorce but I don’t want God to desert me if I do something wrong.

 

Sincerely,

“Composite of scores of questions from people for divorce guidance over the years”

 

Dear Composite,

 

I grieve for you and your and wife. Neither of you intended when you took your wedding vows to one day get a divorce. I know this is one of the most painful times you will experience in life and the potential for ...

How Many Times Should I Pray Healing Prayers?

06/16/09

Author:Roger Barrier

Dear Roger,

How many times must I pray for someone to be healed? I have friends who want me to pray again and again for their healing. The call goes out from the church to pray for somebody who is sick and we are encouraged to pray again and again while nothing happens. Frankly, I get rather tired of it sometimes. Is there a limit to how many times we should pray for someone’s healing?

Sincerely, Many Questioners Throughout The Years

Dear Many Questioners Throughout The Years,

I have heard thousands of prayers in 40 years of ministry for God’s supernatural healing hand to touch people with complete healing. I have been privileged to witness some great healings. However, some of the people I pray for never were healed. Some of the Christians I know who experienced physical and mental infirmities received no healing from God. Many received medical attention that alleviated their problems. Others died from their sicknesses.

 

Jesus gave us an invitation in Matthew 7:7-11. The verbs ...

How Do I Lead a Moslem to Christ?

06/09/09

Author:Roger Barrier

Dear Roger,

How should one witness to a friend that was raised Roman Catholic and is starting to go towards Islam? I don’t know how to really witness to him, without him saying that I am preaching to him.

Sincerely,

Question from Casas’ “What’s Next Class”

Dear Questioner,

It blesses my heart to know that you are interested in leading your friend to Christ. May God bless you and your endeavors. Now, to begin with, notice my use of the word “leading” in the previous sentence. I believe that sheep need to be led, not driven. Be careful of the temptation to force Christ or your beliefs upon anyone. They will soon tire of pushing and many times religion becomes an “off limits” subject in your relationship. So, use some creative thinking and carefully find the right time to approach in as natural a way as possible.

 

Listen carefully to what he has to say about his spiritual journey without getting defensive or threatened. Your goal is to lead him to Christ, not to win an argument ...

What's My Spiritual Level?

06/03/09

Author:Roger Barrier

Dear Roger,

I believe that I'm a +3 on my spiritual journey. I want to propel myself on the scale. What specific steps or what should I be doing to move on to step 4?

Sincerely,

Questioner #1 from Casas’ “What’s Next Class."

Dear Roger,

I feel I am at a +5 but I still have the question of how do I get to the point of having Jesus as my complete foundation? How do I completely be in love with Jesus?

Sincerely,

Questioner from Casas’ “What’s Next Class."

Dear Questioners,

I will gladly give you some direction regarding your spiritual growth; but, first, let me set the context for our readers by explaining the meaning of “+3” and “+5”.We utilize the “Engel’s Scale” at Casas to help people determine just where they are on their spiritual journey. The scale moves from -10 to 0 to +10. A -10 describes someone who has never heard of God or Jesus Christ. A -4 describes a person who is seeking to find truth about Christ. A -1 is someone on the verge of accepting Christ. 0 is ...