Speaking In Tongues Does Not Equal Salvation.

[Falla39]

Many years ago, a young mother and friend came to church with me. She had two small children and was divorced. As she continued to come to church, she eventually went to the alter and later wanted to be baptized. My late father baptized her in Jesus Name. My mother and I went with her to the room where she was to prepare to be baptized. After being baptized, we returned to the room so she could change into dry clothing. Mom and I kept praying and she also. All of a sudden she got a good blessing and began to shout. She definitely was feeling good. She announced she received the Holy Ghost. Although she received a good blessing, there was no evidence that she had spoken in tongues. Mom and I both noted that!

This precious lady immediately started wearing dresses, no make-up, jewelry, etc. Sold her TV. No one told her to do these things. She did them on her own. She was not mature spiritually to understand why she was doing this. She was just doing/trying to pattern after others. Some people do things because others do them. Some people do things because they feel it is the right thing to do. Others do things because of who they are.

I took her and her children with me to campmeeting. Paid all her expenses. As we were nearing our city coming home, she cried and said, "I just wish I could stay there from now on. It's like another world at campmeeting." We can go somewhere for a great family, etc., gathering and be sad when we have to leave. But we still live in this world. WE'RE NOT HOME YET!

She continued to come to church with her children, then got a new job with the local police department. She started missing church and then quit alto gether. One day I saw her, in her uniform, heavy make-up, etc. I saw her later at the super-
market. She said she was happy. Eventually she went to work for the county sheriff's department and I seldom saw her. Then she moved to the county seat, continuing to work for the sheriff's department.

Her children grew up and the daughter married a catholic boy. Her son went to a Baptist Bible school. She asked the local Baptist minister to give a recommendation for the school. He did so. (she had been raised Baptist). Years later I ran into him at an outlet mall where he worked. He started telling me he was ordained as a Baptist minister. Started telling me about what was wrong with our faith.

Later I made contact with her, and two of our daughters and I met in her city for lunch. Her two children (grown now) were there too. The daughter with her husband and baby. The mother expressed to me that she was concerned that her grandbaby would be raised catholic. We had a pleasant time and took pictures, etc. We have prayed for her and her family all these years. Her son can be found in the gay parades. Very actively involved in the gay movement. My late father used to say, "There are alternatives to obeying TRUTH"!

I wonder how many, through the years, even in Pentecost, received a blessing at the entrance of the Kingdom, but did not press on into the kingdom. Perhaps similiar to a child being born. Some get to the entrance of the womb/tomb, and give up. I've seen people that appeared to be well on their way to receiving the Holy Ghost and suddenly give up. Quit and refuse to go any farther. I believe we cheat ourselves when we do not press on until we have the joy and the evidence that we have truly been born again, of water and of the Spirit.

Not long ago I once again connected with this lady AND her two children, via Facebook. I pray that one day she will realize that a onetime blessing is not sufficient for a lifetime! Eternity??

Could we compare the Holy Ghost as the down payment/earnest money,put in escrow, until the full purchace is completed at the appointed time of the closing. The evidence of things not seen yet, but by faith we wait for it. After the "CLOSING", we are given full possession.

Falla39