We are living in a post Christian society in America & worldwide thus you cannot assume that people know who the Biblical Jesus is. "Jesus loves you" means nothing to most & is definitely not the way the Biblical gospel was presented to the lost in the book of Acts. The message of the Bible is that Jesus is Lord. Philippians 2:5-11, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." This means that Jesus is the Lord of everyone on the face of the earth whether they be Hindus, Muslims, Liberals, Buddhists, Atheists, Communists, etc.
The day of Pentecost recorded in Acts chapter 2 shows by the gift of tongues that God had now demonstrated that Jews & Gentiles were equalized. Salvation was no longer limited to the Jews only but the Gentiles were also included. Speaking in tongues, unlike what the charismatics claim, is a sign to them that believe not. 1 Corinthians 14:21-22, "In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. |
