ENDTIME ISSUES NEWSLETTER No. 195

ÒSPEAKING IN TONGUESÓ Part 2

Dr. Samuele Bacchiocchi

Retired Professor of Theology,  Andrews University

 

INDEX OF TOPICS OF THIS NEWSLETTER

 

ÒSPEAKING IN TONGUESÓ Part 1

                *This is the Essay of this Newsletter which is excerpted from

                  chapter 8 of Popular Beliefs: Are they Biblical?

 

UPDATE ON RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

 

           * AN UPDATE: Popular Beliefs: Are they Biblical?

 

           *  How to Contact the Center for Cancer Care that

                           shut down 95% of my Liver Cancer

 

           * William Richardson, Speaking in Tongues to be

                           released in to weeks by March 5, 2008.

 

           * Cristina PicardiÕ New Recording done in Loma Linda

                           on February 8, 9, 10.

 

           * Limited Supply of More than a Prophet

 

           * Forthcoming Rallies in England from March 1 to 15.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS OF SERVICES AND PRODUCTS

 

           * SPECIAL OFFER on 12 DVD and CD albums for only

                  $150.00,  instead of the regular price of $1150.00

 

           * New Video Recording of Prof. Roy Gane on the Sanctuary

 

           * Upcoming seminars for the months of February and March

 

           * Incredible Offer on the new Hitachi 3000 Lumens Projector

             Only $1395.00

 

           * The Smallest and most Powerful Remote Presenter

 

           * Does your church or School Need a Screen?

 

           * Bed and Breakfast in London, England.

 

UPDATE ON RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

 

AN UPDATE –  POPULAR BELIEFS: ARE THEY BIBLICAL?  

 

           As you can tell from this newsletter, the research and writing of the new book Popular Beliefs: Are They Biblical? is proceeding well. The essay of this newsletter ÒSPEAKING IN TONGUESÓ is taken from the second part of chapter 8 of the forthcoming book. You will note that I have deliberately omitted a few crucial section of the chapter in order to encourage the purchase of the book.

 

           I have devoted several weeks to research and write this chapter,   because the phenomenal growth of the charismatic movements raises important questions about tongues-speaking.  Is the modern manifestation of speaking in tongues from God or from Satan?  Is it a supernatural phenomenon or a natural stimulation of the left cerebral hemisphere? Is it identical to the gifts of the Holy Spirit manifested on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2 and discussed by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12-14?

 

           Are there two different types of speaking in tongues in the New Testament, one consisting of speaking in foreign languages in Acts 2 and another manifested in Òecstatic utterancesÓ in 1 Corinthians 12-14?  Do the modern glossolalia meet the criteria stated by Paul in 1 Corinthians 14 for the legitimate exercise of the gift of tongues for edifying the church? Is speaking in tongues the fulfillment of the Latter Rain promised in Joel 2:28-29?

 

           These are some of the important questions that I am addressing in chapter 8 ÒSpeaking in Tongues.Ó In this newsletter I am posting only a few sections of the second part of chapter 8. I have deliberately omitted some crucial sections of the chapter, to encourages readers of this newsletter to buy the book when it comes out in a few weeks time (early in April 2008).

 

           A research project of this nature has been very expensive in time and money. During this past year I have invested an average of 15 hours a day on this manuscript, because I believe it is desperately needed to call out of Babylon many sincere people who are sincerely seeking to know and to do the revealed will of God.

 

           There are million of sincere Christians who do not realize that most of their popular beliefs are biblically wrong, while our Adventist beliefs are biblically right.  This book Popular Beliefs: Are they Biblical? is designed to help these sincere Christians to re-examine their beliefs in the light of the normative authority of Scripture.

 

When Will the Book Be Out?

 

           God willing, I hope to complete the writing of the book by the end of March 2008, and have the book printed and ready for distribution two weeks later by April 15 (tax time). Eight of the ten chapters are done. I am now working on the two remaining chapters on ÒOnce Saved Always SavedÓ and ÒInfant Baptism.Ó They should be completed rather speedily, because I have researched these subjects before.

 

           At present I am devoting every spare moment to researching and writing the remaining two chapters. Your encouragement has meant a lot to me.  Three months ago I was ready shelf the project for the time being, especially because of the new ministry we started with Cristina Piccardi–a powerful and passionate soprano who touches the hearts of people and greatly enriches my seminars.  She is by far the best Adventist soprano in the Adventist Church.  Three years ago she won the first prie at an international opera singers competition.

 

           We present our SABBATH,  or ADVENT,  or  LIFESTYLE SEMINARS together with words and song. Cristina sings several sacred songs before and after each of my lectures. Her poweful and passionate singing moves people to tears. The reception and response we have received during the past four months has truly been incredible. Planning this new ministry has consumed a lot of my time, especially in processing  the invitations we are receiving from across the USA and overseas. This is what caused me to consider shelving the manuscript for the time being.

 

           But your letters caused me to reconsider my priorities. Some of you have reminded me that our Adventist Church desperately need Popular Beliefs: Are they Biblical?  to witness to people who are sincerely seeking to know and to do the will of God. The many pre-publication orders I have already received, have strengthen my determination to complete this project by the end of March 2008.

 

           The book consists of about 400 pages with a nice four colors, laminated cover.  We are in the process of redesigning the cover,  after receiving many valuable suggestions.

 

Thank You for Your Advanced Orders

 

           At this time we wish to offer our readers the opportunity to place an order at the special pre-publication prices listed below.  Please note that your checks or credit cards will not be processed until the book is ready to be mailed out.  We are keeping all your orders in a special file and as soon as the book is out your check will be deposited or your credit card will be processed.

 

           Your advanced orders will offer me, not only the encouragement needed to speedily complete this very demanding project, but also an approximate idea of how many copies we should print. Thank you for your encouragement and support.  Your order will be processed as soon as the book comes out early in April.

 

SPECIAL  PRE-PUBLICATION PRICES FOR QUANTITY ORDERS OF POPULAR BELIEFS: ARE THEY BIBLICAL?

 

           1 copy of Popular Beliefs: Are they Biblical? at $30.00 per copy. Mailing expenses are included for the USA.  Add $10.00 for  AIRMAIL postage to any overseas destination.

 

           10 copies of Popular Beliefs: Are they Biblical? at $10.00 per copy, postage paid, instead of the regular price of $30.00. ($100.00 for 10 copies). Mailing expenses are included for the USA.Add $40.00 for AIRMAIL postage to any overseas destination.

 

           30 copies (one case) of Popular Beliefs: Are they Biblical? at $5.00 per copy, postage paid.  ($150.00 for 30 copies).  Mailing expenses are included for the USA. Add $80.00 for AIRMAIL postage to any overseas destination.

 

           100 copies of Popular Beliefs: Are they Biblical? at $4.00 per copy, postage paid. ($400.00 for 100 copies). Mailing expenses are included for the USA. Add $160.00 for AIRMAIL postage to any overseas destination.

HOW TO ORDER POPULAR BELIEFS: ARE THEY BIBLICAL?

        You can order Popular Beliefs: Are they Biblical? at the pre-publication prices given above, in four different ways:

(1)  Online: By clicking here: http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/cart/catalog/index.php?cPath=26_35

(2)  Phone:  By calling us at (269) 471-2915 to give us your credit card number and postal address.

(3)  Email:  By emailing your order to <sbacchiocchi@biblicalperspectives.com>.  Be sure to provide your  postal address, credit card number, and expiration date.     

(4) Regular Mail: By mailing a check to  BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES, 4990 Appian Way, Berrien Springs, Michigan 49103, USA. We guarantee to process your order immediately.

 

HOW TO CONTACT THE CENTER FOR CANCER CARE IN GOSHEN, INDIANA THAT TREATED MY CANCER

 

           Two days following my 69th birthday, I learned that I had advanced-stage colon cancer requiring immediate surgery. Later I was told that the cancer had spread to the liver, infesting 90% of the organ and making its prognosis bleak. Several oncologists that I consulted, confirmed that I had Stage 4 terminal liver cancer, with only a few months to live. All what they could do was to prolong my life with chemotherapy for a few months or a year at best. No Cancer Center, including Loma Linda Cancer Center, had a clinical trial program for liver cancer. The impression I received is that nothing could be done to heal my cancer: I was doomed to die in a few months, at most a year.

 

           Driven by my faith in God and optimistic attitude, I sought another opinion at the Center for Cancer Care in Goshen, Indiana, which is located only one hour away from Andrews University, where I live. Following a two-hour consultation with Dr. Seza Gulec (see the picture at my website by clicking http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/goshen), a pioneer in the field of nuclear oncology, I learned that my cancer was terminal but treatable with a combined strategy of chemotherapy and microsphere embolization – a treatment unavailable at most cancer centers. Within one month, the innovative treatment reduced the presence of liver cancer by almost 80% and decreased total tumor volume from 2435cc to 680cc. Within two months, two more treatments reduced my cancer by 95%.

 

           Today I feel like a new man with a new lease on life. I feel like an old car with a decent looking body and a brand new motor. I have more energy than I have had earlier in my life. I can only thank God for His providential leading to the right place and for using the latest research to restore my health.

 

           Click here to see the pictures of the various stages of my cancer: http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/goshen

 

                                                                                                The Goshen Center for Cancer Care is one of the few treatment facilities in the world to offer this breakthrough technology primarily due to the commitment of Dr. Gulec. A world-renowned physician, Dr. Gulec has dedicated years to research and develop the combination therapy, which greatly increases survival rates in those with advanced types of cancer. He has also authored landmark publications in lymphatic mapping, sentinel node biopsy, radioguided surgery and radionuclide therapy. Dr. Gulec currently leads the endocrine surgery, hepatic oncology, molecular imaging and positron emission tomography programs at the Goshen Center for Cancer Care.  To learn more about Dr. Seza Gulec click:  http://www.cancermidwest.com/main.asp?id=217

 

           Truly I can say that I believe that the Lord providentially placed me in contact with Dr. Gulec, who has done for me what appeared to be impossible.  The Lord has used Dr. Gulec to give me a new lease on life. He is so proud of my recovery that he uses me as a show case at international nuclear oncological conferences. Now I feel like a new man energized to serve the Lord in a greater way in the sunset years of my life.  Somehow I feel that I have more energy now than I had at 25 years of age.

 

You can contact the CENTER FOR CANCER CARE in Goshen, Indiana in the following ways:

 

1) PHONE: (888) 491-4673

 

2) EMAIL: sgulec@goshenhealth.com

 

3) WEBSITES: http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/goshen  or  http://www.cancermidwest.com/

 

 

WILLIAM RICHARDSONÕS BOOK SPEAKING IN TONGUES IS SCHEDULED TO BE RELEASED BY MARCH 5, 2008

 

           In the last newsletter I proposed the possibility of reprinting William RichardsonÕs book Speaking in Tongues: Is It Still the Gift of the Spirit? The book was originally printed in 1994 by the Review and Herald but it has been out of print for several years.

 

           Before proceeding with the reprint, I decided to find out how many of our readers would be interested to purchase a copy of this timely book.  The response surpassed my fondest expectations. I received pledges for orders from different parts of the world, including from some Division offices.  In the light of the overwhelming interest, I hastily delivered the book to my printer who promised to deliver me the printing in two weeks, no later than March 5, 2008.

 

           Let me explain briefly, who is the author and why I decided to reprint the book. Incidentally, as a rule I do not publish or reprint books of other authors, because my hands are full with promoting and distributing the 18 books that I have authored.  The only other book of another author that I have published, is More than a Prophet: How We Lost and Found Again the Real Ellen White,  by Prof. Graeme S. Bradford. 

 

           I published More than a Prophet because I believe that this book  has been long overdue and will do a lot to restore confidence in the validity of the gift of prophecy, manifested in the writings, preaching, and teachings of Ellen White.  The response has been most gratifying. About 20 conferences in the USA and a few oversea,  have donated the book to their workers. If you did not have a chance before to order this timely book before, we still have a small supply left of the second printing. We will be glad to mail you copies immediately.  To place an order call us at (269) 471-2915 or click at this link: http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/cart/catalog/index.php?cPath=26_28

 

           William Richardson, Ph. D., the author of Speaking in Tongues, has served with distinction our Adventist church for over 35 years as Professor of NT, Chairman of the Religion Department (my chairman for many years), and finally as the Dean of the School of Art and Sciences. He has written numerous articles and books.

 

           Let me explain why I decided to reprint RichardsonÕs Speaking in Tongues.  After reading a dozen of books and scores of articles in preparation for chapter 8 ÒSpeaking in TonguesÓ of my book Popular Beliefs: Are They Biblical?, I came to appreciate RichardsonÕs Speaking In Tongues for his clarity and objectivity.

 

           Most Adventist authors and literature have tried to prove that the gift of speaking in tongues described in Acts 2 and 1 Corinthians 12-14, are identical, namely, the ability of speaking foreign languages.  This position has been used to refute all charismatic tongues-speakers as impostors, because they do not speak foreign languages, but unintelligible, ecstatic utterances.

 

           Through a painstaking analysis of Acts 2 and  1 Corinthians 12-14, presented in his doctoral dissertation at Andrews University, Richardson shows that there is a difference between the speaking in tongues in Acts 2 and 1 Corinthians 12-14.  For one thing, the tongues in Acts 2 are known as languages (dialektos) clearly understood by the Jews from different countries present in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost. By contrast, the tongues in 1 Corinthians 12-14 are characterized as Òsound—phononÓ (1 Cor 14:10) that needed to be interpreted. No interpretation was needed for tongue-speakers in Acts 2.

        

           Ultimately Richardson shows that a careful study of the restrictions Paul places on tongues-speaking during the worship service, disqualifies much of the Pentecostal speaking in tongues today as an unbiblical, illicit activity. The confusion caused by several people speaking in tongues at the same time without any translation, is an illicit activity clearly condemned by Scripture.

 

           But RichardsonÕs concern, however, is to let Scripture speak for itself, rather than twisting Scripture to make the gift of tongues something we want it to be. His research shows that there can be instances when a believer is impressed by the Spirit to pray or praise God with sounds too deep for words. Spiritual realities are experienced in different ways by different people

 

           I believe that RichardsonÕs book Speaking in Tongues is a most timely, witnessing book, at a time when the Pentecostal/charismatic movements are growing 10 times faster than our Adventist church, that is, at the rate of over 20 millions a year, and thus becoming the second largest religious body in the world after the Catholic Church.  Their membership today is already over 550 million and within 10 years it is expected to reach 750 million.

 

           Your encouraging responses gave me the incentive that I needed to proceed immediately with the reprint of RichardsonÕs book Speaking in Tongues: Is It Still the Gift of the Spirit?  My Adventist printer, Greg Patterson, who has served me with speed and efficiency for many years, has promised to have the book delivered at our home by March 5, 2008, that is in about two weeks. At the time of the delivery I will be in England with the outstanding soprano Cristina Piccardi, presenting our seminars with words and songs at six rallies. But my able assistant will be in my office. He will receive and process immediately all your orders.

 

SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER ON WILLIAM RICHARDSONÕS BOOK SPEAKING IN TONGUES: IS IT STILL A GIFT OF THE SPIRIT?

 

           1 copy of Speaking in Tongues at $25.00 per copy. Mailing expenses are included for the USA.  Add $10.00 for  AIRMAIL postage to any overseas destination.

 

           10 copies of Speaking in Tongues at $7.00 per copy, postage paid, instead of the regular price of $25.00. ($70.00 for 10 copies). Mailing expenses are included for the USA.  Add $40.00 for AIRMAIL postage to any overseas destination.

 

           30 copies (one case) of   Speaking in Tongues at $5.00 per copy, postage paid.  ($150.00 for 30 copies).  Mailing expenses are included for the USA. Add $80.00 for AIRMAIL postage to any overseas destination.

 

           100 copies of  Speaking in Tongues at $4.00 per copy, postage paid. ($400.00 for 100 copies). Mailing expenses are included for the USA. Add $160.00 for AIRMAIL postage to any overseas destination.

HOW TO ORDER Speaking in Tongues:

        You can order William RichardsonÕs book Speaking in Tongues  at the introductory prices given above, in four different ways:

(1)  Online: By clicking here: http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/cart/catalog/index.php?cPath=26_36

(2)  Phone:  By calling us at (269) 471-2915 to give us your credit card number and postal address.

(3)  Email:  By emailing your order to <sbacchiocchi@biblicalperspectives.com>.  Be sure to provide your  postal address, credit card number, and expiration date.     

(4) Regular Mail: By mailing a check to  BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES, 4990 Appian Way, Berrien Springs, Michigan 49103, USA. We guarantee to process your order immediately.

 

CRISTINA PICCARDIÕS NEW RECORDING

           A brand new recording of Cristina PiccardiÕs sacred concert and of our SABBATH SEMINAR with WORDS AND SONGS was made in Loma Linda on February 8, 9, 10. The recording was done with four state-of-the-art high definition cameras that provide an exceptional clear and crispy video images.

           We felt the need to make a high quality recording to share our new ministry with fellow believers in different parts of the world. We are happy that at this time we can offer a professional recording both of CristinaÕs Sacred Concert  and of our SABBATH SEMINAR with WORDS AND SONGS. 

           The SACRED CONCERT consists of 16 sacred familiar songs that cover the major themes of GodÕs creative and redemptive love. Her marvellous singing will touch your heart and inspire you to devote your life more fully to the Savior. You can see the picture of this new album by clicking at this link: http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/pic.htm

           The SABBATH SEMINAR consists of 3 DVD disks containing a total of 6 hours of recording, that is, the Cristina singing and my preaching done on Friday evening, Sabbath morning, and Sabbath afternoon.  Cristina sings a few songs before and after each of my lectures. You  can enjoy this informative and inspiring 6 hours seminar in the privacy of your home or church, without having to travel long distances or investing money to fly us in.  You can see the picture of this new album by clicking at this link:http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/sabbathandsong/index.htm

 

Who is Cristina Piccardi?

 

           Truly I can say that Cristina is by far the best Adventist soprano I have heard in my life. Surprisingly she is a slim, only 118 pounds, 5.6 feet high—not the typical heavy-set soprano. When my wife asked her: ÒHow can you project such a powerful voice when you are so slim?Ó  She replied: ÒIt is GodÕs gift.Ó

 

           Cristina was born in Brazil 26 years ago and came to Andrews University two years ago to accompany her husband who is studying at the seminary. She has earned degrees in voice performance both in Brazil and at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, where she received full scholarship during the two years of her studies, graduating in December of 2005.