Results 1 - 4 of 4
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Baptized by Holy Spirit? | Matt 3:11 | DocTrinsograce | 239556 | ||
Hi, Ed... No feelings on my part. Text is our topic of study and it is text with which we interact. I read a study which revealed that the majority of the time people read emotion in text that was not present in the writer. I try to avoid all that by writing what mean and meaning what I write. After all, if I am to be judged for a careless word, how much more so a careful word (Matthew 12:36-37). I do not think that people are afraid to discuss these things. For example, Benny Hinn and Creflo Dollar are not timid about it; nor have people like Hank Hanegraaff and John MacArthur. Indeed, from Montanus in the early church, through the enthusiasts in the Reformation, all the way to the ecstaticism of our own day, it is something that continues to receive a lot of attention. Furthermore, I agree with your thinking that the Holy Spirit is essential to the spread of the gospel. He is also the restrainer of evil (2 Thessalonians 2:13); the instructor in righteousness (John 14:26), wisdom (Ephesians 1:17), love (Colossians 2:2-3), and knowledge (John 16:13); the convictor of sin (John 16:8); the regenerator of souls (John 3:6-8); the sanctifier of the redeemed (Ephesians 3:14-16); the persuader (Titus 3:5-6); the unifier of the church (Ephesians 4:1-6); illuminator of the Word (1 Corinthians 2:14-15; John 14:26; 1 John 2:27); etc. I like what Martin Luther once wrote, "I marvel at those who so boast in the Spirit, but show forth so little of it." Scripture adjures us to careful judgment (John 7:24; 2 Corinthians 13:5; James 5:9). Nonetheless, we are not asked to compare ourselves with people. Instead, what we are given are evidences, since the inner reality cannot help but be manifested externally. As you pointed out, an evidence of the Holy Spirit is pointing others to Christ. In terms of character, we have that wonderful list of evidentiary fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-25). Thus, when we see hatred, anger, divisiveness, rebellion, pugnacity, defensiveness, carelessness, self-righteousness, unkindness, abrasiveness, or gruffness, we can be certain that that person is not filled with the Holy Spirit. What is happening inside will always express itself outside (Luke 6:43-44). So we don't have to look for the razzle dazzle if the character is lacking. Maybe the razzle dazzle will be there, I cannot say, but it certainly will not be a manifestation of the Holy Spirit when the fruit is lacking. Thank you for the discussion! May God bless you as you seek to know Him through His self-revelation of the Word. In Him, Doc |
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2 | Baptized by Holy Spirit? | Matt 3:11 | lionheart | 239561 | ||
Doc, Prayer and careful study of the Scriptures are the best way to deal with issues such as these. Emotions not guided by God's Holy Spirit can be real killers, a hard lesson learned by me over the years. Thanks for being one of those who have brought me back to earth when I have so much needed it. In Him, lionheart |
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3 | Baptized by Holy Spirit? | Matt 3:11 | DocTrinsograce | 239571 | ||
Hi, lionheart... Thank you for the encouragement! I often recall my hermeneutics professor thundering, "Think then feel! ... THINK! THEN feel!" Jeremiah 17:9 sure tells us why getting it the other way around is so deadly! In Him, Doc |
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4 | Baptized by Holy Spirit? | Matt 3:11 | lionheart | 239572 | ||
Doc, No brag just fact brother. In Him lionheart |
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