Bible Question:
I don't know if Ezekiel is still posting on the forum, so I will ask this of everybody. He has written of the coming of the spirit, the filling of the Holy spirit [sic], received the holy spirit, and filled with the spirit. Others have spoken of the filling of the Holy Spirit, receiving the Holy Spirit, filled with the Spirit. How do we understand the spirit or Spirit? What do people feel that they are filled with when they speak in tongues? Who or what gives them "utterance"? Acts 2:4 Who or what gives them the ability to speak out? Could we see spirit AND Spirit in Acts 2:4? From the heart, Ray |
Bible Answer: Hi Ray! Justme here. Wow you have put some thought provoking questions up! Here goes, I will give you my best. In Matthew 28:19 we are told to Baptize in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. In John 16:7 Jesus is saying that He will send the "Helper" in GK. Paracletos, one called alongside to help; or Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor. John 14:16 agains refers to the "Helper" and in John 14:26 Jesus calls the "Helper" the "Holy Spirit". In Acts 2:33,38 refer to receiving the "gift of the Holy Spirit." and in Romans 15:13 there Paul describes in specfic ways the Holy Spirit in His power, works in the believer. In 1 Corthians 13, Paul tells us the greatest gift is "love". Then in Chapter 14 Paul goes into the "spiritual gifts", which if you notice the "Gift of the Holy Spirit" is given to all believers! The "spiritual gifts" are the results of maturing in our Faith and relationship and Lordship with Jesus Christ, these "spiritual gifts" are given as a gift, to use for the benefit of the Church to use in evangelism, worship, leadership, and reconcilation, of the lost and carnal Christian. We receive the Holy Spirit upon confession of Jesus Christ as Lord and our Savior. I can add that some believe the Holy Spirit enters our life at that point, and others believe the Holy Spirit enters our life only after you have followed the Lord in water Baptism. (I see both sides and I believe if you refuse to be baptized you proberly are not genuinely saved.) The Holy Spirit resides in us and is the Seal of our Salvation from the Father. If I so want the Holy Spirit to "fill" me and direct my way he will. I can also make the choice to ignore His Leading. That is sin. I don't discount that all the gifts are in use today. I do think there is an abundance of pressure, wrongly put, on new believers, to show proof of their salvation by the speaking in tongues. My personal belief is there is more to suggest that the gifts of "helps" is more evidence of the fruits of the Holy Spirit" than tongues or "utterances". I believe the Word says the "gifts" are just that. I doubt we should demand any one gift. I am willing to accept any "spiritual gift" the Lord wants me to use for His use. I sincerely hopes theis helps. I remember you often in my prayers, may God bless you Brother Ray. Justme |