Bible Question:
I liked most of what Glory777 said too. Except for the part where she implied that I was being legalistic (like the Pharisees) because I suggested that being "slain in the spirit" and "holy laughter" may be from the deceiver. I'd rather stick with biblical teaching and practices as much as possible instead of following or believing practices or doctrines that were added later on by men in any particular denomination. I know that God can do anything, but He does not do everything. Satan is alive and well, and still quite busy deceiving these days. EdB and Glory777, if the flesh is at work in some of the cases as you both mentioned in your churches, do you consider that to be OF GOD too? Or perhaps a better way to phrase that is: IF being slain in the spirit is NOT always of God (at least by some), then is it God's will? If it isn't God's will, is it sin? Could you give me a yes or no answer please, before you expound on the thought? |
Bible Answer: There- I believe that if you fake anything, it is not of God. So yes, it would be sin. But that doesn't mean "the devil made me do it!", either. I think we use the devil too much as an excuse. It can also be from self (flesh) and I find this type of of self sin coming from immature believers or even from those who want to be thought of as very "spiritual". If a person truly wants to know more of God, wants Jesus to do a work in him and change him and submits-"Do with me whatever You want Lord - I am yours and I give my will over to you" and on top of that, have others joined in prayer with him for that purpose, it is giving the Holy Spirit the opportunity to work mightily. I have gone for prayer for the Lord to work in me and give me boldness to proclaim the gospel, and I came away with a renewed sense of humbleness, and the boldness and opportunity were given. He will give this in personal prayer also, but when hearts are united for a single purpose, it seems He comes in power. Because of the abuse of this practice, should we say it should all be outlawed? No, but I think people have to use the intellect God gave them, but don't rely purely on intellect. Intellect will tell you miracles are impossible. Intellect will tell you don't go by feelings, and yet "God's Spirit bears witness with our spirit" which gives you assurance of being God's child. Don't put God into a box. He is still doing miracles today, and if some of what is being done makes you uncomfortable, find a church that goes where you are comfortable, as long as the name of Jesus is bing lifted up. For me, pentacostalism is the right church, but I know it is not for everyone. When I say I spread the gospel of Jesus, I spread the gospel for Jesus and not for my church. As long as they are being fed the Word, it is a "right" church to go to. In Christ- Debbie |