"While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who had heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, 'Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?'
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days."
Acts 10:44-48 (ESV)
There are many passages in the New Testament that attest to the baptism of the Holy Spirit, yet this one just stood out to me the other day as I was reading to my son.
I am a firm believer in that the gifting of the Holy Spirit is still here today.
God didn't stop speaking or giving His gifts to His people just because we now have the "complete" version of the bible.
He is the same yesterday, today and forever. For us to believe He stopped giving the gifts of the Spirit is unbiblical.
Why would He say, "OK, you my people now have the "completed" version of the word, so now I don't have to give you anything else?
If that were the case couldn't we say that He doesn't save people anymore, considering, that is a gift also?
Our life has to be changed, and in order for it to be changed we must continue to believe in a God who still has so much love for His children that He continues to gift us as He sees need.
I have more to say on this topic and wasn't really planning on commenting at all, yet my heart breaks to see and hear so many believers who state, that the gifts aren't for today or that God doesn't speak to us now that we have His written word.
Granted there are a fringe group that has abused the "gifts" and go to extremes on saying, "God said....". To that I would say that yes, they are wrong. If what is called the gifts are being used, don't match up with how they are described in scriptures, then they more than likely are false or the people need corrected.
As for saying that God, said such and such, to me, what I have experienced was never an audible voice. Yet, I have many instances of where a thought comes to my mind, usually with scripture. That is how I hear God.
My reason for posting this isn't to criticize those who believe that way. It is my hope that the Lord will show His way to all.
Again, I have more to say on this, but at this time, I don't have all put on paper yet.
Be blessed!
