"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!
3 comments:
Steven, We barely know each other, but I can say a hearty amen to this article regarding the gifts of the Holy Spirit are for today.
I'm sixty now, but when I was just 14 years old and from a family that were members of a Christian denomination that did not believe in the gifts of the Spirit. Yes, they were quite legalistic and listened to the ideas of man rather than plain teaching regarding scripture. But, I forgive them.
Again, I was 14, my father had my brother and I cutting, raking, baling and hauling hay. I'd like to tell you about an experience I had one day, raking hay.
It was a beautiful day. My dad got me to the field of cut and dried hay. It was ready for raking. The sky was deep blue, the sun was shining, the trees, birds, and bunnies all added to the beauty I beheld as I circled the field on an orange Allis Chalmers CA tractor. The whirring of the rake behind me and the sound of the engine, pretty much engulfed me as I began to sing. I had to sing loud to even hear myself.
I was worshipping, all the songs that I remembered and sang as a child at church, at VBS, at Singings and fellowships over the years. I was somewhat euphoric it was all so beautiful, and it was as if I was one with the universe.
Then it happened, I ran out of human words, but my heart was overflowing. A torrent of verbiage, ecstatic, unhindered, and unknown to me, came flowing from inside. I knew it was still worship. I knew it was communion with God. I knew it made no sense at all to my human mind, but I didn't care. I didn't even know what it was or what I had experienced, but it is something I will always remember, and always cherish. That day, I met with God, we communed together. It was holy, and somehow it changed me forever.
No sermon to the contrary will ever convince me, I am ruined. There is nothing like meeting God on his terms, where he lives. That day, God tabernacled in a lump of clay, and it is my desire for him to mold and shape me, until I draw my last breath.
There is a Spirit that is sent to indwell the believer. You are the temple of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit comes to comfort, to guide, to help. He comes to show us things to come, and enlighten us about things around us. We become the servants of a King who told us, he would be with us always. Always is a long time, it starts today.
Bruce,
Thank you for visiting and commenting. I really enjoyed reading your experience on the Holy Spirit.
Thank you for your love of Christ!
Gerald, I truly appreciate your visiting my blog. As for your comments, I must say that I have to disagree with your statements on the Holy Spirit and the Gentiles. We only need to read how Paul was sent to the Gentiles plus other scriptures.
Again, I won't go any further in this as one only need to read the scriptures and hear the Holy Spirit to know the truth.
Sincerely, Steven
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