Poll for Church of God folks. Would you speak in tongues more often if the Lord would come upon you more often?
Discussion
9 comments
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The Lord is always upon me.
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What do you mean “come upon you more often?” …He never leaves us. 🙂
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This question seems to be misdirected or based on a false notion. We are required to walk in the spirit. Galatians 5:16. We as Christian believers, who have been baptized in the Holy Ghost should always have a connection with the Spirit. That connection allows the the Holy Spirit to have his way at any given time. You don’t just turn the Holy Ghost off like a light switch. He is continual and flowing.
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The manifest presence of the LORD is not a response to “speaking in tongues” (tongues as a prayer language or tongues that are to be interpreted.)
The manifest presence of GOD follows our choosing to OBEY HIM. Walk in HIS will, day by day, and do all to glorify HIM, and not ourselves.
Joh 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Is Obedience REQUIRED for salvation in response to saving grace? As I understand it, Obedience is as natural to a spirit filled Christian, as “breathe” is to a new born baby.
Jas 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Obedience consummates the covenant. We surrender the entirety of our being and will to HIM. “Do with me what you will”. “Though HE slay me, yet will I praise HIM”.
Heb 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
Who does HE save? Those who do what?
So the “EVIDENCE” of salvation is obedience by choice. From the obedience comes an overflow of HIS manifest presence. From HIS presence comes groans and utterences too deep for definition or articulation in language that is quiet limited by comparison.
Speaking in tongues is natural for those who obey HIM and follow HIS will. But so is prophesying. How many folks “prophesy” after beginning to speak in other tongues in most churches today? Do you see this, as I do, being a bit out of balance? And what about all the other gifts? Why are they so blatantly “missing” from among Pentecostals?
1Co 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
1Co 12:29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
1Co 12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?In order to understand this text, we must identify those whom he calls “all”. Personally, I cannot help but believe that the “all” are those who have been immersed into the HOLY SPIRIT.
Are “all” apostles? No, but some are.
Are “all” prophets? No, but some are.
Are “all” teachers? No, but some are.
Are “all” workers of miracles? No, but some are.
Do “all” have gifts of healing? No, but some do.
Do “all” speak in tongues? No, but some do.
Do “all” interpret tongues? No, but some do.But where obedience, purity, and holiness abounds in the heart of a believer, HIS manifest presence is found also. And in HIS presence there is fullness of joy. The response of HIS presence is WORSHIP. Worship, not gifts. WORSHIP. When HE manifests HIS presence so we can discern it in our fallen vessels, we worship. You don’t need a worship leader. You already know what to do.
What quenches the SPIRIT, is SIN. Willful SIN. Let that not be you.
FYI, I have a paper on my other computer which lists almost as many accounts from Acts, where folks were immersed into the SPIRIT, and yet there is no mention of them speaking in “tongues” (unknown language).
My quest is to believe what the Bible says, and then apply to my own life. If I follow this book of instructions, then I well expect HIS presence with me as I walk out each day. Whatever I need to make it through that day, HE will provide, including gifts.
Gifts are not something to “celebrate” in a party like atmosphere. Gifts are tools of evangelism. No matter what I face, if I’m immersed in the HOLY SPIRIT, I will have whatever “gift” I need to manage and overcome that situation. Not for my glory, but HIS. Not for my salvation, but for those whom I may encounter, day by day.
Rev 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
No mention of “gifts” here. Oh but look at the next verse.
Rev 22:15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
SIN. Sin will keep you without. And this is where the preaching should place it’s emphasis. The opposite of SIN is OBEDIENCE. Those who are obedient, are also filled to overflowing (and empowered) with HIS SPIRIT. Where is SPIRIT is present, “gifts” just naturally abound. No “coaching” necessary.
Don’t you think it’s time that folks started seeking HIM, and HIS righteousness, and let HIM add all these other things unto us as PROMISED?
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Lahry, I gather you believe in a progressive salvation without definite separate works of grace, correct.?
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Obedience is required for salvation? What happens when someone chooses not to obey??
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Obedience is the EVIDENCE of salvation.
Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
REPENT – stop sinning (start obeying) by choice.
And ye SHALL receive the gift of the HOLY SPIRIT.
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(I got things to do. I’ll get back to this later on today. Thanks for your comments).
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Life is the evidence of salvation, obedience is the evidence of sanctification and tongues is the “initial evidence” of receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. The evidence of a Spirit filled life is the service performed under then power of God. “Ye shall receive power”
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