on 1/15/2001 12:56 PM, Duane Wheeler at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
>
>
> The formation of the AoG is keyed to the revival fire
> that descended on Azuaza Street,Calif almost 100 years
> ago..
>
>
> As a youth, my Church promoted a salvation message first,
> and followed it with a time of prayer that led to the laying
> on of hands, and the infilling of the Holy Spirit with evidence
> of speaking in an un-known tong. This remains foundation to
> Royal Ranger doctrine.
>
> In many ways.. my Church proudly wore the title "Penetcostal"
> and suffered criticizum being labled "Holy Roller" ect. in
> defence of this doctrine.
>
>
> *Salvation first.. followed by the gift of the Holy Spirit
> ...evidenced by speaking in unknown toungs..
>
> *Here's my question's..
> ------------------------
>
> Is the gift of the Holy Spirit, intended to be universal
> to all Christians? *Are we as RR's too "defend the doctrine?"
>
Acts 2:38-39 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let everyone of you be
baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you
shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to
your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God
shall call."
What's to defend? It is a gift not a sacrement.
> Why do we embrace this modern "Azua Revival" as authentic
> and fondational to our fellowship over... any other pentecostal
> event in the past?
While there were other revivals where manifestations of the Spirit/Power of
God were evident, Cane Ridge (1801), The Welsh Revival (1901), at Azusa
Street there was an emphasis on, indeed a seeking for, the same experience
as happened to the apostles and was enjoyed by the first century church.
>
> In sharing with others of like christian faith, is there
> to be a separation, or preference for a Holy Ghost filled
> Christian over the non- pentecostal believer? Would the
> non-pentecostal find reason to be offended, if I suggested
> they had not fully accepted all that God had for them?
If I cut trees with a chain saw does that make me a better lumberjack than a
man who uses a hand saw? No, only more efficient, and that only if I'm
actually USING my chainsaw rather then admiring how wonderful and special it
is.
Tongue talkers aren't going to heaven. Blood washed believers are. There
were tongue talking pagans in the first century, i.e. The Oracle at Delphi
in Greece.
We believe that the "initial physical evidence" of the BAPTISM of the Holy
Spirit is speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. The evidence of
a SPIRIT FILLED LIFE is the Fruit of the Spirit.
I've seen a lot of non-tongue talkers who put me to shame in that respect.
In 20+ years of walking with the Lord (and sometimes chasing or running
ahead of Him <G>) I have both offended other believers by questioning their
commitment since they didn't speak in tongues, and made them thirsty for it
by LIVING (or trying to) the Spirit-filled life. Thankfully the former was
when I was a babe and God was gracious to forgive as were they when I asked.
>
>
> Does being "filled" with the Holy Ghost require "practice"
> from time to time to stay in good "faith" with speaking
> in an un-known toung? Does one make a "mental choice" to
> yeild to the Holy Ghost.. that others do not make?
Ephesians 5:18 "And do not be drunk with wine, which is dissipation; but be
filled with the Spirit,........" the Greek tense here (I believe) is the
Aorist and implies a continuing action, in other words "be being filled"
As far as a mental choice?.............When I was baptized in the Spirit I
was a Christian from a pagan background who had not had the opportunity to
be steeped in the religious doctrines of men (i.e. "tongues are not for
today......yaddayaddayadda"). A dear Catholic brother said God had something
else for me and I said I want it.
> 'jes wondering...
>
> -=A=-
Gary Rothwell
Sr. Cdr.
Warwick Assembly of God
Hampton, VA
Outpost 59, Potomac District
Lord, help me BE a "dead man walking!"
--
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