At 09:56 AM 1/15/01 -0800, Duane Wheeler wrote:
>...
>*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?"
Yes. Yes.
Not everyone agrees with me. Read Mark 16:17, and carefully read the whole
book of Acts. You will see that the example of getting saved and being
filled with the Holy Spirit and receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit is
all over.
Read Ephesians 5:18-20. Note that we are commanded to be filled with the
Holy Spirit (continuing tense). Some Pentecostals speak in tongues once and
quit, thinking they are done. Not so. We should continually be operating in
the gifts of the Holy Spirit as He desires to use us. Note also that the
gifts of the Holy Spirit listed in 1 Corinthians 12 are not the only
evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit. So are other things that
come out of your mouth, like praise, psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs,
and things in your heart, like joy and melody. Staying filled with the Holy
Spirit will cause spiritual fruit to grow. See Galatians 5:22-23.
>Why do we embrace this modern "Azua Revival" as authentic
>and fondational to our fellowship over... any other pentecostal
>event in the past?
Because it was a direct cause of the current Pentecostal movement. Note,
however, that the Charismatic renewal and other similar notable outpourings
of the Holy Spirit before and after that are from the same God and have
similar stories of gloriously changed lives, healings, and miracles going
along with them.
>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?
Division of the body of Christ isn't a good goal. There is one Messiah,
Jesus, and He has one Body: everyone who is saved. While I truly appreciate
fellowshipping with believers of like mind and being free to move with the
Holy Spirit among them, I also have good friends who are brothers and
sisters in Christ who haven't fully embraced this truth, yet. This doesn't
mean I should condemn or shun them, but I may encourage them to seek more
of the good fullness God has in store for them.
> Would the
>non-pentecostal find reason to be offended, if I suggested
>they had not fully accepted all that God had for them?
Sometimes. Some people are easily offended by the truth. Others are just
glad you care enough to share with them.
>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?
Yes. See 1 Timothy 4:14. If Paul told Timothy not to neglect a gift in him,
it seems to me that it is possible to do so, and that it is a bad choice to
not use what God has given you to bless His people.
>'jes wondering...
Good questions. :-)
___
Michael Paul Johnson AKA Soaring Golden Eagle <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Evangel Bible Translators missionary
http://eBible.org/mpj/ Jesus Christ is Lord!
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