Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty forever. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (John 4:13-14 ESV)
Receive All God Has To Give
“Grace is power as well as pardon."—Gabriel Fackre
“I am one of those Baptist General Conference people who believes that ‘signs and wonders’ and all the spiritual gifts of 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 are valid for today and should be ‘earnestly desired’ (1 Corinthians 14:1) for the edification of the church and the spread of the gospel.”
—Dr. John Piper, desiringGod.org
Theologian Dr. Clark Pinnock Weighs In
1. Charismatic Renewal
“Luke sometimes writes as if conversion and Spirit baptism are separated in time. For example, he describes a second Pentecostal event in the lives of the disciples (Acts 4:31). He tells how the Samaritans accepted the word of God and received the Spirit a few days later (Acts 8:14-15)… I take the meaning to be this: if for any reason the Spirit is not present in power in ones’ life, the situation should be rectified. God gives the Spirit in power, and it is important that we receive it and walk in it…
Renewal is an actualization of our [water] baptism which issues in a greater openness to the Spirit. The Spirit, who is already present in the believer, becomes present in a new way.Renewal is an actualization of our [water] baptism which issues in a greater openness to the Spirit. The Spirit, who is already present in the believer, becomes present in a new way. God becomes more real: there is a greater a greater sense of his presence, an increase in power to bear witness, a greater openness to and manifestation of gifts. What was previously intellectual becomes experiential. The indwelling of the Spirit is experienced in a conscious way (Gal 5:25; Eph 3:16-17)…
A longing to enter a more conscious relationship with the Spirit is not a selfish desire, because euphoria is not the goal. The goal is vocation and mission. We need the power of the Spirit to be disciples of Jesus Christ. We are chosen not to privilege but to service, to be God’s partners in the mending of creation. For this we need an abundant supply of power and spiritual gifting. The goal is not experience as such, but power for mission and fruit-bearing.”
2. Laying On of Hands
“The sacrament of receiving and rekindling the gift[s] is often the laying on of hands. In his ministry, Jesus often touched sick people (Lk 5:13). They in turn reached out to touch him (Mk 5:28). Peter and John laid hands on people too, and they received the Spirit (Acts 8:17). Paul speaks of Timothy’s gift that was in him through prophesy and the laying on of hands (1 Tim 4:14; 2 Tim 1:6)… Those who desire greater spiritual fullness should ask for prayer and the laying on of hands from those who are filled...”
3. Tongues—How Significant Are They?
“Let me begin by saying that it is not necessary to speak in tongues. There is no law of tongues in the New Testament. Peter did not say that converts would speak in tongues, and the converts on the day of Pentecost did not speak in tongues so far as we can tell (Acts 2:37). The point is that there are more ways than one to evidence the Spirit’s presence. Peter, quoting Joel, hails prophetic speech, for example [plus dreams and visions] as a key manifestation (Acts 2:17). Knowing what to say in the face of accusation is a sign of the Spirit (Mk 13:11). Giving away ones possessions and giving one’s body up in martyrdom are evidence (I Cor 13:3). The apostles spoke in tongues when they were filled with the Spirit, but this may not be the pattern for everybody always. We surrender to God when we pray in tongues and give control even of our speech over to him. We might say that tongues is normal but not the norm.The point is that there are more ways than one to evidence the Spirit’s presence. Peter, quoting Joel, hails prophetic speech, for example [plus dreams and visions] as a key manifestation... We might say that tongues is normal but not the norm.However, tongues is a noble and edifying gift… Tongues is a prayer without concepts, prayer at a deep, noncognitive level. We surrender to God when we pray in tongues and give control even of our speech over to him. Prayer in tongues is perhaps to prayer what abstract art is to painting.
Our love of rationality resists it. As educated persons, we do not want to say anything excessive or ill-considered. We want to be in control and keep things safe and familiar. We do not even like mysteries very much; we want theology to be as rational as possible… But this may be why tongues is important. It is a means God uses to challenge strategies for control. It is a humble but also a humbling gift to which we should be open.”
The study of all language is fascinating! In case you missed it, please take a look at my related article, "Bible Study: Preparing For Pentecost" here.
4. All Believers Have a Unique Gift From God
“The Spirit is given in baptism and is realized in experience throughout life. Believers whose experience runs dry and who are unaware of charisms should seek renewal. Renewal will not remove our human weaknesses; it does not guarantee a perpetual high, but it will help us live for God. Each receives the Spirit in the shape of a particular charisma, which establishes the way we serve the Lord. ‘Each has a particular gift from God’ (1 Cor 7:7). Like DNA and fingerprints, it is uniquely ours. It is the gifting we need to be fruitful Christians. So let us not try to be what we are not, but allow the uniquely shaped gift that God has made… come to expression [in us].”Flame of Love: A Theology of the Holy Spirit
This excerpt has been quoted from Flame of Love: A Theology of the Holy Spirit by Dr. Clark H. Pinnock. Published by InterVarsity Press. Don't miss IVP's worthwhile interview with Dr. Pinnock. CBD.com says, "This magnum opus from one of evangelicalism's most stimulating theologians. Pinnock's systematic theology examines the centrality of the Holy Spirit to the church's life and witness, and invites us to move beyond rationalism to recover 'intimacy and immediacy' with God. A theological bridge of mainstream, evangelical, and charismatic thought."—Christianbook.comUp Next: Theologian Dr. John Piper
You may be interested in the Continuation vs Cessation debate. Here’s what esteemed Reformed Baptist theologian, Dr. John Piper has to say about that topic in his article, “Signs and Wonders: Then and Now.” Related: Take a look at this interesting brain research: “Scientists Study ‘Speaking in Tongues’” from UPI at Beliefnet.
Aglow International
Did you know that there are nine supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit? (I Cor 12:7-10) You can learn more about the Baptism in the Holy Spirit through Aglow International's downloadable Bible study here.
Have you received the Baptism in the
Holy Spirit?
Photo Credits: shioshvili, s-a-m, robokow, {dpade1337} (Flickr)
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"Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." (John 14:11-12 NIV)
16 Comments:
The incredibly hard to thing to do ---apart from Christ--- is to "love one another." By this shall all men know that you are my disciples... if you love one another.
It is supernatural to love someone when in situations that the world would accept hateful retaliation from us, but with Christ, one can demonstrate love.
Even in Christian circles, many times there it is hardest to be loving, yet Christ said that we should love one another to show the world that He makes a difference. Many times, we Christian's are such poor examples of showing the world that with Christ in our hearts, we love one another.
To speak in tongues or any other "gift" I feel is addtional. If you could do all that but not love one another... it is as sounding brass.
The Holy Spirit is such a wonderful gift that Jesus Christ foretold when He said He had to leave but a new better way was coming when He did go. What better way to experience God in our lives than to have Him right in our hearts! I am so thankful for the Holy Spirit and the Comforter that He is... at times when we need it most.
Thanks for all your hard work getting information together for your readers.
I appreciated this quote:
A longing to enter a more conscious relationship with the Spirit is not a selfish desire, because euphoria is not the goal. The goal is vocation and mission. We need the power of the Spirit to be disciples of Jesus Christ. We are chosen not to privilege but to service, to be God’s partners in the mending of creation.
and I can't agree more with Connie Marie - love truly is the central action of the HS.
To answer your question: I was sealed with the Holy Spirit at my Chrismation last year.
connie marie: Thanks for your beautiful thoughts. The incredibly hard to thing to do ---apart from Christ--- is to "love one another." By this shall all men know that you are my disciples... if you love one another. This is so true. The beauty of the Christian message, is that the Holy Spirit empowers us to do that supernaturally... we can't love the way we are called to on our own strength. Have a blessed day! Hugs. :~)
debdd: Yes, love truly is the central action of the HS.. All the gifts that he bestows upon the church are but a varied and wonderful expression of His love.
I don't know the term "Chrismation." I assume it is used in the Orthodox church. Can you explain it? Hugs. :~)
I don't know the term "Chrismation." I assume it is used in the Orthodox church. Can you explain it?
I know you've seen my Chrismation pix from my blog... but here is an excellent article on Rite of Chrismation. They do a much better job explaining than I ever could do.
Chrismation in the Orthodox Church
I hope it is helpful.
Excellent article!
(I have much more I want to write, but I'm heading out the door...!!)
**hugs (on the run!)**
i loved this. GOD BLESS YOU!
The line, "RECEIVE ALL GOD HAS TO GIVE" really hit the ache in my heart.
i have received this precious gift. When I was 7 yr old, alone in my bedroom and about to open a drawer on my dresser.
shalom to you!
debd: Thank you for the link... a fascinating read! I'm so pleased to have met you, Deb.
I now understand Chrismation as a sacramental rite in the Orthodox church. How magnificent! However, this is different than experiencing the infilling power of the Spirit, as discussed in the article. Perhaps the two occurred simultaneously for you? Have you noticed any of the supernatural gifts listed in 1 Cor 12:7-11 in operation in your life since your Chrismation? Just curious.
Have a blessed day!
kristy: Blessings to you!
ruth: Awesome... at 7 years old? Very, very cool. I'd love to hear more... :~)
Great post e-mom, as ever, I've come our of blogging break to read this.
I'll just share some of my beliefs about the Holy Spirit. I must add of course, that I don't know everything there is to know. What I believe and know about the Holy Spirit is probably smaller than the smallest grain of sand in comparison to all that could be known! As we see through a glass darkly (etc).
I do believe that the 'signs and wonders' spoken of in the New Testament are for today. Not because we seek signs and wonders for our own sake but because the signs and wonders point to God, they glorify His name. They show that He is at work amongst His people and that He cares about us and He wants us to have a taste of the glory to come when we enter the Kingdom of Heaven. But most of all we need the Holy Spirit to help us show others that they need Jesus Christ in their lives.
He left His Holy Spirit to complete God's work on earth. The work of the Holy Spirit never contradicts the Word of God as written in the Bible and the Holy Spirit always confirms the Word of God as written in the Bible. God sends His Holy Spirit to work through and in His Body of Christ here on earth.
We aren't given gifts so that we feel special or important or more 'spiritual' or for our own benefit but simply to glorify God and to do His work. If we could do His work without the power of the Holy Spirit how conceited would we be!! We would be able to boast about what we had done.
I do sometimes feel uncomfortable when people who are gifted in the Holy Spirit and who have very public ministeries have their name in lights or on literature in huge letters. I always think that the focus should be entirely on Jesus. I'm not criticising it's just a bug-bear of mine, lol, I realise that everyone has a name and that it helps people to know what sort of event/conference is taking place if you know who the ministers/speakers are going to be!
But indulge me a bit, I like to think of it like this:
Imagine my Mum baked a beautiful tasty cake that showed what a wonderful baker and confectioner she was. Imagine I was given the task of serving that beautiful cake to some guests. If the guests praised me saying "it's the most beautiful, tastiest cake we've ever had! What a great cook you must be!" I would be a liar to accept their praise. I would have to praise my Mum's skills in the cake baking department. All praise should be due to her, I was simply serving the cake.
It's the same with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We are servants of God who use whatever gifts He has given us. All glory must go to Him, we deserve no thanks, no praise. It is amazing and fulfilling enough to be used I think.
Of course we should thank and honour our brothers and sisters who are faithful to God and whose ministeries in the name of Jesus are so helpful and which bless us. It's just the ultimate praise should be due to Jesus.
And to answer your question, I do believe I am filled with the Holy Spirit. I know it because the scriptures suddenly were filled with unbelievable meaning and wonder. I suddenly understood them, whereas for years despite studying and delving into for quite a fw years they just felt dusty and dead, but all of a sudden they were alive. Lots of other reasons why I believe I am but that was the first thing I noticed :)
I've never spoken in tongues though.
Hugs and blessings.
sarah: Well, I'm indeed honoured that you would come out of your blogging break to visit me! And thanks as always, for sharing your thoughts. I think we're "on the same page" when it comes to the Baptism of the Holy Spirit! (Do you use that expression in England?)
Like you, I also have a problem with Spirit-filled ministers with very public ministries who splash their own name all over the place. I've noticed it seems to be more of a male weakness than a female problem... mostly I think because men crave respect so much (just as women crave love.) Yet, I believe our attitude should be to love/respect them anyway. :~)))
No other religion on earth offers the indwelling/sealing & infilling/baptism of the Spirit to empower its adherents in the work of God. To me, that's what is so uniquely wonderful about Christianity...
As to the tongues question, I believe the theologian in this article (Clark Pinnock) offers a very good explanation: Tongues is normal, but not the norm. In other words, your spiritual gift(s) is likely one of the other eight that Paul lists in I Cor 12.
I'm considering posting again on this topic... perhaps covering the 9 spiritual gifts, including tongues, with a short description of each gift's function. Would that be of any interest to you?
BTW, this week, I was going to post on some of the striking OT parallels between Joseph (son of Jacob) and Jesus, to answer your previous request for OT history/prophesies about Jesus. Lol, since I thought you were on break, I decided to wait. I'll try to work it in next month!
Thanks again for your thoughts, and enjoy the rest of your break!
Hugs, e-Mom
Yipee! :D Yes, I'm very interested in the two posts you mention. I shall keep an eye out for them both.
And I totally agree what you said about the public ministeries of some that we need to love and respect them, if God chooses to use them still then who am I to complain? Lol.
Have a great rest of the week.
Hugs and blessings.
I was glad to see this post. I want all that Christ has for me. Amen? (And I so admire John Piper. That man's writings have greatly impacted me).
More and more I find that to really, truly LOVE people requires the working of the Holy Spirit in me. Flesh can't love like God can.
Thank you again for a good post.
vicki: This is so, so true... More and more I find that to really, truly LOVE people requires the working of the Holy Spirit in me. Flesh can't love like God can.. An excellent insight. Blessings!
sarah: OK, thanks for your feedback. Have a good weekend. Hugs.
I'm late on this discussion as I just found your blog, but loved this article and the following comments. So refreshing and true.
Also, I meant to say that Catherine Marshall's book The Helper was very informative to me on the Holy Spirit.
jennifer: Nice to meet you! I'm glad you liked this article. Thanks for the lead to Catherine Marshall's book. I'll take a look. Blessings!
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