Considering answers to those faith-questions we all ask…
Tag: THE HOLY SPIRIT
Reading through Paul's letters I'm struck by how little he talks about the Holy Spirit, in comparison to the regularity with which the Spirit is spoken of and to in our present time in some circles, as though the object of our worship should be the Spirit above all else. To those of us who pay attention to the New Testament over "what God is saying to us today" there's a clear picture and a clear message in it for us all.
From my earliest days as a Christian I've seen and heard confusing and conflicting things being preached on the subject of the Holy Spirit's work and ministry. I've witnessed others being in similar confusion and doubt. I found myself being discriminated against and looked down upon in the Church because I didn't have this and I couldn't do that. I was a second-class Christian at best in the eyes of the enlightened, super-spiritual ones, especially the ones who had decided that they were apostles.
According to Biblical examples, being in the Spirit is a worshipful state in which any true believer - anyone who has come to saving faith in Jesus Christ - can engage with God. It's a focusing on God and HIs written word. It's a prayerful or meditative state of mind and heart. It's submission to the will of God according to HIs word. It's a humble, loving and repentant communion at any specific time, and it can and should be a way of life.
A passage of Paul's letter to the Romans is commonly held up as "exhibit A" in support of the practice of "praying in tongues". However, when you really look at it closely, you see that these verses have nothing to do at all with tongues.
Should we pray in tongues? Is the gift of tongues for prayer, and is a prayer in tongues more powerful? Does the Holy Spirit pray for people who speak in tongues, providing a deeper level of ministry to those with the gift? I answer these questions here.
Fuel for Faith, Food for Thought 