Member
and immediately became baptized by the Holy Spirit?
Has anyone had a Christian lay hands on them
Member
In another thread you said : 12-16-11, 08:20 PM what's wrong with you people? -
Seems Satan surely has "you" all hoodwinked? What a bunch of uncaring judgmental hypocrites, IMO.
Indeed, this may actually be an atheist forum from what I've seen so far?
So I am assuming your question about the Holy Spirit is not directed to the atheists and hoodwinked Christians on this forum!
Last edited:
Member
if you are like me and had to google the definition of the term "hoodwinked" i found a good example of how to use it. here it is:
<tom sawyer="" famously="" <i="">Tom Sawyer famously hoodwinked the other boys into thinking there was nothing more enjoyable than whitewashing a fence.>
thats some copy pasta from websters dictionary website. hope you enjoyed it as much as i did.
i did have hands laid on me. and i started speaking in another language instantly. can do it anytime i want too. and i have also laid hands on people since and they prayed in tounges and some was even healed, right there, johnny on the spot. just like it says in The Book. i enjoy that more than googling definitions too.</tom>
<tom sawyer="" famously="" <i="">Tom Sawyer famously hoodwinked the other boys into thinking there was nothing more enjoyable than whitewashing a fence.>
thats some copy pasta from websters dictionary website. hope you enjoyed it as much as i did.
i did have hands laid on me. and i started speaking in another language instantly. can do it anytime i want too. and i have also laid hands on people since and they prayed in tounges and some was even healed, right there, johnny on the spot. just like it says in The Book. i enjoy that more than googling definitions too.</tom>
Last edited:
Member
The LORD led me to start a street ministry. There have been a number of times when I've prayed with people, who believe Jesus died for their sins and arose three days later, and the LORD poured out His Spirit upon them in prayer as I was holding their hands. There are tears, brokenness, and repentance. There is also joy. Sometimes they look at me and tell me they want to do what I'm doing, or that they want to follow me. I can only point them to Jesus. He has the words of life, not me.
I am quite sure the LORD knows how to follow up with such people. He's large and in charge. Many people falsely presume we've got to micro-manage someone's walk with the Lord. That's the Holy Spirit's job. I really wish churches would spend more time teaching people they need to seek the Lord on their knees and in His word daily, instead of convincing them they need to come to church once a week. We'd have a more power-filled Body of believers than we currently have. Jesus wants to do stuff through us. It's His power and authority that will manifest, nothing of us. Thank you, Jesus!
I am quite sure the LORD knows how to follow up with such people. He's large and in charge. Many people falsely presume we've got to micro-manage someone's walk with the Lord. That's the Holy Spirit's job. I really wish churches would spend more time teaching people they need to seek the Lord on their knees and in His word daily, instead of convincing them they need to come to church once a week. We'd have a more power-filled Body of believers than we currently have. Jesus wants to do stuff through us. It's His power and authority that will manifest, nothing of us. Thank you, Jesus!
Member
"Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." (Mt 28:19-20).
The discipling process involves one-on-one relationships; seasoned believers walking alongside new believers as mentors and guides. While its not about micro-managing lives, it is about having people ready and eager to work with new believers, answering their questions and encouraging them.
SLE
Member
I agree with you, but my concerns stem from things I have seen in many churches. I would like to suggest to you that much of the modern church does not trust that the Lord is in control. Jesus is the head, yet we want to do all the thinking, as if we could make sure the Lord's will be done. This quenches the Spirit of God, and disempowers a ministry.
People who are shepherding are role-models, not micro-managers (emphasis mine):
1 Peter 5:1-5
1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
I would never suggest newborns in Christ to isolate themselves. No one is to forsake fellowship with brethren. I do insist, however, that newborns in Christ need to pray the Lord lead them where they need to be in order to get godly support. You don't know where they need to go anymore than I do. The Lord, however, knows exactly where they need to go.
Last edited:
Member
Oh Yeah!!
the infilling of the Holy Spirit is the most exciting thing you will ever Know..to be Filled And baptised with Gods comforter will bring many new gifts and blessings to your walk ...( a new way to walk the day) so to speak..i was filled the same way in 1989 and i can asure you Gods word says ..YOU HAVE NOT BECAUSE YOU ASK NOT.! and in JER33:3 His word promises us if we ask He will show us great and mighty things that we KNOW NOT. aSK GOD tO SHOW YOU and He will pour out a new spirit on you for the days ahead .. Gods word and Spirit Know no time limit..imdeiate is his best work
Member
Do you have a church home and, if so, are there small groups meeting regularly as part of that church wherein new believers can be discipled in loving and effective ways?
SLE
Member
I've participated in a number of churches over the last few years. What I've seen is dysfuncional, innefective, and without vision. Flat out, I don't trust man to do what the Lord's Holy Spirit can do. Why? For obvious reasons.
I'm more familiar with the Bible than with modern church culture, Ed. But what I've seen of the modern church is sad. I see more of Jeremiah 23 and Matthew 23 than I see of the Book of Acts. I won't trust what man can try to do what I know God will do.
Are there churches doing a good job? I'm sure there are some out there. However, the vast majority of churches are failing to evangelize, feed the flock, take care of the poor, and disciple whatsoever. So please understand why I would direct any newborn in Christ to chase after the Lord and His guidance than to chase after some local church which may or may not be following the Lord. The Lord will lead a follower to the right place and the right people.
The modern church model is nothing like the Book of Acts. We've got a model that funnels 90% of offerings into a building that stands dormant 90% of the time. The stewardship of these resources is no joke. What's going on is inexcusable, and as we are entering these last days God will chastise this system and deal with it.
Judgment begins in the house of God, and I think God is giving us a repeated warning for the church to repent before He begins to cleanse this mislead system: See the reports of the latest quakes occurring once again in Christchurch New Zealand.
Last edited:
Member
I don't want to debate, especially when it can cause division. What I want newborns who come across this thread to recognize is simple:
The Bible teaches a number of things about maturing in the Lord. The modern church focuses primarily on two of those things.
Now, here is what the modern church doesn't teach (but is clearly taught in the Word of God):
The Bible teaches a number of things about maturing in the Lord. The modern church focuses primarily on two of those things.
- First, it teaches that believers should not function in isolation. This is true, and it's something most churches will really emphasize.
- Second, the Body works together to support, teach, and equip each other for the work Jesus wants to do through us.
Now, here is what the modern church doesn't teach (but is clearly taught in the Word of God):
- We are anointed with the Spirit of the Living God! What does this mean? It's amazing! This means Jesus is our Rabbi! This means God will reveal truths while you spend time with Him in His Word! This means the greatest progress we will make in maturing will likely happen on our knees, seeking His face, and learning to tune in to His voice as He walks with us and guides us.
Last edited:
Member
I have been baptized in the spirit of Christ, and it was the most amazing thing I have ever experienced. Words cannot describe the feeling I felt or the perception of my reality that I experienced.
When it comes to the power of the Holy Spirit, you can either accept it and believe it is there, or you can be skeptical and have nothing happen to you. I was willing to accept it, and although I have fallen from grace for many years following that wonderful experience, it has only led me right back into His arms.
When it comes to the power of the Holy Spirit, you can either accept it and believe it is there, or you can be skeptical and have nothing happen to you. I was willing to accept it, and although I have fallen from grace for many years following that wonderful experience, it has only led me right back into His arms.
Member
When I was 17 (am turning 29 now) I was into drugs, drinking, heavy metal music and was very self destructive. I was living on my friends couch who was a Christian. I went to church with him one day for the free food and while I was sitting in the service, a man came up behind me and put his hands on my shoulders. He stood there for a few minutes praying for me. 4 years later I recieved Jesus and finally understood the message of salvation. No more substance abuse or alcohal abuse or smoking! I was truly born again and made a brand new person. I wish I could thank the Christian who laid hands on me.
Member
...
I became a Christian midway through my life.
All things Christian, the Bible, the Church, I was ignorant of.
People laying there hands on others, this was in your face.
I had deep reservations about this practice.
Not for me thanks, not now anyway, maybe later on Lord when I am a much stronger Christian. So much to learn, I must stay aloof from all possible error. Must not allow connection, this is what I thought.
Jesus had a different way of thinking to my way of thinking.
That dreadful and fateful day, the super spiritual assistant minister called me out. At that moment my Universe tore apart, my mind screamed not him, not that one, why Lord are you persecuting me? Why?
So I calmly walked up to the front, in control, reassured. Those Christian animals lept onto me, they showed no mercy. No measure was given.
I cannot describe the peace that I experienced. This peace was most definitely not of this World. It permeated every fiber of my body and mind. Time had stopped, noise ceased, I spiraled into peace itself.
Words can never describe the wonder and depth of this peace.
Now I have a split Christian personality.
Cool and aloof, and a hopeless addict of the Holy Spirit.
I became a Christian midway through my life.
All things Christian, the Bible, the Church, I was ignorant of.
People laying there hands on others, this was in your face.
I had deep reservations about this practice.
Not for me thanks, not now anyway, maybe later on Lord when I am a much stronger Christian. So much to learn, I must stay aloof from all possible error. Must not allow connection, this is what I thought.
Jesus had a different way of thinking to my way of thinking.
That dreadful and fateful day, the super spiritual assistant minister called me out. At that moment my Universe tore apart, my mind screamed not him, not that one, why Lord are you persecuting me? Why?
So I calmly walked up to the front, in control, reassured. Those Christian animals lept onto me, they showed no mercy. No measure was given.
I cannot describe the peace that I experienced. This peace was most definitely not of this World. It permeated every fiber of my body and mind. Time had stopped, noise ceased, I spiraled into peace itself.
Words can never describe the wonder and depth of this peace.
Now I have a split Christian personality.
Cool and aloof, and a hopeless addict of the Holy Spirit.
Member
You sound so negative about churches, but God instituted the fellowship of believers. Why don't you pray for the churches if you know so much more than they do? Pray for their pastors too. I sense you are being too critical and not enough love. I did not say "agree with sin" but to love like Jesus does.
Member
MatthewFive,
I don't believe you ever "fell from grace" because God never removed His grace from you. His grace is like Velcro; it will always adhere to you whether or not you feel it. He has always known your life story - beginning, middle, and end - and His grace was upon you through everything you had to experience to get to where you are now.
Spirit Led Ed (SLE)
Last edited:
Member
If you're ever in the Kentucky part of the Cincinnati Ohio area, send me a PM and I'll introduce you to a church that's one of over 700 church plants that blow that image right out of the water.
SLE
Last edited:
Member
The accusation that I don't have enough love is unfounded. I've been broken over what what I see in the modern church as the LORD has shown what His church is really supposed to be about in His Word. I have a blog, if you'd like to see the kind of agape love the Lord has manifested in a ministry He's led me to. Check it out.
I don't say all churches are bad. Some churches are wonderful. The most important thing is to seek God, not church. If we seek God first, He will guide you to the right church. If we seek church, we may not be where God wants us.
That being said, many modern churches are awful. I've seen pastor worship, the fleecing of the flock, foul spiritual forces guiding wayward leaders, spiritual abuse via legalistic doctrine and fleshly posturing. And I've only been a born-again Christian for 3 years!
Make no mistake, God is not pleased with what the modern church has become. There is going to be a vast shaking in what people are calling Christianity soon, it's already beginning. The scriptures bear this out.
Jesus is returning soon, will He find faith on the earth?
Last edited: