Prophecy???

[metalman]

Does it really say it is the Least of all the spiritual gifts, or are you just saying that because it's listed last? I understand that it's one of the only gifts that doesn't necessarily aid others in their walk with God (except for when it's interpreted), but it is still a deep connection between you and God.

Read the Bible list of gifts...there is a specific order to it, thats not random, and there is a purpose. The fact tongues is a "lesser" gift then apostleship or prophecy although a fact, is less important then the PURPOSE for ALL gifts.
This is where churches err.

I understand your view of tongues "not aiding others in their walk", thats in keeping with customary pentecostal theology, I am sure no doubt you were taught that by honest sincere people HOWEVER I don't find that to be in keeping with Biblical theology. Therin lies the problem.

[Romeyo07]

Does it really say it is the Least of all the spiritual gifts, or are you just saying that because it's listed last? I understand that it's one of the only gifts that doesn't necessarily aid others in their walk with God (except for when it's interpreted), but it is still a deep connection between you and God.


And also, I don't see why you guys say Pentecostals focus to much on Speaking In Tongues. I wouldn't say my church is like that in any way. I've been to several church of God's that I could say the same thing about. There have been few sermons that I have heard preached on Speaking in Tongues.

I can say that I experienced a huge change in my life when I received the holy spirit. The biggest difference (besides my prayer life) is that I feel way more convicted about things that I never would've before. Sometimes at just the thought. The holy spirit comforts and helps make your walk with God more.. well... holy. Maybe the preachers you are referring to just want everyone to experience this wonderful comforter as well... It doesn't make it right, i guess, but maybe that's the reason it is "pushed" so much.

Does it say it, no, not directly...however Paul does say that of all of them, it is better to have the others than this one. Not to discredit it, but to show that so much more can come from the others than this one. If I speak in tongues, I benefit from it (most of the time), but if I can teach (for example), many others benefit from it.

BTW, you received the holy spirit when you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior. You may have experienced the gift afterwards though. That's another issue with the Pentecostal Church...but I don't want to jump into Pentecostal bashing.

[Kelly]

BTW, you received the holy spirit when you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior. You may have experienced the gift afterwards though. That's another issue with the Pentecostal Church...but I don't want to jump into Pentecostal bashing.

I said that wrong. Our church has taught us that. We believe that Speaking in Tongues is just "evidence".

And I totally understand that- the fact that teaching or prophecying helps others when speaking in tongues only helps me (unless interpreted). I have already said that.

[metalman]

So what are you saying? What do you think that the purpose of the Holy Spirit is?

Very good question. I must go now...but I will give an answer to that when I return later today. I look forward to others answers to that as well.

[Kelly]

Sorry, I deleted it cuz it looked as though it was directed to Romeo. Anyways, my question still stands...
"What is your opinion of why God gave us the Holy Spirit?"

[Romeyo07]

My opinion on why the Holy Spirit is with us doesn't matter when it is clearly mentioned in the bible why.

[Kelly]

My opinion has already been stated: He's our comforter & he guides us along the path of holyness in our everyday life.

John 14: 26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

[metalman]

First...the Holy Spirit is God.

Acts 5:3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
Acts 5:4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

This verse shows that the Holy Spirit IS God, in the same way Jesus is God. Lying to the Holy Spirit is lying to God. Rejecting the Holy Spirit is rejecting God.

The work of the Holy Spirit

Participated in creation - Gen 1:2
Gives life (quickens) - Rom 8:11; 1Pet 3:18
Is a Comforter - John 14:26
Speaks - 1 Tim 4:1; Rev 14:13
Teaches - John 14:26
Reveals the future - Luke 2:26
Bears Witness - Rom 8:16
Guides to the truth - John 16:13
Reproves - John 16:8
Makes Intercession - Rom 8:26
Dwells within the believer - 1 Cor 6:19
Distributes gifts - 1 Cor 12:11
Seals the believer - Eph 1:13, 4:30
Invites the Sinner - Rev 22:17


Also….
The Holy Spirit Can be Blasphemed - Mat 12:31-32

You will notice that the primary work of the Holy Spirit revolves around creation which in this context is RE CREATION of the human heart, bringing conviction to the human heart , teaching and sealing that individual into the truth. The Holy Spirit also makes intercession for sinners, part of that same work.

The Holy Spirit speaks to every person, whether they know it or not. We call the small voice within us our concience. It is that but the prompting that we feel to accept truth and do the right thing comes from the Holy Spirit. When a person totally rejects that voice, that prompting, repeatedly until they can no longer hear it they have blasphemed the Holy Spirit which the Bible says is the only unpardonable sin. Why? Because in order to have sin forgiven one must sincerely ask from a contrite heart. If a person can no longer hear the promptings of that Holy Spirit they will not have the ability to recognize their sin or ask forgiveness.

The gift of tongues is given to only to some, when needed to futher the gospel. The Holy Spirit is given to ALL who seek it honestly.

The PRIMARY function of the Holy Spirit is the conviction of the soul, the teaching, the inviting, the sealing, the reproof , correction & comfort. The purpose of ALL these is bring to Gospel to life WITHIN the human that the human may spread that gospel truth of salvation through Christ to others.
That is in a nutshell the single purpose for ALL the gifts of the Spirit.

The Word of God is "the sword of the Spirit," Ephesians 6:17. That means the Bible is the cutting edge of the Holy Spirit's ministry of conviction. No one can be guided in truth without reference to the Scriptures.

The evidence of indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the human heart is visible outwardly in the fruits of the Spirit. Their presense indicate the Holy Spirit at work in that person. If a person is filled with the Holy Spirit their changed life will be a witness of that.