Have You Received the Holy Ghost Since You Believed?

[Fundamental]

Ok thank you for sharing . My question is to understand where your coming from better . Probably a better question might be ,how did you become a Christian? Meaning, how did you go from not Believing to believing? And whats your understanding of being 'born again? '( John 3 ) no one's forcing you to answer that question, you can leave it at your testimony if you want , I respect that .

I guess I’m creationist as far I can remember, but believed in the old universe model when I was younger. I could mix evolution with creation but not anymore, or not that much as I used to.
I was raised in catholic schools but not catholic myself. Baptized as catholic, but I was a baby and had no choice. These churches never draw my attention and I never understood their practices and rituals. I see no use in a pope or worshipping some statues and people considered holy.

I was always known with some Bible phrases and what Jesus was about, so I like Jesus automaticly. But I was wordly and got into extremes so I had no faith to stand. As I got deeper and deeper into christianity and really opened myself up to Him as Lord, I was overcome by a warm glowing feeling inside and all the fears, guilt and pain eased out while I got through: “Lay it all on me.” I know that energy surrounding me was Jesus, I just knew it at that very moment. That moment humbled me and touched me so deep I got into Bible study to really get to know Jesus as the Lord of my life. I went to an Evangelical church and started watching online sermons every week while studying intensly on wednesday.

Choosing Jesus was the best choice of my life.

 

[Fundamental]

The power to repent is not of our own self.

Falling on you face? Because of the source of faith that comes by hearing God who indwells the believer?

Its more of a reborn sinner. All who believe the word of God are given the faith coming from God to make it possible to believe. .No escaping; "a person must be born again". There is only one source of incorruptible faith . Moving a person to repent. It is a result of being born again .

1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

What do think walking in his image means if not giving up your own image as mankind?

When those who had no faith (none) that comes from hearing the gospel saw the work of the gospel and not the work of the apostles . They accredited it to what the eyes see. They made the apostles into gods in the likeness of men . Called Blasphemy.

In that way I would be careful as to "whose image" you walk after. Some disciples (John 6) walked away in unbelief , no faith. Not born again.

Acts 14:7-12 And there they preached the gospel. And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked: The same heard Paul speak: (not his own words) who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith (of Christ) to be healed, Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet.(the gospel) And he leaped and walked. And when the people (faithless unbelievers) saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.

They under the influence of the father of lies accredited Paul as the "chief speaker" or High priest (Mercury) performing the work of our unseen father who worked inside giving Paul his words . And Barnabas Jupiter "sky father " to represent that not seen . And therefore usurping the authority of the father not seen and Son of man seen as one work .Destroying the unseen work of gospel giving it over to the things of men, seen.

That’s it. But before I know it I fall in sin again. Even if I believe in Him. Self denying the self when people start forcing politics on your house is really testing my patience. At tables or other places when we gather. There’s a division between people and I am easily caught up between it; I may take worldy cases still too serious which is alarming to my faith.

 

[Wansvic]

Peters message is to the jews and is not the pattern for salvation in the church age. Acts is the Acts of the Apostles and not a prescription for the normative experience for today.
The signs I was talking about are the signs of the apostles and ..

Yes the only sign for something specific . Not the only sign..We have other confirmatory 'signs 'given after the resurrection also ..Jews seek after a sign..Tounges , healing , miracles are not arbitrary. They were signs for Jews .

Peter's instructions were the pattern for salvation. This is clearly seen by the words recorded in Acts 2:41, and 47:

"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." Acts 2:41
"Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." Acts 2:47


Every group of people Jews, Gentiles, and Samaritans, of which all are descendants, were required to obey the same instructions initially given by Peter. (Acts 2:38, 8:12-17, 10:44-48, 9:17-18, 19:2-6, 22:16)


God's way has not changed. Man has changed God's ways and needs to return to the foundation established at Pentecost.

 

[Wansvic]

In the first place, the gospel that saves today is not the gospel that Jesus is the messiah. It is 1 Cor 15:1-4

You are well aware that I know what the gospel is by the many posts you and I have discussed.

 

[Guojing]

You are well aware that I know what the gospel is by the many posts you and I have discussed.

i

I was reinforcing the point made by another that you should not regard acts 2 as the beginning of the body of Christ

It does not make sense in context, based on what Peter told Israel how to be saved

 

[throughfaith]

I guess I’m creationist as far I can remember, but believed in the old universe model when I was younger. I could mix evolution with creation but not anymore, or not that much as I used to.
I was raised in catholic schools but not catholic myself. Baptized as catholic, but I was a baby and had no choice. These churches never draw my attention and I never understood their practices and rituals. I see no use in a pope or worshipping some statues and people considered holy.

I was always known with some Bible phrases and what Jesus was about, so I like Jesus automaticly. But I was wordly and got into extremes so I had no faith to stand. As I got deeper and deeper into christianity and really opened myself up to Him as Lord, I was overcome by a warm glowing feeling inside and all the fears, guilt and pain eased out while I got through: “Lay it all on me.” I know that energy surrounding me was Jesus, I just knew it at that very moment. That moment humbled me and touched me so deep I got into Bible study to really get to know Jesus as the Lord of my life. I went to an Evangelical church and started watching online sermons every week while studying intensly on wednesday.

Choosing Jesus was the best choice of my life.

Amen . I agree ...let the Lord teach you and lead you in the word .

Peter's instructions were the pattern for salvation. This is clearly seen by the words recorded in Acts 2:41, and 47:

"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." Acts 2:41
"Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." Acts 2:47


Every group of people Jews, Gentiles, and Samaritans, of which all are descendants, were required to obey the same instructions initially given by Peter. (Acts 2:38, 8:12-17, 10:44-48, 9:17-18, 19:2-6, 22:16)


God's way has not changed. Man has changed God's ways and needs to return to the foundation established at Pentecost.

Acts 16
notice the response is ' what must I do TO BE SAVED . not what must we do ( acts 2.38 ) Yes they were saved . As in all other cases but the transition from Jew to gentile is key . We do not ask people today to Repent, be baptised for the remission of sins to then recieve the Holy spirit. Paul makes clear that its through faith and that the Holy Spirit seals you the moment you believe ( Eph 1.13 ) not after Baptism. The Jews are still coming from John the baptist message ' for the remission of sins .Peter has no clue about the message to the Gentiles till later on with Cornelius . Acts 2.38 are Jews ( look at who he's speaking too ) its directed at Israel .

 

[Camess]

I personally dont believe in the traditional "speaking in tongues".
Originally tongues meant languages. So i dont believe its a "special" language at all--rather, its the ability to speak any language or be understood in all languages when God has need of it. Thats what happened to the apostles right after the holy spirit came upon them. They werent speaking a strange unknown language. If they had been, no one would have understood and accepted their message.

 

[Camess]

Id like to add, i know this will offend many so remember this is what i believe. Im entitled to that. Its simply food for thought.

 

[Wansvic]

i

I was reinforcing the point made by another that you should not regard acts 2 as the beginning of the body of Christ

It does not make sense in context, based on what Peter told Israel how to be saved

According to scripture, the message was to be given to the Jews first. (Romans 1:16) "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one who believeth, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." This happened at Pentecost. (Acts 2:38)

The same message was conveyed by Philip to the Samaritans. They repented and submitted to water baptism in Jesus' name. Peter and John came to impart the indwelling of the Holy Ghost to these individuals. (Acts 8:12-17) Adherence to the same message is witnessed by the Gentiles. (Acts 10:44-48)

Approximately 20 years after Pentecost, Paul is still providing the same instructions to individuals from Ephesus (city populated by both Jew and Gentiles) They comply with the same instructions Peter gave the Jews first. (Acts 19:2-6) Paul then travels with them to instruct others.

I don't know how it could be any clearer.

 

[Wansvic]

Acts 16
notice the response is ' what must I do TO BE SAVED . not what must we do ( acts 2.38 ) Yes they were saved . As in all other cases but the transition from Jew to gentile is key . We do not ask people today to Repent, be baptised for the remission of sins to then recieve the Holy spirit. Paul makes clear that its through faith and that the Holy Spirit seals you the moment you believe ( Eph 1.13 ) not after Baptism. The Jews are still coming from John the baptist message ' for the remission of sins .Peter has no clue about the message to the Gentiles till later on with Cornelius . Acts 2.38 are Jews ( look at who he's speaking too ) its directed at Israel .

According to scripture, the message was to be given to the Jews first. (Romans 1:16) "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one who believeth, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." This happened at Pentecost. (Acts 2:38)

The same message was conveyed by Philip to the Samaritans. They repented and submitted to water baptism in Jesus' name. Peter and John came to impart the indwelling of the Holy Ghost to these individuals. (Acts 8:12-17) Adherence to the same message is witnessed by the Gentiles. (Acts 10:44-48)

Approximately 20 years after Pentecost, Paul is still providing the same instructions to individuals from Ephesus (city populated by both Jew and Gentiles) They comply with the same instructions Peter gave the Jews first. (Acts 19:2-6) Paul then travels with them to instruct others.

 

[Wansvic]

I personally dont believe in the traditional "speaking in tongues".
Originally tongues meant languages. So i dont believe its a "special" language at all--rather, its the ability to speak any language or be understood in all languages when God has need of it. Thats what happened to the apostles right after the holy spirit came upon them. They werent speaking a strange unknown language. If they had been, no one would have understood and accepted their message.

No offense intended. Our opinion is of know significance when the word states otherwise.
"For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries." 1 Cor 14:2

Notice the scripture states no man understands the one speaking.

 

[Guojing]

According to scripture, the message was to be given to the Jews first. (Romans 1:16) "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one who believeth, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." This happened at Pentecost. (Acts 2:38)

The same message was conveyed by Philip to the Samaritans. They repented and submitted to water baptism in Jesus' name. Peter and John came to impart the indwelling of the Holy Ghost to these individuals. (Acts 8:12-17) Adherence to the same message is witnessed by the Gentiles. (Acts 10:44-48)

Approximately 20 years after Pentecost, Paul is still providing the same instructions to individuals from Ephesus (city populated by both Jew and Gentiles) They comply with the same instructions Peter gave the Jews first. (Acts 19:2-6) Paul then travels with them to instruct others.

I don't know how it could be any clearer.

You do agree that the gospel given to the Jews first in Acts 2 and 3 was about Jesus's identity as the Messiah. Israel needed to believe that Jesus is their promised Messiah, and be water baptized after they believe that, in order to be saved.

But you also agree that the gospel that saves us, the Body of Christ now, is no longer about believing Jesus is our Messiah. Rather, its about believing in what Jesus done on the cross (1 Cor 15:1-4)

If you agree to the above 2 premises, then you cannot conclude that the Body of Christ began at Acts 2.

How can it be when the gospel that saves be different in both cases?

I also don't know how it could be any clearer.

 

[throughfaith]

According to scripture, the message was to be given to the Jews first. (Romans 1:16) "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one who believeth, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." This happened at Pentecost. (Acts 2:38)

The same message was conveyed by Philip to the Samaritans. They repented and submitted to water baptism in Jesus' name. Peter and John came to impart the indwelling of the Holy Ghost to these individuals. (Acts 8:12-17) Adherence to the same message is witnessed by the Gentiles. (Acts 10:44-48)

Approximately 20 years after Pentecost, Paul is still providing the same instructions to individuals from Ephesus (city populated by both Jew and Gentiles) They comply with the same instructions Peter gave the Jews first. (Acts 19:2-6) Paul then travels with them to instruct others.

Not so . Paul is preaching to the jew first and then to the greeks , but not the rest until Cornelius ( in the main ) The rest are still preaching ' the kingdom measage . Peter has to be given a vision to help him see the Gospel is transitioning to the gentiles now also .
Acts 10 has baptism After receiving the Holy Spirit .
44¶While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Acts 11.1
1¶And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. ( interesting )

Acts 11
15And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.
16Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

 

[Fundamental]

Isn’t speaking in tongues meant like that they would talk about stuff many people would not understand yet? When you follow Christ and He touches you in the Gospel, you start seeing it from another perspective. Once one walks by faith and not by sight, she or he can see the subliminal intentions popped up by media while those following the world just go along with the proces. When one says how they’re being indoctrinated for instance, they’d hear that in “tongues”. Even words are gradually changing its genuine meaning and debate are sealed by political correctness. One more generation and the world is dumbed down to a level unseen in human history. Fueled with hate of anything standing in the way.

I can be mistaken though, only known with scripture since a short period of time and I’m still learning.

 

[wattie]

With baptism of the Holy Spirit... which verses show this is about receiving eternal life?

The instances I see of the Holy Spirit baptism are of groups of believers being empowered..not individuals receiving eternal life.

 

[Wansvic]

You do agree that the gospel given to the Jews first in Acts 2 and 3 was about Jesus's identity as the Messiah. Israel needed to believe that Jesus is their promised Messiah, and be water baptized after they believe that, in order to be saved.

But you also agree that the gospel that saves us, the Body of Christ now, is no longer about believing Jesus is our Messiah. Rather, its about believing in what Jesus done on the cross (1 Cor 15:1-4)

If you agree to the above 2 premises, then you cannot conclude that the Body of Christ began at Acts 2.

How can it be when the gospel that saves be different in both cases?

I also don't know how it could be any clearer.

Paul's comments in 1 Cor. 15 do not contradict the truth of the birth of the NT church as recorded in Acts 2. Paul mentions that the gospel that he shared with the Corinthians, that saves them, is the same that he received. (1 Cor. 15:3) Acts 9:17-18 and 22:16 record what Paul received from Ananias. First, Ananias states he was sent by Jesus in order for him to receive his sight and the Holy Ghost, and instructs him to be water baptized calling on the name of the Lord. Paul's experience parallels the message given at Pentecost.

Peter's message at Pentecost encompassed believing both issues. (Acts 2:23-36) After referencing Jesus' death and resurrection as prophesied by King David in the OT, Peter then gave the salvation message all must obey. (Acts 2:38)

Philip also shared the word of God with the Samaritans. (Acts 8:12, 14-17) What do you suppose the word entailed? Well since the people believed in the name of Jesus, submitted to water baptism, and Peter and John came later for them to receive the Holy Ghost it is obvious. The word of God they heard was the same message and instructions first given to the Jews.

Again this truth is seen in Peter's comments to the Gentiles. (Acts 10:39-43)

 

[Wansvic]

Not so . Paul is preaching to the jew first and then to the greeks , but not the rest until Cornelius ( in the main ) The rest are still preaching ' the kingdom measage . Peter has to be given a vision to help him see the Gospel is transitioning to the gentiles now also .
Acts 10 has baptism After receiving the Holy Spirit .
44¶While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Acts 11.1
1¶And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. ( interesting )

Acts 11
15And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.
16Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

Preaching to the Jew first was consistent in Peter's and Paul's ministries.

Peter carried the message to the Jews first. (Acts 2:38) Also, as scripture records, the Samaritans received the salvation message before the Gentiles. (Acts 8) I believe this is because the Samaritans were half-Jew and half-Gentile. Thus, their partial Jewish heritage gave them precedence; they had to hear the message before the full blooded Gentiles.

In Paul's ministry, if Jews were in an area he had to minister to them before going to the Gentiles.

Also, consider water baptism in Jesus' name began being preached after the Holy Ghost fell on the Day of Pentecost. Jesus indicated this would occur. (Luke 24:47) Therefore, the 120 Jews in the upper room received the Holy Ghost spontaneously prior to being water baptized in Jesus' name. This is exactly what happened to the Gentiles. (Acts 10:44-48) Peter's comment to the Jewish Council speaks to this sequence as well. (Acts 11:14-17) He comments that after seeing them spontaneously filled with the Holy Ghost just as they had been, who was he to withstand God. He commanded they be water baptized in the name of the Lord. (Acts 10:47-48) Even Paul received the Holy Ghost before submitting to water baptism calling on the name of the Lord. (Acts 22:16)

Others obeyed Peter's initial instructions and got water baptized in the name of Jesus first. (Acts 8:12-18, 8:35-40 Ethiopian, 16:28-33 Jailer/family, 16:14-15 Lydia/family, 18:8 Crispus/Corinthian believers, 19:1-6 Ephesus disciples)

Obedience to a sequence is not what is necessary. As seen in scripture all components; repentance, water baptism in Jesus name, and receiving the Holy Ghost is what is crucial.

 

[Wansvic]

Isn’t speaking in tongues meant like that they would talk about stuff many people would not understand yet? When you follow Christ and He touches you in the Gospel, you start seeing it from another perspective. Once one walks by faith and not by sight, she or he can see the subliminal intentions popped up by media while those following the world just go along with the proces. When one says how they’re being indoctrinated for instance, they’d hear that in “tongues”. Even words are gradually changing its genuine meaning and debate are sealed by political correctness. One more generation and the world is dumbed down to a level unseen in human history. Fueled with hate of anything standing in the way.

I can be mistaken though, only known with scripture since a short period of time and I’m still learning.

It is recorded that speaking in tongues is speaking in an unknown language. The purpose of tongues is two-fold:

1. Once a person is indwelt with the Holy Spirit their spirit is reconnected with God's. We see this truth in 1 Cor. 14:2, "...he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries." It is for personal edification. (1 Cor 14:4)

2. Having the Spiritual gift of tongues is different. It is a gift that specifically edifies members of a church body. God's Holy Spirit flows through a person speaking a message in an unknown tongue/language. This requires an interpretation. Afterward, God's Spirit flows into a person with the Spiritual gift of interpretation and provides the message in the church members language. The language God chooses to use is unknown to either person operating in the specific Spiritual Gift. The words just flow spontaneously from the individual who has submitted in faith to God to be used for His purposes.

 

[Wansvic]

Isn’t speaking in tongues meant like that they would talk about stuff many people would not understand yet? When you follow Christ and He touches you in the Gospel, you start seeing it from another perspective. Once one walks by faith and not by sight, she or he can see the subliminal intentions popped up by media while those following the world just go along with the proces. When one says how they’re being indoctrinated for instance, they’d hear that in “tongues”. Even words are gradually changing its genuine meaning and debate are sealed by political correctness. One more generation and the world is dumbed down to a level unseen in human history. Fueled with hate of anything standing in the way.

I can be mistaken though, only known with scripture since a short period of time and I’m still learning.

I thought sharing my experience might shed more light on the subject of speaking in tongues.

I received the baptism of the Holy Ghost and spoke in tongues when I was very young. Years later I got water baptized "in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost." Afterward, upon seeing that all recorded water baptisms were done in the name of the Lord Jesus I was water baptized that way. For me, personally, afterward my spiritual eyes were indeed open. (John 3:3) I could "see" (understand) scriptures with greater clarity than in the past.

During prayer my language changes to tongues as well at times when I am singing.

About ten years later God imparted the Spiritual gift of tongues upon me that was interpreted by another for edification of the church body. I had not been seeking the gift, however, while praising God in the worship service He decided to flow through me and speak a message to the congregation.

As I was praising God I could feel His presence stronger than in times past; so strong in fact, I sensed something was definitely different but had no idea what was going on. As I praised the Lord someone to my left began to speak in tongues. I remember thinking Lord if that is what you wanted me to do I would have done it. Immediately the individual stopped speaking. I felt what can only be described as an internal explosion; a feeling of complete fullness that my body could not contain. To my utter dismay the fullness began pouring out in the form of tongues. There I was, normally the shy, quiet one, loudly proclaiming half of a message that was afterward interpreted for God’s children. I say half, because the interpretation began, and part way through the message continued after a short pause. The proclaimed message began with the other individual and was picked up and concluded through me.

On the drive home I could not help re-living the incident over, and over in my mind. I was amazed at what had occurred. I questioned the Lord about the explosive feeling. His answer was, “I consumed the sacrifice.” I was in awe. I realized that God would only use my vocal cords to speak to His people if I was willing for Him to do so.

Therefore, I have no doubt that, for whatever reason, God designed a salvation plan that includes mankind's need to obey the command to be water baptized and seek/receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost.

Hope this answers some of your questions. May God Bless!

 

[throughfaith]

Preaching to the Jew first was consistent in Peter's and Paul's ministries.

Peter carried the message to the Jews first. (Acts 2:38) Also, as scripture records, the Samaritans received the salvation message before the Gentiles. (Acts 8) I believe this is because the Samaritans were half-Jew and half-Gentile. Thus, their partial Jewish heritage gave them precedence; they had to hear the message before the full blooded Gentiles.

In Paul's ministry, if Jews were in an area he had to minister to them before going to the Gentiles.

Also, consider water baptism in Jesus' name began being preached after the Holy Ghost fell on the Day of Pentecost. Jesus indicated this would occur. (Luke 24:47) Therefore, the 120 Jews in the upper room received the Holy Ghost spontaneously prior to being water baptized in Jesus' name. This is exactly what happened to the Gentiles. (Acts 10:44-48) Peter's comment to the Jewish Council speaks to this sequence as well. (Acts 11:14-17) He comments that after seeing them spontaneously filled with the Holy Ghost just as they had been, who was he to withstand God. He commanded they be water baptized in the name of the Lord. (Acts 10:47-48) Even Paul received the Holy Ghost before submitting to water baptism calling on the name of the Lord. (Acts 22:16)

Others obeyed Peter's initial instructions and got water baptized in the name of Jesus first. (Acts 8:12-18, 8:35-40 Ethiopian, 16:28-33 Jailer/family, 16:14-15 Lydia/family, 18:8 Crispus/Corinthian believers, 19:1-6 Ephesus disciples)

Obedience to a sequence is not what is necessary. As seen in scripture all components; repentance, water baptism in Jesus name, and receiving the Holy Ghost is what is crucial.

'in jesus name '? baptism ? when you say cruicial what do you mean? The Ethiopian is the closest to the normative pattern we see described in Paul's letters.The Gospel is simply Believe .