That's part of why I post what I post. SOOO many are taught to THINK they have the Holy Ghost, and to reject asking God about it as if that was faithless (instead of prudent).
On the day of Pentecost, did they just think they were filled with the Holy Spirit... or did they start speaking in tongues? Answer: They started speaking in tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance (
Acts 2:4).
In Acts 10, when the church learned that salvation is open to the Gentiles also, did they just 'think' that the Gentiles received the Holy Ghost? Answer: No, They were AMAZED that the Gentiles received the Holy Ghost...
because they heard them speaking in tongues (
Acts 10:44-46).
Same in
Acts 19:6 KJV:
"And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied."
Romans 8:16 KJV says "
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:" <--That's observable. (That's speaking in tongues.) That's not something you have to wonder if you have. Once you have it,
use it until God
confirms the rest of the promises regarding speaking in tongues (detailed in
Romans 8:26-27 and
1 Corinthians 14:2,4,14,etc.)
Don't think God won't give it just because others reject it. EVERYONE needs to be able to build themselves up on their most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost (per
Jude 20)<-- That's what speaking in tongues
is (per
1 Cor. 14:14) and
does (per
1 Cor. 14:4).
Sorry if that sounded rapid-fire. I only sat down for a few minutes to type. I'm hoping you will
pray about it rather than just
think about it. Give God some credit. He can answer, and he himself doesn't want you to just 'think' you have received the Holy Spirit he wants you to
know. And he provides evidence that is even observable by others (per
Acts 8:16-18)...but don't offer anyone money for it like Simon did... it's something only given by God himself.
Love in Jesus,
Kelby