Re: A "Prayer Language" and Being Filled with the Spirit...
- From: rtdavide@xxxxxxxxx
- Date: Wed, 14 Sep 2005 02:59:13 GMT
MJ wrote:
> I am attending a large, pentecostal church. I was raised as a
> fundamental Baptist, so you can imagine I'm dealing with some culture
> shock! I was raised in a private Christian (Baptist) school, so I do
> have a good grasp of Scripture as it was taught to me and as have read
> and studied on my own.
>
> I have read some discussion on this group regarding Tongues and Prayer
> Languages and also being "filled with the Spirit". I have to admit
> that it doesn't seem like a simple answer. I've read Acts and I Chor.
> regarding this subject and honestly, I can see where both sides are
> coming from.
>
> I don't like the feeling that I get from my new church that seems to
> indicate that if I'm not speaking in my own prayer language that I'm
> not being all the Christian I can be...and that somehow speaking my own
> prayer language will be an exterior sign of my being filled with the
> spirit.
>
> I have never believed that Christianity is a 2-part thing - salvation
> and then being filled with the spirit. Am I wrong on this? Is there a
> secondary part to it?
>
> I realize I'm not asking specfic questions here, but more looking for
> simple insight on what different people believe.
>
> Any help would be fantastic....
>
> Thanks,
> Marcy
Hi Marcy,
I came from a fundamentalist Baptist background as well, and I now
attend a non-denominational church that does teach the operation of the
gifts of the spirit today. Though it is not a church where you see
tongues being spoken in the service, I do speak in tongues both
privately and in small groups of believers [during prayer time].
At some churches, you do get the feeling that you are somehow lacking
spiritually if you don't speak in tongues and that is unfortunate. Paul
said it was the Spirit that distributed the gifts as he saw fit.
I remember having somewhat the same feeling. I just felt that if I
could do this, then it would somehow validate my Christian experience.
It wasn't actually until I got over that wrongheaded notion that I
began to speak in tongues.
Since it is a blessing, I of course don't knock it, but for the life of
me, I can't figure out why some people put so much emphasis on the gift
of tongues. If you have heard words of knowledge, or prophesies, where
people's lives are touched and changed, THAT is awesome. Tongues are
fine for what they are, but not as much to be sought after as some seem
to do.
I wouldn't say that Christianity is a two part thing, but I do believe
there is more to your Christian walk than your initial salvation.
Probably you would agree as well. So if you think of it more in those
terms, then it is not hard to understand that growth in many different
areas will happen. You will grow in love and knowledge, peace, and
other fruits of the spirit; you will also grow in faith and learn to
operate more on the Holy Spirits leading. We receive all the salvation
we need at our initial prayer. But you will continue to grow in your
equipping as long as you live here and continue to see the Lord.
I would also council you to relax on the tongues issue, if you are like
me, I had a lot of hang-ups to overcome given my background. I think I
made it a lot harder than it actually was, because I had so much
misunderstanding of it. Feel free to ask more. Either on the group or
e-mail me privately. I'd be happy to tell you what I know.
dave
.
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