The baptize of the Holy Spirit : with the Born Again, or an event after meeting with Christ on the road to Damascus?

[Liviu]

Every christian regardless denomination asked himself if the baptize in the Holy Spirit is a process when we are born again, regenerated, or is, like the pentecostals belive, a event apart from regeneration? Is a empowere to mission, to preach the Gospell, like in the Acts?
In this book, Frank Macchia argues and advocates for an classical pentecostal interpretation. His academic and stable argumentation are very inviting.

[Rod]

The first thing I ask myself is: What does Billy Graham think? Then I move on to other Christian theologians that I trust. Then I figure out what Benny Hinn agrees with - and I do the opposite. :)

I think the Bible left a tiny bit of wiggle room on areas like this for people to show their true hearts desires and emotional issues. that does not change the absolute truth of God's word though.

[Rod]

Good question diane: Who can understand God or pretend to know his ways?

I sure hope anyone who reads the Bible carefully and with a heart full of the Holy Spirit.

Can you walk with Christ and not with the Holy Spirit? I don't think so. That seems to be the riddle of the ages.

[Janette]

Rod wrote: "Good question diane: Who can understand God or pretend to know his ways?

I sure hope anyone who reads the Bible carefully and with a heart full of the Holy Spirit.

Can you walk with Christ and no..."

I agree. the very fact that I know God (as in a personal relationship) is due to the Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit it could not have happened. Can you be a Christian without the Holy Spirit?

[Rod]

I meet many people who think the Holy Spirit has phases. I'm still looking into it. Its generally a charismatic idea.
I try to do exactly what the thief on the cross did. Nothing more - nothing less. Just live for Jesus with all the time you have left.

I agree that you either got the Holy Spirit or you don't. Without it Jesus makes no sense.

[Liviu]

the Pentecostals belive in Holy Spirit progress in christian life. And have the Acts Apostles book the principal biblical argument. and second their charismatic experience

[Rod]

I don't see a reason for a charismatic experience. The good old Truth of God's word is enough for me. Experience not necessary.
(although there are millions of Christians who disagree with me. My MOM does too!)

Last time I checked Billy Graham, Chuck Swindoll, John MacArthur, Ravi Zacharius and 100's of other historical theologians aren't waiting around for Holy Spirit feel good parties and shenanigans. Just the Word of God is enough to get through this life and glorify God.

[Patricia]

Rod wrote: "I don't see a reason for a charismatic experience. The good old Truth of God's word is enough for me. Experience not necessary.
(although there are millions of Christians who disagree with me. My ..."I know a lot of what I think of as the steadfast sons--people who grew up in the church and never faltered. They can't pinpoint an exact experience but their actions make me believe they are Christians. On the other hand, I came to the Lord at 45 and I had an exciting experience that I can point to and say, "it happened then." God isn't in a box. He works in all sorts of ways. The Bible says you must believe in Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (period). If you have that, you are infilled with the Holy Spirit (not something you can do yourself).

[Patricia]

Rod wrote: "The first thing I ask myself is: What does Billy Graham think? Then I move on to other Christian theologians that I trust. Then I figure out what Benny Hinn agrees with - and I do the opposite. :)
..."I agree on your assessment of Benny Hinn. There are a group of people on TV who worship money while they pretend to worship God.

[Janette]

I believe that without the Holy Spirit there cannot be Salvation. This means the day I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior, The Holy Spirit came into my heart. He is now part of me. I do not think this has to be an emotional/mighty rushing wind experience. I asked & He came. end of story.

But I wonder, do we sometimes need a refilling? and if we do, does this mean He left or is no longer there? Or is it a realization on my part that I am no longer leaning on Him?

[Rod]

Good question Janette; I thought about this refilling alot. Life gets depressing at times.

Between the Word of God and the Fellowship of the Saints we should hopefully be able to get filled. Also Jesus spent alot of time in prayer - That seems to work as well.

I don't even remember when I became a Christian: sometime between 8 years old and 12.

[Danielle]

I would say it is a realization on that person's part that they are no longer leaning on Him and/or open to the Holy Spirit. As long as we are open to it, we will always be filled.