The Role of the Holy Spirit in One's Life?

[reba]

does so much really need be one certain way?

1Co_6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Rev_1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

Pete says be baptized and then receive the Holy Ghost
Act_2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Here he says they have received the Holy Ghost and should be baptized
Act_10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

 

[jocor]

Where does it say that Simon didn't receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit?

First, I didn't say he did not receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. I said the baptism referred to his water baptism.

Seems there's quite a bit of speculation here. When the Bible SAYS that someone believes, it doesn't mean "believe in someone other than Jesus". It ALWAYS means "believe in Jesus".

I agree. Simon believed in Yeshua.

Just because some are quite discomforted by the actions of Simon doesn't give them the right to claim he wasn't saved. And no where in the Bible does it say that he wasn't saved. It shows that he was an idiot.

Would you suggest that idiots cannot be saved?

I never said he wasn't saved or that he was an idiot. Sorry FreeGrace, but I don't understand why you are saying these things? Here is the passage in question with my commentary.

Act 8:9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:
Act 8:10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.
Act 8:11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.
Act 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Yeshua Messiah, they were baptized, both men and women.
Act 8:13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
​

At this point, Simon believed in Yeshua and was baptised.

Act 8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
Act 8:15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
Act 8:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Yeshua.)
Act 8:17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
​

There would be no need to lay hands on the Samarian believers if they were already baptized in the Holy Spirit. The fact that they had NOT YET received the Holy Spirit shows that the baptism of verse 12 & 13 was a water baptism. That baptism was not the baptism of John because John's baptism was unto repentance prior to Yeshua's death and resurrection. The Samarians were baptized in Yeshua's name which could only take place after his death and resurrection.

Act 8:18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
Act 8:19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
​

Verse 19 refers to the baptism of the Holy Spirit via the laying on of hands.

Act 8:20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
Act 8:21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
Act 8:22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
Act 8:23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
Act 8:24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.
​

We are not told if Simon repented from his heart or if Peter prayed for him.

 

[jocor]

You receive the Holy Spirit when you (believe) that Jesus is who he said he is (Lord) and that (God raised him from the dead). This is the baptism that we receive now. After Jesus walked the earth and returned to heaven.

Mark 1:8 I (John the Baptist) baptize you with water, be he(Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.

I can tell you how it went with me, with the repent and be baptized. I've mentioned it here. When I was given revelation that Jesus is literally his Son. (Jesus is Lord) And when I was in that argument with my sister and I knew 100% God raised him from the dead.

All in that moment, it was a Repenting and Baptizing moment of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit will wash away your sins.

That's great that you were baptized in the Holy Spirit. Now go and be baptized in water as was the NT example (Acts 10:47).

 

[FreeGrace]

I have first hand experience that idiots truly can be saved!

I certainly thank God that they can. Or I'd be in a lot of trouble.

 

[reba]

Me too

 

[FreeGrace]

First, I didn't say he did not receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. I said the baptism referred to his water baptism.

But how do you know Jesus was referring to water baptism?

I never said he wasn't saved or that he was an idiot. Sorry FreeGrace, but I don't understand why you are saying these things?

In post #37, you said this:
"One can "believe" without being baptized by the Holy Spirit as Acts 8:9-17 shows."

When one believes, they receive the Holy Spirit, which means they've been baptized with the Holy Spirit. When one believes, they are saved. All saved people have been baptized with the Holy Spirit.

​

At this point, Simon believed in Yeshua and was baptised.

Act 8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
Act 8:15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
Act 8:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Yeshua.)
Act 8:17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
​

There would be no need to lay hands on the Samarian believers if they were already baptized in the Holy Spirit.[/QUOTE]
OK, I see your point. Yes, those Gentile believers hadn't received the Holy Spirit yet, until the apostles came and laid their hands on them. I thought your point was that Simon wasn't saved, as so many believers think today.

Sorry for my confusion.

​

 

[LovethroughDove]

That's great that you were baptized in the Holy Spirit. Now go and be baptized in water as was the NT example (Acts 10:47).

It goes along with the context of the previous scriptures

Acts 10:45-46 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.

Cause people were saying that Gentiles aren't part of God's plan. Peter was saying that (yes they are) see, they received the Holy Spirit.
And it is the living water we are baptized in.............

 

[jocor]

It goes along with the context of the previous scriptures

Acts 10:45-46 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.

Cause people were saying that Gentiles aren't part of God's plan. Peter was saying that (yes they are) see, they received the Holy Spirit.
And it is the living water we are baptized in.............

Act 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Spirit as well as we?
Act 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
​

They were already baptized in the Holy Spirit. They still needed to be baptized in water. Peter commanded them to be baptized in water in the name of Yeshua. By extension, Peter is commanding all believers to be baptized in water even though they have already been baptized in the Holy Spirit. You have no case to reject water baptism.

 

[chessman]

In reading Scripture, it seems that the baptism of water is often followed by a second baptism in the Spirit (in Acts, for example) and it seems that others present know whether it's happened or not. But I'm not sure if that's supposed to apply to 2015 or is exclusively an apostolic event.

raindog308 You and/or others might find the following podcast rather interesting and informative on this topic. In fact, Dr. Horton is currently in a series of podcasts dealing with the Role of The Holy Spirit in one's life. It's been quite interesting and educational to me personally.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/white-horse-inn/id356920632?mt=2

 

[john darling]

There are often times when a word in the Bible can apply to more than one situation, but one definition becomes culturally popular and people lose sight of other interpretations. Something like this has happened with the word Baptism. People hear the word "baptism" and immediately they add the word "water" in their minds. "Baptism" in today's world has become synonymous with "water baptism". And in Jewish society people would have thought the same thing, since water baptism originated as a Jewish custom.

However, John the Baptist who was in the Old Testament (Luke 16:16), knew that Jesus was coming to bring a different understanding of baptism, just as he was going to do with so many of the old traditions and laws. Jesus' baptism was going to maintain the spirit of the old baptism, but without the outward religious ritual.

This is what John the Baptist said of Jesus:

"There comes one mightier than I am, after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. I indeed have baptized you with water; but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost." (Mark 1:7-8, Matthew 3:11 and Luke 3:16)

Here is the man who was most famous for baptising people with water, saying that Jesus' baptism would be a different baptism. And we know that Jesus did not baptise with water himself. (John 4:2.) So Jesus lived up to what John the Baptist had said of him, in that Jesus' baptism was a spiritual one, and not a physical one.

To get a perspective more consitent with what both John and Jesus said about baptism, it could be helpful to go back over the baptism verses, and in your mind, instead of adding "with water" add "with the Holy Spirit".

Here is an example.

"Go therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them [with the Holy Spirit] in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19-20).

Does that make better sense? It's interesting in this verse that the command to baptize [with the Holy Spirit] is sandwiched in between the command to teach and the instruction about what to teach.

The traditional churchy understanding of baptism (with water) makes this sentence sound rather awkward, like he's putting in a completely new command (and a religious ritual at that) before he's completed the command about teaching and what to teach. Certainly water baptism does not feature heavily (if at all) anywhere else in what Jesus taught.

But when you understand that the baptism Jesus was referring to was a baptism of the Holy Spirit, then the sentence makes much more sense... especially when you understand that the teachings of Jesus are God's Spirit. ( John 6:63.)

The instruction to teach people to observe what Jesus commanded is not only clarifying what to teach, but it is also clarifying how to baptise people!

When we present people with the teachings of Jesus, we are in effect presenting them (or 'covering' them) with the Holy Spirit. If they choose to accept (or 'drink in' which is what 'believe' means) the truth in His teachings, then they are being filled with the Holy Spirit. John 6:63 says that Jesus' words are Spirit and life. That is how we understand this command and that is what we take seriously.

Jesus allowed his followers to baptise with water even though he himself didn't. (John 4:2) In itself there is nothing wrong with the practice (of baptising people with water). It is a symbolic thing that hopefully represents something that is happening spiritually within a person.

But there is nothing in the Bible to indicate that water baptism is essential for Christians. Baptism, on the other hand, is essential; but remember which baptism is Jesus' baptism (the one with the Holy Spirit).

So yes, it is essential to have the Holy Spirit (i.e. to be 'baptised' or 'covered' with the Holy Spirit) to be a Christian, but it is not essential to be water baptised. (Romans 8:9)

Later on, after Jesus ascended into heaven, there arose some tensions with regard to water baptism. Paul seemed to be the first one to understand that Jewish rituals like circumcision were no longer essential for Christians, and that they were actually becoming a stumbling block to people who were holding onto outward signs of spirituality instead of inward realities. And true to form, Paul was the first one to see that the same problem was happening with regard to water baptism.

He wrote: "Christ sent me not to baptise, but to preach the gospel." (I Corinthians 1:17 See also 1 Corinthians 1:10-16 for background to this comment.)

In this case I think all theologians would agree that Paul is referring to water baptism when he says that he was not sent to baptize. It doesn't make sense for him to say that he was not sent to baptise with the Holy Spirit (and it would be a contradiction of Jesus' own command for his followers to baptise people). But notice that Paul understood that he had been sent to preach. As I explained above, preaching, and covering people with the teachings of Jesus (i.e. his "Spirit") are practically synonymous.

Paul also said:

"Endeavour.. to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." (Ephesians 4:3-6).

He says there is one baptism, so which is he referring to?

John 3:5 is sometimes quoted to say that the Bible teaches that we must be baptised twice, once in water and once in the Holy Spirit. This is not a case where people have added the word "water" to a verse about baptism; but it is a case where people have added the word "baptism" to a verse about water.

If you read the next verse, you will see that there are two births being discussed. One is spiritual and one is physical. So obviously the reference to "water" in the first verse is the physical birth mentioned in the next verse, and, as such, has no connection to water baptism, which is always equated with a spiritual birth.

Nicodemus even asks, "can we go back into the womb"? He understood that the water birth Jesus mentioned was a physical birth. When a baby is about to be born, there is a process where the mother's "water breaks". However, Jesus is NOT talking about this physical birth, so he clarifies by mentioning the water birth and then being born again by the spirit.

 

[The Light]

I personally am persuaded that if a person was truly filled with the SPIRIT OF THE GOD OF THE UNIVERSE there would be something remarkable, special, and observable about them that revealed this. The guys in the Bible that were full of the Spirit worked miracles, foretold the future, spoke in and understood languages they had never learned, and had an ora about themselves.

I used to believe that the HS was in me, but now, I actually do not think that I am filled with the Holy Spirit. I wish I was, BUT no real evidence exists to say that I am, so for me to say that I was would be no more than wishful thinking. After reading scriptures like 2 Corinthians 5, I had to ask myself this question: How does one know they are "IN" Christ? Verse 5 seems to imply that those who are have been given a sample or deposit of God's Spirit which acts as a seal according to Ephesians 1:13-14 that was given in advance as a token of the inheritance which saints will receive, and which has been reserved for saints, for the glory of his praise. We see that the saints in the NT, especially in Corinthians who were sealed had powers that came along with the portion of God's Spirit that was given to them. Just an observation, but since I don't have those powers and abilities I am led to believe that i do not have the Spirit in me.

 

[Deborah13]

I personally am persuaded that if a person was truly filled with the SPIRIT OF THE GOD OF THE UNIVERSE there would be something remarkable, special, and observable about them that revealed this. The guys in the Bible that were full of the Spirit worked miracles, foretold the future, spoke in and understood languages they had never learned, and had an ora about themselves.

I used to believe that the HS was in me, but now, I actually do not think that I am filled with the Holy Spirit. I wish I was, BUT no real evidence exists to say that I am, so for me to say that I was would be no more than wishful thinking. After reading scriptures like 2 Corinthians 5, I had to ask myself this question: How does one know they are "IN" Christ? Verse 5 seems to imply that those who are have been given a sample or deposit of God's Spirit which acts as a seal according to Ephesians 1:13-14 that was given in advance as a token of the inheritance which saints will receive, and which has been reserved for saints, for the glory of his praise. We see that the saints in the NT, especially in Corinthians who were sealed had powers that came along with the portion of God's Spirit that was given to them. Just an observation, but since I don't have those powers and abilities I am led to believe that i do not have the Spirit in me.

You are confusing the indwelling of the Holy Spirit with supernatural spiritual gifts.
1Co 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
1Co 12:4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
1Co 12:5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
1Co 12:6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
1Co 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit IS given to every man to profit withal.
Not all manifestations of the Spirit are recognized by some as manifestations of the Spirit when they should be. And the greatest of all is love. What could be a greater gift than to walk in love by faith. To be an shining example to family, friends, and the world of what It means to be one with Christ, to be an example of His nature to the saved and the lost alike.

 

[The Light]

Love and faith are mutually exclusive. A life of love and "good" behavior can be lived by a person of another faith or a person with no faith at all. My contention is that in the scriptures, the "indwelling" of the HS produced unmistakable evidences beyond that mentioned in the passage that speaks of the fruit of the spirit.

The spirit was said to be poured out during the last days on all men. I doubt we are in that time any longer.

 

[WIP]

Love and faith are mutually exclusive. A life of love and "good" behavior can be lived by a person of another faith or a person with no faith at all. My contention is that in the scriptures, the "indwelling" of the HS produced unmistakable evidences beyond that mentioned in the passage that speaks of the fruit of the spirit.

The spirit was said to be poured out during the last days on all men. I doubt we are in that time any longer.

I will ask again. Where is the scripture to back up your contention? This is the apologetics forum. Opinions are to be supported by scripture even when it seems obvious.

 

[eddif]

Daniel 5:25
And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.
26 This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.
27 TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.
28 PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.
29 Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.

The above is, IMHO, tongues and interpretation right out of the OT. Daniel was recognized for the spiritual gift of interpretation.

The spiritual gifts in Corinthians are the same as prophets used in old times. The Corinthians are being introduced to healing, word of knowledge, word of wisdom, etc..

The Gentiles were not raised in the knowledge of Gods works, and the spiritual gifts passage is 101 spiritual gifts.

At Pentecost the apostles and followers were the first to experience sons and daughters being involved.
Acts 2:4
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

Gentiles were included / grafted in by grace and warned not to be high minded.

eddif

 

[john darling]

Love and faith are mutually exclusive.

Nope.

1JN 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

 

[The Light]

I will ask again. Where is the scripture to back up your contention? This is the apologetics forum. Opinions are to be supported by scripture even when it seems obvious.

My contention is that in the scriptures, the "indwelling" of the HS produced unmistakable evidences beyond that mentioned in the passage that speaks of the fruit of the spirit. Examples include:
Acts 2:5-8
Mark 16:17-18
Acts 8:13-18



The spirit was said to be poured out during the last days on all men. Acts 2:16-21

 

[gracenote]

1. The Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8).

2. The Spirit guides us into all truth (John 16:13).

3. The Spirit regenerates us (John 3:5-8; Titus 3:5).

4. The Spirit glorifies and testifies of Christ (John 15:26; 16:14).

5. The Spirit reveals Christ to us and in us (John 16:14-15).

6. The Spirit leads us (Rom. 8:14; Gal. 5:18; Matt. 4:1; Luke 4:1).

7. The Spirit sanctifies us (2 Thess. 2:13; 1 Pet. 1:2; Rom. 5:16).

8. The Spirit empowers us (Luke 4:14; 24:49; Rom. 15:19; Acts 1:8).

9. The Spirit fills us (Eph. 5:18; Acts 2:4; 4:8, 31; 9:17).

10. The Spirit teaches us to pray (Rom. 8:26-27; Jude 1:20).

11. The Spirit bears witness in us that we are children of God (Rom. 8:16).

12. The Spirit produces in us the fruit or evidence of His work and presence (Gal. 5:22-23).

13. The Spirit distributes spiritual gifts and manifestations (the outshining) of His presence to and through the body (1 Cor. 12:4, 8-10; Heb. 2:4).

14. The Spirit anoints us for ministry (Luke 4:18; Acts 10:38).

15. The Spirit washes and renews us (Titus 3:5).

16. The Spirit brings unity and oneness to the body (Eph. 4:3; 2:14-18). Here the Holy Spirit plays the same role that He plays in the Godhead. The Spirit is the life that unites Father and Son. The Spirit plays the same role in the church. When the Holy Spirit is operating in a group of people, He unites them in love. Therefore, a sure evidence of the Holy Spirit working in a group is Love and Unity. Not signs and wonders (those are seasonal and can be counterfeited).

17. The Spirit is our guarantee and deposit of the future resurrection (2 Cor. 1:22; 2 Cor. 5:5).

18. The Spirit seals us unto the day of redemption (Eph. 1:13; 4:30).

19. The Spirit sets us free from the law of sin and death (Rom. 8:2).

20. The Spirit quickens our mortal bodies (Rom. 8:11).

21. The Spirit reveals the deep things of God to us (1 Cor. 2:10).

22. The Spirit reveals what has been given to us from God (1 Cor. 2:12).

23. The Spirit dwells in us (Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 3:16; 2 Tim. 1:14; John 14:17).

24. The Spirit speaks to, in, and through us (1 Cor. 12:3; 1 Tim. 4:1; Rev. 2:11; Heb 3:7; Matt. 10:20; Acts 2:4; 8:29; 10:19; 11:12, 28; 13:2; 16:6,7; 21:4,11).

25. The Spirit is the agent by which we are baptized into the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13).

26. The Spirit brings liberty (2 Cor. 3:17).

27. The Spirit transforms us into the image of Christ (2 Cor. 3:18).

28. The Spirit cries in our hearts, “Abba, Father” (Gal. 4:6).

29. The Spirit enables us to wait (Gal. 5:5).

30. The Spirit supplies us with Christ (Phil. 1:19, KJV).

31. The Spirit grants everlasting life (Gal. 6:8).

32. The Spirit gives us access to God the Father (Eph. 2:18).

33. The Spirit makes us (corporately) God’s habitation (Eph. 2:22).

34. The Spirit reveals the mystery of God to us (Eph. 3:5).

35. The Spirit strengthens our spirits (Eph. 3:16).

36. The Spirit enables us to obey the truth (1 Pet. 1:22).

37. The Spirit enables us to know that Jesus abides in us (1 John 3:24; 4:13).

38. The Spirit confesses that Jesus came in the flesh (1 John 4:2).

39. The Spirit says “Come, Lord Jesus” along with the bride (Rev. 22:17).

40. The Spirit dispenses God’s love into our hearts (Rom. 5:5).

41. The Spirit bears witness to the truth in our conscience (Rom. 9:1).

42. The Spirit teaches us (1 Cor. 2:13; John 14:26).

43. The Spirit gives us joy (1 Thess. 1:6).

44. The Spirit enables some to preach the gospel (1 Pet. 1:12).

45. The Spirit moves us (2 Pet. 1:21).

46. The Spirit knows the things of God (1 Cor. 2:11).

47. The Spirit casts out demons (Matt. 12:28).

48. The Spirit brings things to our remembrance (John 14:26).

49. The Spirit comforts us (Acts 9:31).

50. The Spirit makes some overseers in the church and sends some out to the work of church planting [through the body] (Acts 20:28; 13:2).

~ Frank Viola

That is so perfect, and overwhelmingly clear that I doubt whether I could add another word to this thread upon the subject besides Thank You for sharing that beautiful list!

 

[JLB]

In my travels, I've encountered several views of the role of the Holy Spirit as it applies to the current (i.e., year 2015) church.

In some denominations, the role of the Holy Spirit is almost symbolic. You're baptized, and perhaps later confirmed in some traditions, or you accept Jesus as a young adult, and the Holy Spirit perhaps symbolically indwells but it's certainly nothing dramatic. The gifts of the Spirit (such as speaking in tongues) are viewed as 1st century phenomenon, or at least very rare today. In other words, if you are "Baptized in the Spirit" there is no outward sign to others.

In other denominations (e.g., some Pentecostals), the Holy Spirit is a big deal and they believe the gifts of the Spirit (typically speaking in tongues) to be very common. "Baptism in the Spirit" is very important. These denominations believe that if you are baptized in the Spirit, everyone will certainly know about it.

I grew up in a denomination like the first. I admit being somewhat jealous of the second, as in my tradition we had confirmation (in which Pentecost from Acts was discussed) but the actual sacrament was a pretty staid affair. I mean, who wouldn't want a dramatic Spirit-filling moment?

In reading Scripture, it seems that the baptism of water is often followed by a second baptism in the Spirit (in Acts, for example) and it seems that others present know whether it's happened or not. But I'm not sure if that's supposed to apply to 2015 or is exclusively an apostolic event.

Maybe I'm wading into a controversial area but I wonder how to sort out what role the Holy Spirit should play in a Christian's life.

Personally, I am glad you are "wading into a controversial area", as it means you are contemplating this wonderful experience.

Please, by all means, ask God Himself to fill you with His Spirit, as this is promise to you, as a believer, and your children.

33 Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.
34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself: 'The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit at My right hand,
35 Till I make Your enemies Your footstool." '
36 "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."
37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"
38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call." Acts 2:33-39


Please know that which is poured out by The Lord Jesus, you will see and hear...

....having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.

For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call."



JLB