Don't study the Bible! Unless....

[LastDaysJames]

3 hours ago, AnOrangeCat said:

I agree with this, and I can't see any reason for anyone to not study the Bible. I can't recall a single verse in the vein of "Thou shalt not dig into God's Word unless X, Y, and Z..." so it feels very much like a manmade statement to me. The Holy Spirit can convict us in a variety of ways, which can include study.

I understand what you are saying; but I will do what I hate... repeat myself! If you do a DEEP study of scripture without first doing the basics - you WILL misinterpret it!

It is like giving a baby that is only drinking milk, then giving it meat to eat; the baby will choke! I never said not to study the Word; I am just saying make sure you are mature enough to handle the meat: until then, stick with the milk of basics - you will grow, and as you grow, you can handle more solid food without choking!

I can tell when talking with someone, if they have tried to do a deep study of the Word without first doing and understanding the basics - they do more damage to the kingdom of God than good!

Yes the Holy Spirit does teach us all things...... but without the basics of getting to know Him, and knowing His voice clearly - the devils voice - or more so yet, the voice of religion can sound like the Holy Spirit to the untrained spiritual ear.

[FreeGrace]

4 hours ago, Your closest friendnt said:

We should continue with the issues at hand. Just make it simple and just quote the post as every other poster does. Make it simple please. 

I want to go back and respond to the issues at hand.. 

You're up!

[Your closest friendnt]

6 hours ago, LastDaysJames said:

I understand what you are saying; but I will do what I hate... repeat myself! If you do a DEEP study of scripture without first doing the basics - you WILL misinterpret it!

It is like giving a baby that is only drinking milk, then giving it meat to eat; the baby will choke! I never said not to study the Word; I am just saying make sure you are mature enough to handle the meat: until then, stick with the milk of basics - you will grow, and as you grow, you can handle more solid food without choking!

I can tell when talking with someone, if they have tried to do a deep study of the Word without first doing and understanding the basics - they do more damage to the kingdom of God than good!

Yes the Holy Spirit does teach us all things...... but without the basics of getting to know Him, and knowing His voice clearly - the devils voice - or more so yet, the voice of religion can sound like the Holy Spirit to the untrained spiritual ear.

We accept your testimony about your experiences as you were growing up in a Christian family and Christian community. 

Did you grow up in a Catholic tolerant community? Or it was something contrary to that and you had come to believe that you need to be on a mission to saved the Catholics. 

What the Bible says? 

Are not the Catholics born from above? From God? 

 

Edited May 11 by Your closest friendnt

[Vine Abider]

21 minutes ago, Your closest friendnt said:

Are not the Catholics born from above? From God? 

 

Some are, some not - same as any group.  For instance, just saying "I was born into a Christian family" doesn't mean I have actually been born again with His life.

[Sower]

12 hours ago, Sower said:

On 5/9/2025 at 10:19 AM, LastDaysJames said:

2) Be filled (baptized) in the Holy Spirit (yes, that is a separate experience from salvation. Acts 19:2)

Could you elaborate this. I often hear posters say that unless I have been baptized in the spirit my spiritual life will be limited. If you agree with that, just how is it limited?

I have no problem with asking God to reveal to me some new understanding of scripture if it glorifies God and enables me to get closer to my savior. Does being baptized do this, and if so, how. How, as in just what happens, if you could explain, and provide scripture.

Thanks James...,  Sower

I read your response James, and thanks.
However I was hoping you would address my more specific questions. Do you believe that those who have not had a "separate filling in the holy spirit' separate from salvation as you say,  are not fully equipped saints and are hindered to walk fully in Christ, led by the spirit, FULLY, as you do?

Could you explain to me, being ignorant of the experience you describe, specifically, what you did and how you did it to obtain this filling, as I'm sure you would want others to receive your special enablement to be a more powerful soldier for Christ. What specifically did you do to get this filling?

Thanks again.  
Sower...

PS. I find when I'm really "doing the right thing", taking thoughts captive and walking daily in the spirit and having a neat time in fellowship with God, I sense a intense  awareness of God's presence, and throughout the day a joy and confidence in God's direction, greater than when I'm not so diligent in my thoughts and I stumble more often (sin). Is this what you would call being filled with the holy spirit? Thanks..

[Michael37]

21 minutes ago, Sower said:

I read your response James, and thanks.
However I was hoping you would address my more specific questions. Do you believe that those who have not had a "separate filling in the holy spirit' separate from salvation as you say,  are not fully equipped saints and are hindered to walk fully in Christ, led by the spirit, FULLY, as you do?

Could you explain to me, being ignorant of the experience you describe, specifically, what you did and how you did it to obtain this filling, as I'm sure you would want others to receive your special enablement to be a more powerful soldier for Christ. What specifically did you do to get this filling?

Thanks again.  
Sower...

PS. I find when I'm really "doing the right thing", taking thoughts captive and walking daily in the spirit and having a neat time in fellowship with God, I sense a intense  awareness of God's presence, and throughout the day a joy and confidence in God's direction, greater than when I'm not so diligent in my thoughts and I stumble more often (sin). Is this what you would call being filled with the holy spirit? Thanks..

@LastDaysJames wrote that before doing a deep study of the Bible:

2) Be filled (baptized) in the Holy Spirit (yes, that is a separate experience from salvation. Acts 19:2)

I have to wonder if that is a suggestion or a dogma.

Quick Summary:

The experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit can be understood in two ways: a "one-time" experience and an "ongoing" experience.

1. One-Time Experience: This refers to a significant, often transformative moment when a believer is first filled with the Holy Spirit. This is commonly associated with events like Pentecost (Acts 2), where the disciples were filled with the Spirit in a powerful and unmistakable way. Such experiences are often marked by a deep sense of God's presence, empowerment for ministry, and sometimes supernatural manifestations like speaking in tongues or prophecy.

2. Ongoing Experience: While the initial filling of the Holy Spirit is profound, the New Testament encourages believers to continually seek to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). This ongoing experience involves daily reliance on the Spirit for guidance, strength, and spiritual growth. It is not necessarily accompanied by dramatic signs but is reflected in a life of increasing holiness, wisdom, and fruitfulness in Christian living.

The distinction between these two experiences is important in Christian theology. Some traditions emphasize the necessity of a singular baptism in the Spirit, while others stress the continuous renewal and filling of the Spirit throughout a believer's life.

[Your closest friendnt]

2 hours ago, Vine Abider said:

Some are, some not - same as any group.  For instance, just saying "I was born into a Christian family" doesn't mean I have actually been born again with His life.

I like that you are bold to take up challenging questions. 

[LastDaysJames]

2 hours ago, Your closest friendnt said:

We accept your testimony about your experiences as you were growing up in a Christian family and Christian community. 

Did you grow up in a Catholic tolerant community? Or it was something contrary to that and you had come to believe that you need to be on a mission to saved the Catholics. 

What the Bible says? 

Are not the Catholics born from above? From God? 

 

Not sure how you got me being againsed Catholics from??? But I will say this being a Catholic does not save you! Any more than being a Mennonite saves me (I am a Mennonite by blood, and there are some in my culture that think that is enough) We are both saved by the grace of God through the Blood of Jesus by making Him Lord of our life!

[LastDaysJames]

1 hour ago, Sower said:

I read your response James, and thanks.
However I was hoping you would address my more specific questions. Do you believe that those who have not had a "separate filling in the holy spirit' separate from salvation as you say,  are not fully equipped saints and are hindered to walk fully in Christ, led by the spirit, FULLY, as you do?

Could you explain to me, being ignorant of the experience you describe, specifically, what you did and how you did it to obtain this filling, as I'm sure you would want others to receive your special enablement to be a more powerful soldier for Christ. What specifically did you do to get this filling?

Thanks again.  
Sower...

PS. I find when I'm really "doing the right thing", taking thoughts captive and walking daily in the spirit and having a neat time in fellowship with God, I sense a intense  awareness of God's presence, and throughout the day a joy and confidence in God's direction, greater than when I'm not so diligent in my thoughts and I stumble more often (sin). Is this what you would call being filled with the holy spirit? Thanks..

Your question is a loaded one - it would depend on what you mean by "fully equipped" We don't have the same power without the Baptism of the Holy Spirit; I know people that love God with all there heart; but have never been baptized in the Holy Spirit. They are good friends of mine, there church just never teaches it.

That being said - as we are in, I believe, the last days, times are changing, getting darker - I feel the power that comes from the infilling of the Holy Spirit is more needed than ever before.

[LastDaysJames]

1 hour ago, Sower said:

Could you explain to me, being ignorant of the experience you describe, specifically, what you did and how you did it to obtain this filling, as I'm sure you would want others to receive your special enablement to be a more powerful soldier for Christ. What specifically did you do to get this filling?

Thanks again.  
Sower...

PS. I find when I'm really "doing the right thing", taking thoughts captive and walking daily in the spirit and having a neat time in fellowship with God, I sense a intense  awareness of God's presence, and throughout the day a joy and confidence in God's direction, greater than when I'm not so diligent in my thoughts and I stumble more often (sin). Is this what you would call being filled with the holy spirit? Thanks..

I forgot the mention. I wish I could remember my salvation, and baptism of the Holy Spirit. I was 3 when it happened - my mom was dramatically delivered by an evil spirit (took 4 men to hold her down, and she is a small woman) So it would have been dramatic to me, I would not be surprised if my brain blocked it out!

What you describe in your PS is great, but is not the baptism of the Holy Spirit - it is Christian living, and having a relationship with Jesus - and that is so important, I am glad you have that. The baptism of the Holy Spirit just exchanges your .22 gun, for a 50 caliber. He brings power to the table.

How to receive Him, I can just tell you what Jesus said, and ask in faith. But if you are truly serious about receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit then if you can find one, go to a Pentecostal church; they can help you take that step.