There are Bible studies and there are Bible studies! Then there are the things that the HOLY GHOST teaches!
John 14:26
But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
1 Cor. 2:13
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
There are those who have a teachable spirit, and there are those you can't tell or teach much, and some you can't teach or tell anything!
Not to be offensive, but endeavoring to speak the truth in love! The love of God shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Ghost!
Rom. 5:5
Many in many churches read the Bible, but without the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit to open their understanding, they cannot understand the things of the Spirit. Those are the things which the Holy Ghost teaches.
If the Holy Ghost/Spirit, same thing, was not important, there would be no reason for Jesus to go to the cross and die. GOD had a plan for the redemption of mankind. It was not to STOP with the message and baptism of John the Baptist. That was only to prepare the people that there was ONE coming after John, and HE would baptize them with the HOLY GHOST and Fire.
My best friend in school went to the local A of G church. She married the pastor's son. I graduated with both of them over fifty years ago. I visited her church a few times with her as we lived around the corner from the A of G church. That was before my late father began the church we still attend with three generations of our family. This is not counting my husband of almost 50 years, (will be next month), and I.
My friend explained when I visited with her, that the people at the alter were getting saved. Then they would get baptized and get the power if they wanted it. Today they are members of the large B------ church in our city.
When the Holy Spirit comes in, there will be a sign that the Spirit has made a connection with that person. I cannot understand why a person would argue that you don't have to speak with tongues. You don't have to, but if you want/desire to receive the Spirit, you will seek HIM with your whole heart. Having observed and been in the church all of my 71 yrs, I have observed those who did not receive the Holy Ghost, but claimed they had it, and there is a marked difference in those who did and those who didn't speak in tongues, AS THE SPIRIT GAVE THE UTTERENCE!! Why not be open, and have a teachable spirit and receive ALL that GOD has for us. I received the Holy Ghost at 18 yrs, 53 yrs ago this summer. I still hunger for more of HIM! So many stop short of the greatest experience GOD has for mankind.
A person may received the Holy Spirit and like an infant, that is not fed, die spiritually. Babies seem to be born hungry. So should the newborn infant desire the sincere milk of the Word that it should grow there. Paul taught on that. Then later, if a person does not walk in the Spirit, you will see the fulfilling of the flesh. It's what spirit that is fed the most. The human spirit or the Holy Spirit.
Falla39