When did "slain in the spirit" first begin?

[jfrog]

When did the practice of being slain in the spirit first begin?

[notofworks]

When did the practice of being slain in the spirit first begin?


It began the first time someone decided to do something that never happened in the bible, and yet, still appeared to be very spiritual.

[jfrog]

It began the first time someone decided to do something that never happened in the bible, and yet, still appeared to be very spiritual.

lol, I doubt it was the first time ;)

I was looking for a more historical approach though.

[Cindy]

When did the practice of being slain in the spirit first begin?

Probably more than 50+ years ago.

[notofworks]

lol, I doubt it was the first time ;)

I was looking for a more historical approach though.


:lol

My guess would be Azuza Street in 1906 in LA.

[jfrog]

:lol

My guess would be Azuza Street in 1906 in LA.

After doing some mild googling I came across this site: http://newfangled.wordpress.com/2010/05/12/john-wesley-and-the-power-of-the-spirit/

It claims such things happened in the time of John Wesley (The 1700s).

In fact it even offers a quote from Wesley's journal: "The love of God was shed abroad in my heart, and a flame kindled there, with pains so violent, yet so very ravishing, that my body was almost torn asunder. I loved. The Spirit cried strong in my heart. I sweated. I trembled. I fainted. I sung. I joined my voice with those that excel in strength."

There are many other such quotes on that site.

[notofworks]

After doing some mild googling I came across this site: http://newfangled.wordpress.com/2010/05/12/john-wesley-and-the-power-of-the-spirit/

It claims such things happened in the time of John Wesley (The 1700s).

In fact it even offers a quote from Wesley's journal: "The love of God was shed abroad in my heart, and a flame kindled there, with pains so violent, yet so very ravishing, that my body was almost torn asunder. I loved. The Spirit cried strong in my heart. I sweated. I trembled. I fainted. I sung. I joined my voice with those that excel in strength."

There are many other such quotes on that site.


Wow, so non-biblical events go back further than I thought!:lol

[jfrog]

Wow, so non-biblical events go back further than I thought!:lol

Well, I always assumed the focus on tongues and that kind of stuff led to the slain in the Spirit stuff. It appears the slain in the Spirit stuff may have led to the modern day tongues movement.

[notofworks]

Well, I always assumed the focus on tongues and that kind of stuff led to the slain in the Spirit stuff. It appears the slain in the Spirit stuff may have led to the modern day tongues movement.


You know...and I'll be halfway serious now...the Quakers have been doing Quaking for quite a while. There have been accounts in many religions, not just Christianity, of many of the the things that Pentecostals think are very pentecostal but in actuality, a very common result of extremely worked up emotions. Being "Slain" is something that has gone on for centuries in many religions.

[Cindy]

Being in God's presence sometimes overwhelms us. No wonder we do "strange" things. He is after all powerful. He can knock you down, knock you out, and sometimes you just can't contain how much joy you feel.

[Jason B]

You know...and I'll be halfway serious now...the Quakers have been doing Quaking for quite a while. There have been accounts in many religions, not just Christianity, of many of the the things that Pentecostals think are very pentecostal but in actuality, a very common result of extremely worked up emotions. Being "Slain" is something that has gone on for centuries in many religions.

NOW, do you have a comparison chart for us?

Sam always offers a chart or an article. :D

All joking aside, I've heard this mildly mentioned once or twice, but never any specifics or sources. I do wonder about it, as I would agree there are alot of things that are going on in pentecostal churches, that I don't believe to be of God.


(This isn't a slain story, but similar) I remember about 2 years ago after service in the alter there was a young adult who had appearently been struggling with some things he was on both knees, going in a circle and pointing his finger at the ground, saying something to the devil like "no more" or something like that and punching the ground as hard as he could. That is supposed to be a manifestation of the spirit, and of course, no one said anything to him, it was considered "normal."

I remember standing right beside him and thinking, "I don't think this is of God at all." When he got done, I went and gave him some simple words of encouragement. I think in pentecostal churches there is so much emphasis on outward manifestation, that ANY outward manifestation is ok.

(not trying to thread hijack her, but......)

I remember reading in Azuza Street by Frank Bartleman (required reading for a UPC licence) how he related a story o himself praying at the alter at Azuza and "the spirit" overtaking him so strongly that he couldn't even speak , but only groan (I think he said for hours). He tied it into Romans 8 "groaning that cannot be uttered." I've never been comfortable with that, even when I was gung ho, no questions asked, UPC.

[Praxeas]

When did the practice of being slain in the spirit first begin?
The practice? Uh...dunno probably the charismatic renewal with Catherine Kulman or maybe earlier?

Seriously it's not supposed to be a practice. People have fallen into trances before, just not usually on their feet I guess. Many people just fall because someone is pushing hard or auto suggestion

[Praxeas]

You know...and I'll be halfway serious now...the Quakers have been doing Quaking for quite a while. There have been accounts in many religions, not just Christianity, of many of the the things that Pentecostals think are very pentecostal but in actuality, a very common result of extremely worked up emotions. Being "Slain" is something that has gone on for centuries in many religions.
It is true from what I understand that early Methodists spoke in "strange languages" and fell down too

[notofworks]

NOW, do you have a comparison chart for us?

Sam always offers a chart or an article. :D

All joking aside, I've heard this mildly mentioned once or twice, but never any specifics or sources. I do wonder about it, as I would agree there are alot of things that are going on in pentecostal churches, that I don't believe to be of God.


(This isn't a slain story, but similar) I remember about 2 years ago after service in the alter there was a young adult who had appearently been struggling with some things he was on both knees, going in a circle and pointing his finger at the ground, saying something to the devil like "no more" or something like that and punching the ground as hard as he could. That is supposed to be a manifestation of the spirit, and of course, no one said anything to him, it was considered "normal."

I remember standing right beside him and thinking, "I don't think this is of God at all." When he got done, I went and gave him some simple words of encouragement. I think in pentecostal churches there is so much emphasis on outward manifestation, that ANY outward manifestation is ok.

(not trying to thread hijack her, but......)

I remember reading in Azuza Street by Frank Bartleman (required reading for a UPC licence) how he related a story o himself praying at the alter at Azuza and "the spirit" overtaking him so strongly that he couldn't even speak , but only groan (I think he said for hours). He tied it into Romans 8 "groaning that cannot be uttered." I've never been comfortable with that, even when I was gung ho, no questions asked, UPC.


There was actually a video posted here on AFF a few weeks ago showing various religions doing crazy stuff. The amazing thing....it looked like Camp Meeting!!!

[notofworks]

It is true from what I understand that early Methodists spoke in "strange languages" and fell down too


I think Methodists are a LONG way from where they were!:)

[Praxeas]

I think Methodists are a LONG way from where they were!:)
Very very long. My grandmother was an old time Methodist. My great great great grandfather was a circuit preacher in the AME. She knew about the shouting methodists.

My grandfather asked me once if we still had alter calls..apparently he remembers when the UMC had them

[commonsense]

Being in God's presence sometimes overwhelms us. No wonder we do "strange" things. He is after all powerful. He can knock you down, knock you out, and sometimes you just can't contain how much joy you feel.


I don't know when the term originated but I've heard it all my life.

While emotion is part of it there's more to it than that,

As Cindy said, God is all powerful. He can do anything.

My interpretation is that there are times we just can't contain all of the power of God present in a service. Therefore there has to be a physical manisfestation of that power.

[jfrog]

You know...and I'll be halfway serious now...the Quakers have been doing Quaking for quite a while. There have been accounts in many religions, not just Christianity, of many of the the things that Pentecostals think are very pentecostal but in actuality, a very common result of extremely worked up emotions. Being "Slain" is something that has gone on for centuries in many religions.

I'd love to read the accounts of the Christians ones if anyone knows where they can be found. Eventually I would like to read non Christian accounts also, but my focus at the moment is old Christian accounts of being slain in the Spirit or speaking in tongues.

So far we have slain in the Spirit going back to 1700. Can anyone top that?

[Sam]

1 Samuel 19:18-24

Luke 5:8

John 19:1-6

Revelation 1:17

??

[notofworks]

I don't know when the term originated but I've heard it all my life.

While emotion is part of it there's more to it than that,

As Cindy said, God is all powerful. He can do anything.

My interpretation is that there are times we just can't contain all of the power of God present in a service. Therefore there has to be a physical manisfestation of that power.


God can do anything. The question is, does God do anything?

[notofworks]

1 Samuel 19:18-24

Luke 5:8

John 19:1-6

Revelation 1:17

??


These are "Slain" verses???

[Sam]

These are "Slain" verses???

They are about people hitting the ground.

"Slain" as we see it today i.e. falling backward into the arms of a catcher when the preacher pushes you down is usually a learned and conditioned response in my opinion. It's one of the ways we "do church."

[jfrog]

They are about people hitting the ground.

"Slain" as we see it today i.e. falling backward into the arms of a catcher when the preacher pushes you down is usually a learned and conditioned response in my opinion. It's one of the ways we "do church."

But such a thing had to start out somewhere and for some reason. It may be a learned response today, but back at some point it wasn't, so why did it start?

[Sam]

check out
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slain_in_the_Spirit

[Cindy]

I don't think you will find the answer to this question.

[jfrog]

I don't think you will find the answer to this question.

Probably not... But, I already know alot more than I did before I asked it ;)

[Sam]

how about

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLvjKDUDwZw&feature=related


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7q0xynqcC4&NR=1

[Hoovie]

But such a thing had to start out somewhere and for some reason. It may be a learned response today, but back at some point it wasn't, so why did it start?

I don't think it just came out of nowhere. It's a practice seen only among those who are already into a highly charged, emotional modus operandi.

It should be noted this type of atmosphere has different effect on some people. When folks go into flippin out/screaming/helecoptic shockamoo worship styles I tend to get veeery sleepy. Who knows - it may be the beginning stages of getting "slain".

[notofworks]

They are about people hitting the ground.

"Slain" as we see it today i.e. falling backward into the arms of a catcher when the preacher pushes you down is usually a learned and conditioned response in my opinion. It's one of the ways we "do church."


I agree!! I actually heard a "preacher" give tips on how to "help" people fall backwards. One of the things was to call someone up...a catcher....and tell the person that it was ok to fall when the power of God hit them. He said he was helping them facilitate the power of God. Whatever. It was just the power of suggestion.

[seekerman]

I wonder if 'running the aisles' is akin to 'slain in the spirit'. Scripturally, I mean.

[notofworks]

I wonder if 'running the aisles' is akin to 'slain in the spirit'. Scripturally, I mean.

Absolutely....right along with "Dancing in the Spirit". That one isn't in there, either!

[Cindy]

I think both can be a reaction to the overwhelming presence of God. Dancing or slain in the spirit as it's called. Just outward expressions.

[*AQuietPlace*]

I agree!! I actually heard a "preacher" give tips on how to "help" people fall backwards. One of the things was to call someone up...a catcher....and tell the person that it was ok to fall when the power of God hit them. He said he was helping them facilitate the power of God. Whatever. It was just the power of suggestion.
On the 'Things Apostolics Like' blog, he does a section on 'catchers'. ;)

[notofworks]

On the 'Things Apostolics Like' blog, he does a section on 'catchers'. ;)


Where is that?

[*AQuietPlace*]

Where is that?
http://stuffapostolicslike.blogspot.com/

[seekerman]

Luk 5:10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

Simon Peter, one of the first catchers in the bible.

[notofworks]

http://stuffapostolicslike.blogspot.com/

:lolThat's great stuff!

[TrmptPraise]

Absolutely....right along with "Dancing in the Spirit". That one isn't in there, either!

I quoted myself below from another thread (Self-indulging, I know:)). Seemed relevant.

If this is the reason for coming to church, you leave just the same as you came. There is no progression in faith or milk to meat maturity.

That being said, emotionalism or "feeling" is certainly apart of a response. We can mock it or make light of it, however, a fleshly response to His spirit is not abnormal. We can categorize such as outlandish or "there is nothing spiritual about that!"

You mentioned David and I think its important to point out that the Bible never says that David danced "in the spirit." It says he danced before the Lord. What was this dancing? Again, I say it is a fleshly (emotional) response to a spiritual occurrence. In fact, in Psalms 149 and 150 tells us "praise his name in the dance" and "Praise him with the timbrel and dance."

I am not sure you can correlate the new birth experience, the display of tongues and the absence of the mention of dancing to say that we should not because it is not mention side by side with it. If you really think about it, repentance is a fleshly response to a spiritual dealing with our heart and soul. It takes an active response (either physically coming to an altar or making a choice in our minds) to repent.

Needless to say, I do believe there are actions of the flesh that are used in praise and worship. Do I believe a man can exercise his praise through running the aisles? Sure. Do I believe it is done "in the spirit?" No. "Do I believe it can be done in spirit-mindedness? Absolutely!

[notofworks]

I quoted myself below from another thread (Self-indulging, I know:)). Seemed relevant.


Cool! But I seeing "Running the aisles" as disrespectful, self-indulgent, look-at-me, showboating. I see pretty much all of the "Dancing in the Spirit" the same way. There's a BIG problem when we sit a Denny's after church service, eating 12 pounds of food, saying things like, "Did you see that lady in the third row on the second verse of "I'm just Warmin' Up"?

We're not supposed to notice the lady in the third row.

And of course, we're not supposed to sing songs like, "I'm Just Warmin' Up." What an arrogant piece of drivel that is.

[Sam]

On the 'Things Apostolics Like' blog, he does a section on 'catchers'. ;)

"Catchers" is not found in the Scriptures as an office like deacon, elder, bishop, apostle, prophet, etc.
Nor is "catching" listed by name as one of the gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4. Possibly it is covered under "helps" in 1 Corinthians 12:28.

[Hoovie]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEqXWMtbvkQ

[mfblume]

Jesus told the soldiers in the Garden that He was the one whom they searched for, and they fell backward on the ground.

I prayed for sinners who knew nothing about such things, first time in church, and they fell when we prayed.

We cannot judge things by what WE experienced or did not experience. God does things that are off the charts, sometimes. Let God be God. Nothing in the Word says He cannot do this.

[SeekingOne]

I find it interesting that I attended for many, many years a church that has more "holiness" rules than the UPC, and never even heard the term "slain in the spirit." They prayed loud, danced, wore dresses and hair up (never allowed down), no wedding rings etc. People would be surrounded and prayed for loudly for hours at a time even. But NEVER did anyone fall down, even though there were many people healed etc.

Then I left that church and visited a regular church that believed in the "gifts of the Spirit" but had nothing to do with "standards" stuff. Low and behold, almost every person that was prayed for fell down! The funny thing was, I didn't know about all this stuff, and when the guy prayed for me, I didn't fall down, even with the little nudge I got. The "catchers" had blankets, and I wondered if they expected people to sleep it off for a while or what??!! LOL

Anyway, this leads me to think that it is strongly the power of suggestion and has nothing to do with standards, apostolic stuff, or anything like that. This church had women with cut hair, pants, men with tatoos covering their bodies and the wife of the preacher praying for people wore pants and when she touched people they still fell down.

[SeekingOne]

I forgot to mention that where I go to church now, people do not fall down unless they are a visitor. One even asked for a catcher to be put behind them before they were prayed for. ;-) Why do visitors from "slain in the Spirit churches" fall down and nobody else?

[Timmy]

Is it maybe like all other supernatural phenomena -- tongues, healing, prophecy, work of knowledge, levitation, teleportation, etc.? Some fake, some real? And can't really tell which is which? Unless you have supernatural discernment? Which you can't really tell for sure if you have or not? :heeheehee

[notofworks]

Jesus told the soldiers in the Garden that He was the one whom they searched for, and they fell backward on the ground.

I prayed for sinners who knew nothing about such things, first time in church, and they fell when we prayed.

We cannot judge things by what WE experienced or did not experience. God does things that are off the charts, sometimes. Let God be God. Nothing in the Word says He cannot do this.


Don't underestimate the power of television, Mike!:lol They've seen it.

[mfblume]

Don't underestimate the power of television, Mike!:lol They've seen it.

Never thought of that. Maybe. But maybe not, too. :)

[Praxeas]

Cool! But I seeing "Running the aisles" as disrespectful, self-indulgent, look-at-me, showboating. I see pretty much all of the "Dancing in the Spirit" the same way. There's a BIG problem when we sit a Denny's after church service, eating 12 pounds of food, saying things like, "Did you see that lady in the third row on the second verse of "I'm just Warmin' Up"?

We're not supposed to notice the lady in the third row.

And of course, we're not supposed to sing songs like, "I'm Just Warmin' Up." What an arrogant piece of drivel that is.
Oh man if only Pelosi was a pentecostal...you probably would have high five'd MOW :ursofunny

[Praxeas]

The falling stuff is very rare in my church and in most Pentecostal churches I have been too, rare. But it does happen and it did happen to me, though I knew nothing about it. I didn't watch TBN...(Im not sure if it was even on then), but I wanted the baptism of the Holy Ghost.


Long story short, I was praying and someone laid hands on me. My lips were trembling really hard and I tried to keep praising Jesus but I couldn't get the words out. I felt like I was in another world, nobody around me, just sort of floating on a cloud. Next thing I knew I hit the floor backwards and didn't feel a thing.

To me "slain in the Spirit" when legit, is the same thing as being in a trance ala Peter and the vision, and it's like falling asleep but being awake

Dan 8:16 And I heard a man's voice between the banks of the Ulai, and it called, "Gabriel, make this man understand the vision."
Dan 8:17 So he came near where I stood. And when he came, I was frightened and fell on my face. But he said to me, "Understand, O son of man, that the vision is for the time of the end."
Dan 8:18 And when he had spoken to me, I fell into a deep sleep with my face to the ground. But he touched me and made me stand up.

Dan 10:8 So I was left alone and saw this great vision, and no strength was left in me. My radiant appearance was fearfully changed, and I retained no strength.
Dan 10:9 Then I heard the sound of his words, and as I heard the sound of his words, I fell on my face in deep sleep with my face to the ground.
Dan 10:10 And behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees.

[Sherri]

This past week, I just saw people slain in the Spirit in little mud churches in Kenya, who have no access to TV or even electricity. It was definitely God at work.

[SeekingOne]

Thanks for sharing your experience Praxeas. I have experienced things in the Spirit that few people have experienced too. What you experienced sounds genuine, but making it a "practice" so that a church invests in blankets to cover people is programing.

[Praxeas]

Thanks for sharing your experience Praxeas. I have experienced things in the Spirit that few people have experienced too. What you experienced sounds genuine, but making it a "practice" so that a church invests in blankets to cover people is programing.
I agree, no blankets in my church. No official catchers either...if it does happen we just let em hit the floor :ursofunny

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lvU-DislkI

[pelathais]

I agree, no blankets in my church. No official catchers either...if it does happen we just let em hit the floor :ursofunny

If you set a mechanism to "deal" with this then you will institutionalize it and it will become a sacred custom and rite.

Saul worked himself up into a religious ecstasy and "fell out" (1 Samuel 19:24). He even appears to have needed one of those "blankets" thrown over him.

"Being slain" (in the Spirit or anything else) is a very ancient phenomena and has probably always been a part of the human religious experience.

[Praxeas]

If you set a mechanism to "deal" with this then you will institutionalize it and it will become a sacred custom and rite.

Saul worked himself up into a religious ecstasy and "fell out" (1 Samuel 19:24). He even appears to have needed one of those "blankets" thrown over him.

"Being slain" (in the Spirit or anything else) is a very ancient phenomena and has probably always been a part of the human religious experience.
Apparently there was no "mechanism" already in place in the bible, not in that verse or the one I quoted.

As for Saul working himself into an ecstasy, the bible says the Spirit moved on him

1Sa 19:23 And he went there to Naioth in Ramah. And the Spirit of God came upon him also, and as he went he prophesied until he came to Naioth in Ramah.
1Sa 19:24 And he too stripped off his clothes, and he too prophesied before Samuel and lay naked all that day and all that night. Thus it is said, "Is Saul also among the prophets?"

BTW the Hebrew there is "fell down"

1Sa 19:24 And he took off his clothing, acting like a prophet before Samuel, and falling down he was stretched out, without his clothing, all that day and all that night. This is the reason for the saying, Is even Saul among the prophets?

[SeekingOne]

BTW the Hebrew there is "fell down"

1Sa 19:24 And he took off his clothing, acting like a prophet before Samuel, and falling down he was stretched out, without his clothing, all that day and all that night. This is the reason for the saying, Is even Saul among the prophets?

Don't try this at your church! :toofunny Keep the clothing on please. Sorry, I just couldn't resist.

[pelathais]

Apparently there was no "mechanism" already in place in the bible, not in that verse or the one I quoted. ...

Then that would explain why "God" "slays" thousands in the meetings were such a thing is anticipated and nobody gets "slain" in a General Board meeting where it's needed the most?

BTW the Hebrew there is "fell down"

1Sa 19:24 And he took off his clothing, acting like a prophet before Samuel, and falling down he was stretched out, without his clothing, all that day and all that night. This is the reason for the saying, Is even Saul among the prophets?

Technically, it's "fell down nekkid."

[pelathais]

Don't try this at your church! :toofunny Keep the clothing on please. Sorry, I just couldn't resist.

Religious ecstasy is religious ecstasy.

[Praxeas]

Then that would explain why "God" "slays" thousands in the meetings were such a thing is anticipated and nobody gets "slain" in a General Board meeting where it's needed the most?

I think you misunderstand what I said. I said in the bible, in those verses, there is no mechanism. Thus we can be sure it is genuine. In meetings where there is a precluded expectancy for such things happening I am not of the opinion most are genuine or any...I just don't know

Technically, it's "fell down nekkid."
I mean, grammatically, the word for lay down is he fell down. Here we see the Spirit was involved. There was no mechanism, no blankets, no catchers....he took his close off and fell down and laid there prophesying

[Praxeas]

BTW as far as I can see, it just says he removed clothing.

[pelathais]

I think you misunderstand what I said. I said in the bible, in those verses, there is no mechanism. Thus we can be sure it is genuine. In meetings where there is a precluded expectancy for such things happening I am not of the opinion most are genuine or any...I just don't know

Who says the presence of a "mechanism" invalidates the "reality" of the experience? I merely observed earlier that when there is a mechanism there is more experience. Notice, Saul had to be "among the prophets" to get into this condition.


I mean, grammatically, the word for lay down is he fell down. Here we see the Spirit was involved. There was no mechanism, no blankets, no catchers....he took his close off and fell down and laid there prophesying

Did the Spirit "take his clothes off?" Off of Saul?

[pelathais]

BTW as far as I can see, it just says he removed clothing.

... and "prophesied." Whatever "prophesied" means.

[Sam]

This past week, I just saw people slain in the Spirit in little mud churches in Kenya, who have no access to TV or even electricity. It was definitely God at work.

Back in the nineteen nineties Mahesh Chavda came to the Vineyard Church where I was going at the time. I was on a prayer team and we were expected to go to the front and pray with the folks who went forward for prayer. There were so many up there praying and being prayed for that I did not go up. Just about everyone fell backwards when they received prayer. It really turned me off. So, the other nights I was there I did not go up to pray or catch people.

Later I heard about a couple who had traveled to Cincinnati so Mahesh could pray for their dog. This prayer was private, not in a public meeting. When Mahesh put his hands on the dog, it was "slain" and went down. When I heard this I thought maybe the Lord was speaking to me to not be so critical of the falling. That dog did not see anyone go down nor did it know that falling was what it was supposed to do when hands were laid on it. I don't remember if we ever heard if the dog was healed or not.

[Sam]

I've had people fall when I've laid hands on them and I don't push.

Somewhere I heard a story about a woman who came for prayer. She was a visitor at the church and not known by the people who prayed. As soon as hands were placed on her she went down to the floor. Then, she propped herself up and said, "I forgot to tell you, I go down easy," and flopped back down onto the floor.

[Sam]

Don't try this at your church! :toofunny Keep the clothing on please. Sorry, I just couldn't resist.

well, some churches have blankets and shawls ready to cover the ladies' legs while they are on the floor.

[Fiyahstarter]

Wow, so non-biblical events go back further than I thought!:lol

I suspect snapping your fingers is "non-biblical" too... Doesn't mean it doesn't happen or that it's wrong.

Just because YOU haven't experienced it... doesn't make it insignificant.

[Fiyahstarter]

I don't think it just came out of nowhere. It's a practice seen only among those who are already into a highly charged, emotional modus operandi.



Not always true.

I've been slain twice. The first time was quite a surprise to me, as I was but praying at the altar with a friend, the both of us holding hands, when the evangelist put his hands on our forehead (barely touched us). My friend and I shot backward simultaneously like a bolt of lightning had hit us. Anyone watching knew it was OF GOD. She and I were both "shocked" (perhaps literally, lol).

I laid there for a good twenty minutes, in His presence.

IT WAS AWESOME!

It is very sad when some (not saying you) belittle and mock such a marvellous experience. I thank God for every minute of it!

[Fiyahstarter]

Don't underestimate the power of television, Mike!:lol They've seen it.

I had never seen it... nor heard of it.

[Fiyahstarter]

Revelation 1:17

??

Well you might just be on to something here, Sam.

Perhaps a person needs to be in his presence for it to happen.

[Timmy]

Back in the nineteen nineties Mahesh Chavda came to the Vineyard Church where I was going at the time. I was on a prayer team and we were expected to go to the front and pray with the folks who went forward for prayer. There were so many up there praying and being prayed for that I did not go up. Just about everyone fell backwards when they received prayer. It really turned me off. So, the other nights I was there I did not go up to pray or catch people.

Later I heard about a couple who had traveled to Cincinnati so Mahesh could pray for their dog. This prayer was private, not in a public meeting. When Mahesh put his hands on the dog, it was "slain" and went down. When I heard this I thought maybe the Lord was speaking to me to not be so critical of the falling. That dog did not see anyone go down nor did it know that falling was what it was supposed to do when hands were laid on it. I don't remember if we ever heard if the dog was healed or not.

Just when I think I've heard it all....

:lol

[Sam]

Just when I think I've heard it all....

:lol

Stick around Timotheus,
you ain't seen nuthin' yet

[Timmy]

Stick around Timotheus,
you ain't seen nuthin' yet

:ursofunny

[jfrog]

I had never seen it... nor heard of it.

Not even that day?

[Timmy]

Is it maybe like all other supernatural phenomena -- tongues, healing, prophecy, work of knowledge, levitation, teleportation, etc.? Some fake, some real? And can't really tell which is which? Unless you have supernatural discernment? Which you can't really tell for sure if you have or not? :heeheehee

Thought sure somebody'd correct me on this.

Bump?

[mfblume]

I was personally prayed for and fell on the floor on only a couple of occasions. I did not go back like a stiff mannequin, but crumpled since the glory of His presence was so strong on me. It is real IN SOME INSTANCES, as I am sure not all are genuinely God's power. Some folks WANT to fall, and just do it, while some preachers push folks down. I can personally vouch for the fact it does genuinely happen at times by God's Spirit.

God certainly would see all of us down on the floor if His power manifested as greatly as IT CAN.

[Mirth1981]

I was personally prayed for and fell on the floor on only a couple of occasions. I did not go back like a stiff mannequin, but crumpled since the glory of His presence was so strong on me. It is real IN SOME INSTANCES, as I am sure not all are genuinely God's power. Some folks WANT to fall, and just do it, while some preachers push folks down. I can personally vouch for the fact it does genuinely happen at times by God's Spirit.

God certainly would see all of us down on the floor if His power manifested as greatly as IT CAN.

I have had this happen on a few occasions as well. I wouldn't say that I was "slain", but I did feel the presence of God so strongly, that my knees just went out from under me. It wasn't something I intended to do, nor was I influenced by somebody praying for me and pushing down on my head, lol. ;)

[tv1a]

Annanias was the first recorded case of someone slain in the Spirit.

[Pressing-On]

Annanias was the first recorded case of someone slain in the Spirit.

:toofunny :thumbsup

[tv1a]

Days of miracles aren't over. tv1a said a funny ha-ha.
:toofunny :thumbsup