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Originally Posted by mizpeh
Sam, who are we going to believe? The testimonies in the Bible or someone who said she was baptized in the Spirit but did not speak in tongues for a couple of days?
How did she know she was baptized in the Spirit before she spoke with tongues?
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Good question mizpeh, at what point do we know we have received God's gift? Let me ask you this. How and when did the centurion know that his servant was healed?
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As Jesus went into Capernaum, a centurion came up to Him, begging Him, And saying, Lord, my servant boy is lying at the house paralyzed and distressed with intense pains. And Jesus said to him, I will come and restore him.
But the centurion replied to Him, Lord, I am not worthy or fit to have You come under my roof; but only speak the word, and my servant boy will be cured.
For I also am a man subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come, and he comes; and to my slave, Do this, and he does it.
When Jesus heard him, He marveled and said to those who followed Him who adhered steadfastly to Him, conforming to His example in living and, if need be, in dying also, I tell you truly, I have not found so much faith as this with anyone, even in Israel.
I tell you, many will come from east and west, and will sit at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, While the sons and heirs of the kingdom will be driven out into the darkness outside, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth. Then to the centurion Jesus said, Go; it shall be done for you as you have believed. And the servant boy was restored to health at that very moment.
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Matthew 8:5-13)
Now, regarding the above, do you believe Jesus would have bestowed one of the greatest praises in all of His ministry on this man if he had asked for a sign of confirmation, a receipt of service if you will? --"
Let me now tarry until thou send a sign of the miracle."
Imo, and in theme with this thread, I think the story of the centurion really puts things in perspective when we talk of asking and receiving divine gifts from God. You have people that come to God with only their faith, as is what our Lord requires, but it seems there are always those around trying to take measurements of that faith, as if God needs assistance or has hung up His mantle of sovereignty.