Survey About Doctrinal Beliefs

[Socialite]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

Well, it certainly gives you a much better understanding of the scriptures if you do operate in the gifts, IMO.

I'm not concerned with people making a show. And just because I asked you doesn't mean that I do either. God doesn't need me or you. The special thing about the gifts is that the recipients/hearers are made to feel that God has especially taken the time to minister to them at that moment in time. They don't even think about the person administering the gift, generally.

Where do you get that from?

I agree what you said about the gifts -- the gifts are a gift, to exhort, build up and edify one another... IN THE LORD.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Socialite

Where do you get that from?

Because if you have experience in anything, you can talk about it with more knowledge. If I knew how to rebuild a motor, I could talk about that with clarity because I have experience.

I agree what you said about the gifts -- the gifts are a gift, to exhort, build up and edify one another... IN THE LORD.

Yes, of course, in the Lord. But, why focus on the very few, in my experience, that take it and run their own way? Why not just focus on what God is doing and making available in us?

[Socialite]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

Because if you have experience in anything, you can talk about it with more knowledge. If I knew how to rebuild a motor, I could talk about that with clarity because I have experience.



Yes, of course, in the Lord. But, why focus on the very few, in my experience, that take it and run their own way? Why not just focus on what God is doing and making available in us?

Not all topics are experientially discussed. For instance, theology is studying what God said, what God did and what that says about God. While I do agree, the Spirit's indwelling presence bridges the gap between knowing and believing, there is much we can discuss with scripture alone, and make plenty of strides. It's either scripture or not. Turning someone away because they haven't experienced it isn't right. We didn't rebuild a motor, we were touched by God in a specific way. If I had not been part of a culture that pressed for tongues, sometimes I wonder if/how my Spirit baptism would have looked. I had people all around me screaming in tongues, telling me "that's it, let go, release it, let it go." That said, it's hard for me to discredit the very true experiences I've had in God on that level. But it's equally hard for me to see us trying to force God's hand into our grid.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Socialite

Not all topics are experientially discussed. For instance, theology is studying what God said, what God did and what that says about God. While I do agree, the Spirit's indwelling presence bridges the gap between knowing and believing, there is much we can discuss with scripture alone, and make plenty of strides. It's either scripture or not. Turning someone away because they haven't experienced it isn't right. We didn't rebuild a motor, we were touched by God in a specific way. If I had not been part of a culture that pressed for tongues, sometimes I wonder if/how my Spirit baptism would have looked. I had people all around me screaming in tongues, telling me "that's it, let go, release it, let it go." That said, it's hard for me to discredit the very true experiences I've had in God on that level. But it's equally hard for me to see us trying to force God's hand into our grid.

While I do agree, the Spirit's indwelling presence bridges the gap between knowing and believing,

Emphatically agree.

I wasn't raised in this, so I have a different impression. The events that took place to where He led me, I would have to pay attention to that. And as I saw things that were hurtful, questionable, etc., I went to Him and He showed me in His Word. So, I don't, normally, focus on the negative.

"Blessed be the LORD: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city." Psalm 31:21