I wore everyone out as I "sought" for the Holy Ghost for seven years. I had an aunt that prayed for 18 years before she got it - every time the altars were open, we went. I look back and cringe when I think about how I cried and begged God, made promises, etc. I had no real understanding of how to receive a gift. We were taught to "tarry" and that's not biblical at all.
So how do you receive it?
(At Christmas time I pleaded, begged and even threw temper tantrums to open my gifts early!)
I think I didn't believe I was good enough to have it. People kept telling me I must have some sin I hadn't repented of. Good grief, I was a kid! Finally one night at youth camp, I just decided I wasn't leaving without it, and I just walked up there and received it. I think I danced all over the front of the tabernacle, from what people told me, but I don't remember that. I was 15-1/2.
I'm not sure it must be in that order, or that Acts 2 were chronological instructions rather than promising the new believers they would also receive the Spirit. We've seen too many receive the Spirit prior to baptism to accept that.
But if I came to the altar at Sherri's church, how do I receive what was promised?
I'm not sure it must be in that order, or that Acts 2 were chronological instructions rather than promising the new believers they would also receive the Spirit. We've seen too many receive the Spirit prior to baptism to accept that. . . .
Dunno. Looks like it says "do these two things, and here's what will happen". But it wouldn't be the only scripture that works differently in practice than what it says!
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
I'm not sure it must be in that order, or that Acts 2 were chronological instructions rather than promising the new believers they would also receive the Spirit. We've seen too many receive the Spirit prior to baptism to accept that.
But if I came to the altar at Sherri's church, how do I receive what was promised?
Dunno. Looks like it says "do these two things, and here's what will happen". But it wouldn't be the only scripture that works differently in practice than what it says!
Aside from your little ending potshots you like to throw in there, I can deal with your statement. If you believe the Spirit comes after repentance and baptism, then you believe not only in baptismal regeneration but also the one receives the spirit through osmosis (or somehow) in baptism. This isn't consistent with the accounts we have of those who were baptized but still did not have the Spirit, and in fact the Apostles came and prayed that they would receive it.
In no ways does this Baptism of the Spirit in Luke's account speak to regeneration.
Aside from your little ending potshots you like to throw in there, I can deal with your statement. If you believe the Spirit comes after repentance and baptism, then you believe not only in baptismal regeneration but also the one receives the spirit through osmosis (or somehow) in baptism. This isn't consistent with the accounts we have of those who were baptized but still did not have the Spirit, and in fact the Apostles came and prayed that they would receive it.
In no ways does this Baptism of the Spirit in Luke's account speak to regeneration.
What, you can't deal with the potshot, too?
Seriously, do you believe that the scriptures, as written, always agree with reality? Do they always work? Does John 14:13 always work? Does James 5:14-15 always work?
(Not to mention, apparently you don't think Acts 2:38 always works as written, either. If I understand your post. Which I probably don't! )
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
No, you aren't understanding it. Then again, are you trying to?
Cynicism always gets cynicism.
I fully accept, believe and practice Acts 2:38. I've studied this chapter inside and out. I've used interlinears, looked at words, read exegetical commentaries, discussed with others. The idea that the verse is stating the believer will automatically receive the Spirit at baptism is a farce, and this holds true when we see other examples of baptism AND of spirit baptism.
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