How many times did you ask God for the Holy Ghost?

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by mfblume

Like I said, there is no scripture that shows the million and one variables that could be holding people back from receiving from God. The world could not contain the books required to show all the variables.

The fact is lack of repentance keeps people back. It did me. You can interpret that any other way that allows you to shoot that thought down, but it is only lack of repentance that keeps people back from receiving anything from God. I think it falls under the category of asking amiss. There is a state of being which does not consciously seek to sin that is required for reception of the Spirit. Do you honestly think God will give His Spirit to someone just because they ask even though they consciously want to sin?

And the reason I raised the issue of OBEDIENCE is because it is associated. Consciously seeking to sin holds one back from the Spirit and that is a matter of obedience. To know where you are coming from, do you believe obedience is necessary to receive the Holy Ghost? If so, what is the obedience?

I think there are other things that may hold someone back from receiving the Holy Spirit.

Distractions. You have to have your mind on God...one to one communication with Him to receive anything or for Him to receive your prayers. All the commotion that goes on at the altar can be very distracting. Instead of talking to God, the seeker is listening to those around him.

Doubt. The slightest doubt can hinder a seeker from receiving the Spirit, afterall the we receive the Spirit by faith.

Commitment. There can't be any half heartedness. The seeker has to be seeking for the right reasons.

There may be other reasons.