So again why is it that no one who claims the gifts ever shows something different to disprove it? Many of us would change our minds IF the real would be shown. I for one never said all were like that,what I said is that is what I have seen. If that is all one has seen that leads to the question where is the real? All that often is being asked is please show the real,because it's seems the real is so very hard to find. Someone show the real their would be a plumb line in which to measure against the fakes. How much would you say of what is out there is fake? 50%,75%,85%,95%,99.9%?
The higher the number would mean that the real is that much tougher to find. Does any of that figure into at all in your thinking?
Many of us would change our minds IF the real would be shown.
I doubt this because the real gifts or real reasons are often ignored. Even when it was shown....Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Hand 7:51
All that often is being asked is please show the real,because it's seems the real is so very hard to find. Someone show the real their would be a plumb line in which to measure against the fakes.
I doubt that the real is a plumb line. You read in the bible and doubt everything instead of reading, testing and asking God yourself. How can a human show you wrong or right in the Spirit? Only the Spirit can convince you, not men.
Also a “plumb line” was neither in the bible an issue to measure the right or fake. Only the bible and the Spirit are measures to know right from wrong. A plumb line, appearing in the right acted gift of the Holy Spirit, did not help persons to choose the right thing..........For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. Act 8:7
But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: Acts 8:9
when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Act 8:17-20
Or purchase with, good deeds, nice attitude, knowledge, right denomination, theology, diet, or any effort. No plumb-line will help either. It is only about the heart.
Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. Act 8:21-23
In general, seeing the right thing does not mean that people will recognize it, or act after it.
The biggest example of people not recognizing the right thing although it walks in front of them is: Jesus. He is the Plumb-line, the way, the truth and the live and still people wander if it is right.
How much would you say of what is out there is fake? 50%,75%,85%,95%,99.9%?
The higher the number would mean that the real is that much tougher to find. Does any of that figure into at all in your thinking?
How much fake is not the issue. Fake has always been here, starting in Eden. What IS RIGHT is the issue.
The devil tries every time to deceive, God does not deceive. So what in this debate is happening a lot is the focus on evil or distracting from the bible. Go back all the pages and threads and see that what is written against the gifts of the Spirit is often internet articles and clips that display ridiculous things. Or written church language instead of plain explainable bible verses.
What do you think was the issue with the Pharisees in Jesus days? Their rules....their use of scripture...... was that about turning people to God or focusing on not to do wrong in any manner.
Think about it....
Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on Him? But this people who know not the law are cursed. Joh 7:48,49
Why do you think they hated Jesus? Did Jesus do anything wrong?
Why do you think Jesus did mention in Mat 12: And whosoever speaks a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaks against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. Did you see Jesus doing anything bad, or ridiculous there? Not at all. Still they the Scripture-law-knowers these so called bible-believing-Pharisees said He was acting out of a bad spirit. How come they could NOT recognize Him doing the right thing?
Think about it......
To focus on the bad stuff. Bad spirits, acting bad in church, wrong denominations, wrong movements, diving into signs of the times, focusing on the dark side of church and the world is a tactic of the devil to focus us on outward things so we do not see the stumble-block in our hearts that hinder God's Spirit to work freely. (Not just talking about gifts here...)
And God knocks on doors, asking to come and eat and drink. And many people say: “I am too busy” or “I think that is not for my time”, or “I think that is a wrong theology”. The issue is, do you only mind your own theological church business or do you dig for yourself into Gods word, Gods eating, Gods meal. Do you read Gods word as for YOU.
Every one that thirsts, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfies not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. Is 55:1-4
Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. Luc 14:16
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Rev 3:20
Do you really think ^this^ is only about accepting Gods salvation? Or only about the supper of the Lamb?
To say that many do NOT see what wrong spirits, tongues are, is not an argument to NOT research tongues in the bible, or to DENY speaking in tongues.
To say that there is too much fake is NOT an argument against the existence of the good tongues.
In a world of darkness.....the Light is shining for people whom want to see it. Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. Psalm 112:4 It might take some time but the light will come.
Can you please explain this,why do so many people who say they have the gifts of the spirit,continue to listen to the likes of Benny Hinn,Perry Stone,Joyce Myers,Joel Olsteen,Todd Bentley etc etc why isn't the Holy Spirit warning them to stay away from them? Does that make any sense at all that someone who says they are spirit filled would continue to listen to those people? How much of their support is by many people who claim to have the gifts of the spirit?
I have talked about this a lot with my grandfather, former pastor. And he was the one whom always mentioned to me: Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness Psalm 112:4 My grandfather came as young man (18 years) out of a charismatic cult (just after WW2). He did ran away from church and God because of the wrongdoings of this cult-leader. Started drinking and smoking etc. Years later he returned to God went down on his knees and prayed to God Luc 11:11-13 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? And while praying this verse he started speaking in tongues. So you see how well I know how wrong things can be (heard awful stories of this charismatic cult-leader) but also that whom really wants to know from God, will receive from God.
I can only tell you my observations and from Gods word how things are working. I personally have no clue why I decline things (I sense wrong when I watch things) and others not. People that have spiritual interests and no interest in the bible will be weak and prey for spirits. Some will have issues to discern because Gods word is the Spirits sword. Eph 6:17 When some have the Spirit but not the word of God in themselves they lack wisdom and power. God is a judge of their hearts, not me. But I do warn for wrong teachers and teachings.
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Mat 10:16
I think about this verse a lot. I am youthleader for 13 years and I see from young age on, differences between people. Some are aware of the battle between good and evil and some are not. The ones whom are aware of it (or have listen/applied teachings on this subject) do decline certain sin more easier and decline preachers, and ministers whom act not biblical. Maybe not the first time but they will see the truth. Persons whom are more naive and think that this battle is not that big, whom think THEY (focus not on God but on themselves) can go and live and do whatever, they are weak ones that can fall into a trap of a wrong spirit/doctrine. Others are closing the door for every spiritual act. So they decline the wrong and the good things. It reminds me of these verses:And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. Luc 8:14 Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seems to have Luc 8:18
We can only receive good things from God. But when we do not receive or we receive and than let life, wrong things, cares, riches, pleasure take over our
faith we will not receive anymore.
It is not about what you can or cannot see (discern) here, it about your faith.
Do you have faith that God can (is able to)fill you with the Spirit, might even give the gift of tongues.....
without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. Hebr 11:6
hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, Is 55:1-4
The focus on fear instead of faith is not from God.For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2Tim 1:7
We need to exercise our senses, pray and walk. Not stand still and say because they act wrong I am not acting anymore because I might go wrong. In practical way it means: look and consider what you see, hear, go to. Is it all according to the bible?Hebr 5:4
Does this whole gift issue and being filled with the Holy Spirit make more sense now? Why do you think especially with this filling of the Holy Spirit are so much wrongdoings? It is a battle between good and evil. De devil tries to defile the temple of the Lord. God says let the tares and wheat both grow. Mat 13:30 But remember also:
For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 1 Petr 4:17
Jesus and others in the bible warned us that the Christians would suffer from false prophets, false teachers and false spirits. Jesus warns that the devil goes around “like a lion”, the devil appears as an angel of light, a false prophet, a fake (holy) spirit. But Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah.
So whom do you fear more....the devil or Jesus?
What if Jesus says: I want to fill you more and more with My Spirit? Do you fear Jesus enough to take Him on His word? I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Joh 14:16
The bible warns clearly about false prophets and ministers and we need to learn from it, not back down from it:Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Mat 7:15,16
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Mat 7:21-23
For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Act 20:29,30
Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Hebr 13:7
Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withers, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; Jud 1:11,12
These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaks great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage. But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
But you, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith,
praying in the Holy Ghost,Jud 1:16-20
My advise: ask God and read His word about it.