Interview with a Charismatic—Part 2
Note: if you haven't read part 1, please see:
Interview
Visions, tongues, prophecy, healing,... hmm. Don't mind if I question you, but I'll believe it when I see it myself.
I'm with you there. Ask tough questions—given that they're not just attempts to fortify rationalizations. For all of us, at some point asking questions becomes a smokescreen for an unreceptive heart.
At the deepest level, you're right: you need to experience it yourself. Judge the data from the outside and the inside.
We tend to say "I'm not going to believe in anything that makes me change the spirituality I'm comfortable with." However, God is comforting, but not comfortable. Certainly the greater danger here is resistance towards God's generosity.
Another strong indicator these experiences are legit is the enormous unity it produces. Christians from every major denomination experience pretty much the same thing, worldwide, completely un-orchestrated. Could anyone have predicted or planned this? The charismatic renewal has done more to build bridges within Christianity than anything else—because the Holy Spirit is much bigger than our theological prejudices.
I'm sorry, I'm just not comfortable praying out loud or raising my hands while I pray.
I can understand that. And I suspect God doesn't care too much if you raise your hands or stand on your hands. But be open to something powerful God is offering. (But what if God encouraged you to raise your hands? Would you? I Tim 2:8. What do angels do?)
The charismatic experience is just one of many things a person can choose. It's just one of many things God is doing.
Be aware of this common misunderstanding, which, ironically, is probably the greatest obtacle to receiving more. The Holy Spirit is not another side dish; but the salt enlivening every dish. Besides, Scripture, church leaders, as well as modern prophetic messages are clear that God wants every person filled. (And why not?)
The next major event after the Resurrection is Pentecost. Salvation, then empowerment.
Sometimes we think a lighthearted style of open, modern worship is what "charismatic" is all about, but actually it has nothing to do with emotion, the era, or music preferences! It's the presence of God, via manifestations.
But if I'm a Christian, I've already got the Holy Spirit.
That's true, but he needs to be stirred up, like chocolate that has settled at the bottom of a glass of milk, like Peter before/after Pentecost. 2 Tim 1:6.
These gifts of the Spirit are fine for some folks if that's their thing, but I don't need them.
If your needs are met, serve others. Humility receives abundance to give more.
Besides, don't we need more of Chirst? More healings? More self-less love? If we try to live the full life of Christ with only natural abilities, we fail. (Where's the supernatural?)
Obviously, it's difficult for me to encourage this topic without coming off a little strong. Work with me here. Is there a truly rational justification for this?
Ok. But if God wants to give me the gifts, he'll have to give me a sign he wants me to have them.
Maybe he's doing that right now! :)
First, God doesn't give signs for what is already revealed in his Word. Mat 12.
Second, be aware of something worse than hatred—it's apathy. (That's because you can love and hate someone at the some time, but you can't be indifferent and love at the same time.)
It's like a man asking "will you marry me" and the woman responds "either way is fine." Yes or no would be better, but "whatever" is not the language of love. Yet that's what we say to God with nonchalant demands for signs.
I hear you. But I'm a little fearful.
God is a gentlemen. He'll never enter by force; only by invitation. And fear of God is good, but our confidence in his love should always supercede fear.
Alright, alright, I'm ready! What do I do?
Be hungry! Don't let God go until he blesses you. Simply ask in faith to be filled with the Holy Spirit, repent, and worship God with a joyful heart.
You can experience his power by yourself, but many usually find an important part of the process is to have others who've been filled with the Spirit place their hands on them and pray for the release.
You will almost certainly have to take some risks and make some mistakes along the way. Testing happens, but it's well worth it. God loves you.
I'm hungry! Come Holy Spirit!
I'd better get out of the way!
Forsake the unrighteous promise of the world's comfort, for it is short-lived and stands on shaky ground. A quick fix or temporal route to happiness, or at least the avoidance of despair, will only take you deeper into the dark. Perhaps you have become addicted to worldly ways—and you are completely unaware. Lasting peace and true joy can only come from the eternal love of your heavenly Father.
I am what you long for, all you need. But I don't come to you by your ways or limited desires. My truth is the only truth and you know “My ways are not your ways.” (Isaiah 55:8) My peace is not based on circumstances; My joy is not ephemeral happiness; My love is not a feeling. The heart of these is based on a promise, the promise that is My word and it is eternal.
I am much greater than the best this world has to offer. Where My presence is brought in, despair becomes hope; bondage, freedom; the ordinary, spectacular; fear becomes boldness; death becomes life. Yes, I work in the natural, but I bring supernatural grace to the most unlikely of situations.
My Spirit offers access to this unlimited favor, based on My desirous love for you. Do not let your devotion to Me become like an addictive fix that seeks only partial relief. And do not let your shortcomings, or sin, or lack of belief, your fears, worries, or lost hope be a hindrance to seeking My miracle working power. For it is working amidst My ever-present, deepest love for your good will. And amidst days of suffering and discomfort, go beyond where you are, what you're doing, who you've become, and, again, step into this “grace in which you stand”—already—and to which you “have access”. By faith.
Dare to believe I am your God, capable of anything. Seek My heart and My hand will follow. By faith.
Dare to trust Me—“In all your ways, acknowledge Me” (Proverbs 3:6). I am just beyond your circumstance with all the power and the fire of My glory ready to envelop you. Let go of your finite solutions and welcome in the King of Glory.