1. Is speaking in tongues the only clear evidence that a person is baptised in the Holy Spirit and if you are not baptised in the Holy Spirit does it mean you are the weakest of all Christians?
2. I have been a Christian for quite some time now, I have had fellowship with other believers both in large and small groups. I have sat and listened to great men of God minister under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Bit there is one thing that is bothering me now. Whenever these men of God preach and are calling people to pray for them(I'm not talking about altar call), or see vision or revelations about people or prophesying about people none of them has ever said anything to me before. So it brings a lot of thoughts in my mine. Does it mean that I am walking on a path that is not good that's why God has kept silent concerning me or that there is nothing wrong with me or my family or any aspect of my life?
Comments
What makes you think the Holy Spirit's Baptism is necessary to the Christian life?
I have been a Christian for 42 years, never had the Holy Spirit's Baptism and live a fully blessed and functioning Christian life.
Might I suggest you read "Mere Christianty" by C.S. Lewis?
Concentrate on seeking God, and let Him decide what is right for you.
[12] Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.
(2 Corinthians 10:12 ESV)
Greetings Meshach - you ask good questions.
1. Genuine Christians differ on the need to speak in tongues as evidence that a person is baptized in the Holy Spirit. I do not believe it is the only evidence that a person is saved and has the Spirit indwelling them. I also would encourage you to remember that every believer, whether they speak in tongues or not, is to be continually filled (under the control of) the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). The most important issue to me is not have I had a prior experience, but am I daily, moment-by-moment, yielding to the work and leadership of the Holy Spirit in and through my life.
2. The attitude in which you ask your questions makes me think your heart is sincere in your pursuit of Christ. I know there are many men and women of God who serve the Lord and teach about visions and revelations but, to be honest, I'm not sure how much fruit comes from that ministry focus. The results I've observed are that those who follow after those type of messengers become centered on the visions and revelations rather on Christ. Yes, the Lord gives us vision and revelations but only to reveal himself and to help us apply and implement his word.
1 John 2:26-28
26 I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. 27 As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.
28 And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.I welcome your feedback or the comments of others ...
Phil
Pray! Network Community Manager