Fastbreak, I know what you mean, I don't go in great detail because from what I've been told to make your point keep it short and simple. And some things you wrote about the red letters...well you are trying to make your point. Read the last verse in John. Here it is...Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even

the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

 

I'm not going to rehash all that you wrote, you made your point and you are entitled, I chose not to believe in the gifts that were given to the Apostles that was meant only for them. The folks who believe in Tongues must also believe in the power to heal, well let them go to Children's Hospital and heal some kids, they can't they are not Apostles.

 

All scripture is God breathed..2nd Timothy 3:16 We cannot Pick and Choose scripture. I'll stand by my last post where I also said its not a Salvation issue, but whether you want to use the Tongues or not. I say not and thats OK, if we ever meet I'll wash your feet my brother.

Larry, I was raised in a denomination that made every attempt to put God in a box… a box that could be better understood and more easily approached by unholy humans. This God was a kind and gentle elderly grandfather that merely wanted good things for us. There wasn’t a question that couldn’t be answered in simple terms. It was all cut and dried… black and white… no need to do any real thinking on your own, the answers were already thought out and packaged for delivery. And forget any of these Spiritual Gifts and being filled with the Spirit stuff. That was only necessary for the early Church, before the Gospel had been fully recorded. According to them, we have the Bible today, and that’s all we need.

 

It was not until I got out on my own and started living life, that I soon realized there were many other genuinely Christian believers whose beliefs and practices did not align with the simplified Gospel I had been taught in my youth. Upon investigation, I learned there was a very solid scriptural basis for their beliefs, and just as importantly, they were doing more to benefit God’s Kingdom by applying their beliefs to their actions than I ever would or could have done with what I’d been taught.

 

They didn’t just believe in Jesus… they actually knew Him. They actually conversed with Him throughout every day. They actually believed that God wanted them to possess the gifts or His Spirit to do good works in the lives of others. I was so moved by their fire, zeal and genuine good works, I became one of them. I have not regretted it for one moment since. God is alive and well, and He’s not a senile old man in a robe sitting on some throne in the clouds. He’s bigger, more powerful and more real than any of us can imagine, and He’s willing to dwell in each one of us that will yield ourselves to Him. His Word is alive and well and more powerful than we can imagine too.

 

I did not enter this discussion to argue with you. I simply cannot agree with your narrow interpretation of scripture on this topic. Right or wrong you are entitled to your opinion. One thing is certain, we will know beyond a shadow of doubt one day very soon. On that day, I do not want to be numbered among those who placed limits upon God’s Word, or the power of His Holy Spirit to work wondrous things in my life, or the lives of others.

 

God bless you… and I truly mean that. :thumb:

Fastbreak, I know you mean that. You didn't have to say it. Thanks for the Blessing. My best friend is my wife and we differ on some Bible topics and thats OK. I didn't mean to "argue" with anyone. Paul tells us "as long as Christ is preached, it doesn't matter about all the other stuff ". I've mentioned a few posts back that if someone wants to speak a certain way "go for it"...As long as we are on the same page about the Salvation issue.

 

There are folks in my church and we also differ on things. Pretty boring world if we all saw eye to eye on everything. I thank you for your imput as well as everyone on here, Lets keep studying scripture and if we can bring a lost person to the glory of Christ...then its all worth it.

 

Ponder, I was just thinking it might be your last name. Thanks for the comeback. I'll be asking about "Once Saved always Saved" next. I want to make sure it hasn't been discussed recently. And also "Do you have to be Baptized to enter Heaven"? Is Judas in Hell? Does Satan play a role? Will good works play apart in your Salvation? Old testament stories. Why can't we hand out church material in certain stores?

Also 5...I didn't want to repeat myself so I used other verses, look up what Paul says about the Corinthian Church chapter 14 that I covered earlier.

Again, what I believe is always found in scripture.

 

I wasn't questioning that. I was pretty sure that was the case. I just wanted to know what verses lead you to believe that...I'm not against changing my opinion on something, but I'd have to see the scriptural evidence first. That's all. And thanks for the reply...I'll have to study up on that. :thumb:

Larry, I was raised in a denomination that made every attempt to put God in a box… a box that could be better understood and more easily approached by unholy humans. This God was a kind and gentle elderly grandfather that merely wanted good things for us. There wasn’t a question that couldn’t be answered in simple terms. It was all cut and dried… black and white… no need to do any real thinking on your own, the answers were already thought out and packaged for delivery. And forget any of these Spiritual Gifts and being filled with the Spirit stuff. That was only necessary for the early Church, before the Gospel had been fully recorded. According to them, we have the Bible today, and that’s all we need.

 

It was not until I got out on my own and started living life, that I soon realized there were many other genuinely Christian believers whose beliefs and practices did not align with the simplified Gospel I had been taught in my youth. Upon investigation, I learned there was a very solid scriptural basis for their beliefs, and just as importantly, they were doing more to benefit God’s Kingdom by applying their beliefs to their actions than I ever would or could have done with what I’d been taught.

 

They didn’t just believe in Jesus… they actually knew Him. They actually conversed with Him throughout every day. They actually believed that God wanted them to possess the gifts or His Spirit to do good works in the lives of others. I was so moved by their fire, zeal and genuine good works, I became one of them. I have not regretted it for one moment since. God is alive and well, and He’s not a senile old man in a robe sitting on some throne in the clouds. He’s bigger, more powerful and more real than any of us can imagine, and He’s willing to dwell in each one of us that will yield ourselves to Him. His Word is alive and well and more powerful than we can imagine too.

 

I did not enter this discussion to argue with you. I simply cannot agree with your narrow interpretation of scripture on this topic. Right or wrong you are entitled to your opinion. One thing is certain, we will know beyond a shadow of doubt one day very soon. On that day, I do not want to be numbered among those who placed limits upon God’s Word, or the power of His Holy Spirit to work wondrous things in my life, or the lives of others.

 

God bless you… and I truly mean that. :thumb:

 

I think you and I have a lot of similarities Fastbreak. That sounds a lot like me...I wasn't raised in a family that went to church faithfully every Sunday my whole life...there were times when we would go regularly and then kind of drift away, and then come back, etc...the point being, while I wasn't in the most religious family, I was exposed to it and aware of it my whole life. But, I basically went through 20+ years of my life not fully understanding what salvation meant...I'd heard the sinners prayer, accept Jesus into your heart, and all that plenty. The turning point for me was when I saw people, like you mentioned, that stressed the personal relationship with Jesus, the talking to Him about everything in your life, letting the Spirit guide you and fill you and lead you through life...when I finally heard that stressed, and more importantly, saw it in action, it's like the light finally went on. I finally got it. And, like you, since that time, my whole perspective on God has changed and for that reason (again, like you) I can't believe that those Spiritual Gifts aren't meant for all believers. None of the scriptures I've read or studied leads me to concluded than any of these gifts have ceased, or were only meant for a select few people.

 

I think, more importantly, the only thing that limits God's power and ability to manifest that power is us. Our own unbelief. If I don't believe God is capable of doing something, then I can guarantee you He won't be able to accomplish that work through me...Matthew 13:58 says, "He did not do many might works there because of their unbelief."

 

In numerous other instances, He tells people that their faith has made them well. That tells me that without their faith that He could make them well, it wouldn't have worked. We limit God's ability to work through us with our own lack of faith. That is one of the biggest dangers about "putting God in a box." We don't allow Him to manifest His power in our lives.

Sure will, thats my saying. I use Scripture not Larry's think so's.

 

Thanks...I'll try to give you my take on these things. I'll try to tackle them in order.

 

John 15:3... Ye know him. the Spirit of Truth for he dwelleth with you and shall be in you. The Last verse he distinguishes them (Apostles) from others. They (others) cannot recieve the Spirit, but the Spirit was already with them and was to come into their hearts in greater fullness as it did in Acts on the day of Penecost.

 

John 14:16,17 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever -- the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.

 

I don't interpret this to mean He is distinguishing the apostles from others, but that He is distinguishing believers from everyone else. The world is often used to describe non-believers, not just everyone else besides the apostles. I think that is the case here. I think He's making the point that only believers will have the Holy Spirit.

 

Romans 8:9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.

 

And, one more verse...

 

John 14:12 Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.

 

There is no distinction made between believers with the clause "he who believes in Me".

 

Acts 1 and 2 is when they recieve the gifts to heal, miriacles, and so forth.

Acts 3 Peter now heals a crippled beggar, couldn't before could he?

 

Luke 9:1-2, 6 Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick...So they departed and went through towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.

 

It seems Peter would have probably healed some during that time. And, just to show that this wasn't always exclusive to the twelve...

 

Luke 10:1, 17 After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go...Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name."

 

And, I'll just group the rest together for one reply...

 

Acts 11:17 As Peter begins to speak the Spirit came on and he remembered what the Lord had said..."John Baptized with water, but you will be Baptized with the Holy Spirit. So God gave us the same Gift as he gave us".

 

1st Peter 4:10 "Each one of us should used whatever Gift he has recieved to serve others".

 

Ephesians 4:11 It was he who gave some to be Apostles (there is that word again)some to be prophets, some to be Evangelists, Pastors, teachers, to prepare others for works of service".

 

Romans 12:6 (this is what you and I have) We have different gifts, according to the Grace given to us. If a Man's gift is prophesying let him use it in proportation to his faith, If it is serving, let him serve, teaching let him teach, encourageing let him, contributing let him, leadership, showing mercy, let him.

 

Romans 11 :29 Gods call and Gifts are irrevocable.

 

James 1:17 Gifts from the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Look them up we also have them.

 

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit where speaking in a tongue (language), healing, Miracles were for the Apostles only. There are no Apostles today and those Gifts have ceased.

 

First off, there are three main passages (that I'm aware of) concerning Spiritual gifts, so I'm going to go ahead and put them on here for reference...

 

Ephesians 4:11, 12 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ

 

Romans 12:4-8 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

 

1 Corinthians 12:1, 4-11 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant...There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

 

There just doesn't seem to be anything there that would imply that the Spirit would cease to give some of those gifts after a certain time. We all receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit upon salvation, so there's nothing that leads me to believe that some of those gifts are no longer available for Him to bestow upon a believer if he sees fit or deems it necessary or profitable for the body of Christ. Also...

 

1 Corinthians 14:1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts...

 

1 Corinthians 12:31 But earnestly desire the best gifts...

 

It makes no sense that Paul would say these things if all the gifts he listed in his very same letter to the Corinthians weren't available to those believers at the discretion of the Spirit...and the gifts he listed include healings, miracles, and tongues.

Also 5...I didn't want to repeat myself so I used other verses, look up what Paul says about the Corinthian Church chapter 14 that I covered earlier.

Again, what I believe is always found in scripture.

 

Now, as for 1 Corinthians 14...

 

The mere fact that Paul is instructing them in the proper use of tongues would imply that it was a gift that some of the believers in that church had. In addition, verse 39 states, "Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.

 

Why would he command them not to forbid from speaking in tongues if it was a gift that was not present among some of the believers in that church? Or if it was a gift that wasn't needed, why would he say that and why would the Spirit give a gift that wasn't needed to someone?

5Wide...Do you realize that you have a wonderful Gift and we can see it through your comments. Thanks for your imput and your research. Like I told FastBreak, I differ with people on interpretation of scripture and thats ok. The Main thing is sharing Jesus. (I also differ on a certain college football team with folks on here). It would be boring if everyone thought the same way.

OK 5, to comeback with some more thoughts on your questions. While all gifts should be desired Paul maintained that prophecy should be the gift of choice in the church meetings. The Corinthians desired tongues more than other gifts, Paul clamied that tongues without interpertation is of little value to anyone excpet the speaker.

 

The goal of the practice of any spiritual gift is the edification of others. When tongue speakers speak only to themsleves they edify no one. (14:17) Or as a sign of judgement (14:21). Inside the church tongues should not be used unless an interpreter is present.

 

All gifts are allowed to function with the goal of mutal edification in mind, not selfish demonstration (14:26). Two principles remain valid for the church

 

(1) All must be done for strengthen the chuch 14:26

(2) Everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way

 

These gifts are perticularly in dispute in a lot of christian churches today. Look at miracles, there were four types:

 

1. healing

2.casting out evil

3. raising the dead

4. nature

 

Are all these viable today?

 

On tongues, Charismatic Christian want to make this gift normative for everyone. Spiritual gifts are giving to people by God so they may build up the church, bare witness to Christ, and be a light to all people. (Matthew 5:14)

 

Hope this helps

5, I'm very impressed with your last few posts... good work. :thumb:

 

You managed to reference many of the verses I would have reached for to express the fact that the Gifts of the Spirit are indeed intended for all believers, and are (or should be) alive and well in believers to this day. God doesn’t mention a whole lot of “signs” in His Word, and when He does, I think we should give them our attention.

 

Larry, I love you. I've gone back to re-read your posts in this thread, and you're all over the board on this one. I'm not picking, but I'd really like to help you get a better handle on this. I'll post again in a bit. :thumb:

5Wide...Do you realize that you have a wonderful Gift and we can see it through your comments. Thanks for your imput and your research. Like I told FastBreak, I differ with people on interpretation of scripture and thats ok. The Main thing is sharing Jesus. (I also differ on a certain college football team with folks on here). It would be boring if everyone thought the same way.

 

Definitely. :thumb:

 

I'm not trying to argue here. I just like to share thoughts and ideas with people...I like to find out where they're coming from, why they believe what they do, see the verses that lead them to that conclusion, etc...and then I like to offer my views in the same way. Sometimes I change my point of view and sometimes I don't, but I enjoy the process. If it turns into an argument, then I'm usually hesitant to pursue it. That's why I like talking to you (and a few others). :thumb:

I realize there may be two or three folks, who will actually read this lengthy post, but this is an important topic and you guys are worth the effort.

 

Larry, we can debate “opinions” from now on, I’d rather discuss the facts:

 

1. Paul identifies both “tongues” and “the interpretation of tongues” as gifts of the Spirit.

 

2. Paul names tongues as the least of the gifts of the Spirit. Interpretation is one rung above tongues on Paul’s ladder.

 

3. If the sole reason for Spiritual gifts is to bless others, and the version of tongues Paul is discussing is strictly the type that miraculously becomes clear to listeners of all languages, and the Great Commission is to go unto the whole word to preach the Gospel, why would Paul explicitly state that tongues is the least of the gifts? I would think that such a gift of "languages" for the purpose of preaching the Gospel would rate much higher. Perhaps more importantly, why would Paul teach the need for a gift of interpretation?

 

4. It is clear there were two very distinct versions of the gift of tongues. The first that came on Pentecost didn’t require an interpretation… that was the whole point. Those gathered miraculously spoke in foreign languages clearly understood by those from other lands, without interpreters. The second version appears later and sounds like gibberish to those who hear it. It required a separate gift of interpretation to make it understood to the church body.

 

5. Paul did not seem bothered that those practicing this gift were using it in church meetings among other believers, and not just out on the mission trail preaching to foreign listeners.

 

6. The fact that Paul, who was pretty meticulous about such details, didn’t teach otherwise makes it apparent that this gift has a purpose for something besides evangelism in foreign lands.

 

7. This second gift of tongues was being practiced by believers not numbered among the Apostles, and apparently by Paul himself.

 

8. Paul did not rebuke those believers practicing the gift to cease because they weren’t Apostles. He didn’t tell them they had no business practicing a gift they shouldn’t possess as laypersons. He did not specify that it required an Apostle with the gift of interpretation, but merely a believer with the gift of interpretation.

 

9. The fact that Paul instructed them in the appropriate use of this gift, leads me to conclude that Paul clearly acknowledged and therefore approved of tongues in the proper context as a gift available to all believers. This is not to say all believers must posses this gift, but it is clearly available to all.

 

10. The fact that this gift was clearly intended for “non-Apostolic” believers and the fact that believers have existed from Paul’s time to today, there’s no compelling reason to believe that the gift of tongues Paul taught should have died with the Apostles. For this reason, there’s not one scriptural reason to believe it shouldn’t be alive and necessary today.

 

11. The fact that a human, created by God, cannot understand the thoughts and reasoning of his Creator makes complete sense to me. I’m not sure how our stubbornness, narrow-mindedness and rebellion make a whole lot of sense to God, but I’m glad He loves us.

 

12. No matter how large or small, God does not give meaningless gifts.

 

You state, “Paul claimed that tongues without interpretation, is of little value to anyone except the speaker.” You also state, “If someone wants to pray to God with "tongues" and feel like its bringing them closer to God I'd say go for it, but do it alone.”

 

That’s exactly how most people I know employ this gift… in prayer, in private… as a communion between their spirit and God’s Spirit. We are instructed by Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5: “16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.”

 

Two key verses here are; “pray without ceasing.” Do you do that? Do you know anyone who actually does that? Is it possible to do that? Apparently so, or we would not be instructed to do so. We are also instructed by Jesus in Mathew 6:7 “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.”

 

One way I know that some believers pray, after they have run out of their own words, is to pray in the Spirit… (tongues). They do this quietly, privately, between themselves and God. Paul’s letter to the Romans describes the process in which, “the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” This is not intended to be some flamboyant display for the attention of others, but merely surrendering to God’s Holy Spirit and allowing Him to speak through us… at least in my view, in private prayer time.

 

The second verse of note here is; “Quench not the Spirit.” If indeed this is a gift of the Spirit—which Paul clearly acknowledges it is—and someone attempts to put a stop to it, I submit that that person is in danger of “quenching the Spirit.” To take this a step further, and to quote Jesus, “But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin." I was once among those who—although I had never seen or heard it in person—thought that “tongue talkers” must be possessed of another spirit. Because it didn’t make sense to me (as if I had enough knowledge or wisdom to make such a decision) I was in danger of committing the unpardonable sin. By God’s grace, just as He did when He converted Saul to Paul, God showed me the truth and spared my soul in the process.

 

I do not want to serve a passive, predictable little god of my own making… which is something I think everyone does to some extent until they come into contact with the real God. Any God I can fully understand or predict or control is no larger than me. God cannot be tamed by man. He is powerful and amazing far beyond our feeble ability to comprehend.

 

The fact that we can’t understand or see the point of something like the gift of tongues is no excuse. I can’t understand how God was able to surrender His Son to die for me on a cross, but I’m glad he did. Having sons of my own, I can’t get my arms around a love big enough to turn my son over to be beaten, flayed, spat upon and tortured only to be nailed to a wooden cross and hung for hours until he died just so I could adopt a filthy sinner (like myself) to call “my son” also. I see the point, I understand the need for a Savior, and I certainly understand the fact that Jesus was the only one who could pay the price in full. I simply cannot tell you I could or would do the same thing with my precious sons.

 

My point is, God does so many things we do not (cannot) fully understand here and now... that's why we need faith. We may understand many of them as we enter into eternity, but I truly believe that there are many things about God we will never fully grasp. He’s God, we’re not.

OK 5, to comeback with some more thoughts on your questions. While all gifts should be desired Paul maintained that prophecy should be the gift of choice in the church meetings. The Corinthians desired tongues more than other gifts, Paul clamied that tongues without interpertation is of little value to anyone excpet the speaker.

 

The goal of the practice of any spiritual gift is the edification of others. When tongue speakers speak only to themsleves they edify no one. (14:17) Or as a sign of judgement (14:21). Inside the church tongues should not be used unless an interpreter is present.

 

All gifts are allowed to function with the goal of mutal edification in mind, not selfish demonstration (14:26). Two principles remain valid for the church

 

(1) All must be done for strengthen the chuch 14:26

(2) Everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way

 

These gifts are perticularly in dispute in a lot of christian churches today. Look at miracles, there were four types:

 

1. healing

2.casting out evil

3. raising the dead

4. nature

 

Are all these viable today?

 

On tongues, Charismatic Christian want to make this gift normative for everyone. Spiritual gifts are giving to people by God so they may build up the church, bare witness to Christ, and be a light to all people. (Matthew 5:14)

 

Hope this helps

 

I agree with everything you said here. I don't differ on the proper use of tongues or where they rank on the list of Spiritual gifts. My difference occurs with the line of thought that tongues (and the other gifts you mention) have ceased and were only available to the apostles. The mere fact that Paul is instructing a group of believers in the use of tongues tells me that it was a gift present among non-apostles. As I said, I'm very skeptical of tongues, because I think it's a gift that can be abused and easily faked. I have serious doubts as to whether a whole congregation would be blessed with the same gift...that seems to contradict what Paul teaches about us working together with different gifts. Would a church benefit more from a diversity of gifts, or if everyone had the same gift? I think the answer to that is obvious from the Bible and from common sense. So, if I see a church service where half the congregation starts speaking in tongues, I'm gonna have some doubts...whether that's right or not, I don't know, but that's me.

 

But, I think these gifts are viable today if the Holy Spirit sees fit. I personally haven't witnessed someone heal a cripple or cast out a demon, but just because I haven't doesn't mean it does not or cannot happen.

 

The exception would be Benny Hinn on TV...:sssh:

 

Seriously, if Benny Hinn is blessed with the gift of healing, which I don't believe, why does it have to happen at his staged events? Why can't he just walk through hospitals and heal people? It seems to me that if you had the gift of healing, it wouldn't have limitations on it.

 

One more thought about healings and miracles...I think it would be a very special person who the Spirit would bestow gifts like these on. It would be very easy to be corrupted by such a gift...easy to get the big-head, or try to exploit it for profit and power. I'd like to think I wouldn't fall into that trap, but you never know. I do know it would be easy for that to happen. So, I don't think the Spirit would give those kinds of gifts to someone who couldn't handle it.

 

Also, as I alluded to earlier, it's also a matter of faith and belief. If I don't believe in healings, then I'm certain I won't have that gift.

That’s exactly how most people I know employ this gift… in prayer, in private… as a communion between their spirit and God’s Spirit. We are instructed by Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5: “16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.”

 

Two key verses here are; “pray without ceasing.” Do you do that? Do you know anyone who actually does that? Is it possible to do that? Apparently so, or we would not be instructed to do so. We are also instructed by Jesus in Mathew 6:7 “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.”

 

That was a nice post all the way through. I just clipped this out so it wouldn't take up a bunch more space.

 

On the "pray without ceasing" verse...this is something I came across once. I'm trying to recite this from memory, so I may not get it exact, but I can give you gist of it.

 

The greek used for "without ceasing" does not literally imply to be on your knees praying 24/7. The example I read was that it was used to describe a persistent cough...something that happened intermittently at regular intervals. So, from one aspect it never ceased because you were always going to cough again a few seconds or minutes after the last, but it wasn't continuous to the point that you were coughing every second. So, it's the same idea here...to pray without ceasing...pray regularly, throughout the day, about all things is the idea I get...

 

Did I make sense there?

It makes sense. I understand and was not necessarily implying an actual 24/7 nonstop prayer, as much as I consider it a state of mind. Allowing the Holy Spirit to provide words in addidion to our own can only add to this.

It makes sense. I understand and was not necessarily implying an actual 24/7 nonstop prayer, as much as I consider it a state of mind. Allowing the Holy Spirit to provide words in addidion to our own can only add to this.

 

Yeah...I didn't figure you took it that way. I was just wanting to throw that information out there. I find studying the greek words can be interesting sometimes, and when I find a good nugget, like that one, I like to share it. :thumb: