© 07 Colin Melbourne
Crying in the Spirit
Q: When I pray, that is really pray, I sob out loud, and cannot control it. I’m not sure why I’m crying, but almost feel an overwhelming sadness and heartache. Do you know why this happens? Donna
A: Couple of reasons people do this.
Mainly, it is simply the Holy Spirit filling, interceding, and enabling, you to pray for a particular situation or person. When you feel what a person is suffering, or sense what they are going through, it helps you pray more effectively, with genuine compassion. It may be in words, tongues, or groans. (Ro. 8:26-27) Christ often prayed with great emotion (Lk. 22:44).
At a deeper level of intercession the believer may also experience giving birth to God’s Will in the Spirit. For more on this see: Birthing in The Spirit.
Few western Christians have experienced a real prayer meeting, because they are usually satisfied with a shallow sterile imitation.
The best prayer meetings still happen in far-flung jails in Asia, and revivals, with the same miraculous results. (Ac. 16:25-26)
As a side-note: Occasionally, I’ve also seen distracting wailing in demonized people, a religious spirit trying to draw attention to itself. I don’t know what those individuals feel like, but I know it raises my hackles, and it’s time to cast the thing out.
Greek word study
Q: Where can I find out the meaning of the word Parakletos? Jeremiah
A: For Greek Bible study the basic tools are Vine’s Expository dictionary of New Testament Words, and a Strong’s Concordance. You can search for them through our Christian book shop.
Parakletos means the Comforter, Helper, or Counsellor, and is used in reference to God the Holy Spirit in John 14:16, 14:26, 15:26, and 16:7.
Tongues: Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
Q: I’m reasoning with friend about tongues. I’ve shown her the Scriptures in Acts that show that tongues are the sign of the Holy Ghost baptism, but she continues to point out the Scripture in 1 Co. that says that tongues is one of many Gifts of the Spirit, and she uses this to back her position that not all spirit-filled believers speak in tongues. I think this is due to someone telling her that if you don’t speak in tongues you aren’t saved. How do I get her to see the difference between the two? Robert
A: She’s confusing, and lumping together, the Gifts of the Holy Spirit with the baptism in the Holy Spirit. They are not the same thing.
The baptism fullness comes first, confirmed by tongues, then the Holy Spirit decides what Gifts, if any, He gives.
Note, the initial Bible sign of baptism is personal tongues, but speaking in tongues in 1 Co. 12:10, 28, 1 Co. 14:13-19 is an additional Gift that may come afterwards.
Understand the huge difference, and purpose, between personal tongues and the Gift of Speaking in tongues.
It’s not your job to convince your friend. Many deluded “Christians” are content with trundling along in their unbelief. Don’t fuss over them.
You really don’t want to be found arguing doctrine When He Appears, do you? Get on with reaching others using the power He has given you. Let her see the fruit of your life, and maybe she will get hungry for God’s power too. The ship is sinking fast, rescue the lost!
© 07 Colin Melbourne
