The beginning of Ephesians is focused on the Holy Spirit moving in the church. I like the book of Ephesians, it is one of the only books where Paul doesn’t rip into the church for screwing up. But with that, on to the questions.
Q: Have you experienced the Holy Spirit moving in your life? If so, what have your experiences been like?
A: I’ve seen people experience a broad range of visible effects as well as seen outward expressions of inward changes from the Holy Spirit, but I tend more toward inward the inward experiences. I’ve felt overwhelming peace, joy and even sorrow when from the Holy Spirit. I’m not one that is big on emotions, I don’t become easily emotional over much of anything, and I don’t particularly like getting all touchy-feely. But, I know that it is in fact the Holy Spirit that brings emotions to the surface with the understanding he brings. A while back I was overwhelmed by sorrow because a full blast realization of what Jesus did for me when he died on the cross occurred to me. That is sad, I screwed up my life and Jesus paid for it. I’ve also felt the warm tingly sensation, and I’ve gone weak in the knees before, but God has yet to put me on the floor (knock on wood). Sometimes it is a sense of peace I get, almost like a wave washing over me. That is usually when I’m stressing about something, but sometimes just when I’m happy I will get a sense of peace like that. There are other specific examples of the Holy Spirit moving in my life, but I could write about that for a long time, so I will spare you and say that you can ask me later in person if you want to know that bad.
Later, Ben
Janine says
I am afraid to say what I’ve experienced, becuase some may think I am a big time freak. I’ve experienced the emotional aspect and the physical aspect. Some would call it ‘travailing’.
Lately, tho, I think I’ve become a cynic and it breaks my heart. Before I used to want to experience those things, but then emotinalizm got in the way and it burned me bad. I was, also, taught at my last church that only sinners fall and they fall forward. We weren’t allowed to fall – we were told to stand there and take what the Lord/Holy Spirit was doing in us. To stand in that anointing. Now I feel all messed up.
Plus, lets say I do experience those things… I know there will be people at church that will balk like I do. I don’t wanna be the freak anymore so I try to not experience anything too “outward”. It’s rather sad, actually.
Love ya bro ben!
Jae