Welcome sister-in-the-Lord.

Might I inquire, are you then a believer in literal creation as stated in the Bible?

By the way. Interesting name. rather like the originality of it.

Why thank you Puddleglum ! I believe in certain aspects of literal creation. I believe that the entire Word of God as written in the Holy Bible is inspired by God and wholly true, however, it states in 2 Peter 3:8 that "...a thousand years is like a day to the Lord, and a day like a thousand years." I believe that it is a possiblity that "The first day" etc, could be referring to an amount of time other than 24 hours. Recall also that according to the jewish and hebrew calendars, a day was much closer to 48 hours than 24 to begin with. However, I believe that nothing was written in the Scriptures by accident or whim, so taking into account the passage above, a day could literally be referring to one thousand years. I should also mention that I believe in Micro-evolution (a bird has the ability to evolve differances over years based on climate and condition of environment that would cause it to be classified as a separate species of bird), because this has actually been documented. However, I absolutely, most emphatically do not beleive in Macro -Evolution (the belief that over so many years a species of animal could technically evolve into an entirely separate species of animal. I.E. Fish grew feet and evolved into dinosaurs which then grew feathers and evolved into birds, etc.)
Since this has never been documented, nor even close to being proven plausible.

As to the rest of the conversation: You're absolutely right Warrior_4_Jesus, Baptism in the Holy Spirit is not only evidenced through the speaking of tongues, however, it is usually the first outword sign that a change has taken place. Other manifestations include boldness, prophecying, messages in tongues, interpretation of tongues, among others. The significance of speaking in tongues is stated in 1 Corinthians 14:22 "So you see that speaking in tongues is a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers..." I believe that although you can be influenced by the Holy Spirit, and certainly you can be saved without this ability, it is highly unlikely that you can be filled with the Holy Spirit without this evidence.

My dear faun, you are quite welcom.

I must say that I do hold to the literal 24 hour days. I must also comliment you on your understanding of the difference between micro- rather than macro-. This seems to evade too many when it comes to this topic.
As for the Holy Spirit. I think there must be a distinction between recieving the Holy Spirit, (John 20:22), and being "babtised" in the Holy Spirit as in Penticost, (act 2:2-4).
Now the best I can explain it is like this, when a person become a believer the Holy Spirit fills them, and is there from then on to comfort, guide, etc.
When a person is filled, or "babtised" with The Holy Spirit they then are empowered with whatever gift(s) that the Spirit of God determins 1 Cor. 12:11.
Getting late, so I cannot look up all the verses, but as I recall Paul, and Barnabas were laid hands on before their 1st journey and before that Paul had never expressed any miracles. Peter went to Samaria after Phillip, and laid hands on people who then expressed gifts oft he Spirit. So much so that Simon the sorcerer offered money to recieve the same.
Best I can do. Hope it helps.
Night.

^^ What do you mean by "baptised with the Holy Spirit"? Do you mean just being baptised the normal way, or is being baptised 'with the Spirit' something separate?
Because I was baptised when I was 14, but I recieved and showed and used Gifts of the Spirit back when I was about 8... So if you only recieve the Gifts after you're baptised, then that's kinda... confusing.

~Riella

^^ What do you mean by "baptised with the Holy Spirit"? Do you mean just being baptised the normal way, or is being baptised 'with the Spirit' something separate?
Because I was baptised when I was 14, but I recieved and showed and used Gifts of the Spirit back when I was about 8... So if you only recieve the Gifts after you're baptised, then that's kinda... confusing.
~Riella

Hello Eustace+Jill!
Yes, if you didn't know there was a difference, I imagine that would be very confusing, maybe I can clear it up somewhat...
What you're talking about is water baptism. The Assemblies of God (my denomination) believes in Immersion Baptism (being fully underwater), while others believe in sprinkling or partial immersion (head only). Water Baptism is a symbolic practice, which is for people who are already saved by grace. This action is a declaration to other believers, non-believers, and yourself that your old lifestyle and ways of thinking are dead (this is symbolized by your going under the water), and that your new lifestyle as a Christian has begun (symbolized by you coming back up).
Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a separate event, and is basically a gift that is given to believers by the third person of the Trinity (The Holy Spirit, or Holy Ghost). This gift is basically your acceptance to let the Holy Spirit influence and empower you to be able to perform your spiritual purpose more fully. The in-filling or baptism in the Holy Spirit allows Christians to witness to others with greater power and efficiency, to be more sensitive to what God's will is day to day, and to perform His will day to day. Signs that you have been filled with the Holy Spirit do include the initial evidence of speaking in un-learned lanquages, prophecy, spiritual boldness, giving messages in tongues, translating messages in tongues, healing of sick individuals through the laying on of hands, etc. These signs to not always come at the same time, and some people are more gifted in one area or another, as the Spirit chooses, so don't be alarmed if you have only experienced one or two of these gifts. Also, it should be noted that I personally believe that a Christians can be baptised by the Holy Spirit without being Baptised in water, however water baptism is commanded and should be considered by anyone who accepts the Christian faith.
Does that clear it up for you?

The Baptism of the Spirit is synonomous with conversion--it is the point at which the Spirit of God comes to dwell in us. At the moment we come to true faith we receive, or are baptized with, the Spirit.
This spiritual baptism common to all believers, and occurs immediately upon conversion. If you do not have the Spirit of God you are not in Christ.

Believer's Baptism, on the other hand, is a conscious, physical act, done (by immersion ) out of obedience as a sign of our union with Christ.

The Baptism of the Spirit is synonomous with conversion--it is the point at which the Spirit of God comes to dwell in us. At the moment we come to true faith we receive, or are baptized with, the Spirit.
This spiritual baptism common to all believers, and occurs immediately upon conversion. If you do not have the Spirit of God you are not in Christ.

Hello Gladius!

Might I ask your scriptural support for this belief? In Acts 2:1-3 it states that those in the upper room on the Day of Pentecost were baptised in the Holy Spirit (the first baptism of its kind), and yet the 120 that were there when it occurred (which included the 12 disciples) were already saved by grace and believers in Christ. Scripturally speaking, you can be saved without being baptized in the Holy Spirit. Baptism in the Holy Spirit is not salvation, but a gift for the saved, should they seek and accept it. Ephesians 5:18 says that we should continually seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit, so it is clearly not contingent upon salvation.

^^ Maybe everyone recieves the Spirit when they are saved, but just don't recieve the Gifts of the Spirit? I actually know a lot of people who don't show any signs of the Gifts at all, mostly because they either don't believe in the Gifts, are afraid of the Gifts, or just don't really want the Gifts...

~Riella

Ithilwen.
Please see my post from yesterday.
But you are correct in that there are those who are Christian and show non of the gifts. That does not say that they are unsaved. Those who say such things I believe are just trying to draw attention to themselves. Rather God has given them these gifts for a specific purpose.
Now it must be understood that with the gift comes the responsibility to use it, and for God's will, not our own.
In 1 Corinthians 14 Paul gave very direct instructions on the use of tongues. Unfortunatly there are those who have used the gifts to honore themselves.
Yes there are those who are afraid of Spirirtual gifts. Some even deny that there are any today.
I can only suggest that you get into the word, and study. If you can get a Bible with a good concordance to look up topics.

Whoa... wait, I'm lost...

Ithilwen.
Please see my post from yesterday.

Which post, and in answer to what question/topic?

I can only suggest that you get into the word, and study. If you can get a Bible with a good concordance to look up topics.

I'm really confused... why are you suggesting I study the Bible more, or use a concordance? I must be missing something...

By the way, if this has caused any confusion, I'm Eustace+Jill, only with my new username. So the previous comments made by Eustace+Jill were made by me. Not sure if that caused any confusion for anyone, but just thought I should mention it just in case.

~Riella

I'm really confused... why are you suggesting I study the Bible more, or use a concordance? I must be missing something...

By the way, if this has caused any confusion, I'm Eustace+Jill, only with my new username. So the previous comments made by Eustace+Jill were made by me. Not sure if that caused any confusion for anyone, but just thought I should mention it just in case.
~Riella

Oh, I didn't realize you changed your name!
Puddleglum is correct, anyone who claims to be a Christian has a responsibility to research their faith, and as we gain knowledge, to act on it. Otherwise, what good is it to us or anyone else?

You should research the Bible with the use of a concordance. See, a concordance is a tool...kind of like a companion guide for video games. The Bible is the main attraction, and the concordance is the tour guide. It helps to clarify things by giving historical backstory, the meanings behind the original greek or hebrew words (for instance, did you know that in greek there are 16 different words for the english word "love"? They all mean something different!), and it provides context for situations or actions that might otherwise seem random or out of place.

We have to remember that the Bible was not written in english, neither did Jesus or the disciples speak english. Our Bibles are translations OF translations, and therefore, require a little more research in order to truly understand what we are reading. I know it probably seems a large task to undertake, but the Christian faith is not a goal, but a lifelong journey! This is why we have others who believe the same way, so that we can help each other along. Don't feel scared or intimidated by other believers, feel free to ask questions and seek help. That's what we're supposed to do for each other.

There is a fine line though, between killing for food, and killing for fun. In my opinion, trophy hunting, poaching, ritual killings, or any other willfull destruction of life outside of necessity falls into the realm of cruelty, which is obviously, unscriptural.

I agree with you there. I'll hunt for food because I need it, or survival- in the case of killing bacteria, but the thought of taking a life just for the fun of it is too much. Even if it isn't human.

I'm really confused... why are you suggesting I study the Bible more, or use a concordance? I must be missing something...

By the way, if this has caused any confusion, I'm Eustace+Jill, only with my new username. So the previous comments made by Eustace+Jill were made by me. Not sure if that caused any confusion for anyone, but just thought I should mention it just in case.
~Riella

Oh, I didn't realize you changed your name!
Puddleglum is correct, anyone who claims to be a Christian has a responsibility to research their faith, and as we gain knowledge, to act on it. Otherwise, what good is it to us or anyone else?

Well , that wasn't exactly what I was confused about. What I'm wondering is why Puddleglum singled me out to tell me to study the Bible more, when all I did was respond to someone else's question -- especially considering he agreed with my response...

~Riella

Ithilwen. Sorry, I didn't explain.
You seemed confused about the difference between a believer recieving the Holy Spirit (your post on the 14th) and recieving the gifts of the Spirit.
Rather than repeat the scripture from the last days post I just referred to it. (the post of the 14th at 9:51pm).
You are correct. Just because someone is saved they are not automatically endowed with the gifts. Not saying that this does not happen. The centurion Cornelius, and his whole household, in Acts 10 were filled with the Holy Spirit, and spoke in tongues before they were even babtised. That just reminds us that it is God who is in controle.
Didn't mean to sound like I was quesioning your faith. I was just suggesting the best route I know to better understand the matter.
Again, My apologies.

^^ Oh, okay! Good to know. Thank you.

~Riella

Thanks Wolfloversk!
I grew up in the southern United States, and unfortunately, trophy hunting is big there. You can hardly go out to eat or drive down the street without seeing whitetail deer antlers stuck on something or a stuffed fish on the wall. In my opinion, if you aren't going to use it for anything other than the desire for bragging rights, or to prove something, then it's nothing more than a pitiful, disrespectful, desperate act of selfish pride and nothing more .
Now, I have an uncle who is a taxadermist, and while he hunts and has deer and boar heads all over his walls, he eats whatever he kills and saves the parts that aren't edible. I still don't think dead animals make great decorations , but I don't have a problem with it since he uses what he takes and doesn't take more than that.