Manifestations of the Holy Spirit

Manifestations of the Holy Spirit

        Sharing God’s truth [singular] for the benefit of all

By Patrick Miron

“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be uninformed.”

From time to time I hear from someone outside of the Catholic Church who ask “why do we not see evidence of the Holy Spirit [meaning most often “speaking in tongues”] in the Catholic Church? Cf. surely this is evidence that the Holy Spirit is with US; but not them.”

On the surface, this seems to be a reasonable questions, and a self-evident truth; but is there more; is there a hidden or at least concealed, a not-so evident truth that not everyone in enabled by that same Holy Spirit to see?  Speaking in tongues is often found in Catholic Charismatic groups, as one of their charisms.

1^st Corinthians 12:

[1] Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be uninformed. [2] You know that when you were heathen, you were led astray to dumb idols, however you may have been moved. [3] Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus be cursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit. [4] Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; [5] and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; [6] and there are varieties of working, but it is the same God who inspires them all in every one. [7] To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. [8] To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of {1} wisdom, and to another the {2} utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, [9] to another {3} faith by the same Spirit, to another {4}gifts of healing by the one Spirit, [10] {5}]to another the working of miracles, to another {6}prophecy, to another the ability to {7} distinguish between spirits, to another {8th}various kinds of tongues, to another {9}the interpretation of tongues.

[11] All these are inspired by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills

[28] And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, then healers, helpers, administrators, speakers in various kinds of tongues. [29] Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?
[30] Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?
[31] But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.

In addressing this question; a lot of prayer and an open mind are essential because Satan too is present wherever God, and God’s Grace are present. COME! Holy Spirit, COME!

Paul himself list numerically, “speaking in tongues” as being from the Holy Spirit; but does twice list this Godly Gift towards the bottom of notable [and very often difficult to recognize], Spiritual gifts.

I have encountered in times past, “speaking in tongues” that might have not been God the Holy Spirit inspired. I share this for several reasons: One because it is true; Two to make us aware that Satan can himself cause incomprehensible things to occur**; and Three to point out that the Manifestations of the Holy Spirt are first and foremost for the edification of others and the building UP, of His Body; His Church.  If what is taking place does not, or cannot Build up Christ Body; say for a lack of interpretation, as an example; then that itself is abiding evidence that it is NOT from the Holy Spirit.

**http://www.allaboutgod.com/can-satan-do-miracles-faq.htm

Exodus 7:11 “11] “And Pharao called the wise men and the magicians: and they also by Egyptian enchantments and certain secrets did in like manner.”

Revelations 13: 14 “[14] And he seduced them that dwell on the earth, for the signs, which were given him to do in the sight of the beast, saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make the image of the beast, which had the wound by the sword, and lived. “

The lesson here can be difficult to discern if we are only seeking what seems to US, to be evident. … Isiah 55:1-6 teaches us that God’s ways are NOT our ways. … So if we seek proof; we need to look beyond the obvious; and indeed, even question that which does appear to be clear to us, if and when it pertains to Godly manners. Very often God speaks to our hearts more clearly than to our intellects.

1^st. Corinthians 14 {parts of verses 19-33}

[19] Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind, in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue. [22] Thus, tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is not for unbelievers but for believers.

[23] If, therefore, the whole church assembles and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are mad? [24] But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, [25] the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you. [26] What then, brethren? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.
[27] If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn; and let one interpret. [28] But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silence in church and speak to himself and to God. … [31] For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged; [32] and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. [33] For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. …

While it my be good to question other faiths; lacking the total evidence of your claims, missing the BIG picture, can and will very often lead one to conclusions, that are not biblical, that are not factual and whose expression therefore hurts the Body of Christ here on earth. Amen! Look beyond the seemingly obvious

God Bless you,

Patrick