Re: How do you almost receive a gift?
There is nowhere in the book of Acts where it mentions people having stammering lips. Nor does it mention anywhere that people "almost" received the Holy Ghost. People believed, and then received.
Could it be that people are seeking the gift instead of the GIVER, and that is why they are not receiving? That is my take on it. It is taught that you will go to hell if you don't receive, and so therefore, the seeker is seeking the gift, instead of the GIVER.
Paul and all the apostles preached Jesus, people believed, and received in an instant. I believe the method of preaching today has caused people to fear, and seek the gift, instead of the GIVER, Jesus. That is why people aren't receiving, because they are looking for just the gift, instead of the whole package of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. They haven't surrendered their life to Him. They just want the gift without surrender.
Seek the Giver and be willing to surrender all, and the gift of the HG will come. If you seek just the gift... that is why you have people seeking the HG for months or years. They have not truly surrendered to Jesus.
JESUS needs to be preached, not "receive ye the HG". Preach the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus... preach surrender, preach take up your cross and follow Him... when people truly seek HIM with a surrendered heart, the gift of the HG will follow.
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