The Bible does not provide a uniform formula for the proper physical or emotional reactions to the presence of the Holy Spirit. The presence of tears, convulsions, jerking, laughter, etc. are no measure of the Spirit’s presence. When we canvass the Scripture to see how the saints reacted to the outpouring of the Spirit, we see no prescribed form of bodily behavior. Habakkuk had a quivering lip and a trembling belly. Others fell to the ground as though dead. Some wept, some sang, some were reduced to stunned silence. In light of the diversity of human personalities and indeed the very nature of man, the presence or absence of these responses is no true test of the authenticity of the Spirit’s work. However, I hasten to add that though a wide variety of emotional responses may be detected in Scripture by those who encounter the living God, there is at least one emotion that may safely be excluded from the list – namely, boredom. It is hardly possible for a creature made in the image of God to be awakened or revived by the Spirit of God and be bored in the process.
R.C. Sproul

Yearly Archives: 2019

THIRD VOW

I renounce the flesh with all its sinful devices. QUESTIONS FOR SELF-EXAMINATION. Do I abhor all sins of impurity? Do I avoid seeing or hearing anything which corrupts the heart?…

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SECOND YOW

I renounce the world with its vain pomp and glory. QUESTIONS FOR SELF-EXAMINATION. Do I seek my happiness in the things of this world — in its riches, honors, or…

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PRAYER FOR A CATECHUMEN

When you have taken your seat in the cate- chetical class, and before the regular in- struction begins, lift your heart to God in silent meditation and prayer. The follow-…

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PRAYER

Holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, three Persons and one God, to whom I was dedicated in Holy Baptism, and to whom I am now about to devote myself in confirmation:…

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HYMN

Lord, 'tis a pleasant thing to stand In gardens planted by Thy hand; Let me within Thy courts be seen, Like a young cedar fresh and green. There grow Thy…

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