Galatians 3:2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard?

It is interesting to realize that these people who were getting into legalism had received the Holy Spirit; they were “Charismatic.” The gifts of the Holy Spirit – and Paul specifically mentions miracles in verse 5 – are not a guarantee against error. Some in Pentecostal circles act as though they think they are! The other side of that, which is indeed the major thrust of the whole letter to the Galatians, is that none of God’s gifts are because we are “worthy,” but because we believe in God, who is gracious and merciful. That exposes the ridiculousness of people trying to “earn” spiritual gifts. I remember one church I attended where a young, rough, rodeo rider happened to come in and get gloriously saved, and some of the older members were actively resentful. They couldn’t stand it that he overflowed with the joy of the Lord! A young woman was beautifully saved through a Bible class that met in my home, but when I talked with the pastor about baptism, the response was, “If she comes to Sunday services a bit more.” In other words, she hadn’t “paid her dues” to be eligible for baptism. That’s not the same thing as a lack of repentance or commitment; those are indeed obstacles. Rather it was that she hadn’t fulfilled denominational tradition, in the eyes of that pastor. That’s exactly the sort of thing that Galatians is written against.

My own experience of being baptized in the Holy Spirit is exactly in line with this. I had been seeking to be filled with the Holy Spirit, but everything I had read (back in the early 70’s) said that I would know I had been filled when I spoke in tongues. As a result, I was seeking to speak in tongues, and nothing was happening. Finally, a friend pointed out to me that we receive everything from God by faith, so I should ask, believe that God was faithful, and thank Him for pouring His Spirit out on me, even if I felt or “experienced” nothing. I did that, and two days later I suddenly realized that I was openly witnessing of Christ to a total stranger, which I had never done before in my life, and I realized that God had been true to His promise: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and You will be my witnesses.” (Acts 1:8) In the years since then I have experienced everything listed in 1 Corinthians 12 at least once, and I have the joy of an ongoing relationship with my Lord by His Spirit, but it all started with faith, rather than following rules.

Father, help me get through to the believers that everything they see in me is available to them as well, that You love them just as much as You love me. Help me encourage them to open their hearts and welcome all that You want to pour into and through them. May we all walk in the joy of being conduits of Your grace in all its forms, for the blessing of many and for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!