When reading through the Bible, something I have noticed that many seem to miss: in almost every 'encounter' of that which we label 'divine', those enduring the experience are described as being 'fearful'.
My own experience with God revealing Himself 'to me' was no different. The overwhelming sensation was not some form of ecstasy, but FEAR. It was 'terrifying'. Not painful. But kind of like being 'shocked' by electricity.
Someone that has simply 'used' electricity doesn't really have any comprehension of it's 'power' until being 'shocked' by it. But once one has been 'shocked' by it, their previous perception is not longer valid. Everyone I have ever known, once 'shocked' by electricity develop a 'fear' of it that is completely different than their perception previous to being 'shocked'.
It is this way with God so far as I'm concerned.
So what is this demonstration of 'ecstasy' that we often 'see' in the 'churches'? I have never experienced it. I have never 'felt' like I was 'on a drug' when praying to singing in a 'church'. Yet I have witnessed those with hands raised to the heavens in what appears to be a 'state of ecstasy'. Like they are in a 'trance' of sorts. What is this?
Not only have I never experienced it personally, I have never even 'read' about it in the Bible.
Every encounter with the "Divine" offered in the Bible is associated with 'dropping to one's knees in FEAR'. I don't recall anyone ever describing such an encounter as being 'overwhelmed' by pleasant sensations. Ecstasy or becoming 'trance-like' enveloped in a 'drug like' experience.
So what is it that we witness when we 'see' those that appear to be 'drugged' into an ecstatic state in the 'churches'?
I know this: the Bible describes 'Satan' as being 'sensual'. That means that he appeals to the 'senses' and obviously it would be an appealing to the senses in a 'pleasurable' manner. You know, like making to 'feel good'.
So is it possible that it is 'this' that is witnessed in the 'churches'. An entity 'other than God' that offers 'sensation' rather than 'fear'?
For if you read the Bible, you will find exactly what I'm talking bout 'over and over' again. Those that encounter the 'divine' are instantly filled with 'FEAR', not 'ecstasy'. They are so fearful they 'fall down upon their knees' with their faces and eyes to the 'ground'. They aren't 'looking up' with their hands in the air filled with a form of ecstasy. They are 'terrified' when in the presence of the 'divine'.
Just some thoughts about the 'truth' contained within the Bible versus what we witness in the 'churches'.
Blessings,
MEC
Since you describe yourself as a "seeker" I recommend focusing on whether the Christian claims are justified. If they are make a choice to follow or not.
How we experience God is a broad ranging topic and stating as some will suggest God can't work this way or it is counterfeit is based on a complex set of illicit premises (hidden assumptions) that themselves are not that self-evident.
I will tell you I have had both types of encounters listed above. Several times I was overwhelmed by God's presence to the point of being unable to move or speak. Joy, peace and otherworldly love were the key things I experienced.
The first time (36 years and 3 months ago) I had a visible glowing on my face (something I was completely unaware of at the time). I would laugh uncontrollably for the next 6 weeks several times per day, and something like words of knowledge started pouring out when I would pray for people.
My joy was infectious and poured out on my friends and family. Even those who denied my exerience were filled with a spirit of joy.
We probably don't want to paint God into a box the way. John MacArthur did mocking all Charasmatics the way he did with his Strangefire conference.
Sweeping generalizations and straw men are fallacies. I actually though MacArther and Piper were intellectually a lot stronger than to base their cases on fallacious appeals.
That said there is much bad teaching in the Pentacostal and Charsmatic churches, and not much oversight. Health and wealth doctrine popularized by Oral Roberts in the 1970s and word faith movement e.w. Kenyon (1920s-40s) helped continued a 185+ year tradition of anti-intellectualism in American evangelicalism.
Focus on center set of Christianity.
Avoid disputes about experience as people's experiences can't be shared or verified (experientially). These are private in nature and for all we know true.
Judge the fruit, not the experience. We have intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually immature people in every church (and that is just the pastoral staff), don't mistake immaturity for heresy as Piper and MacArthur have done.
Look for passion for the lost. Care for the oppressed. Addiction for worshipping God, outside of church. Look for study of the word in a consistent exegetical way. Against a those things there is no law.
I pray in tongues more than you all, but I would rather utter one word of prophecy...
Our these expressions edifying those around them?
If you are a "seeker" then make a choice. Get involved with a place that teaches the scriptures in context. Don't spend any time on this issues until you have put into place the foundational teachings of who Christ is and what his work on the cross is about. Then sanctification, and evangelism. Get involved in prison ministry or feeding the poor.
This issue divides based on a false premise that everything Godmhas ever done with man must be recorded in scripture. It is a throwback to the enlightment and now worthy of attention until you are far down the Christian Disciple road. IMO