Questions about Holy Spirit experience

[ashwaters77]

Hey all
I'm Ashley. I came to Christ earlier this past summer. I'm a newbie Christian. But I have a question about the Holy Spirit.
I attend a reformed church that a coworker of mine invited me to. And so far I feel comfortable about most things there and what they believe. Except the Holy Spirit. When I came to Christ, it was all rather supernatural. Nobody preached the Gospel to me, yet I had knew of Jesus from years before. I was always a searcher of truth so I was familiar with many religions (including occult, new age )It didn't happen over time like through studying. One day, a demonic presence started to bother me and move objects in my room, it followed me, tricked me... The list goes on... But I came to Christ in the end!. Overall, the depression and feeling of nothing satisfying me in this world all made sense. Jesus was the missing puzzle piece.
So now it's been about 6 months being Christian. I've learned a lot from Christians, the Word and the Holy Spirit.

My question is: does anyone else feel the Holy Spirit? I remember the day after I repented (because something really had scared me) I was scared out of my wits because of all the spirit activity. But I was convicted and eternally grateful and repented so hard of my old ways. I realized I needed Jesus.

But it hasn't been easy. I explained to my fellow Christian friend about feeling the Holy Spirit's presence. It always feels good. About a month after coming to Christ I started to feel the Spirit in a different way. Sort of in the belly region I feel warmth or a flow of electricity. If that's the right way to describe it. I remember when I was a few weeks in (a real newbie) my senses even changed, like I could smell better etc. I also started to notice the spiritual realm more. Maybe that sounds crazy but sometimes when someone would talk to me about God negatively or condemn me I would get this inner sense that it wasn't them speaking. Something darker would be speaking in their voice through them.
I know this question is rather vague. It's ultimately about feeling the Holy Spirit (filling, dwelling etc), spiritual realm and anyone who has experience with this.

One last thing, one day I saw my uncle and something told me to talk to him about the bible. At that moment, I felt a wave come over my whole body. It wasn't scary. It was like warmth, a wave, from toe to head for 15 seconds as I spoke. I sort of stopped talking, letting my uncle respond, I was trying to act normal like I didn't have the most insane but coolest experience ever. At first, my initial reaction was (oh crap, scared) but something put the idea that God wanted me to evangelize amidst all my worrisome thoughts about what had just happened to me.
So the end of this vague question is, WHAT WAS THAT?!

Thank you to who ever answers this. I pray that I get some awesome wisdom here. Lastly, I am very cautious by nature. I do not trust things just because I experience them. I believe in testing the spirits and going by our beautiful God's Word. Attending the Reformed church though, (with no disrespect) has been a challenge because some of my fellow Christians have rejected or disregarded my experience. Or they have nothing to say. There's so many denominations and perspectives, it's exhausting.
Just looking for some solid advice with respect and love.
May God bless you all
Also Email me if you'd like. I will be very grateful.

 

[1watchman]

It sounds like the Holy Spirit is working in and through you. Don't be occupied with feelings --that will stumble one and lead to seeking feelings rather than the lordship of Christ. Jesus must be first in our life. Look up always, friend, and read your Bible daily.

Also, I like to recommend one get the good book: STREAMS IN THE DESERT, which is daily meditations to begin the day in a right spirit. My wife and I read it every morning, beside our Bible chapter readings.

 

[NannaNae]

Hey all
I'm Ashley. I came to Christ earlier this past summer. I'm a newbie Christian. But I have a question about the Holy Spirit.
I attend a reformed church that a coworker of mine invited me to. And so far I feel comfortable about most things there and what they believe. Except the Holy Spirit. When I came to Christ, it was all rather supernatural. Nobody preached the Gospel to me, yet I had knew of Jesus from years before. I was always a searcher of truth so I was familiar with many religions (including occult, new age )It didn't happen over time like through studying. One day, a demonic presence started to bother me and move objects in my room, it followed me, tricked me... The list goes on... But I came to Christ in the end!. Overall, the depression and feeling of nothing satisfying me in this world all made sense. Jesus was the missing puzzle piece.
So now it's been about 6 months being Christian. I've learned a lot from Christians, the Word and the Holy Spirit.

My question is: does anyone else feel the Holy Spirit? I remember the day after I repented (because something really had scared me) I was scared out of my wits because of all the spirit activity. But I was convicted and eternally grateful and repented so hard of my old ways. I realized I needed Jesus.

But it hasn't been easy. I explained to my fellow Christian friend about feeling the Holy Spirit's presence. It always feels good. About a month after coming to Christ I started to feel the Spirit in a different way. Sort of in the belly region I feel warmth or a flow of electricity. If that's the right way to describe it. I remember when I was a few weeks in (a real newbie) my senses even changed, like I could smell better etc. I also started to notice the spiritual realm more. Maybe that sounds crazy but sometimes when someone would talk to me about God negatively or condemn me I would get this inner sense that it wasn't them speaking. Something darker would be speaking in their voice through them.
I know this question is rather vague. It's ultimately about feeling the Holy Spirit (filling, dwelling etc), spiritual realm and anyone who has experience with this.

One last thing, one day I saw my uncle and something told me to talk to him about the bible. At that moment, I felt a wave come over my whole body. It wasn't scary. It was like warmth, a wave, from toe to head for 15 seconds as I spoke. I sort of stopped talking, letting my uncle respond, I was trying to act normal like I didn't have the most insane but coolest experience ever. At first, my initial reaction was (oh crap, scared) but something put the idea that God wanted me to evangelize amidst all my worrisome thoughts about what had just happened to me.
So the end of this vague question is, WHAT WAS THAT?!

Thank you to who ever answers this. I pray that I get some awesome wisdom here. Lastly, I am very cautious by nature. I do not trust things just because I experience them. I believe in testing the spirits and going by our beautiful God's Word. Attending the Reformed church though, (with no disrespect) has been a challenge because some of my fellow Christians have rejected or disregarded my experience. Or they have nothing to say. There's so many denominations and perspectives, it's exhausting.
Just looking for some solid advice with respect and love.
May God bless you all
Also Email me if you'd like. I will be very grateful.

just wanted to kind of confirm your walk is very normal..
and here is how he showed it to me in a dream.. you might be able to identify with this dream and the questions it raises a little

http://www.christianforums.com/t7485185/

I will be praying for you Ashley dear. if you want to know more about what he showed me about that dream since 2010 you can contact me directly. I will be praying for you dear Ashley!

 

[insurchoftruth]

It is normal for a born again christian, to feel the presence or the anointing of the Holy Spirit. The Bible tels us tha the anointing of God abides in us. The Holy Spirit is in our born again spirits. In the gospel of John, Jesus said that 'rivers of living water will flow from our bellies' and that river in us comes from the Holy Spirit in us. He gives us life, and we have the life and the power of God in us, by the Holy Spirit. It is normal to feel the presence of God on a regular basis.

 

[jannikitty]

Hey all
Thank you to who ever answers this. I pray that I get some awesome wisdom here. Lastly, I am very cautious by nature. I do not trust things just because I experience them. I believe in testing the spirits and going by our beautiful God's Word. Attending the Reformed church though, (with no disrespect) has been a challenge because some of my fellow Christians have rejected or disregarded my experience. Or they have nothing to say. There's so many denominations and perspectives, it's exhausting.
Just looking for some solid advice with respect and love.
May God bless you all
Also Email me if you'd like. I will be very grateful.

Hi Ashley, Galatians 5:22-23a "22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control." comes to mind as I read your last paragraph.

It does sound like the Holy Spirit is working in you and through you. And what you may be getting are signals that is happening and this is to encourage you to follow His lead like when you witness to someone or during prayer, etc. However it is always good to, as you say, "test the spirits" to see if they are of God. The test is indicated in the above scripture I quoted to you. The opposite would likely be the unholy spirit who does not give the things above although that deceiving one may try to imitate God's Holy Spirit.

However, having said that it is good to keep in mind that the Holy Spirit can be and often does work in you and through you without such feelings. They can come and go and so that should not be your only criteria of His work. Enjoy them when they come but surely seek God and continue to pray for discerning so that you can tell the difference.

The most important thing is to stay in God's Word and pray as well as good solid biblically based Christian fellowship. And, of course, most important is to continue to Praise God in all things. Focus on Jesus, His Life, His Death, His Resurrection...albeit His gift of salvation for you.

Do not let yourself dwell on the occult or past New Age and occult beliefs. This is a way in which the enemy will try to reenter your house. Make sure you have repented of that or any practices as well as thinking connected with that. God's way is much better. The occult fools people for a long time because it seems good especially at first. There is a power in it; but it is not of God. The things of God are good and lasting and have good, not harmful effects.

peace...

 

[AGTG]

Praise God for your testimony. I, too, came to Christ outside of any organized church setting.

Now to your question: If we are born again, a new creation, we are triune in nature with a body, soul, and our regenerate spirit person (which is betrothed to the Holy Spirit which we are also indwelt with).

Our body, soul, and spirit person are separate, but each one has an affect on the others. Imagine a mobile that hangs above a baby crib. If one of the items on the mobile is tugged on, the others will begin to move, too.

For instance, if you're body is sick, it will likely affect your soul and how you feel emotionally. If you're soul is downcast, your face (body) will bear a sad countenance. And, if your spirit person is encountering Jesus in communion in prayer, praise, and worship, surely your physical body will experience the presence of the Christ. And isn't it glorious!?

HalleluJah! Praise God! Thank You, Jesus! I hope this answer blessed you.

 

[parsley]

feeling the Holy Spirit's presence....I started to feel the Spirit in a different way. .. my senses even changed, like I could smell better etc.... inner sense that it wasn't them speaking.
..At that moment, I felt a wave come over my whole body. ... God wanted me to evangelize amidst all my worrisome thoughts about what had just happened to me.
WHAT WAS THAT?!

You have probably heard TV preachers say, "I feel the anointing so strong." Whether they are telling the truth or not, it is similar. God's Holy Spirit empowers us to do things, when we set our minds to serving Him. He probably allows us to feel it, to build up our confidence in using His help.

I had a wave like that today. It was confusing bc it was regional -- I was driving through an area the Lord had asked me to pray over before. And I think the wave was to remind me that the prayer need is still active, and He is ready to move when I intercede for the people. I also had a conversation with strangers.

I have also had that feeling when I sense God wants me to pray over people's health as I walk past them. Empowering to do the work that I could never do myself. The gift from God is for you to give to another person.

About it feeling different, I think that is just God leading you through different phases, addressing different needs, and seeing different facets of who He is and what He does through you.

Also, the smell might be from a healing of allergies you hadn't noticed, or breathing deeper bc you are less tense.

When I walk into different churches, I feel different characters to the Body of Christ, and sense different ways God is dealing with them -- as though there are hot pots of chili and lasagna and cajun stew and thai curry... each fellowship smelling like a different flavor. It is not just observation and assumption -- I can often feel it right before I walk in the door. Often I am surprised.

In any case, it's wonderful, isn't it? To imagine God so close to you that He knows what you need to accomplish things in line with His hopes. It sounds like you have been listening to Him and yielding.

Jesus said that 'rivers of living water will flow from our bellies' and that river in us comes from the Holy Spirit in us. He gives us life, and we have the life and the power of God in us, by the Holy Spirit. It is normal to feel the presence of God on a regular basis.

(-:

 

[ashwaters77]

Thank you everyone for sharing. It helps me a lot to know I'm not alone with this.

 

[tturt]

Yes, and Yahweh's there even when we're not aware of His presence.

 

[WoundedDeep]

Hey all
I'm Ashley. I came to Christ earlier this past summer. I'm a newbie Christian. But I have a question about the Holy Spirit.
I attend a reformed church that a coworker of mine invited me to. And so far I feel comfortable about most things there and what they believe. Except the Holy Spirit. When I came to Christ, it was all rather supernatural. Nobody preached the Gospel to me, yet I had knew of Jesus from years before. I was always a searcher of truth so I was familiar with many religions (including occult, new age )It didn't happen over time like through studying. One day, a demonic presence started to bother me and move objects in my room, it followed me, tricked me... The list goes on... But I came to Christ in the end!. Overall, the depression and feeling of nothing satisfying me in this world all made sense. Jesus was the missing puzzle piece.
So now it's been about 6 months being Christian. I've learned a lot from Christians, the Word and the Holy Spirit.

My question is: does anyone else feel the Holy Spirit? I remember the day after I repented (because something really had scared me) I was scared out of my wits because of all the spirit activity. But I was convicted and eternally grateful and repented so hard of my old ways. I realized I needed Jesus.

But it hasn't been easy. I explained to my fellow Christian friend about feeling the Holy Spirit's presence. It always feels good. About a month after coming to Christ I started to feel the Spirit in a different way. Sort of in the belly region I feel warmth or a flow of electricity. If that's the right way to describe it. I remember when I was a few weeks in (a real newbie) my senses even changed, like I could smell better etc. I also started to notice the spiritual realm more. Maybe that sounds crazy but sometimes when someone would talk to me about God negatively or condemn me I would get this inner sense that it wasn't them speaking. Something darker would be speaking in their voice through them.
I know this question is rather vague. It's ultimately about feeling the Holy Spirit (filling, dwelling etc), spiritual realm and anyone who has experience with this.

One last thing, one day I saw my uncle and something told me to talk to him about the bible. At that moment, I felt a wave come over my whole body. It wasn't scary. It was like warmth, a wave, from toe to head for 15 seconds as I spoke. I sort of stopped talking, letting my uncle respond, I was trying to act normal like I didn't have the most insane but coolest experience ever. At first, my initial reaction was (oh crap, scared) but something put the idea that God wanted me to evangelize amidst all my worrisome thoughts about what had just happened to me.
So the end of this vague question is, WHAT WAS THAT?!

Thank you to who ever answers this. I pray that I get some awesome wisdom here. Lastly, I am very cautious by nature. I do not trust things just because I experience them. I believe in testing the spirits and going by our beautiful God's Word. Attending the Reformed church though, (with no disrespect) has been a challenge because some of my fellow Christians have rejected or disregarded my experience. Or they have nothing to say. There's so many denominations and perspectives, it's exhausting.
Just looking for some solid advice with respect and love.
May God bless you all
Also Email me if you'd like. I will be very grateful.

Praise God for your faith and salvation.

I have had similar experiences of God whereby I am lead to perceive that it is not a person but a demon speaking through him/her. I also get warm feelings sometimes when I speak to others about Christianity. But I know not to rely on my feelings or five senses because the devil could use them to deceive me too.

Anything spiritual can be examined with the Gospels/Scriptures to see if the experience contradicts or agrees with what is said in there. We are to test the spirits to see if they are of God. The single test mentioned by apostle John is that the spirit must acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah and that Jesus is God in the flesh. Any spirit that denies the two statements about Jesus is of the antichrist and thus demonic.

We do need to be careful because even deceiving spirits can give pleasant or seemingly godly experiences. So we need to examine whether these experiences line up with the Scriptures or goes against its teachings. Does the experience lead to glorifying and worshipping of God and the Lord Jesus Christ? If yes, then it is the work of the Holy Spirit. Does the experience lead to godly sorrow and repentance of sin? If yes, then its the Holy Spirit. Does the experience deepen your faith and understanding of the Gospels and Scriptures? If yes, then its the Holy Spirit.

Jesus also mentioned what the Holy Spirit will do in this world. Mainly, He will convict the world of sin (John 16:8), be a Comforter or Helper for Christians (John 14:26), and guide Christians into all truth (John 16:13). Paul writes the Holy Spirit intercedes for us when we don't know how to pray (Romans 8:26).

 

[AGTG]

Yes, and Yahweh's there even when we're not aware of His presence.

This is a very important point. Everything is based upon faith, which means even when we don't feel Him we know He is with is. Thank You, Jesus!

 

[AGTG]

Praise God for your faith and salvation.

I have had similar experiences of God whereby I am lead to perceive that it is not a person but a demon speaking through him/her. I also get warm feelings sometimes when I speak to others about Christianity. But I know not to rely on my feelings or five senses because the devil could use them to deceive me too.

Anything spiritual can be examined with the Gospels/Scriptures to see if the experience contradicts or agrees with what is said in there. We are to test the spirits to see if they are of God. The single test mentioned by apostle John is that the spirit must acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah and that Jesus is God in the flesh. Any spirit that denies the two statements about Jesus is of the antichrist and thus demonic.

We do need to be careful because even deceiving spirits can give pleasant or seemingly godly experiences. So we need to examine whether these experiences line up with the Scriptures or goes against its teachings. Does the experience lead to glorifying and worshipping of God and the Lord Jesus Christ? If yes, then it is the work of the Holy Spirit. Does the experience lead to godly sorrow and repentance of sin? If yes, then its the Holy Spirit. Does the experience deepen your faith and understanding of the Gospels and Scriptures? If yes, then its the Holy Spirit.

Jesus also mentioned what the Holy Spirit will do in this world. Mainly, He will convict the world of sin (John 16:8), be a Comforter or Helper for Christians (John 14:26), and guide Christians into all truth (John 16:13). Paul writes the Holy Spirit intercedes for us when we don't know how to pray (Romans 8:26).

Demons aren't interested in giving us the "warm fuzzies" when we're worshiping God because a house divided cannot stand. Demons will try to keep you from worshiping God, but make no mistake: God delights in His children when we worship Him and He makes Himself very present in our praises.

All that being said, many Christians need deliverance related to past sins, curses in the bloodlines, and wounds from past experiences in life. So I don't say these things to imply demons aren't a problem for Christians, but demons certainly don't work to get Christians to read their Bible, spend time in prayer, and praise and worship God. That's the work of the Holy Spirit within someone.

 

[ALEA40]

I have the same reaction. I get waves and waves of almost electricity whenever I hear certain lyrics, read certain passages or hear parts of sermons. It's like the Holy Spirit is saying "Amen" or "Listen to this-I've been trying to tell you this!" or "I love you and cherish you". I find myself wanting to lift my arms and praise God throughout the day (and I often do!). This connection has definitely become more intense over the past year and a half since my conversion. Also, I would say the first 6 months or so I was completely covered in God's grace and love. I could almost breath Him in. I was in an almost completely blissful state. Now it's leveled off and become more of the reaction I mentioned above. I think he's giving me more breathing space now God is AWESOME!!!!

 

[ashwaters77]

thank you all for sharing!! God is great. I'm happy to have read all your experiences. Thank you!