Q&A for How to Receive the Holy Spirit (Per the Bible)

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  • Question
    How can I grow spiritually?
    Zachary Rainey
    Ordained Minister
    Rev. Zachary B. Rainey is an ordained minister with over 40 years of ministry and pastoral practice, including over 10 years as a hospice chaplain. He is a graduate of Northpoint Bible College and a member of the General Council of the Assemblies of God.
    Ordained Minister
    Expert Answer
    Spiritual growth is the path of transformation toward maturity in knowing and obeying Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit indwells a follower of Jesus Christ in order to grow spiritual fruit. The Holy Bible provides written material to understand and obey the will of God. Jesus commissioned every one of His followers to make more followers: multiplication.
  • Question
    Does it mean that holy spirit is in you when you pray and find yourself crying?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    It could! You might experience tears of joy, sadness, gratitude, desperation, or any other strong emotion while praying to God, and this could very well be a sign that the Holy Spirit is moving in you.
  • Question
    If I'm failing to pray in tongues does it mean I don't have the holy spirit? Will I be accepted in heaven?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    You don't have to be able to speak in tongues to be saved. Most people aren't able to do this! It doesn't have any bearing on whether you are truly saved.
  • Question
    I have been thinking off-and-on about dyeing my hair purple, and my family thinks even if I believe in Jesus, I am still going to hell. Is stuff like this true at all, or is it just plain silly?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Some very strict sects of Christianity may take issue with dyeing your hair, but their opposition is not Biblically sound.
  • Question
    Can God forgive those who commit adultery but realise their mistakes and come back to him with a repentant heart?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Yes! No sin is too big to come back from. Just confess what you've done to all affected parties and to God, ask for forgiveness, and try to do better in the future. The people you have hurt may struggle to forgive or move on, but if you're really sorry, your relationship with God will still be strong.
  • Question
    I went to a church the other night and when I got home and for the next few days, I felt as though if I'd lost all I had gained as a new believer.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    It's possible that after the emotional highs brought on by the newness of converting have dissipated, you've realized the Christian faith isn't actually for you, and that's OK. But it could just be a lull, which is normal and something all Christians experience! It can be easy to feel close to God and strong in your faith when you're at church or around other believers, but getting back to the Real World can make you feel...a little deflated. This doesn't mean your faith is gone or fake. Emotions ebb and flow, and while strong emotions can make you feel more confident in your beliefs, the reality of your salvation doesn't go away just because you stop feeling those emotions. Continue to practice your faith and study the Bible and the history of the religion, continue to commune with other believers, continue to do good in the world and to love everyone, and soon enough, you'll feel close to the Lord again. (And then you may feel far away again, and then you'll feel close again.) If you suspect the church itself brought on these low feelings, it's possible you just didn't quite mesh with that church, and you'd feel more comfortable in another one. Don't be afraid to explore many churches until you find one that fits you!
  • Question
    If I do get baptized, must I quit watching certain ribald television shows?
    Community Answer
    Jesus says to stay away from worldly things and evil and corrupt things, because our minds are like sponges. I find in my faith, I prefer to stay away from corrupted views and humble myself with simple things. I hope you can always feel humble and kind. Don’t let the world get to you, wear the armor of God always. You should be fine if you do these things.
  • Question
    Why does God hate me?
    Community Answer
    God doesn't hate you, I promise. On the contrary, he loves you unconditionally. If you're having spiritual problems, I highly recommend you speak to a priest, pastor, etc., and/or pray to God for guidance.
  • Question
    What does the Holy Ghost do?
    Community Answer
    The Holy Ghost is an intercessor, and He helps you when praying. The Holy Spirit is a comforter, reminding you of the important things you must do, and also guides you to walk in truth.
  • Question
    How do I, as a teen, leave my old life and my old friends?
    Community Answer
    You don't necessarily have to leave your old life and friends. You could try to show them the new you and share the message of your faith with them. Maybe you could help someone else find the Holy Spirit. If they don't accept you for who you are, try getting involved at church and/or youth groups and meet some new people there.
  • Question
    If you have turned from God after having receiving the Holy Spirit can your repentance allow you to receive it again?
    Community Answer
    Jesus promised the disciples that when they received the comforter (The Holy Spirit) that He would abide with them forever. In 2 Chronicles 7:14 it says "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." This principle holds true today. Turn away from your sin and seek Jesus with a humble heart and He will welcome you back.
  • Question
    If I want to repent, must I stay away from my girlfriend/future wife even if she's faithful?
    Community Answer
    Christian teaching says that sex is permitted only within a marriage. If that's not what you mean, then you can see your girlfriend as much as she wants. If you have sins you sincerely regret, confess them to God and repent by not repeating them. He will forgive you.
  • Question
    Can I pray to the lord before getting baptized?
    Community Answer
    God will always listen to your prayer, even before you have been baptized.
  • Question
    How do I know if I already have the holy spirit? Do I have to become vegetarian to help purify my body?
    Community Answer
    No the holy spirit it is already in you, on you, with you. To activate it try praying and studying the word of GOD.
  • Question
    What blocks me from receiving the holy spirit?
    Community Answer
    Only you can block yourself. You may be holding onto some things or not fully submitting yourself. Pray to God and ask that he empty you of anything (any ways, thoughts, habits, feelings) that are unlike him, so that you may be filled with his precious and loving spirit.
  • Question
    What will be the significance when I get the Holy Spirit?
    Community Answer
    The Holy Spirit intercedes for believers in ways that He pleads our concerns to the heavenly Father. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. The Holy Spirit guides believers into truth. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of guilt. The Holy Spirit comforts us in times of affliction and hardship. The Holy Spirit cleanses, sanctifies and justifies us. The Holy Spirit restrains evil. The Holy Spirit refreshes us daily with hope and love. The Holy Spirit reminds us of important things we forget.
  • Question
    How do I get the Holy Spirit to manifest inside me?
    Community Answer
    If you submit completely to God and ask that he fill you with the holy spirit then you will feel the power of God inside you.
  • Question
    How can I minister to someone who has been prayed over many times but has not received the Holy Spirit?
    Community Answer
    Tell them to not lose hope. God works in ways you could not possibly imagine, and he will work in them in wonderful ways as well. Tell them to ask God how to do His will, and tell them to ask God for the Holy Spirit to comfort them in their time of need. On an optional note, tell them to pray for guidance in the restoration and building of faith if they are having difficulties in this area. God bless.
  • Question
    I was baptized before I was old enough to understand. Should I get baptized again once I do understand?
    Community Answer
    If it feels right, yes. You have perceived something very important. In the Bible, there are many examples of people getting baptized once they understand the message of the gospel and choose to repent and be baptized for themselves.
  • Question
    Do I have to shake as a sign of receiving the Holy Spirit or can I receive Him quietly?
    Community Answer
    No, you definitely don't have to shake as a sign of receiving the Holy Spirit.
  • Question
    Should I keep my eyes open while praying?
    Community Answer
    It doesn't matter if you keep your eyes open or closed -- God will hear you either way.
  • Question
    How do I know when I have received the Holy Spirit?
    Community Answer
    You will feel it as God's power moves through you.
  • Question
    If Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit as my helper, is it correct to ask God for the Holy Spirit?
    Community Answer
    Yes. The Bible says, "Ask and you shall be given, knock and the door shall be open, seek and you shall find." We need to still seek to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
  • Question
    Should I be baptized again if I've never felt the Holy Spirit in me?
    Community Answer
    It's up to you, but I think it would be better to focus on prayer, reflection, and reading your Bible in order to feel the Holy Spirit.
  • Question
    Why am I not ready to hear the truth?
    Community Answer
    Many people are not ready because they would prefer to live a worldly life. Once we hear, we are held accountable for our actions, and some may find this inconvenient.
  • Question
    Am I praying wrong if I am not getting answers?
    Community Answer
    God always answers prayers. Sometimes He says yes, sometimes no, and sometimes He says wait. Be patient and open.
  • Question
    What do I have to do to seek God's grace?
    Community Answer
    Ask and pray for God's grace and forgiveness and you will receive it.
  • Question
    Will the holy spirit leave you if you go back to your old ways?
    Community Answer
    No, the Bible tells us that the holy spirit will never leave you, you just need to repent for your sins.
  • Question
    I am yet to be baptized. How can I get the baptism of the Holy Spirit?
    Community Answer
    Luke 11:13: "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him!" All you have to do is ask God in faith with all your heart to baptize you in the Holy Spirit, and let the spirit of God speak through you. If you don't speak immediately, don't give up. Just keep asking him in faith till it happens.
  • Question
    How long does it take to get a response from the holy spirit? How do l tell my concerns to the holy spirit?
    Community Answer
    God is not a mail order service. To communicate with him you need to listen; listen into your innermost self in silence and in prayer. You need not say anything, he knows your concerns. He loves you and he just wants you to be with him.
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