Just a note. I’m not trying to overwhelm you, but I am trying to get caught up with the sermon series. So, there are going to be quite a few entries in the next couple of days. Don’t panic. Read at your own pace. Or my pace, ’cause its awesome. I’m like the Flo Jo of the Acts Challenge. (What, you were thinking Marion Jones? Doping scandal, folks. We’re sticking with Flo Jo.)
A Sound Like a Strong Wind
Characteristics of God: Mysterious, Powerful, Personal
Questions: How did the whole “tongues of fire” thing work? In one version, we are told there are tongues of fire and in The Message we are told the Holy Spirit moved “like a wildfire”. I have to admit, the Message version freaks me out less. I read in a commentary that the disciples probably weren’t speaking in other languages, but the people heard what they were saying in other languages. How is that helpful for us to think about this?
Okay, put on your running shoes! I am way out in front of you!
Lindsay! You are not blogging in a vacuum, just in case you were worried. I am running around like a chicken with my head cut off today, but over the next few days I will have maaaannnny hours in the car to read. And then internet access when we arrive in FL. I might possibly even have some thoughts or questions?
Thanks Amy! Maybe I should bill it as “Read while You Travel” Acts Challenge! We would love to hear your thoughts! Have a safe trip!
How the Spirit came down or looked, I think is one of the mysteries that we cannot know – probably way more weird in the original Greek. But it did happen, and I think that is the important issue.
And I firmly believe the languages the apostles spoke, were known languages of the time and not some gibberish that we now find in some so-called charismatic churches. I just do not believe we have a God that would play senseless games with us.
I knew an old man who went to hear Karl Bart speak, even though he knew he would not understand a word the German said (he just had great admiration for his work as a theologian).
However, on his return to his wife, he could tell his wife the whole speech. That is when the Holy Spirit allows us to have the gift of languages.