Blind Sided

But Paul, threatening with every breath and eager to destroy every Christian, went to the High Priest in Jerusalem. He requested a letter addressed to synagogues in Damascus, requiring their cooperation in the persecution of any believers he found there, both men and women, so that he could bring them in chains to Jerusalem.

As he was nearing Damascus on this mission, suddenly a brilliant light from heaven spotted down upon him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Paul. Paul. Why are you persecuting me?”

 “Who is speaking, Sir?” Paul asked. (Acts 9:1-5, TLB)[i]

Being slain in the spirit is defined as a temporary, physical response (collapse) to being overcome by a spiritual encounter with the Holy Spirit that involves some (or much) difficulty with standing during a worship service. In modern churches (particularly those associated with the Charismatic or Pentecostal movement), the practice of being slain in the Spirit happens. When a minister lays hands on someone, the above happens.

Depending on the sources you check on the Internet, you will discover many individuals who van find scriptural evidence for this practice like the Damascus account of Paul (above), or others that will say there is no solid evidence for the above practice. It is important for you to come to your own deductions in regards to being slain in the spirit.

Whatever you believe we can all come to common ground of the importance of being lead by the Holy Spirit. Here are some ways to make that a reality in your life.

1.     Ask God to fill you with all joy and peace.

2.     Ask God to help you trust him more.

3.     Move into a place of continual worship, praise, and thanksgiving.

4.     Dwell only on what is good, true and excellent.

5.     Be open to how God is teaching or leading you in a given moment.[ii]

“My flesh wants to teach people a lesson.  But, Spirit wants to love." (Kelly Balarie)

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[i] Blind side refers to being surprised unpleasantly, or to be hit unexpectedly from one’s blind side.

 

[ii] Sources used:

·        “5 Ways to Be Led By Holy Spirit, Not Flesh” by Kelly Balarie

·     “Definition of Blindside” (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blindside)

·        “Is Being Slain in the Spirit Biblical?” (http://www.davidhernandezministries.com/is-being-slain-in-the-spirit-biblical/)

·        “Is Being Slain in the Spirit Biblical?” (https://www.gotquestions.org/Spirit-slain.html)

·        “What is Being Slain in the Spirit? Is It Biblical?” (https://www.compellingtruth.org/spirit-slain.html)

Topic suggested by Gracie V. White