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Bible Questions and Spiritual Discussion
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Alpha Course
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I am Taking the alpha course and the other day I did a google search on it and found some disturbing reviews. One big concern I have is about the weekend away where the topic is the holy spirit. Ther are some reviews which talk about speaking in tongues and holy laughter and other behavior that I find odd. Some people even go as far to say it is of other spirits doing and not the holy spirit.
I am wondering if I should go on this weekend or not?
Has anyone been through this who can tell me what really goes on?
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Kelly O'Neill 03/02/2012 21:22 |
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Jake Van Horn
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03/03/2012 00:58 |
Hi Kelly,
I've never been to one of these nor have I heard of them but when you mentioned speaking in tongues 1 Corinthians 14 came to mind. I also did a search on the bible from my phone, just typing in the word "tongues" and pretty much every classic passages on the subject popped up. I use the bible app from you version. Might not be a bad thing to check out if you get the chance.
While I've never personally had the experience of speaking in tongues or seen it the bible speaks quite a bit on the subject so if the need ever arises I certainly would like to have that blessing, if its the will of God and suits His purposes.
But I would definitely review the passages on this subject especially in light of the concerns you have. Praying with you for discernment, Kelly.
Jake
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Chris Colyer
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03/05/2012 09:14 |
Kelly,
I attended the Alpha Course at a baptist church. Actually to be clear I entered the Alpha course not knowing Jesus and left a Christian (this was in 2006). Regarding your question though, because the Church that I was attending the course at didn't really agree with the topics covered in that section they ended up doing their own related lessons and not showing those videos so you might find that its not even covered.
Honestly, I would read the scriptures on the topic as Jake has suggested before the weekend and prepare any questions you might have, however when you ask the questions be sure to understand that the answer you get is going to be based on the background of those that answer. It is okay for you to disagree if that is not what you see in the scriptures yourself.
I would suspect that the way it is presented will be related to the church you are attending at.
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Saint Grogan
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03/07/2012 03:44 |
Hi Kelly,
I would say for the experience alone, it might be worth going. I’ve never attended an Alpha Course but I did read some disturbing things about it. I don’t get some of the manifestations said to be the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. You never read about that sort of thing in Scripture. I find that a bit freaky. I do believe in the gifts, primarily tongues although I’ve never done it or seen it myself. But I also believe not all tongues are from God. I’ve not read about anyone being hurt while attending a Course.
The Bible says:
“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22)
And:
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1)
If you decide to go, I would recommend some degree of caution. Let the Bible be your authority. I wouldn’t participate in exercises where you are encouraged to empty your mind, invite the Spirit, that sort of thing. The Holy Spirit is already inside you if you are a born again Christian. I wouldn’t do it because something else might enter in.
Pray about it.
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