389. Supernatural and Natural Spiritual Experiences - Pastor Chai
This is a blog post quoted from Pastor Chai’s Facebook.
Speaking in tongues is a spiritual experience that can lead to a more faithful prayer life and a more vibrant spiritual life for some people. However, those who did not receive this gift may experience feelings of envy or spiritual inferiority.
However, there are two types of spiritual experiences: supernatural and natural. Supernatural experiences include the manifestation of spiritual gifts such as tongues, interpretation, healing, and casting out demons. However, these are not the only spiritual experiences. There are also natural spiritual experiences. These are experiences of the work of the Holy Spirit in the realms of human knowledge, emotion, and will.
An example of an intellectual spiritual experience is the act of faith in Jesus Christ. Embracing the belief that a young carpenter who was executed as a criminal 2,000 years ago is the Savior of humanity requires the intervention of the Holy Spirit.
An example of an emotional spiritual experience is tasting the peace that God is with you in the midst of worry and fear, or having hope that things will be okay even in a hopeless situation. These experiences cannot be experienced by human efforts, but only by the Holy Spirit.
A volitional spirit experience is evident in an unwavering commitment to one’s ministry despite the lack of recognition or visible results. This steadfastness in the face of adversity is not achievable through mere human willpower but is made possible by the Holy Spirit.
Whether supernatural or natural, these experiences serve as divine invitations to taste the reality of the Holy Spirit and cultivate a Spirit-filled life. The ultimate purpose of such experiences is to make disciples who resemble the character of Jesus and dedicate themselves to spreading the gospel.
Therefore, regardless of the type of spiritual experience you have, if there is no desire and effort to follow Jesus and spread the gospel, such spiritual experiences should be examined to determine if they are truly of the Holy Spirit.
