Concerning Holy Laughter

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On Wed, 2 Oct 1996 17:02:56 +0700, you wrote:


>	What does the Bible teach about holy laughter and how does the
>Oneness Apostolic Organisations in general support this movement?


This could be quite a long and complex subject, but let me make a
BRIEF statement.

Thoughout the Bible, there is precident for spiritual phenomenon
effecting the emotion and behavior of people. Pentecostals should know
this better than anyone. On the day of Pentecost, there was quite a
phenomenon, and thereafter signs were associated. These are recorded
in scripture clearly and are replicated in the modern Apostolic 
revivial. Laughter, dancing, jumping, running, shouting and other
behavior inspired by the spirit is not uncommon in modern Pentecost.

Not all people associated with Pentecostalism have held to or loved
sound doctrine, and have differing thoughts regarding the authority of
Apostolic doctrine. 

We do not nessesarilly believe that everything that happens must be
confined to a repetition of scripture. But, when challenged by
evaluating the issue you have raised, people do turn to scripture, and
they reflect on their own experience.

The Apostolic movement consists of people who have received the
experience of Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2, and patterened and
preached through the world in the remainder of the book of Acts.
Apostolics believe that in this experience is the whole of the New
Birth, the primary and only means of bringing people into the Kingdom
of God. We also believe that there are benefits to salvation and gifts
of the spirit which the church is favored with, but we turn to the
pattern of Acts 2, to establish priorities and see the main work of
God.

Others with a "pentecostal" or charismatic orientation, do not have
similar perspectives. These often do not distinguish the new birth as
beginning in repentance, and then coming to baptism in the name of
Jesus and being sealed in the infilling or baptism of the Holy Ghost.

So, when they look at spiritual phenomenon, such as what is speculated
as being a powerful move of God (as "Holy Laughter" is), the do not
consider first the nature of the New Birth.. Therefore, they may
regard the whole pphenomenon which we understand includes such
oddities as barking, roaring, and even vomiting, as a whole new "wave
of the spirit". 

This later phrase (new wave), coming from "latter rain movement" and
then the  charismatic movement of the 70s, implies that Gods program
changes form generation to generation and places more emphasis on a
spiritual phenomenon than on the doctrine of scripture. In this,
Apostolics reject the "Holy Laughter" movement as a serious matter
requiring attendance.

The Scriptures have been extrapolated by some to suggest that such
phenomenon is central, and significant.. We do not argue with
spiritual phenomenon, but warn adamantly against adapting a careless
perspective and seeing it out of balance. Apostolics remember that the
purpose of the church is to be true and faithful to God while serving
as the womb of salvation bringing the live saving truth and power of
the message of Jesus name to every nation and person on this world.


There have been claims of psychological and emotional benefits of the
laughter. These cannot be denied for:

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth
the bones. - Prov 17:22

Every service in the presence of God and each day lived in the true
salvation of the saint ought to be touched by joy. The Christian face
ought to be a happy one! Fun is definitly in the program of God. In
the Spirit, peoples cares will sometimes be melted away by Holy Ghost
induced laughter. Personally, I often am moved to laugh boldly at the
plans that Satan has threatened me with.

Also, no doubt when peoples inhibitions are broken down, God is free
to move more easily in that soul. IN this, perhaps God can also
receive some benefit in those who are relieved of thier troubles,
through a psychological method such as induced laughter. We often tell
jokes from the pulpit, seeking to open up the people to a move of God.

However, we are aware that the SAME principle applies where OTHER
spirits are wanting to gain effect in that soul. Notice that this is
one of the effects of alcohol. We must be careful what spirits are
given access to our hearts.

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of
life. - Prov 4:23

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they
are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."
- I Jn 4:1

The true messengers (and spirit) of the Lord preach and teach that He
is the Everlasting God, and bring remission of sins in His name.


I hope this is helpful to you, and doent cross TOO many wires :)


MW Bassett, Pastor
Life Tabernacle United Pentecostal Church
Milford, CT
http://eli.warit.org/~mbasset/life.htm
Acts 28:31, Acts 2:38