Five Different Kinds of Tongues

[Saint Steven]

This is not a topic to debate whether tongues are for today.

The purpose of this topic is to explore the different kinds of tongues.
If you have other kinds to add to the list, you are welcome to share.
This list of five are the basic ones that I know about.

I have seen many uniformed comments about tongues on the forum.
Many have the idea that there is only one kind of tongues.
This topic is intended to inform those with a limited understanding of this subject.

Five Different Kinds of Tongues
1) Personal prayer language - Speaking to/with God
2) Intercessory prayer language - Praying for others in the Spirit
3) Prophetic prayer language - Addressing the whole church/preferably with interpretation
4) Singing in the Spirit - Singing in tongues/worship activity
5) Evangelistic language - Speaking the message of God to a people in their own language (not yours)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Scriptural Support

> Personal prayer language - Speaking to/with God

Romans 8:26
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.

> Intercessory prayer language - Praying for others in the Spirit

Ephesians 6:18
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

> Prophetic prayer language - Addressing the whole church/preferably with interpretation

1 Corinthians 14:5
I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.

> Singing in the Spirit - Singing in tongues/worship activity

1 Corinthians 14:15
So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding.

> Evangelistic language - Speaking the message of God to a people in their own language (not yours)

No scriptural example for this except the outpouring at Pentecost.
But some have made the valid point that the tongues spoken were not evangelistic, but rather praise and worship. The final effect of it was evangelistic, but not the tongues themselves. And I don't personally accept the interpretive hearing theory.

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--- EDIT ---

Additional kind of tongues recommended by poster Francis Drake.

6) Warrior language, tongues of angels used as a weapon directly against "against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Eph6v12b)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

--- EDIT #2 ---

I added these descriptions on another topic.

Five Different Kinds of Tongues

1) Personal prayer language - Speaking to/with God
Described as intimate and worshipful. Useful for personal time with God and for use quietly (not addressing the whole congregation) in corporate worship gatherings. Posture is heavenward reaching, either with hands raised or lowered with palms up in receiving mode.

2) Intercessory prayer language - Praying for others in the Spirit
Described as other-focused. Usually accompanied by hands raised toward subject of prayer, or with hands laid on. (ask permission first) Prayer is forceful and seeking discernment and divine assistance.

3) Prophetic prayer language - Addressing the whole church/preferably with interpretation
Forceful, in full voice to be heard by whole congregation. Should only be done with permission of church leadership at the gathering location. Posture should allow for speaking clearly to the whole room.

4) Singing in the Spirit - Singing in tongues/worship activity
Similar to Personal prayer language. But singing rather than speaking. See number one above.

5) Evangelistic language - Speaking the message of God to a people in their own language (not yours)
Similar to Prophetic prayer language. But no need for interpretation. See number three above. ​

 

[Presbyterian Continuist]

This is not a topic to debate whether tongues are for today.

The purpose of this topic is to explore the different kinds of tongues.
If you have other kinds to add to the list, you are welcome to share.
This list of five are the basic ones that I know about.

I have seen many uniformed comments about tongues on the forum.
Many have the idea that there is only one kind of tongues.
This topic is intended to inform those with a limited understanding of this subject.

Five Different Kinds of Tongues
1) Personal prayer language - Speaking to/with God
2) Intercessory prayer language - Praying for others in the Spirit
3) Prophetic prayer language - Addressing the whole church/preferably with interpretation
4) Singing in the Spirit - Singing in tongues/worship activity
5) Evangelistic language - Speaking the message of God to a people in their own language (not yours)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Scriptural Support

> Personal prayer language - Speaking to/with God

Romans 8:26
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.

> Intercessory prayer language - Praying for others in the Spirit

Ephesians 6:18
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

> Prophetic prayer language - Addressing the whole church/preferably with interpretation

1 Corinthians 14:5
I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.

> Singing in the Spirit - Singing in tongues/worship activity

1 Corinthians 14:15
So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding.

> Evangelistic language - Speaking the message of God to a people in their own language (not yours)

No scriptural example for this except the outpouring at Pentecost.
But some have made the valid point that the tongues spoken were not evangelistic, but rather praise and worship. The final effect of it was evangelistic, but not the tongues themselves. And I don't personally accept the interpretive hearing theory.

The only forums that you will get away with having a reasonable discussion about tongues is in the Pentecostal or Charismatic ones where those who do not have the correct ID cannot negatively debate with you.

Every discussion on this forum has degraded into mainly pointless debates where one says "yes" and someone else says "no" and the original theme of the thread is lost in the stream of old chestnuts that skeptics bring to try and disprove that tongues is for today.

However, the best of British luck to you!

 

[swordsman1]

> Personal prayer language - Speaking to/with God

Romans 8:26
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.

Romans 8:26 is nothing to do with tongues. The gift is never mentioned in Romans.

> Intercessory prayer language - Praying for others in the Spirit

Ephesians 6:18
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Ephesians 6:18 is nothing to do with tongues. The gift is never mentioned in Ephesians.

> Prophetic prayer language - Addressing the whole church/preferably with interpretation

1 Corinthians 14:5
I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.

Tongues were never used for prophecy in scripture. They were only spoken TO God, never FROM God.

> Singing in the Spirit - Singing in tongues/worship activity

1 Corinthians 14:15
So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding.

Yes you could sing in tongues, as well as pray in tongues, and speak in tongues. Prayer and praise are the only forms of tongues recorded in scripture. And it was always to be interpreted.

> Evangelistic language - Speaking the message of God to a people in their own language (not yours)

No scriptural example for this except the outpouring at Pentecost.
But some have made the valid point that the tongues spoken were not evangelistic, but rather praise and worship. The final effect of it was evangelistic, but not the tongues themselves. And I don't personally accept the interpretive hearing theory.

Tongues themselves were never used for evangelism. But they were used as a evangelistic tool in the early church, just as healing and miracles were. They were confirming signs.

 

[Saint Steven]

The only forums that you will get away with having a reasonable discussion about tongues is in the Pentecostal or Charismatic ones where those who do not have the correct ID cannot negatively debate with you.

Every discussion on this forum has degraded into mainly pointless debates where one says "yes" and someone else says "no" and the original theme of the thread is lost in the stream of old chestnuts that skeptics bring to try and disprove that tongues is for today.

However, the best of British luck to you!

Thanks, Oscarr.
Yes, I am probably inviting trouble by putting the topic here.

But this is where many who are uninformed about the subject may be exposed to a different view. If I put it on the Pentecostal or Charismatic forums I would basically be preaching to the choir, as the saying goes. Hopefully some will be informed while others enjoy some fisticuffs.

 

[Stone-n-Steel]

Scriptural Support

> Personal prayer language - Speaking to/with God

Romans 8:26
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.

Is this not the Spirit speaking in our place? We may be communicating but not as we should. It would seem that the Spirit is always heard and lines up with God in His request.

 

[Saint Steven]

Romans 8:26 is nothing to do with tongues. The gift is never mentioned in Romans.



Ephesians 6:18 is nothing to do with tongues. The gift is never mentioned in Ephesians.



Tongues were never used for prophecy in scripture. They were only spoken TO God, never FROM God.



Yes you could sing in tongues, as well as pray in tongues, and speak in tongues. Prayer and praise are the only forms of tongues recorded in scripture.



Tongues themselves were never used for evangelism. But they were used as a evangelistic tool in the early church, just as healing and miracles were. They were confirming signs.

So, doctrinally you are Cessationist.

 

[swordsman1]

So, doctrinally you are Cessationist.

I thought you said "This is not a topic to debate whether tongues are for today."

 

[Saint Steven]

Is this not the Spirit speaking in our place? We may be communicating but not as we should. It would seem that the Spirit is always heard and lines up with God in His request.

That's a good question. Thanks.
In a sense you are correct. But...
Tongues is always a manifestation of the Holy Spirit.

Do you have a better scripture to represent this type of tongues? Please share. Thanks.

 

[Presbyterian Continuist]

Thanks, Oscarr.
Yes, I am probably inviting trouble by putting the topic here.

But this is where many who are uninformed about the subject may be exposed to a different view. If I put it on the Pentecostal or Charismatic forums I would basically be preaching to the choir, as the saying goes. Hopefully some will be informed while others enjoy some fisticuffs.

The value of posting the topic here is for the silent readers who view the posts and ponder these things in their hearts. They view all sides of the debate and make their own choice about what they decide to believe or not believe.

 

[Presbyterian Continuist]

Romans 8:26 is nothing to do with tongues. The gift is never mentioned in Romans.



Ephesians 6:18 is nothing to do with tongues. The gift is never mentioned in Ephesians.



Tongues were never used for prophecy in scripture. They were only spoken TO God, never FROM God.



Yes you could sing in tongues, as well as pray in tongues, and speak in tongues. Prayer and praise are the only forms of tongues recorded in scripture. And it was always to be interpreted.



Tongues themselves were never used for evangelism. But they were used as a evangelistic tool in the early church, just as healing and miracles were. They were confirming signs.

I knew you would pop up here. Welcome!
Here we go again!
I don't think I have any more to say on this topic, because we have just finished a previous marathon!

 

[LoveGodsWord]

That's a good question. Thanks.
In a sense you are correct. But...
Tongues is always a manifestation of the Holy Spirit.

Do you have a better scripture to represent this type of tongues? Please share. Thanks.

God's Spirit and his gifts are never given to those knowingly practicing sin or breaking God's commandments (Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19). Don't you teach God's 10 commandments are abolished ?

 

[swordsman1]

I knew you would pop up here. Welcome!
Here we go again!
I don't think I have any more to say on this topic, because we have just finished a previous marathon!

 

[Stone-n-Steel]

That's a good question. Thanks.
In a sense you are correct. But...
Tongues is always a manifestation of the Holy Spirit.

Do you have a better scripture to represent this type of tongues? Please share. Thanks.

I don't have a tongues incidence directly but in Rom 8:28 the word "together" is a word meaning collaborate so when I look at Rom 8:16.

Rom. 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

I see that Rom 8:26 is not a tongues incident directly but us praying for say deliverance from an incidence and the Spirit praying for strength to make it through the issue. I can also see this in 2Cor 12:9 where the Lord replied with strength not deliverance.

 

[Saint Steven]

God's Spirit and his gifts are never given to those knowingly practicing sin or breaking God's commandments (Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19). Don't you teach God's 10 commandments are abolished ?

Do you speak in tongues?

 

[Stone-n-Steel]

God's Spirit and his gifts are never given to those knowingly practicing sin or breaking God's commandments (Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19). Don't you teach lawlessness [God's 10 commandments are abolished] ?

Hello LGW, How is the requirement of repentance and a water baptism (Acts 2:38) and waiting till the Lord returns for blotting out your sin (Acts 3:19) working for you?

 

[LoveGodsWord]

Do you speak in tongues?

If one lives a life of known unrepentant sin do they have God's Spirit and are they in a saved state before God or an unsaved state before God?

 

[Saint Steven]

I don't have a tongues incidence directly but in Rom 8:28 the word "together" is a word meaning collaborate so when I look at Rom 8:16.

Rom. 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

I see that Rom 8:26 is not a tongues incident directly but us praying for say deliverance from an incidence and the Spirit praying for strength to make it through the issue. I can also see this in 2Cor 12:9 where the Lord replied with strength not deliverance.

I was thinking you might come back with this one.

1 Corinthians 14:14
For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.

 

[Saint Steven]

If one lives a life of known unrepentant sin do they have God's Spirit and are they in a saved state before God or an unsaved state before God?

If you don't speak in tongues, what interest do you have in five different kinds of tongues? Seems pointless.

 

[LoveGodsWord]

Hello LGW, How is the requirement of repentance and a water baptism (Acts 2:38) and waiting till the Lord returns for blotting out your sin (Acts 3:19) working for you?

The scripture was provided along with Acts 2:38 and Acts 3:19 as proof texts to show that none have God's Spirit while continuing in a life of known unrepentant sin and that repentance is a requirement of forgiveness and acceptance with God before he gives anyone his Spirit.

ACT 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

ACT 3:19 Repent therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; [the refreshing is God's Spirit]

1 JOHN 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

PROVERBS 28:13 He that covers his sins shall not prosper: but whosoever confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy.

 

[Saint Steven]

The scripture was provided along with Acts 2:38 and Acts 3:19 as proof texts to show that none have God's Spirit while continuing in a life of known unrepentant sin and that repentance is a requirement of forgiveness and acceptance with God before he gives anyone his Spirit.

ACT 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

ACT 3:19 Repent therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

1 JOHN 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

PROVERBS 28:13 He that covers his sins shall not prosper: but whosoever confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy.

So, you admit to using "proof-texts"? Wow.

Do you have anything useful to share about tongues?