Speaking in Tongues Questions.

[TheGreatAwakening2012]

Well I was talking to one of my pastors that I know online, and he told me to read 1 Corinthians 12-14 and I did than he told me about, needing an interpreter in order to speak in tongues in church, does this still apply for speaking in tongues while praying and while in private and speaking to the LORD?

Another Question:

Yesterday, the group TheGreatAwakening is at my church, by the way, and I went up for a prayer for salvation for assurance than, we went up to pray individually and one of the guys started saying something like this "Jesus fill these people with the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of speaking in tongues." IMMEDIATELY I was praying and than I started saying these words I did not understand and my stomach started burning, I did not know if that is what it was, than he came up to me and it started again, this time I had an approval from someone. I do not know if he is an interpreter, BUT he knew I was speaking in tongues, also when I speak in tongues it sounds like I am making up words, unlike those who sounds so amazing. SO I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF I AM OR AM I NOT.

 

[tturt]

Hi, I know you're new so that's the reason I'm passing on information - there's a Spirit Filled forum and I'm not ignoring your thread here but have posted some Scriptures for you on the Pentecostal/Assemblies forum. Hope it helps.

 

[Bible2]

TheGreatAwakening2012 said in post 1:

Well I was talking to one of my pastors that I know online, and he told me to read 1 Corinthians 12-14 and I did than he told me about, needing an interpreter in order to speak in tongues in church, does this still apply for speaking in tongues while praying and while in private and speaking to the LORD?

No, so long as the praying is done silently in church (see below).

SO I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF I AM OR AM I NOT.

If you mean are you truly speaking in tongues, there's no scriptural reason to believe that you aren't. For the Holy Spirit's gifts (1 Cor. 12:8-10), which operate in believers who have received Holy Spirit baptism (Acts 19:6, 11:15-16, 10:44-46), won't cease operating until Jesus' 2nd coming. For 1 Cor. 13:8-12 means that just as only when children become adults do they put away childish things, so only when believers will become perfect when they see Jesus face to face at his 2nd coming (1 Jn. 3:2) will they no longer need the Spiritual gifts of prophecy, tongues, and the word of knowledge (1 Cor. 12:8,10). During the future tribulation (which will precede the 2nd coming: Mt. 24:29-31), are some in the church going to reject the ministry of the two witnesses simply because it will involve prophesying and miracles (Rev. 11:3,6)?

Because the 2nd coming (like the tribulation) hasn't happened yet, all the Spirit's gifts are still operating in the church today (within Pentecostal-type and charismatic-type congregations, which can be found in different denominations). God's Word commands believers to operate in the Spiritual gifts when believers come together (1 Cor. 14:26-31). So congregations today must be careful not to quench the Spirit (1 Thes. 5:19), such as by despising prophesyings (1 Thes. 5:20) or forbidding all speaking in tongues (1 Cor. 14:39). Tongues are one of the Spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12:8-10) through which believers can be regularly edified (1 Cor. 14:4-5,12,26). Not all Holy Spirit-baptized believers will speak in tongues (1 Cor. 12:30), but almost all will (cf. Acts 19:6, 10:45-46), for tongues are one of the Spirit's lesser gifts (1 Cor. 12:28, 14:5).

Different believers receive different kinds of tongues (1 Cor. 12:10). Some tongues are languages which people can understand (Acts 2:4,8) while other tongues are languages which people can't understand (1 Cor. 14:2), not even the speakers (1 Cor. 14:14). Unintelligible tongues could include ancient human languages which are unknown to history, ancient human languages which are known to history but aren't understood, and angelic languages (1 Cor. 13:1). Unintelligible tongues aren't useless, however, for when they're prayed or sung privately to God without interpretation (1 Cor. 14:2,28) they edify the spirits of those who speak or sing them (1 Cor. 14:4,14-15, Jude 1:20), to bless God and thank God (1 Cor. 14:16). And when unintelligible tongues are prayed or sung out loud in a congregation, and then Spiritually interpreted (1 Cor. 12:10b-11), their interpretation edifies the whole congregation (1 Cor. 14:5b,12-13,26). When Christians sing in tongues to God they're singing the "spiritual songs" which Paul distinguishes from psalms and hymns (Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16).

Paul sets no restrictions on how much believers can pray and sing to God in tongues out loud at home, or silently in church (1 Cor. 14:28) (just as regular praying can be done silently: 1 Sam. 1:13,17). Indeed, Paul prayed and sung to God in tongues in private more than anyone (1 Cor. 14:18-19). But regarding church meetings, Paul sets strict rules on speaking tongues out loud: they aren't to be spoken out loud in church meetings unless there's someone present who can Spiritually interpret them to the whole congregation (1 Cor. 14:28). And even when a tongues-interpreter is present, at the most only three people should in turn speak out loud in unknown tongues, which should then be interpreted to the whole congregation (1 Cor. 14:27). Everyone who has received the gift of tongues should be praying for the separate gift of the interpretation of tongues, so he can edify others (1 Cor. 14:12-13, 12:10b).

-

Since you are speaking in tongues, you have received Holy Spirit baptism (Acts 11:15-16, 10:44-46).

Believers usually have to ask to receive the Holy Spirit (Lk. 11:13b) baptism, for it isn't usually automatically given to them the moment they become believers; that's why Paul asked some believers: "Have ye received the Holy Spirit since ye believed?" (Acts 19:2).

Believers usually receive Holy Spirit baptism through prayer accompanied by the laying on of hands, subsequent to water baptism (Acts 8:15-17, 19:5-6). As was mentioned earlier, Holy Spirit baptism won't result in speaking in tongues for everyone (1 Cor. 12:30), but for almost everyone, as tongues are one of the Spirit's lesser gifts (1 Cor. 12:8-11,28, 14:5).

Many believers haven't yet experienced Holy Spirit baptism simply because they haven't yet asked for it, under the principle of "ye have not, because ye ask not" (Jas. 4:2b). Many believers haven't yet asked for it because they've come under the influence of mistaken teachings which say that it's no longer in effect. Believers can get hands laid on them to receive Holy Spirit baptism at, for example, a Pentecostal-type or charismatic-type congregation.

 

[timf]

also when I speak in tongues it sounds like I am making up words

There is a phenomena called "ecstatic speech". When a person is overcome with emotion they can respond with movement such as dance or with sounds such as with ecstatic speech.

I think this is often confused with "speaking in tongues".

There are two possibilities in 1 Corinthians 14. The first is that a person is is speaking an unknown language of men and an interpreter is needed so that what is said can benefit the people who are there who would have no way of knowing what the Spirit was saying otherwise. The second possibility is based in a reference Paul makes to the "language if angels". The sounds people make that people know are not human language are often called by the term "language of angels" as if this can explain their odd sounds.

Since the word "interpreter" is used, I think we have to say that what is given is in a language (human or angelic). Often in charismatic circles ecstatic speech is misunderstood as speaking in "tongues".

I do not see anything wrong with ecstatic speech (except if it is disruptive). It would be nice if we were all so passionate for our Lord. However, I think people can get into trouble when they try to find meaning, translate, or find "messages" in such utterances.

In regard to spiritual gifts, some people feel that all of the gifts described still function today as they did then. Some people feel that only some of the gifts still function today. And still others feel all of the supernatural gifts have ceased to function today as they did then.

My own view is that all of the supernatural gifts have ceased functioning as they did in New Testament times. The reason I am inclined to this position is that the gift of healing included raising the dead. I have not seen this demonstrated and would suspect that someone who claimed to have this gift if they could not raise the dead. Also, I read in the New Testament that these gifts of the Spirit were endowed through the laying on of hands.

I have many charismatic and pentecostal friends. I do not think Christians should fight or argue over this issue. I would caution you that if you think that what you experienced is ecstatic speech, you should not allow yourself to be persuaded that it is something different.

 

[Forealzchola]

When you are praying in tongues to the Lord just for you and your personal relationship with the Lord you do not need aninterpreter. There should only be an interpreter if someone were to try and address the whole church in tongues...sometimes however there is not always someone in the body during that time who has the gift of interpretation and sometimes some with that gift are nervous to speak up.

 

[Harry3142]

When the apostles spoke in tongues, the only people who would have needed to be told what they were saying would have been the apostles themselves. The people to whom they were speaking understood every word of that message:

Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard him speak in his own language. Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs - we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, "What does this mean?" (Acts 2:5-12,NIV)

If a person whom I knew was not familiar with the english language suddenly started speaking with me in english, then I would be impressed. But if a person babbles in an 'unknown tongue' which needs an 'interpreter' in order to translate it into english so that I can understand it, I automatically consider the entire proceedings to be fraudulent. It has happened before.

Circa 1971 a friend of mine attended a church service in which a guest evangelist was the featured speaker. The guest evangelist gave his message, but it was in a so-called unknown tongue. Then one of their 'interpreters' translated the message, stating that the Holy Spirit was telling them that their denomination was the only one blessed by God and that they should do all in their power to draw people away from other denominations and bring them into that one. It would be the only way those people could obtain salvation.

What none of them knew was that as soon as the guest evangelist had begun his 'message', my friend knew exactly what the man was saying. And the reason that he understood it was due to its being a direct quote from the Roman Catholic Missal when it was still written in Latin (my friend had been an active member of the RCC for several years). The evangelist had simply memorized 2 to 3 pages of it, and then had recited those pages to the people.

 

[PROPHECYKID]

Well I was talking to one of my pastors that I know online, and he told me to read 1 Corinthians 12-14 and I did than he told me about, needing an interpreter in order to speak in tongues in church, does this still apply for speaking in tongues while praying and while in private and speaking to the LORD?

Another Question:

Yesterday, the group TheGreatAwakening is at my church, by the way, and I went up for a prayer for salvation for assurance than, we went up to pray individually and one of the guys started saying something like this "Jesus fill these people with the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of speaking in tongues." IMMEDIATELY I was praying and than I started saying these words I did not understand and my stomach started burning, I did not know if that is what it was, than he came up to me and it started again, this time I had an approval from someone. I do not know if he is an interpreter, BUT he knew I was speaking in tongues, also when I speak in tongues it sounds like I am making up words, unlike those who sounds so amazing. SO I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF I AM OR AM I NOT.

There is great deception when it comes to this particular area. The sign of the spirit is the fruits of the spirit. Gifts of the spirit are given based on necessity and with purpose. It is for the spreading of the gospel and the edification of the church. In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul says that he rather speaks 5 words in a tongue that everyone can understand and he edified than 1000 words in an unknown tongue that no one can understand. You don't know what you said and no one else did. The people would feel good not because of what you said, but because they believe that the fact that you did "speak in tongues" means the spirit is present. How does God want us to be edified? It should be based on the message, based on the gospel and based on sound biblical teaching.

This is why Paul said that if anyone speaks in an unknown tongue there should be an interpreter. it is because they people must be told what is being said so that can learn from it or be edified by it.

Also there can be a difference between the gift of tongues and speaking in tongues. You can speak in tongues without having the gift of tongues. When the Apostles first spoke with 'new' tongues, they people were astonished because they knew they did not previously LEARN the tongues. Had they previously learned the tongues, they would still be speaking in tongues but it would not have been a Gift.

 

[Ark100]

Well I was talking to one of my pastors that I know online, and he told me to read 1 Corinthians 12-14 and I did than he told me about, needing an interpreter in order to speak in tongues in church, does this still apply for speaking in tongues while praying and while in private and speaking to the LORD?

It depends on the church, I believe is ok to speak in tongue without an interpreter during church as long as you re not disrupting everyone else or the service. If its a joint tongue speaking moment at church, I believe its ok. The Spirit of God will move when people avail themselves.

If its for the edification of the church and the people, then an interpreter is needed. The one who speaks in tongues can interprete it after, or someone else can interprete as the Lord gives. If someone will stand up in the midst of the congregation to speak in tongues loudly, there has to be an interpreter present or the same person will interprete if given the gift of both.

Also yes you definitely don't need interpretations when speaking it privately to God. Its your spirit communicating with the Spirit of God. Many dangers have been averted through speaking in tongues. We are praying, the Spirit is interceding. God knows why or what, but the Spirit intercedes. Its okay to ask God to give you gift to interprete As Apostle Paul said. But the work of God through tongue speaking still continues privately even if you cannot interprete it.


Another Question:

Yesterday, the group TheGreatAwakening is at my church, by the way, and I went up for a prayer for salvation for assurance than, we went up to pray individually and one of the guys started saying something like this "Jesus fill these people with the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of speaking in tongues." IMMEDIATELY I was praying and than I started saying these words I did not understand and my stomach started burning,

God can fill people with the Holy Spirit when anointing falls on them. I also believe you should not force tongue speaking. If it comes naturally during that time, let it flow, but don't force words to come our if you are not feeling it.
be careful in that regards.

I did not know if that is what it was, than he came up to me and it started again, this time I had an approval from someone. I do not know if he is an interpreter, BUT he knew I was speaking in tongues, also when I speak in tongues it sounds like I am making up words, unlike those who sounds so amazing. SO I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF I AM OR AM I

it may sound a bit strange to you when you start but you get used to it. I did not get tongue speaking during any revival or by being prayed on. I asked God for it when I desired and wanted it, and He gave it to me. I know its from God for only He gave it to me without anyone touching my head or speaking it on me. Everyone is different though.

But what I want you to take from all these is that you dont force it. Some people force it and only blabs come out, like whatever they can mutter. Genuine tongue speaking is the works of the Holy Spirit, and its utterance by the Spirit

 

[StormHawk]

Well I was talking to one of my pastors that I know online, and he told me to read 1 Corinthians 12-14 and I did than he told me about, needing an interpreter in order to speak in tongues in church, does this still apply for speaking in tongues while praying and while in private and speaking to the LORD?

Certainly not.
You just allow God to minister to you by allowing His Spirit to lead you in tongues.

Yesterday, the group TheGreatAwakening is at my church, by the way, and I went up for a prayer for salvation for assurance than, we went up to pray individually and one of the guys started saying something like this "Jesus fill these people with the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of speaking in tongues." IMMEDIATELY I was praying and than I started saying these words I did not understand and my stomach started burning, I did not know if that is what it was, than he came up to me and it started again, this time I had an approval from someone. I do not know if he is an interpreter, BUT he knew I was speaking in tongues, also when I speak in tongues it sounds like I am making up words, unlike those who sounds so amazing. SO I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF I AM OR AM I NOT.

It certainly sounds as if you have received salvation, tongues was (and is) God's sign of entering the new covenant, as well as him leading you beyond your limited understanding of what to pray - Romans 8:26 (1 Cor. 2:9-11).

 

[asiyreh]

Why don't you try having a proper conversation with God. And if you want to speak in tongues why don't you learn a foreign language and go spread the gospel in your new language.

 

[StormHawk]

Why don't you try having a proper conversation with God. And if you want to speak in tongues why don't you learn a foreign language and go spread the gospel in your new language.

Tongues is to enable us to pray properly according to the will of God for us personally, things which have not entered into the heart & mind of man, a love, joy and peace "that passes understanding".

That's why all immediately pray in tongues when they obey the gospel directive to receive the Holy Spirit - Acts 2:4, 33, 38-39; 10:44-48, 19:5-6 (John 3:8, Galatians 4:6)

 

[asiyreh]

I've taken a look at that first verse, of the long list you haven't bothered to show us, Acts 2:4.

Acts 2: 5-6 goes onto say,

5Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language.

Notice it doesn't say, and they began to babble (a derivative of the word Babylon incidentally) and jump about in the church waving there arms and legs as if demon possessed.

 

[StormHawk]

...
Notice it doesn't say, and they began to babble (a derivative of the word Babylon incidentally) and jump about in the church waving there arms and legs as if demon possessed.

Indeed - if that's what you immediately think you are sadly uninformed about what God wants in meetings.

Like most people, you have probably never actually been to a meeting run like God "commands" in 1 Corinthians 14.

You quote vv5-6 - these were bi-lingual Jews who were in Jerusalem for Pentecost. The same can happen today when people from other nations visit a meeti9ng. However read on to vv12-13 and you will see that tongues never was for preaching to people, it left them all in doubt and confusion - why? - because they were over-hearing the disciples praying to God - which is what tongues, is, and always was for (1 Corinthians 14:2, 4, Romans 8:26).

 

[asiyreh]

1 Corinthians 14

Hmm well that's allot better than most of the verses you peps usually argue. OK i'm intrigued I'll do some more research into this particular verse.

 

[StormHawk]

Hmm well that's allot better than most of the verses you peps usually argue. OK i'm intrigued I'll do some more research into this particular verse.

Well done, that will move you up a division.

Actually 1 Corinthians 14 is a whole chapter in a letter written to people who have already received the Holy Spirit. Since chapter 11 Paul has been talking about what God wants in meetings.

"The gifts of the Holy Spirit" and the giving to the church, the meetings-use of attributes that all Christians have for private use ... wisdom, knowledge, faith, tongues etc

That's why it specifically says "to one... to another ..." - in meetings only one should speak at once to avoid confusion.

Chapter 14 states how these gifts are vehicles for God's love so any "church" that doesn't use them isn't following God's love, they have substituted man's ideas, liturgy, or emotionalism (v2, 37-40)

In our meetings, we have 2 or 3 gifts of tongues, each followed by a gift of interpretation, and 2 or 3 prophecies.

 

[asiyreh]

Hold on to your horses there big chief. I'm not something swaying in the wind for every new doctrine that blows by. I said I would investigate it.

I don't like the fruits of this doctrine not one little bit. People dancing round in a church waving arms like they were possessed.

For one if this thing is scriptural, it's only to be done in private.

I said I would investigate, I don't expect that if I ever try this, that I'm going to get any type of promotion, by the way.
New doctrines require study, communication with the brethern, prayer and maybe some type of scriptural parallels would be nice.

Lately and most importantly the spirit answers with grace and pace. I will wait for him to answer, before considering this...

 

[StormHawk]

Hold on to your horses there big chief. I'm not something swaying in the wind for every new doctrine that blows by. I said I would investigate it.

I don't like the fruits of this doctrine not one little bit. People dancing round in a church waving arms like they were possessed.

Where did you get that from?
Not the doctrine I was presenting!

You saying that is like me saying Irish people are drunkards, because the drunks I met recently tend to have an Irish accent!

Like I said, "Like most people, you have probably never actually been to a meeting run like God "commands" in 1 Corinthians 14."
- here God emphasises that only one should speak at once, people have control (v32) and all things should be done decently and in order (v40).

Sadly, many so-called "Pentecostal" and "charismatic" groups would rather follow the latest idea from some big-name preacher from the States... they have no discernment of what is from God and what is of "the flesh".

You will have to be a little more thorough in your research if you ever want to appreciate how God wants to be worshiped. The first words of Jesus in John are "come and see" - if you can get to our mid-week meeting near Dublin it will help.

 

[asiyreh]

Where did you get that from?
Not the doctrine I was presenting!

You saying that is like me saying Irish people are drunkards, because the drunks I met recently tend to have an Irish accent!

Like I said, "Like most people, you have probably never actually been to a meeting run like God "commands" in 1 Corinthians 14."
- here God emphasises that only one should speak at once, people have control (v32) and all things should be done decently and in order (v40).

Sadly, many so-called "Pentecostal" and "charismatic" groups would rather follow the latest idea from some big-name preacher from the States... they have no discernment of what is from God and what is of "the flesh".

You will have to be a little more thorough in your research if you ever want to appreciate how God wants to be worshiped. The first words of Jesus in John are "come and see" - if you can get to our mid-week meeting near Dublin it will help.

Try not to take this as a rebuke but rather as constructive criticism.

I think you could benefit from taking the time to read the contents of this website.

How to Be a Good Listener: 16 steps - wikiHow

Perhaps I may go to a meeting, what exactly is this, and how would this differ from my church? Can you show me where God commands that I do attend one of these "meetings." From the research I conducted so far speaking in tongues is not necessary nor can it be taught. Also there are subtle suggestions that it may hamper the gift of prophesy.

I'm still researching, I should reach a conclusion in a few days.

Lastly one question - has anyone been given a gift to allow them to interpret this prayer language?

 

[StormHawk]

Perhaps I may go to a meeting, what exactly is this, and how would this differ from my church? Can you show me where God commands that I do attend one of these "meetings."

As already mentioned, since chapter 11 Paul has been talking about what God wants in meetings. Chapter 14 uses phrases like "when you are come together" (v23, 26), "in the church" (v19, 28), ... confirming the point.

After detailing how the gifts should be operated, Paul says:
"If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord" (v37)

has anyone been given a gift to allow them to interpret this prayer language?

Always!
The interpretation, like the message in tongues comes from God's Spirit, not man's intellect.
You really would benefit from visiting a meeting, come on weds if poss as we are having a get-together in Bath, England from Saturday so there won't be a meeting next week.

 

[asiyreh]

So how would you put a barrier on someone doing this tongues prayer? Say if one person does his prayer language display, then the next one comes along and he wants to be a little louder, then the next one and they want to move their arms a little, the next move their feet a little. You see were I'm going with this right? Is there a barrier here of some type?

Or maybe there can't be a barrier for it would be rude to interrupt the spirit?

I think Paul talks about some of these people, spiritual bouncers if you like, with gifts to know different spirit types, and possibly to silence them if necessary.

Here's what I think, I just read those chapters you mentioned: I think Paul gives you the go ahead for this tongue speaking thing... maybe...it's highly debatable, that this is simply a language of men.

But if it is this prayer tongue... If, he puts it to the bottom of the pile, also there's an obvious suggestion there at the end of 1 Cor 13, that you should strive to become a more mature Christian...

I suppose I speak to God in tongues, inside my mind, for it's in thoughts and images, ideas, not the language of man, only understood by me and him, and not visible to the outside world. I don't visibly utter. To do so I think would hamper and quiet the good guidance of the spirit in my mind.

Those chapters outline Paul's address to the church at Corinth. It sure does sound like the church was much more vibrant in those times, with different displays of faith happening. You know what; I see the appeal brother.

But.. don't forget some of us have different spiritual characters, just like we do our human personalities. Some of us prefer a more solemn walk with our Lord. I'm fairly young but I've got an old soul bro, I love my study of the Word and I love listening for the Spirit.

You know I said a prayer early asking Jesus what he meant when he said never to forget your first love. I couldn't work out what that was, was it was Jesus himself? Maybe the the book of genesis? perhaps that first thing that that brought you to him?

It was listening for the Holy spirit, that was my first love. Those little bits of manna.

But hey maybe that's just me I guess.