speaking in tongues

[Bryan Lim]

I don't get it. I have been a Christian for a few months already and still I can't speak in tongues, why? I went to Revival Service just now and everybody was speaking in tongues during worship. I was jealous and at the same time angry at myself for my failure to speak in tongues. what did i do wrong? Some pastors tried to baptize me with the Holy Spirit but still I can't speak in tongues. Aarrgghh!!!
Sometimes, because i can't speak in tongues, I don't feel complete as a Christian and it makes me feel small. And sometimes, i feel that I am not suppose to be a Christian at all in the first place. I Am very frustrated, very very frustrated.

Currently angry, sad and mad,
Bryan Lim

 

[Lilly of the Valley]

Here are some steps to help you recieve the Holy Spirit. (also, no specific person can baptize you w/ the Spirit, only God can give this to you)

* Be sure your sins are repented of
* Have faith and ask God to give you His Spirit
*Praise the Lord and surrender your tounge to His control

You may have to persist at this, but if you truly want the Holy Spirit, the Lord will give it to you.

 

[Bryan Lim]

Lilly of the Valley,
how am i suppose to surrender my tongue to His control?

 

[Ceris]

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

Do not worry, for as it is written in Mark 16:16 "Whoever believes [in Christ] and is baptized will be saved". God is with you. Speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift given by God (as are all things) to those that he wishes to recieve it. Nothing more, nothing less. Not being able to speak in tongues does not make you any less of a Christian. It is not a requirment for salvation.

 

[SUNSTONE]

God isn't going to force tongues out of you, any more than He is going to force you to pray with words of understanding.
He isn't going to force you to goto church, or stop sinning.

This is what I tell people, just go get a japanesse movie, and mimic what they say(not exactly, don't try to learn the language).
It doesn't matter what comes out, as long as it doesn't make any since to you.

When you get by yourself to pray to God, just begin to thank Him for everything you have, and then when thats done, just speak in tongues. Then when something comes to mind, like confession of a sin, then pray that with words.
And go back to speaking in tongues.
Thats an example of how I do it.

When temptation comes on you, walk away/turn away, and pray in tongues.

 

[SUNSTONE]

Speaking in tongues is great. Like when you are angry, upset, sad, hurting, and joyful.
When you do this, you are acknowledging God. And since you don't know how to pray as you should, praying in tongues should be the most common way of praying to God.

The deeper the emotion I have, the louder I get sometimes, and or the longer I pray in the spirit(tongues).

 

[Sketcher]

If you've repented of your sins, and trust Jesus as your forgiver and Lord, it does not matter if you speak in tounges or not. What matters is that you are in the family, part of the body of Christ. It is God that gives you the gift, and it is not a mark of salvation or spiritual superiority- God saved you because you chose to believe in Him. You have groans in your heart, so what if you can't express them with tounges. He knows what they are anyway (Psalm 44:21).

Here's an excerpt from 1 Corinthians 12. Read the whole chapter. It clearly tells us that not all believers speak in tounges, and those that do are in no way superior to those that don't:

"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable" 1 Cor 12:4-22

 

[Lilly of the Valley]

It's kind of hard to explain how to surrender your tongue to His control. Just praise Him. For me I praised Him, but became frustrated, then it just happened. I started speaking in tongues. The main key is to have faith that God will give you His Spirit. Also, you do need to get the Holy Spirit because it's like a "seal of ownership" to the Lord and it helps you live a holy life. Plus, you need to ask the Lord for it, you don't get it automatically when you get saved. Also, tongues is evidence that you have it.

John 3:5
Jesus answered, "Most assuredly ,I say unto you, unless one are born of the water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God."

 

[SUNSTONE]

Faith is listed in that 1cor12.
Everyone has faith, but there it is listed in those spiritual gifts.
What you think it means is not so, we are clearly to pray in spirit and in truth.
And what is praying in spirit? 1cor14 is clear on it...

14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.
15 (25) What is the outcome then? I will pray with the spirit and I will pray with the mind also; I will (26) sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.

2 For one who (5) speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God; for no one understands, but in his spirit he speaks (6) mysteries.

4 One who (9) speaks in a tongue (10) edifies himself; but one who (11) prophesies (12) edifies the church.
5 Now I wish that you all (13) spoke in tongues, but (14) even more that you would prophesy; and greater is one who prophesies than one who (15) speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive (16) edifying.

27 If anyone speaks in a (51) tongue, it should be by two or at the most three, and each in turn, and one must (52) interpret;
28 but if there is no interpreter, he must keep silent in the church; and let him speak to himself and to God.


One verse says speaking in tongues edifys himself, and then in another verse it says speaking in tongues edifys the church. So which is it?
It is both, depending on if there is an interpreter.
In not, then let him speak to himself and to God. Why?
4 One who (9) speaks in a tongue (10) edifies himself.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Paul wants everything done in order for edification.
To an unbeliever speaking in tongues is senseless, and they will think you are crazy. But if there is an interperter then that changes the purpose for tongues, "in church".

 

[SUNSTONE]

I will say this, you don't need to pray in tongues to be saved.
But you can say that about going to church,
Reading your bible,
Going to bible studys,
Fasting,
Tithing,etc.

But those things are for you, so that you can be edified so much so that you are able to edify others.
Tongues keeps you on your knees longer with God, thinking about Him longer, and allowing the spirit more chance to speak something to your heart.
Instead of "Thx Jesus for this that and the other, and forgive this that and the other, and I pray for this that and the other." wham bam thank you Jesus, which takes all but 2 or 3 minutes to do.

On your knees worshippiong God in spirit(worshipping in tongues) you can spend hours down there, with God, in His presence.
Speaking in tongues you can spend hours, because you don't need to think of something new to say to God, that you haven't said a billion times before, day after day, the same things.

We are to pray in spirit and in truth.
We are to worship in spirit and in truth.
Jesus even said 23 "But (29) an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father (30) in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers.
24 "God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship (31) in spirit and truth

 

[Key]

First you need to know what Tongs is, now this has lead to many people coming to different conclusions. But the basic idea is Tongs can manifest in many different forms.

1: The speaking of the Spirit. This is the moment that you feel the blessing, the power, the emotion of the spirit enter you, and you are filled with emotion, but have no words to say to express this emotion. Now, some people just Yell, others sounds if they are speaking gibberish, and what have you. It is more of a “YAAHH!” then it is any form of Spoken words. This is one of the most common forms of Tongs, to just let the spirit enter you, and relinquish any inhibitions. How many times have you always felt “They will laugh at me if I show emotion” “What will people think?” and the like, and then we suppress the feelings and power of God within us. It it’s own way, it is very liberating, and brings you closer to God.

2: Speaking in a Different Language: This manifests when you seek to preach to spread the Good News of God and the Salvation of Christ. The idea is that the desire is so great for you to explain the salvation and power of God that you just say what you feel, what your spirit needs to say, and they person or persons who listen to the power of your words, will hear what you say in their own language.

3: The ability to understand any language and Speak other languages fluently with little to no formal training: This is the idea that God wills you understand this (The other other person or persons) language so that you can spread the Good News of God and the salvation of Christ to the people of the World, in countries that are not your own, that speak a language that is not your own.

Now, you do not need to speak tongs to be a Christians, or be saved.

The Only Requirement to be saved is that Repent for your sins (We all have them) before Christ, and Accept him as your Lord and Savor (Savor being the big Part). You must Humble your self before the Christ, knowing in your heart and soul that only though his sacrifice, His giving his Sinless Blood and His Sinless Flesh can you be redeem to heaven, and that you can not do it alone.



Sounds easy, trust me, it’s not.



Key.

 

[inHisgrip]

God isn't going to force tongues out of you, any more than He is going to force you to pray with words of understanding.
He isn't going to force you to goto church, or stop sinning.

This is what I tell people, just go get a japanesse movie, and mimic what they say(not exactly, don't try to learn the language).
It doesn't matter what comes out, as long as it doesn't make any since to you.

When you get by yourself to pray to God, just begin to thank Him for everything you have, and then when thats done, just speak in tongues. Then when something comes to mind, like confession of a sin, then pray that with words.
And go back to speaking in tongues.
Thats an example of how I do it.


When temptation comes on you, walk away/turn away, and pray in tongues.

Okay, I have to ask, and I don't mean to offend, but it sounds like you are telling people to make up speaking in tongues, and in fact that is what you do....
Is this what you are saying?
Tongues is not something that everyone will do. In fact I do not know anyone that does. I think that when we as christians begin telling people to just go speak in tongues it is going to hurt there relationship with the Lord because they are not being real with Him.
Also, if you have repented, and asked Jesus into your heart, then He has already given you the Holy Spirit, you don't have to speak in tongues to recieve this gift from Him.
In Him

 

[DanMan]

Well, I have not spoken in tongues before (I may be 14, but I have spent some time at it). But I have a question/comment. Maybe the reason why we can't do it is because we're seeking the experience and not God himself. I know, personally, that when I do come before God that there is at times a doubt that my motives are impure, and that I'm not actually there to praise him but instead to experience his glory. To me, I think that this is wrong. I only say this to you because you said that tongues are making you jealous, mad, and frustrated. It just seems like you're in my same boat...that both of us aren't really seeking God. But I'm going to do something different tonight. I'm going to tell God about my doubts of myself and my motives. And just lift them up to him. Maybe admitting these thoughts alone will draw me closer to him. But anyways, good luck!

 

[Bryan Lim]

I really like your reply, DanMan. thanks.

 

[inHisgrip]

DanMan
This is exactly what He wants from you. Everything. Your doubts, fears, unsure motives, all of it, good or bad. this is true worship. He already knows, but loves for us to humble ourselves before Him.
He is our Father and wants us to come to Him broken seeking Him first, He will do the rest.
Best to you both!!
In Him

 

[DanMan]

Hey, no problem Bryan. I did do it last night. No, I didn't speak in tongues, but I did tell God of my thoughts. And I am so relieved and can't wait till my next moment with him in prayer. Just always keep the focus on God and humble yourself, and you'll be ready for anything.

inHisgrip: Thank you As simple as your post is, it is very encouraging to me.

 

[artybloke]

Personally, I have never had any wish or desire for tongues and on the few occassions I've witnessed it, the kind of people who used it put me off anyway.

I think it's much more important to display the fruits of the spirit (love, patience, kindness, peace, etc) than to be particularly interested in outward displays like this.

Anyway, the church managed pretty well for at least 1800 years without bothering with such things, so I don't see why I should bother. I'll stick to the English language, I think.

 

[seangoh]

Hi Bryan, you might want to speak in tongues but it may not be the Holy Spirit's will to give that gift to you.

"Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. " 1 Cor 12:7-11

Not everybody will speak in tongues as they have other gifts too that the spirit has given them. If you really want a gift, why not desire the greater gifts?

"And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But eagerly desire the greater gifts. " 1 Cor 12:28-31

 

[cat has felt the light!]

Hi Bryan, you might want to speak in tongues but it may not be the Holy Spirit's will to give that gift to you.

"Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. " 1 Cor 12:7-11

Not everybody will speak in tongues as they have other gifts too that the spirit has given them. If you really want a gift, why not desire the greater gifts?

"And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But eagerly desire the greater gifts. " 1 Cor 12:28-31

I agree!
C@ xx

 

[Bryan Lim]

Hi Bryan, you might want to speak in tongues but it may not be the Holy Spirit's will to give that gift to you.

"Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. " 1 Cor 12:7-11

Not everybody will speak in tongues as they have other gifts too that the spirit has given them. If you really want a gift, why not desire the greater gifts?

"And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But eagerly desire the greater gifts. " 1 Cor 12:28-31

Not all can speak in tongues? weird, my spiritual leader says everybody can.