Speaking in Tongues

[quietbloke]

Please respect this forums beliefs and not contradict them.

 

[Dave-W]

The only thing "speaking in tongues" meant is that people were using other actual languages to preach about Jesus. It had nothing to do with the flopping around spouting gibberish act that some sects have turned it into. See Acts for details.

While tongues is mentioned several places in the NT, including a provision for interpretation, there is only ONE place where they were known languages: (and no need for an interpreter) Acts 2.

 

[dreadnought]

What if a person does not speak in tongues?
Are they still invited into the assembly of believers?
Are they believed not to have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit?
Since this is considered to be an INITIAL sign, do the other signs not matter UNTIL
this initial sign of tongues is shown in the believer?

Thanks.

In reality, I think very few people speak in tongues. You might remember in the Bible they spoke in tongues to spread the gospel to people who spoke different languages. Nowadays it seems to be more of a status symbol.

 

[GodsGrace101]

You are combining 1 Cor. chapters 12 and 13. But that is ok. No chapter divisions when it was written.

I would encourage you to get a book (written by a couple of Presbyterian pastors even) that has a good take on this subject. I hope you can find it over there in Italy.

https://www.amazon.com/Receiving-Power-Preparing-Holy-Spirit/dp/0800792467


These 2 guys are both friends of mine: Long (on the left) and McMurry:

Yes. The book is available here.
I'll get it but I don't plan on becoming a seeker!
It must be nice to know the authors. Great source of info!

 

[GodsGrace101]

I don't mind... I had written a lot and didn't want to overstay my welcome.

Basically, tradition. One of the things we teach people is that we are born into a certain paradigm that is based on all of the subconscious learning we take in as we grow up. In other words, if our parents were raised Catholic and believe that baptism is done by sprinkling an infant, then, because that is what I had been exposed to in relation to that word all the years of my youth, then when I read the word baptism in the bible, I will only see sprinkling because that it what I was raised to see. It becomes part of my bias (we all have a bias) and unless I reach a point of maturity where I can look at my own bias' through a more even lens, I won't ever know that baptism might include immersion.

Likewise, when a small group of Christians take on a view that speaking in tongues is "the" manifestation of the Holy Spirit within us... then as their children grow up seeing and hearing this teaching throughout all their formative years... it will simply become part of who and what they are because that is all they have ever known.

Evenly (and openly) looking at our own paradigm/bias and weighing in information that is contrary to the thoughts and ideas we were raised in is a very hard thing to do. But I also believe that being able to do so is vital to our spiritual growth. Otherwise, God is always being forced into our narrow lens and much of His greatness becomes overlooked.

Agreed. I was raised catholic and, although I love my catholic brothers and sisters, I had to re-examine every doctrine carefully before I became protestant. However, I must say that some things in the bible seem so clear to me that I wonder why everyone doesn't agree with me! By, "me", I mean what I've learned both in the Catholic church (they are right about some things!) and what I've learned in the protestant church I attended for about 10 years. (Nazarene). I do read and I do have to find what I learn in the writings somewhere.

 

[GodsGrace101]

The only thing "speaking in tongues" meant is that people were using other actual languages to preach about Jesus. It had nothing to do with the flopping around spouting gibberish act that some sects have turned it into. See Acts for details.

Acts 10:46 The gentiles were hearing Peter (?) speaking in tongues
and verse 47 says this they received this gift. So it would seem that there is the baptism of John, the baptism of the spirit and the baptism of Jesus.

 

[GodsGrace101]

While tongues is mentioned several places in the NT, including a provision for interpretation, there is only ONE place where they were known languages: (and no need for an interpreter) Acts 2.

What about Acts 10:46?

 

[Dave-W]

What about Acts 10:46?

How about a few more verses to set the context:

44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. 45 All the circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God. Then Peter answered, 47 “Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?” 48 And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay on for a few days.​

Is there any mention of Peter or the others understanding what was being said?

NO.

 

[Mountainmanbob]

Back circa 1966 when we joined the A/G, they told us if you did not speak in tongues you did NOT have the Holy Spirit.
So I became a "chronic seeker."

That's rather sad.

MB

 

[FIRESTORM314]

There's a very small A of G church near my home and I've been thinking of trying it. I've been saved a long time but have never spoken in tongues. I don't know why. It seems that God should just give me this gift if He wants to, not that I need to look for it all my life.

Thanks for the post.

Why don't you give it a try
It should be an interesting experience for you even if it seems a bit whacky.

I'm not a member of the AOG but I do have a lot of healthy respect for them. I was powerfully healed and filled with the Spirit in one of their meetings many years ago. I had crawled my way out of hospital to attend a service and got to say I had a real encounter with God that changed me forever. I practically "lit up" and had the presence of God around me for days while I gradually recovered. That was a healing and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in one go.

I've never spoken in tongues though.

If you'd have asked the question do Spirit Filled believers all speak in tongues 30 years ago then you may have got more Yes answers than No's. From observation and cross checking with the word then one can conclude that tongues is just one of the spiritual gifts and not everyone has it.

I think the early believers including Paul would have made such observations themselves over time hence Paul's writing on the Different Spiritual Gifts.

 

[GodsGrace101]

Why don't you give it a try
It should be an interesting experience for you even if it seems a bit whacky.

I'm not a member of the AOG but I do have a lot of healthy respect for them. I was powerfully healed and filled with the Spirit in one of their meetings many years ago. I had crawled my way out of hospital to attend a service and got to say I had a real encounter with God that changed me forever. I practically "lit up" and had the presence of God around me for days while I gradually recovered. That was a healing and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in one go.

I've never spoken in tongues though.

If you'd have asked the question do Spirit Filled believers all speak in tongues 30 years ago then you may have got more Yes answers than No's. From observation and cross checking with the word then one can conclude that tongues is just one of the spiritual gifts and not everyone has it.

I think the early believers including Paul would have made such observations themselves over time hence Paul's writing on the Different Spiritual Gifts.

OK. I'm starting to get a good picture, even from what @Dave-W has been posting.

I know about the AoG churches. I attended a big one up near Milan about two years ago. My daughter and I made a special trip to see Donnie Swaggart. It was so nice to be with other believers.

Here there is only the Catholic Church which I do attend at times. There are born again people there but it's like we speak a different language.
The AoG church I'm speaking about only has about 10 members, not more. I just don't understand enough about the tongues thing and who better to ask than those who know!

 

[stormdancer0]

I spoke in tongues having never heard it or been in a Pentecostal church. And there is a "speaking in tongues" that is referring to a speaking of a heavenly language. Not all tongues is of a known human language. Paul refers to it several times.
However, one of the sweetest, most Christ-like ladies I ever met was a Baptist who, I don't believe, ever spoke in tongues.
In the Church of God, speaking in tongues is THE initial sign of the infilling of the Holy Spirit. But I know of very few CoG pastors who claim that without the tongues, there is no Holy Spirit. I do know several people who do believe that, though.
I even know one lady that says that if a born-again, Spirit-filled believer lies, then is killed in a crash before they ask for forgiveness for that particular sin, they go to hell. Only sins spoken to God are forgiven. Not sure where she gets that, but it would make me paranoid to believe that.
Like any other denomination, there are those who are so extreme that they no longer are following scripture but feelings.
Speaking in tongues is no guarantee. Neither is doing miracles, or even calling Jesus "Lord, Lord." (Refer to the Sermon on the Mount) We must make Christ the Lord over our lives. If we love Him, we will keep His commandments - imperfectly, but we will at least try, with God's help.

If nothing else, remember this: The actual "Gift" is the Holy Spirit Himself. If He is in you, He will gift to you the power you need. It would be a sad type of God who gives you the gift of tongues when miracles are needed - or the gift of miracles when prophecy is needed. When you have the Spirit, you have the gifts. He will give you the one you need, when you need it. I've prophesied, spoken in tongues, interpreted, prayed for and was a conduit for healing someone who had only 2 weeks to live, she was eat up with cancer. Two days later, it was gone. I didn't do anything but pray. God gave the gift.

 

[1stcenturylady]

I spoke in tongues having never heard it or been in a Pentecostal church. And there is a "speaking in tongues" that is referring to a speaking of a heavenly language. Not all tongues is of a known human language. Paul refers to it several times.
However, one of the sweetest, most Christ-like ladies I ever met was a Baptist who, I don't believe, ever spoke in tongues.
In the Church of God, speaking in tongues is THE initial sign of the infilling of the Holy Spirit. But I know of very few CoG pastors who claim that without the tongues, there is no Holy Spirit. I do know several people who do believe that, though.
I even know one lady that says that if a born-again, Spirit-filled believer lies, then is killed in a crash before they ask for forgiveness for that particular sin, they go to hell. Only sins spoken to God are forgiven. Not sure where she gets that, but it would make me paranoid to believe that.
Like any other denomination, there are those who are so extreme that they no longer are following scripture but feelings.
Speaking in tongues is no guarantee. Neither is doing miracles, or even calling Jesus "Lord, Lord." (Refer to the Sermon on the Mount) We must make Christ the Lord over our lives. If we love Him, we will keep His commandments - imperfectly, but we will at least try, with God's help.

If nothing else, remember this: The actual "Gift" is the Holy Spirit Himself. If He is in you, He will gift to you the power you need. It would be a sad type of God who gives you the gift of tongues when miracles are needed - or the gift of miracles when prophecy is needed. When you have the Spirit, you have the gifts. He will give you the one you need, when you need it. I've prophesied, spoken in tongues, interpreted, prayed for and was a conduit for healing someone who had only 2 weeks to live, she was eat up with cancer. Two days later, it was gone. I didn't do anything but pray. God gave the gift.

Great testimony. I speak in tongues, have received prophecies that came true, and had a miracle on the level of Jesus turning water into wine, and 100% of my prayers are answered, because I listen for what to pray for- He tells me, I pray it and it comes to pass. But I do not believe tongues should be called the initial evidence, even though the church I received the baptism of the Holy Spirit believed that. The biggest evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit is the desire to sin suddenly disappears. Romans 6:2, Romans 8:1-9, 1 John 3:5-9. Having said that, I also believe that every person filled with the Holy Spirit is given the ability to speak in tongues whether they ever open their mouth to speak or not, so it shouldn't be the evidence if you never speak though other manifestations are present. But not only that, but everything else described in Mark 16:17-18. And I don't mean purposefully picking up snakes as some practice, but without tempting God if we are bitten or poisoned, we can stand on that verse and be healed.

 

[rocknanchor]

The spiritually prudent will scan and know 2000-yrs of ignorance is no remark of thanksgiving to the Gift. They also know speaking before seeking is detrimental to the weak.

 

[Goodward]

What good is it to say speaking in tongues has ceased or speaking in tongues continues today and not even know what tongues are.

 

[Llleopard]

That's rather sad.

MB

What is a seeker?

 

[Llleopard]

Can you explain to me the difference between the filling with the holy spirit and being baptised in the holy spirit? I was brought up Plymouth brethren, so this is all new to me. I know I have the deposit of the holy spirit because I have begun to prophecy and also receive revelation of the bible. But I don't speak in tongues. My husband says he can't advise me because he's never met someone who has the spirit but doesn't have tongues. I don't even understand why there is any emphasis on tongues. Being brought up dispensationalist I can't see the point yet

 

[quietbloke]

Being baptised in the Holy Spirit is the initial experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit. Being filled with the Holy Spirit is the overflow of the Holy Spirit who is already dwelling in us when we are born again of the Spirit. There follows power to be His witnesses to all around us

 

[Mountainmanbob]

Seems at least 90% of the tongues we hear these days would be man-made?

I attended a Vineyard Church many, many years ago and I would say the percentage was even higher there?

Almost impossible to find anybody on YouTube speaking in tongues that look to be reliable?

I will stick to my Bible and good preachers.

Blessed are the preachers.

M-Bob

 

[quietbloke]

Seems at least 90% of the tongues we hear these days would be man-made?

I attended a Vineyard Church many, many years ago and I would say the percentage was even higher there?

Almost impossible to find anybody on YouTube speaking in tongues that look to be reliable?

I will stick to my Bible and good preachers.

Blessed are the preachers.

M-Bob

I would rather believe the Word of God and enjoy the experience He has given me of being baptised in the Holy Spirit and speaking in other tongues