Ive been a christian for almost a year and it seems that everyone else can speak in tongues. I want to know more about it and how come I cant yet.
God Bless
God Bless
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Speaking in Tongues
- Thread starter godchick03
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godchick03 said:Ive been a christian for almost a year and it seems that everyone else can speak in tongues. I want to know more about it and how come I cant yet.
God Bless
Well, I have to echo the statement that speaking in tongues is a blessing. I recieved the Baptism of the Holy Spirit about a year and a half ago. I was just in a church service when an evangelist called forward anyone who wanted the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. I thought this was odd at first, but I was seeking the Lord about the baptism and felt his nudging to go forward. The preacher laid hands on me and I felt what seemed a warm waterfall fall upon me and I began speaking in tongues. It was an incredible experience. I had been praying about and examining the baptism of the Holy Spirit for a while prior to this event. I just needed to be patient for God's timing. While you wait, examine the scriptures and search your heart. Ask yourself why you want this gift. The gifts of the Spirit are for the edification of Christ and His Church. Read what the Word says about the gifts, and the responsibility that comes with them. And always, continually seek the Lord in all things, including this. Keep asking, He'll answer. Hang in there!!!!
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Breetai
For I am not ashamed of the Gospel...
Speaking in toungues is a GIFT of the Holy Spirit. Not everyone has that gift. They have other gifts. If you don't have the gift of tongues, then don't worry about it. Most Christians don't have that gift anyway.
Maybe you'll recieve that gift yet. If not, you Holy Spirit does bless upon you other gifts for evangelizing the world with.
God Bless!
Maybe you'll recieve that gift yet. If not, you Holy Spirit does bless upon you other gifts for evangelizing the world with.
God Bless!
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Newsboy1900
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godchick03 said:Ive been a christian for almost a year and it seems that everyone else can speak in tongues. I want to know more about it and how come I cant yet.
God Bless
hey i had trouble doing it the first time because of my fear and doubt ( satan kept telling me its fake its not real etc) i dont know if thats what you Feel but i read these scriptures out loud then i began to pray to god just worshiping then i began to speak in tougues
johel 2:28 - 29
luke 11 9-13
john 7-37-39
acts 1 :8
ishaiah 41:10
"And afterward,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions.
29 Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days.
"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
10For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
11"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for[6] a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12Or if he asks for an egg,
will give him a scorpion? 13If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
37On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty,
let him come to me and drink. 38Whoever believes in me, as[3] the Scripture has said, streams of living water
will flow from within him." 39By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive.
Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified
8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem,
and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
10 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.
also if you have the fear/doubt check out
deu 31:8
psalms 23:4
27:1
34:4
91:5
prov 18:10
isah 41:10
math 28:20
luke 12:7
rom 8:15
2 thes 3:3
2 tim 1:7
1 john 4:18
rev 21:7-8
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What does the Bible say? (1Cor 12&13):
It's the "most excellent way" of love that's more important...
-- Radagast
It's the "most excellent way" of love that's more important...
-- Radagast
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A lot of mythology has arisen in the church concerning speaking in tongues. The ONLY instruction given concerning them was to a church that was less than ideal. The Corinthian church experienced all manner of fleshly intrusions. There were divisions among them (1 Cor 3:3). They conducted themselves in such a reprehensible manner around the Lord's table that God caused some of them to become sick, and even killed some of them (1 Cor 11:30). They questioned the Apostleship of Paul (1 Cor 9:1-3). Some even doubted the resurrection of the dead (1 Cor 15:12). Some among their number did not know there was one God (1 Cor 8:6-8). There was a man among them who was living with his father's wife (1 Cor 5:1). Whatever may be said of speaking in tongues, it certainly brought no advantages to the Corinthians.
Here are some facts in the case. Tongues are never related to worship and praise -- never. That is an association men have made. On Pentecost tongues were used to declare "the wonderful works of God" (Acts 2:11). At the house of Cornelius, they were used to "magnify God" (Acts 10:46). Among some Ephesians disciples, they were used to prophesy, or possibly in conjunction with prophecy (Acts 19:6).
The solitary reference to praying in tongues is not teaching men to do so, but showing the unreasonableness of doing so. Paul affirms that IF he did, indeed, pray in a language he did not know, "my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful" (1 Cor 14:14). Further, in this passage he strongly affirms the impossibility of edification apart from understanding. It is understanding that produces edification (1 Cor 14:4-13). Additionally, the whole context of speaking in tongues is the public assembly, not private prayer (1 Cor 14:1-6). Paul's reference to himself praying in tongues related to the public assembly, not private prayer.
Referring to himself, Paul refused to speak or sing things he did not understand. "What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will ALSO pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will ALSO sing with the understanding" (1 Cor 14:15). The word "also" links the speaking and singing with the understanding -- that is, they take place at the same time. They are not two different things. Knowing the danger of doing so, Paul refused to pray or sing in words he did not himself understand.
No believer was ever told to ask for the gift of tongues. That simply is not in Scripture. Concerning spiritual gifts, we are told to "seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church" (1 Cor 14:12). We are also told to "covet earnestly the best gifts," which are the ones that edify the brethren (1 Cor 12:31). Yet, even that is not the most noble pursuit. After telling us to covet earnestly the best gifts, the Spirit adds, "And yet I show unto you A MORE EXCELLENT WAY." That more excellent way is "love," which is opened up in the following chapter (1 Cor 13).
The fourteenth chapter of First Corinthians follows the teaching of love, or "charity," with a word to "desire spiritual gifts." However, even then, a qualification is stipulated: "but RATHER (or especially) that you may prophesy" (14:1). So that none will misunderstand what occurs in prophecy, an explanation of the effects of such a ministry is given -- and those effects all presume understanding. "But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church" (1 Cor 14:3-4). He then states that speaking in tongues is admissible in the church ONLY if what is said can be understood (14:5). If the words cannot be understood, the speaker is to "keep silence in the church," speaking to himself and to God (14:28).
Some have assumed that the person is speaking to himself and God in a language he himself does not understand, but that is not at all the case. The person speaking understands what he is saying. It is the hearers that do not understand. Therefore, the speaker is to pray that he can INTERPRET what he says to the people, not to himself (14:13). Note, he is not to pray that he may understand for himself, but interpret to the people.
Spiritual gifts are never given for the individual himself. They are given for the body of Christ -- to edify and build them up. Thus it is written, "And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one FOR THE PROFIT OF ALL" (1 Cor 12:6-7). When Paul said, "I wish you all spoke with tongues," he quickly added, "but EVEN MORE that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is GREATER than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification" (1 Cor 14:5).
Seeking to speak in tongues is NOT the best pursuit. That is a matter of revelation. The best gifts have to do with edifying the people of God. We know this is the case by priority of the gifts. "And God has appointed these in the church: FIRST apostles, SECOND prophets, THIRD teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues" (1 Cor 12:28). All of the gifts are certainly legitimate. They also all have to do with ministering to others, not self. That also is something that has been plainly declared.
Those who have suggested that a superior blessing is obtained by praying in an unknown tongue have not spoken for God, but for themselves. God has said no such thing, but has rather strongly affirmed the superiority of bringing clear and understandable advantages to His people. This does not invalidate speaking in tongues. It does confirm that such a gift is not to be sought. If God desires for you to have it, He will confer it upon you. But if He does, it will be for the benefit of His people. That also has been revealed.
I know your heart is right, and that you desire to please the Lord in all of your ways. I suggest that a pursuit of some gift or ability that will comfort and edify the people of God is best -- just as God has said. In such a ministry you will find a greater blessing for yourself as well as others.
Bro. Brown
Here are some facts in the case. Tongues are never related to worship and praise -- never. That is an association men have made. On Pentecost tongues were used to declare "the wonderful works of God" (Acts 2:11). At the house of Cornelius, they were used to "magnify God" (Acts 10:46). Among some Ephesians disciples, they were used to prophesy, or possibly in conjunction with prophecy (Acts 19:6).
The solitary reference to praying in tongues is not teaching men to do so, but showing the unreasonableness of doing so. Paul affirms that IF he did, indeed, pray in a language he did not know, "my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful" (1 Cor 14:14). Further, in this passage he strongly affirms the impossibility of edification apart from understanding. It is understanding that produces edification (1 Cor 14:4-13). Additionally, the whole context of speaking in tongues is the public assembly, not private prayer (1 Cor 14:1-6). Paul's reference to himself praying in tongues related to the public assembly, not private prayer.
Referring to himself, Paul refused to speak or sing things he did not understand. "What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will ALSO pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will ALSO sing with the understanding" (1 Cor 14:15). The word "also" links the speaking and singing with the understanding -- that is, they take place at the same time. They are not two different things. Knowing the danger of doing so, Paul refused to pray or sing in words he did not himself understand.
No believer was ever told to ask for the gift of tongues. That simply is not in Scripture. Concerning spiritual gifts, we are told to "seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church" (1 Cor 14:12). We are also told to "covet earnestly the best gifts," which are the ones that edify the brethren (1 Cor 12:31). Yet, even that is not the most noble pursuit. After telling us to covet earnestly the best gifts, the Spirit adds, "And yet I show unto you A MORE EXCELLENT WAY." That more excellent way is "love," which is opened up in the following chapter (1 Cor 13).
The fourteenth chapter of First Corinthians follows the teaching of love, or "charity," with a word to "desire spiritual gifts." However, even then, a qualification is stipulated: "but RATHER (or especially) that you may prophesy" (14:1). So that none will misunderstand what occurs in prophecy, an explanation of the effects of such a ministry is given -- and those effects all presume understanding. "But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church" (1 Cor 14:3-4). He then states that speaking in tongues is admissible in the church ONLY if what is said can be understood (14:5). If the words cannot be understood, the speaker is to "keep silence in the church," speaking to himself and to God (14:28).
Some have assumed that the person is speaking to himself and God in a language he himself does not understand, but that is not at all the case. The person speaking understands what he is saying. It is the hearers that do not understand. Therefore, the speaker is to pray that he can INTERPRET what he says to the people, not to himself (14:13). Note, he is not to pray that he may understand for himself, but interpret to the people.
Spiritual gifts are never given for the individual himself. They are given for the body of Christ -- to edify and build them up. Thus it is written, "And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one FOR THE PROFIT OF ALL" (1 Cor 12:6-7). When Paul said, "I wish you all spoke with tongues," he quickly added, "but EVEN MORE that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is GREATER than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification" (1 Cor 14:5).
Seeking to speak in tongues is NOT the best pursuit. That is a matter of revelation. The best gifts have to do with edifying the people of God. We know this is the case by priority of the gifts. "And God has appointed these in the church: FIRST apostles, SECOND prophets, THIRD teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues" (1 Cor 12:28). All of the gifts are certainly legitimate. They also all have to do with ministering to others, not self. That also is something that has been plainly declared.
Those who have suggested that a superior blessing is obtained by praying in an unknown tongue have not spoken for God, but for themselves. God has said no such thing, but has rather strongly affirmed the superiority of bringing clear and understandable advantages to His people. This does not invalidate speaking in tongues. It does confirm that such a gift is not to be sought. If God desires for you to have it, He will confer it upon you. But if He does, it will be for the benefit of His people. That also has been revealed.
I know your heart is right, and that you desire to please the Lord in all of your ways. I suggest that a pursuit of some gift or ability that will comfort and edify the people of God is best -- just as God has said. In such a ministry you will find a greater blessing for yourself as well as others.
Bro. Brown
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marc
Regular Member
The question: is this true?
The answer:
Another answer:
.
Did anyone say this?
Bro. Brown[/QUOTE]
Bro. Brown,
It appears to me that everyone who answered was saying that "tongues" is not a "superior" gift, just a gift.
I know what you were trying to say, but it sounded more like you were responding to the overzealous tongue worshippers rather than the discussion at hand.
Lord bless you bro.,
Marc
The answer:
" (14:1).
Another answer:
.
.
Did anyone say this?
Bro. Brown[/QUOTE]
Bro. Brown,
It appears to me that everyone who answered was saying that "tongues" is not a "superior" gift, just a gift.
I know what you were trying to say, but it sounded more like you were responding to the overzealous tongue worshippers rather than the discussion at hand.
Lord bless you bro.,
Marc
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To have an unfruitful understanding in no way gives the person an advantage, regardless of the seeming loftiness of the experience. Thus, Paul determined to pray and sing with his understanding (14:14-15). Even this refers to a public setting, not a private one.
The teaching of Scripture concerning tongues is bound upon those claiming to speak in them. Whether or not they actually speak in a language they have neither learned nor understand is not even the question. What they do privately is between them and God. But when they speak in the assembly, it is no longer a private matter.
God has revealed the purpose for spiritual gifts, so there is no question about the matter. First, they are NOT for private benefits, but for the profiting of the whole church. "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all" (1 Cor 12:7). Second, they are to be used for the building up of the brethren, which is expressly said to occur through their understanding. "Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel . . . How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification" (1 Cor 14:12,26).
A view of "tongues" that considers them to be for mere personal benefit, and which does not bring increased understanding, violates both of these stipulations. If a person cites 1 Corinthians 14:4 to say he is edifying himself, he has missed the point of the text. In that verse the speaker knows what he is saying, but the hearers do not. The text is not speaking of private prayer, but of speaking in the assembly.
Secondly, the Corinthian text does not say the person speaking in tongues is speaking mysteries to God. The "mysteries" are to men, not God. It seems to me that a modicum of thought should confirm that to be the case. That is precisely why the speaker, in such a case, is said NOT to speak to men -- because they do not understand him. "For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries" (1 Cor 14:2). That "mysteries" refers to WHAT is being spoken to God, is a fanciful interpretation that men seek to impose upon the passage. The point is that, when speaking in a language the hearers do not know, they do not comprehend what he has said, even though God does. This is a rebuke, not an academic definition of how men speak to God. More precisely it means that even though men cannot judge what he says, God will. This is the Spirit's explanation for the superiority of prophesy -- speaking unto edification, exhortation, and comfort (14:3). The person who insists on speaking in a language he himself does not understand does not really know whether he has cursed Jesus or confessed him, which is precisely the point made in 1 Corinthians 12:3.
The following are bound upon any person professing to speak in tongues. Remember, whether they do or do not speak in tongues is not even the point. They are, by their profession of identity with Christ, bound to honor their Lord by complying with these demands.
1. Covet the better gifts, which do not include tongues (1 Cor 12:30-31).
2. Acknowledge that love is the more excellent way (1 Cor 12:31-13:1).
3. Acknowledge that without love, those speaking in unknown tongues are merely making distracting noise (1 Cor 13:1).
4. Admit there are things tongues cannot do, and that they are not intended to blend with eternity -- they are temporal (1 Cor 13:8).
5. The person speaking to exhort, comfort, and edify the people of God is superior to the one speaking in tongues (1 Cor 14:3).
6. Unless what is spoken is understood, it cannot profit the hearers, including the speaker (1 Cor 14:5.14-15)
7. Among the saints, it is better to speak five words that are understood than ten thousand words that cannot be understood -- an amazing proportion! (1 Cor 14:18).
8. Tongues are a sign for unbelievers, not for believers (1 Cor 14:21). In this passage, reference is made to Isaiah 28:11-13. In that passage God judged Israel because they did not listen to Him. Therefore he brought the Babylonian captivity, during which they heard people speak to them who they did not understand. The point of the prophesy was this: because Israel refused to listen to God, He would speak to them through a people they did not understand. When they heard these mysterious words, they would know they had been judged. Paul uses this passage to confirm that if words not understood are being spoken out in the assembly, it is actually a sign of judgment, not of blessing. He is showing the absurdity of speaking to God's people in words that cannot be comprehended.
9. Speaking in tongues leads those who are uninformed or unbelievers to conclude the speakers are "mad." That certainly brings no glory to God (1 Cor 14:23).
10. When words are spoken that cannot be understood, the speaker is speaking into the air (1 Cor 14:9).
11. The person speaking in tongues is to pray for the ability to interpret what he says to his hearers (1 Cor 14:13).
12. The person must prefer to speak words he understands, using his voice to teach others also (1 Cor 14:19).
13. However the person speaks, edification is to be the result (1 Cor 14:26).
15. Those speaking in other languages, assuming they are understood by the hearers through an interpreter must follow this procedure. Two, or at the most three, can speak, and they must do so in an orderly manner, each in turn (1 Cor 14:27).
16. If there is no interpreter present, they are to keep silent (1 Cor 14:28).
Let there be no mistake about this. These are things bound upon men by the Spirit of God. They are not open to question or discussion. I will tell you that if these things were followed, tongue speaking, as ordinarily perceived, would dry up overnight. That, in my judgment, is precisely why Paul wrote, "Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order" (1 Cor 14:39-40). The matter is not to be settled by an arbitrary law -- "Do not speak in tongues." Rather, the purpose for speaking, which is edification through the understanding, is to be acknowledged and preferred. When this is done, God-honoring results will follow.
Bro. Brown
The teaching of Scripture concerning tongues is bound upon those claiming to speak in them. Whether or not they actually speak in a language they have neither learned nor understand is not even the question. What they do privately is between them and God. But when they speak in the assembly, it is no longer a private matter.
God has revealed the purpose for spiritual gifts, so there is no question about the matter. First, they are NOT for private benefits, but for the profiting of the whole church. "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all" (1 Cor 12:7). Second, they are to be used for the building up of the brethren, which is expressly said to occur through their understanding. "Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel . . . How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification" (1 Cor 14:12,26).
A view of "tongues" that considers them to be for mere personal benefit, and which does not bring increased understanding, violates both of these stipulations. If a person cites 1 Corinthians 14:4 to say he is edifying himself, he has missed the point of the text. In that verse the speaker knows what he is saying, but the hearers do not. The text is not speaking of private prayer, but of speaking in the assembly.
Secondly, the Corinthian text does not say the person speaking in tongues is speaking mysteries to God. The "mysteries" are to men, not God. It seems to me that a modicum of thought should confirm that to be the case. That is precisely why the speaker, in such a case, is said NOT to speak to men -- because they do not understand him. "For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries" (1 Cor 14:2). That "mysteries" refers to WHAT is being spoken to God, is a fanciful interpretation that men seek to impose upon the passage. The point is that, when speaking in a language the hearers do not know, they do not comprehend what he has said, even though God does. This is a rebuke, not an academic definition of how men speak to God. More precisely it means that even though men cannot judge what he says, God will. This is the Spirit's explanation for the superiority of prophesy -- speaking unto edification, exhortation, and comfort (14:3). The person who insists on speaking in a language he himself does not understand does not really know whether he has cursed Jesus or confessed him, which is precisely the point made in 1 Corinthians 12:3.
The following are bound upon any person professing to speak in tongues. Remember, whether they do or do not speak in tongues is not even the point. They are, by their profession of identity with Christ, bound to honor their Lord by complying with these demands.
1. Covet the better gifts, which do not include tongues (1 Cor 12:30-31).
2. Acknowledge that love is the more excellent way (1 Cor 12:31-13:1).
3. Acknowledge that without love, those speaking in unknown tongues are merely making distracting noise (1 Cor 13:1).
4. Admit there are things tongues cannot do, and that they are not intended to blend with eternity -- they are temporal (1 Cor 13:8).
5. The person speaking to exhort, comfort, and edify the people of God is superior to the one speaking in tongues (1 Cor 14:3).
6. Unless what is spoken is understood, it cannot profit the hearers, including the speaker (1 Cor 14:5.14-15)
7. Among the saints, it is better to speak five words that are understood than ten thousand words that cannot be understood -- an amazing proportion! (1 Cor 14:18).
8. Tongues are a sign for unbelievers, not for believers (1 Cor 14:21). In this passage, reference is made to Isaiah 28:11-13. In that passage God judged Israel because they did not listen to Him. Therefore he brought the Babylonian captivity, during which they heard people speak to them who they did not understand. The point of the prophesy was this: because Israel refused to listen to God, He would speak to them through a people they did not understand. When they heard these mysterious words, they would know they had been judged. Paul uses this passage to confirm that if words not understood are being spoken out in the assembly, it is actually a sign of judgment, not of blessing. He is showing the absurdity of speaking to God's people in words that cannot be comprehended.
9. Speaking in tongues leads those who are uninformed or unbelievers to conclude the speakers are "mad." That certainly brings no glory to God (1 Cor 14:23).
10. When words are spoken that cannot be understood, the speaker is speaking into the air (1 Cor 14:9).
11. The person speaking in tongues is to pray for the ability to interpret what he says to his hearers (1 Cor 14:13).
12. The person must prefer to speak words he understands, using his voice to teach others also (1 Cor 14:19).
13. However the person speaks, edification is to be the result (1 Cor 14:26).
15. Those speaking in other languages, assuming they are understood by the hearers through an interpreter must follow this procedure. Two, or at the most three, can speak, and they must do so in an orderly manner, each in turn (1 Cor 14:27).
16. If there is no interpreter present, they are to keep silent (1 Cor 14:28).
Let there be no mistake about this. These are things bound upon men by the Spirit of God. They are not open to question or discussion. I will tell you that if these things were followed, tongue speaking, as ordinarily perceived, would dry up overnight. That, in my judgment, is precisely why Paul wrote, "Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order" (1 Cor 14:39-40). The matter is not to be settled by an arbitrary law -- "Do not speak in tongues." Rather, the purpose for speaking, which is edification through the understanding, is to be acknowledged and preferred. When this is done, God-honoring results will follow.
Bro. Brown
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