Speaking In tounges...help...

[PreacherBoi1527]

I have a friend who totally believes in speaking in tounges...i however have been raised baptist since i was little and all i've ever learned about the subject that it no longer exsist. I don't know why it doesn't exsist anymore though...i would just say "okay, it doesn't exsist." and not ask questions. Now i want to know where are verses or passages that say that speaking in tounges no longer exsists. Thanks!

-Preacher Boy

 

[arunma]

I have a friend who totally believes in speaking in tounges...i however have been raised baptist since i was little and all i've ever learned about the subject that it no longer exsist. I don't know why it doesn't exsist anymore though...i would just say "okay, it doesn't exsist." and not ask questions. Now i want to know where are verses or passages that say that speaking in tounges no longer exsists. Thanks!

-Preacher Boy

I'm not big on speaking in tongues; I've never experienced this gift of the Spirit, and I don't have an overwhelming urge to receive it (unless God wills otherwise, of course). But my understanding of the Scriptures tell me that speaking in tongues never passed away, and that it still exists in the church. Whatever your opinion is, here is the pertinent passage.

Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. (1 Corinthians 13:8-10)

​

Many Baptists argue that tongues have "passed away" with the close of the canon. You might ask: what's so important about the close of the canon? Well, notice what is said in verse 10, "when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away." These Baptists reason that the "perfect" is the canon of Scripture, while the "partial" is the gift of tongues. They believe that tongues were a sign in the early church, which God made known for the benefit of believers and unbelievers, but that since the Scripture is a greater revelation, tongues are no longer necessary.

This is why I disagree. First of all, Apostle Paul does not identify "the perfect" with the canon of Scripture. In fact, nowhere does the Bible refer to any canon of Scripture. Christ Jesus refers to the Law, Psalms, and Prophets, which make up the Old Testament (St. Luke 24:44), and Peter refers to Paul's writings as Scripture (2 Peter 3:15-16). But there is no direct reference to the whole of canonical Scripture Furthermore, there is no point in time when we can say that the canon of Scripture was officially closed. Did the canon close when Apostle John died? Or was it when he finished writing the Revelation? We can't use either of these as a date for the close of the canon, because the New Testament hadn't fully circulated within the early church by this time.

At this time, the canonical Bible as we now know it had been written, but not all the churches had a standardized canon Scripture. The only Bible the church had was the Old Testament, the epistles of the Apostles, and perhaps a Gospel or two. Even this wasn't definitive. The church had not yet determined what books should be in the Old Testament, there were many forged epistles circulating, and heretics had already written false gospels to decieve the Christians.

The closest thing I can think of to a closing of the canon is the Council of Hippo in 393, which approved the Biblical canon that Bishop Saint Athanasius had recorded in his Easter Letter of 367. Even this wasn't "perfect" for two reasons. First, the Council of Hippo wasn't an ecumenical council, so not all the churches recognized it. Secondly, Athanasius made one minor error in his canon. He mistakenly placed Esther in the Apocrypha, and Baruch in the Old Testament. That's not too bad, especially since most Christian theology doesn't strongly rely on Esther, but it still isn't perfect.

For this reason, I think that the spiritual gifts, including tongues, still exist in the church today. It seems to me that by "perfect," Apostle Paul was referring to the Second Advent of our Lord Jesus.

 

[DeaconDean]

I have a friend who totally believes in speaking in tounges...i however have been raised baptist since i was little and all i've ever learned about the subject that it no longer exsist. I don't know why it doesn't exsist anymore though...i would just say "okay, it doesn't exsist." and not ask questions. Now i want to know where are verses or passages that say that speaking in tounges no longer exsists. Thanks!

-Preacher Boy

Let me say that I am a Baptist too, and having said that I have to admit that I have never seem this gift practiced in the Baptist churches I have attended. Traditionally, here in the South, the Pentacostal and Church of Christ denominations fully believe in this spiritual gift. Having said that, I believe that also. Just because our church doesn't practice this, does not mean it doesn't exist. 1 Cor. 12:4 tells us that these gifts come through Him. "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit." We are taught that upon our confession and the Holy Spirit indwells us, we are indowed with our spiritual gift. (1 Cor. 12:7) Whatever it may be. It may be that the Spirit gives you the ability to teach, or to prophesy, or to ministry, and yes even the gift of tongues. It is a gift that is still being given out by the Spirit. People will argue that around 100 AD the gifts were stopped because the apostles had passed away and that the written word had been recorded so we now(then) had perfect knowledge. (1 Cor. 13:10) But, and the argument here is who has perfect knowledge of the Bible, God, Jesus Christ, or the Holy Spirit? In my opinion, no one has complete perfect knowledge, and we will not until that we see Jesus and are made just like Him. Argument against ceasation of gifts is that ministers, pastors, bishops, whatever the term your denomination calls it, that is a gift also of the Spirit. Some people will argue against my line of thought because of what is said in 1 Tim 3 about bishops. "If a man desireth the office of bishop, he desireth a good work." (1 Tim. 3:1) But I believe anybody could desire the office of pastor but without the Spirit being in it, his ministry would come to nought (nothing). So if the calling to be ministers is of the Spirit, why would the gift of tongues not be given also? Isn't the gift of tongues a gift of the Spirit as I have shown? Yes it is. It may be that the way the gift is used could be, mind you I said could be, of different types. For example: we know thay we are instructed that if someone speaks in tongues in the church that they are to have an interpreter nearby so that they (the congegation) can know what God and the believer has to say. If no interpreter is handy, then they are to keep quiet because without one, it becomes confusion, "For God is not the author of confusion," (1 Cor. 14:33) When someone speaks in tongues, more often than not, it is to the edification of the believer. Simply put, it is talk between the Lord and the believer. Paul also warned that these gifts, whatever you have, must be governed by love or they aren't worth nothing. (1 Cor. 13:1-3) And Paul also said that he would rather speak five words that could be understood than ten thousand in an unkown tongue. (1 Cor. 14:5) It may also be that the gift of tongues could be that you as a missionary, are able to pick up very quickly the native tongue of the country to which you are sent. I have a friend who went on a missionary trip to Romania. I live in North Carolina, and we have a "southern accent." My friend never was any good at speaking Spanish, or any other language in high school, but yet after the first missionary trip to Romania, he could speak "broken Romanian." And every trip since, he has gotten better. It could be that this, is a gift of tongues. I believe that the Bible says spiritual gifts are given to every believer. And the speaking in tongues is listed as a gift, therefore it is still a gift of the Spirit, and consequently, is still being given out. I would say to you, study 1 Cor. 12-14, here Paul discusses the giving of gifts, and how they are to be used, and why. I hope I helped. God Bless.

 

[Flynmonkie]

One of the best answers I have seen!

Never underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

[thepianist]

I have a friend who totally believes in speaking in tounges...i however have been raised baptist since i was little and all i've ever learned about the subject that it no longer exsist. I don't know why it doesn't exsist anymore though...i would just say "okay, it doesn't exsist." and not ask questions. Now i want to know where are verses or passages that say that speaking in tounges no longer exsists. Thanks!

-Preacher Boy

Hello young man - I have to say that I've never seen anyone speak in tongues in any Baptist church I ever attended....and never have given a whole lot of value to the possibility of this gift still being around.

If you watch any of the 'Christian TV' stations, you see people start to babble in different services.....sorry, that kind of stuff just doesn't appeal to me. Let me as you a question. Have you ever seen speaking in tongues as we see described in the Bible? Acts 2:2 & 3 "And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them."

I can honestly say that I would truly believe speaking in tongues was still around today if it happened like the verses I just quoted.

My daddy was a Baptist preacher.....an evangelist who went all over America preaching revivals.....he led many sinners to the saving knowledge of Jesus. Once, many years ago, he prayed long and hard for God to let him speak in tongues if it was real. What can I say???? Daddy never did speak in tongues.....and that man was close to the Lord. Hope this helps.

 

[MatthewPoole]

I have a friend who totally believes in speaking in tounges...i however have been raised baptist since i was little and all i've ever learned about the subject that it no longer exsist. I don't know why it doesn't exsist anymore though...i would just say "okay, it doesn't exsist." and not ask questions. Now i want to know where are verses or passages that say that speaking in tounges no longer exsists. Thanks!

-Preacher Boy

See your PM, Please.

MP

 

[arunma]

One of the best answers I have seen!

Never underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit.

It was. I've never considered the possibility that the gift of tongues might also include the ability to speak in other known languages (especially for the purpose of evangelism).

 

[Joykins]

It was. I've never considered the possibility that the gift of tongues might also include the ability to speak in other known languages (especially for the purpose of evangelism).

Indeed, that is what happened at the original Pentacost

 

[Flynmonkie]

It was. I've never considered the possibility that the gift of tongues might also include the ability to speak in other known languages (especially for the purpose of evangelism).

Absolutely, I too feel that this is the meaning of "tongues" however you cannot possibly say when someone tells you they privately experience this "babble" as some feel, in prayer, that they are wrong.

My answer is -- it doesn't happen to me - but I never underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit. DeaconDeans answer embodied that thought. I personally find it awfully "condescending" to tell others how they "do" or "do not" experience the Spirit in their life.

 

[HumbleMan]

Coming out of a pentacostal church, I can say that the "tongues" that one sees on TBN and in most churches is suspicious at best. I still believe in the biblical evidence that tongues (and the other Spiritual gifts) have not ceased, and will not until the end of days.

Tongues (Acts 2) is still happening in the harvest fields of the world. Places where they've never read the bible.

 

[DiscipleOfIAm]

I know there is a lot of feeling about this. I personally have not experienced it. I have seen it in AoG churches and being raised in Christian Churches (RM) I never saw it growing up. My wife grew up in AoG churches and she has not personally experienced it either, but she does believe in it.

My only response is: Are all these people really faking it? Is it some sort of huge conspiracy to fake speaking in tounges to get people into their church? Can't be.

The Holy Spirit, which a lot of us forget is God and is just as important as the other two in the Godhead, can do whatever He wants. He can make happen and do miracles when and where He wants. So, I have to believe that it can happen.

God Bless

 

[Athanasian Creed]

...My daddy was a Baptist preacher.....an evangelist who went all over America preaching revivals.....he led many sinners to the saving knowledge of Jesus. Once, many years ago, he prayed long and hard for God to let him speak in tongues if it was real. What can I say???? Daddy never did speak in tongues.....and that man was close to the Lord. Hope this helps.

1 Corinthians 12:30-31 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.




Ray

 

[rural_preacher]

Absolutely, I too feel that this is the meaning of "tongues" however you cannot possibly say when someone tells you they privately experience this "babble" as some feel, in prayer, that they are wrong.

My answer is -- it doesn't happen to me - but I never underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit. DeaconDeans answer embodied that thought. I personally find it awfully "condescending" to tell others how they "do" or "do not" experience the Spirit in their life.

Romans 8:26,27
"Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God."


--

 

[qpmomma]

I have a friend who totally believes in speaking in tounges...i however have been raised baptist since i was little and all i've ever learned about the subject that it no longer exsist. I don't know why it doesn't exsist anymore though...i would just say "okay, it doesn't exsist." and not ask questions. Now i want to know where are verses or passages that say that speaking in tounges no longer exsists. Thanks!

-Preacher Boy

I don't know why Baptists have such a problem with this! lol My Baptist pastor's daughter speaks in tongues, it's not limited to the pentacostal denomination. Read Acts. It helps a lot with this issue.

Peace,

Christina

 

[mesue]

I have a friend who totally believes in speaking in tounges...i however have been raised baptist since i was little and all i've ever learned about the subject that it no longer exsist. I don't know why it doesn't exsist anymore though...i would just say "okay, it doesn't exsist." and not ask questions. Now i want to know where are verses or passages that say that speaking in tounges no longer exsists. Thanks!

-Preacher Boy

Tongues are for non-believers.

1Corinthians 14:21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
1Corinthians 14:22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

John MacArther did a study on this this morning. He was very insightful. I only caught the later half of the stidy on my way to work. But here's the transcript so you can read for yourself.
http://www.gty.org/resources.php?section=articles&aid=230680

 

[DiscipleOfIAm]

Tongues are for non-believers.

That's a pretty bold statement. Are you saying that tounges is to make believers out of non-believers or that all who believe in it are non-believers?

If it is the latter, than you're saying it is all a huge conspiracy and everyone that has experienced is faking, making a hoax.

 

[mesue]

That's a pretty bold statement. Are you saying that tounges is to make believers out of non-believers or that all who believe in it are non-believers?

If it is the latter, than you're saying it is all a huge conspiracy and everyone that has experienced is faking, making a hoax.

I'm saying what God is saying in His word. If that makes me bold, well, then, I guess I am. I'm bold in the Lord. I have not the spirit of fear.

Hebrews 13:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

 

[qpmomma]

That's a pretty bold statement. Are you saying that tounges is to make believers out of non-believers or that all who believe in it are non-believers?

If it is the latter, than you're saying it is all a huge conspiracy and everyone that has experienced is faking, making a hoax.

I think she meant tongues are meant as a witness to non-believers.

 

[Flynmonkie]

Romans 8:26,27
"Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God."
--

Rural Preacher I am a bit confused with this. I understand this passage to mean “the Holy Spirit works in us in ways we cannot even imagine” Even when we are not aware of it or don’t know how to express it. Assurance.

I never before compared this passage to the thought of tongues. Could you help with a bit of explanation here? My experience with knowing someone whom experiences this is another Baptist (gentle sweet Christian) woman whom confessed this to me one day. I found it shocking and strange (truly it freaks me out the idea of someone blabbering next to me – it makes no sense to me) I have always felt that “tongues” meant languages of other cultures, else we would be able to "understand" it all. But she claims to have this happen sometimes in prayer, in private. She said she would never do this in public. So based on this verse is it saying that this is wrong? Or is this supporting that we should never underestimate the power of the Spirit? I am having a difficult time tying this in. Thanks!

 

[DiscipleOfIAm]

I think she meant tongues are meant as a witness to non-believers.

I'm glad you know what she means. I'm still trying to figure it out. It's like talking to the Riddler or something. Just say what you mean and specify. You've got to specify more when you're in a forum like this. No one can see your face or know what people really mean unless you spell it out!!