Tongues?!

[conflicted]

I would ust like to find out anything about speaking in tongues. I am confused by this. How many tongues are there? Who can interpret these tongues? Are these tongues actually a language? The whole thing just boggles my mind...

Anyone with any info on this is welcome to reply.

Thanks guys

 

[Jerlene]

What exactly do you mean by tongues?

 

[conflicted]

What exactly do you mean by tongues?

Speaking in tongues. When christians speak in tongues when they are baptised or filled with the holy spirit. Have you heard of it?

 

[Jerlene]

Oh, no. Haven't heard of it. When I say I speak a tongue, by tongue, I mean language.

 

[conflicted]

Oh, no. Haven't heard of it. When I say I speak a tongue, by tongue, I mean language.

Yes it is that. Its another language though that no-one understands. I've just heard of it happening.

 

[TrustingmyLord]

Well... SOME people believe that the way they spoke in tongues in the New Testament is much different than modern day tongues. That the tongues back then were ACTUAL languages and used in order to verify that the apostles were sent by God. They were used for reaching the Jews, who searched for signs and wonders.

Imagine if I ran into some people visiting the U.S. from Germany. They meet me, they know I dont speak German... then all of a sudden I start telling them about Jesus IN GERMAN! They would know it had to be from God.

Also, when God gave out the gift of tongues back then, to only some, NOT all, the tongues were very useful as they needed to preach the gospel to many other nations.

There have been major studies on Glossolalia, (speaking in tongues) and they have found NONE of the modern day tongues to be anything but gibberish. They have also noted that the modern day tongues are very simmiliar to tongues spoken by occutists and different groups in all areas of the world.

To sum it up; Tongues had a purpose, many Christians believe that purpose has been fulfilled and there are no longer Biblical tongues given by God in this day.

Biblical tongues were REAL languages and there was ALWAYS an interpreter or they were forbidden to speak. (See 1 Cor 12 through 14.)

Biblical tongues were used to LEAD people to Christ, not to edify oneself, the Corinthians were severely scolded for their misuse of tongues.

When God dispersed the gifts (he still does, but some believe there a few of them that are done away with) he gave specific gifts to each person. Some had more than one, but NONE had all gifts. These gifts had purpose. Not all had the same gifts.

Tongues in the N.T. were REAL languages.

Ok, I think I am done.

 

[JayJay77]

Well said. I believe the purpose for speaking in tongues privately (in your own prayer closet) is for God to pray a prayer for you.

Romans 8:26
"26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. (NIV)"

The purpose for public tongues (like in a church service, etc.) I believe the purpose is to edify the body of believers. (1 Cor. 14)

The heart of the debate as to whether or not tongues has a place in the church today really lies with whether people manipulate this gift for their own gain. For instance, some people like to "shake" under the "anointing" so that others will see them as "spiritual." I believe people use the gift of tongues without heart sometimes for the same purpose of self gain, and spoil it for everyone else. That is where it has no meaning...and that is where I believe people started "demonizing" the act.

We still need the gift of tongues.

 

[Eruliel]

There can be two kinds of tongues though. Today I think it can be translated as having an affinity for languages, being able to pick up on them quick, and understand them in only a small amount of time. This is used to edify all believers, including the one with the gift
Then there's prayer language that no one but God understands. It's used for personal edification, and like JayJay says is used in the prayer closet. It's like a secret language a brother and sister make up...it gives you an intimacy with God because he's the only one who knows what you're saying. It's nice.
Slainte!
Eruliel

 

[TrustingmyLord]

Wow, lots of great replies here. If you can tell, by my post, although some things I firmly believe, I am a little bit up in the air on the issue of tongues. I used phrases like "Some people believe" etc, because I do not have a definite formed opinion here, but I tend to lean the way I talked about.

I have a question now...

I believe the purpose for speaking in tongues privately (in your own prayer closet) is for God to pray a prayer for you.

Romans 8:26
"26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. (NIV)"

If words cannot express them, then how can this be done other than through a silent prayer? Even silently, are words actually involved?

The heart of the debate as to whether or not tongues has a place in the church today really lies with whether people manipulate this gift for their own gain. For instance, some people like to "shake" under the "anointing" so that others will see them as "spiritual." I believe people use the gift of tongues without heart sometimes for the same purpose of self gain, and spoil it for everyone else. That is where it has no meaning...and that is where I believe people started "demonizing" the act.

I agree with you here. Just as some Christians by their words and behavior can give all of Christianity a bad name, its the same with some people who do these types of things. I am well aware that the fact that I have seen so many "fakes" out there that it might color my opinion on things like this, but I try to keep that in mind and remain objective.

After studying up on the issue of "Slain in the Spirit" I have formed a firm opinion that it is is very unBiblical. I do not, will not, cant see how people believe, that the Holy Spirit would want to knock us around like rag dolls and have us barking and clucking. I do agree that some use things in the wrong manner in an attempt to "appear" more spiritual. That thought sickens me. its not about US.

Tongues is a different issue. Tongues are really in the Bible... I suppose that it is the use of them that causes the confusion.

There can be two kinds of tongues though. Today I think it can be translated as having an affinity for languages, being able to pick up on them quick, and understand them in only a small amount of time. This is used to edify all believers, including the one with the gift

I had never thought of that. God does give us all special talents and skills... that makes sense.

 

[conflicted]

Thanks for all your posts guys. I'm beginning to understand. I am very new to all this so you can imagine how confused I am.
Thanks again and God bless you all!

 

[Giver]

Personally Jesus gave me the gift of tongues and for a time I just prayed in a tongue, and didn’t understand what I was saying. Later I would have a question for Jesus and would pray in a tongue, in which my wife would get the interpretation that would be the answer to my question. This went on for a year or two, when Jesus asked me to pray to be open and sensitive to his word and touch all day long. I also use the gift of tongue when someone asks me to pray for them. I find the right words come hard for me, so the Holy Spirit steps in to help me. I also find that when I pray for someone Jesus, at times, will gives me the interpretation of the tongue.

 

[josh_676]

Tongues, is a sign of schizophrenia.

 

[Giver]

Tongues, is a sign of schizophrenia.

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You sound like one of the people who would have told Paul he was sick, because he said that he heard Jesus.​