Speaking in Tongues

[mattfivefour]

I don't speak in Tongues, never have, and I doubt I ever will, and it really doesn't bother me. I'm very glad that the gift is such a joy, and blessing to all my brothers and sisters that have received it. I know that there are people that challenge the Gift saying well but I don't have it, so it must be nonsense, I disagree with them. So what that I don't speak in tongues, I'd rather serve Him without speaking in tongues and be a blessing to people than being able to speak in tongues and be complacent(note: I'm not saying speaking in tongues makes one complacent, I'm just not sure if the gift is the best for everyone), all we need to focus on, as Adrian has already pointed out, is to seek Him, and to seek His will for us, when we do that we have assurance. Not because of some gift, as great as it may be, but because of Him.

[Elijah's Mantle]

As a pentecostal (not Pentecostal) myself I am always pleased to see a balanced discussion of the topic of tongues. Those of you here who know me well know that I do not preach the experience, nor do I preach the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. I preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Those who yield to Him and are willing to accept whatever He has for them will come to the truth on their own. None of us was called to preach anything but Christ.

Nonetheless, if somebody asks me about it—or if I am led of the Spirit to do so— I will tell them. I like what waiting and Waz each said about tongues. That is exactly my experience, too. In private prayer and praise, when words run out tongues take over. (This is not to be confused with the gift of tongues and the gift of interpretation of tongues which—along with the other gifts—are meant for the edification of the Church.)

But none of these things has anything to do with salvation, nor with the gospel we are told to proclaim. Nor is it something we are to focus on. We are to seek the Giver, not the gifts. He will then do what He chooses to do in each of our lives. And if we live seeking to never put a stumbling block in another person's path, always seeking others' welfare above our own, ever wanting to please our Lord and continually allowing His love which He has shed abroad in our hearts to be shed abroad FROM our hearts, then nothing else truly matters. As the Word tells us, tongues, faith, knowledge shall all pass away one day when we are in glory ... but love will NEVER pass away. Our perfect existence in glory will indeed be an existence of pure love for God is love.

SO GLAD YOU SAID THAT MATTFIVEFOUR

As a believer it was only when I began to come to more full understanding oF
THE CROSS OF CHRIST AND HIM CRUCIFIED
that I had a yielding experience to the more JESUS has
I can not find however words say tears of joy
your right to say others come to the truth
I did when i understood more wHat you stated you preach
I find looking to other things other than leaves me without
when words run out

The exsperience of it happening
made me believe
JESUS AND THE HOLY SPIRIT
UNDERSTOOD WHAT MORE TO PRAY

[Robert]

Speaking in tongues?

I have enough trouble speaking my OWN language!!!

[Hannah]

My stance on speaking in tongues is that it is a valid gift for today. I do believe it has been misused and that has caused the controversies we have today.

What do I mean by misused? Paul specified how tongues are to be used in Church and I have been to meetings which are not Orderly as expressed by Paul with many speaking tongues out of turn. My problem at these meetings is there was no one to Interpret the Tongues spoken. I have outlined the verses in bold below.

It is unfortunate that to date I have never been to a meeting where tongues have been practiced in this manner. I have no problem with someone praying in tongues in a small group when we are praying together. It is the Church meetings where there seems no control over who speaks in tonuges and no interpreter are a bit of a concern and certainly brings some dicredit to the gift.

1CO 14:26 What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, two--or at the most three--should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. 28 If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.

1CO 14:29 Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. 30 And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. 31 For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. 32 The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. 33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.

I believe all gifts of the spirit are for edification of the Body of Christ and should be used in that manner.

[jesuschangesall]

My stance on speaking in tongues is that it is a valid gift for today. I do believe it has been misused and that has caused the controversies we have today.

What do I mean by misused? Paul specified how tongues are to be used in Church and I have been to meetings which are not Orderly as expressed by Paul with many speaking tongues out of turn. My problem at these meetings is there was no one to Interpret the Tongues spoken. I have outlined the verses in bold below.

It is unfortunate that to date I have never been to a meeting where tongues have been practiced in this manner. I have no problem with someone praying in tongues in a small group when we are praying together. It is the Church meetings where there seems no control over who speaks in tonuges and no interpreter are a bit of a concern and certainly brings some dicredit to the gift.



I believe all gifts of the spirit are for edification of the Body of Christ and should be used in that manner.

Yes,I agree with you ...
WE really should make note that one thing is speaking in tongues in our private personal devotion and exercising the gift of tongues and interpretation when we are in a collective gathering...

I believe all gifts of the spirit are for edification of the Body of Christ and should be used in that manner.[/QUOTE]

as you said,this is the central point of our Christian faith,
try always to edify and build up and encourage our brothers and sisters in HIM....
Once again we all look to vocal gifts or spectacular gifts like if the person that has the gift(s) is "HOLIER"
than the rest or somehow more spiritual,we do tend to forget that a GIFT(s) is BY GRACE with no merit whatsoever on our part...

There is SO MUCH in THE LORD,in HIS WORD for ALL the believers,with no favoritisms of sort from The Lord's part...BUT.."DO WE ALL TAKE ADVANTAGE of WHAT THE LORD HAS FREELY GIVEN to THE CHURCH?"( starting with me...)..well,I doubt it...if we would,I think,we would see all over again ACTS happening...and surely some great wonderful results for The Lord and His kingdom....
If ever there has been a period in history when the Body of Christ would need to MOVE in THE POWER(DUNAMIS=DYNAMITE) of THE SPIRIT,is NOW....
With satan flooding us with his filthy junk all day long in every possible way,how do we even dream to withstand his ASSAULT on us relying on the weak arm of the flesh???

We have HIS WORD (66 books) thanks be to HIM,but do we use it to debate,discuss and prove ourselves and our denomination right,or do we use it in THE POWER of THE SPIRIT to PULL DOWN the strongholds of the enemy?

Every time Joshua( in the OT) attacked cities and peoples of the land (sworn enemies of The Lord) without CONSULTING THE LORD and ALLOWING HIM to perform HIS MIGHTY DEEDS,every single time our dear brother Joshua failed MISERABLY.
Whenever He humbly ALLOWED THE CAPTAIN of THE ARMY of THE LORD to have HIS WAY, Jericho (s)
were WIPED OUT and GREAT GLORY brought to THE LORD!

When Peter prayed for the palsy and healed him,Peter said he himself had NOT GOLD neither SILVER but THE NAME of JESUS and PETER WAS FILLED TO THE BRIM to the overflow with THE HOLY SPIRIT and the sick beggar WAS HEALED for REAL!!!!

May be the church has a lot of Gold and Silver and a lot of head knowledge but is lacking in the HOLY SPIRIT POWER,and surely it is NOT The Lord's fault,because HE GAVE US ALL a RICH FULL PACKAGE to serve HIM as we should be serving HIM in LOVE,FAITH and POWER!

Truth without power,power without truth.....false revivals to gratify man's ego and fill their money coffers.....a bit of a sad situation,don't you think?
I guess,WE( starting with me again) should really REPENT and GO THE LORD on our knees and ask HIM as Samson of old to let HIS SPIRIT allow us to KILL all the enemies of The LORD...BUT are we(?)ready to pay the PRICE? DEATH to self.death to the often wrong teachings of our pet denomination(s),OUT of this DEADLY COMFORT ZONE,sitting hours and hours in front of a dumb box watching the filth of Canaan and letting fill our homes and hearts..it is sad,it is serious,we are living in the last days,actually i am convinced THE LAST HOURS of the AGE of GRACE,and all we do,we give up,we lose patience and hope,we say The Lord is TARRYING,we still have time........DO WE REALLY?

Oh..it is so kool to waste time guessing what is going to be the next move of Iran,or burn the Koran books,or worrying if America is or not in the Prophetic scenario of the last days,while a MUSLIM PRESIDENT has been ELECTED,and drugs and pornography have literally INVADED our lives and the BOAT is SINKING and here we are all over again,debating,debating,my view,his view,tongues yes,tongues no.....WAIT A MOMENT...we are on THE BRINK of a WORLD HOLOCAUST all over again...

THIS IS THE TIME TO PRAY,REPENT,SEEK HIS FACE,GET FIRED UP ALL OVER AGAIN and GO PREACH HIS WORD (not the doctrines!) HIS WORD,JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF to a DYEING WORLD and to a LETHARGIC CHURCH BEFORE THE CURTAIN FALLS...

Oh YES,BY HIS GRACE,THE RAPTURE IS THE NEXT EVENT for THE BRIDE,I repeat BY HIS GRACE,but He also said that while we wait EAGERLY for HIS RETURN,we should be BUSY in THE MASTER BUSINESS and that is TO PREACH HIS GOSPEL of GRACE to a wicked generation and TO ISRAEL,THE PUPIL of HIS EYE,shouldn't we?
Am I getting carried away? I hope I didnt offend anybody,that is not my intention,but I am feeling sad and stirred by THE SPIRIT to consider the situation from HIS point of view....
Please do not shoot the pianist!
LOVE TO ALL THAT LOVE JESUS!

[WazOz]

Hannah and Jesus changes all, very well said, not the most eloquent myself and always fall short of getting things across, thank you.
Some call it gibberish, sure God would love that.
thanks to all posters in this regard, senisble and not saying NO don't do that , we are all his children no matter what. Just hoping and praying the unsaved could have what we all have in Christ.

[Meg]

There are many different "gifts" of the Holy spirit. I think there are 7-9 off the top of my head. Not everyone gets the same gifts. Some might speak in tongues, some might not. Speaking in tongues does not make one a better Christian than another. Here's a 3 parts series that explains this:

Spiritual Gifts: Part 1. To Each One, Just as He Determines | GraceThruFaith

Spiritual Gifts: Part 2. Some Personal Experiences | GraceThruFaith

Spiritual Gifts: Part 3. God’s Gifts And His Call Are Irrevocable | GraceThruFaith

Chris, I really thank you! Somehow I missed this post the first time i saw it, probably The Lord's timing, given the latest changes in my perceptions... Be that as it may, that third link, God’s Gifts And His Call Are Irrevocable, just went a long way to help me settle something I have been questioning and grieving over for many years... It just resolved a whole series of prayer and reply... My goodness I've grown a lot since I got involved in this forum. Chris, this ministry really shines on many levels. May God bless you very deeply, because what you have built here is blessing many very deeply.

[Meg]

Not meaning to tread on any toes or cause an issue, I speak in tongues as does my wife, in Church there is no shouting out in meetings, no foolish antics, all decent and in order as the Scripture says, when I first spoke in tongue about 6 1/2 yrs ago, it was the best experience as for me it was wow God does bless and is real, had too many Priests, Ministers saying you are forgiven etc, yet I never felt it, long story, felt empty, when I soke in tongues that all changed, did as was Scriptural, Repented, Baptised etc and have not looked back, I know many are opposed to it, don't know why as it is scriptural, not saying everyone has to, it was right for us, and we enjoy our prayer sessions togerther, esp when times are really bad, it helps. Just one of Gods many blessings, as long as we are all there on the day we get called, then Hallelujah.

Wonderful testimony WazOz; I'm not big on tongues argument threads, which is probably why I missed so many recent posts. I have told this testimony about twice, but usually everyone seems to ignore it and go on arguing as usual, but in the light of the contrast between your own testimony, WazOz and Kist's testimony, I will once again retell what my first teacher told me.

The primary reason I came to trust my first teacher was his genuinely humble honesty. This is not a show-off honesty, his way is just a quiet, calm admission of what really happened. He neither boasts nor apologizes, he simply recounts the truth about his experiences with Jesus Christ, speaking of the Lord God with certainty and deep respect. This is his story of how he came to be filled with the Holy Spirit without the sign of tongues.

He was saved in college in the late 1980's. He said that every roommate he was assigned "just happened" to be a Christian, he couldn't seem to get away from that. So finally he gave in and said the sinner's prayer. Four years later, he was still unable to resist a sin he didn't discuss (I respect him too much to pry either). One afternoon, he was alone in a study room in a campus library, and he turned to the Lord and prayed that he thought thought it was supposed to be better than that, that something seemed to be missing. He said that "something came over" him, and from that point on, he had his victory, although his relationship with the Lord was greatly deepened years later, he is the only person I know who never doubts the Voice of the Holy Spirit when he hears it. BTW, his Gifting is in evangelism and teaching.

For this reason, because I worked very closely with this man for a full year, and we had some very profound discussions, I state with full confidence that some speak in tongues and some don't. I know J well enough to fully understand that he is simply too conservative to be comfortable with that particular Gift, and I know Jesus Christ well enough to say with full confidence that He respects the individual persons whom God The Father crafted each of us to be.

Peace to all, then, In Christ and in Him Alone.

Praise His Holy Name, He Is Worthy

[Meg]

Roberto, this is really profound; in fact everything you said is rally profound, but this part really resounds in my heart:

Truth without power,power without truth.....false revivals to gratify man's ego and fill their money coffers.....a bit of a sad situation,don't you think?
I guess,WE( starting with me again) should really REPENT and GO THE LORD on our knees and ask HIM as Samson of old to let HIS SPIRIT allow us to KILL all the enemies of The LORD...BUT are we(?)ready to pay the PRICE? DEATH to self.death to the often wrong teachings of our pet denomination(s),OUT of this DEADLY COMFORT ZONE,sitting hours and hours in front of a dumb box watching the filth of Canaan and letting fill our homes and hearts..it is sad,it is serious,we are living in the last days,actually i am convinced THE LAST HOURS of the AGE of GRACE,and all we do,we give up,we lose patience and hope,we say The Lord is TARRYING,we still have time........DO WE REALLY?

Here are some thoughts on a deeper aspect of repentance. The dishonesty and immorality issues are so glaringly obvious that many miss the deeper things involved in what Adrian revealed as "Progressive Sanctification" (I had personally never (!!) heard that term before in my life (!!!) ). satan will do whatever he can think of, and trust me, if one thing doesn't work, he will try another, to prevent us from finding the aspects of the Sanctification that bring genuine healing. So we can be distracted by such attractive minutiae as dirty words and dirty pictures (or whatever), blinded to the fact that God is Love no more no less. So God wants and needs us to overcome the constant assault of criticism, negativity and sheer contempt, yes, CONTEMPT that people are ceaselessly dumping on ourselves and each other.

Here's a short list of what Love is NOT:

*Put-down humor
*Discouraging one another
*Groundless accusation
*Destroying someone else so you can "win"
*Lust
*Exhibitionism (wearing tight or revealing clothing to attract attention)
*Suspicion of one another's motives based on assumptions not facts
*Judging someone by genetic appearance or physical handicap
*Judging someone based on level of education rather than God-given talent (read End Of The Spear by Steve Saint. You'll never look at yourself or anyone else quite the same way again if you have an honest heart. If that book doesn't open your eyes, you might want to do some praying. Furthermore, the movie doesn't count. At all.)
*Believing you have no Spiritual Gifts and no legitimate way to participate in Kingdom Purpose
*Suicidal impulses
*Self Hatred and self criticism
*Apologizing for the fact you exist
*Believing yourself to be useless or helpless
*Overeating or anorexic behavior
*Any form of self harm

Every item on this list is rooted in some sort of lie. Every lie used to hurt you is toxic and a call to deep prayer. Jesus Christ can, will and does tell you the truth about yourself as only He has the Sovereign Right to do, and He will stand His ground on these points until you are able to somehow understand why He is right, no matter who doesn't like it.

THAT IS LOVE.

[Psalm73]

I have a few friends who state that speaking in tongues means that the Holy Spirit is guiding you. Sorta the concept of the Holy Spirit guiding you in the moment kinda thing...where you start talking, but no one understands you.

Well, I've always understood speaking in tongues to be speaking different languages so that you could be more effective in preaching the Word of God.

Can anyone help with this?

I was talking to my dad about this last night and he said that speaking in tongues was given to the members of the early church to help them spread the gospel. They would talk in their native language, and the people they were talking to would be able to understand them, and the people they were talking to would speak in their native tongue, and the apostle that was talking to them would be able to understand. =D

[Hannah]

Hannah and Jesus changes all, very well said, not the most eloquent myself and always fall short of getting things across, thank you.
Some call it gibberish, sure God would love that.
thanks to all posters in this regard, senisble and not saying NO don't do that , we are all his children no matter what. Just hoping and praying the unsaved could have what we all have in Christ.

I agree with you WazOz.

We are so fortunate that our Lord is such a generous God! Amen

[Hannah]

I was talking to my dad about this last night and he said that speaking in tongues was given to the members of the early church to help them spread the gospel. They would talk in their native language, and the people they were talking to would be able to understand them, and the people they were talking to would speak in their native tongue, and the apostle that was talking to them would be able to understand. =D

Yes this is seen in Acts when the Holy Spirit first decends on the Apostles at Pentecost. Not what Paul is speaking of later which is about how tongues should be spoken in a church setting amongst other Believers.

So there is another use of tongues (for prayer) and it is for edification of the body of Christ. So this is obviously a different use of the gift of speaking in tongues.

What I believe is that since the Gospel is now found it's way amongst people who speak different languages that God doesn't need to give the gift of speaking the gospel in other languages these days. There are already so many Believers who speak various languages around the world ready to go out and preach the gospel. Also there are Bibles translated in so many languages available today.

However the gift of tongues to Edify the Body of Christ is still available. There is no reason for this gift to not be available when all the other gifts of the Spirit are still being given to Believers by the Lord.

Like the Bible many evil people are amongst us twisting scripture and some are speaking false tongues. This discredits God's Word and of course God's spiritual gifts as well. So what some Ministers or Pastors believe is that the gift of tongues has ceased and we cannot have that gift today along with the gift of prophecy. This is another gift which is often discredited by False Teachers of today.

How can we know if people who are displaying these gifts are truly gifted through the Holy Spirit and not False? The same way we can discern if a Preacher is teaching what is of God. It must all align with God's Word. If anything is prayed or spoken or prophesied that does not align with God's Word it is false. "You will know them by their fruit" said Jesus.

[Elijah's Mantle]

Some of us were talking about this subject in the chat room last night. And I felt that it was necessary this morning to search the scriptures that dealt with this subject. I have come to believe I Corinthians 12 which explains that we are all members of the same body (if we hold to certain core beliefs, etc.). As members of the same body we do not all function in the same manner, just as the eye and the foot have different function, but are part of the same body. And as individuals, we do not all have the same spiritual gifts. I try not to condemn someone who possesses a spiritual gift or doesn't have one that I do!

That being said, I want to post some verses from 1 Corinthians 14, a chapter which speaks extensively about the spiritual gifts. I hesitated though because of the repeated use of the word "prophecy" which is often misunderstood. So first I'm including the following explanation for "prophecy" (which should never be confused with the "office of prophet" that I was taught and believe:

People sometimes think that "prophecy" means to predict (foretell) what will happen in the future. Actually, the simple gift of prophecy is essentially forthtelling; it is a ministry to make people better and more useful Christians now. Prophecy in the New Testament church carries no prediction with it whatsoever, for "he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort" (I Corinthians 14:3). Notice that there is no mention of the word prediction here.

I Corinthians 14:1-19

1Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. 2For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. 3But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. 4He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.

6Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? 7Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? 8Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? 9So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. 10Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. 11If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me. 12So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.

13For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says. 14For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind. 16If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say "Amen" to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? 17You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified. 18I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.

Paul goes on to say very specifically that there are "rules" to speaking in tongues in churches or assemblies, including only having 2 (or 3 at the most) who speak in tongues, one at a time, and only if there is someone there to interpret, and only if it serves to build the church and edify God. He also says that the gift is not a sign for believers, but for unbelievers. It is "used" to bring unbelievers to a saving knowledge of our Lord. This means that, unless it brings unbelievers to Him, it is not serving it's purpose. He never says that it is done to "prove" one's salvation or "higher" position in the church!

I could probably continue cutting and pasting the whole chapter here and writing a book of commentary on it, but I pray that you would read it on your own asking God for wisdom to understand it. Again, I am not saying that no one has the "gift of tongues", only that someone be discerning in regards to its usage. Is it being used scripturally? If not...

I really like your post readytogo


fellowship with God and with other Christians, is one of the greatest blessings that I realize comes with our being built as a dwelling place of God Having said that I want to also say that I believe what I experienced once and pray I can have the experience again was when I come to understand the real purpose and forgive me I am not going to be great at finding how to say it all oftentimes what is in me has to struggle to find how to express best way i know to say what happened to me
anyway what I wanted to say is that I found that in the cross of Christ the first thing that got terminated in me was selfishness got destroyed (yes I was selfish Jesus told me I was ) I believe Jesus too . The experience of that happening made me realize it had to be for good so that the LOVE that only seeks to give itself for others is made possible . Close fellowship is a sacred thing it is as sacred and indispensable as fellowship with God now after say that as individuals there is no way of proving to the world our LOVE for God and the REALNESS reality of Gods love for us except through our love for fellow Christians

when our Lord Jesus prayed that they may be one as you Father are in me and I in you that they also may be one in us that the world may believe that you sent me thats found in John 17:21 ya'll JESUS..
He taught us that a divided Church is powerless before the enemy and yes it is true ive exsperienced how powerless and grieved to tell you bout it only LOVE for the brethren like GOD'S LOVE will give us the victory when the world see's it they will be compelled to acknowledge that Christ crucified is present and working in us . consider the sword of the spirit ,the seal of the spirit and not only those but the temple of the spirit and the spirit of prayer , all these things are I understand the more that Jesus gives if we make full surrender and yield and allow selfishness a proper death . It has been said that if Pentecostal power was again made manifest and the LESSON OF LOVE FOR THE BRETHREN were NOT LEARNED the churches would appropriate the glory for themselves rather than lay it at the feet of Jesus .
In my own strength I am helpless and unable yet in Jesus I sense a confidence that God hears my prayers when I acknowledge that the power of the Holy Spirit and the presence of Christ is real are a reality theree must have been a consciousnesses within me that opened up when I understood
and was waiting willing with a teachable spirit to be led by Jesus and I was aware of how much within my heart still remained to be renewed and sanctified and I want to give HONOR THAT BELONGS TO JESUS AND THE HOLY SPIRIT for the work done in me that is why I believe that what I experienced that it was because of Jesus and the Holy Spirit working I believe the full experience that occurred rested on my readiness to deny self and in everything to yield everything of myself . In my conversion first getting saved I was ignorant because much was not faced and settled that by the GRACE OF GOD I would in EVERYTHING yield to the control of the spirit , what happened to me was I learned that nothing I do is acceptable to God apart from the Holy Spirit . My experience was being sealed by the Holy Spirit and learning and knowing I was and so I do not want to mix up what happened to me with another gift called speaking n tongues because what happened in me may have not been that and still what more prayed Jesus and the Holy Spirit did it and it happened I'm just not certain that is full speaking in tongues gift though most likely not.

[the stranger]

Some fantastic, humble, insight on this subject from you all. Some who never spoke in tonges, some who have for years, and most with different expearences.

Here is my question. Now most of you know the bible well so as to unless requested I will not show verses, but this is a problem for me regarding some.

I haver never spoken in tonges, been saved 11 years, but have "prayed in the Spirit". I know others who are as Godly men as I know and respect GREATLY, some who speak in tonges and some who do not. So what's the point?

There are many out there who have this new expearience, calling it the "Baptism of the Holy Spirit" and thus being able to speak in tonges. I have no problem it all, and am glad for it, with their great stories. The trouble is, many believe in two separate events.

(1) saved
(2) babtism of the Holy Spirit

The belief is unless you have surendered it all to God, you cannot be "Babtized with the Holy Spirit. And if you are not babtized with the Holy Spirit then you will not speak in tonges. Now not all believe this, but many denominations do.

The problems

The Corenthian church had a lot of problems, including much pride, but it is said that they had ALL the gifts of the Spirit. They were also a very new church. Now does this fit the doctrine?

Paul also makes it clear that NOT ALL will speak in tonges, and in fact, prophesying is even better. There are many gifts listed in the word, and the word says we all have gifts from the Spirit.

The Bible also tells us that we are ALL babtized with the Holy Spirit, and that it happens at believing in Christ.

Like some of you, I have struggled with this for a while, therefore doing much research, and am now CONTENT with whatever God gives me, OR does not give me. The choice is not mine, but His, and He chooses who gets what.

Now I have no problem, and infact rejoice, from the joy recieved by many from this gift. My problem is calling this the "Babtizm of the Holy Spirit" instead of a fullfilling of the Spirit, which is recorded to have happened permently, as well as temporary multible times. (Paul- Timothy) And the fact that often one looks at themself as some how better, or more holy, then the one without, though my eyes have seen contrary in many cases, as my ears also hold witness to this.

Now I will show anyone scripture with anything I say to be so! Just ask. My intent is not to belittle those with the gift, but to make sure they understand that ALL believeres are babtized with the Holy Spirit, and have spiritual gifts! Also that they are aware, just like Kings and Queens, as well as leaders, pastors, Which I will be, and teachers and presidents, and whatever money or whatever gift they have, or do0 not have, comes from the Holy Ghost. The choice is not up to us, though we are free to reject it if offered. In away, I am glad I do not have money, or speak in tonges, or believe that I can live a perfect like (Yes, some really believe this!) because it keeps me humble, it keeps me on my knees!


Praise the Lord for all who recieve the gift of tonges, and praise Him just the same, for whatever gift you DO have. Sometimes, not having is indeed, having more!

Thankyou for all of the graceful commonts, and may God bless you all.

PS My spelling stinks, sorry

[Meg]

In my opinion, Stranger, the problem is with who is taking responsibility for all this teaching going on, and how they are going about it. The church has been plagued almost the entire time there has been a church, with a lack of accountability, as well as a lack of sobriety and self respect. I was baptized in water, then in the Holy Spirit in two separate events in a Pentecostal church when I was 17. My first teacher, on the other hand was probably baptized in water (sorry, it didn't occur to me to ask), but had to ask the Lord Himself about the Holy Spirit, and even then he didn't really understand what he was even asking for. This would make quite the interesting conversation with J now, it makes me wonder what he would say (sorry, I'm not calling him at home to ask).

It really seems to me that the church at large is too careless with spiritual matters, that includes both leadership and congregations. Most people are really uncomfortable with anything overtly spiritual, and few Christians handle it well. This is a sad state of affairs, but quite frankly, spirituality, by its very nature, honestly is confusing, which makes sobriety, self control and deep respect for the Lord very important. This is why, for one, I am just incredibly grateful for the time I had to learn from and work with J. My own understanding of the Holy Spirit would have been greatly hindered if I hadn't had that precious opportunity to get to know that man as well as I did.

[Elijah's Mantle]

I haver never spoken in tonges, been saved 11 years, but have "prayed in the Spirit".

that is it
praying always in the spirit is the mark of a Christian life salvation is not won by works but is a gift and because I am God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus like what Paul told for good works God declares because of the eternal spirit that a life of praying in the spirit would be and so just like Paul and his petition we can know what we are to pray for concerning the saints that Jesus with his gifts gives and we are to pray always for those who are been sealed with the spirit so we have divine understanding and wisdom and might knw the exceeding GREATNESS of HIS POWER and also we can believe in the riches of his Glory we ought to always be pleading for the spirit of divine power cause that is where we find the more and higher privileges

[the stranger]

Thankyou Mantle and Meg for your thouhtful comments on the subject. It is truly the relationship that matters, not who has the "better" gifts.

God bless

[Zeblade]

When I was young I use to go to this bible study when they prayed would ask me if I wanted to receive the holy spirit (like the word says "have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed"). Each time I said no. They never pushed it in any way. One night I said yes. So I sat in this chair they laid hands on me said a verse or two .. I asked, they said thats it you got it. I didn't feel anything. Nothing had changed at all. See these guys believed the word. If it was written it will be done. So I got up went to sit down and bam just came out. I was not trying to even talk nothing lol.

It is just like what is written. PLEASE I dont mean this bad in any way for those that dont. I cant imagine living one moment with out it. The more you pray in the Spirit (But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father 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 in spirit and truth.”) it just awesome. So many do not understand. They believe its not the same (tongues =praying in the spirit) and praise God thats ok. You know Jesus.. I know Him thats the key. I have ALWAYS been.. if I see God moving some how, some where, then I want it. If its of God I want ALL OF IT! All of HIM! I could careless what people say. I believe the WORD. And the Father LOVES to give. We NEVER ask for enough.

I wanted to add.. I have in 49years never had arguments in anyway about it. Its not like some get it and some dont. God asked.... some say NO. You know the 120 were saved and could have stayed that way till they died yes? But they waited on what? What happened to them is and was for ALL who believe. Praise God man what if I had listen to MAN. I would have missed out on so much. ME? I would say.. Father.. a .. in YOUR Word this man asked .....He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. Now ME.. I could careless what man says.. If he wanted THEM to have it.. I WANT IT! Who would NOT want everything of God? And its NOT God saying .. you don't need that. And come to think about it.. the words.. what matters most.. ALL OF GOD matters most. ME..I want ALL of Him. I want anything and everything that gets me closer to God. Why do you think its written in the bible? Why do you think YOU are reading in it? Every word, every letter in the bible is POWER. Means something. Is ALIVE.

And since I am here lol.. ask ANYONE did God warn them, speak to them about tongues or like healing, sin, saved (once saved always, or you can lose it) NO! Then where did it come from? Some MAN said. Just like some man said to me it was of God. Still I don't care. What is written? What does the WORD say? And on Tongues well I got what the word says. And if you never heard it from GOD then you could be missing out on something. We have to just reach out, step out in the unknown. In FAITH. Where we cant see, touch, feel..ooooh but thats where God just FLIPS! He LOVES Faith..Faith just ROCKS GOD! So to speak..

All I am saying is stay in the word. If God spoke to so and so about what ever.. God can and WILL talk to you if you just ASK. And take ALL of God. Now just what some guy says. Man is wrong. God is not a man that He should lie.