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So what is the answer then? I am confused.
By Irvin Baxter
It is plainly taught in the scriptures that speaking with tongues was not an unusual occurrence in the early church. Every prominent account of conversions in the apostolic church either plainly states or else strongly implies that the convert did speak with other tongues upon being filled with the Spirit of God. (See Acts 2:1-4, Acts 8:12-18, Acts 10:44-48, Acts 19:1-6.) To the above most Bible students would agree.
It is when we discuss the place of tongues in the present Christian church that controversy arises. There are three general lines of thinking on this subject: 1. Tongues have ceased. 2. Tongues are optional. 3. All who receive the Holy Ghost do speak with tongues.
Seeing that these positions are opposed one to the other, it is required of every sincere person to "Search the scriptures; for in them ye THINK ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." (John 5:39) " . . . Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (Phil. 2:12) We all must stand before the judgment seat of Christ. We all must give account of ourselves to Almighty God. Since every individual is responsible to God alone for his salvation, let us cast aside the opinions of men and consider each of these positions in light of the scriptures.
We have chosen to examine this position first because if this be true, there is no need to investigate the doctrine of "speaking with tongues" any farther.
Let us begin by establishing more thoroughly what is believed by the proponents of this doctrine and reasons given for this belief. It is believed that the Apostles actually did speak in other languages under the influence of the Spirit of God. It is also conceded that those with whom the Apostles had contact also received what is sometimes called the "miraculous gift of the Holy Ghost" (speaking with tongues). It is dogmatically asserted, however, by those of this persuasion that no one after the Apostolic era could possibly receive the Holy Ghost, speaking with tongues. The reason given for the sudden halt to this glorious experience is that all miraculous manifestations of God to the church ceased upon the death of the Apostles and of those with whom the Apostles had contact. The lone scripture given to support this theory is I Corinthians 13:8-12
Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: But when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall 1 know even as I am known.
Notice that verse 8 is a prophecy that some day tongues will cease. There is no doubt about it. There will be a time according to the Bible when men will no longer speak with other tongues as the spirit gives utterance. The question we must answer is: "When did this prophecy actually state that tongues would cease?" Verse 10 identifies the time as ". . . when that which is perfect is come."
Those who contend that tongues have ceased teach that "that which is perfect" refers to the New Testament scriptures, and that upon completion of the New Testament all speaking with tongues ceased. However, there are several discrepancies in this argument. Notice that at the same time tongues are to cease, verse 8 teaches that some other things are also to be discontinued.
". . . whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away." Whenever tongues are to cease, knowledge is also to cease. If knowledge has not yet ceased, then tongues have not ceased either. Now we know definitely that knowledge has not ceased. We still have colleges, seminaries, Bible studies. etc. If knowledge has ceased, why are you now reading this article?
". . . whether there be prophecies, they shall fail.." At the same time tongues are to cease, prophecies are to cease. Now if tongues have ceased already, that means prophecy has also ceased never to be resumed. This, however, is contrary to the scriptures. For the scriptures teach that during the tribulation, a time yet to come, two witnesses shall prophesy for three and a half years. (Rev. 11:3) Since prophecy has not yet ceased and since knowledge has not yet been discontinued, then it is very evident that neither have tongues ceased. It is also shown since tongues have not ceased that "that which is perfect" referred to in I Cor. 13:10 is not the New Testament. Certainly the New Testament is perfect, but there are many other things which are also perfect. Jesus Christ was perfect, but he did not cause a halt to speaking with tongues. The gift of the Holy Ghost was perfect, yet the speaking with tongues accompanied the Holy Ghost. So we see it is necessary to study the context of this passage in order to know the time indicated by "when that which is perfect is come."
In this connection let us look closely at verse 12: "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." Now, seeing through a glass darkly refers to our present mortal state. Then face to face speaks of the time when "that which is perfect" is come. When shall we see Jesus face to face? At the return of Jesus for His church, whereupon we shall be changed from mortal beings to immortal beings. (I Cor. 15:50-54, I Thess. 4:13-18) This is when we shall see Him face to face, and this is when we shall know even as we are known. Do any of us now know Jesus as He knows us? No! We merely know Him in part, but THEN (when that which is perfect is come) shall we know even as we are known. He knows the number of hairs on our heads. He knows our downsittings and our uprisings. We do not know Him that fully now, but we shall some day know as we are known.
In view of the above we can see that ". . . when that which is perfect is come" refers to the time when we have received our immortal bodies and are in the presence of the Lord forever. It is at this time that tongues shall cease, knowledge shall vanish, and prophecies shall fail. Knowledge will vanish because we shall know all things. Tongues will cease because the fundamental function of tongues is to speak mysteries unto God. "For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries." (I Cor. 14:2) When we stand face to face before the throne of God, there will be no need to speak mysteries in the spirit.
We see then, that there is absolutely no support for the teaching that tongues have ceased. If the original church of Jesus Christ practiced speaking with tongues, why shouldn't the present church of Jesus Christ speak with tongues? Did not the Lord promise through the Apostle Peter on the day of Pentecost. "For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." (Acts 2:39) He was referring to the gift of the Holy Ghost accompanied by speaking with tongues; and Peter was saying that it was promised to those who were yet afar off. This includes people in our present time. If God has promised it to us, why not believe it, embrace it, and receive it?!
There are two principal schools of thought among those who believe that speaking with tongues should be in the Christian's life today. The first view states that some people who receive the Holy Ghost do speak with tongues, while others who receive it do not. The second teaching holds that all who receive the Holy Ghost do speak with tongues, and that tongues is the sign that a person is being filled with the spirit.
The first question that we must answer then is, "In the early church did all who received the Holy Ghost speak with tongues?" Let us examine the historical record given to us in the book of Acts. There are four in-depth accounts of people receiving the Holy Ghost. The first of these is found in Acts 2:1-4.
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 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. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Notice that here they were ALL filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues. All who received the Holy Ghost here spake with other tongues. Now let us look at another instance found in Acts 10:44-46.
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.
Here again, all who received the Holy Ghost did speak with tongues. Further, this scripture teaches that the way they knew that these individuals received the Holy Ghost was "for they heard them speak with tongues." It is evident that speaking with tongues was the sign that people had been filled with the Holy Ghost.
Acts 19:6 records: "And when Paul laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied."
Again in this record of the Holy Ghost outpouring, we see that those receiving the Holy Ghost did speak with tongues.
The last account of people receiving the Holy Ghost which we would like to discuss is found in Acts 8:14-19.
Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (for as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
This is the only full account of conversion in the book of Acts (the history book of the early church) which does not specifically state that those who received the Holy Ghost did speak with other tongues. However, if we will study the above passage we can show that they did in fact speak with tongues when they received the Holy Ghost at Samaria. The author of the book of Acts merely did not explicitly say that they spake with tongues because by this time it was an accepted fact that tongues was the accompanying sign of the Holy Ghost.
Notice here the setting. The Samaritans had believed and had been baptized. (Verse 12.) Yet Peter and John came down from Jerusalem to pray for them that they might receive the Holy Ghost. ("For as yet he was fallen upon none of them:") Now the question is, "How did they know that the Holy Ghost had fallen upon none of them?" Was it not because they had not heard them speak with tongues? Then verse 17 emphatically declares, "Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost." How did they know they had now received the Holy Ghost? There obviously was a sign. Let's go on to verses 18 and 19. This passage states that Simon SAW that through the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given. Now, if there were no visible manifestations accompanying the Holy Ghost, what did Simon see? Also notice what Simon the sorcerer did. He offered the apostles money, saying, "Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost." Why would Simon offer money for the power to lay hands on people that they might receive the Holy Ghost? Simply because he had watched the apostles lay their hands on the people and had seen them begin to speak with other tongues as the spirit gave utterance. He thought within himself. "If I could lay my hands on people and they would speak in other languages that they had never learned before, that could be turned into quite a money-making proposition." So we see that even though Acts 8 does not say they spake with tongues when they received the Holy Ghost, it is very evident that they actually did. If you ask a shoe clerk to bring you a pair of shoes, you don't say, "And be sure to bring the tongues." You know when you get the shoes that you get the tongues of the shoes along with them. The same is true with the Holy Ghost. Acts 8 did not say that they spake with tongues because the author assumed by this time everyone knew that when an individual receives the Holy Ghost, he does speak with tongues!
Thus we see that in every account of the outpouring of the Holy Ghost in the early church the recipients did speak with other tongues when they were filled. Acts 2—tongues. Acts 8—tongues. Acts 10—tongues. Acts 19—tongues. If every time they received the Holy Ghost they spake with tongues, why should we believe that we have received the Holy Ghost without speaking with tongues? Mark 16:17— "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they SHALL SPEAK WITH NEW TONGUES."
If tongues are not the sign that a person has received the Holy Ghost, how are we to know that we have received it? Some say that a person receives the spirit automatically when he believes. (See Acts 19) Others contend that the spirit comes when an individual is baptized. Those holding the above views insist that we must accept by faith that we have received the spirit with no outward manifestation or definite spiritual experience. Can these teachings stand the test of the scriptures?
Acts 8:12 records: "But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." Notice! These Samaritans had believed and had been baptized. According to the foregoing doctrines, these people should have now had the Holy Ghost. Yet Acts 8:14-16 plainly tells us that Peter and John "when they were come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them;)" They hadn't received the Holy Ghost! What does this teach us then? Even though we may have believed and also been baptized, this does not mean we have received the Holy Ghost. How then can we know that we have received the Holy Ghost? How did the apostles know when Cornelius' household received it in Acts 10:46? "For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God." What more proof do we need? When you receive the Holy Ghost you will know it; for you will speak with other tongues as the spirit gives utterance.
So what is the answer then? I am confused.
Ray–Thank you for sharing your experience. When I was 15 I was contemplating God on a hill top where I could see the stars so clearly. I began praising God and heard myself speaking an unknown language, but somehow knew what I was saying. It was a prayer of the Holy Spirit as it made utterances, the groaning of my soul. No one else was there, but I knew at once , I had become a new creature in Jesus. Praise the Lord!
In the early days of the church, there were no bibles printed in different languages. In the days of the early church, as in the book of Acts, when the Word of God & the Holy Spirit were preached, there were many people from various places with various languages present. When the Holy Spirit entered someone who would in turn speak in tongues, it was to inform or teach those around them who did not understand the native language used in the original preaching. In short, there were no printing presses or enough scribes to translate the teachings fast enough to spread throughout the land. The gift of tongues was a necessary gift of the spirit to spread the Word of God in several native languages that the people could understand so that The Word could spread around the world quickly. There are some rare instances when the gift of tongues is genuine. Even today when the word of god is being preached and there are strangers present who do not speak the language and the Holy Spirit wants them to understand, the gift of tongues will bring the message to them in thier own language. I don't wish to burst anyone's bubble here, but the next time you see a person speak in tongues in an american church where everyone speaks english, I would be somewhat doubtful.
I'm not ashamed of my experiences with The Lord . I have been born again in the spirit . I was definitely saved with the supernatural experience of feeling this very heavy weight lifted from my soul that I didn't know that I was carrying. This experience left me rejoicing and so feather light that I thought I was floating about a foot off the floor. This continued for several minutes. I did not speak with other tongues for about ten more years , when I did receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in another tongue or ( another language ). I had sought this experience for a long time and finally God baptised me in the spirit . I spoke in another language all the way home and went to sleep speaking a different language. the people at church and my wife and three kids could not understand anything I said but I could understand everything I said as if I were speaking normal English. I have not had that experience outwardly again only
inwardly in my heart severally times when I was talking to The Lord God about personal matters. I actually didn't think one had to be baptized in the spirit but after studying Acts more I believe
personally this is the spiritual baptism that prepares one for service in the ministries. Also gives one some or all the gifts of the Holy Spirit to use in ones personal ministry . These gifts have not gone away but are still around. I personally have experienced healings as well as seen family members and friends and aquaintances healed. I have seen many prayers answered that border on the supernatural answered. Praise Our Heavenly Father Forever, Amen
Don't believe the central premise of this article, that all who believe and legitimately receive the Holy Spirit will speak in tongues. That's totally ridiculous. The gift of tongues is no longer operative, and "if" it was there would be no need to debate the issue or write such an article as this. I've lived in the same community for 25 years sincerely preaching the pure gospel of Christ. And guess what? I've never spoken in tongues, nor has anyone else on my church. Hey, if it was going to happen it would have occurred by now. But it hasn't, and it's not going to happen, and there's no reason to believe it will. Good grief, what a big waste of time this discussion is. It's time to move on to more important things, like holy living and evangelism.
Jesus told his disciples; ask the Father for the Holy Spirit, in Luke 11:13 you have to ask God to fill you with his Holy Spirit, then one of the signs that you received the Holy Spirit is speaking in tongues.
How many times do you believe a person should speak in tongues to be saved? Once or many times? Can people lose their salvation once they have been saved one time? "For by grace are you saved through faith and that not of yourselves lest any man should boast? Please comment on these passages.
praying in tongues is a spiritual language that god has given us to speak, for the building up of are spirit and helping us in are walk with god.
Do the speaking in tongue means 1) Another human language unknown to the individual or 2) glibberish utterance? And how do we know if the tongue in the different verses interprets as either one of the meanings?
What does it mean in Romans 3:25 "In his forbearance he had left the sins beforehand unpunished? How does this line up with the account of Lazarus and the rich man in Luke 16? This quote from NIV version.
ok here is the rub we as god fearing believers we should test all things the holy bible tell us so it is Gods final authority. personel interpertation has knowplace here when it comes to bible truths the bible is clear on one batism in the holy spirit not two. it is our fruits of the spirit that lets us know if we have gods holy spirit. not the gifts because paul states the gift of prophecy is the most coveted gift to ask for not tongues. tongues fall down on the list of coveted gift in the book of corinth. im not saying the gift of tongues is done away but you have to go and see 1 corinthians
chap14 paul says or is commanded by god to speak in an ordely fashion and know more than two maybe three with an interpreter present if not remain silent and speak with tongues in our mind unto god. its about edification of the body not some personal pray language . thats not even biblical to be gein with. what are the tongues of angles by john dee's he will shead light on this subject if you read his writings he was queen elizabeth magician got introuble with the church and inprisoned for he communicates with angles there is an actual alphabet of that angelic tongue. you can find it on the internet. me personelly i prayed for authentic tongues and its interpertation to god. what he gave me was the language that spoke the universe in to exsistance. chawka-tob-mleka meaning wait upon the goodness of the lord. that is what he the holy spirit gave me when i prayed for the gift sincerly. i really dont know about these unknow tongues of angles. so i will pray for the gift of decernment of these unknown tongues and ask god to reveal to methere true origen.
I appreciate the aforementioned article. It is good to state plainly why people are using the gift of the Holy Spirit, namely tongues, in their daily lives. I am amazed to see so many people criticizing the work of the Holy Ghost. If they would ask in faith just like when they got saved, they would participate in one of the richest wells of God's power. Yet, they take positions because they are told by certain denominational doctrines and creeds that the dynamic work of tongues have ceased. How can it have ceased if there are millions of tongue speaking believers around the world? Men will always be stiff-necked and hardened towards God. In the end, it is pride that keeps all of us from knowing our Father better.
I have never spoken in tongues, and will be open for learning more. I have a few questions though. 1. Wasn't tongues used for speaking to people from other countries to glorify God? 2. Why would God need to hear the mysteries of the Spirit, aren't they one in the spirit and if they are, wouldn't God know his own mysteries? 3. How could the church survive thousands of years, if all these saints had to speak in tongues? I am pretty sure that not all of them spoke with tongues, but who knows?
I am not against speaking I tongues, but I do believe that it should glorify God and an interrupter should be there, as it states in 1 Corinthians 14:8. God bless you all, Come Lord Jesus
We must understand the purpose of speaking in tongues. God gives us this ability for two purposes: for the initial sign of receiving the Holy Ghost (which is part of the biblical plan of being born again; for everyone Acts 2 & 10) and to use it as a gift of the Spirit (for the edification of the church; not all have this gift 1 Corinthians 14). So to answer your questions in light of this information:
1) We have no Biblical support for that claim. Paul told us in 1 Corinthians 14 that speaking in an unknown tongue does not profit anybody; but speaking in a known tongue edifies the people. It's possible that God, in Acts 2, gave the apostles tongues that other devout Jews from different regions would understood to show that God was performing a divine act, and that the apostles would not look like barbarians.
2) The mystery is to us humans. 1 Corinthians 14:14 says that I do not understand. It does not say that God does not understand. The mystery is to us – not to God.
3) We do know from scripture that speaking in tongues, as the initial evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost, occurred to every born again believer. Peter said in Acts 2, that this gift was to all.
Again, we must differentiate receiving the Holy Ghost, with the evidence of speaking in tongues as proof that we received it, and the gift of tongues coupled with interpretation for the edifying of the church are two separate things.
God bless,
Does the Jewish Faith have to receive the Holy Ghost and Speak in Tongues to be saved or are they Exempt? I was under the impression that they really dont honor the New Testament so I was thinking that they dont believe in this as well?
Linda: The Jews have to come to the foot of the Cross and accept Jesus as the Messiah. The Son of God, the second Person of the Trinity. They do not believe in the Holy Spirit either. They are still in the "old covenant" of the Old Testament. They do not accept the New Testament at all. There are some Messianic Jews (converts to Christianity) I know quite a few. Pray for them. Blessings…
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I was saved by the blood of JESUS CHRIST and repented of my sins and asked HIM to be my SAVIOR and I know without a doubt that the HOLY SPIRIT came to live in my heart. However, I did not or have not ever spoken in an unknown tongue. Furthermore, I have been to Churches that do speak in tongues and it is nothing more than a jibbering mockery. The Lord did not appear to Job in the earthquake or whirlwind but in a still small voice. Jesus did not speak in tongues when He was baptised. God used the signs in the Old Testament so people would see and believe. They did not have the BIBLE. When JESUS was born HE had come and we that accept HIS work on the cross of calvary no longer need signs. It is by faith and belief not of putting on the outward signs. The heathens seek after signs. If you can tell me what you are saying in your unknown tongue for edification and uplifting of the saints, then go for it. I know by God's grace that I am saved and on my way to heaven and I love Him and praise him and rejoice by singing hymns and making melody in my heart because of His righteousness and goodness and nothing I have done. John 4:24 God is a spirit; and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. The woman saith unto Him, I know that messias cometh, which is called christ; when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. He has come and tongues have ceased. Love is the greatest of these and God is love. God bless you and I enjoy your television show.
Virginia, Jesus talked about sending the Holy Spirit the comforter who would teach us all things, when He would leave, the Holy Spirit and tongues came after Jesus died that is why it talks about tongues in the New Testament, Jesus still lived under the Old Testament. Paul talks about tongues, it is in several places in the New Testament. There are two kinds of tongues, the Gift of tongues used for the church and there is a prayer language of tongues, that is so powerful to His people. I would encourage you to find out more about this Holy Spirit Baptism, prayer and ask the Lord to show you truth about it, you will be blessed. You have to ask to be Baptized in the Holy Spirit it is different from being baptized with water. It is being baptised with His Spirit, just as you asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior. It is received by faith the same way. This is where we walk in the power that Jesus walked in on the earth and we are able to do even greater works than He did. You are missing out on a very powerful blessing that the Lord has left to us.
Jan I understand clearly that on the day of penicost they were baptized with the gift of the Holy Spirit and spake in tongues for the empowerment. After bring baptized, the gift of tongues was needed as proof to unbelieving, circumcised Jews as a sign that God was excepting gentiles into the kingdom as well. Tongues were used as a sign for the unbeliever, which there were many in those days and still today. My question to you is, are you amongst the group who believes that even though a Christian has believed and received Jesus as their personal Savior, repented of their sins an dc earnestly live to be under the will of God, but does not speak or has ever spoken in tongues is not saved and will go to hell? And if this a free gift from God, why are some churches coaching new ppl who have not yet received that gift to speak in tongues by repeatedly making them chant a thank you Jesus prayer?
Hi Virginia: Anyone, ANYONE that has accepted Jesus as our precious Savior, repented and is Baptized, is indwelt with the Holy Spirit. Speaking in tongues is not the only evidence that one has the Holy Spirit. The Bible tells us that if one has the Holy Spirit "we will know them by their fruits." The "fruits of the Holy Spirit" are charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, chastity. Gal 5:22-23. I don't see "tongues" listed here. "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with "other tongues" (meaning other languages), as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling in Jerusalem, Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone "HEARD" them speak in HIS OWN LANGUAGE. Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, "Look, are not all these who speak Galileans?" And how is it that we "HEAR" each in OUR OWN LANGUAGE in which we were born." NO GIBBERISH HERE! Gal 2:4-8 To tell a Christian that they do not have the Holy Spirit because they do not speak in "tongues" is wrong, wrong, wrong. AND, not Biblical. The Holy Spirit is a God of revelation. Meaning the Holy Spirit will reveal to the heart the TRUTH." What is truth? JESUS IS TRUTH. Anyone who proclaims that Jesus is Lord, HAS THE HOLY SPIRIT!!! My fellow Catholics, do not let anyone tell you that you do not have the Holy Spirit if you do not speak in tongues and that your Baptism is not valid. It is NOT Biblical. If you have questions, ask your Pastor or your Priest. Read John 21:25. Protestants do not accept "Sacred Traditions" and that is what John is talking about. "There are also MANY other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could NOT CONTAIN the books that would be written. Amen." Protestants believe that the Bible is the "final" word. That belief is NOT Biblical. 1 Tim. 3:15 tells us that "it is the CHURCH that is the pillar and foundation of Truth." Read your Bible and use the Catechism as a "concordance." There is nothing in the Bible that is contrary to Catholic teachings and there is nothing in Catholic teachings that is contrary to the Bible. Know it and believe it. The most "powerful" precious gift our Savior left us is the Eucharist. His "Real Presence" for us to receive everyday. (Lamb's Supper/Marriage Feast of the Lamb) "I AM the living Bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this Bread, he will live forever; and the Bread that I shall give is "MY FLESH," which I shall give for the life of the world. Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, YOU HAVE NO LIFE IN YOU." Whoever eats My Flesh and drinks My Blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For My Flesh IS Food indeed, and My Blood IS drink indeed. He who eats My Flesh and drinks My Blood ABIDES IN ME AND I IN HIM." John 6:51, 53, 54 & 55. When some disciples could not accept this (because they knew that Jesus meant it "LITERALLY") they walked away. The verse that tells us that they walked away is John "6:66." Interesting! Again, know it and "BELIEVE IT." What God's voice tells us is the true story of His incredible love for us. No other storyteller, however gifted, can paint for us the full, living portrait of who we are and have been, and who we are becoming. Let us "listen" attentively, lest we forget and try to remake ourselves according to some other image. "Let those who have eyes to see, see and ears to hear, hear." Walk in love, just as Christ. Blessings…
The thing that jumps out at me is that if what Irvin is saying here is true and that tongues are required, why does Paul not teach this in the NT? Entire letters from him on how to be saved and what the process is make no mention of this teaching of Irvin's. Why would Paul so completely leave it out if it is so important? Is the Spirit of Christ different from the Holy Spirit?
Romans 8:9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.
How can you say that you have to speak in tongues to prove that the Spirit is in you and also say that you can be saved without speaking in tongues? Paul is crystal clear that you can't be saved without the Spirit, but he never ever says that you have to speak in tongues to show that the Spirit is in you. This doesn't make any sense.
I did'nt realize anyone said you have to speak in tongues to be saved, if they implied it then they are wrong, I believe if you are born again then you do have the Holy Spirit.
I also believe in speaking in tongue's what I don't understand is that Pauls teaching is very clear on this subject and it is not to hard to understand. God will enlighten anyone who Prays for understanding on this matter, But you have to read the word with a open heart and leae your preconcieved ideas out by the curb for a while. But if you have given your heart to Christ you are saved to the uttermost no matter if you ever speak in tongues or not.
You said keep it all in context but you don't when it came to the Holy Spirit and the Word
Your Text:
"So the Holy Word is the Holy Spirit. "
You cite:
"In John 6:63 the Word made flesh says; "my words are spirit".
As your proof text
I know that your blog here is talking about the use of tongues but this is not what I want to address here on my reply. I am in agreement on several points you make on whipping up emotional responses rolling on the floor and so on so I will not address those thoughts here or on tongues as this has a deeper misunderstanding of the Word and the Holy Spirit and who He is.
Here is the context of John 6:55-63
Joh 6:55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
Joh 6:56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.
Joh 6:57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.
Joh 6:58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.
Joh 6:59 These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.
Joh 6:60 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?
Joh 6:61 When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?
Joh 6:62 What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?
Joh 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
You see this is not saying anything about the Holy Word is the Spirit here at all! You have taken this totally out of the context that this was given. It is not talking directly about the Holy Spirit at all.
1st NOTICE THE WORD spirit is not CAPITALIZED! Not meaning the HOLY SPIRIT. These words here are not meant to be taken as literal but spiritually as he said, so taking Jesus body and actually eating it or drinking his actual blood was not what he meant, Jesus says "the flesh profits nothing" so if you could eat Jesus literally you will still die, in this it was not meant to be taken literal here, He was talking about it as spiritually symbolic of his shedding blood and broken beat body on the cross.
CONTEXT you just took it out of CONTEXT.
"They are spirit – They are spiritual. They are not to be understood literally, as if you were really to eat my flesh, but they are to be understood as denoting the need of that provision for the soul which God has made by my coming into the world."
Barnes Commentary:
You are mixing up Gods written word with the 3rd person of the trinity the Holy Spirit. Gods written word is not the Holy Spirit.
The words Jesus spoke was designed to change their minds to help them to believe the truth and invoke faith in them so they could be saved and filled by the Holy Spirit. After he died and rose from the grave Jesus's words then became life to them at that time. They did not understand or only in part understood what he meant then. The Spirit took the words Jesus spoke and brought it back to their remembrance and they understood and believed and some did not. Just like when Jesus spoke to the two on the Emmaus Road Jesus brought back to their minds all that they were taught and then they got it as soon as He Broke the BREAD!
You took verse 63 and are making up something the text is not saying at all. "The Holy Word is the Spirit?" Its not even talking about that its talking about how they ate bread in the wilderness and died, contrasting believing in Him Jesus the bread of life and live eternally by putting your faith and belief in Him and live forever in contrast in keeping the law of Moses and eating the manna and dying in the wilderness. Jesus was also looking forward to His death on the cross his shed blood and broken body for our sins and us accepting that for our propitiation and then ending the discourse by saying that "my words are life" but that is only if you believe what Jesus is saying!
Now you cite Isaiah 63:11 as proof text and use it to say:
"These following verses indicated the Word is the Spirit"
After bringing the children of Israel through the sea He brought them to Mt Horeb and gave them His word which is also His Spirit.
Lets start at verse 10 and see what it says:
Isa 63:10 But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.
Isa 63:11 Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where is he that put his holy Spirit within him?
Here the word Spirit is capitalized and if you look at verse 10 you will also notice they vexed His Holy Spirit and caused the trouble they had. It does not say they vexed his word. They disobeyed his law, the scripture that the Lord gave them and caused grief to the Holy Spirit just like children can disobey parents and cause grief to them it does not mean they grieved the words they said. It is the third person of the trinity they vexed, they are speaking of the Holy Spirit not just words. You say WORD/SPIRIT is the same this is not what the bible is saying you have added to the word of God. READ IT AS IT IS don't add to it.
It simply means they rebelled against the Holy Spirit the third person of the trinity
of whom was helping them or God in general which consists of God the Spirit, God the Father and God the Son but these three are one God who is one in essence one in power one in glory one in being one in thought one in eternity past present and future one in everything. The Father is not Jesus or the Spirit, and Jesus is not the Father or Spirit and the Spirit is not the Father or Jesus, but they are all God. John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God… John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. He dwelt among us the Word became flesh meaning Jesus. You again misinterpret the Word of God. Jesus is called the Word of God not the HOLY SPIRIT. The Word of God is also the written or spoken words of Scripture.
"The Son of God may be called "the Word," because he is the medium by which God promulgates His will and issues His commandments. See Heb_1:1-3." Barnes Commentary
You confuse who is in operation here the Holy Spirit of God was working in him in Isa 63:11 not the word or written or spoken word but the influence of Gods Spirit the Holy Spirit. The Spirit will speak the word and help men write the words of God in times past as the word says in Heb 1:1-3.
The bible is the words of God written down which are spiritual not the Spirit of God as you seem to suggest, Psalms 119:10 says: Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee. If I use as you suggest Word/Spirit interchangeably then it will change the whole meaning of this verse.
Psa 119:11 Thy word (Word/Spirit) have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Why have you pulled this whole thing out of context in John 6:63 you seem to be very understanding of these things but you have missed the whole point of context here for some reason, maybe you don't believe the Holy Spirit is a person of the trinity
I'm not sure of what you are driving at saying these things.
The word in this scripture means speech or word NOT SPIRIT rules of interpretation must not apply to certain scriptures that you misuse. You can't just change a word for your own private interpretation here. I used Psalms as an example not that you changed it here but just to show that you cannot interchange words at your own choosing.
The words of scripture I memorize so the Holy Spirit can use them and bring back to my remembrance all that he has taught me. The bible says the law is spiritual Rom 7:14 not the Holy Spirit, and Jesus is the Word of God in the flesh because He came to fulfill everything that was written down about Him in the scriptures, He is how God spoke to us today through Christ, still Jesus is not the bible it is His words and we can get to know Him by it and His words can transform our lives but it's not the words that do it alone it takes the Holy Spirit of God engrafting it into our hearts to be part of us. The bible is not the Spirit or Jesus Christ or the Father, it is what speaks of Him and declares He is God etc. God took the very words that were spoken by the prophets by the Holy Spirit and were written down by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit as scripture and gave it a body to be fulfilled in and that is Christ Jesus the Son of God who is God come in the flesh and became exactly what the word of God said He would be. If I believe the bible the word of God is true and confess Christ as my Savior the Holy Spirit will come an abide in me which is God and God is the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit is who is here today administering the Grace of God to the Saints today, Jesus went to heaven and said I must go for your sakes so I can send forth the Holy Spirit. Jesus is at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us at this very moment. God said he would make His home in us and be in us as we become the temple of the Holy Spirit. So if we have Christ we have the Father and the Spirit because these three are ONE God.
This is a quote from Barnes Commentary on Heb 4:12
The "Word of God" is "what God speaks" – whether it be a promise or a threatening; whether it be Law or gospel; whether it be a simple declaration or a statement of a doctrine. The idea here is, that what "God had said" is suited to detect hypocrisy and to lay open the true nature of the feelings of the soul, so that there can be no escape for the guilty.
Your Proof Text For:
"These following verses indicated the Word is the Spirit"
(Acts 7:51) "Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye."
Again this is not speaking of the word here but of the 3rd person of the trinity the Holy Spirit. They disobeyed Gods commands and grieved him and were punished for it by what the law stated. The word in the New Testament Greek is logos or rhema this is not what it is here at all. This does not indicate in the least that the Word is the Spirit here. It is telling us that they did not believe Gods word and violently opposed it. Stephen gave this great message and was stoned for it. Stephen was full of faith and the HOLY SPIRIT when he gave this message Acts 6:5
Barnes Commentary says they rejected and opposed the message inspired by God, the message or the words are not the Holy Spirit but what God has said:
"You oppose the message which is brought to you by the authority of God and the inspiration of his Spirit. The message brought by Moses; by the prophets; by the Saviour; and by the apostles – all by the infallible direction of the Holy Spirit – they and their fathers opposed." Barnes Commentary
Also if you look at Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
The word of God is the SWORD OF THE SPIRIT not "the" SPIRIT so you must not misuse the scripture like this. The Holy Spirit can and does use the Word to do mighty and wonderful things but it is God that does the work.
Strongs dictionary says here that it's a (rational being) like the wind or breath
From H7306; wind; by resemblance breath, that is, a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension a region of the sky; by resemblance spirit, but only of a rational being (including its expression and functions)
Your Proof Text:
"Jer 31:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people."
"According to the word of YHVH, the infilling of the Holy Spirit is having the Word in our hearts."
Again you use this to prove a wrong interpretation and conclusion of infilling of the Holy Spirit. This is the message to Israel and future people of all of what God was going to do through Jesus Christ. God was declaring that the old covenant that kept the people under bondage and was their schoolmaster could never give them the grace they needed to be saved. The law could never give what it demanded of them. So under that system by keeping the law of works for righteousness could never attain what grace could give… As Pascal says, "The law demands what it cannot give; grace gives all it demands."
The old covenant was "Thou shalt not" The new covenant is "I will" God will do what we are unable to do, we are no longer the ones that has to keep the law to be saved we only have to believe in Christ and God will come and live in us making us alive to God and dead to sin making us able to do those things in the law by a new and living way!!!! He has come to make HIS HOME IN US! To be born again is a great way to see it. He becomes the power to live a faith filled Spirit filled life by the word of the lamb.
You Say:
"So the Holy Word is the Holy Spirit. "
Your proof Text:
"YHVH says He would put His WORD/SPIRIT in our hearts.
Ezek 11:19-20 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God."
Here we are one last time with your misuse of the scripture. This is most likely referring to what it means in the New Testament and the New Man Eph 4:24, and that God was going to melt the stubborn heart of man that is naturally hardened with sin against the truth by the Gospel of Jesus Christ which is the power of God unto salvation. By putting a new spirit in place of his dead spirit and hardened conscience. And by this he then can respond to the word of God and do what it says cheerfully and with a willing and repentant heart. And God will make his abode in him.
SPEAKING and PRAYING IN TONGUES what the Bible really says.
To understand this topic we must be as a Barean and search the scriptures and allow the Bible to define this topic.
I will use some guidelines as always
The principle of first mention – The Law of First Mention may be said to be the principle that requires one to go to that portion of the Scriptures where a doctrine or a word is mentioned and used for the first time and to study the first occurrence of the same in order to get the fundamental inherent meaning of that doctrine or word to be used throughout scripture.
Context of Scripture – Avoid using words or phrases out of context. Context must define terms and how words are used. The meaning must be gathered from the context. Every word you read must be understood in the light of the words that come before the verse or verses, and the words that come after the particular verse or verses in question. Many passages will not be understood at all, or at least will be understood incorrectly, without the help afforded by the context.
Context of the whole of Scripture – In interpreting Scripture, there is both an immediate context and a broader context. The immediate context of a verse is the paragraph (or paragraphs) of the biblical book in question. The immediate context should always be consulted in interpreting Bible verses. The broader context is the whole of Scripture. The entire Holy Scripture is the context and guide for understanding the particular passages of Scripture.
Historical Background – History plays a very large part in Bible interpretation, yet many today seem to forget it. First of all, to truly understand the Bible, you must have at least some familiarity with the Hebrew language, beliefs, and practices at the time of the biblical writing. Otherwise many terms, phrases, and sayings in the Scriptures will make little to no sense to us today. Even for most of the New Testament writings, we must know and understand what was happening in the first century when they were written. What problems faced the Apostles in their time to make them say some of the things they did?
Lets get started.
Part 1) Speaking in Tongues
Speaking in other tongues is mentioned in Acts 2 and is a part of many doctrinal beliefs within denominational Christianity today. The word "Tongues" in Act 2:4 is Glossa in the Greek and it means: Of uncertain affinity; the tongue; by implication a "language"
Is the Greek definition accurate to the biblical Hebrew use of the word Tongue?
The rule of first mention needs to be applied:
The first use of the word Tongue in the Bible is Genesis 10:5 Please read: Gen 10:1-5
(verse 5) By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.
In Gen. 10:5 the word Tongue is used to identify who and where a person was from. Tongue – refers to where you are from, how you speak (DIALECT), truth – honest speech, false witness, how and what you eat, tribe – nationality (Dialect)
Why does it not mean what language you spoke?
Because = in Gen 11:1 And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech.
We need to notice the word language is different than the word tongue.
śâphâh śepheth
saw-faw', sef-eth'
(The second form is in dual and plural); Probably from H5595 or H8192 through the idea of termination (compare H5490); the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication language
âshôn lâshôn leshônâh
law-shone', law-shone', lesh-o-naw'
From H3960; the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame, a cove of water)
Again, Tongue = Where you are from (Nationality), how you spoke (Dialect), how or what you ate.
At this time in Genesis 10 the world was still one language as stated in Genesis 11:1 but you were identified by your tongue as to where you were from by your dialect.
For example, the Standard American English, Standard Canadian English, Standard Indian English, Standard Australian English, and Standard Philippine English may all be said to be standard dialects of the English language.
So right off we see an issue with the Greek definition of tongues. "Houston, we have a problem." The Greek just took two separate words and meanings and created one skewed definition.
Now YHVH does nothing without revealing it first through His Prophets and since that is the case concerning Acts 2:4 "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance" we must go to the prophecies concerning being filled with the Holy Spirit and speaking with other tongues.
First let's define what the Holy Spirit is.
Does the Holy Spirit create a incoherent whipped up emotional frenzy of running, or rolling, or laughing, or being what is called "slain in the spirit" or drunk in the spirit, etc? Nope, I can't find anything close to that in scripture, besides this type of action would contradict the fruit of self-control.
Here is what the Bible says:
In John 6:63 the Word made flesh says; "my words are spirit".
After bringing the children of Israel through the sea He brought them to Mt Horeb and gave them His word which is also His Spirit.
These following verses indicated the Word is the Spirit
(Isaiah 63:11) " Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where is he that put his holy Spirit within him?"
(Acts 7:51) "Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye."
So the Holy Word is the Holy Spirit.
YHVH says He would put His WORD/SPIRIT in our hearts.
Ezek 11:19-20 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.
Jer 31:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
According to the word of YHVH, the infilling of the Holy Spirit is having the Word in our hearts.
Now let's look at the prophecy concerning speaking with another tongue.
Isaiah 28: 7-13 is the complete prophecy that He would use those of another tongue (dialect) to speak to those of the house of Judah.
Isaiah 28:11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.
In Acts 2 we find at the feast of Shavuot (Pentecost) devout men (Jews) keeping this feast and they came out of Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and Rome, Cretes and Arabians. All these men spoke Hebrew but in the dialect from the land they were born in. And we know Peter spoke to the crowd in Hebrew and all understood him. The important fact here is the crowd knew that the 120 that were magnifying YHVH were Galilaeans and yet they heard them in the dialect of the land they were each born in. (Acts 2:8) "And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?"
Who was the audience that heard and understood every word spoken from those in another tongue? Answer: Jews.
Who did the prophecy say the speaking with another tongue was for?
Answer: the Jews
Paul states in 1 Cor. 1:22 "For the Jews require a sign,…"
You will see the same thing when you read Acts 10 and Acts 19. The Jews were the intended audience.
Note: And this is extremely important, Everyone that YHVH used to further the good news with the gift of "tongues" was a person walking in obedience to Torah. (120 of Acts 2, Cornelius was a God of Israel fearer, The twelve Jewish men that were baptized under John the Baptist were walking in obedience).
I pray the above section was understandable and clear on the subject.
Part 2) Praying in Tongues
Many say there is a prayer language.
Is it Scriptural?
Again many Christian denominational churches and movements rely on scripture passages as evidence for "praying in tongues".
Romans 8:26
Ephesians 6:18
Jude verse 20
1 Corinthians 14:4-17
Romans 8:26 teaches us, "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."
Two key points make it highly unlikely Romans 8:26 is referring to tongues as a prayer language.
First, Romans 8:26 states that it is the Spirit who "groans," not believers. Second, Romans 8:26 states that the "groans" of the Spirit "cannot be expressed." The very essence of speaking in tongues/languages is uttering words.
Ephesians 6:18 and Jude 20 mention "praying in the Spirit." However, tongues as a prayer language is not a likely interpretation of "praying in the Spirit." It would be like saying, praying in the Spirit refers to speaking in tongues. Well the Bible also tells us to walk in the Spirit (Gal. 5:16). So If to "pray in the Spirit" means to pray in tongues, then to "walk in the spirit" must mean, to walk in tongues? NO
That leaves us with 1 Corinthians 14:4-17 and verse 14 especially:
"For if I pray in a tongue (language), my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful." 1 Corinthians 14:14 distinctly mentions "praying in tongue."
What does this mean?
First, studying the context is immensely valuable. 1 Corinthians chapter 14 is primarily a comparison/contrast of the gift of speaking in tongues and the gift of prophecy. Verses 2-5 makes it clear that Paul views prophecy as a gift superior to tongues. At the same time, Paul exclaims the value of tongues and declares that he is glad that he speaks in tongues more than anyone (verse 18).
History: In the multicultural/multilingual area of Corinth, it seems that the speaking in different languages was especially valuable and prominent. The Corinthian believers were able to better communicate the gospel and God's Word as a result of the speaking in different languages. However, Paul made it abundantly clear that even in this usage of speaking in another language, it was to be interpreted or "translated" (1 Corinthians 14:13, 27).
Here is what was going on: A Corinthian believer would speak in a language proclaiming God's truth to someone who spoke that language, and then that believer, or another believer in the church, was to interpret what was spoken so that the entire assembly could understand what was said and be edified.
Now there may be some who disagree with the above understanding of Paul's letter, So for those who view praying in tongues as a prayer language between a believer and God (1 Corinthians 13:1) that a believer uses to edify himself (1 Corinthians 14:4) which seems to be a contradiction to scripture I ask the following:
• How could praying in tongues be a private prayer language if it is to be interpreted (1 Corinthians 14:13-17)?
• How could praying in tongues be for self-edification when Scripture says that the spiritual gifts are for the edification of the church, not the self (1 Corinthians 12:7)?
• How can praying in tongues be a private prayer language if the gift of tongues is a "sign to unbelievers" (1 Corinthians 14:22)? When YHVH uses you with the gift of tongues the unbeliever hears and understands what is being said.
• The Bible makes it clear that not everyone possesses the gift of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:11, 28-30) so how could tongues be a gift for self-edification if not every believer can possess it? Do we not all need to be edified?
It is interesting to note that 1 Corinthians 14 was written to rebuke the Corinthians for their misuse of the gifts, especially tongues.
The Corinthian's were each trying to take center stage and show themselves as the most spiritual. Paul rebukes them for this and tells them that this is not edifying for others in the church (1 Cor. 14:12, 26). By trying to flaunt their (implied non-spiritual) gifts, the Corinthian's were "edifying" themselves. This verse is not a commendation it is a rebuke. I Cor. 14:23 "If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues (other languages), and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?"
Are there 2 kinds of tongues? Speaking in tongues / praying in tongues
Based on scripture we can conclude there are not 2 types of "tongues", there is only 1 according to scripture. In the Book of Acts chapter 2 we find the most clear concise description of the Spirit of Yah and its use of the gift of tongues and the intended audience.
Paul's letter to the Corinthians is a letter that rebukes the deeds within the body of believers. Each chapter addresses different issues and provides some instruction and if you read past chapter 14 you will see in 15 and 16 Paul brings them back to the basics of faith and Torah.
Finally, we must base our faith and practice on Scripture, not experience. We must view our experiences in light of Scripture, not interpret Scripture in light of our experiences.
Be blessed and shalom,
Amen brother. I have no authority or special knowledge on the subject but it seems to me that you nailed it. As I mentioned in my posted question on this subject, if Irvin's teaching is correct, why is it not contained in the NT? Why would Paul just leave out such a vital piece of knowledge? It seems to me that it would be like all other vital pieces and be discussed at length several times. Instead it is rarely mentioned. And there are several other conversion stories that don't mention tongues that Irvin left out. He calls the stories he highlights "complete conversion stories". So any conversion story that doesn't mention tongues is not complete because it doesn't tell what Irvin knows really happened. That is a serious problem. That kind of thinking can lead to a host of misinterpretations. We need to stick with what it says and it never says that the only evidence of the filling of the Holy Spirit is speaking in tongues. It does not even record that Paul spoke in tongues at his conversion!!! Yet he speaks in them later on.
Hi all
Firstly, REALLY UNBELIEVABLE I have asked Christian's why do they want to speak in tongues, why was there tongues at Pentecost, do all speak in tongues, who was the sign for unbeliever or believer all so far HAVE NOT KNOW the reason for tongues.
Reason people want tongues, firstly we are to walk by faith and not by sight. They do not believe on signs that already have happened, need it for their own unbelief, they are curious and are thrill seekers, want something for themselves John 20:19 …blessed are those that have not seen but believe…
in 2 Corinthians tongues was already mentioned in the past tense, was tongues ever commanded or taught by the apostles,
The word "perfect" is referring to God's
Word, not Christ. The Greek word "teleios" is never used in reference to Christ.
We have the gifts listed 1 Corinthians 12, lists 9 gifts, the Spirits gives them to whom HE wills (not everyone gets), 1 Corinthians 13 Says LOVE never fails, where there is prophecy they will fail, where there is tongues they will cease, knowledge they will vanish.
Verse 9 we know in part (knowledge) and prophecy in part ( cannon of scripture not yet completed),PLEASE NOTE HERE TONGUES IS NOT MENTIONED in this verse: Here goes ( start 9 gifts, 3 gone, now verse 13 NOW ONLY FAITH HOPE AND LOVE REMAIN. When Jesus comes FAITH and HOPE fall away as IT is no longer NEEDED our hope or faith ACCOMPLISHED WITH JESUS, THEREFORE ONLY LOVE REMAINS FOREVER.
By this sequence of gifts we see that some ceased and only those are left Love when Jesus returns.
WE ARE BAPTISED INTO THE BODY OF CHRST not into tongues.
No Christian in the bible is ever told to pray, preach, sing, or praise God in tongues.
Acts 4:31 and Eph 5:18-20 does not include in speaking in tongues.
Tongues not mentioned on the Spiritual gifts in Romans 12:6-8.
Women not to speak in tongues 1 Corinth 14:34-35. Why so many woman speaking in tongues.
Did you ignore the entire first part of 1 Corinthians? It is all in support of tongue!!! 1 Co. 23, "If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are UNLEARNED , or UNBELIEVERS, will they not say that ye are mad?" Why would people come in church and think you're crazy if you're speaking other languages that they can understand as well, but you're not. You're speaking unto God! Your SPIRIT prays, but YOU do not understand. He says that as well in 1 Co. But I guess you ignored all those parts. People walk into church and don't understand what you're saying, and think you are crazy. If they were speaking things everyone can understand, then they wouldn't think you are crazy. People walk in hearing languages they do not understand, and they think "ye are mad?" read any Youtube comments on tongues, or any comments on people who speak in tongues. They mock, call it fake, they laugh call them crazy.. And you, are in that same pool. 1 Co. 39 "Forbid not to speak with tongues." Paul is saying he doesn't want people being unorderly, you shouldn't be shouting tongues if nobody is there to prophesy/interpret what you can say.
When Paul was talking about everyone speaking in tongues at the same time it was the chaos that he was referencing that would upset someone who walked in. Hundreds of people all talking at once in different languages is silly and un-Christian. Paul does support tongues but only when done properly. He was rebuking the Corinthians for their disorder.
By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another; not that you speak in tongues. Tongues is the most easy thing to fake. True love cannot be faked. Paul did not think much of tongues but of prophecy. The greatest gifts are faith, hope and love with love being the greatest of all. Just as all are not apostles or healers not all spoke in tongues. Tongues was given as a tool to preach the gospel in forgien lands and it is a language that conveys information and is not the fake thing you see on TV. Why do these so called preachers need an interpreter when in a strange land? Anna Jena gives good advice in her comment you would do well to heed it.
tongues means the everday languages of the people
Acts 2 1-11
Why do we need to speak to God in a mystery tongue?
Doesn't he know what is in our minds and hearts?
If speaking in tongues is needed with the giving of the holy spirit then there are hardly any people or just a few with the holy spirit
I believe the scriptures need read over again and in various Bibles
Anna Jena
Tongues means languages. Not, everyday languages of the people. That's a reach. Speaking in tongues is speaking to God in his language. It is his spirit making yours pray to him in his tongue. You are mistaken in your denial.
Secondly, you should reallllyyyyyy stop denying it. People would not believe something so strongly that they faked. Kinda like accusing the Apostles of stealing Jesus' body from the tomb and dying over a lie. They wouldn't. I guarantee you any person with the Holy Ghost in them would NOT be afraid to die for Jesus, but yet people who don't would be filled with fear, and most would not.
Also, when the Apostles were going around teaching the Gospel, they went to a country where the people believed and were baptized yet did not get the Holy Ghost. (sound familiar? many churches nowadays teach you must just believe and you will have it) Yet when the apostles laid hands on them, they were filled with the Holy Ghost. 1.) How did they know? 2.) Simon obviously saw it, and he asked how much money they wanted to give him that power, so he saw it.
There IS a physical thing you do when you receive the Holy Ghost. You don't just believe and feel undifferent. You believe,you speak in tongues and you feel this amazingly unspeakable amount of God's love. This is not faked, and by calling it fake is blasphemy, an unforgivable sin, so please, be careful.
Also, it was common knowledge at the time to speak in tongues when you received the Holy Ghost, so it wasn't specifically said time after time. It was common and obvious. Much like Modern- Pentecosts know. You don't go to a shoe store and say "don't forget the tongues" you know they come with them. You are correct, that they did speak in other languages to spread the gospel, but you are wrong that it stopped then, and that nobody does it anymore. They are two different things. I swear to you, with 200% certainty, you are dead wrong.
Thank You Mr. Baxter for making this as plain and easily understood as you did. I appreciate your willingness to come forth and tackle a subject that has a way of separating people and groups. I know that some will not accept the answer given but at least the truth is truth and IT MATTERS. Just because one group denies some of the gifts of God and one group doesn't should not be a point to separate our love for one another or condemn the group that don't believe it. I have been Holy Spirit filled tongue speaking believer for over 30 years and have always maintained that this is the normal Christian experience. I have recently finished a 3 year course of biblical studies and of course some are of the stripe that it has ceased. I put forth my position lovingly and did not criticize them for their stand but would not let them off the hook for what the bible does say. I said, I speak in tongues, I am a believer and the bible supports my experience 100%, it's not of satan as no one speaking by the Spirit of God can call Jesus accursed. Like you said if they believe in the gift of healing and knowledge, wisdom, discernment, and prophecies and throw out tongues well I guess they will have to rewrite the bible for their own beliefs. I did not change anyone's mind during my course of studies but was able to defend the truth as it is written even with some saying that I am wrong for it. We did not separate over this issue, we became good friends, agree to disagree. I do not think as one of the responses below said that you believe that if we don't speak in tongues we are not saved. You did not say this, just that they did not receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit as I understand it. First you cannot have the Spirit unless you are a believer so like it says they were believers first and received water baptism, (water baptism is not required for salvation as it also said they were filled with the Spirit before they were water baptized at one point in Acts), then they were prayed for and were filled with the Holy Spirit. I do believe that a person who believes in Jesus has the Holy Spirit how could you not for we are all baptized into Christ when we believe and into one Spirit? But a person may not experience all that God has in being filled with the Spirit and gifts of the Spirit. Consequently you can be filled many times over not just once. We need to pray and ask and keep asking for Gods power to be poured into our lives to overcome all the world throws at us. Is it pray once and it's all over with? No it's just the beginning we must pray continually with all prayers and supplications making our requests known unto God with thanks giving. Speaking in tongues is important but the giver of the gifts the Father and Son and Spirit is by far more superior to seek first and foremost and loving our brothers and sisters than to pick a fight over who speaks in tongues and who doesn't. I will tell of Gods gifts and the Spirit baptism but first I must preach Christ he is the Lord and Savior of the soul and only by Him can we be granted the forgiveness we so need. But just as the Apostles did we need to teach about the Holy Spirit for in the Spirit lies the power of God to do more and love more.
I would like to continue with my thoughts. It is long and not enough space for all of it.
Speaking in tongues as the Holy Spirit is given. When you go to a wedding you see two people standing in front of a minister who ministers over the services for the marriage. The couple stands in front of a congregation of witnesses. They speak to one another while facing each other. The witnesses hear what the couple says to one another. They speak the vows out of their mouths so others can hear it. When we receive the Holy Spirit we are standing face to face with Jesus just as a couple does on their wedding day. It is in the spirit and not in the natural. As the spirit enters inside a person, words will come from their mouths, that is tongues. other people will hear it or witness the speaking in tongues as the spirit gives the utterance. Just as the audience at the wedding hears the couple speak wedding vows out of their mouths. The witnesses do not actually hear Gods voice but they will hear your voice. The witnesses or the rest of the congregation of the church will feel Gods presence and there will be action in the audience. Just as people feel the love and joy of the union between a couple when they get married, the audience will feel those same emotions and it will show. When you read about the prophets in the Old Testament and they say " my spirit was lifted out of my body and I was taken to" (where ever the Lord took him in the scripture), that is what happens when a person receives the Holy Spirit. Their spirit is lifted out of their bodies and they are before the throne of God. Just as the new couple faces one another in the ceremony, you will stand and face with God when you receive the infilling of his spirit. You will not actually see him or his body but you will know you are standing directly in front of him. The day I married my husband, I stood up by the alter in front of him and all I could think about was how beautiful he was. How much I loved him and I wanted to be a part of his life forever. He was amazing and perfect to me. I was aware the church had people in it but it was like our spirits matched or came together as one person. I was speechless for the most part as I gazed into his eyes. When we come before his presence and we receive his spirit, it matches with ours. The tongues will come out in front of the witnesses but we can become speechless.
I attended church services with my aunt when I was 10 to 13 years old. I did not have the Holy Spirit at that time but he made himself known to me. I lived with a constant desire to know more about him. I sat in services where I saw people speaking in tongues and doing other weird things. Sometimes it felt like I was in a cloud. It was like there was this cloud in the church and all of us were inside of it. The pressure or atmosphere inside the church had changed. Its about like feeling the pressure of an approaching tornado. You know its coming, the atmosphere changes, there is an expectation, there is a sort of excitement or energy around you. You feel it, you know it is there but you cannot see it. Your mind starts questioning what is happening. You start to feel like you want that. You see other people responding to the energy and you want to feel what they are feeling. That is God letting you feel his presence, he is drawing you to him. That is him talking to you about who he is. ;You will start to feel guilty about your sins. It saddens you to a point of tears. That is God talking to you about your life and he is drawing you or calling you to come to him. When you feel like that, that is true repentence, true Godly sorrow. It means you are aware that your life isn't what it should be and God is talking to you about making those necessary changes in your life. He is saying "I love you and I want you. You can come to me. I will hear what you have to say. I will accept your apology. I love you." and you will feel that.
Sister, may the Lord God bless you. It is a pleasure to see a sister in Christ with such a pure and meek heart wrought by Holy Spirit. Many of the comments on websites like this are filled with anger, hatred, and terrible confusion. You are the light of the world. May your light grow brighter and brighter unto your complete glorification. Amen.
When we receive the Holy Spirit, the Lord enters our heart. He places himself inside of us. We have a one on one personal relationship with him just as a husband and wife have a one on one personal relationship. We can hear his voice. He talks to us on a personal level. It is different than hearing a voice in the natural. We hear him speak in our minds. When we read the Bible, he gives us understanding of what his word says. I read the King James Bible. It is filled with a lot of thee's and thou's. When I first started reading it, I had a hard time understanding it. I asked for God to reveal what his word was saying to me. He did. Now I can read and understand a King James Bible. We learn about Jesus in different ways. He talks to us one on one, as well as through the minister and other Christians. We feel him. He actually touches us. It is a different touch than what you feel from another human being. He uses our five senses. There are times when he feels so sweet that I can sit and just suck in all the loving feelings I have for him. He has a fantastic gentle nature. There are times when I cry for the sweetness and the presence is so intense. When I worship him, I feel so happy I want to yell. He is so exciting to me. He is fascinating. He knows everything and he created everything. I love when he talks to me and he teaches me what he knows. Who knows his word better than him? I haven't found anyone who does. He created his word, and when he created it, he made it simple enough for us to understand what he says. When I upset him, he chastises me and he tells me I was wrong. That hurts my feelings to know I upset him. So we have the same feelings in our relationship with him that we have with others in the natural. Someone who does not have the Holy Spirit does not have those emotions with him. They may feel him on the outside but not on the inside. I did feel him outside of me in services I attended when I did not have the Spirit. He was revealing himself to me or making himself known to me. He let me know he was real by allowing me to feel his presence. That is different when he dwells inside a person. The Holy Spirit makes you feel whole or complete. A person without it still feels like something is missing but they don't quite know what it is. They pray, they worship, they have faith, but there is still something missing in it. The relationship has not been consummated. The Bible talks about a relationship in a marriage when it says, "the two will become one". We are to join with his spirit and become as one person with him. ITs about like dating someone. You can spend time with them and fall in love with them but without being married, there is still a separation. Once that ring goes on the finger and you are considered married, you feel complete or whole. When you receive the Holy Spirit you receive your spiritual ring in your heart and the two of you come together as one person. You will actually feel his intense love. It is a love far greater than the feelings of love we receive from another human being.
To Corey – regarding your post on Feb. 25th, at 12:05 pm. Some how I missed seeing it before now. That message was one of the most well written and accurately informative of most any I have seen to date. I am looking forward to what ever else you have to say.
Thank you for your post and have a blessed week !
There are only "7 gifts" of the Holy Spirit. Wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord. Is. 11:1-3 The "fruits" of the Holy Spirit are: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Gal. 5:22-23. Symbols if the Holy Spirit are: anointing, clouds, dove, finger of God, fire, hand, light, seal and water. It is the Holy Spirit that is the "gift" that we receive when we repent, accept the Gospel and are Baptized. When we do the above, our bodies become the "temple of the Holy Spirit." 1 Cor. 6:19 I agree with Irvin on many things, but the Bible does not teach that we "have" to speak in "tongues" to be saved. If I am understanding Irvin correctly, that is what he is teaching. If I understood him incorrectly, please advise me. At my age, that happens more often than I like. Grace is first and foremost the gift of the Spirit who justifies and sanctifies us. But grace also includes the gifts that the Spirit grants us to associate us with his work, to enable us to collaborate in the salvation of others and in the growth of the Body of Christ, the Church. There are "special graces", also called "chrisms" after the Greek term used by St. Paul and meaning "favor" or "gratuitous gift," "benefit." Whatever their character – sometimes it is extraordinary, such AS the gift of miracles or of "tongues." But to say that it is "necessary" to speak in tongues for salvation, I'm sorry, but I do not find that teaching in the Bible. I think it is probably something that has been "misinterpreted." When we profess that Jesus is Lord and we "keep His commandments" as He told us to do, that is effidence enough that we are indwelt with the Holy Spirit. Peace.
Paul teaches us that we are saved by the Gospel: 1 Corinthians 15 the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Paul goes on further to say that God will take vengeance on them that don't know Him or obey His gospel. I see that you've believed and obeyed most of that command just as I have: you've repented which is obeying the death of Jesus Romans 6; you've been baptized hopefully has instructed by Jesus and the Apostles by submersion and in the name of Jesus Christ Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:38; now I ask that you take the next step in finishing that plan: receiving the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues. It's not speaking in tongues that saves you, it's the infilling of the Holy Ghost that does. Speaking in tongues is just the evidence that someone has received the Holy Ghost. We see this perfectly in Acts 10. The Apostles were amazed that the Holy Ghost fell on the gentiles. How did they know that it happened? The Bible says, "…for they heard them speak with tongues…" I hope this helps further our view on this.
God bless!
Derrick: Understood. Thank you, Derrick. Blessings…
JoAnn – you said you understood what Derrick said which was totaly accurate. Does that mean you intend to proceed with what he said to do and get Baptised in JESUS NAME and persue getting Baptised with the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit and receive that gift as the Spirit gives utterance ? If you do what Derrick said to do – which Peter said to do in Acts 2:38 and of which he said was a PROMISE in Acts 2:39. You say that Peter was your first Pope so why not do what Peter said to do ?? If you do what Peter said – you can be SURE that you have received the Holy Ghost. If I may ask – if not, why not ??
daveS: Hi dave. I am truly touched by your concern and your sincerity for my salvation (seriously, I'm not being sarcastic) BUT you need not worry. I have already been Baptized and it is quite evident that the Holy Spirit dwells within me. The Bible teaches we are "temples of the Holy Spirit." Once we belong to Christ, we have the Holy Spirit. What I meant when I said "understood," was that Derrick confirmed that speaking in tongues is NOT necessary for salvation; just as I "knew" all along because that is what the Bible teaches. I was Baptized the way Jesus commanded one to be Baptized. Speaking in tongues is NOT the only evidence that one is indwelt with the Holy Spirit. The Bible teaches that we will see when one is indwelt with the Holy Spirit because "we will know them by their "fruits." When Protestants do NOT take into consideration that Sacred Traditions (notice I did not say man-made traditions) and Church history and the "teaching authority of Christ's Church" are to be co-related with the message of the Bible, we will never agree on doctrines. Sooo, with that said, I will quote a very learned, humble and holy man. "I'm not interested in converting Evangelicals to Catholicism. I want people to find Jesus in their own community. There are so many doctrines we will never agree on. Let's not spend our time on those. Rather, let's be about showing the "love" of Jesus." Do you not agree? Blessings…
If you speak in tongues or shake when you are baptized with the Holy Ghost, are you aware of it? Can you hear yourself or feel it? What if you fall down, do you know it? I thought you got filled when you got saved.
When a person receives the Holy Ghost they are aware they are speaking in tongues as far as I know. Throughout the book of Acts speaking in tongues was the constant proof of a person receiving the Holy Ghost.
I love this teaching on the Holy Spirit. I was a baptist christian and I prayed to receive the Holy Spirit for a year. I prayed that God would give me another sign other than speaking in tongues. nothing happened. one day as I was praying with a tv minister, I was so longing to receive the Holy Spirit that I didn't tell God how to do it. I just said "fill me with your Holy Spirit and give me evidence". I tell you the truth, it was just like the the ones in the upper room. There came a loud, rushing mighty wind into my living room, the wind swept over me and in me and I was in the spirit praying in tongues. There was no fear, only love and intense joy. That was in 1976. I don't know how the Lord loves us so much, that He would not only give His life for us but send His precious Holy Spirit to live in us. Amazing Love!
all true Christians should scripturally speak in tongues, but many do not for they have not yet received the baptism by Jesus with the Holy Spirit, do not confuse what I am saying, all true Christians have the Holy Spirit in them but they do not have the baptism with the Holy Spirit with power with the evidence of the authority to cast out demons and to speak with tongues and to work miracles, signs and supernatural wonders, but did you also know that not everyone who speaks in tongues is a true Christian as there is people of other religions who also speak in tongues and who worship devils and evil angels, such as Hindu's, Buddhists, New Agers, Satanists, and even Muslim Sufi's as well as Freemasons and illuminati and the order of the Palladium and many others as well as Catholics AND WHEN THEY HAVE BEEN TAPE RECORDED they have been found to be praiseing satan and blaspheming the Lord Jesus Christ that was done in a research in the 1980's and found to be true, so the truth of the statement of Tongues are they divine or devilish is that some are of God and some are not do not just except that all who speak in tongues is of God for they are not so beware my brothers and sisters, God bless you all.
I've had two instances of the Lord having me speak a message in a known tongue.. first was in Hebrew, but I don't know what the specific words were. It was to a group of young men, and what I sensed was that one of them was raised in a believing family but was rejecting it. The other was at work, where I worked with Greeks, and a sentence of Greek came forth and they all got really really quiet. I kept asking what was said until one said "you must worship God, not idols". Praise God! Ok, that's xenoglossolalia and not glossolalia that you're speaking of here, but each have their purpose. At the very least, glossolalia is a spiritual battery charger, but of course it's much more.
About a month ago I was on the Island of Cyprus talking to two Christian men who did not speak in tongues after I had asked them if they did. So, hearing their answer I thought this is a time to speak in tongues and see what they say. Well let me tell you, when I finished talking in tongues for about thirty to forty seconds both of them looked straight at me and their eyes got bigger. One of them said you were talking in "old Jewish". Of course I had never had this experience either and was excited to know what they told me. Now I am on the hunt for people who are Jewish and speak Jewish so I can get them to tell me what I am saying…is that scriptural ? Just a thought… Thank you for the write up on Tongues brother Baxter.
Yours in Jesus,
Bill Waggoner
When It happened to me I felt something in my stomach. It was like I was throwing up a river of words but with no pain. My mind was going crazy at the time, I was thinking what are these words coming out of my mouth and what's this feeling in my stomach then my mind went straight to God and I wept as I was praying in tongues. When it was over I was speechless and so much lighter and happier than before. It was super-natural to me and beautiful. My life was changing before this but I feel so much closer to God now because I spend a lot more time praying. Don't let non-believers make you doubt this blessing. You will know the truth by how it changes your life. I heard ivan tait say that you know you have been touched by God if your life changes; for the best of course.
Excellent article! Thank you for writing this Pastor.
In 1st Cor. it says that the Holy Spirit gives different gifts to those of us in the church. We do not all speak in tongues, it is not something that all who receive the Holy Spirit can do. Its says we are all individuals in the church and are given certain gifts according to our position in the church.
Ken, notice that 1 Cor 12 starts out with "Now Concerning Spiritual Gifts" In V 10 Paul list divers tongues and interpretation of tongues as one of the nine gifts of the spirit. Now in Acts 2:38 Luke says we will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The gift of the Holy Spirit with evidence of speaking in tongues is different then one of the nine spiritual gifts of divers tongues. Now look at 1 Cor 12:30- Paul is wrapping up chpt 12 "spiritual gifts" saying do all have "Gifts of Healing"-tongues-interpretation of tongues- referring back to V10- Not to many people operate in all nine gifts of the spirit. I may have the gift of healing, but not the gift of prophecy for example. As you can see from the article everyone who receives the "Gift of the Holy Spirit" speaks with tongues- not to be confused with the "Gift of divers tongues" This is why Paul goes into great detail in 1 Cor 12 to explain the "SPIRITUAL GIFTS" not the "GIFT of the HOLY SPIRIT. Two separate topics all together. Now notice in 1 Cor 14 that Paul goes into great detail explaining how the operation of the "Gift of tongues" and the "interpretation of Tongues" is to be used in "CHURCH" To understand why Paul has to go into such great detail explaining this is because the Corinthian church was mess when it came to public services. He had to explain to them the how the operation of tongues and interpretation of tongues was to work in public services. The "Gift of Tongues" is useless without the interpretation of Tongues" these two "Spiritual Gifts" go hand and hand. in 14:19 Paul says "Yet in CHURCH" signifying that when in service it more profitable to the people to hear words they understand than to hear everyone speaking in tongues (remember this church was a mess in this area) Paul had to correct them and give them the correct way of going about using the gifts. He wraps it up in V39 (amp) So [to conclude], my brethren, earnestly desire and set your hearts on prophesying (on being inspired to preach and teach and to interpret God's will and purpose), and do not forbid or hinder speaking in [unknown] tongues. The Gift of Tongues and Interpretation of tongues has its place, but it has to be done right. When you receive the "Gift of the Holy Spirit" you will speak in tongues. You cannot have the Gift of "Divers Tongues" unless you have first been filled with Gods Spirit. Hence the words "Spiritual" gifts. Mark 16:15-17 is such a powerful set of scriptures because in V 15 Jesus says "go in ALL the world and preach the gospel to EVERY creature. ALL the world and EVERY creature means you and me and everyone until the return of Christ- now we know context in scripture determines meaning-so in V 17 it says "these signs shall follow them that believe" (who is them-every creature who believes) "They SHALL (not maybe, or just some) they as in ALL will speak with new tongues! That means you and me. So just like with any child who is born- that child will speak the language of his Father. If I am born in Germany I will speak German and so on. So when I am spiritually born again into God's family, naturally I will speak Gods language-my NEW Tongue. 1 COR 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of Angel! WOW! When I receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit I will get a new language to talk to God directly- the language Angels speak. 1Cor 14:1 For he that speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not unto men, but unto God!! It does not get any better than that. One last thing- this is my opinion in 1Cor 14:8 Paul says "I thank my God I speak in tongues more than ye all" I believe that Paul's great anointing and strength, writing most of the new testament, is attributed to his talking to God in His language more than most people. God Bless
That is correct in speaking to the church, but the speaking in unknown tongues is your communication between you and God Almighty. Satan don't need to know everything. Praying in tongues are wonderful. It get things done a lot quicker, for me, it seem that way.
My teenage son spoke in tongues,he was a newborn Christian…what was that all about?
That is awesome, He praying to God Almighty, this will help him a lots even in studying the Word (bible) and be obedient to the Holy Spirit(God Almighty) Awesome!!!!!
Acts 2:4 teaches the Spirit of God gives us the utterance of tongues when we are filled with the Holy Ghost.
How do you reconcile 1Cor. 12:27-30 which was written by Paul under the power of the Holy Spirit, with your statement that the only evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit is speaking in tongues? If the obvious answer to the questions in verses 29 and 30 is "NO" why do you insist that speaking in tongues is the only sign to validate that a Believer is filled with the Holy Ghost? The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit has the sole discretion to give the different gifts according to His will. [1Cor. 12:11]. The Holy Spirit is the Person who knows which part of the body of Christ a particular gift [and speaking in tongues is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit], is best suited to operate through a Believer and this is clearly explained in verses12 through 26.
The speaking in tongues that occurred on the day of Pentecost was not 'unknown tongues' that is so popular today. It was known languages to the people who were visiting Jerusalem at that time. It was unknown to the speakers but known to the hearers. The unknown tongue mentioned in 1Cor. 14 is of no benefit to the hearers without it being accompanied by the gift of interpretation. Read chapter 14 and you will see that the unknown tongue edifies only the speaker unless there is interpretation. This does not mean that the only way a person can edify him/herself they have to speak in tongues.[every Believer will not be given the gift of tongues]. David made some remarks in Ps. 42:5-6, which to my mind would help him to build up himself if he was feeling low or down.
For David in above letter. Please read again the answer above yours to see that the Gift of Speaking in Tongues is not the same as praying in the Spirit. You must be able to pray in the Spirit first to ever have the Gift of Speaking in Tongues to be used in the congregation. I hope you understand the difference. Yes, do pray until your receive your prayer language as when you praise Jesus and allow Him to take over your voice, you will receive your prayer language which is definitely the proof of being Baptized in the Spirit of God.
I received this and have been researching it because I don't know much about it. That's how it happened to me. I was praising God out loud and put all my trust in Him and then it just happened and I got a strong sensation in my stomach when it happened and words were just pouring out of my mouth and thoughts were running wild in my head at first until they went straight to God, then I started weeping. Afterwards I felt so much lighter and all that I had ever not forgiven myself for was gone. My life has changed because of this my dreams have even changed
Thank you Irvin for explaining this subject; objectively, scripturally and completely.
I agree with you and found myself with out definite claims of scripture to back up my thoughts when the subject is bruited. It seems several well known and outspoken pastors, teachers and spiritual leaders are pointing claims of speaking in tongues as well as other spiritual gifts- healing, miracles, gift of knowledge, etc as "strange fire". The pastors and spiritual leaders that broadcast this message suggest the gifts stopped with the apostles. It should not surprise us as the "end of time" appears to be on the horizon, that those who are out to hobble the body of Christ with their rants of falsehood are speaking loudly throwing confusion to the body. I am so thankful for your ministry and others like it that proclaim the full gospel of truth, equipping the body for everyday life. God Bless you!
Thanks, that really answer my question God Bless U!!!!
How do I have a relationship with God in my everyday life?
Having a relationship with God is a lot like having a relationship with another human. If you are going to become friends with someone, you will spend time with them, talk to them, and get to know them. Keep in mind this isn't something you do every so often, but it is usually something you do every day. If you want to get to know God, read the Bible. God tells so much about Himself through His word and He left it here for us so that we could grow to know Him. We communicate and talk to God through prayer. It is important to set aside time each day to talk to God. Remember prayer is not this elaborate expression of "thee's" and "thou's" but rather a conversation involving you and the Lord. If you will daily commit time to the word of God and to prayer, step by step you will grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ. Also it is great to have a good Bible teaching church to attend. If you would like help finding a church in your area, please send an email to email@example.com and ask for help finding a church. God bless.
I agree
After reading everyone's comments, I went to 1 Corinthians 14 and I read the entire chapter. This chapter answered a lot of my questions. It explains the way speaking in tongues and prophecy works in the church. The Apostle says he speaks in tongues more than anyone but continues on to say that if he spoke to people in tongues, they would not understand him because he is speaking to God. He teaches there is an order to the way the gifts are used. He does say "do not forbid yourselves to speak in tongues" in verse 39. (New King James standard version) In verse 40 he says "Let everything be done decently and in order". While I understand tongues is the least of the gifts, God did give us this gift so we can use it properly. Thank you for helping me understand one of my gifts.
1 Corinthians 14
King James Version (KJV)
14 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
5 I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.
10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.
11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.
12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
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.
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.
23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law.
35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?
37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
These verses really helped me when I first began learning about speaking in tongues. I attended Baptist and Pentecostal growing up due to a divorce and two different believing parents. I was really confused all my life about tongues and I have to admit it even scared me a little because I did not understand and by my own fault did not study about it until more recently in my life. Like all people we are scared or suspicious of what we do not understand. Take children for example being scared of clowns or anyone in a costume. They are too young to understand it is an actual person dressed up, all they know it is something new and different to them and while not every child may be fearful most are at least skeptical about the person. This is how I viewed tongues.
I was saved when I was 13 accepted Jesus Christ as my savior and was baptized. It was not until almost 20 years later until I received the gift of tongues when I decided to research it, through guidance of not a pastor but a spirit filled co worker.
Praise Jesus!!!
I accidently submitted and wanted to continue. Sorry this is so lengthy but I wanted to share my story in hopes it might help someone. so to continue….
Shortly after being saved I returned to the world and all but quit going to church. While I was saved not one person explained to me after I was saved that the devil would come against me or how to defeat him.(this is a totally different story and would have me type a novel on the subject here so I will stick to the tongues subject for the most part.) I came home from the Bible camp where I was saved and discovered my step-father, who mentally and physically abused myself and my brothers had given away my dogs I had for years so he could get a new dog for himself. This was not told to me prior to my leaving to camp and I never got to say goodbye. The abuse continued. My stepfather was the son of a pastor and we went to church every Sunday and Wednesday with smiles on our faces. I tell you this not for sympathy but to see what caused the dramatic turn in my life from saved to turning my back to God because I thought he did not love me or had forgotten about me.
Shortly there after I moved in with my father and step-mother who were Sunday School teachers and my father was a council man at church. The church had suffered a scandal and a lack of faith caused them to leave the church. To the world I went now fast-forward about 20 years and too many mistakes, sins, and regrets to type here. I had been a police officer for about 12 years and had seen humanity at its worst and had really hardened my heart to people and all those around me, even my only family. A coworker began to talk to me about Jesus and his love. At first I did not want to hear it but the more he talked the more the Lord began to convict my heart and I began reading the Bible and became its student. The Lord also softened my heart and began to have me speak to those I or other officers had arrested about the Lord as my coworker had been doing. I have too many stories to share (this is already too long lol) but the Lord is moving mightily in the hearts of people as all is done through him not me or my coworker we are just the tools he using to carry about his work.
I know I got a little (read a lot) off subject but I appreciate being able to write this somewhere it is actually really healing on many levels for me but I wanted to give a little background before I said this. Tongues is a gift and something that is given by the Holy Spirit. Can you be Baptized and saved and not speak in tongues, yes. Can anyone who is saved and receives the Holy Spirit speak in tongues who wants to yes I believe so. I asked to be baptized in the holy spirit 20 years after I was saved and through prayer received the gift. Tongues is a direct connection to God and it is your spirit praying to the Almighty Creator. I believe tongues should only be spoke in private during prayer with the exception if you are spirit led to out loud in a setting. If you are truly spirit led there will be a person there who will edify the message and translate for the good of the group who the Lord will give utterance to. There is no good if translation is not given as seen in verses 27-28 and he/she should keep silent.
Thank you for reading this little tidbit about me and my journey with the Lord and discovering the gift of tongues. Sorry it was so long but I hope this helps at least one person as this is my sincere desire. My last thought would be to seek the truth through scripture if you do not understand something or need clarification. Do not blindly follow what other teach and take it to be true seek it out IN SCRIPTURE and decide for yourself for you need to "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Matthew 13-14
God's Blessings and love sent to all who read this and may the Lord through scripture open your eyes to the truth.
Wow!! You've told my life story here…about the abuse during childhood, falling away, coming back and learning about the truth regarding tongues. I was also molested by my dad and not protected by mom, both of whom are forgiven now, as now I'm 55.
I'm still addicted to cigarettes, though, after learning that tongues, healing and miracles still happen, and while I completely believed in it, am still trying to find deliverance from the addiction and Baptist with the Holy Spirit. I'm still confused about different teaching regarding whether or not I'm saved because of this, but know that I hate that I continue to return to the smoking, like there's an internal program that controls me, no matter how much I pray, repent, regret. I believe that God in His love, mercy and grace will help, guide and direct until I learn the truth about all of it, and that His Spirit will live in and work through me also. Bless you, and thanks for sharing your story.
We are here to win souls to God and give God glory. How does a person who has lived a hellish life say a quick prayer on their dying bed be acceptable. Jesus said in John 3:1-12 if you're not born of the water and spirit you cannot enter the kingdom. So you can use your logic but it won't stand up to the truth. Now true grace if it's Gods will. That person dying would live long enough to truly repent, get baptized in Jesus name and receive the Holy Ghost. And his loved ones will witness Gods goodness. Now the one on the cross who Jesus told today you will be with me in paradise. Keep in mind the new covenant had not yet started. So that might have been ok for him. That does not apply now, according to scripture. Pastor Baxter I think you should do this for Baptism. Folks think their sins can be washed away without baptism. God bless you sir and the rest of my brothers and sisters in Christ on this thread.
Speaking in tongue is divine:-
Tongue is a heavenly language a gift from the Holy Spirit, language understood by God
Tongue have not ceased:-
Tongue will cease after we join HIM, then we will see HIM as He is 1cor13:8
Tongue is necessary:-
For those Christians who want to live a victorious and holy life they must be filled with the Mighty Holy Spirit of God. Since we do not know how and what to pray, tongue is inevitable
God bless you
Edwin Nyawade
Wonderfully said, Glory be to God Almighty.
Guys,so how cn i knw tht i hve receivd th holy ghost bt i cnt spk in tongues.
In my experience, I did not know I could speak in tongues for a few days after I received the Holy Spirit. It took me four hours of prayer to pray through to receive the Holy Spirit. I got baptized in Jesus name. I spoke in tongues as soon as I came out of the baptismal pool but I didn't know I had. The whole church heard me do it and they told me later. A sister from the church came to visit me the same week and told me I had spoken in tongues. I felt new. I felt so totally clean and pure. The whole world looked different although I had lived in it 30 years. I knew I was a different person. I actually felt God. That was something totally different than the way I felt before I received the gift. I had a glow on my face I'd never seen before. My family and unsaved friends saw it and they knew something was different about me. My sister from church told me I needed to learn how to speak in tongues. She told me to repeat the words hallelujah over and over again and the Lord would take my mouth. I did it and he did it. It was weird at first and awkward. So I believe the secret everyone is asking about is Praise. We need to praise the Lord. When we praise him, he will take move the tongue. The more I praised him the more I spoke in tongues. I was amazed and in awe. People did not lead me other than to tell me to praise. If you want the Holy Spirit, praise the Lord after you have repented. Ask and you shall receive, knock and the door will be opened, seek and you will find. Matthew 7:7. Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Don't be afraid to approach him or to ask him for it. And when you do, put aside everything everyone else has said and talk to him. If thoughts come racing through your mind, push them aside and think of Jesus only and dwell on him. Ignore your surroundings and make it a thing between the two of you. Its just you and Jesus. That's all. Tell him you love him.
Grace and peace be to you all.
Speaking in tongues is the evidence of the Holy Ghost. The Bible teaches in Acts 2:4 that the Spirit gives us the utterance of tongues. So we do not speak in tongues, the Spirit causes us to do that. Too many people pray for tongues when that is not the focus. You should seek God for the Holy Ghost. All you have to do is seek God for the Holy Ghost and when God fills you with His Spirit, His Spirit will make you speak in tongues. Speaking in tongues is nothing that you do but what the Holy Ghost does. You just need to seek God for the Holy Ghost.
Why do you say "( not in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)" ? Jesus himself told his disciples in Matthew 28:19, to Baptize in this manner ,
28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. , are we now to disregard the very words of Jesus?
Please explain this.
Amen & Amen…very well explained. Nothing in the world like the gift of the Holy Ghost but like all things of God the devil has tried to copy and confuse. It is the Spirit that gives the utterance, not man. Man teaching man to babble in tongues has fooled many and caused others to disbelieve what God sent to be a leader and a comforter and to make . Babbling in a made up tongue will do neither. "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered."
Don't forget as well what Jesus says in Matt. 24….. I use to be pre-trib….simply because I accepted what I was taught but when I studied it out the word Jesus said got me questioning the pre-trib view Jesus said immediately after the tribulation verse 29 of matthew 24…..them words got me digging into the Word….and found out that the pre trib is false, when one who teaches pre-trib they get confused and think the tribulation is the wrath of God…..
when u ask them to show scripture to prove that we will be raptured before the tribulation the give you scriptures that talk of His wrath….and then say see, we aren't appointed for God wrath…well the tribulation is not the time of Gods wrath…..so after studying it out in scripture the teaching of pre-trib was revealed as a false teaching. of course reading Matthew 24 was just the beginning after taking ALL scripture that has to do with tribulation and talking of the rapture concluded that Bible teaches Post trib pre wrath.
As for the tongues being initial evidence of holy ghost in filling is based off of much assumption and reading into the scriptures when one does that its the same as adding onto the word of God…As we read in 1st cor. chap. 12 we see paul break it down for us verse 10:7-11. Not to mention the scripture tells us not to "seek" after signs but what do u see at many pentecostal movements what are they doing at the altar they seek after a sign to prove to one another they have the holy ghost…if you don't speak tongues then they tell you you don't have the Spirit….
What about the 3000 souls that were added to them that day on the day of pentecost says nothing about them receiving the gift of tongues it was still new…..you said at one point of your artical that in acts 8 it wasn't mentioned that they spoke in tongues because the The author of the book of Acts merely did not explicitly say that they spake with tongues because by this time it was an accepted fact that tongues was the accompanying sign of the Holy Ghost.
One of the biggest things I hear when people point things out is well its proper to assume they spoke in tongues on all accounts there are places where it says and they received the Holy Ghost or they were filled with the Spirit, nothing is said about tongue. Im a tongue talker I spoke tongues as I received the spirit yes its still for today like all spiritual gifts but as I studied things out and realized what Paul said in 1st cor. 12…… and what I see is not all will speak tongues not all will prophesy not all have the gift of healing etc. It is taught and drilled in many as a teaching but not enough scripture backs up the teaching that ALL must speak tongues. Pentecost being one of a few groups that teach that you must speak in tongues……. basically make tongues the holy ghost they seem to place a high importance of the least of all gifts , not to mention some of the wacky theorys about saying the tongues you receive as you receive the HG isn't the tongues that Paul is talking of in !st cor, chap. 12…
Hi Wayne, Amanda was nice enough to list 1Corinthians 14 for us. It is listed above. In verse 22, the Bible says tongues was given to us for a sign. That sign is from Jesus. We do not go to the alter and specifically ask God to give us tongues for a sign. So no one is seeking a sign when they go to the alter. God said he would give it as a sign. It is not people asking for it. You need to take that argument up with him because you are talking to the wrong people. It was his idea, not ours. I listed a cut and paste of Gods covenant to us that he told to Noah about the rainbow in the sky. He gives us a covenant or a promise of something he will do. The Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues is one of the covenants or promises. I take it to mean that he is providing us with evidence that says he will do what he says he will do. And if anyone wants to argue that the book of Genesis is in the Old Testament and the Old Testament does not apply to us today, then you tell me why I still see rainbows in the sky to this day!
Is this the scripture you are talking about? Because this scripture says tongues was given on the day of Pentecost.
Acts 2 New International Version (NIV)
The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost
2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them.
Genesis 9:8-17
King James Version (KJV)
8 And God spake unto Noah, and to his sons with him, saying,
9 And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you;
10 And with every living creature that is with you, of the fowl, of the cattle, and of every beast of the earth with you; from all that go out of the ark, to every beast of the earth.
11 And I will establish my covenant with you, neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.
12 And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:
13 I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.
14 And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud:
15 And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.
16 And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.
17 And God said unto Noah, This is the token of the covenant, which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth.
Thank you for helping me get deep into the word of God. I love my Bible.
tongues described in the bible,werent they speaking in an actual language,and foreigners could here their native tongue from those who never spoke that language?my problem is ,that many churches ive attended that put extreme emphasis on tongues,tend to disappoint if you are looking for any other fruit of the spirit..
there are pastors telling their congregation that they should practice tongues? how do i go about practicing a God given spiritual gift?im not discrediting tongues,as many eople i know that speak tongues,are very fruitful spiritually,they simply dont push it on everyone on sunday!and then theres the matter of interpretation,i rarely see a viable interpretation,and it adds to my lack of discernment on authentic verses fraudulent gibberish…i pray in tongues,but i have nev er stood up in church and started speaking it out loud…this is my first conversation on this forum so im not sure how it works,but if there is a feedback option i am open to it,but will not take part in contentious argument…thank you for this article and the opportunity to voice my confusion!God bless ,,,peace n love…michael
I also believe that the "tongues" referred to at Pentacost was in fact all langauges of the day being spoken for the benefit of all those gathered to be able to understand the message that was being shared. It was never just a bunch of jibberish that no one could understand. Unfortunately another misinterpretation of Scripture. I have YET to meet someone who has spoken in tongues have it translated by another
Hi Michael, I still have some confusion too! I have the gift of tongues. My understanding of my gift of 27 years is: I pray in tongues. My prayers turn into intercessory prayers. They become so in depth that the Lord gives me names of people to pray for. I know some of those people are in foreign countries. I hear sicknesses and diseases the person has and I pray for healings. Its awesome. There is an extreme presence of God. Tongues with the interpretation is for the edification of the church. I haven't stood up and spoken in tongues either. I don't feel compelled to do it. What I have seen is: the entire church goes silent. There is an intense presence like an unseen heavenly being has entered the room. Children who were screaming suddenly fall to sleep. The gift of tongues appears to be for personal prayer and intercession while the interpretation is for the edification of the church so all present can receive an understanding of what God is saying to the church. The gift of tongues is not for edifying the church. I do prophesy and I teach as well. I have attended a church who refuses to allow anyone to speak in tongues unless it is for interpretation. They believe in speaking in tongues but won't allow anyone to do it unless there is an interpretation. So I'm confused about that. I have been to churches where it is allowed to work freely as well. Its not for showing off. The Lord is moving when numerous people speak in tongues at once. That is the personal side of it. It edifies God and him alone. It sings praises to him too. He loves to be praised. I have seen prophecy work in a couple of ways but I'm still somewhat confused about it. I have heard there are groups of prophets who travel together and they go to churches to prophecy to everyone on a personal basis. I don't understand that. My prophecy doesn't work like that. So I think the gifts work differently for everyone and it may be a matter of personality or interests. I really don't know. I don't travel in groups. I have visions and it is for the entire church. I have had a few that are personal but not very often. The Lord tells me when to tell what I see. I would think I would know more about it for the length of time I've had the Holy Spirit. Oh yeah, I know people who spoke in tongues as soon as they were baptized but never spoke again. Then I've met people who spoke in tongues all the time and refused to speak English because they loved it so much. One man would speak a little in tongues then go to English then back to tongues then English. All I could do was just stand there and look at him. The Lord told me to watch him as he spoke. I saw an excited man who loved the Lord so much that he loved speaking in tongues all the time. He also thought he was prophecying to everyone he talked to. Like every word out of his mouth was from God. It was not but he thought so. We have to learn what is and is not appropriate behavior when in the presence of others. We can be ignorant in our exuberance to the Lord. So I think this is some of the behavior a lot of people are talking about. He is an inexperienced person who is so excited about God that he doesn't watch what he is doing in front of an unbeliever and the Bible does warn about it. My explanation to me is this: people jump, yell, scream and cheer at football games. They love the cheerleaders and they become one themselves. I am one of Gods cheerleaders. I cheer at the name of Jesus and he is my football team. If football lovers can cheer for their team, then I can and will cheer for mine. Praise the Lord! Love to all. I hope this helps a little.
I have to apologize for saying I am confused over some things. What I meant to say is: I have questions about the way I have seen others use the spirit. Why does one church allow people to speak in tongues as God moves through the church but another says they believe but only allow it to happen when God wants to speak to the church through interpretations? I understand where Michael is coming from because I have been to a church that does this and I do not see the gifts working in this church the way they should be. I had to learn that I cannot learn the entire Bible in one day, It has taken me years of study to receive the understanding that I do have. With that comes numerous questions and patience. God has never failed to answer any of them and some of them have taken years for me to receive. I had to get myself out of the way to get those answers. I think a lot of people misunderstand that this is a learning experience. A Christian person is Not a perfect person. There aren't any perfect people.
Micheal great question. I heard a message several years ago by my pastor about the differences in spiritual gifts. When a carpenter goes to work they have a tool built that are his tools, so say theses are his specific gifts. Also at the job site you might see a table that has several larger tools that certain people might use to help at the job site. Basically those who receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit will have their own tools to help them and then there is the tools that will edify the church. Hope this made since. Lord bless you.
I attend a sprit fulled Church and Gods presence is so powerfully there that most times I could just stay there. I have prayed for speaking in tongues and I have never gotten it yet. I sometimes fell God doesn't want me to have it, I take it very personal. I really don't know what else to do. Has anyone else experienced this
Hello Melinda,
Yes i also have these same feelings, i pray, and receive the Holy Spirit by faith, but i still do not speak in tongues, i have repented of my sins, been baptized, read and study his word everyday, but i still have not received the evidence, sometimes i get to feeling so bad,(and others say your not saved if you dont speak in tongues) that i pray, weeping, asking God to show me where ive missed it, or what i need to change in my life to be able to receive this gift, i never seem to get an answer, and so far i still havent received.
I dont know if it is something ive done wrong, or something i havent done that is keeping me from receiving, but i do know that i love the Lord Jesus with all my heart, and desire with every ounce of my being to be with him in heaven one day. good luck with your search for answers, and may God richly bless you all.
steve & melinda, do not let your hearts be troubled. I went through the same stuff. I was totaly miffed why I had not received it. Two and one half years I sought it, I was really effected by it. I left more tears and sweat on that alter to fill up a swimming pool. Not to mention thinking about it day in and day out " it consumed me " then one Friday night during revivel the guest evangilist got in my grill, so to say, and took my faith to another level as my brother in Christ told me later. Then wham I broke loose then wham the whole church broke loose. I have never in all my life experianced anything like that "PRAISE GOD " and you will too! Just remember its not our timing but GODS timing, he knows when to bless you at just the right time and right place. Just remember these two scriptures ACTS 2:38-39. Its a PROMISE to you and all who are afar off. GOD is faithful on his promises. Amen.
Hi Sweetie, I hope you are still reading now and then. The Lord has taught me so much over the years I want to share this with you.
I went through a period of about 10 years where the Lord told me to be silent. I did worship a lot when I went to church (I am the person who shouts the house down. My scream can blow the wall of the church out.)but one day he told me to shut up and watch. I felt like I was not allowed to praise. I didn't seem to feel to praise, I was to be quiet. I did not understand that. Since then I have learned, "Be still and know the Lord." Jesus was teaching me to watch. I watched every person in the building. I'm sure some of the members thought I was being nosy. I did not get involved in the gossip going around. I had no idea what kind of lives my family in Christ were experiencing in the private part of their lives. People wondered what was wrong with me because they didn't see the normal praising type of person that I am. I feel in my spirit that this is a time for you to watch and learn. For you, speaking in tongues is something so personal that it pains you not to be able to do it. That may be the reason why you haven't. It can be a stopper. Are you afraid that you won't speak in tongues? Do you feel rejected by the Lord because you haven't spoken in tongues? You see, that is what the devil wants you to think and feel. I fully believe the tongues will come to you when you are praying at home and are alone. I will not say you do not have the spirit because that is not what the Lord is telling me. The reason why sweetie is this: you enjoy basking in the presence of the Lord. You are soaking him in. He permeates you. That's why you don't want to leave church when he is moving like that. So I do believe you do have it. These things do have to be discerned.
You say you sometimes feel God does not want you to have it. That's the devil messing with you. He wants you to worry about it, to become obsessed with it, and to make you feel unworthy of it. You have to exercise your faith. He is trying to cause you to lose faith. It is time for you to throw out that trash. It's trash. That is what the devil tries to do to us just before we receive the Holy Spirit and he does it to newborn babes to deceive them. This is where you go to the word of God and exercise your faith in him. What does it say? Ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you. You have stepped out and asked the Lord for it. He says you will receive what you ask for. So don't worry about it, don't get upset over it. Believe him when he says he will give you what you ask for. If you don't believe it and you allow the devil to make you think God does not want you to have it, then your faith is in question sweetie. So you are going to have to step up to that devil and tell him to get out of your way. So you have to "Go boldly to the throne", take this scripture with you and put it to God boldly. The devil wants you to wimp out. How do we receive the Holy Spirit, how do we get saved? We have to be bold. We cannot wimp out on God. We have to stand up for ourselves at that alter. We have to fight for what we want. Do not let thoughts or feelings over whelm you so much that it causes you to walk away too soon or to give into a feeling where you think God doesn't want you to have it. Those are lies and deceits the devil places in our minds to cause us to be too weak to go for what we want.
So, if you want to give God a little push and step out in faith, this is what you need to do. When you have a little extra money, shake pastors hand and put it in his hand during the handshake. Don't say a word to him or to anyone else. Tell the Lord it is an offering to him. Or, go to Pastor's wife, shake her hand while giving her the money in the handshake, whisper in her ear that the money is to purchase a child some clothing or a family some food and she is not to tell anyone you did it. Then you wait. Believe it. Do not waver on this.
Lots of hugs and kisses. You will get this and I am praying with you.
Speaking in tongues is the evidence of the Holy Ghost. The Bible teaches in Acts 2:4 that the Spirit gives us the utterance of tongues. So we do not speak in tongues, the Spirit causes us to do that. Too many people pray for tongues when that is not the focus. You should seek God for the Holy Ghost. All you have to do is seek God for the Holy Ghost and when God fills you with His Spirit, His Spirit will make you speak in tongues. Speaking in tongues is nothing that you do but what the Holy Ghost does. You just need to seek God for the Holy Ghost.
God bless.
Actually, when someone says you do not have to speak it, because the Holy Spirit does it is not correct. You do have to speak it and that is possibly why some do not receive the prayer language God supplies for us as believers. The language is from the Holy Spirit but the believer has to speak it out. Many fear and hold back and are concerned that it may not be from God. But He says if you ask for a good gift from Him, do you think He will give you something bad? No, He will fill you and baptize you and give you the prayer language. After that, you may be impressed one day in a service to give a message in tongues. If you do that, that is called the Gift of Tongues and not all receive that as a gift from God. But there must be an interpretation if it is done in order. If no one else gives the interpretation, you must do that yourself. So, keep yourself prayed up and do all things in order. Hope this helps anyone who may be confused.
James Version (KJV)
27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
Thanks Xavier this is quiet clear
Be blessed
For many many years I hv known this to be the truth, but when I would try to convey it, well lets say in some cases it wasnt good. I left my church, a baptist church when the pastor one Sun nite last Feb preached that these gifts were no longer manifested because of their belief of 1 Cor 13:10 as you stated was the written Word.
But his demeanor was so very arrogant, that I had to leave, never to return.
Also, I use to be a big believer in the pre trib rapture. But in 1996 while reading His Word, it was as if God smacked me in the head with these 4 words; At the Last Trump.
It was then that I really started studying the rapture. Praise God, His Word is absolute Truth. Of course since my eyes were opened to His Truth, I hv pretty much been alone in the wilderness.
I thank our God for you my Brother, for I know that you are touching others with His True Word.
LORD bless you my brother in in Jesus Name.
Don't forget as well what Jesus says in Matt. 24….. I use to be pre-trib….simply because I accepted what I was taught but when I studied it out the word Jesus said got me questioning the pre-trib view Jesus said immediately after the tribulation verse 29 of matthew 24…..them words got me digging into the Word….and found out that the pre trib is false, when one who teaches pre-trib they get confused and think the tribulation is the wrath of God…..
when u ask them to show scripture to prove that we will be raptured before the tribulation the give you scriptures that talk of His wrath….and then say see, we aren't appointed for God wrath…well the tribulation is not the time of Gods wrath…..so after studying it out in scripture the teaching of pre-trib was revealed as a false teaching. of course reading Matthew 24 was just the beginning after taking ALL scripture that has to do with tribulation and talking of the rapture concluded that Bible teaches Post trib pre wrath.
As for the tongues being initial evidence of holy ghost in filling is based off of much assumption and reading into the scriptures when one does that its the same as adding onto the word of God…As we read in 1st cor. chap. 12 we see paul break it down for us verse 10:7-11. Not to mention the scripture tells us not to "seek" after signs but what do u see at many pentecostal movements what are they doing at the altar they seek after a sign to prove to one another they have the holy ghost…if you don't speak tongues then they tell you you don't have the Spirit….
What about the 3000 souls that were added to them that day on the day of pentecost says nothing about them receiving the gift of tongues it was still new…..you said at one point of your artical that in acts 8 it wasn't mentioned that they spoke in tongues because the The author of the book of Acts merely did not explicitly say that they spake with tongues because by this time it was an accepted fact that tongues was the accompanying sign of the Holy Ghost.
One of the biggest things I hear when people point things out is well its proper to assume they spoke in tongues on all accounts there are places where it says and they received the Holy Ghost or they were filled with the Spirit, nothing is said about tongue. Im a tongue talker I spoke tongues as I received the spirit yes its still for today like all spiritual gifts but as I studied things out and realized what Paul said in 1st cor. 12…… and what I see is not all will speak tongues not all will prophesy not all have the gift of healing etc. It is taught and drilled in many as a teaching but not enough scripture backs up the teaching that ALL must speak tongues. Pentecost being one of other groups that teach that basically make tongues the holy ghost they seem to place a high importance of the least of all gifts , not to mention some of the wacky theorys about saying the tongues you receive as you receive the HG isn't the tongues that Paul is talking of in !st cor, chap. 12…
Hello Wayne,
I was also wondering, about the Ethiopian Eunuch, in Acts 8:26-39, it says that he believed, was baptized, and then went away rejoicing. it says nothing about him speaking in tongues. does this mean he did not receive the Holy Spirit and was not saved?
Truly, the only thing that divides us is pride, and lack of knowledge. That is why if you do not think tongues is for you don't accept it. In doing so do not condemn those that do especially when you do not know because you have never experienced that kind of power given to you through the Holy Ghost. Say what you will because tongues has got me through in times when I didn't know how to pray for someone or some certain situation. Remember we are not to judge that is up to God….
I have to respectfully disagree with the concept that everyone saved has the gift of tongues. I do not find that scripture supports this position. I do not see that this position is supported in experience as well. I am saved. I do not speak in tongues. I know hundreds of others just like me. The bible says that if you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, you are saved. God says that tongues is the least important gift to pursue. Prophesy is so much more important. Many TV ministers spend all their time talking about tongues. They need to point us to Jesus Christ. Tongues are often found in the occult and it is one of the signs of demonic possession. There is a tongues from the Holy Spirit and a tongues from other spirits. Always test the spirits. Dr. Kurt Koch shared numerous examples of people with tongues from other spirits in one of his books on the Occult. He was a missionary and exorcist for many years.
Actually, the scripture I believe you are referring to (Romans 10:9) says "…you WILL be saved" not that you are automatically saved. Let us take the Bible in its entirety, along with its examples, and follow the whole plan of salvation, and remember none of us are truly saved until we make it to the other side. We are in a daily process of salvation as we allow the Holy Spirit to constantly renew and fill us.
Yes, I am in agreement that there are counterfeit tongues…. the enemy counterfeits the True and Blessed things of God….. the enemy is also a twister of Truth…. How will we know the True from the false? One way is depending on our relationship with our Creator and His Truth. He says if we ask we shall receive. He even explains that if we ask Him for The Holy Spirit, He will give us The Holy Spirit because it is His Will for us. So, that being said….IF we ask Him for The Holy Spirit to lead, guide and teach us His Will for us and He gives us what we ask…..we also will receive any of The Gifts that come with Him….. we must be willing to receive by faith with the understanding of why He gives gifts in the first place…..it certainly is not for our own personal gain here on Earth. The self edifying gift of speaking in the tongues of angels may seem like a personal gain to some but the reality of this gift is to strengthen us for The Kingdom and the work of it…..after all, He states that it is a personal direct line to Himself…. whom wouldn't want to receive such a treasure from our King? It may be the least of all gifts but we who are grateful to whatever it is that He chooses to bestow upon us as a gift, regard it as much. Also I've noticed that if one is called into the prayer warrior position in His Kingdom, these are the ones who seem to be given this 'tool' of the trade first and foremost…. Perhaps if more people would go before Him and state, "Lord….IF you would have me receive the gift of Your heavenly language, the tongues of angels, then I shall receive with gladness…..I pray You teach me how to glorify and serve You and Your Kingdom (and all my brethren) with whatever gifts You give unto me; truly I am thankful and blessed by Your giving. Amen. One must be WILLING to receive anything from Him and this takes faith and trust in Him and His Word being Truth. If one is in a state of confusion….according to His Word, this is not faith….it's wavering….being tossed to and fro….and He says that man shall not receive anything….. so one must make up their mind on what is written in stone first, that His Word is Truth and be willing to walk in His Truth. He also gives us comfort by stating that if we ask for a fish…..will He give us a stone? Trust in the relationship you have with Him…..He will never lead us astray or a part of His Word; EVER. Also remember that He has not given us a spirit of fear but of a sound mind! No Fear…… Be blessed in Him always! ♥
Excellent explanation without bogging down in Word studies etc.
Thank you for this explanation. I know speaking in tongues is for the today believer and His church. I was looking for scripture reference with explanation on this subject as various people keep bring this up to me in conversation. I know being filled with the Holy Spirit by evidence of speaking in tongues will "get us through" the end times as we walk in His glorious presences fulfilling His great commission til the end of time…Amen
I am amazed that folks have trouble with these simplistic evidences of the above truths in the book of acts. I love the brethren that have worked hard to maintain the true doctrine. I wish I could say that I have always worked hard to maintain the purity of the faith but personally I have not. But with Gods mercy I have sustained a ten year rain of disallusionment and sin that have clouded the true authenticity and purity of the full and biblical filling of Gods spirit. I was able to still recall in my human spirit the promised gifts that I allowed God to absorb me with long ago and I am forever indebted to these brethren whom have stayed the course more faithfully and shared the above and all of their ministries for a refreshing and sharpening of these former knowledge that I had. Former no longer for the Lord is always faithful and willing that none should perish and he most certainly has re visited with the above truths all over again. I said all that because I believe that many could be reading the above and may want a reflection on one whom had received these promises yet allowed them to wane and turn from these eternal truths and yet turned back again. I was once so indwelt by the spirit that many of the above manifestations were every day occurrence. I never reached a perfection but I did remain in the hands of God with my human willingness for several years. I know by experience that God will always forgive sin however he can not forgive one whom does not want to be forgiven. And this I know by experience is a major dividing factor from a successful and prosperous walk in the spirit from the troublesome walk. Many are unwilling to trust God in healings and deliverance because they dont want to give up a portion of their life that they know God would want them to do. Any reading that are uncertain of the above truths and are sincerely seeking their proofs, the proof is in the many changed lives accompanied by these above evidences and truths.In the born again and holiness churches remains the power to live the biblical life, abstinent from the world. They have their failings and sin no doubt, all do. But from a backslider perspective that has allowed the grace of Christs truth to renew. Please never ask someone whom has never received the infilling of the spirit the biblical way(with evidence in speaking in tongues) of this experience authenticity. Please only ask those whom have had it. It is the most life changing and universe enlightening truth and experience you can achieve on your short stay on earth.
tongues in scripture was unknown languages being spoken by ones not knowing the tongue!If I through inspiration openly speak about the saving grace of Jesus Christ in russian (a language unknown by me) and understood by those who know that language !! That is speaking in an unknown tongue!A unsaved person speaks with a satanic flesh tongue but when saved they speak with a new tongue! This evangelical speaking in tongues is gibberish and the scripture calls it gibberish !
I was saved May 31, 1981 when I confessed my sin, repented and accepted Jesus as my Saviour. Everything in my life changed from quitting smoking, drinking, cursing, etc. All I wanted to do was share with others how Jesus changed my life and how he could change theirs also. I never have or had the desire to speak in any language other than the one God blessed me with, English, to share His Love and Salvation with others. I have known some people who believed that speaking in tongues was a necessary sign that I was saved and yet most of them were no different from my non-saved friends. Eph 2:8-9 has been favorite verses of mine because Jesus saved me by His grace through faith. I have nothing to boast about. As I can see by some of the comments, there has been and probably will be division on this issue until Jesus returns. I am glad He is My judge.
It may be a good time for some of us to look at what the spirit says to the seven churches in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. Some are hot and some are cold. Some practice a lot of the gifts but aren't spirit filled. etc. Its better if you read them for yourselves. Lots of love while learning. Pray for me so I can learn a lot more.
If any of you have noticed, Pastor Irwin isn't arguing with any of you. He is merely stating that there are divisions among the churches and he wants to clarify the scriptures for us so we can receive understanding. I have never heard him minister. This is my first time in this website. I am interested in prophecy. Jesus, The Thief and the Cross. The Expository Files. We do not know if the thief who died on the cross was baptized or not. He did believe in God and heaven. He did except Jesus as his savior. Jesus had the power to forgive sins. Matthew 9: 2 thru 7. Luke 23: 32 to 43.The personal infilling of the Holy Spirit did not happen until Jesus died. There are a lot more churches everywhere who speak with other tongues than you know about and it is worldwide. God is not a respecter of persons. How do you know that the soldier who died on the battlefield and got saved on his last breath, was not baptized as a baby by his parents? Were you with him 24/7? Tim, God gives us what we need when we need it. The Holy Spirit was given to us after the death of Jesus. We needed it then and we need it now. You suppose the American and European nations will speak in tongues and receive the gifts as the church grows colder? When is that? The churches have already grown colder. Look at the witchcraft in the movies and cartoons our kids watch. Harry Potter movies teach our children they can practice witchcraft and have a lot of fun with it. The devil is everywhere in todays world, not just Tanzania. Those demons are carried here too. What is the United States? a melting pot of foreign people who bring in numerous religions (even witchcraft) into our country. How do you explain the scriptures about the 10 women who has the lamps and the oil? 5 ran out of oil and left to go get more. the others were more prepared and had enough oil to last until the Lord came for them. Can we leak the Holy Spirit out of us? Yes, we can run out if we aren't prepared with enough of it. Read the scriptures about the broken cisterns. Why do some people receive while others do not? It is because they haven't given God 100% of themselves. They go part way and they stop. Something is getting in their way. IF they have repented, then it is not their sins because they are forgiven so it must be an idea or a belief. I received the Holy Spirit on Valentines Day in 1986. I do speak in tongues and I also prophecy. You could say that when a person gets or receives the Holy Spirit, he or she has entered the Holy of Holies in the Old Testament. You go into the throne room of God and you meet him face to face on a personal basis. The thief on the cross was face to face with Jesus. Get face to face with him. Love to all. I love reading everyone's opinions. There is a lot to learn.
To those who walk with God through Jesus, He will provide what is needed for the time that it is needed. One of many examples would be Manna. It wasn't known or needed until it the time was right, Manna was a short lived sign that represented and was replaced by Jesus in God's perfect timing. We should be growing and not focusing on things that we lack. We all have the same worldly bodies which need, desire ,and lust for worldly things. Put off your worldly bodies and don't think through worldly eyes. Divisions in Churches over wealth, sickness, healing, tongues, ect… We are making those who are looking for Jesus confused. If a new believer hears the message of any of these and they feel that they are not approved by God or they are doing something wrong. This confused person then becomes discouraged and falls back into their troubled lives. A Christian can be sick, poor, hungry, without a giddy feeling, speechless, surrounded by death and destruction, in a lions den, in a furnace, and on a cross. We need to start thinking and seeing with our spiritual eyes, which comes through reading the word and talking to God. Every redeemed Christian have God's Holy Spirit, but each have their unique gift to help save others in their walk. Noah was for salvation through a flood, Moses through a sea and desert, David with a Giant and a Kingdom, and all the others that we read everyday. Each one had a mission that took different gifts, but all for the same purpose in the salvation of God's people and the return of his Son to complete his plans from the beginning. God has the plan, you just believe and continue in the faith. We can only be greater by being the least, and striving to move others in front of us in the line (not behind us)..
To all that are tied into this tongues debate, I would take you back to all five books when Jesus was walking and returned to the earth after his resurrection. Jesus most important salvation message was to Love God with all your heart / soul/ body, Love your neighbor as yourself, and repent from all your past sins and follow him (He is the only way to the Father). Jesus was are savior and provider, don't concentrate on what you don't have and focus on what you truly have ; which is more precious then any words that proceed from one's mouth. Walk the walk and Glorify God through Jesus. Anything that tries to divide us is not from God. All have the most precious gift in Jesus, so let us show everyone that gift first and foremost.
The Holy Spirit baptizes us into Jesus Christ, setting us into the whole Body of believers. 1st Corinthians 11:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into on body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles , whether we be bond or free; we have been made to drink of one Spirit. Irvin Baxter believes that a person is NOT saved unless they first accept Christ, are Baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ (only) Not the Father, Son and Holy Ghost as in Matthew.28;19 &20 He also thinks that unless a person speaks in tongues they are not saved. Church is United Pentecostals. They are lovely people and women don't cut their hair or wear pants. (unless they have changed) The Assemblies of God used to teach same but changed there mind about that.
I have followed Irvin and like his End Time teaching and found hi Salvation doctrine when I ordered a product from him and a small tract came titled "How to be Born Again". Irvin does not talk about bible doctrine on his program and notice he never leads anyone in prayer of Salvation so I would guess the : verse Romans 10:13 ( for Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved); a soldier dying on a battle field could not be saved , or any death bed conversions; according to Irvin's view. I disagree with this very much though I think Irvin is saved and I still listen to End Time. Romans 10: 9-10 Please read these verses.
Just so U know ; I am 83 and was Baptized in the Holy Ghost in 1971 and was given the gift of divers tongues, and used by the Holy Spirit in every speaking gift. Since I came out of a So Baptist Church I studied about this long and hard and I came up with this conclusion from scripture/. I love the ministry of the Holy Ghost but I know people who are filled with God's Spirit and they don't speak in tongues.
I believe that Jesus Christ baptizes us into the Holy Ghost and then we speak in tongues, we are called Spirit filled; Wait a minute. Envision a glass or cup immersed into water (baptized) and tipped so it comes up filled to overflowing with water. Two separate events have happened at one time or else why in
Ephesians 5;;8-9 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit. Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart's unto the Lord. The question? Does the Holy Spirit leak out or do we continually need to be cleansed and filled?
An Assemblies of God pastors wife told me privately that most people she knew of who got the Baptism in the Holy Spirit seldom spoke in tongues except maybe once a year after the initial experience.
My younger brother got cancer and his Doctor lead him to the Lord and he also received the Holy Spirit Baptism but was so sick before he died that he couldn't be baptized in water. I know he went to heaven.
The main part about the Baptism in the Holy Ghost was the love of Christ that overwhelmed me, I also received the interpretation to the tongues that I spoke for three or more hours. Since I was wanting to know the truth of the bible apart from denominationalism I wanted to know if I was speaking real languages and find out I did as I was given the tongues and interpretation and also prophecy, A Missionary to Brazil happened to be in the small church when I gave the language part of the message and this woman told my Aunt that I had spoken Portuguese. Another time I was given a message at a private meeting with a publisher, Cliff Dudley, and the friend who took me to meet him. While there I felt the urge to give a message but first I asked for permission and Cliff said , go ahead so I began and as I spoke in tongues, he began to jump up and down in his office chair shouting excitedly, She is speaking Taiwanese, He repeated that again and said ;We just came from there. Then I got the interpretation.
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit does not make anyone superior to other Christians. Remember the early Christians met together and some got drunk on wine (not grape juice) and others brought food and didn't share with each other. Paul reprimanded them in a letter. New born again Christians act like babies and need to be taught and grow in the faith. Sad to say more people who have received this gift are easily led astray because they begin to think every voice that talks to them and every supernatural happening is from God, the Holy Spirit. Not so ,Test the spirits to see if thy are of God.
The Holy Spirit came to give us power to tell others the good news about our savior Jesus Christ .Let us not be divided over every wind of doctrine. We must believe Jesus Christ was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died a cruel death on the cross, was buried and rose again on the third day. Jesus fulfilled
every single prophecy told about Him in the Old Testament down to the minutest details. He is seated now at the right hand of His Father and He ever lives to make intercession for us, His children, Praise God. One more thought. The first message I received years ago was.
Jesus Christ is the calm in the eye of the storms of life.
Oh thank you so much, you have answered so many questions for me. I will be able to use the Scriptures for explaining to some about the Filling of the Holy Spirit, called the baptism.
So, if you're assuming that anyone that has not spoken in tongues is not going to make it to Heaven, how do you explain the thief on the cross. Jesus, himself, told him that he would be with Him in Paradise; and the thief wasn't even baptized, let alone speak in tongues. Also, Paul states in Corinthians, that it is a GIFT, not a NECESSITY to get into Heaven. I have struggled with this for years; and I think Pentecostals think the book of Acts is more important than the book of Corinthians………
I hope to speak in tongues one day, if God gives me the gift; but I do believe I'm on my way to Heaven, as I know my Shepherd's voice when He speaks to me……..
The thief on the cross was under the Law , the Lamb had not yet been slain, he was under a different dispensation and would be judged by a different set of rules in the OT. What you read in Acts and what is in the epistle to the Church in Corinth is two different things, the same in purpose but different as to its function : "I thank my God that I speak in Tongues more than you all" James tell us that the tongues is full of evil, a deadly poison , no man can tame it, if God can control your mouth he has everything else. Read and obey Acts 2:38
I am so tired of the UPC movement. They think that one must speak in Tongues to have the Holy Spirit. This is not so. And the only reason you must see this sign is for your benefit. Same as it was for the Jews. If they had not heard them speak in Tongues they would of never thought salvation was for the Gentiles. I have spoken in tongues for 30 years. And I have seen many sincere people go to the altar time and time again seeking this sign and going back to there seats thinking they have not been saved because they do not speak in tongues. Hog Wash, God said he would met everyone where their at and they didn't have to met him where he is. And if some don't speak in tongues it has nothing to do with salvation or rejection from God. They simply have not been able to yield their tongue to God so they can speak in tongues. And that doesn't mean they don't have the ability or that they didn't receive the Holy Ghost. Wake up, it is not for you to see a sign so you can believe someone is saved. As long as they ask Jesus into there heart and apply the blood of Jesus in there life they are a child of God. This is a generation that looks for a sign, how sad that you have made many think they are lost or rejected by God because they didn't speak in tongues.
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. (Mark 16:15, 17, 18 KJV)
Jesus speaking here not Irvin or Israel!
Here is another piece of scripture for you! Right in the same portion in which Jesus Spake.
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (Mark 16:16 KJV)
If you have the ability to obey the word and walk in Faith. You would have Salvation if You don't walk in Faith in to the fullness of his will you are Damned. Jesus Word Not Irvin's Or Israel's. Another thing I spoke to a Professor from St Louis Bible College and he admited that all where Baptized in Jesus Name before 200-300 AD. So the Church that brought you the Trinity an her daughters which follow in this doctrine are lost. Read about the Great whore and her daughters in revelation. Wake up and smell the Coffee you are Lost! Here you have the opportunity to make your relationship with God Real. Time is running out! I'm Not From UPCI if you want more scrips keep running your mouth and I'll give them to you!
I was baptized in 2010 I do not speak in tongues. My life is very different in a positive way. Amen Amen
Do you Believe Gods Promises? Start fasting and ask God to fill you with his promise. Go to an Apostolic Church Around People of Faith who walk in the Fulness of His Promises. Yea all churches have faults but some less than others. Look for a church which believes in the fullness of the Gospel.
I believe that every chosen human speaks in tongues not when he first believes, but later, when he receives the Holy Spirit. This could be 20 seconds after, 20 month, even 20 years after he first believes. Once a saint receives the Holy Spirit, he will tell others about the saving work of Jesus Christ as being the ONLY way to their home, the coming kingdom. Not heaven, but the kingdom; for only those with the Holy Spirit know what they seek is true. Those hearing this information are hearing different information than they are used to hearing. It is foreign to them. This, I believe, is what Mark 16:17 is referring to regarding kainais (new) tongues, and just as Jesus healed the sick to represent salvation, tongues represented the foreign information we now have an opportunity to share with the lost. You will be hated, but through it, God is glorified.
I have to say that I wrestled with the Lord on this one many years ago when I was on a Missionary team and just prior to my going. I had been having words with G-d on this for years. Finally, one day I was in a subway station handing out tracts and a man came up to me and said "Do YOU speak in tongues?" almost in an angry tone. I said "Does G-d say it is one of the gifts or the only gift?" He turned to me, his face softened, and he said "YOU are okay." He turned and walked away. I never saw him again but I took that as a word from G-d saying, YOU ARE OKAY. I'm okay, I didn't have to speak in tongues to be saved and anyone who says so is Biblically incorrect. "I wish you all spoke with tongues, 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 There is another verse I'm looking for but I can't find it at the moment. Tongues is not the only gift but it is one. May grace abound in all of you today.
You need to get you History facts straight an quit misconstruing the word. This was a letter to the church of Corinthians which was running out of control. Do you also believe that woman should be silent in the Church? I bet you do because you didn't do your homework and believe something some other man teaches you. Read The Word look at the history of the Church. UPCI has the best teaching material. I just don't believe members of a Church should choose their Pastor. But their material super-exceeds that of the Apostolic Assembly. Is too late in the ball game to be left behind just because you where too lazy to learn from other than your Religious believes. You will find if you open your heart to the Spirit Of God and Not the Religious spirit of the devil. Which is in all religions that walk away from the basic teaching of the Jesus the Prophets and Apostles.
Whether you are right or wrong in your doctrine there is never a reason for a Christian to be mean spirited or call people names. We are called to speak the truth in love. I pray that is what I am doing at this moment. God bless.
You are looking at the Gift of Tongues in First Corinthians 14:5 that is used in the church when it meets together, someone speaks out in an unknown language and then someone interprets the message of the tongues so the rest of us can hear in our own language what God is saying.. Not everyone is given that particular gift because God gives these gifts thru the Holy Spirit as He so chooses. But the tongues we are talking about is different from that gift of tongues. We are talking about the gift of tongues that is for EVERY believer. You must not have read the Bible verses listed above. Read Acts chapter 2 where on the day of Pentecost EVERY believer on whom the Holy Spirit fell in the upper room was speaking in tongues. ALL of them. Later Peter and others go outside and continue speaking in tongues and each person heard them speaking in their own language, which was different form the Believers original language. Then Peter stood up and said they were not drunk as some had said, but they were ALL filled with the Holy Spirit as was prophesied by the Prophet Joel. Peter then said that,"This gift is for you, for Your children, for All who are afar off, for ALL whom the Lord our God will call." God has called You. This gift of tongues is for you.This is the gift of tongues that God poured out on the day of Pentecost, a gift of tongues for ALL believers that the Apostle Paul said we should be "praying in the Spirit at all times." Praying in tongues is praying in the Spirit. It is our prayer language that we pray to God with. It seems to me that you are very hostile towards speaking in tongues yourself and I have no idea where this comes from. Certainly not from God. Why are you so angry? I pray that God changes your heart and you see the Holy Scriptures clearly. I grew up in a Luthern church that hated the pentecostal churches and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. In my 20's I switched to the Catholic church where they had a charismatic service where even the nuns and priest spoke and sang in tongues. Later I became saved and joined a pentecostal church, the Assembly of God in Milwaukee. While visiting a former Jewish Temple, now a Pentecostal church, I suddenly started speaking in tongues during singing a song with the congregation. I stopped and a small voice said,"Keep going, don't stop." I kept going. I have the Gift of Tongues that you reference in Ist Corinthians 14:5. I also have the gift of tongues, my prayer language, that is spoken of in Acts Chapter 2 which is for all believers. Since I have both and both are different languages, that means that Acts Chapter 2 tongues are different from Ist Corinthians Chapter 14 tongues which are given as God directs to whomever He directs. Acts Chapter 2 tongues are for Every Believer. The choice is up to you.
I have been going to a United Pentecostal Church for almost a year, but have been a Christian all my life. I have developed the fruits of the spirit, but have not spoken in tongues yet. How come?
God will fill you with the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues when you are ready. Don't get all worried about it. Just keep serving the Lord, keep drawing closer to Him in prayer, reading the word, witnessing to others, church attendance, and intercessory prayer with others and He will fill you with His Holy Spirit. Ask your Pastor or others in the church for advice and help from the scriptures. Love God with All your Heart and ask Him to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit which Peter talks about in Acts Chapter 2 which is for all Believers.
If all speack in tongues please explain what Paul is saying in 1 Corinthians 12 verses 29 thru 31 thank you Robert
I would like to reply to you cause too many people like to divide and use partial scriptures to fit their interpertation of the word. Saying it is different or doesn't apply to us, but all scripture as you can tell by old testament and new testament are to be combined to get the full meaning. It clearly does state in 1st Cor. of the different gifts that you receive when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, and speaking in tongues is just one of them. And Paul himself says that not all will speak in tongues. This just adds to the division in the church where one denomanation thanks it is better than another, but even our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ says that no one will have it completely right tell he comes again. Plus Jesus teaches over and over not to be judgmental or count some one out just because of what he can or can not do. No one is to tell anybody they are not going to Heaven that is between them and our Lord. He will always give anybody the chance to accept him in their life, and receive the Holy Spirit. Nothing in the Bible says you will not go to Heaven if you don't speak in tongues. If you break it down and look these people who believe you do probably also believe you have to be in a suit if you are a man or a dress if you are a woman when you go to church, and can't show up in jeans and a t-shirt is a disgrace to God, but if you read in scriptures Jesus was appalled when the congregation tried to turn away the dirty, smelly homeless man who came to worship. Our Lord Jesus Christ tries constantly to stop this type of discrimination in the church. Plus to leave of with do people truly believe still that the real Church the Bible speaks of is the building they go to instead of the believers in our Lord Jesus Christ ?
Paul is talking in the context of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit that are used in the church in Ist Corinthians 12. When he says "Do all speak in tongues, Do all interpret." He is speaking of the Gift of Tongues found earlier in chapter 12 and the same Gift of Tongues found in Ist Corinthians 14:5. This gift is where someone in a church speaks out in tongues during a moment of silence in a church service, and then another person or the same person speaks out in English or whatever the Native language is, so that we can understand the message that was spoken in tongues. That is why Paul puts together the Gift of tongues with the Gift of Interpretation. Do all speak in tongues? Do all Interpret? That is the context. That is the Gift of Tongues used in a church service, along with the Gift of Interpretation.
There is another gift of tongues that you can find in Acts Chapter 2 that Is given to Every Believer. When any Believer is filled with the Holy Spirit they begin to speak in tongues, a language they did not know. At the Day of Pentecost in Acts Chapter 2, Peter stands up and says they are not drunk as many have supposed, but they are filled with the Holy Spirit as prophesied in Joel and are speaking in tongues. Peter says this "gift is for you, your children, for those who are afar off, for All who are called by the Lord." All Believers are called by the Lord. Peter is talking about a gift of tongues for all believers who are filled with the Holy Spirit. This normally happens after salvation. This gift of tongues is your prayer language as Paul later says,"Pray in the Spirit always." Every believer can be filled with the Spirit and speak in tongues. Every church does not teach this. Acts Chapter 2 tongues are different from Ist Corinthians Chapter 12 tongues. They are 2 separate gifts. The tongues from Ist Corinthians 12 are part of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit talked about in Chapter 12, and given to some Believers as determined by God. The tongues in Acts Chapter 2 are for every Believer and are spoken when the Believer is filled with the Holy Spirit. Normally they are used in your quiet times with the Lord when you are in prayer. I have both of these gifts and both of my tongue languages are different. Don't ask me how. When I speak in tongues during a church service, the annointing of God falls upon me and I speak out a certain language. When I pray in private, the tongues I am given are different from the tongues I use in church. That is why I know they are 2 different gifts.
Spiritual Gifts
I. The gifts can be more fully understood when studied with the subjects of "the Trinity" and "Body, Soul, and Spirit".
II. Observation: The entire Godhead [Father, Son , and Holy Spirit] is involved in the ministry of our spiritual birth, growth, and constant maintenance. We are made in the likeness of God [Gen. 5:1]
Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit [I Cor. 6:19] We are like Him in body, soul, and spirit; we are a trinity also and the Old Testament Tabernacle represents where God lives; Our bodies are the "outer court", our souls are the "inner court", and our spirits are the "holy of holies". He lives in us!
Three Categories of Spiritual Gifts
I Cor. 12:4-6
I. Gifts: [5486 G] Charisma- A divine gratuity I.E. Deliverance [from danger or passion]; [Spec.] A
[Spiritual] endowment I.E. [Subj] Religious qualification, or [obj] miraculous faculty; [free gift]
I Cor. 12:4
Rom. 12:6 GIFTS [of Father] Received at Spiritual Birth, Action on: Our spirit. Motivation Gifts:
[1] Prophecy, [2] Serving, [3] Teaching, [4] Exhortation, [5] Giving, [6] Organizing, [7] Mercy.
II. Administrations [1248 G] Diakonia [Dee ak on ee' ah] from 1249. Attendance [as a servant, etc]
[of or for charity] Aid [official] service [espec. of the Christian teacher, minister. I Cor.12: 5
Eph. 4:11 & I Cor. 12:28 ADMINISTRATIONS [of Son] Received as we progress [mature]
spiritually. Action on: Our Soul [mind ,will,& emotions] Ministry Gifts: [1] Apostles, [2] Prop-
ets, [3] Evangelists, [4] Pastors, [5] Teachers, [6] Miracles, [7] Healings, [8] Helpers, [9] Admin-
istrations, [10] Tongues.
These spiritual gifts are confirmed by the Church according to our natural abilities and talents and
our development through education and experience in life.
III. Operations [1755 G] Energema [En erg' ay mah] from 1754 Energeo [En erg ch' o] Eph. 3: 20
An effect; operation, working. To be active, efficient; do, [Be] effectual.
I Cor. 12: 6 OPERATIONS [of Holy Spirit] Received when we are baptized by the Holy Spirit.
Action on our Body [Tongue] Manifestation [speaking] Gifts: [1] Word of Wisdom, [2] Word of
Knowledge, [3] Faith, [4] Healings, [5] Miracles, [6] Prophecy, [7] Discerning of Spirits, [8]
Tongues, [9] Interpretation of Tongues.
These spiritual gifts are the result of yielding our whole self to God and allowing Him to baptize
us with His Holy Spirit to the extent that we are willing to speak what He wants said at any time.
There are 3 streams of worship flowing into God's river. Worship of the Father through the
sacraments; worship of the Son through evangelical preaching, worship of Holy Spirit through
spiritual gifts and signs and wonders.
by Hiram Hanson
That is some good copy and paste from something that the bible clearly teaches against in the Old Testament. The primary teaching to the Hebrew People.
That thou mightest fear the Lord thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged. Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey. (Deuteronomy 6:2, 3 KJV)
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord : And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates. And it shall be, when the Lord thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not, And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full; Then beware lest thou forget the Lord, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name. (Deuteronomy 6:4-13 KJV)
So what could it mean if I don't speak in tongues. I know that I am fully dedicated but it has yet to manifested in me yet. I know I'm fully dedicated to The Lord but it just hasn't happened. I'm not going to falsely force it but I feel that I am falling short in my faith. On the other hand I'm greatly gifted in other areas. For instance I wrote to Irvin Baxter at ENDTIME ministry that Edwin Snowden will be the catalyst for the devide between the U.S. and Eurore. Mainly Germany and countless other countries. I said this as soon as
The leak story broke but ENDTIME ministries kinda dismissed my claims but if you follow the news now it's shaping up the renew the Cold War but battle will surely be involved now. As much as I hate to see I feel little Mr. Snowden is the silent catalyst that will ultimately kick off the beginning of the war to kill 2/3rds of man kind prior to the lords return to store piece so people please pray, be viligent and stay saved at any moment….. I love and pray for you all.
Obama is the catalyst in the end time. United States will not be a power in the End. We are getting ready to receive another fatal blow in 2014 hope you get the Holy Ghost by then.
When you wrote to Endtime ministries that Edward Snowden is the catalyst that would renew the Cold War and cause division, that sounds to me like the Word of Knowledge, one of the Gifts of the Spirit spoken about in Ist Corinthians Chapter 12. Don't give up your pursuit of speaking in tongues. It can happen when you least expect it. It happened to me during a church service while I was singing along with the congregation. The Holy Spirit knows when you are ready.
I agree with the comments that say when you listen to Irvin Baxter and his depth of understanding
Revelation, then you know and expect he practices the use of tongues. I also think the hardest part for
Most Christians in understanding this practice is that you have to Practice this gift…..it does get easier as you Practice it. It is your free gift from God and it is an invaluable tool that opens up the depth of wisdom as it is practiced. It does take time and patience to learn to use this awesome gift!! Thank you.
Speaking in tongues, is not an optional gift, you write. If you search your Bible, every person who received the gift of the Holy Ghost did speak in tongues. The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of Christ. Every man has to work out his salvation with trembling and fear. You seem to have a little hostility in your letter Michael. Seek the Lord completely and He will reveal His covenant to you. Search… Romans 8:9 says, But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. Read that again. If any man does not have the Holy Ghost, He does not belong to God. In Matthew chapter 7 it states that not every one that will say to Jesus in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name & cast out devils… Jesus will say, I never knew you: depart from me. Powerful. This free gift of the Holy Ghost is a quickening spirit. It's the only Spirit that will make you alive in the end. Every man needs the Holy Ghost.
I have to agree with others who say that speaking in tongues is an optional gift and is not the definitive sign of receiving the Holy Spirit.
I was a Christian for about 25 years before I received the gift of tongues. Tongues have been a great benefit to me, though it doesn't come as easily to me as it does to others, but I was no less a Christian before I received the gift than I was afterwards.
If we're going to argue Mark 16:17 for the universal experience of speaking in tongues as THE sign of receiving the Holy Spirit, then we must also argue for the universal sign of casting out devils. The argument just doesn't work. Not every Christian has both gifts from the moment of believing and receiving the Holy Spirit.
Arguing from omission in the scriptures, as with the Samaritans in Acts 8:14-19, is not expository and is an example of argumentem e silentio. It's what we see when people argue for, as an example, the efficacy of praying to Mary – "Hey, the scriptures never say don't pray to Mary." We cannot assume that speaking in tongues was the universal, expected experience of new believers in the early church. It was common, yes, but there's no evidence that it was universal.
A friend who is a Baptist pastor once told me that he would lose his church if he told the missions board what he experienced as a missionary to Tanzania. All of the things that his seminary professors taught him had ceased were present in abundance, from speaking in tongues, to jaw-dropping healings, to very real life-and-death struggles with the demonic. Miracles such as speaking in tongues are important to fledgling churches in places like Tanzania because the enemy is so entrenched.
During the early days of the church, God used miracles to authenticate that the apostles and new believers were who they said they were. Miracles haven't ceased, and we're seeing an upsurge, but we don't see what we saw in the first years of the church. Even Paul advised Timothy (I Timothy 5:23) to "use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses" rather than healing him outright.
Tongues is a good gift from God and one that Paul says we should earnestly desire. On the other hand, there are many great Christians throughout history, from William Wilberforce to Billy Graham, who never spoke in tongues. Both were (are, in the case of Graham) anointed men of God who changed the world. Still, neither spoke in tongues.
I expect that speaking in tongues will become more common in American and European churches as people grow more cold and especially as we draw nearer to the end times. God gives us what we need when we need it to spread his word and glorify his name.
It is too bad the Baptist Pastor friend of yours was too afraid to tell his Church Board for fear of being fired. You stated that the enemy is so entrenced in fledgling churches as Tanzania that speaking in tongues and miracles are so important. My friend, the enemy is even more entrenched in America yet we don't see the same miracles and healings because we simply don't believe we need them. We have this attitude we can do it on our own. Read Abraham Lincoln's Thanksgiving Day address from 1863 and you will see how far away from the Lord we have come. Lincoln states that in 1863, our nation has forgotten God. How much more so now in 2013. Lincoln's address would not even be allowed reading in our public schools as it is full of references to Jesus and Lincoln's Christian faith. The old separation of church and state rule which keeps Christianity out of the Public schools but allows Moslem Imam's to speak and adress our students is in full force. We deny Christ but allow other gods to take His rightful place. They celebrate Kwansaa in schools with plays, but you can't even say Merry Christmas in the schools for fear you will be chastised and expelled. I think your Pastor friend needs to leave his church and move to Tanzania if the Lord calls him to, become even more filled with the Spirit, and then bring that move of God back to us in the US. But maybe the US isn't ready for that yet. Speaking in tongues is not optional, it is for every believer. But it is up to each believer to decide if he wants to yield himself to the Holy Spirit in this way. Many I have prayed for at the Altar were not willing and held back from speaking even though I could sense the overwhelming presence of God's Holy Spirit. It is possible Billy Graham was simply taught the Baptist way and dismissed tongues. Didn't give it a second thought. It certainly seemed the Holy Spirit was with him if not yet inside him. But maybe he did speak in tongues privately for fear he would be dismissed if he disclosed this to his board, just as your Pastor friend was afraid. A Catholic Nun sat next to me at a conference dinner for Pro-life in our State Capitol. She leaned over and asked me if I spoke in tongues. I said I do. She said two days ago she was praying as usual and the power of God came upon her so strong that she began to speak in another language. She said it was so beautiful, but asked me not to tell her fellow sisters as they wouldn't believe. They thought tongues were not from God. Her glowing face told me otherwise. Keep up the good work and encourage others. The end is in sight.
They would have had they obeyed Acts 2:38
Very well written, Michael………..and I fully agree. This has helped me understand this issue, as I have struggled with it a long time. Thank you.
It should be pointed out to you that the 'gift' of tongues is not the same as the sign given when the Holy Spirit is received.
Good point…………Thank you, James
I agree James. In fact they are proceeding in different directions. The gift of tongues is the Father by the Holy Spirit speaks to believers. (Father to believers) The tongues from the infilling of the Spirit are Believers glorifying and magnifying( by the Spirit) the Father (believers to Father)
I have to agree with mary, the holy ghost will revile all too you, read acts2:38 there is no other name the father, son, holy ghost are titles, but they are all JESUS. your father is son, and has a spirit, which makes him three manifestations of him self, but remember he has a name, the name Jesus is my rock, lord and God, seek him, and he will show you. I used to be dependent on drugs ad alcohol, thank you lord Jesus for your holy ghost spirit, I speak in tongues, its a language that only god knows, he has no respect of persons, show all that on your name Jesus what you really can do and bless them with your spirit as you have blessed me. In Jesus name, Amen.
God is not limited, so the gifts which are given of the same spirit are not limited.
I am appreciative of your work but would like to add: 1 Corinthians 12 talks about spiritual gifts, we don't all receive the same gifts of the Spirit, for one is given x and to another is given y; in verse 10 it states …"to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues." This says to me that not everyone gets the same gifts whether tongues, or other gifts like wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy. We are many parts in one body. Thank you for letting me speak.
Now read Acts Chapter 2. The tongues spoken of there are for All Believers. Peter said,"this gift (speaking in tongues) is for You, Your children, for All who are afar off, for All who are called by the Lord." All Believers are called by the Lord. All Believers are to receive the gift of tongues when they are filled with the Holy Spirit as All the Believers were on the day of Pentecost. First Corinthians 12 is speaking of another kind of tongues, separate from the tongues found in Acts Chapter 2. The Ist Corinthians 12 tongues are part of the Gifts of the Holy spirit which God gives as He so chooses. Not everyone gets these gifts. It depends on the ministry God has for you. The gift of tongues in Ist Corinthians 12 is referring to the gift where someone in a church service speaks out in tongues during a moment of silence, and then another person uses the gift of Interpretation to tell the rest of us what those tongues meant. Not everyone receives all these gifts as God determines. But the gift of tongues in Acts Chapter 2 are different and are your prayer language tongues that are for All Believers as Peter has stated in his Pentecost sermon. They are for, "All who are called by the Lord." We are all called by the Lord.Paul later talks about those tongues when he says, "pray in the Spirit always." He is talking to All Believers. Praying in the Spirit is praying in the spiritual tongue language that the Holy Spirit poured out at Pentecost and pours out on us when we are willing to be filled with the Holy Spirit. It can happen anywhere, anytime. My friend received hers and the Holy Spirit while taking a shower. She was ready and willing.Since Paul is encouraging All Believers to pray in the Spirit, he must be expecting all Believers to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Tongues are a means for you to communicate with God through the Holy Spirit and pray for people and places and situations that you couldn't pray for in your own language. The Holy Spirit directs you even though you don't know what you are saying. It is the Spirit that is praying through you. Paul says that praying in tongues builds up the inner spirit of a man or woman. Why anyone wouldn't want this gift that is for All Believers is beyond me. But God will not force it on anyone. It is your choice. Always has been a matter of free will. Fear is what usually holds us back.But the tongues in Ist Corinthians 12 are different from the tongues in Acts Chapter 2. One is for everyone and the second is given out as God determines for use in that person's ministry. Missionaries both here and overseas need all the Spiritual gifts available to them. So do we. We have just as many hurting, unsaved, addicted, and demonic led people here in the US as they do in Tanzania or other countries filled with demonic inspired religions. In Salem Mass. the police have a witch on a broom emblem on their uniforms and you are not allowed to go into stores that are selling witchcraft and are witch covens, and witness to them about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That would take boldness supplied by being filled with the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues. Once you are filled, you won't want to go back. God is no respecter of persons, so he certainly would not hold back from any believer the gift that draws you even closer to Him. Paul saw many visions while praying in the Spirit as did many others. You can too as " This gift is for You, Your children, all who are afar off, All who are called by the Lord." Acts Chapter 2.
Please see my reply to Michael
This was my first time on your website. I enjoyed it so much, for I am a student of prophecy. While clicking through the website I found a tab for "Tongues-devilish or divine"? I liked all the info on your website and show so much, I was hesitant about reading your opinion about tongues. I have been filled with the Holy Ghost for close to 40 years and was so "afraid" you didn't subscribe to "pentecost" that I let "fear" almost keep me from reading your take on "Tongues". I clicked on the tab, and began to read your opinion. I laughed out loud when the precious Holy Ghost made me realize almost anyone that has the depth of discernment, knowledge and wisdom that you have are almost always spirit filled.
Mary, wonderful post you have written. I laughed when I read it because it was also my problem for many years. Thank God no longer do I have the worry, mostly because tongues will not cease until Jesus comes back.
I have to disagree. The bible makes it clear in multiple places that not all men have the same gifts. For example see 1 Corinthians 12:30. And it is clear in other places that some have the gift of healing, some have the gift of tongues, some have the gift of interpretation, some have the gift of teaching, some have the gift of giving… Do not discourage those without the gift of tongues to think they have not been born of the Spirit.
Hello Katherine I understand exactly what you are saying, but 1Corinthians 12 is speaking about the gifts of the Spirit, and not the Holy Spirit himself. When recieving the Holy Spirit it is a separate act. I believe you would agree that God wants us to know his Spirit. So we should ask God to reveal to us what is his will is pertaining to His Spirit. He truly wants to show us!
So just to clarify, the position on this blog is that regardless of receiving the GIFT of tongues from the holy spirit or not, all who receive the holy spirit speak in tongues at least once?
Yes. That is what is found in the New Testament. Some believe you can be filled with the Holy Spirit yet not speak in tongues, but the scripyures don't show that. Read Acts Chapter 2 for the tongues that are given to All Believers and then read Ist Corinthians Chapter 12 for the gift of tongues that is used in a church service and used in conjunction with the gift of Interpretation of tongues, and that gift is given out to believers as God chooses. I think mostly for the ministry He has for them. But there are 2 types of tongues. I know people who have both kinds and they are 2 different languages that they never learned. Believers filled with the Holy Spirit speak in tongues.
Brother I am sorry but I believe you are in error. Please go to the first time tongues was used and people were filled with the Holy Spirit. It was used to share the Gospel with those who spoke in a different language. All other scripture that refers to speaking in tongues has to be judged by the first time it was used. There is only one gift of tongues not two. As Paul says we do not all speak in tongues.
So what is the purpose to only speak once if is given to us so our Soul may pray for the sins we don't realize are present. Come on rev Get it right! Where do you Pastor! What are you Teaching?
None of the predictions of Grigory Rasputin has ever come true to life. His words about dark times in Russia after his death were nothing but intimidation. All these forecasters speak empty phrases, which we then fill associatively. Nostradamus was a bad trader, and after 40, he began to write verses that could be interpreted differently. Everyone has their own associations. Rasputin could not even predict what his patron Nicholas II was a weak tsar. He was only intimidating people
ugust 23, 2013 is the day, for which the infamous Grigory Rasputin predicted the end of the world in the beginning of the last century. Rasputin predicted a "terrible storm" in which fire would swallow all life on land, and then life would die on the whole planet. He also said that Jesus Christ would come down to Earth to comfort people in distress.
Immediately after the distress of those days
the sun will be darkened,
and the moon will not give its light;
the stars will fall from the sky,
and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.
Don't see this happening – what's going on?
Mark, don't see it happening? Just wait you will. When God decides, it WILL (no doubt about it) it will happen.
Tongues are definitely a sign that someone has received the Holy Ghost.
Jesus clearly stated in Mark 16:17 that all who believed would speak in new tongues.
It is clear throughout the book of Acts that those whom believed and received the Holy Ghost spoke in tongues.
It's sad that many churches today to not teach that tongues are necessary.
I definitely received the Holy Ghost when I was born again (for the Lord baptizes with fire…cleansing my temple so that He can indwell me). I did not and have then – nor have I ever -spoken in what you are calling "tongues." Same with Spurgeon. Same with Moody. Same with Torrey. Same with Finney. Same with Whitfield. Same with Edwards. Same with Luther. Same with Raider. Same with Sam Jones. Same with Bunyan. Same with Fox. Et al.
I do not doubt your "experience" but I do question whether or not your "experience" can be claimed to be the biblical tongues.
More importantly, are you 100% sure that you will go directly to heaven when you die? If so, why will a holy God allow you into heaven? If I were on my deathbed with only 5 minutes to live…how would you explain to me how I could be 100% sure I would go to heaven?
Thank you for you time in reading this.
Thanks for the good illustrations. I do have a problem with what I feel is a temptation, especially for me, to jump too far and too quickly. Above states: "If knowledge has not yet ceased, then tongues have not ceased either." Sounds to me as if someone has decided that tongues, knowledge, etc., are fixed, measureable quantities. May be yes, may be no. Is it impossible for any such quantity to ebb and flow over time?
My visits to different churches give me pause. I see fellow Christians working with recent converts and in effort to teach them HOW to speak in tongues. No one needed to take lessons in Acts. To me tongues were a media method for all in the presence of the Holy Spirit to understand the new Gospel and regardless of language barriers. Tongues is Acts seems smooth and seamless and not chaotic. All seemed to understand a message and not just one or a few in the congregation.
All Christians are able to attain to one or all of the provided. The idea of languages to me is simply to overcome language barriers. Today, I witness tongues in some churches to be a garbled utterance and often and seemingly requiring an almost certain interpreter in the congregation to explain the supposed tongues just uttered.
I read nothing in Acts or elsewhere suggesting that tongues is about a garbled utterance among the believers under the power of the Holy Spirit. It is not "babble." It is an open exchange crossing language barriers. I find no reference that any under such influence of the Holy Spirit had to take lessons or required an interpreter or specific interpreters. I read in Acts of a harmonious exchange of the Gospel across language barriers only. All were in one accord. To me is almost like an antithesis, undoing, of the consequences owing to the Tower of Babel.
Anyway, I try to remain open minded and in all church experiences. Some "slay-in-the spirit", etc. I know that it is may be a temptation to fall into a train-of-thought easily while in any group of believers and in wanting to be apart and grow closer to God. It doesn't come that easy to me.
I love Jesus and seek after Him. I'm open to the Holy Spirit directing me and anyway He chooses. I don't think I will need to take lessons or set any limits if this or that any other idea need ebb or wane accordingly or simultaneously.
I read of such evens like in Acts that it simply happened under the power of the Holy Spirit. No explanation, training, or understanding was required.
I may sound like a Thomas but really am David.
Thanks for this fantastic website.
Mr D.W.'s"comments" on the End Time website was a fresh, clear, and righteously humble reply. Also, it is a well-articulated reflection of my fixed standing with His Word, which states, "Let us reason together, says the Lord…", in conjunction with His Word that states, "My ways are not your ways…my thoughts are not your thoughts…" Human Reality and Truth truly come down to a one-on-one-relationship with our Lord and Savior, Who gives us "Life". Mr. I.W.'s web site is a fresh and God-focused means by which other members of Christ's Body (His church, His Bride) stay connected and function together, as long as we "fix our eyes on Jesus" (The Head, The Shepherd, the One who obeys the Father by doing the Father's will, the One who allows the Body to "become One, as we are One").
Give all the Glory to God with every breath of life He has given you! It's the very least we can do to stay in that precious Life He has given us from the garden's "Tree of Life", and which will be revealed when the "Book of Life" is read. Jesus and His Bride are not just characters in a "book" as Man knows it, and as Satan tries to deceive by Wordly "distractions"; it is "The Never Ending Story" which leads to ETERNAL LIFE with Him. Fix your eyes of Faith on your relationship with Jesus, and you, too, can and will "walk on water" (defy the World, be apart from the World) as Peter (a part of Jesus' Body) did when his eyesight/vision brought him to Jesus only, because of his relationship with Him. The Relationship is what's "Real"/"Truth".
Discussions about ideas and questions regarding the Bible (words for man to read) can only be answered by the author of the Bible, His Holy Word, because "the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us"; and because the Word said He "must go" in order for the Holy Spirit to come upon man. Our Life and Understanding comes from living in His Spirit, which He gives to all genders and nationalities "freely" to those that call upon His name…How great it is to be "adopted"/grafted in (by Faith in His Son Who is the "Good News") into His Family, so we can "become One" with God, His only Son, and His Holy Spirit! As mentioned before, even "understandings shall cease"; so fixing our eyes on Him will keep us connected when He comes for His Bride; it will also provide the actions (works) of Faith, Hope, and Love that the Bride needs to "prepare herself", like the 5 Virgins, for her Bridegroom (Lover of her soul), to take her home, to a place He has "prepared" for her (as we speak). Praise God, andgive Him all the Glory for His Mercy and Grace, which is His Godly Love! God bless you to all who know Him, and seek Him…!
I commend you on having an openness to the Spirit of God. I just want to share something with you regarding interpretation of tongues (which is mentioned in scripture). Please reference 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 [Tongues/interpretation of tongues is stated in verse 10]) and then cross reference that with 1 Corinthians 14. The whole chapter focuses on Tongues and Prophecy. It is probably the only detailed account we have (biblically) on the operation of these two gifts, their purpose and their application in the church. I hope these two passages enrich your knowledge on this subject and probably answer a few questions you may have about them. Have a great day Brother!
@Steve…thank you for the simplicity in your comments. My extended family are of the belief that all ceased with the apostles. However, they are quite happy to accept prophecy. My debate with them has been you cannot pick and choose which gifts you are happy to accept. It's either ALL or nothing at all!
Praise the Lord!
You asked a question after the Understanding the Bible study last night, 8/01/13, and I am not sure that you received an appropriate answer. I did recommend you check out this link, but I wanted to touch on your question really quick.
If I understood you correctly, you were asking if speaking in tongues could sometimes be in a known language(s).
The answer is yes & no.
The beginning of the fulfillment of the prophecies of Isaiah 28:11 and Joel 2:28 happened/began on the Day of Pentecost. (Acts 2) I say the "beginning of the fulfillment" because that is not where it ended, as many suppose. Joel 2:28 & Acts 2:17 plainly state that "in the last days" this would happen, and since we are nearly 2,000 years after the initial outpouring of the Holy Ghost, I would say we are more into the "last days" than the apostles. Wouldn't you agree?
There are occasions when someone will speak in another tongue, that is known to man, when they have received the Holy Ghost. Acts 2 even gives such an account. However, it is an unknown, or other tongue to that individual. God works the miraculous in us when we are filled with His Spirit. 1 Corinthians 14:22 "Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not…" It wouldn't be miraculous, or much of a sign, and NO ONE would believe anything miraculous had happened if I were speaking in a language I was already fluent in. It is important to note that there are different types of tongues; 1 Corinthians 14:4 "He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself;.." & 1 Corinthians 14:27 "If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret." These two verses show that there is a difference in tongues, any other interpretation may lead to contradiction.
The differences are as follows:
1) Tongues as evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:4, Acts 10:44-46, Acts 19:1-6) are also tongues for self-edification(1 Cor 14:4).
2) Whereas, tongues mentioned in v.27 is "kinds of tongues"(1 Cor 12:10) or the "Gift of Tongues" as it is generally called, and this Gift is used for the edification of the Church. Which is where the use of an "interpreter" comes in (1 Cor 12:10, 1 Cor 14:27). There could be only confusion if someone spake using the Gift of Tongues and God did not provide us an interpretation. (1 Cor 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion,..) The moving of His Spirit is peculiar & inexplicable, at least to me, during such a time as when He speaks through "tongues and interpretation." For me to even attempt an explanation would do Him no justice. Suffice it to say, He is Incredibly Wonderful!
Acts 2 gives an account of people speaking in "known" languages, but this by no means requires it to be the case in ever situation, or even when someone receives the Holy Ghost. It does still happen today, and it has been witnessed by many.
God bless,
Steve in SC
Hello I have received the baptism of the holy ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues and have been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of my sins (Acts 2:38, thank you Jesus). I believe that their is one God and his name is Jesus.
Also I think it is important to understand that the initial infilling of the holy ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues is different then the gift of tongues. It says that the holy ghost is giving to edify the believer and the gift of tongues is given to edify the church. Corinthians is written to a people who were already baptized in Jesus name and filled with the holy ghost just like in the book of Acts. It says in John 3:1-8 you must be born again of water and spirit. If you don't have the spirit of Christ you are not his! It makes no sense that the Lord will clearly put several times in the book of acts where people spoke in tongues, still poor it our today, make several references to having the spirit throughout the new testament and then in one scripture say it has ceased. Especially when in 1 Corinthian's 14: 18 Paul says he thanks God that he speaks in tongues more then them. It also says knowledge shall vanish away. Does that mean we have no more knowledge. Hope this helps. Be blessed
I think the Interpretion to that 1corn.13:8-12 Is this not really the the Holy will be No more,but that Speaking In tongues will cease.Now let's look at 9&10 'for we know In Part' which Implies knowledge that was earlier. Mentioned In in Vs8 that will vanish, 'we prophecy In part' still latter part of 9 meaning it Is still In Practise.now 10 says 'when that which Is perfect has Come(JESUS)then that which Is in part will be done away'meanin the Holy Ghost will be present till the End time Cos.CHRIST Is not Coming Until the End time
Sorry the comment about the first resurrection, I meant Rev chapter 20 and verse 4. Sorry!!!
In Rev chapter 4, it sounds to me like that the first resurrection is only for the ones that have died for the word of God, the witness of Jesus or have not worshiped the beast, neither his image, neither received his mark on their foreheads or in their hand, are the only ones to reign with him for the thousand years? I am
confused on this first resurrection!
Hi all.
I see a lot of people using chapters 12 & 14 of 1 Corinthians for reasons to debate speaking in tongues. As well as many different statements on why tongues was not the initial sign of the Holy Ghost poured out in Acts. To avoid picking any one topic, which may unintentionally imply that I am attacking or picking on one person, I will briefly attempt to address the outpouring of the Holy Ghost found in Acts, as well as both chapters of 1 Corinthians. Remember, Scripture interprets Scripture.
Note: I will attempt to give only the book, chapter, and verse, trusting that the reader(s) will read each Scripture from their own personal Bible, except where explicitly needed.
Claim I.
The disciples received the Holy Ghost when Jesus breathed on them in John 20:22 as opposed to on the Day of Pentecost found in Acts 2.
In John 3:8 Jesus referred to the wind (G4151 Strong's Greek & Hebrew), likening it to being born of the Spirit. The case has been made by putting those two verses, 3:8 & 20:22, together, that this was when they were filled. However, Jesus concluded 3:8 that you hear it, but that you could not discern a physical origin for it. In 20:22 the physical origin of the breath was Jesus. If this were the outpouring of the Holy Ghost, it would cause Jesus to contradict His prior statement to Nicodemas. There is no doubt, Jesus is commanding them to receive the Holy Ghost in 20:22, but was this when they received it? Reading the next few verses actually says a lot about this subject. Wouldn't you think that this long awaited promise would cause great excitement? That the disciples would be so overjoyed that they could not wait to tell everyone about it, especially one of their own? v.24 says Thomas was not with them at that time, yet the disciples made no mention of them being filled with the Holy Ghost when they saw him. They were excited about what did happen though, v.25 "We have seen the Lord!" Then, when He appeared unto them again why didn't He breath on Thomas to fill him with the Holy Ghost? Luke 24:49 Jesus tells them that He will send the promise of His Father upon them, but they would have to wait in Jerusalem. In Acts 1:5 Jesus says, "For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence" If they were already filled with the Holy Ghost on one of His previous appearances to them, why does He later tell them that they must wait in Jerusalem and then they will be baptized with the Holy Ghost?
In closing against Claim I.
Acts 10 shows Peter going to the house of Cornelius, preaching to them, and them being filled with the Holy Ghost(Acts10:44-47). Peter and the Jews that were with him knew the Gentiles had received the Holy Ghost "For they heard them speak with tongues…" Following this, in Acts 11 Peter defends himself to the Jews about eating with the Gentiles. Then Acts 11:15-17 says, "And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?" When was the beginning of the pouring out of the Holy Ghost? Which "like gift" is Peter referring to? 2:38 "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." As an answer for both questions, Peter seems to point towards Acts 2. I tend to agree with him.
Claim(s) II & III.
Speaking in tongues is only one of the gifts that we "can" receive, as Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, and that it was only used because there were people there who spoke different languages. Also, it is something that we should not do unless we have an interpreter, as Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 14:27-28.
To understand what Paul is writing, we must first understand the difference in tongues. First, we have evidentiary tongues or tongues of personal/self-edification. Second, we have kinds of tongues. Also called the Gift of Tongues, which is for the edification of, or instructing, the Church.
Evidentiary tongues: Though speaking in tongues was a new experience, it was not inconceivable, or even a new concept to the apostles. There is a particular prophecy in the OT that the apostles knew about, which is directly related to tongues. Isaiah 28:11-12 "For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear."
Acts 2:1-4, the day of Pentecost, tells us that those in the upper room were "filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."
As mentioned above in closing Claim I, Acts 10:44-47 records Cornelius and his household as they received the Holy Ghost, and those present knew "For they heard them speak with tongues…"
In Acts 19, Paul found some of John's disciples while passing through the upper coasts to Ephesus. Immediately he asks if they have received the Holy Ghost since they believed. They had never heard of such a thing, so Paul baptized them in the name of Jesus, laid his hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost and spoke with tongues.
Without explicitly stating, Acts 8:5-18 brings so much clarity to this often posed question/debate. Philip preached Christ in Samaria and they received healings, devils were cast out, and they were baptized in Jesus name. Simon the sorcerer witnessed all of this, and according to v13 he believed and was baptized. With all of this happening, v15-16 says boldly that they still had not received the Holy Ghost. So, Peter and John were sent to them. They prayed for them, then layed their hands on them and they received the Holy Ghost. In v18, Simon "saw" the people receive the Holy Ghost when the apostles laid hands on them. If there is no outward proof of receiving the Holy Ghost, what exactly did Simon see? Furthermore, why would he offer them money for something that they, or the people, could not prove had happened? The only conclusion that remains in form with the other experiences that make direct mention of people receiving the Holy Ghost, is that Simon saw them speaking in tongues.
1 Corinthians 14:22 also tells us, "Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not…" So, tongues would be for a sign to the unbeliever that you have received the Holy Ghost. Could you imagine if you and a friend were both atheists, and decided for whatever reason to visit a church. Maybe just to have a good time making fun of those "believers." Imagine if through preaching of the Word, faith was inspired in you, or in your friend. And in response to that faith, God filled you with the Holy Ghost. How could you ever convince your friend, or your friend convince you for that matter, of what had been experienced if their were no outward evidence or sign? Imagine that scenario again, but with the outward sign of speaking in tongues as the Spirit gave the utterance. Now, not only do you know something has happened to you, but you have evidentiary proof that your friend has witnessed.
In 2 of the above given statements for evidentiary tongues, we are certain there was no need for tongues if it were simply in case there are others that spoke a different language. All of Cornelius' house obviously spoke the same language, otherwise his home would have been a mini tower of Babel. John's disciples all spoke the same language, or they would not have been able to communicate with one another.
Kinds of tongues – Church edification, a word for the Church
1 Corinthians 12:10, 12:30, 13:1, 13:8, 14:1-15, 14: 18-28, 14:39
"In these verses Paul is teaching the differences between self-edification and edification of the Church." – StudiesInScripture.com by Randy A. Brown
We must first realize that there is a difference, and understanding this difference is detrimental to understanding two (2) of the gifts of the Spirit.
As shown in Claim I, Scripture testifies that the common occurence, or evidence, among those receiving the Holy Ghost in the New Testament was speaking with tongues. This is where 1 Corinthians 12:10 "…to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues" comes in. If there is only one type of tongues, why the need to specify divers/different "kinds of tongues" followed by "the interpretation of tongues"?
1 Corinthians 14:2 and 1 Corinthians 14:4 says that "…he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God…" and "He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself…" When we receive the Holy Ghost and speak with tongues as the Spirit gives utterance, that is the tongue of personal, or self-edification. This is why v2 says we speak unto God, and v4 says we edify ourself. Then, 1 Corinthians 14:27 says "If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret." If all tongues are the same, then these Scriptures contradict one another. But we know that His Word is Truth. Here, we clearly see that Paul has made a distinction in tongues. Tongues for personal edification, and tongues for Church edification.
The remaining Scriptures will show the link between tongues for Church edification, instead of self-edification, and the use of an interpreter.
1 Corinthians 14:27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
1 Corinthians 14:28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
It is very easy to conclude from the above Scripture(s) that if we don't have an interpreter, we should not speak in tongues. That is, unless we read the latter part of v28 where it says, "let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God." Paul is not saying, "don't speak in tongues!" When he says, "let him keep silence" he does not mean don't pray, worship, or speak in tongues as the Spirit moves on you. Instead he is saying, "don't be disruptive to the service of the Lord. by all means, pray, worship, and speak in tongues, but do it in the correct manner." When the Spirit of God moves in a service and He uses someone with the Gift of Tongues, there is a significant difference. We must all agree that God knows how to get things done, and His will, He performs exceedingly. The Gift of Tongues, or divers kinds of tongues, is used by God to deliver edification, or instructions if you prefer, to His people. This is where God uses an interpreter. What purpose would it serve for God to move on someone with the Gift of Tongues, but give us no way to interpret the message? That would bring about confusion. However, God knows all, and when He moves in such a way, He has already provided the needed interpreter. In some cases the person with the Gift of Tongues is also who God uses as the interpreter. This is not always the case, but it is not uncommon. I believe 1 Corinthians 14:13 offers plenty of explanation as to why someone with the Gift of Tongues is some times also the interpreter.
1 Corinthians 14:39-40 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order.
There is an old saying about being filled with the Holy Ghost. One that could not be better stated. "It's better felt, than telt."
"…but His word was in my heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones…"
thank you steve ..
Lord bless you!
I have the gift of the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues often. All I can say is everyone, and mean everyone
should ask God for it. There is nothing in this world like it. For years I have heard about the joy and peace when you have given your life over to God. And I would ask God. Where is the joy, were is the
peace that we were supposed to get when we give our lives over to him. I kept asking till one day I received the Holy Spirit speaking in tongues. I was filled with such a peace that was so amazing. And
the joy was overflowing. People you really need this. You will never be sorry. God is so good.
Acts 2:6 "and when this sound occurred, the crowd came together, and were bewildered because each one of them was hearing them speak in his own language" and th hearers bewildered that the disciples whom were merely Galileans speaking in languages they did not know. So as I understand, God used their tongues to speak in a language not learned, but Paul had learned several languages but also spoke in tongues that were unlearned but God used him in learned languages as well an unknown language. I agree Baptism of Holy Spirit is a language unlearned and not necessarily language known to man but known to God. As I see and understand the Scriptures. Without faith we cannot please God.
having read many of the comments on this site, it still shows that within the many tongue speaking churches today is not done according to scriptural processes, eg 3 to have a message and there must be an interpreter or not used… Not everybody willynilly having a go and thinking they know what tongues are saying. Many years ago (not right and i did apologise to christ and the holy spirit) at a meeting I stood out the front and when asked by hierachy to come on try and do it I went as they say to do just say whatever words come to mind shooby dooby blay daka make it up as you go and was told, Oh we are so glad you can finally talk in tongue!!!!!! Those who THINK they know what is happening as so satanically deceived themselves. Saved by grace and faith until death.
The Pentacost day tongue was not an un-known tongue. It was the opposite, known and understood by all who heard it. God is not a God of confusion, so how could we have a confusing language that may or maynot be properly interpreted. With Christ as the example, did He ever speak in un-known tongues? I will stick with tongues meaning languages. Paul spoke many tongues (languages) none un-known that I can find.
I appreciate your comments, Brian. Keep in mind that unknown (in the King James Bible) really means unlearned (hence, a gift). So to put is simply: Unknown tongues are just foreign languages that they did not have to go through the natural process of learning to speak. It certainly does not mean unintelligible sounds, but a very real, unlearned foreign language. Acts 2:4-11.
1Cr 12:4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
1Cr 12:5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.
1Cr 12:6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.
1Cr 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit [of all]:
1Cr 12:8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,
1Cr 12:9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same [fn] Spirit,
1Cr 12:10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another [different] kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
1Cr 12:11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills
The way i read the bible, in corinthians, tongues is one of the gifts of the holy spirit, and there are numerous gifts and tongues is as i read it one of the lesser gifts and we are told to vie for the better gifts, but tongues is just as legitimate a gift as any of the others. thanks.
Tongues as a gift of the spirit is referring to "tongues and Interpretations". 1 Corinthians 14:26-40 goes more in depth about that particular gift. God bless.
Everyone who received the Holy Ghost in the Biblical accounts did speak in tongues!!! So believe what you want. But this teaching is very timely and correct. Either your beliefs line up with scripture or they are wrong !!!
My take on this is that GODS WORD IS TRUTH!!!
Excellent teaching on the Holy Ghost and tongues. Love it!!!
Im surprised that you havent mentioned the great imitator SATAN. While tongues is of God,there is a movement that is evil and it imitates tongues but the very noticeable difference is that they thrash around and its obvious they are demonic.Kundalini…Please expound on this!!!!
1 Corinthians 14:22-23 "Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but believe not": (Speaking in tongues in apparently necessary)
This topic is not complete until it is compared with the gifts of the Spirit as stated in 1 Corinthian 13 -14. Because "speaking in tongues" is one of the gifts. My take is that one can be filled with the Holy Spirit without speaking in tongue since the Spirit could give other gifts like prophesy, healing etc!!!!!
i got healed by praying in tongues for hours every day.Believers we have the gift of praying in tongues,its our most powerful weapon.When we dont know how to pray for our families and our communities we can pray in tongues and get the answers.
The Word of God is our most powerful weapon…it is the Sword in Eph 6:17. It is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword in Heb 4:12. It is the judge of all men in the last day in Jn 12:48. It is spirit and life in Jn 6:63. It makes you wise unto salvation in 2 Tim 3:15. On and on…it is the Word of God that we are to sow into the hearts of men.
Where did you learn that "tongues" is our most powerful weapon? Where in the Bible does it teach that?
Dr. Baxter this article has been a blessing to me; I have used it to share with others to present the positive side of the argument concerning tongues. Thank you for writing this!
I hear preachers say the antichricst can't be revealed until THE CHURCH is taken away
But I know the bible says HE and the church is always a SHE. What is the HE the bible
Is referring to? Thanks and I now believe the rapture will follow the tribulation because
Of this ministry. God Bless
The "he" in 2 Thessalonians 2:7 is not referring to the church because Revelation 13:7 specifically shows the Antichrist warring against the saints. Saints are definitely a part of the church. Also in the first four verses of 2 Thessalonians 2 Paul taught that the second coming and the rapture could not happen until there was a falling away first and the man of sin was revealed. The "he" in verse seven also cannot be the Holy Spirit. Daniel 11 shows the people who know there God during the tribulation will be strong and do exploits. Revelation 11 also shows the two witnesses ministering during that time. The power that these people will use will inevitably be the same power that the church uses today which comes from the Holy Ghost.
To understand who the "he" is you have to understand verse 6. It plainly tells us that the factor holding the Antichrist back is time. This makes perfect sense because of the prophecy of Daniel 9:27. We learn here that in the middle of the final 7 years the abomination of desolation will take place. This is when the Antichrist reveals himself, so God has foretold the specific timing of revealing of the Antichrist. God's word is forever settle so there is no way that the Antichrist can be revealed at any other time. So God's timing is the factor. So the "he" in 2 Thessalonians 2:7 is referring to God or his timing. Many jump to the conclusion that the phrase "taken out of the way" refers to being completely removed from the scene. However if I am blocking traffic with a cone in the middle of the road, I can move that cone to the side of the road and traffic would begin to flow yet the cone would still be on the road. So God has determined the time that the Antichrist will be revealed and until that time is met the Antichrist cannot be revealed.
oops Christian Television Network!
Debra: I was raised in a Pentecostal church all of my life but would NEVER yield to such a thing as speaking in tongues. That just seemed so wierd, and I have to admit it, that pride made me feel that speaking in tongues was beneath me. But, this year watching the GREAT AWAKENING on Christina Television Networl (CTN) which was on LIVE for 3 hours straight every night. The Holy Spirit gave me such an urge to want to speak in tongues that I finally gave in with God's help. And, now I speak in tongues often. I used to think that some great feeling had to come over you and forcibly make different sounds come out of you. Until I learned what Sid Roth teaches that, of course, as in speaking any other language, you willfully just start speaking and stop when you want to. Look up Sid Roth's teaching on Speaking in Tongues on the internet. He taught the entire viewing audience one night on his show, "It's Supernatural." Sid Roth is a Jew who used to be in the New Age "movement" and has been around the block a time or two and he wouldn't live without speaking in tongues. I won't either from now on!!!
I was 11 years old when my 14 year old brother, who had been filled with the Holy Spirit, came up to me, touched my lips and said "speak sister." The very last thing I was thinking about was speaking in tongues since it worried me that this person standing in front of me didn't seem like my brother anymore. However, I immediately began speaking in another language, no babbling, just clearly. This gift has been a blessing to me all my life! However, I know some dear Christian people who are afraid of yielding to God's presence and speak, but I've seen them shake all over. I also think of people who might be mute but be filled with the Holy Spirit. I don't believe these people are not great Christians and that the presence of the Holy Spirit is not with them or in them. However, I believe surrendering to the Holy Spirit allows this wonderful gift to speak the needs that only the Holy Spirit knows and must bypass our natural, intellectual systems that limit our understanding. God can speak through us and accomplish great things and I have seen them happen!
This article is very interesting, however I hold to the belief that tongues have ceased since the Bible has been completed. All the knowledge we need is contained in the scriptures, and all study of God and all things Spiritual is contained in the Bible. I also believe that prophecies have ceased. As far as the two Witnesses in Revelations they shall prophesy that which has already been determined in and spoken in God's word. Just my humble opinion
We would have to disagree. All knowledge has not vanished away. The world is still learning, and technology is progressing at an enormous rate. Prophecies have not failed, because not all of them have been accomplished. God bless.
Eeeeeweeeee this was some fire right here, Big shout out to the producer of this study and article
I'm a pentecostal but I still had to check up on my doctrines so i was curious to see if speaking in tongues meant speaking in an unknown language so I looked up the greek word for "other" (as in acts 2:4) in a strongs bible concordance and one of its meanings was "strange" so I looked that up in a dictionary and it meant not previously known or experienced. So it became clear that the person would speak in a language he didn't know but that still didn't mean that others would not know it so I read more of acts and I found that the people there were mocking those who were speaking in tongues and calling them drunk and I realized that if they were speaking in a known language then why were they being mocked and being called drunk because drunks don't speak in a clear language they speak in their own language and another thing if speaking in tongues means speaking in a known language then why would you need an interpreter (1Cor. 14:13-14) if you are already speaking in a known language to those around you.
They were mocking them because of their hard hearts NOT because they couldn't hear them clearly in their own language. The context is crystal clear…they COULD hear the witnesses in their own language BUT, refusing to accept the truth, they turned the truth into a lie (Romans 1:25). This kind of reaction to God's supernatural actions can be seen all throughout Scripture. I hope this clears this up. Thank you.
Thanks MUCH for that! I have wondered about where the scripture clarifies that for years. this asnwers a lot for me. i do believe there is a paticular gift of the Spirit whreby people DO also speak in other actual languages-but it is a rare gifting indeed. The vast majority of people who speak in their "prayer language" speak in unintelligible speech-clearly a "strange" language, but one I suspect the angels are familiar with. thanks again.
No problem
I really like your teaching about tongues: I am going to use it in one of my blogs: http://cjispirit.blogspot.com/ or http://stcji.blogspot.com/: I am amazed that Christians even after reading your teaching about tongues; still will not and or do want it; Still some call it from the Devil;; Wow! They who call it from the Devil are in danger!
I ask this; Why would you not want to be able to speak in tongues? We read in Jude 1:20. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Praying in tongues builds up your faith: How can one pray without ceasing? In 1 Corinthians 13:1. Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.( Here Paul calls speaking in tongues the language angles:
If speaking in tongues is just people supernaturally speaking a new earthly language of men on earth that they did not know, but now can speak; then there is a lot of people who are not saved who speak in tongues!
We read here in 1 Corinthians 14:2. For he that speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not to men, but to God: for no man understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. (speaking in tongues men CAN NOT Understand:) Remember Jesus is the way and the truth; We must all remain teachable!
1 Cor 12:30…….not all speak in tongues. God, through the Holy Spirit, gives gifts to men as HE desires. To imply that if there is no tongues, there is no Holy Spirit in you is to say that you are not saved unless you have spoken in tongues. This flies in the face of John 3:16, Acts 16:30-31, and MANY other passages that say that our salvation is a gift of grace, through faith, and that not of ourselves, lest anyone boast. I am just saying that there have been years of division caused by one side, or the other asserting that it's their way, or you've missed the glory. The truth is that scriptures actually do teach that some do and some don't. There is NO exit point for any of the gifts, including the apostolic gift. Just isn't there. Inferring things just isn't wise.
It is important to understand that what Paul was dealing with in 1 Corinthians is not the same thing as what occurs when a person is initially filled with the Holy Ghost. In 1 Corinthians 14 Paul is dealing with the gift of tongues. Paul tells the church that it is ok for them to desire spiritual gifts. So obviously these are things that do not come naturally when one receives the Holy Ghost. However, Acts 2:4 tells us, that the Holy Ghost gives people the utterance of tongues. So it is important to understand that these are two different subjects. Even in 1 Corinthians 14 Paul does not condemn speaking in tongues. In verse 5 Paul said that he wanted everyone to speak with tongues but, in the church he would rather them prophesy. The reason for this was so that the church would be edified. Paul also said in verse 18 that he speaks in tongues more than all of them, yet in the church he would rather speak 5 words of understanding than 10,000 words in an unknown tongue. This is all for the purpose of edifying the church. In no way does he speak against speaking in tongues. Remember Acts 2:4 that the Holy Ghost is what gives the utterance of speaking in tongues. So when a person is filled with the Holy Ghost, the Holy Ghost will cause that person to speak in tongues. This holds true throughout the book of Acts. In Acts 10:44-46 the people that were with Peter were astonished that the Holy Ghost fell on the gentiles. How did they know that the gentiles received the Holy Ghost? Verse 46 says, for they heard them speak with tongues. In Acts 19, the disciples of John also received the Holy Ghost and the Bible records that they spoke with tongues. So it is obvious that the Holy Ghost did exactly what Acts 2:4 says. The Holy Ghost causes people to speak in tongues when it fills them.
Excellent reply to those who don't understand the difference between Gift of Tongues and tongues received with infilling of Holy Spirit and used in our personal prayer life with God. Your clarification needs to be added to the teaching.
My apologies. http://www.ConfirmingTheWord.com
For a Book-length, free study on the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including speaking in tongues, and the difference between "unknown" tongue and "diverse" tongues, go to http://www.ConfirmingThe Word.com
If 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!" Luke 11:13
One question for those who may have a better understanding of this than I do. Several people reference the "unknown tongues" talked about in 1 Cor. 14 as being something that no man can understand. In the King James Version, the word "unknown" is italicized indicating that it was not in the original text but added by the translators. Also, in verse 13 it says "let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret" so that it may be edifying. If this is truly an "unknown" tongue to be understood only by God, why and how would it be interpretted? Is it possible that this is speaking of another language (as in Acts 2) of which there is no other there to interpret? Finally, Romans 8:26 states, "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought; but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." Would this not be the "praying in the Spirit" that we often hear referenced which would be different than speaking in tongues? Thanks for any clarification you can provide on this.
Let me expand on this by saying that I grew up believing that tongues have ceased. This is what I was taught in church concerning 1 Cor 13:8. After much independent study, I no longer believe that for the very same reasons stated in this article, but I also came to a different understanding of tongues than most people I know that believe they still exist. Obviously, I have not experienced this for myself. I am trying to gain a better understanding of the spiritual gifts as a whole. It is not easy for someone who has dismissed them for so long. This also makes me wonder exactly what would be classified as blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Any thoughts?
Chet, praying in the spirit is using the tongues in your personal prayer life with God — unknown language, utterance, groanings, etc. that we cannot understand – but as the word says we are praying directly to God himself according to his perfect will. The Gift of Tongues is different and for the church and that's why one can use the Gift of Tongues in a group(i.e. church) and also interpret or maybe they give the message and someone else interprets. I received the ability to speak in tongues in May 1966 in a small Assembly of God church…had only been there a few times….I had no idea what speaking in tongues. In a revival there one night though I was a born again christian I felt impressed to go down for the alter call. To myself I was talking with God and saying "I cant go down to the alter, people will think I want to be saved and God I am already saved…God said – just go. I immediately went to the alter. And indeed the Evangelist came over and started telling me how to be saved….not knowing or even thinking about what I was fixing to say – I blurted out to him….I am saved and seeking baptism of the holy spirit. I didn't even know that terminology much less about tongues. Instantly, I began to pray in words that obviously were not english. My language has grown from just a few words to a massive vocabulary of unknown words. I thank God for this experience because particularly when I am overwhelmed with life and life's events and challenges, I simply pray in the spirit. As the word says, praying in the spirit to God builds you up in the spirit…..oh my gosh, I am living proof. Through one tragedy after the other over 40 years I have watched and been amazed at God carry me through these events and empower me with his strength and love. It is very real.
Glory to God…!!! This teaching is AWESOME! The last line speaks volumes to me… "When you receive the Holy Ghost you will know it; for you will speak with other tongues as the spirit gives utterance."
I experienced HIM for myself! And I'm SO greateful!
Your sis in Christ
Please read my post sister.Let us not accuse for it's only Satan who's the accuser of the brethren.We as christians sometimes make mistakes but this doesn't mean we are "false prophets".I thank God for people like Benny and Kenneth and Jimmy Swaggart and etc for answering the call to serve God and reach out to the lost world.Let's pray for these people instead and stop looking at their weakness.Fix our eyes on Jesus only.
We all agree that Peter was given the "keys" (authority) by Jesus. Therefore, we must accept the message that Peter preached on the day of Pentecost concerning Salvation is the correct message; "…repent, and be baptised everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission (removal, washing away) of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
If that message changed (ie: accept Jesus as your personal savior):
1. When did it change?
2. Who was given the authority to change it?
Just as these questions need to be answered by all as individuals, so we must all answer the question:
Who, and by what authority, changed the "sign" of the infilling of the Holy Ghost?
Last night i heard Baxter talking about national ID , I started to wonder whats the big deal. why is the united states so afraid of a national ID, Don't all American citizens already have a number ?????? Social security (is this the mark of the Beast ) the bible clearly states you will receive a mark on your hand or forehead. how does this relate to a ID card……….
It's another step toward the mark of the beast.
the way I read it tongues refers to other languages that are not our native tongue. i don't believe the babel i have heard some people making at churches that talk in tongues is the right interpretation. Irvin here also uses the word language. to refer to tongues.
thats right
The bible speaks of an "unkonw tongue" and a "other tongues" look it up…and see what you come up with.
This response below is not my own…but I do agree with it…scripture ref the Other Tongues of Acts 2 and The Unknown Tongue of I Corinthians 14: Jjust thought it might shed some light…see below
The other tongues in Jerusalem edified the listeners whereas the unknown tongue in Corinth edified the speaker.
It is clear that the 'other tongues' of Jerusalem were meant for others whereas the unknown tongue of Corinth was meant for the believer alone unless it could be interpreted.
I can go on and on but I suppose you get the point that at the least a possibility exists that the 'other tongues' mentioned in Acts 2 and the 'unknown tongue' mentioned in I Cor. are not the same. While the word Tongue in both instances means LANGUAGE, in the one instance it means human languages whereas in the other it means A SPIRITUAL LANGUAGE. So what if false prophets like Benny Hinn and Kenneth Copeland promote the doctrine of tongues? The devil himself quotes scripture frequently; this does not make scripture false, does it? So just because false prophets are promoting doctrines, it does not necessarily make the doctrines false!
This subject needs more careful study. I do not speak in other tongues, as in different languages, but I do speak in an unknown tongue because I know it is biblical and it edifies the believer. God willing and time permitting I will continue this study and present my conclusions in much greater detail.
I wonder why it is, no matter what is being talked about, there are always some who resort to name calling? there really is no need for it, simply state your case and make the point without resorting to personal attacks, why is that so hard?
It does not matter what you say someone will always have a problem with it, but name calling and personal attacks only end up being detrimental to what you are trying to prove, and makes you seem childish and immature, and, no, that was not a personal attack, because i have not mentioned anyone specifically, and there are several commenters here that this applies to.
I do not completely agree with everything that brother Baxter says,,, especially when he teaches things totally against the very words of Jesus, i will not resort to personal attacks, but i do pray for him, that Jesus will show him the truth, and lead him to repentance, which is what we all should do for each other, we need to lift our brothers and sisters up in prayer, instead of beating each other up with slurs and ungodly attitudes. God looks at that as stirring up strife and causing division amongst the brethren, that is a sin and is of an anti-christ spirit.
These are our brothers and sisters in Christ, and tearing them down with hateful words and comments is not showing the love of Christ.
Please think before you attack someone, especially the brethren, ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and for words of edification to help them. I see this kind of stuff all time,(and expect it) from the world, but we are not of this world,(this is the kind of thing that unbelievers see, and say, "look they are no different than the rest of the world", and im sure it keeps some from accepting the Lord Jesus). As Christians, we are better than the rest of the world, and we need to act like it.
It saddens me and it grieves the Holy Spirit when we attack each other, and does nothing to help one another to grow in unity to Christ.
may God richly bless you all.
I love you all in Christ.
Bro. Baxter,
That speech you just read that was given by the leader of Iran was not a speech (Per Say) it was a sermon. It was made up of many shorter sermons. I'm sure he wasn't the writer, only the reader.
Do you think the UN would welcome several of the other participants doing sermons of their religion in place of a regular speech? I think there'd be a lot of complaining as those people are not there for a religious service. That fellows a phony! The message was good, but coming from his mouth made it sound as phony as he is. Your friend and Sister in Christ.
Is it possible to be filled with the Holy Ghost and NOT speak in tongues?
The Spirit of God moved on people before Jesus Christ but after His ascension there was a consistent sign when people were filled with the Holy Ghost. The continual sign found in scripture is speaking with tongues. Acts 2:4 seals this issue when it tells us the it is the Spirit, the Holy Ghost, that gives the utterance of tongues. So according to the Bible, when a person is filled with the Holy Ghost, the Holy Ghost will cause that person to speak in tongues.
I definitely received the Holy Ghost when I was born again (for the Lord baptizes with fire…cleansing my temple so that He can indwell me). I did not and have then – nor have I ever -spoken in what you are calling "tongues." Same with Spurgeon. Same with Moody. Same with Torrey. Same with Finney. Same with Whitfield. Same with Edwards. Same with Luther. Same with Raider. Same with Sam Jones. Same with Bunyan. Same with Fox. Et al.
I do not doubt your "experience" but I do question whether or not your "experience" can be claimed to be the biblical tongues.
More importantly, are you 100% sure that you will go directly to heaven when you die? If so, why will a holy God allow you into heaven? If I were on my deathbed with only 5 minutes to live…how would you explain to me how I could be 100% sure I would go to heaven?
Thank you for you time in reading this.
In the Biblical accounts of individuals receiving the Holy Ghost there is a clear evidence of that infilling; speaking in an unknown tongue. If God does not change then the experiences of the church at the beginning should be the same for us today. If we will believe in and obey the word of God, we will be saved. We can trust in His word that we will have eternal life with Him. Ultimately it is up to us to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. We have to look at God's word and decide what we must do. God bless.
If speaking in tongues is another language that someone, somewhere understands, then doesn't that mean that you should travel to that area and teach the gospel where those who speak and understand that language resides? How can I find out what language I'm speaking if it is a language I don't know or understand? I'm questioning as to whether today's church is doing the right thing when it comes to speaking in tongues. We mostly spend time with one another and not those who speak other languages. I guess i'm similiar to the earlier post by CJ on Aug 22.
go with that
That is not always the case. We have that example in Acts 2 at the first outpouring of the Holy Ghost but Paul tells us that when we speak in tongues no man understands in 1 Corinthians 14. So there are times when tongues are understood by others and times when they are not. The church never traveled and ministered in tongues because they did not know what language they were speaking. The Holy Ghost causes the utterance of tongues so the individual does not know what they are saying.
1 cor is a letter of admonishment
Greetings in Christ Jesus. Former member of an Apostalic, Fundamental Pentecostal Church here, where the teaching was that you had to show speaking in tongues as the evidence of the Holy Ghost inside of you. I have no problem with that, however, the Lord led me to comment with this scripture please if you don't mind. 1 Cor. 12:1-31, I see Paul wrapping this subject up. The Apostle does say speaking in tongues is relevent, but He also precieves that perhaps a bit of controversy within the church, (the body of Christ), would form. I believe he was trying to set us straight that some gifts, including tongues, were manifestations of the Holy Ghost, but not all would manifest having the spirit the same way. It shows variance. He also goes on to explain that some gifts were to be wanted by members more than others, but the Lord would outfit the saints with the gifts that He wanted within the body too. Makes sense I think. His will be done, Amen. But Paul's comment "do all speak in tongues?" was the point that got me a bit. Maybe not all were. But maybe he was making the point that gifts varied and the acceptance of the folks was utmost, even saying that less coveted gifts were to be admonished and given promotion and more honour than expected, so that: ",.,,the ear could not reject the eye…" so to speak, and that the whole body was diverse but filled and augmented by the same Holy Ghost in the Holy Spirit. Then, on top of this Paul mentions he has a better comment, a more prudent way: …" though I speak with the tongues of men and angels and have not charity, I am like sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal.." etc., please forgive me if I don't have the whole scripture right, but I think you understand my point. So, we seek the truth, and Rev. Baxter definitely has a wonderful gift so exceeding in prophecy and teachings, Amen, and speaking in tongues as the spirit gives utterance is extremely important, yes it is, but we know Satan is like a snake weaving througout the church to start adversity and trouble, so let us think and pray on this scripture from the Apostle Paul in 1 Cor. 12. I think the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth will surely supply us with an answer if everyone today in the church must speak in other tongues to have the evidence of the Holy Ghost. I know the references were correct from the Acts and it did show that tongues were present when the Holy Ghost filled the people, but I do believe we need to discern this scripture from Paul.
May God Bless you all at EndTime Ministries.
Prayerfully yours, Raymond
Thank you
Hello, I just wanted to add to your comment that I believe speaking in tongues is the initial sign of the baptism by the Holy Spirit as occurred in the early church, however I also believe that some people who are so baptized, continue to speak in tongues as a spiritual gift, while others receive other spiritual gifts, such as interpretation, spiritual discernment, etc. So I believe that everyone who receives the baptism by the Holy Spirit speaks in tongues as the initial evidence of baptism by the Holy Spirit, but not everyone will receive the gift of speaking in tongues.
I hear some people babbling on and on and they say the same thing everytime they start babling. Im pretty good with languages and sounds, im bi lingual and I pick up when someone is just babling. I think it is of the devil. During pentacost, the diciples were speaking in other languages being understood by those who could hear them. That is the miracle. If Im wrong, Ill just take it up with HIM on judgement day. Maranatha!!!
Sometimes people do just babble, and satan has a conterfeit. There are real Christians, and counterfeit christians. Some people sit in the church, pretend to be christians, but have been put there by satan to try to destroy the church. You can read about it in the first 3 chapters of Revelation. There's a free Bible study site, with a full-length book on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Maybe it could be helpful to you. http://www.ConfirmingTheWord.com
Hello, I would be very very careful about referring to the evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit of God, speaking with tongues, as being of the devil. If you don't understand, then be silent, but do not accuse manifestations of the Holy Spirit as being evil.
We are shown in Acts 2 that the people filled with the Holy Ghost spoke in languages that were known to others but unknown to themselves. The Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 14:2 that when men speak in tongues, they speak to God and no man understands. Again in 1 Corinthians 13:1 we find that Paul mentions speaking with the tongues of angels. So the Bible indicates to us that there are occasions when people speak in tongues and others can understand and there are times when people speak in tongues and no man understands. The important thing to realize is that the Holy Ghost gives the utterance according to Acts 2:4.
Acts 8:12 states both women and men were baptized, however, what biblical scriptures show women spoke in tongues (and received the Holy Ghost)?
The Bible teaches us that women also spoke in tongues and we learn this in Acts 1-2. Acts 1:13-14 says, "And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren." So in the upper room we find Mary and other women along with the disciples. This is the group that received the Holy Ghost in Acts 2. Notice what Acts 2:4 says. It tells us that they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and spoke in tongues as the Spirit gave the utterance. So Mary and the other women who were there spoke in tongues.
spoke in foriegn languages refer to acts 2:16-18 they all prophesy . to speak or preach Gods gospel . this is the prophecy of joel 2:28-32.
Speaking in in tongues
means means speacking speacking in in
another another language language . .
Thank you, thank you. . .thank you! After having spent many years in a Pentecostal church, I sought God myself about this whole topic of speaking in tongues, etc. I wanted to know. . .not because it was a doctrine taught in and a common practice within the church, but because God revealed it to me. (By the way, I was baptized in the Holy Spirit and experienced and practiced speaking in tongues, prophecy, etc.) During my personal search, I wound up in a most amazing, loving Baptist church where the pastor had a Ph.D. in various Bible topics. I learned many things here that I had not learned before. The Word spoken, taught and preached there was like nothing I had experienced before. . .NONETHELESS, there were times that even the pastor and various certain other leaders within that local congregation were literally a hairs width away from speaking in tongues, but refrained because of their denominational teachings/beliefs, etc. GOD FINALLY REVEALED TO ME THAT THIS EXPERIENCE IS REAL AND OF HIM!! Again, thank you for your excellently written and researched document. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!
to speak in tongues is a good thing
I love the Holy Spirit and I am so grateful to Jesus for Babtizing me with the Holy Ghost. I remember many years ago in the 80's when I went to minister with other Spirit filled believers in Norfolk Prison. We had a prayer meeting and service for prisoners that were seeking the Lord, and the Holy Spirit came on me and I spoke in a prophetic tungue. One of the prisoners understood it, and gave the interpretation because it was in his native tongue of "Capverdian." Isn't our God good!
I have read Bro Holmans books , one about Norfolk. He was my pastor a short time while I was in Burleson Tex after he left Norfolk. Its amazing that the work of God continues..
The New Testament church originated in the book of Acts on the day of Pentecost ch.2. All were filled with the Holy Ghost and spoke in tongues, and were baptized in the name of Jesus all throughout the book of Acts(2:38). How can anyone think it's devilish.
I am a washed in the blood of Jesus, Holy Ghost filled believer so it has to be for us afar off and as far as the babble goes that you speak of in today's churches it is not confusion. Above mentions 1 Cor. 14:2 For he that speaks an unknown tounge speaks not to men but to God…. I speak in tounges when I pray period!! It doesn't matter if I am at home praying or if I am at church. I have also given interpretations of messages spoken in tounges at home and at church. The Holy Ghost is here as our comforter as we spread the good news that God's plan for salvation is completed thanks to the perfect sacrafice Jesus! The Holy Ghost is more than speaking in tounges! That is just outward proof of the dwelling of the spirit in us. The Holy Ghost helps me in making every day choices such as responding here and now to your comment. Helps me to know how to pray for someone and so much more! I have even felt that peace that passes all understanding (Holy Ghost gives comfort) during a stressful situation numerous times!
The miracle was that everyone heard in their own language. No matte what language someone was speaking, they heard it in their own native language. Well said Mark. Speaking in tongues simply means speacking in another language. God performed this miracle so the gospel could spread more easily.Very smart. The common practice of churches today of babling in some unknowable language is not what was happening in the Apostles' time. God is not the author of confusion. God caused the men in Acts to speak in other languages so the gospel could go to people who spoke those languages. Very useful. However, today churches do the oppisite. We all already speak the same language. They could talk to each other in english. But, instead they babel in some other tongue no one knows. This is exact oppisite of the miracle God performed. God is not doing this.
exactly right
Some people in some churches do fake speaking in tongues. Some people want to participate in this so much that they force themselves to do this, thinking that it is the Holy Spirit doing this, when it is not. Some people are just fakes. However, you are wrong to say that no one speaks in tongues as the Holy Spirit gives utterance. There also are many who yield themselves to God and welcome the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit does speak through them, in tongues. If you have never experienced this, I understand your misunderstanding, but you are wrong. The scriptures says that God is the same yesterday, today and forever. The Holy Spirit has not changed, and does today still baptize believers, with the evidence of speaking in tongues. Do not close your mind to the Holy Spirit. If you do not understand, ask the Lord to help you understand, but do not accuse the workings of the Holy Spirit to be evil. Just because you do not believe and have not experienced this, does not mean others are wrong. This is like atheists who have never experienced God in their lives, saying that God doesn't exist. Just because you haven't experienced this, does not mean it is false.
some people are presuaded to the point of faking
amen to that
My Dad was speaking in tongues once, and a Japanese person came up to him, and asked him how he got to know Japanese so well. also 1 Corinthians 14:14 says "For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful." Therefore, tongues may not always be interpreted, as Paul was saying.
We know that this cannot be the case because then a person who is bilingual would have the Holy Ghost according to what you have said. As a result that means people could simply learn a second language and save themselves. However man cannot save himself because salvation only comes through Jesus Christ. Acts 2:4 says that the Holy Ghost caused these people to speak with tongues. These people spoke languages that they did not know and those languages were mentioned in Acts 2:9-11. This was an act of God which sparked the start of the church. However in 1 Corinthians 14 Paul writes, under the inspiration of God, "For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries." So scripturally we find that in some cases the Holy Ghost caused people to speak in a language known to others around them and in other cases people spoke in a language that no man understood. The key is, in Acts 2:4, that the Holy Ghost is the cause of the speaking in tongues.
to the parithians, meeds, elamites and the rest listed they marvalled and were confounded because we heare them speak in the languages wherein we were born . in short foreign to the galileans but native to those that heard. all those listed
I was raised in a church by my mother,whom I look up to greatly. My father was a severe alcoholic and treated our mother with such cruelty.A mother not raised in the truth as I found in my young adult life,she taught us faithfulness. when I was born again in another church,I couldn't wait to tell my pastor and he said I was of the pharisees.Another minister said tongues was from the devil. well i quietly and firmly said if peace,love and assurance comes the devil and turned me from a sinful life then your wrong and the word of God is true. still living for JESUS after 33 years.AMEN
Question: People from other nations heard the apostles speak with tongues in their languages . Did the apostles speak in each of their languages or did the Holy Spirit open the ears of the people from other nations to hear the message in their own language?
Your answer is in Acts 2:8 Every one heard the word in their own language down to the county they were born in. Speaking in tongues only means speaking in another language. Paul tells us this in the book or Corinthians. Also, you must have an interperter when teaching in another language or how else will they hear? Rightly divide the word!
In Acts 2 we read that the devout Jews out of every nation under heaven were amazed because they heard the Galileans speak in their own language. Acts 2:9-11 lists the languages heard. So the Holy Ghost caused the people to speak in tongues. Acts 2:4 tells us that the Spirit gave the utterance.
I have been listening to Prophecies recently and see the 14 lessons being taught but what about the RAPTURE is it something not to be believed?
First of all the word rapture is not in the bible. Do you agree? I believe all scripture is inspired by GOD. Now read Rev 5:10. God said it and I believe it.
You are correct, the word Rapture is not in the Bible, then again the word Bible is not in the original scriptures either, does that mean it doesnt exist?
The word Rapture comes from the Latin word Rapore', (not sure on spelling), meaning caught up, snatched away, violently taken or removed.
1 Thessalonians 4:17 tells us,[ then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. ]
In other words, Raptured.
I believe the description of the rapture is in the Bible. Also, the word trinity is not in the Bible. Does that mean you don't believe in the Trinity?
Thanks for commenting, Denzil. Perhaps our rapture page will help you find what you are looking for – click here.
Let us know what you think in the commenting section!
God Bless,
Jesus, having "breathed on them, saying 'Receive the Holy Spirit'" (John 20) then spent the remaining time before His ascension exhorting them "not to depart from Jerusalem, for you shall be endued with power from on high" (luke 24) and Romans 3:22 (KJV) states, "the righteousness of God which unto all (the indwelling, Jn. 20) and upon all (the infilling, Acts 1:8, Eph. 5:18) those who believe." It's clear to me – and, as a personal testimany, I spent 27 years "indwelt" as a professing believer, prior to my being "filled" and evidenced with tongues and a whole new range of insight /perspective on the Sciptures /my Christian walk (Gal. 5:25)!
I agree that proof that the perfect or complete has already come cannot be logically argued from scripture. Therefore, there is no proof that tongues have ceased, any more than it can be proven that either knowledge or prophesy has ceased. Knowledge has not vanished away and prophesy cannot be said to be finished since we know that at least two prophets have not yet done their thing. But when you say that every prominent account of conversion in the N.T. plainly states or else strongly implies that all who receive the Holy Ghost also speak in tongues, it seems to me, that you prejudice your argument for what you believe is true. I have no trouble believing that all the apostles on Pentecost received the Holy Ghost, since that is what the scriptures plainly state was the case. And I can imagine they all spoke in tongues since tongues is 1. clearly a reversal of the curse of the tower of Babel. It's also likely that they spoke in tongues for a couple of other reasons. 2. There were a lot of Jews there from many other nations who God intended to save, and 3. or, thirdly, these were apostles. It was their job to make disciples of every nation on earth. And though the
text plainly states that all received the Holy Ghost, that they all spoke in tongues seems more implied than stated. Nevertheless I suspect that all of them did speak in tongues. And so I concede that point, but more for reasons given than plainly stated text. And at 2:17 when Joel is quoted by Peter as clearly predicting this pouring out of the spirit of God on men, though other gifts are mentioned there, there is no mention of tongues.Tongues were the surprise gift that God poured out on the church. I had a friend tell me something that agrees with your experience. Not everyone is able to let go of control of their tongue. He was explaining why not everyone who is born again is able to speak in tongues. Believing and being baptized is the normal course of events. Its what our Lord commanded. Whoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved, and receiving of the Holy Ghost is another promised event. Peter promised that that gift would follow the two requirements commanded by our Lord through Peter–to repent and be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. The Holy Spirit is given to all that truly believe, but, the pouring out of that spirit with manifestation of tongues, with outbursts of praise, accompanying prophecy and many other things, that are obvious evidence of the presence and power of God, occur by laying on of hands and in some cases, just by the will of God..
In the Book of Acts accounting of the conversion of the gentiles in the household of cornelius…, scripture plainly states that Peter and the jews with him knew that the gentiles had received the gift of The Holy Ghost " because they heard them speak with other tongues" acts 10:44-48 …for a great understanding of three most important matters please find "understanding the gospel" by rev mark august on you tube…
Praise the Lord.
Dear Ron,
Joel 2:28-29 gives us a promise/prophecy that He will pour out His Spirit upon all flesh. In review of Scripture, the day of Pentecost was the start of that actual outpouring. Peter even testified this fact(Acts2:16-19).
I would like to use a quote of something you said, and then give Scripture to bring light on the issue.
Quote: "Tongues were the surprise gift that God poured out on the church."
Tongues were actually prophesied in the OT to be a part of our "encounter" with God.
Isa 28:9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.
Isa 28:10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:
Isa 28:11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.
Isa 28:12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.
Isaiah 28:11 explicitly says that there would be stammering lips & "another tongue". Also, take note that 12 says, "This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest;" Jesus said in Matthew 11:28 " Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Jesus also made a statement in reference to the Holy Ghost in John 3:8 "The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit." In previous verses of John 3, Jesus was telling Nicodemus about being born again, verse 8 was the conclusion of His explanation to Nicodemus concerning being born again. After His resurrection but before His ascension, Jesus commanded His disciples to "not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence."(Acts1:4&5) Then when we read Acts 2:1-4 we immediately see the fulfillment of Jesus' statement to Nicodemus in John 3 & to his disciples in the previous chapter.
John 7:38-39 "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)" Here we see Jesus stating that if you believe on Him according to Scripture, you "should receive" the Holy Ghost. As Endtime.com has already shown, according to Scripture when people received the Holy Ghost there was also an outward sign of the inward filling. Isaiah & Joel prophesied about it. Jesus witnessed about it to Nicodemus. Those in the upper room experienced the initial outpouring of it. The Scriptures provided by Endtime.com also show proof that the others that received the Holy Ghost experienced what was prophesied to happen.
Why would God suddenly change His method of filling people with the Holy Ghost? That would simply cause confusion about something that is very important to Him. If it were not important to Him, He would not have given us prophecy about it, & would not have taken time to explain it to Nicodemus. We know that He is not the author of confusion(1Cor14:33). There is no reason to doubt that He still works today the same as He did yesterday, or roughly 2000 years ago for that matter.
Thank you! I couldn't agree with you more! I for one of many brothers and sisters in Christ I know personally pray in Tongues on a regular basis. Thank You Holy Spirit for Your awesome gifts that are still being used today just as you intended. Please forgive the unbelief of some who profess to believe your Word and twist it for their own convenience out of fear. Thank You Jesus for Your FINISHED work on the cross and the Word of Your power (grace) that You have given to us who believe as our inheritance. Amen.
Praise God for sharing. As I grow in Christ, He reveals himself to us in the amounts we can handle. For like a baby we can only handle milk. As we grow in Him, he gives us more. Now my point being, "as" you live in the flesh, you think with your mind, but God calls us to be like little children in the sense he needs us to be innocent to feel his love. When you are born again, you choose Christ as your savior, being filled with the Holy Spirit. You choose daily, moment by moment, to walk in Christ. our choice is a flesh vs. Spirit so keep in mind your prayer language develops as you utter physically. What I'm trying to say is that we as humans confuse ourselves trying to figure out the literal meaning of things but asking the holy spirit into our prayer life is the indwelling, where our prayer language is with God. Just relax and be….
As a baby in Christ is the best time to be filled with the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues; When God said to be like a little Child He is saying; Little children believe anything; They do not lean to their understanding; They do not try to explain it away; They just believe no questions asked: We have to be like that; All those in the upper room were born again; they had not yet been filled with the Holy Spirit; they were saved first; When we are saved we are all sealed with the Holy Spirit; We are not filled with it; or Jesus would not of said this; Luke 11:13. If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? There is one thing that Jesus could not do but a believer can; and that is get Christians filled with the Holy Spirit: Is this the greater works? John 14:12. Truly, truly, I say to you, He that believes on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go to my Father.