What is “Speaking in Tongues?”

[barley]

Mr. Flanders,
It is certainly refreshing to see someone share the scripture regarding speaking in tongues from the point of view of scripture. Speaking in tongues has certainly been grossly misunderstood by some. There has been misuse of this manifestation that has caused some to doubt. I have heard of some groups that do speak in tongues that have everyone in the congregation speaking in tongues out loud at the same time. God warns them against this in I Corinthians 14:23. Yes, some one would call them mad. Does that make speaking in tongues wrong or unacceptable? No, but it does not glorify God if we ignore God's instructions on the usage of the manifestation of speaking in tongues, Ie, where, when, why, and so on. God has a lot to say about speaking in tongues in the scripture. It takes time and patience to sort it all out. My own belief is still, "if it's good enough for the apostles, it's good enough for me."

[barley]

Speaking in tongues is one of the signs that will follow those that believe. Mark 16:17-18. As such, I am greatly comforted that I speak in tongues, because that is the proof that I believe. Verse 18 talks about taking up serpents, it is clear that the word "if" would fit perfectly in the context of this thought. Paul in Acts 28:3 , accidentally took up a serpent, but was unharmed, because he was a believer.

[FredFlanders]

Speaking in tongues is one of the signs that will follow those that believe. Mark 16:17-18. As such, I am greatly comforted that I speak in tongues, because that is the proof that I believe. Verse 18 talks about taking up serpents, it is clear that the word "if" would fit perfectly in the context of this thought. Paul in Acts 28:3 , accidentally took up a serpent, but was unharmed, because he was a believer.

Thank you Barley for sharing this with me.

I believe all that say they believe in Christ can "Speak in Tongues" if they take your simple act of 'Faith" and just believe, rather than wanting to question God's Word on this miracle.

I also believe that the "Picking up of serpents" and the "Drinking of deadly poison" not only has a "natural meaning" (in which you see) but also a "spiritual meaning". Which is discernment of the Word to take on the enemy (satan was represented as the serpent in the Garden of Eden) and also God's protection against the enemy (satan and his deadly poison or discept). Can you also see the "spiritual meaning" Barley?

Fred.

[Glad-iator]

Sadly, many are opposed to speaking in tongues. They claim to be Christians but are in fact, not Christians at all, but unbelievers. Speaking in tongues is a sign to the unbelievers. Perhaps, those unbelievers might start paying attention to this sign for a change, because it is for you !! If you ignore the signs that God gives, you do this at your own eternal peril. What is the purpose of signs ? They indicate that God is present.

Sadly, many have got lost in endless discussion over salvation and have thrown themselves and others into a sea of confusion. Yet, the salvation message is extroadinarily simple and God confirms it with clear signs and this is the way that God had intended it to be.

[FredFlanders]

Gladiator,
We see the Word of God through the same Spiritual eyes. You will be persecuted on this Webb and probably banned from posting on some threads here and be vanquished to Un-Orthadox Theology as l have been for speaking the Truth but God bless you anyway.

Fred.

[Glad-iator]

Gladiator,
We see the Word of God through the same Spiritual eyes. You will be persecuted on this Webb and probably banned from posting on some threads here and be vanquished to Un-Orthadox Theology as l have been for speaking the Truth but God bless you anyway.

Fred.

Thanks for the support, Fred !

[barley]

Thank you Barley for sharing this with me.

I believe all that say they believe in Christ can "Speak in Tongues" if they take your simple act of 'Faith" and just believe, rather than wanting to question God's Word on this miracle.

I also believe that the "Picking up of serpents" and the "Drinking of deadly poison" not only has a "natural meaning" (in which you see) but also a "spiritual meaning". Which is discernment of the Word to take on the enemy (satan was represented as the serpent in the Garden of Eden) and also God's protection against the enemy (satan and his deadly poison or discept). Can you also see the "spiritual meaning" Barley?

Fred.

Fred,

I would not deny that as a possibility for Ephesians 6:12 says,

12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

When we can take a verse literally, we should prioritize that way. When a deeper spiritual meaning is possible, we want to make sure we are not reading into it what is not there.

Since there is the literal example in Acts, I am confident in the literal meaning.

So I repeat, I would not deny that as a deeper spiritual meaning.

I am not ready to go there yet, without further consideration.

oatmeal

[themuzicman]

1- The Apostle Paul said “I thank God I speak in tongues more than you all” 1 Cor 14 v 18 ; Paul knew that this heavenly prayer language edified himself into the character of Christ enabling him the preach the Gospel, cast out demons and heal the sick, all the signs Jesus said would follow believers once they were filled with the Holy Spirit. (Mark 16 v 16-18)

Three things, here:

1) Paul's point to the Corinthians is that praying in tongues more isn't a sign of greatest spirituality, as none of them were going to exceed Paul anyway. Paul does not say that he prays for the purpose of self-edification, nor does he ever say that tongues help him do any of these other things. (Indeed, you seem to imply that Paul could command the Holy Spirit, if he prayed in tongues enough.)

2) Mark 16:9-20 isn't in the origina. In fact, there are 4 "endings" to Mark, none of which are valid.

Jude 20; Building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.

3) Nowhere is "praying in the Holy Ghost" assocaited with tongues automatically

2- The person that prays in tongues does not understand with his natural mind. 1 Cor 14 v 14; For if I pray in an unknown tongue my spirit prayeth but my understanding is unfruitful.
3- It is a sign to the unbeliever 1 Cor 14 v 22; This was a sign to those not empowered with the Holy Spirit as promised in the NT age.
4- Speaking in tongues allows us to pray in the Spirit. 1 Cor 14 v 14; When I pray in an unknown tongue my spirit prayeth.

No real issues, here, other than that Paul's instruction at theend of all this is that two or at most three pray in tongues, one at a time, and there must be an interpreter.

5- Speaking in tongues helps our weaknesses and intercedes in the perfect language to God to direct us according to God’s will; Rom 8 v 26

Nothing about tongues in Romans 8.

6- After the Book of Acts all the Books were written to those empowered with the Holy Spirit.

In fact, all Christians are empowered with the Holy SPirit. The modern invention of the "baptism in the Holy Spirit" is actually a rediscovery of what Chrstians had stopped using, but was available to them all along. Unfortunately, Charismatics have fallen into the sin of the Corinthians by making themselves out to be more spiritual because they speak in tongues.

[FredFlanders]

Three things, here:

1) Paul's point to the Corinthians is that praying in tongues more isn't a sign of greatest spirituality, as none of them were going to exceed Paul anyway. Paul does not say that he prays for the purpose of self-edification, nor does he ever say that tongues help him do any of these other things. (Indeed, you seem to imply that Paul could command the Holy Spirit, if he prayed in tongues enough.)

2) Mark 16:9-20 isn't in the origina. In fact, there are 4 "endings" to Mark, none of which are valid.



3) Nowhere is "praying in the Holy Ghost" assocaited with tongues automatically



No real issues, here, other than that Paul's instruction at theend of all this is that two or at most three pray in tongues, one at a time, and there must be an interpreter.



Nothing about tongues in Romans 8.



In fact, all Christians are empowered with the Holy SPirit. The modern invention of the "baptism in the Holy Spirit" is actually a rediscovery of what Chrstians had stopped using, but was available to them all along. Unfortunately, Charismatics have fallen into the sin of the Corinthians by making themselves out to be more spiritual because they speak in tongues.

Them,
1 Cor 14 v 14 stated; for if l pray in an unknown tongue my spirit prayeth.

Paul stated in 1 Cor 14 v 4; He that speak in an unknown tongue edifieth himself.

Jude 20 stated the same; Building ourselves up on our most holy faith praying in the Holy Ghost.

All of Mark 16 is valid as true Christians have all the signs accompanying them.

Fred.