In that 1 cor chapter, Paul said clearly that tongues are a sign to the unbelievers. My claim is based on that verse.
It’s like healing, they also serve as signs but of course, that does not mean there are no other benefits. It clearly benefits the one being healed, for example.
It’s like healing, they also serve as signs but of course, that does not mean there are no other benefits. It clearly benefits the one being healed, for example.
I fully understand why the gift of tongues was given in Acts. It served its purpose well.
But what I see today is that those who say they have the gift are not using it in the same manner nor for the same purpose so that is why I say I see no value in it today.
I do not need the gift of tongues when witness to others, I have the Bible and we speak the same language.
I will also say that I so not need the gift of tongues to know without a doubt that His Spirit is present with my spirit.
I do not need a physical outward sign to know that He is there.
So , no I do not feel any guilt as you suggest.
I am not here to mock or offend any of you, but at the same time I object to those that suggest that because my belief is different that I am in some way less spiritual, less useful in the Lord's service or even as some have suggested, do not possess the Holy Spirit.
There is a local preacher I have had this discussion with several times and each time we end our discussion, his last word to me is
"I am praying for your salvation."
He is certain I am not saved because I do not speak in tongues.
But what I see today is that those who say they have the gift are not using it in the same manner nor for the same purpose so that is why I say I see no value in it today.
I do not need the gift of tongues when witness to others, I have the Bible and we speak the same language.
I will also say that I so not need the gift of tongues to know without a doubt that His Spirit is present with my spirit.
I do not need a physical outward sign to know that He is there.
So , no I do not feel any guilt as you suggest.
I am not here to mock or offend any of you, but at the same time I object to those that suggest that because my belief is different that I am in some way less spiritual, less useful in the Lord's service or even as some have suggested, do not possess the Holy Spirit.
There is a local preacher I have had this discussion with several times and each time we end our discussion, his last word to me is
"I am praying for your salvation."
He is certain I am not saved because I do not speak in tongues.
You are not less spiritual than others because you do not speak in tongues, that depends on your time in the word and in God's presence. As I mentioned to you before, there are some who stopped using their gift and "fell asleep", but because they lacked spending time in the word and with God. And, you don't have to have this gift to be saved either. HOWEVER, you are going against the scripture that states:
1Cor 14:1
Pursue [this] love [with eagerness, make it your goal], yet earnestly desire and cultivate the spiritual gifts [to be used by believers for the benefit of the church], but especially that you may prophesy [to foretell the future, to speak a new message from God to the people].
And unfortunately, this local preacher you mentioned is dead wrong if he is somehow insinuating that you have to have this gift to be saved. But you should in turn pray for him to be illuminated! So, for your sake, and not to prove this preacher right or wrong, pursue the gifts as written in scripture. Don't let this preacher make you hold a grudge (which would be understandable, but not advisable) and forego a supernatural walk with God.
And by the way, when I replied to one of your posts where you "X" disagreed with Kelby, it was God who told me to tell you that you were blessed. I did not write that because I was being a good little Christian, or because I wanted to diffuse any possible retaliatory anger from you. No, instead, I was going to write more, when God told me to write that you are blessed. Why? I have no idea. All I know is that He must love you very much to interrupt my writing to tell you that. -And, this is 100% true. Now, this is from me: May God continue to bless you, regardless of which path you decide to take. Amen.