Rules Governing The Gift Of Tongues

[joaniemarie]

Tongues should not be spoken in front of unbelievers. The groaning and moans that Paul talks about is our spirit speaking or expressing to God.
This gift is so over rated it has made many consider it non existent. It is so abused and mis used just a sad thing.

It's so sad the way we humans can take the things of God and think we can "rate" them. Not saying you are but that people already say that speaking in tongues is one of the lesser gifts. So much so that we can decide we don't need these small and lesser things. And the bible says not to despise small things either.

There are times I am glad that these things I've learned have not been in a church congregation even when it would have been wonderful to have learned that way. People distort the things of God so much so that it discourages others to even allow God to work in their lives.

There does need to be a desire to have these things that Jesus has died to give us as believers. And if we are not taught to ask., how can we have them? I believe it is always right to want everything the Lord Jesus died to give us. And no., speaking in tongues is not everything but it is something meant for us.

Just as joining and being very involved with a local assembly. But sometimes that is also put on hold. These are all important things meant to strengthen and edify the people of God. Putting each of them together makes us more able to fight the good fight of faith. I want to be well balanced in the things of God as much as possible on my end of the responsibility.

 

[joaniemarie]

good thoughts and points to ponder on.

I agree with you and sevenseas but I also keep in mind that when I got saved I was not baptized in the Holy Spirit until years later. In the Bible remember Paul asked the believers if they received the Holy Spirit when they first believed and they said we have never so much as heard of the Holy Spirit.

I knew what the fruits of the Spirit were but the ability to produce was very sporadic in my life. Watching how other Christians didn't exhibit the fruits I was aware of also. And again., we can't go by how people are because we people are led at times by our own ideas and personalities. Some people who speak in tongues go all wacky and allow their own personalities to mix overtly in there and get all silly and get "crazymatic" instead of charismatic .

Just like we do in any situation. Some Christians cry more some are less emotional. So I see the need to not be looking at other people (or me) in regards to the gifts of the Spirit. Some people are very good at being Christians but not at being lead by the Holy Spirit.

I sought the gift of tongues and when I got baptized in the Holy Spirit it was evidenced by my speaking in tongues. So I was seeking the gift. And today as I've been learning how to be lead by the Spirit and not by my own ideas and habits I'm better able to produce some fruits of the Spirit especially love that was never easy for me.

Reading 1 Cor.13 always depressed me because the bar was up waaaay too high. I believed I could never do that sort of Love. Little did I know at the time it is the Spirit in us that produces the fruits in and through us as we abide. Am still learning how to seek and allow that daily infilling flowing of the Holy Spirit to have easy access.

Stepping out of the way makes the infilling possible and easy. I'm the one who stops the flow., not the Holy Spirit. He is always at the ready. And again., being in the love of God in Christ is where all of that is possible.
Without being reminded of the love of God in Christ (grace) I could never access these amazing truths because of being so aware of my unworthiness. But grace makes us all able to receive from Him all that Jesus died to give us. The Holy Spirits ministry to us is also to remind us of our righteous standing in Christ before God.

 

[Johnny_B]

So then tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophecy is for a sign, not to unbelievers but to those who believe. I Corinthians 14:22

Let's look at that in context. I Corinthians 14:20-25 "Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.21 In the Law it is written, “By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord.”22 Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy (proclaiming God's Word) is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers.23 If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds?24 But if all prophesy (tongues that proclaims the glorious work's of God) and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all,25 the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you."

Verse 21 is the key, the people that will not listen are the Jew (Isaiah 28:11-13), I'm going to say this because their are probably some that use verse 13 as a proof text of being slain in the Spirit, it's not, it's a judgement on the Jews for not execepting “This is rest; give rest to the weary; and this is repose”, repose is tranquility, Jesus is that rest, He is the Lord of the Sabbath. Matthew 11:28-30-12:1, 8 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath.1 His disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat.....8 For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.”

Back to, there are strange tongues (tongues of angels, a heavenly language), by the lips of foreigners I will speak this people, tongues of prophecy (foreign language) He will speak. Tongues may be a sign to unbelievers, but what does the sigh show them? If all speak in tongues, they will say you are out of our minds. If all prophecy (proclaim) their heart is revealed, they fall on their face, will worship God in repentance and say that God is truly amount you. The question is what tongues are a sign to unbelievers? The tongues that proclaim God's glorious work's, like on the day of Pentecost and about three thousand were added that day. If they hear tongues of angels or a heavenly language, they will say, you are oou chour mine!!! When they hear the mighty work's of God in tongues of prophecy, they will repent in worship to God.

You know when I was in a Pentecostal Church I never understood tongues that well. Now that I have come to believe in Biblical Doctrine of Election, the Word of God is alive to me. You may not believe this but that is the first time I seen they Scriptures that way, because of all the misinformation I received at the Pentecostal Church. It is so easy to follow the context of the Scriptures when you are open to the full council of God.

 

[joaniemarie]

In agreement.

And, imho, the reason there is so much confusion over the utilization of this manifestation is because it is a wonderful gift from the Father. Let's see, who would want to obfuscate and cause confusion about this awesome gift so that the end result is controversy amongst the believers? Three guesses and the first two don't count. So guess away ...

Very much agree with you sister. These gifts were given to the church to edify and strengthen us as a group and personally. But I can see how once we get into a group of other believers it could get dicey so the Bible gave us proper ways to use this gift. I've never been a member of a church that spoke in tongues but I've been to some and it was weird at the time.

As a believer I privately pray in tongues and have no idea what I'm saying but the Holy Spirit knows and gives the confidence to continue. At times I think of those I love and at times the things I have questions about and keep speaking and flowing in tongues.

The more speaking in tongues the easier and more comfortable I am speaking. There were times when the enemy came at me saying this was wrong and stop. But the more I believed the Word of God to work in the truth , the ability to continue became stronger and made the truth stand out above any fear.

Now I also sing in tongues and worship the Lord and my heart is so full of joy I know it's those rivers of living waters flowing. All is well. There is that rest and refreshing each time. We are meant to worship that way I believe. Jesus is the One on our minds at that time and His love is being revealed by the Holy Spirit witnessing to our spirits that we are the sons of God. Loved and watched and cared for by the Good Shepherd. Rest and refreshing. There is a rest for the people of God.

 

[joaniemarie]

Why should we not endeavor to edify (build up) our own selves?

We have no problem when someone eats healthy, nutritious food in order to keep his/her physical body edified (built up).

We have no problem when someone engages in physical activity in order to edify (build up) his/her body.

We have no problem when one involves him/herself in study in order to edify (build up) his/her intellect.

Why do we have a problem with a believer who speaks in tongues in order to edify (build up) him/herself?

And how do we know that the church is not edified when a believer is edified (built up) by speaking in tongues in order to prepare him/herself for whatever endeavors he/she needs to deal with that day?

EXACTLY!!

 

[Grace777x70]

I find that the more I pray with my spirit ( which is in other tongues ) - the things of Christ become clearer to me. I can see the truths of Christ within my spirit clearer and clearer every day.

When I first started speaking in tongues I was fascinated at the different languages that would come out. I'm guessing that I have spoken in at least a dozen different distinct ones. At first I was attacked constantly in my mind about it but my mind was renewed to the truth of it so now those thoughts do not come any more as they have no substance to them.

I probably most days because I am retired speak more in tongues as I go about my day then I speak in English. I do this effortlessly and sometimes I don't even realize I'm doing it because it is so natural for me to talk with my Father with my spirit.

I even speak in tongues while playing pickle-ball and did when I played racquetball too. When I go to church I speak in tongues all the time but you could be standing next to me and not know what I am doing. I speak softly to my Father and Lord so as not to bring attention to myself.

Sometimes I sing softly in tongues as I'm going about and sometimes around unbelievers too. ( like when I am in the shower at the racquetball club ) They just think I'm foreign and no one has ever asked me what I was doing. ...lol

Speaking in our prayer language to the Father is a major blessing and it is available to every one. It is different then the public speaking in tongues where we are giving a message to the assembly - that needs to be accompanied with the interpretation. That is as the Spirit wills - same as all the other manifestations of the Spirit are.

Our private praying with our spirit to God and speaking "mysteries to Him " can be done anytime as it is simply an act of my will as 1 Cor. 14:2, & 15 shows.

I encourage all people to ask the Lord about this. He will be faithful to you to reveal the things of the Spirit to all of us.

 

[reneweddaybyday]

I think it's because us humans ruin every thing we get our minds and hands on. I had to first have a willingness to learn to even approach this subject because we were so taught to steer clear of this tongues stuff. I began to seek the gift of tongues when Jesus brought miracles into my life.

It came in the form of many realizations (revelations) in the day that the love of God in Christ is real and allowed me to move forward in confidence not fear. That He can be trusted with my life when I let go of the controls and let Him do the leading. This isn't as easy for us humans as it sounds.

If your mind has been depended on and you learned how to think a certain way., how can you change? How do we defend ourselves or conduct ourselves except by the things learned over the course of our lives?

I understand and I agree.

Some have been taught that the manifestation of kinds of tongues is no longer operational in our day and time; some have been taught that the person who speaks in tongues is possessed by a devil spirit; some have been taught to utilize the manifestation in a manner not supported by Scripture --- all in the congregation speaking in tongues at the same time (not decently and in order as set out in 1 Cor 14).

Again, if the manifestation of kinds of tongues was as insignificant as some would have us believe, why would the adversary bring such obfuscation and confusion to the matter?

The fact that the adversary does focus so much attention on trying to limit the use of tongues makes me think that there is something he's trying to hide from God's children.

The adversary does this with everything beneficial to us --- the marriage, the family, the ability of the believer to even speak about Scripture (and especially our Lord Jesus Christ) in public without being labeled a "hater" or participating in "hate speech". The list goes on and on.

So what is the adversary trying to hide when it comes to the manifestation of kinds of tongue (or any of the manifestation listed in 1 Cor 12:8-10)?

 

[Grace777x70]

We can always see the importance of a truth by the amount of opposition there is to it.

 

[joaniemarie]

I find that the more I pray with my spirit ( which is in other tongues ) - the things of Christ become clearer to me. I can see the truths of Christ within my spirit clearer and clearer every day.

When I first started speaking in tongues I was fascinated at the different languages that would come out. I'm guessing that I have spoken in at least a dozen different distinct ones. At first I was attacked constantly in my mind about it but my mind was renewed to the truth of it so now those thoughts do not come any more as they have no substance to them.

I probably most days because I am retired speak more in tongues as I go about my day then I speak in English. I do this effortlessly and sometimes I don't even realize I'm doing it because it is so natural for me to talk with my Father with my spirit.

I even speak in tongues while playing pickle-ball and did when I played racquetball too. When I go to church I speak in tongues all the time but you could be standing next to me and not know what I am doing. I speak softly to my Father and Lord so as not to bring attention to myself.

Sometimes I sing softly in tongues as I'm going about and sometimes around unbelievers too. ( like when I am in the shower at the racquetball club ) They just think I'm foreign and no one has ever asked me what I was doing. ...lol

Speaking in our prayer language to the Father is a major blessing and it is available to every one. It is different then the public speaking in tongues where we are giving a message to the assembly - that needs to be accompanied with the interpretation. That is as the Spirit wills - same as all the other manifestations of the Spirit are.

Our private praying with our spirit to God and speaking "mysteries to Him " can be done anytime as it is simply an act of my will as 1 Cor. 14:2, & 15 shows.

I encourage all people to ask the Lord about this. He will be faithful to you to reveal the things of the Spirit to all of us.

Amen and am giving you a witness even though you didn't ask for one!!

This prayer language is a gift we all can have and it's very specific to this time in the church. We can access this anytime when we are alone. Some people say that some how takes away from the authenticity of the gift but nothing could be further from the truth.

We have many gifts but they have to be accepted and used by faith. Even faith is a gift. He just keeps giving and giving. He is a generous Father we just have no idea at first how much He loved His Son.

But as we mature we see His love better and clearer as we accept it for ourselves. Herein is love., not that we loved God but that He FIRST loved us. Takes time to see the love of God as we walk in the love of God in the Spirit of God we are encouraged to step even further into His love.

This also goes to the truth that we are co laborers with Him. He lets us join in actively with Him because He works in us to will and to do of His good pleasure.

[SUP]2 [/SUP]For he that speaketh in a tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God; for no man [SUP][a][/SUP]understandeth; but in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

[SUP]15 [/SUP]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.

 

[Blain]

(Blain infiltrates the thread after coming back from yet another walk and should have read the rest of the thread but didn't)
Sorry guys but I wanted to say this one thing before I read the rest of the conversation I missed. Now as far as I know I don't have the gift of the tongues but i have always said to God how he and I seem to have this gift just not the kind that I gave a testimony of. For him and I we have what I call a language of the hearts, so many times when we talk together there are things we want to just pour into each others hearts not just me but I can even feel his deep desire to pour his deepest affection and feelings for me into my entire being.

Now i have learned from personal experience that my current body heart and soul cannot even begin to contain the vastness and the depth of his love affection feelings and light and fire even a single drop was way to much for me to handle so he has to limit himself quite a lot even though I know he shares the same deep longing to just utter drench each others hearts with all of our feelings thoughts love adoration and light for each other. even so however often times there are moments when him and I don't say word we just let our hearts speak for us using words with no voice and a voice with no sound saying things that only our hearts can say to each other because there simply no words to express the depth of what we wish to express to each other.

I believe that the gift of tongues is not a single type just as I also believe that the gift of healing is not always a physical one in which we pray for healing or touch someone to heal. Honestly I wish I did have the gift of healing even I myself can never be healed however I don't just want to be able to heal the body of it's sicknesses pain wounds and weaknesses I want to also heal the inner ones as well which I have seen him use me to do so using the words he speaks through me when I simply speak my heart.

 

[joaniemarie]

I understand and I agree.

Some have been taught that the manifestation of kinds of tongues is no longer operational in our day and time; some have been taught that the person who speaks in tongues is possessed by a devil spirit; some have been taught to utilize the manifestation in a manner not supported by Scripture --- all in the congregation speaking in tongues at the same time (not decently and in order as set out in 1 Cor 14).

Again, if the manifestation of kinds of tongues was as insignificant as some would have us believe, why would the adversary bring such obfuscation and confusion to the matter?

The fact that the adversary does focus so much attention on trying to limit the use of tongues makes me think that there is something he's trying to hide from God's children.

The adversary does this with everything beneficial to us --- the marriage, the family, the ability of the believer to even speak about Scripture (and especially our Lord Jesus Christ) in public without being labeled a "hater" or participating in "hate speech". The list goes on and on.

So what is the adversary trying to hide when it comes to the manifestation of kinds of tongue (or any of the manifestation listed in 1 Cor 12:8-10)?

Amen Renewed! One of the main things I realized was lacking inside; (major big time lacking) was the very lovely and beautiful kind of love that God showed through His Son. "Grace" The unmerited un deserved love of God that can't be earned or given as a reward for. We don't deserve anything good. Jesus didn't deserve anything bad.

And yet for our sake He was bruised for our transgressions and iniquities and He bore our griefs and our sorrows. Isaiah 53 was written way before Jesus was born on earth. Looking at all that Jesus did for us and the suffering He endured as a completely innocent person takes an unearthly kind of love that none of us can have apart from Him in the power given from the Holy Spirit.

Who hath believed [SUP][a][/SUP]our message? and to whom hath the arm of Jehovah been revealed?

[SUP]2 [/SUP]For he grew up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; [SUP][b][/SUP]and when we see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

[SUP]3 [/SUP]He was despised, and [SUP][c][/SUP]rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with [SUP][d][/SUP]grief: and [SUP][e][/SUP]as one from whom men hide their face he was despised; and we esteemed him not.
[SUP]
4 [/SUP]Surely he hath borne our [SUP][f][/SUP]griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
[SUP]
5 [/SUP]But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
[SUP]
6 [/SUP]All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and Jehovah hath [SUP][g][/SUP]laid on him the iniquity of us all.
[SUP]
7 [/SUP]He was oppressed, yet when he was afflicted he opened not his mouth; as a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and as a sheep that before its shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth.

[SUP]8 [/SUP][SUP][h][/SUP]By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who among them considered that he was cut off out of the land of the [SUP][i][/SUP]living for the transgression of my people to whom the stroke was due?

[SUP]9 [/SUP]And they made his grave with the wicked, and with a rich man in his death; [SUP][j][/SUP]although he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.
[SUP]
10 [/SUP]Yet it pleased Jehovah to bruise him; he hath [SUP][k][/SUP]put him to grief: [SUP][l][/SUP]when thou shalt make his soul [SUP][m][/SUP]an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of Jehovah shall prosper in his hand.

[SUP]11 [/SUP][SUP][n][/SUP]He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: [SUP][o][/SUP]by the knowledge of himself shall my righteous servant [SUP][p][/SUP]justify many; and he shall bear their iniquities.

[SUP]12 [/SUP]Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he poured out his soul unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors: yet he bare the sin of many, and [SUP][q][/SUP]made intercession for the transgressors.

 

[Grace777x70]

(Blain infiltrates the thread after coming back from yet another walk and should have read the rest of the thread but didn't)
Sorry guys but I wanted to say this one thing before I read the rest of the conversation I missed. Now as far as I know I don't have the gift of the tongues but i have always said to God how he and I seem to have this gift just not the kind that I gave a testimony of. For him and I we have what I call a language of the hearts, so many times when we talk together there are things we want to just pour into each others hearts not just me but I can even feel his deep desire to pour his deepest affection and feelings for me into my entire being.

Now i have learned from personal experience that my current body heart and soul cannot even begin to contain the vastness and the depth of his love affection feelings and light and fire even a single drop was way to much for me to handle so he has to limit himself quite a lot even though I know he shares the same deep longing to just utter drench each others hearts with all of our feelings thoughts love adoration and light for each other. even so however often times there are moments when him and I don't say word we just let our hearts speak for us using words with no voice and a voice with no sound saying things that only our hearts can say to each other because there simply no words to express the depth of what we wish to express to each other.

I believe that the gift of tongues is not a single type just as I also believe that the gift of healing is not always a physical one in which we pray for healing or touch someone to heal. Honestly I wish I did have the gift of healing even I myself can never be healed however I don't just want to be able to heal the body of it's sicknesses pain wounds and weaknesses I want to also heal the inner ones as well which I have seen him use me to do so using the words he speaks through me when I simply speak my heart.

It sounds like to me that you are growing in the awareness of your "union" with Christ and in that union you are experiencing communion of the heart level which is what we all are doing at some level if we are true Christians.

Some it takes on different manifestations and we all have a unique relationship with the Lord and He deals with each of us in a different manner.

I heard a guy say one time that the importance of the saying in real estate of "location, location, location" is on the same level for the Christian in terms of "awareness, awareness, awareness".

This all comes about through the revelation of our union with the Lord because we are one spirit with the Lord in our inner man of the heart - the new creation in Christ. 1 Cor. 6:17 & 2 Cor. 5:17

Behold - all things are new and all these things are of God's doing.

 

[Blain]

It's so sad the way we humans can take the things of God and think we can "rate" them. Not saying you are but that people already say that speaking in tongues is one of the lesser gifts. So much so that we can decide we don't need these small and lesser things. And the bible says not to despise small things either.

Very very true my friend, lots of people will either discount a gift of God or make it seem less than what it is. However it is my firm belief that each and every gift is just as much worth as the next.

There are times I am glad that these things I've learned have not been in a church congregation even when it would have been wonderful to have learned that way. People distort the things of God so much so that it discourages others to even allow God to work in their lives.

I know just how you feel. As much as i wish I had an actual teacher I learned how to be a Christian and what it means to be a Christian and also what real love is on my own with god apart from the wise and amazing friends and teachers on here. The same thing is true in my walking of a seer and prophet, I had no one to teach me how to be these things or even how how to walk in them in fact most of the time I unknowingly walked in these gifts without even realizing it. But even though I had no one to teach about them or how to be them it didn't matter to God he used me in them and taught me anyways, had I had someone to teach me it may have helped me but it also could have distorted it as well.

There does need to be a desire to have these things that Jesus has died to give us as believers. And if we are not taught to ask., how can we have them? I believe it is always right to want everything the Lord Jesus died to give us. And no., speaking in tongues is not everything but it is something meant for us.

You do not have because you ask not.

Just as joining and being very involved with a local assembly. But sometimes that is also put on hold. These are all important things meant to strengthen and edify the people of God. Putting each of them together makes us more able to fight the good fight of faith. I want to be well balanced in the things of God as much as possible on my end of the responsibility.

 

[Blain]

I find that the more I pray with my spirit ( which is in other tongues ) - the things of Christ become clearer to me. I can see the truths of Christ within my spirit clearer and clearer every day.

When I first started speaking in tongues I was fascinated at the different languages that would come out. I'm guessing that I have spoken in at least a dozen different distinct ones. At first I was attacked constantly in my mind about it but my mind was renewed to the truth of it so now those thoughts do not come any more as they have no substance to them.

I probably most days because I am retired speak more in tongues as I go about my day then I speak in English. I do this effortlessly and sometimes I don't even realize I'm doing it because it is so natural for me to talk with my Father with my spirit.

I even speak in tongues while playing pickle-ball and did when I played racquetball too. When I go to church I speak in tongues all the time but you could be standing next to me and not know what I am doing. I speak softly to my Father and Lord so as not to bring attention to myself.

Sometimes I sing softly in tongues as I'm going about and sometimes around unbelievers too. ( like when I am in the shower at the racquetball club ) They just think I'm foreign and no one has ever asked me what I was doing. ...lol

Speaking in our prayer language to the Father is a major blessing and it is available to every one. It is different then the public speaking in tongues where we are giving a message to the assembly - that needs to be accompanied with the interpretation. That is as the Spirit wills - same as all the other manifestations of the Spirit are.

Our private praying with our spirit to God and speaking "mysteries to Him " can be done anytime as it is simply an act of my will as 1 Cor. 14:2, & 15 shows.

I encourage all people to ask the Lord about this. He will be faithful to you to reveal the things of the Spirit to all of us.

Wow just wow... It's like you read my heart as if it was an open book and then was like bam! posted enjoy everyone lol

 

[reneweddaybyday]

Right, joaniemarie. Those verses in Isaiah were written long before Jesus was born, and every single word is true.

I have also considered the fact that Jesus read those very same verses, He knew they were written about Him, and He still endured the cross, despising the shame (Heb 12:2).

I don't know if we will ever comprehend the depth of the love, grace, and mercy God has bestowed upon us.

 

[sevenseas]

Let's look at that in context. I Corinthians 14:20-25 "Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.21 In the Law it is written, “By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord.”22 Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy (proclaiming God's Word) is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers.23 If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds?24 But if all prophesy (tongues that proclaims the glorious work's of God) and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all,25 the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you."

Verse 21 is the key, the people that will not listen are the Jew (Isaiah 28:11-13), I'm going to say this because their are probably some that use verse 13 as a proof text of being slain in the Spirit, it's not, it's a judgement on the Jews for not execepting “This is rest; give rest to the weary; and this is repose”, repose is tranquility, Jesus is that rest, He is the Lord of the Sabbath. Matthew 11:28-30-12:1, 8 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath.1 His disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat.....8 For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.”

Back to, there are strange tongues (tongues of angels, a heavenly language), by the lips of foreigners I will speak this people, tongues of prophecy (foreign language) He will speak. Tongues may be a sign to unbelievers, but what does the sigh show them? If all speak in tongues, they will say you are out of our minds. If all prophecy (proclaim) their heart is revealed, they fall on their face, will worship God in repentance and say that God is truly amount you. The question is what tongues are a sign to unbelievers? The tongues that proclaim God's glorious work's, like on the day of Pentecost and about three thousand were added that day. If they hear tongues of angels or a heavenly language, they will say, you are oou chour mine!!! When they hear the mighty work's of God in tongues of prophecy, they will repent in worship to God.

You know when I was in a Pentecostal Church I never understood tongues that well. Now that I have come to believe in Biblical Doctrine of Election, the Word of God is alive to me. You may not believe this but that is the first time I seen they Scriptures that way, because of all the misinformation I received at the Pentecostal Church. It is so easy to follow the context of the Scriptures when you are open to the full council of God.

hey Johnny

not sure why you think the context changes the meaning.

take a look at the day of Pentecost, about 3000 souls saved and from 16 different nations and this is what scripture says:

Acts 2:8-11New American Standard Bible (NASB)

8 And how is it that we each hear them in our own [a]language [b]to which we were born? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and [c]Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya around Cyrene, and [d]visitors from Rome, both Jews and [e]proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs—we hear them in our own tongues speaking of the mighty deeds of God.”

notice the Jews. Jews were saved. another interesting thing to note is that there was no interpreter

Jews are converted and they speak in tongues too to this day. All converted that day that tongues by the Spirit of God were spoken were unbelievers and they were converted because of the tongues and the power of the Holy Spirit operating as He was allowed to do

it says what it says and no need to change it.

I am not Pentecostal, do not go to a Pentecostal church and am not associated with them in any way

I have been speaking in tongues for a good many years now and thoroughly researched the subject from a NON-denomination viewpoint; that is, right from the Bible.

I do not know why you are including being slain in the spirit; it's not the topic

Paul was addressing the disorder in the Corinthian church, not negating tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order. when Paul is talking about everyone speaking in tongues at the same time, he is saying not to do that. common sense if you are having a service with unbelievers

however, it has occurred that someone will speak in tongues and an unbeliever will understand what is being said and is saved, so I do not take the narrow view that you do in your intepretation

when I say narrow, I am referring to your conclusion about the Jews but I have heard that teaching before so it is not a new one

I am not familiar with what Pentecostals believe about tongues and it doesn't matter really.

 

[joaniemarie]

Very very true my friend, lots of people will either discount a gift of God or make it seem less than what it is. However it is my firm belief that each and every gift is just as much worth as the next.
I know just how you feel. As much as i wish I had an actual teacher I learned how to be a Christian and what it means to be a Christian and also what real love is on my own with god apart from the wise and amazing friends and teachers on here. The same thing is true in my walking of a seer and prophet, I had no one to teach me how to be these things or even how how to walk in them in fact most of the time I unknowingly walked in these gifts without even realizing it. But even though I had no one to teach about them or how to be them it didn't matter to God he used me in them and taught me anyways, had I had someone to teach me it may have helped me but it also could have distorted it as well.

You do not have because you ask not.

Just as joining and being very involved with a local assembly. But sometimes that is also put on hold. These are all important things meant to strengthen and edify the people of God. Putting each of them together makes us more able to fight the good fight of faith. I want to be well balanced in the things of God as much as possible on my end of the responsibility.

Yes and Amen Brother. There have been times in the past and now in the present while being in the company of the Lord I've thought; "I could die right now and be completely happy"

Jesus meets me right where I am. He meets us where we are and gives us what we need for that time. Then as we see Him more., He does it again and again giving more to be joyful about in Him.

The Holy Spirit fills us and causes us to want to learn more. But we are completely content right now too. How that is possible is only by the Holy Spirit I believe. He meets us where we are and yet He shows us He will have more for us next time too.

Making us able to wait on Him knowing there is a million times more about Him that we have yet to discover but He will show in time. So being exactly where I am now not knowing it ALL is completely alright. He is God and there will always be more to learn. The promise is that He will teach us these things through His Spirit who was sent to be the comforter and the teacher.

So while waiting., in my case for a church, I am confident He will provide one because it is needed and good for me. Although 5yrs ago I decided to stay content as is after the horrific experiences that had transpired in my life. Yet the Holy Spirit didn't condemn me for "sinning" forsaking the assembling of yourselves". What He did was encourage me that I am a child of God learning how to live right where I was. No condemnation. But a reminder of Christs righteousness given to me.

He makes His Word and the Spirit come to pass that He puts within us to will and to do of His good pleasure. Each day He reveals more of what we do know exactly where we are to show us more of what we don't know where we will be. He gave me the kind of info needed about Him to get me to dare to believe Him for more. To trust that I can't see the whole picture the way He does.

Yes, that must sound very childish for someone my age but I was seriously damaged goods needing major healing in many areas. And still am being healed today. The exciting thing too is He has good plans a head for us better than we imagined here and in heaven when our journey here is done. I've learned that as I stepped out He met me there in those new places of unfamiliar things and places and people. So the fear factor is not the factor in life as it once was. Jesus is and God has given us a new spirit of power and love and a sound mind.

What better way to live than to not have to know everything yet be able to trust He has us in His hand? That opens up millions of new possibilities.

 

[WebersHome]

-
● 1Cor 12:1-2 . .Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be
ignorant.

Tongues is only one of many spiritual gifts. Some other are:

• The word of wisdom (1Cor 12:8)
• The word of knowledge (1Cor 12:8)
• Faith (1Cor 12:9)
• Healing (1Cor 12:9)
• Miracles (1Cor 12:10)
• Prophecy (1Cor 12:10)
• Distinguishing spirits (1Cor 12:10)
• Interpreting languages (1Cor 12:10)
• Helps (1Cor 12:28)
• Administration (1Cor 12:28)
• Ministering (Rom 12:7)
• Teaching (Rom 12:7)
• Encouragement (Rom 12:8)
• Charity (Rom 12:8)
• Leadership (Rom 12:8)
• Compassion (Rom 12:8)
• Evangelism (Eph 4:11)
• Pastoring (Eph 4:11)

It seems a little out of balance to me that with so many worthwhile spiritual
gifts out there to think about, the only one that obsesses people enough to
quarrel over it is tongues.

/

 

[Blain]

Yes and Amen Brother. There have been times in the past and now in the present while being in the company of the Lord I've thought; "I could die right now and be completely happy"

Jesus meets me right where I am. He meets us where we are and gives us what we need for that time. Then as we see Him more., He does it again and again giving more to be joyful about in Him.

The Holy Spirit fills us and causes us to want to learn more. But we are completely content right now too. How that is possible is only by the Holy Spirit I believe. He meets us where we are and yet He shows us He will have more for us next time too.

Making us able to wait on Him knowing there is a million times more about Him that we have yet to discover but He will show in time. So being exactly where I am now not knowing it ALL is completely alright. He is God and there will always be more to learn. The promise is that He will teach us these things through His Spirit who was sent to be the comforter and the teacher.

So while waiting., in my case for a church, I am confident He will provide one because it is needed and good for me. Although 5yrs ago I decided to stay content as is after the horrific experiences that had transpired in my life. Yet the Holy Spirit didn't condemn me for "sinning" forsaking the assembling of yourselves". What He did was encourage me that I am a child of God learning how to live right where I was. No condemnation. But a reminder of Christs righteousness given to me.

He makes His Word and the Spirit come to pass that He puts within us to will and to do of His good pleasure. Each day He reveals more of what we do know exactly where we are to show us more of what we don't know where we will be. He gave me the kind of info needed about Him to get me to dare to believe Him for more. To trust that I can't see the whole picture the way He does.

Yes, that must sound very childish for someone my age but I was seriously damaged goods needing major healing in many areas. And still am being healed today. The exciting thing too is He has good plans a head for us better than we imagined here and in heaven when our journey here is done. I've learned that as I stepped out He met me there in those new places of unfamiliar things and places and people. So the fear factor is not the factor in life as it once was. Jesus is and God has given us a new spirit of power and love and a sound mind.

What better way to live than to not have to know everything yet be able to trust He has us in His hand? That opens up millions of new possibilities.

I too am in need of the right church for me and I am also waiting for him to reveal it to me but you see waiting is one of the common themes you see all through out the bible and it is something we humans really hate doing so it's only natural that we wait on the lord as part of our training and growing in him. I remember when I first saved thinking to myself how I didn't have anyone to help me or to teach me how to be a Christian and then said to myself well then I will to the greatest teacher there is- God himself. Ever since then he has always been my teacher and has been with me through thick and thin even when I was at my weakest or in my most sinful state instead of a lightning bolt he gave me hope instead of fiery wrathful and burning eyes and a tongue lashing I received gentle loving eyes and a voice whispering in my heart saying I need you to be strong for me.

I mean seriously talking about being raised from the ashes lol

As for you being childish you are in no way being childish in fact more people need to do this how you do. We all have inner wounds and scars and inner bruises and bleedings that need mending and healing, some much more than others. But you see it takes a child's heart to be able to trust him and to simply allow his love and his power to wash over us because a child is innocent and trusting and adores their loved ones an adult can be far to closed minded and stubborn thinking they can do it themselves.

And it also takes a child's eye to be able to see him in that kind of light as well, to be able to see the side of him that simply radiates his utter mouth dropping beauty serenity and radiating light allowing us to be washed in his love and mercy being embraced with the living waters that are rushing all around us that feels like he is hugging us with the deepest warmth and adoration for us.

 

[Blain]

-
● 1Cor 12:1-2 . .Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be
ignorant.

Tongues is only one of many spiritual gifts. Some other are:

• The word of wisdom (1Cor 12:8)
• The word of knowledge (1Cor 12:8)
• Faith (1Cor 12:9)
• Healing (1Cor 12:9)
• Miracles (1Cor 12:10)
• Prophecy (1Cor 12:10)
• Distinguishing spirits (1Cor 12:10)
• Interpreting languages (1Cor 12:10)
• Helps (1Cor 12:28)
• Administration (1Cor 12:28)
• Ministering (Rom 12:7)
• Teaching (Rom 12:7)
• Encouragement (Rom 12:8)
• Charity (Rom 12:8)
• Leadership (Rom 12:8)
• Compassion (Rom 12:8)
• Evangelism (Eph 4:11)
• Pastoring (Eph 4:11)

It seems a little out of balance to me that with so many worthwhile spiritual
gifts out there to think about, the only one that obsesses people enough to
quarrel over it is tongues.

/

Actually I have seen far more arguments over the gifts of prophecy dreams and visions than tongues