The Purpose of Speaking in Tongues

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Blain

The Word Weaver
Aug 28, 2012
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So, speaking in tongues seems different. The First speaking in tongues in acts 2, ore 10 were earthly languages.
tbh speaking like a baby has never seemed legit to me but at the same time I also do not put God in a box. I wonderful friend of mine lafftur has the gift of tongues and she spoke like a baby one day, now normally I would be suspicious of such claims as speaking baby talk has never seemed like what tnogues is to me but like I always say about the scriptures how you have to also consider who God is and how he works so too is it with people.
So because I know her heart I don't doubt her testimony for a second.
But it does seem that there are different tongues
 

jb

Senior Member
Feb 27, 2010
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Some say that "speaking in tongues" did exist at one time (because it's written in the bible) but is not for today. ( ... ) But OK, let's give them the benefit of the doubt on that one.

Let's NOT argue whether or not speaking in tongues is for today. We can limit the discussion to the benefits of speaking in tongues DURING the times that the bible DOES allow speaking in tongues, since this is a Bible Discussion Forum and speaking in tongues was given by God to at least some according to the word of God, in the bible.

In other words, since the bible says that speaking in tongues was a gift of the Holy Ghost in the bible)...WHY was it given? WHAT does the bible say it accomplishes (while it is in operation)?

And to be clear about this...whether or not tongues ceased (or will cease) HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ITS PURPOSE DURING THE TIME OF ITS EXISTENCE. So please pay attention to when people are trying to get off topic. We're only looking at what "speaking in tongues" does accomplish, while it is functioning, as described in the BIBLE. What are the benefits? And let's be patient and thorough about it. :)

Love in Jesus,
Kelby
Bit of a study can be found Here on the gift on tongues, number 8 in the list...
 

wolfwint

Senior Member
Feb 15, 2014
3,759
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Some say that "speaking in tongues" did exist at one time (because it's written in the bible) but is not for today. ( ... ) But OK, let's give them the benefit of the doubt on that one.

Let's NOT argue whether or not speaking in tongues is for today. We can limit the discussion to the benefits of speaking in tongues DURING the times that the bible DOES allow speaking in tongues, since this is a Bible Discussion Forum and speaking in tongues was given by God to at least some according to the word of God, in the bible.

In other words, since the bible says that speaking in tongues was a gift of the Holy Ghost in the bible)...WHY was it given? WHAT does the bible say it accomplishes (while it is in operation)?

And to be clear about this...whether or not tongues ceased (or will cease) HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ITS PURPOSE DURING THE TIME OF ITS EXISTENCE. So please pay attention to when people are trying to get off topic. We're only looking at what "speaking in tongues" does accomplish, while it is functioning, as described in the BIBLE. What are the benefits? And let's be patient and thorough about it. :)

Love in Jesus,
Kelby
So far, I can identify a 3 fold purpose of speaking in tongues in former Times.

1. Witness for the jews, that the gospel is not for them alone, but for all mankind, doesnt matter about the religious Background.( gentile, samaritian, disciples of John the Baptist.
2. For build/ encourage the church, if somebody is there who translate it. (1. Cor. 14,27-28)
3. For edify himself.(1.Cor 14,4)
 
Mar 28, 2016
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tbh speaking like a baby has never seemed legit to me but at the same time I also do not put God in a box. I wonderful friend of mine lafftur has the gift of tongues and she spoke like a baby one day, now normally I would be suspicious of such claims as speaking baby talk has never seemed like what tnogues is to me but like I always say about the scriptures how you have to also consider who God is and how he works so too is it with people.
So because I know her heart I don't doubt her testimony for a second.
But it does seem that there are different tongues
Is her testimony according to the scripture or her exerperiences?

It sounds like its according to her experience.

Has she looked to the foundation of the doctrine of Tongues ? As the law is revealed in Isaiah 28 and revisited in 1 Corinthians 14 .

God with stammering (mocking lips.) is shown mocking those (no faith) who mock His tongue called prophecy . Just as with stammering lips he did with Balaam .Pined him against the wall with a Ass to represent the spirit of judgment. Same as falling backward .

There is no command to made a noise that shows "I did it" and fall backward in a hope someone pays a attention when the person says “Saw lasaw saw lasawQaw laqaw qaw laqaw Ze’er sham ze’er sham. or 911 might be needed to call. The laying on of there hands and off to emergency room .

Remember experience is not the validator of spiritual un-seen truth . That's a wile of the devil ."Did God really say
as it is written"?

How is keeping God in one box (no understanding babel box ) better than another (tongues as prophecy box) ?

It becomes do we trust the written tradition of God or oral tradition of men that make senseless sounds and the fall backward mocking God. And yet for all that they (the faithless) still refuse and continue to this day to fall back mocking the spirit of judgment.

I think warning them they are in the wrong box and stop mocking God would be the better choice. The sola scriptura box

The people say, “Who does he think he is trying to teach and explain his message to? Does he think we are babies who were at their mother’s breast only a very short time ago? He speaks to us as though we were babies:“Saw lasaw saw lasawQaw laqaw qaw laqawZe’er sham ze’er sham. So God will use this strange way of talking, and he will use other languages to speak to these people.In the past he spoke to them and said, “Here is a resting place. Let those who are tired come and rest. This is the place of peace.”But they would not listen to him. So the Lord’s words will be senseless sounds[to them:“Saw lasaw saw lasaw.Qaw laqaw qaw laqaw.Ze’er sham ze’er sham.”When the people try to walk, they will fall backwards. They will be defeated, trapped, and captured. Isaiah 28 9-13

Why fall backward and be defeated? Is that the Gospel? Those defeated by the spirit of judgement .

The spirit of judgment below .

Genesis 49:17 Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward.

The spirit of judgment below

Isaiah 59:14 And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.

The spirit of judgment below

John 18:5-7 King James Version (KJV)
They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.

Falling backward is directly related with breaking ones neck like in hangings. again to represent the spirit of Judgement.

1 Samuel 4:18 And it came to pass, when he made mention of the ark of God, that he fell from off the seat backward by the side of the gate, and his neck brake, and he died: for he was an old man, and heavy. And he had judged Israel forty years.

Break neck and fall backward are companion phrases used to identify the spirit of judgement in many parables. like the one I offer below.

Exodus 13:13 And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck: and all the firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem.
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,491
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Its normal. "Prophecy is the tongue of God inspired from heaven .
Nowhere in Scripture is "tongues" called "prophecy".

Not earthy language inspired of the devil .
So in Acts 2, when men from 14 regions heard the disciples speaking in their languages, were those inspired of the devil?

Why go above that which is written
Indeed, why do you?
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,491
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Is her testimony according to the scripture or her exerperiences?

It sounds like its according to her experience.
A testimony is a person's story of their EXPERIENCES that led them to the Lord or that He did in their lives.
 
Mar 28, 2016
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A testimony is a person's story of their EXPERIENCES that led them to the Lord or that He did in their lives.
Yes experiences can lead. look at me you shall not surely die.

Jesus experience as a testimony that led him to the Father. The One Good Master in heaven . The father put his words on the mouth of His Son . His Son did not do the will of his own flesh.

The father rebuked the devil as it is written as he worked in the Son of man to both will and perform the good pleasure of God. Jesus did not murmur. He was familiar with the power of God that worked in him to both will and do the good pleasure of another.(not seen) He walked by faith, two walking as one all the days of his life.
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,491
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Yes experiences can lead. look at me you shall not surely die.

Jesus experience as a testimony that led him to the Father. The One Good Master in heaven . The father put his words on the mouth of His Son . His Son did not do the will of his own flesh.

The father rebuked the devil as it is written as he worked in the Son of man to both will and perform the good pleasure of God. Jesus did not murmur. He was familiar with the power of God that worked in him to both will and do the good pleasure of another.(not seen) He walked by faith, two walking as one all the days of his life.
Have you forgotten the meaning of "relevant" already?
 
Mar 28, 2016
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So in Acts 2, when men from 14 regions heard the disciples speaking in their languages, were those inspired of the devil?
No, the wanna be faithless lip readers turned it upside down and called them drunks because the understanding was hid from those faithless Jews, fulfilling the prophecy "yet for all wonderful warnings" they still will not hear and believe But keep mocking holding onto the oral tradition of self edifying .

Same kind of faithlessness exercised with Hanna in Judges. When Eli saw the lips move but heard no understanding .He made a noise and fell backward (break neck) also

The same kind of drunks that are found in the foundation of tongues doctrine Isiah 28 . They are the ones that sounded like babies making senseless sounds. Not understanding how to walk (a metaphor for understand) they fell backwards in a drunken stupor wonderment seekers . Filler up

Tongues, God mocking those who have another source of faith (false) are those that mock him and fall backward. This is in order to mock the spirit of judgment, the letter of the law, sola scriptura, the law and the prophets You say serving another teaching master oral traditions of me.

Acts 2:13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

And for a
spirit of judgment (shown by falling backward) to him that sitteth in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate. But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment. For all tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean. 6-8


And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the Lord, that
Eli marked her mouth. Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken. And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee. And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord.12-15
 

Kavik

Senior Member
Mar 25, 2017
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I would say that the purpose of tongues, at least as Paul seems to define it, is to spread the message of Christianity to the world and to further the glory of God.

One must also realize that Biblical ‘tongues’ are no more than real, rational language(s); not the non-cognitive non-language utterance of modern tongues-speech.

If modern tongues-speech is included in the mix, it just unnecessarily complicates what is a rather simple concept.
 

Blain

The Word Weaver
Aug 28, 2012
19,212
2,547
113
Is her testimony according to the scripture or her exerperiences?

It sounds like its according to her experience.

Has she looked to the foundation of the doctrine of Tongues ? As the law is revealed in Isaiah 28 and revisited in 1 Corinthians 14 .

God with stammering (mocking lips.) is shown mocking those (no faith) who mock His tongue called prophecy . Just as with stammering lips he did with Balaam .Pined him against the wall with a Ass to represent the spirit of judgment. Same as falling backward .

There is no command to made a noise that shows "I did it" and fall backward in a hope someone pays a attention when the person says “Saw lasaw saw lasawQaw laqaw qaw laqaw Ze’er sham ze’er sham. or 911 might be needed to call. The laying on of there hands and off to emergency room .

Remember experience is not the validator of spiritual un-seen truth . That's a wile of the devil ."Did God really say
as it is written"?

How is keeping God in one box (no understanding babel box ) better than another (tongues as prophecy box) ?

It becomes do we trust the written tradition of God or oral tradition of men that make senseless sounds and the fall backward mocking God. And yet for all that they (the faithless) still refuse and continue to this day to fall back mocking the spirit of judgment.

I think warning them they are in the wrong box and stop mocking God would be the better choice. The sola scriptura box

The people say, “Who does he think he is trying to teach and explain his message to? Does he think we are babies who were at their mother’s breast only a very short time ago? He speaks to us as though we were babies:“Saw lasaw saw lasawQaw laqaw qaw laqawZe’er sham ze’er sham. So God will use this strange way of talking, and he will use other languages to speak to these people.In the past he spoke to them and said, “Here is a resting place. Let those who are tired come and rest. This is the place of peace.”But they would not listen to him. So the Lord’s words will be senseless sounds[to them:“Saw lasaw saw lasaw.Qaw laqaw qaw laqaw.Ze’er sham ze’er sham.”When the people try to walk, they will fall backwards. They will be defeated, trapped, and captured. Isaiah 28 9-13

Why fall backward and be defeated? Is that the Gospel? Those defeated by the spirit of judgement .

The spirit of judgment below .

Genesis 49:17 Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward.

The spirit of judgment below

Isaiah 59:14 And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.

The spirit of judgment below

John 18:5-7 King James Version (KJV)
They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.

Falling backward is directly related with breaking ones neck like in hangings. again to represent the spirit of Judgement.

1 Samuel 4:18 And it came to pass, when he made mention of the ark of God, that he fell from off the seat backward by the side of the gate, and his neck brake, and he died: for he was an old man, and heavy. And he had judged Israel forty years.

Break neck and fall backward are companion phrases used to identify the spirit of judgement in many parables. like the one I offer below.

Exodus 13:13 And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck: and all the firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem.
I can't speak for her but sometimes experiences confirm what is already written. as I said I am normally skeptical about baaby talk but I know her heart and she is also more educated in the spiritual than I am so I give her the beneif of the doubt
 
T

TheIndianGirl

Guest
I am a bit skeptical of tongues. I also associate babble tongues with a bit of superstition (like Voodoo, sorry). However, if someone can truly speak a foreign language or if other people can interpret what the tongues speaker is saying, that sounds valid. A person speaking in tongues to God alone in a room, I don't see the purpose. However, if someone else gains by the person speaking in tongues, either experiencing God or understanding prophesy, I think that gift comes from the Holy Spirit. We can speak to God in our own language, or have a long silent prayer, and I think it will be just as meaningful. That said, I do know people who speak in tongues, and they probably think they are closer to God because of it. But, the Bible doesn't say people who speak in tongues are closer to God.
 

CS1

Well-known member
May 23, 2012
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I am a bit skeptical of tongues. I also associate babble tongues with a bit of superstition (like Voodoo, sorry). However, if someone can truly speak a foreign language or if other people can interpret what the tongues speaker is saying, that sounds valid. A person speaking in tongues to God alone in a room, I don't see the purpose. However, if someone else gains by the person speaking in tongues, either experiencing God or understanding prophesy, I think that gift comes from the Holy Spirit. We can speak to God in our own language, or have a long silent prayer, and I think it will be just as meaningful. That said, I do know people who speak in tongues, and they probably think they are closer to God because of it. But, the Bible doesn't say people who speak in tongues are closer to God.
the praying in tongues is found in 1cor chapter 14. It does not matter if we see any benefit in it, it only matters that it is in the word of God, and is it for today? I believe this gift is as all are. The origin of this gift is the Holy Spirit. That is what 1cor chapter 12 is stating.
 

Blain

The Word Weaver
Aug 28, 2012
19,212
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I am a bit skeptical of tongues. I also associate babble tongues with a bit of superstition (like Voodoo, sorry). However, if someone can truly speak a foreign language or if other people can interpret what the tongues speaker is saying, that sounds valid. A person speaking in tongues to God alone in a room, I don't see the purpose. However, if someone else gains by the person speaking in tongues, either experiencing God or understanding prophesy, I think that gift comes from the Holy Spirit. We can speak to God in our own language, or have a long silent prayer, and I think it will be just as meaningful. That said, I do know people who speak in tongues, and they probably think they are closer to God because of it. But, the Bible doesn't say people who speak in tongues are closer to God.
With tongues you have to be skeptical it is easy to fake it, or rather maybe skeptical is not the correct term more like discerning. The friend who spoke tongues to me has had a stuttering problem ever since he was little but when he was praying his stutter disappeared and spoke hebrew perfectly I do know he knew hebrew but the fact his stutter was completely gone and the effects his words had on me was evident to me, I had no clue what he was saying though.
As far as people speaking in tongues in a room by themselves I do think there is a purpose for it, God has many ways to bond with us and sometimes the ways he does is more in depth and intimate than others. If I had the gift aside from what it is originally meant for if I could reach a deeper level of intimacy with him in this way I would jump for it without hesitation
 

Blade

Well-known member
Nov 19, 2019
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"Self edifying and building up of one's spirit...a Direct hot line to God." <-----This!

Through out my life the countless stories where someone that didn't know the lord or did that would say "did you know what you were saying?" They were praising God in a language they had no clue they were speaking. I love the ones where "when did you learn".. praise GOD glory to Jesus.

I was.. and please don't take this the wrong way. I was blessed to not here any debate on the gifts/tongues. Bible study just asked on night if I wanted the holy spirit. I was saved. One night I said yes.. they prayed they stop praying and say "thats you got it". See they believe exactly what God said.. you ask.. He will give it to you. I got up.. nothing changed.. I went to sit down and BAM! It just came out.. and praise GOD.. you shall receive POWER after... live for me with out it.. praise you Father in Jesus name

So many times no clue what to pray.. so I pray in tongues. And so many times when your praying...you get this peace.. you find that pray was answered. Praise GOD!
 

Blain

The Word Weaver
Aug 28, 2012
19,212
2,547
113
"Self edifying and building up of one's spirit...a Direct hot line to God." <-----This!

Through out my life the countless stories where someone that didn't know the lord or did that would say "did you know what you were saying?" They were praising God in a language they had no clue they were speaking. I love the ones where "when did you learn".. praise GOD glory to Jesus.

I was.. and please don't take this the wrong way. I was blessed to not here any debate on the gifts/tongues. Bible study just asked on night if I wanted the holy spirit. I was saved. One night I said yes.. they prayed they stop praying and say "thats you got it". See they believe exactly what God said.. you ask.. He will give it to you. I got up.. nothing changed.. I went to sit down and BAM! It just came out.. and praise GOD.. you shall receive POWER after... live for me with out it.. praise you Father in Jesus name

So many times no clue what to pray.. so I pray in tongues. And so many times when your praying...you get this peace.. you find that pray was answered. Praise GOD!
That is a great testimony my friend. That is usually how it works we don't ever plan on it happening it just happens. last night a freind of mine wanted to pray over me to have the gift of tongues and said to try doing it afterwards. I tried but it was just words. But how he always works with me is that I speak and act according to the flow, if there is no flow of the spirit then anything I say or do doesn't have any effect but when there is that flow my heart instinctively knows what to say and do.
I am not a thinker so I speak with my heart and maybe because of that since I don't tend to overthink things that is why he uses me so easily most of what I say on here is not me being wise or insightful I don't have a plan of what to say I just follow the flow and speak so I figured if that is how he tends to work with me then if in fact I was given the gift yet it has not surfaced yet then it will be the same as it always is. I won't expect it it will just happen as the flow goes, but I did tell God I had conditions for receiving the gift though.

I do admit I want to be able to reach him on a deeper level and if tongues can be used to do so then I told him I am all on board but I also said that if i was to recieve this gift then first and foremost I want to have it to be used for the purpose it was originated, I don't know the motives of others who seek this gift and I am sure some people seek it just to have it or for reasons that are more for themselves but I have always believed the motive of the heart will always be the deciding factor.

And who knows for all I know I still will not recieve it but the topic of tongues seems to be a recurring thing and so if it is for today then I want to know just not for myself
 

notuptome

Senior Member
May 17, 2013
15,050
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I am a bit skeptical of tongues. I also associate babble tongues with a bit of superstition (like Voodoo, sorry). However, if someone can truly speak a foreign language or if other people can interpret what the tongues speaker is saying, that sounds valid. A person speaking in tongues to God alone in a room, I don't see the purpose. However, if someone else gains by the person speaking in tongues, either experiencing God or understanding prophesy, I think that gift comes from the Holy Spirit. We can speak to God in our own language, or have a long silent prayer, and I think it will be just as meaningful. That said, I do know people who speak in tongues, and they probably think they are closer to God because of it. But, the Bible doesn't say people who speak in tongues are closer to God.
You are much closer to the truth than any of these who claim to speak or pray in tongues. Tongues in the modern church are an evidence of a failure to mature in Christ.

Scripture does tell us that we are to be conformed to the image of our Savior. Jesus never prayed in tongues nor did Jesus ever speak in tongues. Some would say it does not matter and they are correct tongues are of no Spiritual significance in todays church. They were significant in the apostolic church but that ended centuries ago.

For the cause of Christ
Roger