recently got into an argument in chat and thought I would bring it here.A girl saying she was pentacostal said she believed that everyone could recieve the gift of tongues, but in light of 1 Corinthians 12:29-31 I just don't see the bible agreeing with that.I believe there is a real gift of tongues and that all the gifts of the Spirit are in operation I just think that everyone has different gifts.
Greetings! --- bcpianogal wrote (QUOTE) Arch, very good points. That's basically how I view the gift of speaking in tongues, but of course on a less eloquent and not as researched level! --- (AND) ---
Rick, thanks for the info on IPHC. That does sound about right based on what I have seen, but that really lays it out clearly (UNQUOTE).
As a former Pentecostal, growing up in a Pentecostal church, and later going to a Pentecostal Bible college, while still remaining charismatic; I've studied glossolalia (speaking in tongues) in-depth. I've studied and seen "what Arch posted" and much, much more.
The charismatic movement can't be accurately assessed if one narrows it down to focusing on "excesses." "Word of Faith" (aka, "the prosperity gospel," "blab-it, grab-it") teachers have become prominent and popular, teaching things that so closely resemble Christian Science and New Thought that the main difference is "they use Bible verses." The tongues-talking Corinthians got drunk in church, among other wrong and strange stuff they did. Really *WEIRD* people try to teach others to speak in tongues. The list goes on and on....
As one who has been "used" in *the genuine gifts of the Holy Spirit*; that is, having had them "happen through me" and having witnessed them "in operation" --- I could tell many stories of the same. I'll share one briefly. In a prayer meeting with one other person, I once gave an utterance in tongues, which has the accompanying gift of the interpretation (note* not "translation") of tongues. However, no interpretation "came." The room became silent as we waited and nothing happened. Then my friend asked me if I knew Latin. I replied, "Just a couple words we learned in theology classes." He was utterly amazed! "Are you sure, Rick?" "Yes," I replied. He went on to tell me he had taken four years of Latin in a Catholic school and that I was speaking it *perfectly* as I was (QUOTE) "...exclaiming the Glories of God Most High! And of his Son, Jesus, O Jesus! You are The Chief Executive of the Heavenly Realms!" (UNQUOTE, though there was more!). My friend's jaw dropped to the floor...and he told me how much it ministered to him. That's just one story. I've seen and heard many more just like it. So please don't confuse "Word of Faith" TV preachers and other odd phenomena with *The Real Thing*!
I would just like to know what the "gift of tongues" is even supposed to be. Whenever you see it on TV it's just a bunch of babbling. Is that supposed to be a "tongue of angels"? Wasn't the gift of tongues experienced by the apostles when they preached to a mixed multitude and everyone understood them? Isn't that the point of speaking in tongues? Not some gargling in the back of your throat/baby-speak? I just think "speaking" in tongues is dangerous and pointless unless everyone can understand. Even if there was a person around with the "gift of interpretation"...the bible is the judge. Isaiah 8:20 "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them".
My understanding, from teaching and also my own bible study reading, is that speaking in tongues is:
1) meant to be a witness to non-christians
2) should be sought after by all christians, as ALL the spirituall gifts should be
3) can sound like babbling - but so do lots of languages you don't understand
4) should be used -- in church services -- very carefully
I believe every Christian is able to receive each spiritual gift. But like other non-spiritual gifts (i.e.musical or sports abilities) some people have more than others, or experience it at a different level. From my understnding of scripture we should always be seeking each of the spiritual gifts.
I'm enjoying this discussion. Thanks everyone for sharing.
I would just like to know what the "gift of tongues" is even supposed to be. Whenever you see it on TV it's just a bunch of babbling. Is that supposed to be a "tongue of angels"? Wasn't the gift of tongues experienced by the apostles when they preached to a mixed multitude and everyone understood them? Isn't that the point of speaking in tongues? Not some gargling in the back of your throat/baby-speak?
mine here ,, if youll see here that when one is praying to GOD in a tongue ,hes not speaking to men but to GOD , and it says no one understands him.
. as we know when done in church it is sposed to be done in order and with an interpreter present to speak to the church for edification of the church.. if there is no intrepreter then theyre sposed to keep silent.. and pray between them and GOD.
1 corinthians 14:2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.
1 corinthians 14:5 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 corinthians 14:13-15 13 Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding
1 corinthians 14:26-28 26 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God.
Hi again....thanks everyone for your replies...and while I may not agree with everyone I appreciate you taking the time to post.I definitely don't believe that all the gifts of the Spirit are available to everyone...look at the verses of scripture I mentioned in my original post.
