Tongues

[New Titania (TD)]

Do you believe in speaking in tongues? Do you speak in tongues?

[gynovia]

i think that tongues in the Bilble is just another word for languages. so, yeah, if you speak another language, than yeah, you can speak in tongues ;D

[bimbettes]

yup i with gynovia just another word for language as far as i'm concerned

[Geberia]

Same here. I have heard people speak in tounges before, and to me, its just a lot of mumbo-jumbo. (no offence)

[falklands]

I believe in tongues and the power of tongues, which comes from the Holy Spirit. Read 1 Corinthians chapters 12 and 14. A few select verses from those passages: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11:
4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit;
5
there are different forms of service but the same Lord;
6
there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone.
7
To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.
8
To one is given through the Spirit the expression of wisdom; to another the expression of knowledge according to the same Spirit;
9
to another faith by the same Spirit; to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit;
10
to another mighty deeds; to another prophecy; to another discernment of spirits; to another varieties of tongues; to another interpretation of tongues.
11
But one and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing them individually to each person as he wishes.

1 Corinthians 14:1-28:

1
Pursue love, but strive eagerly for the spiritual gifts, above all that you may prophesy.
2 For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to human beings but to God, for no one can understand; he utters mysteries in spirit.
3
On the other hand, one who prophesies does speak to human beings, for their building up, 3 encouragement, and solace.
4
Whoever speaks in a tongue builds himself up, but whoever prophesies builds up the church.
5
Now I should like all of you to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. One who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be built up.
6
Now, brothers, if I should come to you speaking in tongues, what good will I do you if I do not speak to you by way of revelation, or knowledge, or prophecy, or instruction?
7
Likewise, if inanimate things that produce sound, such as flute or harp, do not give out the tones distinctly, how will what is being played on flute or harp be recognized?
8
And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle?
9
Similarly, if you, because of speaking in tongues, do not utter intelligible speech, how will anyone know what is being said? For you will be talking to the air.
10
It happens that there are many different languages in the world, and none is meaningless;
11
but if I do not know the meaning of a language, I shall be a foreigner to one who speaks it, and one who speaks it a foreigner to me.
12
So with yourselves: since you strive eagerly for spirits, seek to have an abundance of them for building up the church.
13
5 Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray to be able to interpret.
14
For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit is at prayer but my mind is unproductive.
15
So what is to be done? I will pray with the spirit, but I will also pray with the mind. I will sing praise with the spirit, but I will also sing praise with the mind.
16
Otherwise, if you pronounce a blessing with the spirit, how shall one who holds the place of the uninstructed say the "Amen" to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying?
17
For you may be giving thanks very well, but the other is not built up.
18
I give thanks to God that I speak in tongues more than any of you,
19
but in the church I would rather speak five words with my mind, so as to instruct others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.
20
Brothers, stop being childish in your thinking. In respect to evil be like infants, but in your thinking be mature.
21
It is written in the law: "By people speaking strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, and even so they will not listen to me, says the Lord."
22
Thus, tongues are a sign not for those who believe but for unbelievers, whereas prophecy is not for unbelievers but for those who believe.
23
So if the whole church meets in one place and everyone speaks in tongues, and then uninstructed people or unbelievers should come in, will they not say that you are out of your minds?
24
But if everyone is prophesying, and an unbeliever or uninstructed person should come in, he will be convinced by everyone and judged by everyone,
25
and the secrets of his heart will be disclosed, and so he will fall down and worship God, declaring, "God is really in your midst."
26
So what is to be done, brothers? When you assemble, one has a psalm, another an instruction, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Everything should be done for building up.
27
If anyone speaks in a tongue, let it be two or at most three, and each in turn, and one should interpret.
28
But if there is no interpreter, the person should keep silent in the church and speak to himself and to God.


I know that was a long quote, but I think the Bible clearly says there is a gift of tongues that is given by the Holy Spirit, which no one but God can understand. But there is also a gift of interpreting those tongues, if God wishes it to be so. Do you still believe tongues are just a bunch of mumo-jumbo?

[New Titania (TD)]

I completely agree with Falklands. Speaking in the tongues of the Holy Spirit is not mumbo jumbo by any means.

[Triphus (Titanian)]

I very much agree, I believe that speaking in tongues is a gift from the Holy Spirit. I personally have seen someone who has never learned another language speak in tongues and people who did not know english understand him. it was very cool.

[Armany]

I believe in speaking in tongues, though I don't think I've seen too many people do it genuinely.

Tongues are widely stressed (if not enforced!) by the Charismatic movement or the Word of Faith movement, both of which I am extremely wary of.

[Geberia]

I'm still not convinced. My Bible puts it a bit differently. i have never known anyone who has spoken in tounges and is better off spiritually than one who dosn't. I don't think God favors those who speak tounges over those who don't.

[Armany]

Now I should like all of you to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. One who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be built up.

The apostle Paul said that. He doesn't deny the fact that tongues exist, but he still says that there are better things than tongues to do for the edification of both your church and for those unbelievers in your life.

If an unbeliever comes in and sees an entire congregation speaking in tongues, as some of the more charismatic churches due, they're going to think that those guys are a few fries short of a happy meal. Tongues should only be used whenever a person can interpret it IMHO and should be spoken in an orderly fashion.

[gynovia]

mabey tounges were used back in the Bible days, but i think the days of speaking in tounges are past. yeah, i would be kinda freaked out i went to a church and they were all speaking in wierd languages and stuff, i prolly woudn't go back

[Geberia]

Hmm, and I find it interersting that Paul would rather have Christians to prophecy, so that other people can be built up. What's the use of talking to tounges when we can talk regularly and edify others? God can hear us just as well praying in English as he can in who knows what language.
So I guess I don't see the point. You're only helping yourself by speaking in tounges.

[Geberia]

LOL, that was really cute Armany, about the fries and Happy Meal. I always say a few sandwiches short of a picnic but I might steal that one!

[falklands]

Maybe prophecy is better to edify other people, but the times of speaking in tongues are NOT past. God does NOT change. In the quote it said the Holy Spirit gives these gifts, and there is no reason why it shouldn't happen anymore. I think it is best to speak in tongues by yourself, because it is just between you and God, but it is no less important to your relationship with Him. I don't see why people think "the times of speaking in tongues are past."

[ashbash]

just another point to be made here, from what i read i also thinks he's trying to remind us that a person who can speak in tongues is no better or worse that any other person, same with all spiritual gifts. We should love each other no matter what

[New Titania (TD)]

Agreed. Those who speak and believe in tongues shouldn't hold themselve higher than those who don't.

[Geberia]

Well perhaps you're right Falklands and perhaps you're not. I just think that why do we need tounges if we can communicate to God AND others by using our normal languages? You can have them at personal devotions if you want, but i have never tried it and don't really wish to. The fact that many charasmatic movements enforce it as armany said dosn't really further a good opinion!

[gynovia]

i don't believe speaking with tongues is a necessary indication, or evidence that the person is filled with the Holy Gost as some do.

[falklands]

God only knows the person's heart. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are important but not always necessary for living a Christian life.

[gynovia]

i am alot skeptical of ppl who say that they can speak in tongues. i wonder how much is really genuine, sometimes.

[falklands]

I believe I genuinely speak in tongues. You should meet my parents, as well. But it is no accomplishment of mine, or anyone else who receives it. It can strengthen one's relationship with God, but not everyone necessarily receives it. To others the Holy Spirit gives the gifts of healing, prophecy, and working miracles (from Bible quote up the page). However, you don't have to receive it. I don't really mind whether you are skeptical about it, though.

[Misty Hills]

Here's some scriptures ya'll.

Jude 1:20
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.

Romans 8:26-27
26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

When you're by yourself, tongues is good. Sometimes you don't know what you should pray for but when you speak in tongues, the Holy spirit intecedes for us. If God gave us a gift to speak in tongues are we not to use it?

Here's when tongues all started.

What Jesus said a few says before the Holy Spirit came.
Acts 1:4-5
4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

When the Holy Spirit Comes
Acts 2:1-17
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

Because those people were who were filled with the Spirit and were speaking in tongues, the other people thought that they were drunk on wine.
But Paul then tells them that those people were not drunk on wine but were filled with the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 5:18
18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.


[glow=orange,2,300]~Misty:)[/glow]

[gynovia]

hey, i don't speak in tongues and i'm a christian.

[falklands]

That's fine. I'm not saying one isn't a Christian if they speak in the Holy Spirit.

[gynovia]

hey ya know i personally don't agree w/ you completely on this issue, but thats fine, if you think that you can speak in tongues, then go for it!