Is Speaking in Tongues still available today?

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tylerbones1313

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May 1, 2022
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None of this makes any sense. And as we have alreayd discussed "unknown" doe not belong in that chapter.
I know that unknown is not there in the original greek. If we understand speaking in tongues, knowing they are human languages unknown to the speaker. Regardless of the word unknown being there. Just saying this for clarity.

Please tell me which part doesn't make sense? Can't correct a brother's error or fix any confusion if you don't tell them what it is. LOL God Bless
 
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The writings of the Church Fathers until the 5th century are plenty of documentation. Had the gift of supernaturally speaking foreign languages been prevalent for 400 years after the apostolic period, they all would have recorded it. But none of them claimed to speak in biblical tongues (glossais).

Augustine live in the 4th-5th centuries and this is what he had to say about tongues in his Retractiones:
"Likewise, this statement of mine is indeed true: “These miracles were not allowed to last until our times lest the soul ever seek visible things and the human race grow cold because of familiarity with those things whose novelty enkindled it.” For not even now, when a hand is laid on the baptized, do they receive the Holy Spirit in such a way that they speak with the tongues of all nations; nor are the sick now healed by the passing shadow of the preachers of Christ. Even though such things happened at that time, manifestly these ceased later.

But what I said is not to be so interpreted that no miracles are believed to be performed in the name of Christ at the present time. For, when I wrote that book, I myself had recently learned that a blind man had been restored to sight in Milan near the bodies of the martyrs in that very city, and I knew about some other, so numerous even in these times, that we cannot know about all of them nor enumerate those we know.2728
https://charlesasullivan.com/3668/augustine-on-the-tongues-of-pentecost-intro/#anch7

All the Church Fathers understood "tongues" to be human languages. Had they continue in the churches as a spiritual gift, they would surely have written about this.
I understand that these men are intelligent and well versed in biblical truths as they interpret them; but the Bible is or should be our final authority. Others on the thread have mentioned "...speaking with the tongues of men and of angels..."
The writings of the Church Fathers until the 5th century are plenty of documentation. Had the gift of supernaturally speaking foreign languages been prevalent for 400 years after the apostolic period, they all would have recorded it. But none of them claimed to speak in biblical tongues (glossais).

Augustine live in the 4th-5th centuries and this is what he had to say about tongues in his Retractiones:
"Likewise, this statement of mine is indeed true: “These miracles were not allowed to last until our times lest the soul ever seek visible things and the human race grow cold because of familiarity with those things whose novelty enkindled it.” For not even now, when a hand is laid on the baptized, do they receive the Holy Spirit in such a way that they speak with the tongues of all nations; nor are the sick now healed by the passing shadow of the preachers of Christ. Even though such things happened at that time, manifestly these ceased later.

But what I said is not to be so interpreted that no miracles are believed to be performed in the name of Christ at the present time. For, when I wrote that book, I myself had recently learned that a blind man had been restored to sight in Milan near the bodies of the martyrs in that very city, and I knew about some other, so numerous even in these times, that we cannot know about all of them nor enumerate those we know.2728
https://charlesasullivan.com/3668/augustine-on-the-tongues-of-pentecost-intro/#anch7

All the Church Fathers understood "tongues" to be human languages. Had they continue in the churches as a spiritual gift, they would surely have written about this.
I realize that the Church fathers were well versed in biblical truths as they understood them to be; but the Bible is the final authority for truth. We can't ignore the 1Cor 13:1 passage that clearly states "Though I speak with the tongues of men and angels..."
Personally, I believe if it isn't something that has to do with salvation and is simply that one believes and one doesn't, concerning tongues, does it really matter? I've witnessed in church services people speaking in human languages that they didn't understand and people speaking in angelic languages. I've also witnessed babbling that I didn't consider to be tongues at all but individuals who probably greatly desired to speak in tongues, thus the babbling, or for another reason. In any event, hearing tongues in a church service can be uncomfortable for me personally, because I've been in too many services where it is not done decently and in order. In an afterglow service, where Christians gather to worship and gifts of the Holy Spirit are manifested is more comfortable and there is little chance of non-Christians thinking Christians are "out there." 1Cor 14:23 "So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and inquirers or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind?
 

Bob-Carabbio

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Jun 24, 2020
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And it is therefore pure speculation to assert that the apostles evangelized 'in tongues'.
In the early days of the Assemblies of God Denomination (which is essentially a "Missionary society"), they sent missionaries WITH THE ASSUMPTION that they would be gifted to speak the languages of the people they were sent to.

They weren't.

And so there are now language courses that missionaries have to take, for the countries they're sent to.

The feeling is that God didn't want "Head hunters", He wanted people that would go in and become part of the societies they were ministering to. PRESENTLY, a major portion of the Missionary activity is establishing Bible Schools world wide, to train indigenous pastors and church workers.
 
Dec 29, 2023
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Is Speaking in Tongues still available today?
Why yes, yes it is still available today!

Mark 16:17
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues

1 Corinthians 14:2
For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh NOT unto men, but unto God: for NO MAN UNDERSTANDS HIM howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

Romans 8:26
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.

Groanings - from G4726, which comes from G4726 (Strong's Greek Concordance)

to sigh, murmur, pray inaudibly: KJV -- with grief, groan, grudge, sigh.

Inarticulate speech, or speech that is not in any known language to man
(In 1 Corinthians 13:1, Paul speaks of talking in the the tongues of angels - a supernatural language)

1 Corinthians 14:2
For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

1 Corinthians 14:2 is speaking of our personal prayer language, which is something we do in our prayer closet and not in public.

Some have the gift of speaking a tongue in a public meeting for interpretation by another but should NOT be doing so if no interpreter is present.

1 Corinthians 12:10
To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

This is speaking of different kinds of tongues and that some have the gift of interpretation of tongues.

Not all have the gift of speaking in tongues for interpretation in a public setting like a church service... but that does not mean all don't have the gift of tongues for their private prayer life in their prayer closet between themselves and the Lord.

1 Corinthians 14:39
Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

Isaiah 28:11,12
For with stammering lips and another tongue He will speak to this people,
To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.

There is a rest and knowledge that comes thru speaking in tongues
(the knowledge received has to agree with God's written Word, otherwise it's not the Holy Spirit speaking)

1 Corinthians 14:22
Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
 

tylerbones1313

Active member
May 1, 2022
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1 Corinthians 14:2 is speaking of our personal prayer language, which is something we do in our prayer closet and not in public.

Some have the gift of speaking a tongue in a public meeting for interpretation by another but should NOT be doing so if no interpreter is present.
I agree with everything except how I see 1 Cor. Chapter 14 (but it could also be true). I see Chapter 14 specifically Talking about a Tongue, which needs interpretation. This is a tongues that God gives during the intense silent powerful moments during a service. Unknown completely to everyone "for NO MAN UNDERSTANDS HIM". The reason Paul stresses the need for Interpretation or keep to yourself.

That is how I see and understand the context of 1 Cor. Chapter 14. I could be wrong. If so God forgive me.
 

jamessb

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Feb 10, 2024
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Santa Fe NM
Have you ever experienced Speaking in Tongues yourself or been apart of a True Tongues and Interpretation service. Answering this thread question truly depends on experience whether through you or someone else.

The bold statement above is one of the most important things to do but seems for a lot of people the hardest thing to do. Some Scripture is hard to rightly divide, that's when we need to learn to ask for help. God Bless
I have spoken in tongues for 47 years. Most of my praying is done in tongues. So the answer to your question is "yes".
 

presidente

Senior Member
May 29, 2013
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None of this makes any sense. And as we have alreayd discussed "unknown" doe not belong in that chapter.
Paul contrasts praying with his spirit, which he would do if he prayed in tongues, with praying with h
In the early days of the Assemblies of God Denomination (which is essentially a "Missionary society"), they sent missionaries WITH THE ASSUMPTION that they would be gifted to speak the languages of the people they were sent to.

They weren't.

And so there are now language courses that missionaries have to take, for the countries they're sent to.

The feeling is that God didn't want "Head hunters", He wanted people that would go in and become part of the societies they were ministering to. PRESENTLY, a major portion of the Missionary activity is establishing Bible Schools world wide, to train indigenous pastors and church workers.
Wasn't that an earlier stage before the formation of the A/G?
 
Dec 29, 2023
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I have spoken in tongues for 47 years.

But... wouldn't mute people speak in fingers? :cool:


That is how I see and understand the context of 1 Cor. Chapter 14. I could be wrong. If so God forgive me.
This is going to be something done in private prayer time

In a public service there is an interpreter so everyone knows and understands what was said in tongues

In your private prayer life the Lord wants to pray God's will thru you and He may tell you what the subject matter is or He may not.

Especially when interceding for another person, you may not want to know all the details and details about their life may not be any of our business
 

jamessb

Active member
Feb 10, 2024
738
122
43
Santa Fe NM
In the early days of the Assemblies of God Denomination (which is essentially a "Missionary society"), they sent missionaries WITH THE ASSUMPTION that they would be gifted to speak the languages of the people they were sent to.

They weren't.

And so there are now language courses that missionaries have to take, for the countries they're sent to.

The feeling is that God didn't want "Head hunters", He wanted people that would go in and become part of the societies they were ministering to. PRESENTLY, a major portion of the Missionary activity is establishing Bible Schools world wide, to train indigenous pastors and church workers.
Well said, Bob. Thanks for writing this.
 

jamessb

Active member
Feb 10, 2024
738
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Santa Fe NM
But... wouldn't mute people speak in fingers? :cool:




This is going to be something done in private prayer time

In a public service there is an interpreter so everyone knows and understands what was said in tongues

In your private prayer life the Lord wants to pray God's will thru you and He may tell you what the subject matter is or He may not.

Especially when interceding for another person, you may not want to know all the details and details about their life may not be any of our business
You wrote "But... wouldn't mute people speak in fingers?" Why are you being childish???
 
Dec 29, 2023
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You wrote "But... wouldn't mute people speak in fingers?" Why are you being childish???

Because some people ain't got NO sense of humor... and this is how to flush them out!

If a mute swears... does his momma wash his hands with soap? :unsure:



Don't know about that, only that the AG got their heinies handed to them when they tried it.

And just because it didn't work for them does not mean God sometimes does cause people to hear in their own language as we saw in the Book of Acts.

The thing is God causes these manifestations as He wills and not because men tell Him... "Hey Lord, we want to do that language thing when we need you to do it, got it?"

In other words, we need to be led by the Lord and not be trying to make the Lord follow us.
 

Bob-Carabbio

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Jun 24, 2020
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And just because it didn't work for them does not mean God sometimes does cause people to hear in their own language as we saw in the Book of Acts.
No argument. it happens today.

The thing is God causes these manifestations as He wills and not because men tell Him... "Hey Lord, we want to do that language thing when we need you to do it, got it?" In other words, we need to be led by the Lord and not be trying to make the Lord follow us.
Yup - NOBODY "HAS" gifts, WE have the HOLY SPIRIT, who HAS the gifts, and any Christian can be (And are) used in any gift as God wills depending on the situation. The folks out in the field doing REAL MINISTRY, are more likely to experience the Gifts, than those, who aren't involved in ministry, and just want to criticize what they don't even understand.
 

FollowerofShiloh

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Jan 24, 2024
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Speaking in tongues began at the Tower of Babel.
Good post (y)

Deuteronomy 32:
8 When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance,
when he divided mankind,
he fixed the borders of the peoples
according to the number of the sons of God.
9 But the Lord's portion is his people,
Jacob his allotted heritage.
 
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Yup - NOBODY "HAS" gifts, WE have the HOLY SPIRIT, who HAS the gifts, and any Christian can be (And are) used in any gift as God wills depending on the situation. The folks out in the field doing REAL MINISTRY, are more likely to experience the Gifts, than those, who aren't involved in ministry, and just want to criticize what they don't even understand.

Yep, He is leading us... not us leading Him.

I think some folks act like they are telling God what they need and I even hear people making petition to the Lord in prayer and don't even say please... and sometime not even a thank you either!
 

FollowerofShiloh

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Jan 24, 2024
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The Red X in post #534 seems redundant knowing that Cameron "did not" say the Holy Spirit Gift of speaking in tongues.
 

Blade

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Nov 19, 2019
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The holy Spirit is easily grieved I don't think we truly understand that. To kinda touch Gifts.. We have gift of salvation "its a gift from God". The holy Spirit "You shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” One verse for me says it all "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you" Luke 11:13. Then we have " I want you to know about the gifts of the Holy Spirit". These gifts are given for the purpose of spiritual profit, manifestation (phanerosis) is a vital word. It clarifies the meaning of "gift". The exercise of the gifts makes the Spirit's presence evident. This is a manifestation of the Spirit and not a manifestation of a gift for He is the source.

Easily grieved, how I talk about another bother/sister or minister or on and on, He is so easily grieved. See I found out that at some point in this walk I had to know the truth not what others say be it Baptist to Word of Faith or preacher or just a Christian. See if anyone reads my posts or my talk or singing or preaching or teaching and I came across as if I am telling you the real truth then I have failed.
 

Blade

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Nov 19, 2019
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No argument. it happens today.



Yup - NOBODY "HAS" gifts, WE have the HOLY SPIRIT, who HAS the gifts, and any Christian can be (And are) used in any gift as God wills depending on the situation. The folks out in the field doing REAL MINISTRY, are more likely to experience the Gifts, than those, who aren't involved in ministry, and just want to criticize what they don't even understand.
Hi Bob C.. .. part of what you said is true yet God give many missionaries the ability to speak foreign languages they never spoke. Assemblies of God and so many others through out history. There are so many stories about this. Please no offense but its misleading. The part you just had to put in caps?
 

Cameron143

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Mar 1, 2022
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The Red X in post #534 seems redundant knowing that Cameron "did not" say the Holy Spirit Gift of speaking in tongues.
I love those white tilted crosses with the nice red background. Someone is trying to remind me of the blood Jesus shed for me. Hallelujah.
 

FollowerofShiloh

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Jan 24, 2024
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I love those white tilted crosses with the nice red background. Someone is trying to remind me of the blood Jesus shed for me. Hallelujah.
One would like to believe those that claim to speak in tongues would know the difference between when the term "speaking in tongues" is being used for human language and the Gift of the Holy Spirit. If they do not, I might even have to question their claim to having the Gift at all. But I do agree, that tilted cross surrounded in red definitely points to the work on the Cross.