The Purpose of Speaking in Tongues

[KelbyofGod]

As a new believer, I took my hubby to a ‘fellowship’ (hoping he would get saved). About 15 people there and they seemed to all speak in tongues at the same time. It was madness...we never went again...much later went to a conference and the speaker (Jackie pullinger) got everyone up speaking in tongues at once. There were hundreds of people babbling (including me, to my shame...I didn’t want to look the odd one out did I? 😐). I remember reading 1 Cor. 14:33 and realising that it just felt wrong

I might suggest that what you saw was almost word for word fulfillment of 1 Corinthians 14:23

"If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?" - 1 Corinthians 14:23​

You even used the word "madness".

And please don't think my intent is to put the emphasis on the person who walked in, or to accuse someone of unbelief... I just wanted to highlight the accuracy of 1 Corinthians 14.

I might add that you also defined yourself as a "new believer" which does imply some degree of "unlearned" which is completely understandable, and probably showed up in the form of the legitimate question "WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON HERE?!"

I'd be interested to find out the answer to that question because of my level of curiosity and lack of risk while looking from afar. Also I don't presume that the speaker was wrong OR right. I am simply declaring myself as "unlearned' in the area of how that speaker runs things.

Lastly, I'm just browsing some information on her and so far I like her persona (which is way different than knowing how a meeting would be run.)

Thanks for posting.

Love in Jesus,
Kelby

 

[Scribe]

The purpose of speaking in tongues is so that 'pastors' of places like Hillsong and C3 can convince you that they're men of faith and that you should give them your money

Funny how God has chosen only certain types of churches for constantly speaking in tongues...

The pastor of Hillsong speaks in tongues? That is good to know. I knew there was something different about their music. Now I know why.

 

[wolfwint]

My Korean friend said she began speaking in tongues very quickly, maybe a few months, after becoming a Christian. She said the more mature Christian speaks in tongues. Is this true?

Speaking in tongues has nothing to do with maturity. Read about what Paul give the corinthians Christians for a witness about their fleshly behaviours.
Today you will find speaking in tongues only among pentecostal and charismatic Christians.

 

[TheIndianGirl]

So speaking in tongues definitely means speaking in an understandable foreign language? Of my friends who speak in tongues, they have said that it "kind of" sounds like Arabic, and another one Japanese. One of them started speaking in tongues in front of me while driving, I could not understand what she was saying but I do not doubt her sincerity nor am I able to doubt that she has that gift from the Holy Spirit. But I do get the sense from people who speak in tongues that they believe that they are more mature Christians, and that they have a more special relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Also, why are some people able to speak in tongues but others can't? It also does not seem to be given on an individual basis, rather on a group basis (Pentecostal and charismatic). Seems like either the whole church can, or they can't.

 

[garee]

So speaking in tongues definitely means speaking in an understandable foreign language? Of my friends who speak in tongues, they have said that it "kind of" sounds like Arabic, and another one Japanese. One of them started speaking in tongues in front of me while driving, I could not understand what she was saying but I do not doubt her sincerity nor am I able to doubt that she has that gift from the Holy Spirit. But I do get the sense from people who speak in tongues that they believe that they are more mature Christians, and that they have a more special relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Also, why are some people able to speak in tongues but others can't? It also does not seem to be given on an individual basis, rather on a group basis (Pentecostal and charismatic). Seems like either the whole church can, or they can't.

Tongues is prophecy .If you cannot understand what your own self is hearing it is not prophecy .That is not how the word of God works in us. Hearing God is not a guessing game .

A person must look to the foundation of the doctrine. God mocking those who mock him by making senseless baby sounds. They should fall backward its the sign used to identify those who have another gospel .

Why would we encourage those that mock the spirit of judgement?

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 lasaw
Qaw laqaw qaw laqaw
Ze’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 (tongues) 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

Is that the kind of legacy we want to leave behind. Mocking God making senseless sounds ?

 

[Blain]

It is my understanding that speaking in tongues was to edify strenghten encourage and to speak to our spirits. The thing is even when not speaking in tongues the apostles did this anyways to all who would receive it so tongues must have had either a deeper power to it or another purpose. I mean it says they spoke in languages that other people from different roots understood so maybe it was to be able to speak in different languages in general but it was done in the form of a fiery tongue which makes me think it wasn't merely speaking in another language but the fiery tongue indicated the power that was in the words spoken.

I have always believed there is power in words and I am a writer at heart and have personally seen the power words spoken from the heart can have but tongues it seems is able to do this on a level I wish I could

 

[Blain]

So speaking in tongues definitely means speaking in an understandable foreign language? Of my friends who speak in tongues, they have said that it "kind of" sounds like Arabic, and another one Japanese. One of them started speaking in tongues in front of me while driving, I could not understand what she was saying but I do not doubt her sincerity nor am I able to doubt that she has that gift from the Holy Spirit. But I do get the sense from people who speak in tongues that they believe that they are more mature Christians, and that they have a more special relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Also, why are some people able to speak in tongues but others can't? It also does not seem to be given on an individual basis, rather on a group basis (Pentecostal and charismatic). Seems like either the whole church can, or they can't.

I do believe people try to speak to tongues when they don't actually have it, I don't believe tongues is mere baby talk or simply speaking in another language, I have encountered so many fake tongues and only once was I in the presence of it but for me it wasn't mere language it felt like something was being spoken into me, like how God spoke creation into being my friend seemed to speak life and actual power into my soul, that is the only way I know how to describe it it's not a sensation that can be put into words

As for why some people have it and others don't that is how the gifts are in general, but if anyone thinks they have a more special relationship with God because of it then they are fooling themselves that is not how the gifts operate. They are intended to help build guide strengthen teach and encourage the church, if one gets an ego boost for it then they are most certainly not walking in the gift

 

[Reformyourself]

I might suggest that what you saw was almost word for word fulfillment of 1 Corinthians 14:23

"If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?" - 1 Corinthians 14:23​

You even used the word "madness".

And please don't think my intent is to put the emphasis on the person who walked in, or to accuse someone of unbelief... I just wanted to highlight the accuracy of 1 Corinthians 14.

I might add that you also defined yourself as a "new believer" which does imply some degree of "unlearned" which is completely understandable, and probably showed up in the form of the legitimate question "WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON HERE?!"

I'd be interested to find out the answer to that question because of my level of curiosity and lack of risk while looking from afar. Also I don't presume that the speaker was wrong OR right. I am simply declaring myself as "unlearned' in the area of how that speaker runs things.

Lastly, I'm just browsing some information on her and so far I like her persona (which is way different than knowing how a meeting would be run.)

Thanks for posting.

Love in Jesus,
Kelby

Well for a start, Paul says, only one person should speak at a time, so that’s why it was mad

 

[Dino246]

The pastor of Hillsong speaks in tongues? That is good to know. I knew there was something different about their music. Now I know why.

And the explanation for that apparent non sequitur is... ?

 

[KelbyofGod]

So speaking in tongues definitely means speaking in an understandable foreign language? Of my friends who speak in tongues, they have said that it "kind of" sounds like Arabic, and another one Japanese. One of them started speaking in tongues in front of me while driving, I could not understand what she was saying but I do not doubt her sincerity nor am I able to doubt that she has that gift from the Holy Spirit. But I do get the sense from people who speak in tongues that they believe that they are more mature Christians, and that they have a more special relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Also, why are some people able to speak in tongues but others can't? It also does not seem to be given on an individual basis, rather on a group basis (Pentecostal and charismatic). Seems like either the whole church can, or they can't.

You'll hear opposing views on the BDF (Bible discussion forum). Some who have 'speaking in tongues' and some who do not.
I have speaking in tongues. It is not earthly languages unless God puts in those syllables.

If it was an earthly language it would not fulfill what is said in 1 Corinthians 14:2 that ONLY God understands what is said (with the exception of when God provides the interpretation).

That's why I call it the babbly kind...because you hear the syllables but they just sound like babble.

I honestly don't know of anyone who HAS speaking in tongues that says it is normal earthly languages (unless God converts it to diversity of tongues).

Sorry that sounds complicated. I'm just trying to be thorough.

In short, no, speaking in tongues is not normal earthly languages.

Love in Jesus,
Kelby

 

[Dino246]

Tongues is prophecy

Where is that in Scripture?

If you cannot understand what your own self is hearing it is not prophecy .That is not how the word of God works in us. Hearing God is not a guessing game .

Where is that in Scripture?

Is that the kind of legacy we want to leave behind. Mocking God making senseless sounds ?

The only one mocking is you.

 

[garee]

Where is that in Scripture?


Where is that in Scripture?


The only one mocking is you.

I am not the one amkinf senseless sounds and falling backward and mocking the Spirit of God's judgment God and yet for all time and time again he has revealed even to this day they continue to mock God. through a oral tradition on of corrupted men

The law is set in Isaiah 28 and revisited in 1 Corinthians 14. Prophecy is for believers not mocking the spirit of judgment .
Study to show oneself approved.

Can't help those who say they need none.

God Wants to Help His People

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.9-13

Its a good sign they need the gospel the tongue of God.

 

[garee]

You'll hear opposing views on the BDF (Bible discussion forum). Some who have 'speaking in tongues' and some who do not.
I have speaking in tongues. It is not earthly languages unless God puts in those syllables.

If it was an earthly language it would not fulfill what is said in 1 Corinthians 14:2 that ONLY God understands what is said (with the exception of when God provides the interpretation).

That's why I call it the babbly kind...because you hear the syllables but they just sound like babble.

I honestly don't know of anyone who HAS speaking in tongues that says it is normal earthly languages (unless God converts it to diversity of tongues).

Sorry that sounds complicated. I'm just trying to be thorough.

In short, no, speaking in tongues is not normal earthly languages.

Love in Jesus,
Kelby

Its normal. "Prophecy is the tongue of God inspired from heaven . Not earthy language inspired of the devil .But rather the language of the gospel

No such thing as "sign gift.' Look what I did! Its and evil generation that does seek after one. Spiritual gifts unseen, yes .

Why go above that which is written seeking after senseless sounds and calling that Love.? Love reveals the will of God not conceals. .

 

[Scribe]

Tongues is prophecy .If you cannot understand what your own self is hearing it is not prophecy .That is not how the word of God works in us. Hearing God is not a guessing game .

A person must look to the foundation of the doctrine. God mocking those who mock him by making senseless baby sounds. They should fall backward its the sign used to identify those who have another gospel .

Why would we encourage those that mock the spirit of judgement?

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 lasaw
Qaw laqaw qaw laqaw
Ze’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 (tongues) 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

Is that the kind of legacy we want to leave behind. Mocking God making senseless sounds ?

I do believe people try to speak to tongues when they don't actually have it, I don't believe tongues is mere baby talk or simply speaking in another language, I have encountered so many fake tongues and only once was I in the presence of it but for me it wasn't mere language it felt like something was being spoken into me, like how God spoke creation into being my friend seemed to speak life and actual power into my soul, that is the only way I know how to describe it it's not a sensation that can be put into words

As for why some people have it and others don't that is how the gifts are in general, but if anyone thinks they have a more special relationship with God because of it then they are fooling themselves that is not how the gifts operate. They are intended to help build guide strengthen teach and encourage the church, if one gets an ego boost for it then they are most certainly not walking in the gift

I have heard the argument presented that people who believe that there is a baptism of the Holy Spirit with the impartation of spiritual gifts separate from that of the Holy Spirit given to all Christians at conversion are suggesting that they are better or more Elite Christians because of this gift. Therefore they conclude that the doctrine must be wrong.

They are claiming that if you suggest that you have experienced something that they have not in regards to this "power to be a witness" then you are claiming to be a better Christian than they are in the witnessing department at least.

The problem with this kind of reasoning is that they would agree with you that a praying pastor will be more effective in ministry than a non-praying pastor. If that is true (and they would agree that it is) doesn't it stand to reason that a person who prays in tongues like Paul did would be more effective in ministry than one who does not? It is not a claim to elitism or being "better than" it is an acknowledgement that the gift of the Holy Ghost of praying in tongues does what God intended in empowering the believer and making his witnessing ministry more effective. "ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me .." This initial gift of the Spirit of speaking in tongues does produce a reality of supernatural edification and empowering the one praying and there will be a noticeable difference in their ministry as a result. Instead of feeling left out, join in and receive the free gift that is available to every believer. You can receive it by faith just by asking and receiving. I look forward to hearing the testimonies of those who begin to read about this, believe and receive it in their lives as a result of this thread KelbyofGod posted.

 

[KelbyofGod]

Also, why are some people able to speak in tongues but others can't? It also does not seem to be given on an individual basis, rather on a group basis (Pentecostal and charismatic). Seems like either the whole church can, or they can't.

It shows up in some churches more than others for one simple reason:

Some churches encourage their members to ask for it and some churches basically tell their people that they would be commiting a sin if they were to ask for it.

It can be as simple as "You have not because you ask not".

Thats why i encouraged you to ask.

Btw, our conversation has basically covered what is written in Luke 11:9-13

Luke 11:9-13 KJV

And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. [10] For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. [11] If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? [12] Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? [13] If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?​

You can ask sincerely because God won't give you something bad when you are asking for his Spirit.

Love in Jesus,
Kelby

 

[CS1]

It shows up in some churches more than others for one simple reason:

Some churches encourage their members to ask for it and some churches basically tell their people that they would be commiting a sin if they were to ask for it.

It can be as simple as "You have not because you ask not".

Thats why i encouraged you to ask.

Btw, our conversation has basically covered what is written in Luke 11:9-13

Luke 11:9-13 KJV

And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. [10] For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. [11] If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? [12] Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? [13] If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?​

You can ask sincerely because God won't give you something bad when you are asking for his Spirit.

Love in Jesus,
Kelby

"It shows up in some churches more than others for one simple reason:"

This comment is opinionated and not true. You do not know all or what is the so-called simple reason.

"Some churches encourage their members to ask for it and some churches basically tell their people that they would be commiting a sin if they were to ask for it."

There is another reason they ask too. The word of God and the Lord Jesus said to ask . See this in John 14:16, 26, and John 15:26 and in Luke 11:13

We are told to desire the gifts in 1cor 14:1

Those who make this about " some churches encourage their members" without the full context of the word of God which says to seek after them and desire them and use them. Is dishonest and false narratives while opinionated and not fully truthful.

 

[KelbyofGod]

Well for a start, Paul says, only one person should speak at a time, so that’s why it was mad

If the person is going to speak in tongues TO THE GROUP, yes ONLY one should speak at a time (as in when they are expecting an interpretation to follow).

But in other situations, that may not be what is expected...

Example #1: When the Holy Ghost is poured out on a group. When the Holy Spirit came into the upper room as they were seeking God in one accord, they ALL began speaking in other tongues as the spirit gave utterance. I imagine that was something impressive to see! No wonder it was "noised abroad" ( A.K.A. It was the talk of the town (good or bad).

Example #2: When it is a prayer meeting. Tongues speakers or not... Some prayer meetings are just a bunch of people sitting quietly while one person prays out loud. At other prayer meetings one person says an opening prayer and each individual or small group prays quietly, or perhaps louder. And yes, I've seen that latter style at a baptist church that did NOT teach "speaking in tongues"

Example #3: When the person is praying quietly to God, but not intending others to hear or understand. This is what is stated in
1 Corinthians 14:28 "But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; AND let him speak to himself, and to God.

That's where the "unlearned" part comes into play. If the person is unlearned about the purpose and expectations of the meeting, they would think them mad. <--notice this happened at the outpouring on the day of Pentecost even though the onlookers heard their own languages being spoken too, saying "These men are full of new wine" A.K.A "These guys are on drugs!"

Would any of us say that God didn't know what he was doing when he poured it on all of them and they ALL began speaking in other tongues?

Love in Jesus,
Kelby

 

[Reformyourself]

If the person is going to speak in tongues TO THE GROUP, yes ONLY one should speak at a time (as in when they are expecting an interpretation to follow).

But in other situations, that may not be what is expected...

Example #1: When the Holy Ghost is poured out on a group. When the Holy Spirit came into the upper room as they were seeking God in one accord, they ALL began speaking in other tongues as the spirit gave utterance. I imagine that was something impressive to see! No wonder it was "noised abroad" ( A.K.A. It was the talk of the town (good or bad).

Example #2: When it is a prayer meeting. Tongues speakers or not... Some prayer meetings are just a bunch of people sitting quietly while one person prays out loud. At other prayer meetings one person says an opening prayer and each individual or small group prays quietly, or perhaps louder. And yes, I've seen that latter style at a baptist church that did NOT teach "speaking in tongues"

Example #3: When the person is praying quietly to God, but not intending others to hear or understand. This is what is stated in
1 Corinthians 14:28 "But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; AND let him speak to himself, and to God.

That's where the "unlearned" part comes into play. If the person is unlearned about the purpose and expectations of the meeting, they would think them mad. <--notice this happened at the outpouring on the day of Pentecost even though the onlookers heard their own languages being spoken too, saying "These men are full of new wine" A.K.A "These guys are on drugs!"

Would any of us say that God didn't know what he was doing when he poured it on all of them and they ALL began speaking in other tongues?

Love in Jesus,
Kelby

When they were in the upper room. We’re they speaking an angelic language or Parthian, Mede, Elamite, Mesopotamian, Judaean, Cappadocian, (both Pontus, and Asian)
Phrygian, Pamphylian, (Egyptian) Libyan (Cyrenean) Roman Jewish and proselytes, (gentile converts)

 

[Blain]

I have heard the argument presented that people who believe that there is a baptism of the Holy Spirit with the impartation of spiritual gifts separate from that of the Holy Spirit given to all Christians at conversion are suggesting that they are better or more Elite Christians because of this gift. Therefore they conclude that the doctrine must be wrong.

They are claiming that if you suggest that you have experienced something that they have not in regards to this "power to be a witness" then you are claiming to be a better Christian than they are in the witnessing department at least.

The problem with this kind of reasoning is that they would agree with you that a praying pastor will be more effective in ministry than a non-praying pastor. If that is true (and they would agree that it is) doesn't it stand to reason that a person who prays in tongues like Paul did would be more effective in ministry than one who does not? It is not a claim to elitism or being "better than" it is an acknowledgement that the gift of the Holy Ghost of praying in tongues does what God intended in empowering the believer and making his witnessing ministry more effective. "ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me .." This initial gift of the Spirit of speaking in tongues does produce a reality of supernatural edification and empowering the one praying and there will be a noticeable difference in their ministry as a result. Instead of feeling left out, join in and receive the free gift that is available to every believer. You can receive it by faith just by asking and receiving. I look forward to hearing the testimonies of those who begin to read about this, believe and receive it in their lives as a result of this thread KelbyofGod posted.

When I was saved the very first thing I experienced was waking up filled with life not energy but life itself it felt as if a blazing fire was inside me and all around me and believe me I am not in any way a morning person but I got up that morning full of life and danced around my room in joy. The baptism of fire is exactly what I went through, I do not know why when people are saved they go through this and others don't but I also don't believe that accounts to whether they are saved or not God just works differently with different people.

I mean just because I went through this and almost daily go through spiritual things doesn't make me any better than anyone else in Christ. In fact I told a very good freind of mine on here something. See because of my brain damage I have a hard time remembering things I have to look up scriptures posted on here every time I see it but the things I say from my heart are of scripture. He is far more scrip[tural than I am and doesn't experience the supernatural as I do but I said to him that people like me need people like him to stay grounded because while it is amazing to see and go through all this if we aren't careful we can take things to far we begin to go to high and so people like him who are scripturally sound keep us grounded.

As far as tongues go I do not have the gift at least not in that sense. The gift is to encourage strenghten build up inspire and to let the poer of God flow in the words spoken, I do this naturally because I don't think I just write what he places on my heart and I am a writer at heart and know the power words have so you would think this gift would be a perfect fit for me.

But while I don't have flaming tongues or speaking in other languages he uses my inability to think properly but beeing able to write and speak from my heart to do the very same thing. So many times I have seen him use me to make that spark inside me people to ignite that flame, he has used me to touch hearts to heal the inner wounds of peoples hearts to encourage and strenghten to have people who are down oand out be filled with life again.

This is not to boast because I cannot take credit but when I see him use me for these things I am filled with such joy and gratitude that he would use me in this way because as a believer that gift and what it does is all I want to do and be I could care less about being strong or having more gifts or being a pure and amazing believer the power that is in words is the gift of tongues so I think there is more than one way he gives the gift.

It is uncanny actually how what the gift is meant for is my entire reason for being, people say the gift of tongues is gone but the testimony I give says otherwise.

 

[wolfwint]

You'll hear opposing views on the BDF (Bible discussion forum). Some who have 'speaking in tongues' and some who do not.
I have speaking in tongues. It is not earthly languages unless God puts in those syllables.

If it was an earthly language it would not fulfill what is said in 1 Corinthians 14:2 that ONLY God understands what is said (with the exception of when God provides the interpretation).

That's why I call it the babbly kind...because you hear the syllables but they just sound like babble.

I honestly don't know of anyone who HAS speaking in tongues that says it is normal earthly languages (unless God converts it to diversity of tongues).

Sorry that sounds complicated. I'm just trying to be thorough.

In short, no, speaking in tongues is not normal earthly languages.

Love in Jesus,
Kelby

So, speaking in tongues seems different. The First speaking in tongues in acts 2, ore 10 were earthly languages.