The Purpose of Speaking in Tongues

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

wolfwint

Senior Member
Feb 15, 2014
3,778
943
113
62
It is possible that the tongues is a sign of empowerment yes but the spirit works in all gifts we humans do not.
We as people in general are bron with certain things we excel at and things we don't and it is the same with the gifts as well. The phrase emowered by the spirit is I think a misunderstood term. It isn't just recieving the holy spirit because the bible speaks of recieving it but also speaks of being empowered by it so whatever gifts we do walk in will be empowered and added unto us. unless of course I am mistaken
Thank for reply Blain, but my Problem is, that it is claimed that speaking in tongues is the Sign to be empowered with the Holy Spirit.
I Think that t
it is an answer one you don't understand that is not my fault,
Thank you, for your kindness.
 

wolfwint

Senior Member
Feb 15, 2014
3,778
943
113
62
Yes, I was only quoting part of your post. My intent was only to clarify which part I was agreeing with...and show some unexpected outcomes if it is true, as we both have now said it is. I did not mean to slander your post. I know you do not preach the outcomes that I suggest.

As for Spiritual gifts given to believers: I want to point out that there are two kinds of spiritual gift... not just one... and the difference in their purpose and attributes is MAJOR. But the first spiritual gift is so obvious it is most often overlooked/excluded when people speak of spiritual gifts. And most fail to see what are the attributes of this spiritual gift compared to and contrasted with all the others. But it is spiritual, and it is a gift. Therefore it is a spiritual gift. I think we make a mistake when we exclude this gift in our use of the term "spiritual gifts", and we also make a mistake if we think that we can ignore the difference between this gift and the other type.

I do not expect you to be able to see/agree with what I am saying right now. But I post it so you and everyone can pray about it.

NOTE: Some things are only spiritually discerned. Those who think they can rely on their understanding without sincerely asking God to open it to them are not likely to actually see what is said. Others, who will pray about it may wait a considerable amount of time before God opens it to them, but God is faithful to answer. My advice is that if anyone doesn't see the importance clearly, they should not pretend to. They can say "I don't see it that way" or "I disagree" or "That seems obvious and unimportant" but shouldn't pretend to understand immediately in order to appear knowledgeable.


The two types of spiritual gift and some CONTRASTING attributes are as follows:

1. The Holy Ghost itself:
  • ONE gift,
  • Available to ALL
  • Is required,
  • Given to the benefit of the individual (primarily).
2. The additional gifts ,
  • NUMEROUS gifts
  • Each available only to SOME
  • Not required
  • Given to benefit others (primarily).

Love in Jesus,
Kelby
Kelby, this is no answer to my Post, in concern to the gift of speaking in tongues.
That a believer has to receive the Holy Spirit is clear. And also clear is that he gives the Spiritual gifts which we find in 1. C or and Romans.
But the question is, as it is claimed from believers which belong to the pentecostal and carismatic movements , that speaking in tongues is for all and that speaking in tongues is the Sign to be baptised/filled with the Holy Spirit.
 

CS1

Well-known member
May 23, 2012
13,112
4,374
113
Kelby, this is no answer to my Post, in concern to the gift of speaking in tongues.
That a believer has to receive the Holy Spirit is clear. And also clear is that he gives the Spiritual gifts which we find in 1. C or and Romans.
But the question is, as it is claimed from believers which belong to the pentecostal and carismatic movements , that speaking in tongues is for all and that speaking in tongues is the Sign to be baptised/filled with the Holy Spirit.
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are for all which Paul said in 1cor 12 we should seek them and desire them. Tongues in the book of Acts is the initial evidence one has received the Holy Spirits empowerment. That is it. You are making more than what it is .

You do not understand and it has been said many times gifts of the Holy Spirit which tongues is one of them. Baptism of the Holy Spirit when one has been speaks in tongues or prophesies as we see in Acts . Just because you speak in tongues ones does to mean you have the gift, just like prophesying does make you a prophet.
 
Jun 5, 2020
48
17
8
Regardless of his Kelby's beliefs, by the guidelines in place, this is a study of what tongues were and what it was for. Speaking in tongues is in the Bible. That makes it worthy of study.
Thank you for speaking up. I am new to Christian Chat, and well, I thought it was getting rough! YUCK!
 
Jun 5, 2020
48
17
8
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are for all which Paul said in 1cor 12 we should seek them and desire them. Tongues in the book of Acts is the initial evidence one has received the Holy Spirits empowerment. That is it. You are making more than what it is .

You do not understand and it has been said many times gifts of the Holy Spirit which tongues is one of them. Baptism of the Holy Spirit when one has been speaks in tongues or prophesies as we see in Acts . Just because you speak in tongues ones does to mean you have the gift, just like prophesying does make you a prophet.
Hello, I know you are a moderator, but your response: "You do not understand and it has been said many times..." sounds a bit hostile and condescending. Do you mean that just because Kelby may believe differently that she is not "understanding" as you would like for her to "understand"? I'm new here, and so far, I'm not wowed at the way conversations are being carried on. If there is to be a true exchange of beliefs, state scripture, teachings, your experiences and confirming Rhema words from God that has produced goodness and love that is uplifting, and not dogma or legalism.
 
Jun 5, 2020
48
17
8
Kelby, this is no answer to my Post, in concern to the gift of speaking in tongues.
That a believer has to receive the Holy Spirit is clear. And also clear is that he gives the Spiritual gifts which we find in 1. C or and Romans.
But the question is, as it is claimed from believers which belong to the pentecostal and carismatic movements , that speaking in tongues is for all and that speaking in tongues is the Sign to be baptised/filled with the Holy Spirit.
ACTS 2:39
The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call."
 
Jun 5, 2020
48
17
8
1 Corinthians 12:27-31 New International Version (NIV)
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.
And yet I will show you the most excellent way.

I believe this passage also shows that all will not have the gift. Just as all will not be an apostle, pastor, prophet, etc.
ACTS 2:39
The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call."

THIS IS TO ALL:
Respectfully, we can surmise, discuss, refute, reject or accept...all good for pondering the will of God, but ultimately, it is not left to our decisions or intellect, but to the will of God.
Just for extra information, it is has been speculated that there were actually more than one type of tongues recorded in scripture. The first to appear at Pentecost, to aid the furtherance of the gospel to Jews who spoke different languages, the second to edify the spirit of the Christian, and finally, the third that was for ministry. WHAT?! BUT, BUT, BUT....HOW?! if others cannot understand?! Well, that's another story...Have I seen and experienced it? Yes! Is it real or just gobbly gock? It's real...
Again, we can go round and round about this...and I'm speaking to every post from everyone on this forum...because I've noticed that everyone seems so quick to challenge each other's beliefs, some even seem aggressive and hostile, but they never seem to question or challenge themselves. Hey, I don't mean to step on toes here, but seriously, as a newcomer, and someone who has been a Christian for over 43 years and has heard all of these tiresome arguments, or rather "discussions that claim righteous authority", it is well, quite futile.
You must decide what is most important to you, in your Christian walk, what do you need? What do you need to build yourself up to then put into the building of the kingdom of God and for the furtherance of his word?
 

CS1

Well-known member
May 23, 2012
13,112
4,374
113
Hello, I know you are a moderator, but your response: "You do not understand and it has been said many times..." sounds a bit hostile and condescending. Do you mean that just because Kelby may believe differently that she is not "understanding" as you would like for her to "understand"? I'm new here, and so far, I'm not wowed at the way conversations are being carried on. If there is to be a true exchange of beliefs, state scripture, teachings, your experiences and confirming Rhema words from God that has produced goodness and love that is uplifting, and not dogma or legalism.

excuse me, but I have had a very good dialog with Kelby. Which I actually complemented KelbyofGod. You are mistaken.

Maybe you should reread what I actually said to this person before you suggest something I did not say or even project. You do not know nor is your Opinion correct of me but I respect it. Maybe as a new person you might want to spend sometime looking more into the thread as you said, " I'm new here" before you try to correct me :) .

God bless :)
 

KelbyofGod

Senior Member
Oct 8, 2017
1,881
721
113
Not at all, I don't think it is mockery I think you very much respectful, pithy but respectful. I actually like it :).
I want to address this part of your reply first, not because it is most important part, but for personal reasons.

Rarely in the forums do I see positive comments about much of anything, much less positive PERSONAL comments. And It took me 2-3 readings to even catch the part of your post that was referring to me, personally, rather than just my posting(s).

Pithy: (of language or style) concise and forcefully expressive. <-- I consider that to be one of the highest compliments I've received to date, and it is certainly one of the most appreciated. I strive to be exactly that, and didn't know there was an actual word for it. So I offer a heart-felt "Thank-you". :)

My general job in the church, and in the world, is to provoke people to believe greater/more than they currently do.<--(that should probably receive some thorough consideration, as it means I often have to cause them to question some of their core beliefs.)

But in order to do that for a learned and/or believing person , the speaker needs to be able to first identify the exact point of error, then express only that point clearly and quickly enough that the person can't be distracted away from it before they see it. They may still decide to reject it, but they won't be able to stand before God and claim they didn't see it. "Concise and forceful expression" is the "clearly and quickly" part of that equation.

I'm telling you that because I see the need to do that with you concerning some of what we've begun to talk about...specifically concerning the value of the word "saved". You can try to resist, but I promise you that God is skillful enough to cut through the "BS" standing in the way. :)

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." - Hebrews 4:12 KJV​

"Quick and powerful, etc" = "Pithy".

I MAY need to start addressing the rest of your post tomorrow, depending on when I start to get tired, but i might get to it yet tonight. :)

Love in Jesus,
Kelby
 

KelbyofGod

Senior Member
Oct 8, 2017
1,881
721
113
Not at all, I don't think it is mockery I think you very much respectful, pithy but respectful. I actually like it :).
I guess I should add that I also appreciated the humorous aspect of this particular post. :)

Love in Jesus,
Kelby
 

CS1

Well-known member
May 23, 2012
13,112
4,374
113
I want to address this part of your reply first, not because it is most important part, but for personal reasons.

Rarely in the forums do I see positive comments about much of anything, much less positive PERSONAL comments. And It took me 2-3 readings to even catch the part of your post that was referring to me, personally, rather than just my posting(s).

Pithy: (of language or style) concise and forcefully expressive. <-- I consider that to be one of the highest compliments I've received to date, and it is certainly one of the most appreciated. I strive to be exactly that, and didn't know there was an actual word for it. So I offer a heart-felt "Thank-you". :)

My general job in the church, and in the world, is to provoke people to believe greater/more than they currently do.<--(that should probably receive some thorough consideration, as it means I often have to cause them to question some of their core beliefs.)

But in order to do that for a learned and/or believing person , the speaker needs to be able to first identify the exact point of error, then express only that point clearly and quickly enough that the person can't be distracted away from it before they see it. They may still decide to reject it, but they won't be able to stand before God and claim they didn't see it. "Concise and forceful expression" is the "clearly and quickly" part of that equation.

I'm telling you that because I see the need to do that with you concerning some of what we've begun to talk about...specifically concerning the value of the word "saved". You can try to resist, but I promise you that God is skillful enough to cut through the "BS" standing in the way. :)

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." - Hebrews 4:12 KJV​

"Quick and powerful, etc" = "Pithy".

I MAY need to start addressing the rest of your post tomorrow, depending on when I start to get tired, but i might get to it yet tonight. :)

Love in Jesus,
Kelby
please take all the time you need. :).
 
Jun 5, 2020
48
17
8
For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit.

Yes indeed the gift was to speak to God in a mysterious language by the Spirit. No one understands them in less there is interpretation. Which to me also means the individual speaking will probably not be able to interpret. Another Scripture says if no one can interpret, then that individual should keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God.

22 Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is not for unbelievers but for believers. 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?

The speaker of tongues must be aware of their surrounding. As their gift is better used when around mature believers.

Paul stresses that the most important are the edifying of the church.
Um, Roughsoul1991, sorry to contradict, but...yes, sometimes a person who is speaking in tongues aloud will him/her self interpret. Other times it is someone else in the congregation (not necessarily a member, it can be a guest!)
But if no one interprets, it does not necessarily mean that the person speaking in tongues spoke up out of place, sometimes individuals who have the interpretation are so bewildered that they understand something in another language spoken by someone else, that they are quite frankly in awe, and then the pastor moves on with the message of the day... so they miss giving the message to the entire church.
Oh, and by the way, this form of speaking in tongues is not the personal gift that uplifts the Christian, it is actually considered prophetic, because it is directed to the whole church for uplifting. That it is presented in tongues, is just its presentation. WHAT?! Why doesn't God just have the person spit it out in English?
 
Jan 12, 2019
7,497
1,399
113
ACTS 2:39
The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call."
And you thought Peter was speaking to all of us in that verse, when he was clearly addressing "Men of Israel" (Acts2:22)?
 
Jun 5, 2020
48
17
8
Um, Roughsoul1991, sorry to contradict, but...yes, sometimes a person who is speaking in tongues aloud will him/her self interpret. Other times it is someone else in the congregation (not necessarily a member, it can be a guest!)
But if no one interprets, it does not necessarily mean that the person speaking in tongues spoke up out of place, sometimes individuals who have the interpretation are so bewildered that they understand something in another language spoken by someone else, that they are quite frankly in awe, and then the pastor moves on with the message of the day... so they miss giving the message to the entire church.
Oh, and by the way, this form of speaking in tongues is not the personal gift that uplifts the Christian, it is actually considered prophetic, because it is directed to the whole church for uplifting. That it is presented in tongues, is just its presentation. WHAT?! Why doesn't God just have the person spit it out in English?
I don't know! I don't know the mind of God nor can I ever accurately predict the movements of the Holy Spirit and the way He chooses to work with people at any given time. I know this bothers people, because they'd like to have God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit all pigeon holed, and predictable, but they're not! And, they don't live by my rules either! :) But have I seen it? YES, and it definitely produced fruit.
 

CS1

Well-known member
May 23, 2012
13,112
4,374
113
Um, Roughsoul1991, sorry to contradict, but...yes, sometimes a person who is speaking in tongues aloud will him/her self interpret. Other times it is someone else in the congregation (not necessarily a member, it can be a guest!)
But if no one interprets, it does not necessarily mean that the person speaking in tongues spoke up out of place, sometimes individuals who have the interpretation are so bewildered that they understand something in another language spoken by someone else, that they are quite frankly in awe, and then the pastor moves on with the message of the day... so they miss giving the message to the entire church.
Oh, and by the way, this form of speaking in tongues is not the personal gift that uplifts the Christian, it is actually considered prophetic, because it is directed to the whole church for uplifting. That it is presented in tongues, is just its presentation. WHAT?! Why doesn't God just have the person spit it out in English?



"Why doesn't God just have the person spit it out in English?"

Because one has nor been taught from 1cor 14:13

13 Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.

you can pray in tongues silently and ask God for the interpretation and speak it out in your native language .
 
Jun 5, 2020
48
17
8
And you thought Peter was speaking to all of us in that verse, when he was clearly addressing "Men of Israel" (Acts2:22)?
Okay, so I'm new here, and I've read some of your "strong" posts. I don't want to challenge you. You can definitely believe as you wish, and hang knuckle white tight to those beliefs; however, please ask God himself. As Christians, we hear the voice of our Father, both in Logos and Rhema.
 

CS1

Well-known member
May 23, 2012
13,112
4,374
113
And you thought Peter was speaking to all of us in that verse, when he was clearly addressing "Men of Israel" (Acts2:22)?
but there were not only Jews Present in Israel on this day was there? The list is there in Acts 2.