Why can’t i speak in tongues as a Christian
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It is not an assumption. If you are not familiar with the concept of the First Mention Principle and how it applies when interpreting scripture you may want to look into it. A brief explanation is the first time a specific thing is mentioned in scripture its meaning will be consistent throughout the Bible and will be confirmed by at least 2 scriptures.
1. There is the gift of the Holy Spirit evidenced by speaking in tongues as first recorded in Acts 2. And mentioned by Jesus in Luke 11:13.
2. And there are gifts given by the Holy Spirit of which one is speaking in tongues for the edification of the church when someone with the gift of interpretation is present. (1 Cor. 12)
As for speaking in tongues as evidence that a person has received the Holy Ghost consider the following:
Peter's statement in Acts 2:33 confirms receiving the Holy Ghost is accompanied by speaking in tongues: "Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. "
Jewish people-first mention: Of the 120 in the upper room every single person spoke in tongues upon being indwelt. No one was excluded. Acts 2:1-4
Gentiles receive the Holy Ghost in the same way as the Jews - first mention: Cornelius and his entire group spoke in tongues upon receiving the Holy Ghost. No one was excluded. Acts 10:44
The twelve Ephesus disciples spoke in tongues upon receiving the Holy Ghost. No one was excluded. Acts 19:6-7
Samaritans - first mention: How did Philip know that none of the Samaritans received the Holy Ghost after believing the gospel and being water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus? And what did Simon see that made him understand they all received the Holy Ghost when Peter and John came days later and laid hands on them to receive? The obvious answer is their being indwelt by the Holy Ghost was confirmed by speaking in tongues as established by the First Mention Principle established elsewhere in scripture. Acts 8:16-20
As for the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues - not everyone will be used in the gift of speaking a message in an unknown tongue which is then interpreted by an individual having the gift of interpretation for edification of the church body.
I did not understand the distinction between the two types of tongues until God used me to speak a message in tongues in a church setting. The two experiences definitely differ. I know because I speak in tongues in prayer on a regular basis whereas the tongues experience in church happened only one time and that was years ago.
Notice Paul said he speaks in tongues more than the Corinthians, but not in church. This confirms he prayed to God in tongues a lot and in doing so received personal edification. 1 Cor 14:2-4
1 Cor 14:18-19
I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
1. There is the gift of the Holy Spirit evidenced by speaking in tongues as first recorded in Acts 2. And mentioned by Jesus in Luke 11:13.
2. And there are gifts given by the Holy Spirit of which one is speaking in tongues for the edification of the church when someone with the gift of interpretation is present. (1 Cor. 12)
As for speaking in tongues as evidence that a person has received the Holy Ghost consider the following:
Peter's statement in Acts 2:33 confirms receiving the Holy Ghost is accompanied by speaking in tongues: "Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. "
Jewish people-first mention: Of the 120 in the upper room every single person spoke in tongues upon being indwelt. No one was excluded. Acts 2:1-4
Gentiles receive the Holy Ghost in the same way as the Jews - first mention: Cornelius and his entire group spoke in tongues upon receiving the Holy Ghost. No one was excluded. Acts 10:44
The twelve Ephesus disciples spoke in tongues upon receiving the Holy Ghost. No one was excluded. Acts 19:6-7
Samaritans - first mention: How did Philip know that none of the Samaritans received the Holy Ghost after believing the gospel and being water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus? And what did Simon see that made him understand they all received the Holy Ghost when Peter and John came days later and laid hands on them to receive? The obvious answer is their being indwelt by the Holy Ghost was confirmed by speaking in tongues as established by the First Mention Principle established elsewhere in scripture. Acts 8:16-20
As for the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues - not everyone will be used in the gift of speaking a message in an unknown tongue which is then interpreted by an individual having the gift of interpretation for edification of the church body.
I did not understand the distinction between the two types of tongues until God used me to speak a message in tongues in a church setting. The two experiences definitely differ. I know because I speak in tongues in prayer on a regular basis whereas the tongues experience in church happened only one time and that was years ago.
Notice Paul said he speaks in tongues more than the Corinthians, but not in church. This confirms he prayed to God in tongues a lot and in doing so received personal edification. 1 Cor 14:2-4
1 Cor 14:18-19
I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
My first "serious" encounter with Christianity/ the Bible was meeting "The Way". They were unitarians (small "u" - not the main Unitarian church). They were heavily into speaking in tongues and "taught us how to do it". It was unintelligible - at least to us.
Later I had dealings with many other churches/ denominations/ people, with many different beliefs and combinations of beliefs. "Tongues" was a matter of contention. It was pointed out to me (either in person or via a book) that in Acts, the disciples were speaking earthly languages, understood by people who were there. The idea was to spread the gospel without the problems translators, etc.. There seemed to be no unworldly aspect.
I'd be interested to hear of any biblical accounts of non-human tongues anyone would like to mention.
Later I had dealings with many other churches/ denominations/ people, with many different beliefs and combinations of beliefs. "Tongues" was a matter of contention. It was pointed out to me (either in person or via a book) that in Acts, the disciples were speaking earthly languages, understood by people who were there. The idea was to spread the gospel without the problems translators, etc.. There seemed to be no unworldly aspect.
I'd be interested to hear of any biblical accounts of non-human tongues anyone would like to mention.
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Could you please explain why Paul's comment that not all speak in tongues is not reflected in what was experienced on the Day of Pentecost? The record specifically states that all spoke in tongues upon being filled with the Holy Ghost. The same holds true in the case of the Gentiles conversion experience. And speaking in tongues is certainly implied concerning the Samaritans. If what Paul stated that not all speak in tongues pertained to receiving the Holy Ghost why do these records state otherwise?
Maybe a better word is error. Proper hermeneutics is within context, descriptive, prescriptive, meaning of the text, meaning of the words, etc. For example, one of the first concepts in Genesis 1 is God. The word for God does that automatically apply to Yahweh in all instances in the scriptures? No, it does not so the principle fails in the first verse.
True.
How is this evidence. I see and hear God all the time without the gift of tongues.
And? The sign gifts often come into play in significant first events to show authority and power.
Again same as above. How often is spoken of by early church fathers? The disciples of the apostles? And are you willing to say everyone on this site who doesn't speak in tongues isn't saved? Please be honest.
The gift is no different than what was given on Pentecost.
I get personal experience but I look at the Word to filter everything. Experience can be misleading.
I'll stick with the 5 words in less I'm gifted with tongues and understanding, thanks.
True.
How is this evidence. I see and hear God all the time without the gift of tongues.
And? The sign gifts often come into play in significant first events to show authority and power.
Again same as above. How often is spoken of by early church fathers? The disciples of the apostles? And are you willing to say everyone on this site who doesn't speak in tongues isn't saved? Please be honest.
The gift is no different than what was given on Pentecost.
I get personal experience but I look at the Word to filter everything. Experience can be misleading.
I'll stick with the 5 words in less I'm gifted with tongues and understanding, thanks.
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Can't say that I remember exactly the words. There were several instances will we were building a new church where I spoke to certain issues about trusting God to work things out (which He did), and since I was a Deacon, in meetings, occasionally God would give me a word for the group.
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We should be clear on the fact that there is actually NO scripture that states tongues is the least of the spiritual gifts.
People refer to I Corinthians 14 when they try to sell the belief that tongues is 'the least of the gifts'. Paul was not talking about tongues but was comparing them to prophecy in the context of CORPORATE worship. Prophecy can be understood by all and all can therefore benefit whereas everyone speaking in tongues and not being understood is not orderly and not edifying to all.
Here is what Paul actually had to say regarding the gift of tongues:
I would that you all spoke with tongues but rather that you prophesied: for greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. (I Cor 12 and 14 are addressed to worship as believers together)
That, would actually put tongues on the same level as prophesying, as edification of the body was/is the goal and not using gifts, when in public, for your own benefit.
Paul also said Forbid not to speak in tongues I Cor 14:39
Paul said he wanted everyone to be speaking in tongues. That, does not come across as discouragement but rather identifies tongues as very important.
I will tell anyone who cares to listen, that there are reasons tongues are so frowned on today. First off, God is not the author of confusion and confusion as per the Corinthian church is easily seen in many churches today. They would do well to heed the instructions on the proper use of tongues.
And another and more important reason, is that the devil HATES the proper use of tongues and the power of God that genuine tongues represent and that are effective against the devil.
It is not true that tongues are the least of the gifts when they are comparable to prophecy, as Paul states, which many mistakenly believe is the highest gift a person may have.
It is actually childish, IMO, to put people in the place of the Spirit of God and think you need someone to go between you and God in the form of some 'prophet' when God is willing and able to teach you through His Spirit Himself as He promised He would.
Best to understand why we have the Holy Spirit in the first place. There are enough charlatans running around now
People refer to I Corinthians 14 when they try to sell the belief that tongues is 'the least of the gifts'. Paul was not talking about tongues but was comparing them to prophecy in the context of CORPORATE worship. Prophecy can be understood by all and all can therefore benefit whereas everyone speaking in tongues and not being understood is not orderly and not edifying to all.
Here is what Paul actually had to say regarding the gift of tongues:
I would that you all spoke with tongues but rather that you prophesied: for greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. (I Cor 12 and 14 are addressed to worship as believers together)
That, would actually put tongues on the same level as prophesying, as edification of the body was/is the goal and not using gifts, when in public, for your own benefit.
Paul also said Forbid not to speak in tongues I Cor 14:39
Paul said he wanted everyone to be speaking in tongues. That, does not come across as discouragement but rather identifies tongues as very important.
I will tell anyone who cares to listen, that there are reasons tongues are so frowned on today. First off, God is not the author of confusion and confusion as per the Corinthian church is easily seen in many churches today. They would do well to heed the instructions on the proper use of tongues.
And another and more important reason, is that the devil HATES the proper use of tongues and the power of God that genuine tongues represent and that are effective against the devil.
It is not true that tongues are the least of the gifts when they are comparable to prophecy, as Paul states, which many mistakenly believe is the highest gift a person may have.
It is actually childish, IMO, to put people in the place of the Spirit of God and think you need someone to go between you and God in the form of some 'prophet' when God is willing and able to teach you through His Spirit Himself as He promised He would.
Best to understand why we have the Holy Spirit in the first place. There are enough charlatans running around now
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Here is what Paul actually had to say regarding the gift of tongues:
I would that you all spoke with tongues but rather that you prophesied: for greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. (I Cor 12 and 14 are addressed to worship as believers together)
That, would actually put tongues on the same level as prophesying, as edification of the body was/is the goal and not using gifts, when in public, for your own benefit.
Paul also said Forbid not to speak in tongues I Cor 14:39
I would that you all spoke with tongues but rather that you prophesied: for greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. (I Cor 12 and 14 are addressed to worship as believers together)
That, would actually put tongues on the same level as prophesying, as edification of the body was/is the goal and not using gifts, when in public, for your own benefit.
Paul also said Forbid not to speak in tongues I Cor 14:39
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1 Corinthians 14:4
The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.
1 Corinthians 14:14
For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful.
1 Corinthians 14:19
Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind
in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.
The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.
1 Corinthians 14:14
For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful.
1 Corinthians 14:19
Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind
in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.
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To clarify, "The First Mention Principle is that principle by which the interpretation of any verse is aided by considering the first time its subject appears in Scripture....Generally, the first mention of a principle is to be seen in its demonstration rather than in its being represented in a word... " Interpreting the Scriptures"...Kevin J. Conner and Ken Malmin.
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i am talking to God all day long in my mind just like we are buddies working side by side on the job site. and then i am more earnest in my prayer when i have come to the later part of the evening before bed and this is where i always recite the Lord's Prayer with my own twist to it because it allows me to forgive others and seek forgiveness for the things i missed asking forgiveness for throughout any given day. but it's in bed i fall asleep worshiping God and then ask for the things i need and it leads many times into Speaking in Tongues. and those things have come to pass because the mysteries being spoken to by God through the Holy Spirit that searches me and the depths of God.
twice in recent weeks i have had 2 dreams where it was actual Demonic attacks. both times it was something going to harm or kill me that i could not physically stop myself. i woke up both times [my wife told me] screaming at this entity Speaking in Tongues. in both dreams as soon as i began Speaking in Tongues the enemy left ASAP. i continued Speaking in Tongues until fell back to sleep.
all i know is it works and i believe in it and i've seen incredible results in my life from it.
twice in recent weeks i have had 2 dreams where it was actual Demonic attacks. both times it was something going to harm or kill me that i could not physically stop myself. i woke up both times [my wife told me] screaming at this entity Speaking in Tongues. in both dreams as soon as i began Speaking in Tongues the enemy left ASAP. i continued Speaking in Tongues until fell back to sleep.
all i know is it works and i believe in it and i've seen incredible results in my life from it.
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The scripture in Acts 2:4 actually confirms they were all filled. And afterward Peter confirmed that the Gentiles experience was the same. (Acts 10:45-47 and Acts 11:13-15)
Acts 2:4
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 10:44-47
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
Acts 11:13-15
And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;
Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.
15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.
Acts 2:4
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 10:44-47
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
Acts 11:13-15
And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;
Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.
15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.
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