Why can’t i speak in tongues as a Christian

They knew they were speaking about the wonderful works of God and that no interpretation was needed.

the hearing was by those who testified that they heard them speaking. you can read that is Acts chapter 2:5-9

5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language.

7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?

The writer Luke records the reaction of the hearing who said how could those who were from Galilee speak in their own langues.

I don't have to make up anything it is said right in the book of ACTS

I will try to answer this in a very simple way. If you have been saved then you have the Holy Spirit.

Look at this verse


Hos 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

see a lot will try to give a answer on something they do not operate in, and therefore they really are not the right ones to give a answer. It would be like me being a man to tell a woman how easy it is to have a child. I would not be so bold to ever do that.

I do operate in the praying in tongues for personal edification. Not the gifting for the church.

let me explain it like this, there is speaking in tongues( like in the church where you need a interpreter) and there is praying in tounges ( like your own personal prayer language)

You know how there are languages like English, Spanish, French, ect. well the bible speaks of 4 different types.

if you go to www.daveroberson.org and read his book 'the walk of the spirit, the walk of power' (it is free I have it in paper back and is the exact same thing) Dave explains it well in His book and why the enemy has kept the church in the dark on this issue.

John Bevere is a good teacher in this area also. you can find his stuff online, and they both teach well on it.

I hope this helps you. I do not have the gift of speaking in tongues , you know the one where we need it to be interpreted. Every Christian can pray in tongues. Now the bible uses the words speaking and praying interchangeably.

Look at this bible verse

1Cor 14:18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:

all means all, but I just used the word's speak and pray to try to help you understand better. But here it would be all can pray in tongues for personal edification, but the gifting of tongues to speak in a church not all can do.

Just look deeper into the people I told you to look into to explain it better and you will see what I am saying.

I hope this helps you

God Bless

never mind I rather try to nail jello to the wall

Because it's not your thing. Not every thing is for every person.

1 Corinthians 12:28
“And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.”

Welcome to CC, sister Elo!

You were baptized with the Holy Spirit the moment you gave your life to Jesus. You have everything you need. Speaking in tongues is not needful. Be at peace, dear sister.


Matthew 22:
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment. 39And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Thats all that matters.

"Tongues", in the King James Bible, means "languages". The miracle in the Book of acts was that "unlearned" men were speaking foreign languages which they had not learned or been taught. It's like, if you just started speaking Russian right now with no Russian lessons. But this was a miracle for that moment in time. People who "speak in tongues" today are babbling gibberish; not languages. Read I Corinthians chapter 13 in the KJV. Read the whole chapter; it's a short one.

The miraculous manifestation of the gifts as listed in 1 Cor 12:8-10 which included tongues, have either ceased of vanished away according to 1 Cor 13:8. All the gifts listed are no longer needed now as they were in the early church. Tongues were earthly tongues and were for a sign to unbelievers per the scripture, and were necessary then to grow the early church.

Sorry but you are a bit off here ----I Have the gift of tongues and I know of other Born Again People who have this gift -----TODAY ----

The 9 gifts of the Holy Spirit are all valid for today ------until Jesus returns -------and He hasn't returned yet to my knowledge ----

Paul says this ----! Corinthians 1 AMP --verse 7

Appeal to Unity
1 Paul, called as an apostle (special messenger, personally chosen representative) of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and our brother [a]Sosthenes,

2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified (set apart, made holy) in Christ Jesus, who are selected and called as saints (God’s people), together with all those who in every place call on and honor the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours:

3 Grace to you and peace [inner calm and spiritual well-being] from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

4 I thank my God always for you because of the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus,

5 so that in everything you were [exceedingly] enriched in Him, in all speech [empowered by the spiritual gifts] and in all knowledge [with insight into the faith]. 6 In this way our testimony about Christ was confirmed and established in you,

7 so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift [which comes from the Holy Spirit], as you eagerly wait [with confident trust] for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ [when He returns].

8 And He will also confirm you to the end [keeping you strong and free of any accusation, so that you will be] blameless and beyond reproach in the day [of the return] of our Lord Jesus Christ.

9 God is faithful [He is reliable, trustworthy and ever true to His promise—He can be depended on], and through Him you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Maybe it's better to understand like Paul said. Maybe you're the Christian of understanding scripture and not tongues.

There are examples if anyone accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior to get the Spirit. Acts 2:38 tells you how and when you get the gift of the Holy Ghost which is subsequent to belief, repentance, and baptism.

The KJV reads a bit different than the version you quoted. And in either case it doesn't imply that the gifts are or will be in effect until the coming of Christ as implied by 1 Cor 13:8, that they (gifts), will cease or vanish away. So what unknown languages have you spoken and I assume it was interpreted and in the presence of unbelievers as a sign to them.

1 cor 1:7

7So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:

Well I have the gift of tongues --and so do others so the 9 gifts of the Holy Spirit are alive and well today ---this gift edifies the believer and is a power tool for individual praying ----

When you speak in tongues yourself --you speak to God Not Man -----in a Church setting you need the interpretation as the people will not understand what you are saying ----and it will be of no effect ----

The Holy Spirit is alive and well and indwells the true Christian and so the 9 Gifts of the Holy Spirit are still active as they come from the Holy Spirit Himself --He chooses who gets what gift ---the gifts will cease when there is no more need for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit ---

Now you don't have to believe that ---that is your right ---but I believe your reading the scripture with the wrong lens -----and your taking it out of context

you need to do some research on the whole scripture your reading ------this chapter of 1 Corinthians 13 is all about Love and that Love never fails and without Love -( Agape -)---the gifts are useless -----and love will never cease but the gifts will eventually cease ------it is not saying that the gifts are no longer in play today ----that is false doctrine -----

Read the Chapter -----Read carefully verses 8 --9 and 10 ------they explain it -----but they need to be read together----

the word perfection in verse 10 means this ----From bible hub
the perfect state of all things, to be ushered in by the return of Christ from heaven, 1 Corinthians 13:10;
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1 Corinthians 13

Easy-to-Read Version

Let Love Be Your Guide

13 I may speak in different languages, whether human or even of angels. But if I don’t have love, I am only a noisy bell or a ringing cymbal.

2 I may have the gift of prophecy, I may understand all secrets and know everything there is to know, and I may have faith so great that I can move mountains. But even with all this, if I don’t have love, I am nothing.

3 I may give away everything I have to help others, and I may even give my body as an offering to be burned. But I gain nothing by doing all this if I don’t have love.

4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. 5 Love is not rude, it is not selfish, and it cannot be made angry easily. Love does not remember wrongs done against it. 6 Love is never happy when others do wrong, but it is always happy with the truth. 7 Love never gives up on people. It never stops trusting, never loses hope, and never quits.

8 Love will never end. But all those gifts will come to an end—even the gift of prophecy, the gift of speaking in different kinds of languages, and the gift of knowledge.

9 These will all end because this knowledge and these prophecies we have are not complete.

10 But when perfection comes, the things that are not complete will end.

11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, and I made plans like a child. When I became a man, I stopped those childish ways.

12 It is the same with us. Now we see God as if we are looking at a reflection in a mirror. But then, in the future, we will see him right before our eyes. Now I know only a part, but at that time I will know fully, as God has known me.

13 So these three things continue: faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love
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I posted this before------ but reposting it here for you to view

Univ of Penn. study examines people who speak in tongues with MRI which proves the speech center is not working.

Speaking in Tongues Medical Study proves Holy Spirit praying

The video doesn't prove anything. The doctor who did the study actually says he can only say what's happening in the brain, not why. The reason the frontal lobe wasn't very active when the pastor "spoke in tongues" is because he was vocalizing in a way that didn't require its use. It doesn't prove in any way whatsoever that it was the Holy Spirit speaking.

Most people confuse receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit or Ghost, the Spirit itself, with the miraculous gifts administered by or through the Spirit as per 1 Cor 12:8-10. You receive the gift of the Holy Spirit or Ghost according to Acts 2:38, upon baptism.

Acts 2:38

38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit or Ghost that happened to the apostles as noted in Acts 2, was meant for THEM, and fulfilled the prophecy of Joel, the words of John the Baptist, and in accordance with Christ's instructions to them per Luke 24:49, to tarry in Jerusalem until they received power from on high. Read Luke 3:16, Luke 24:49, Joel 2:28-9, Acts 1:4,5,8, Acts 2:1-4, and 16-18.

Baptism of repentance, also known as John's baptism or baptism for remission of sins, was a pivotal practice in the early Christian era, initiated by John the Baptist. It signified a turning away from sin, a willingness to embrace God's forgiveness, and a preparation for the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

The Essence of Repentance

At the heart of baptism of repentance lay the concept of repentance, a profound transformation of one's heart and mind. It involved acknowledging one's sinfulness, turning away from wrongdoings, and seeking God's mercy and grace. This shift in perspective was not merely a fleeting decision but a lifelong commitment to living in accordance with God's will.

The Symbolism of Water Baptism

The act of water baptism served as a tangible expression of this inward transformation. It symbolized cleansing from sin, a rebirth into a new life aligned with God's purpose. Immersion in water represented a symbolic death to one's former self and a rising into a new existence, marked by repentance and spiritual renewal.

John the Baptist's Mission

John the Baptist emerged as a prophetic figure in the years leading up to Jesus' public ministry. He preached a message of repentance and prepared the way for the Messiah. His baptism symbolized the preparation needed for the coming of Christ, who would offer ultimate salvation and forgiveness of sins.

The Role of Baptism in Christian Life

While John's baptism emphasized repentance and preparation for Christ, baptism in the Christian church has evolved to encompass a broader meaning. It signifies a believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, signifying their participation in his redemptive work. It also represents a commitment to follow Jesus and walk in his footsteps, living a life guided by his teachings and principles.

The Ongoing Call to Repentance

Repentance is not a one-time event but an ongoing process throughout one's Christian life. It involves a constant awareness of one's sinfulness and a willingness to confess and turn away from wrongdoings. This ongoing repentance is essential for maintaining a close relationship with God and growing in spiritual maturity.

In essence, baptism of repentance serves as a powerful reminder of God's love, forgiveness, and the transforming power of faith. It calls individuals to turn away from sin, embrace God's grace, and commit themselves to a life of obedience and service.


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Give me a deep explanation of baptism of repentance
Baptism of Repentance: A Symbol of Change and Commitment

Baptism of repentance, also known as John's baptism or baptism for remission of sins, was a pivotal practice in the early Christian era, initiated by John the Baptist. It signified a turning away from sin, a willingness to embrace God's forgiveness, and a preparation for the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

The Essence of Repentance

At the heart of baptism of repentance lay the concept of repentance, a profound transformation of one's heart and mind. It involved acknowledging one's sinfulness, turning away from wrongdoings, and seeking God's mercy and grace. This shift in perspective was not merely a fleeting decision but a lifelong commitment to living in accordance with God's will.

The Symbolism of Water Baptism

The act of water baptism served as a tangible expression of this inward transformation. It symbolized cleansing from sin, a rebirth into a new life aligned with God's purpose. Immersion in water represented a symbolic death to one's former self and a rising into a new existence, marked by repentance and spiritual renewal.

John the Baptist's Mission

John the Baptist emerged as a prophetic figure in the years leading up to Jesus' public ministry. He preached a message of repentance and prepared the way for the Messiah. His baptism symbolized the preparation needed for the coming of Christ, who would offer ultimate salvation and forgiveness of sins.

The Role of Baptism in Christian Life

While John's baptism emphasized repentance and preparation for Christ, baptism in the Christian church has evolved to encompass a broader meaning. It signifies a believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, signifying their participation in his redemptive work. It also represents a commitment to follow Jesus and walk in his footsteps, living a life guided by his teachings and principles.

The Ongoing Call to Repentance

Repentance is not a one-time event but an ongoing process throughout one's Christian life. It involves a constant awareness of one's sinfulness and a willingness to confess and turn away from wrongdoings. This ongoing repentance is essential for maintaining a close relationship with God and growing in spiritual maturity.

In essence, baptism of repentance serves as a powerful reminder of God's love, forgiveness, and the transforming power of faith. It calls individuals to turn away from sin, embrace God's grace, and commit themselves to a life of obedience and service.


The baptism of the Holy Ghost, also known as the infilling of the Holy Spirit, is a profound spiritual experience described in the New Testament as a gift from God bestowed upon believers. It is distinct from water baptism, which symbolizes a cleansing from sin and a new life in Christ.

The Essence of the Baptism

The baptism of the Holy Ghost is a filling or anointing with the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity. It is not merely a one-time event but an ongoing experience that transforms a believer's life and empowers them for spiritual growth and service.

The Bible's Teachings

The Bible provides ample evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ himself promised to send the Holy Spirit to his followers after his ascension (John 14:16-17). On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out on the early church, marking the beginning of the Christian era (Acts 2:1-4).

Characteristics of the Baptism

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is often accompanied by specific manifestations, including:

Speaking in tongues: This is the ability to speak in a language that the individual has not learned, often for the purpose of praising God and edifying the church.

Other spiritual gifts: The Holy Spirit bestows various spiritual gifts upon believers, including prophecy, healing, discernment, and teaching.

Increased spiritual power: The baptism of the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live godly lives, witness to others, and serve God effectively.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the life of a believer, guiding them, teaching them, and empowering them to fulfill their calling. He convicts them of sin, brings them to repentance, and fills them with love, joy, and peace.

The Benefits of the Baptism

The baptism of the Holy Spirit brings numerous benefits to believers, including:

Deeper spiritual intimacy with God: The Holy Spirit connects believers to God in a personal and intimate way, allowing them to experience his presence and love.

Greater spiritual power and effectiveness: The Holy Spirit empowers believers to overcome sin, resist temptation, and fulfill their mission in the world.

Enriched spiritual life: The baptism of the Holy Spirit fills believers with spiritual gifts and enables them to serve God with greater effectiveness.

The Response of the Believer

While the baptism of the Holy Spirit is God's gift, it also requires a response from the believer. This includes:

A heart open to the Holy Spirit: The believer must be willing to receive the Holy Spirit and submit to his guidance.

A sincere desire for spiritual growth: The believer should actively seek to grow in their spiritual life and hunger for God's presence.

A commitment to obedience to God's will: The believer must demonstrate their commitment to following God's commands and living according to his principles.

In conclusion, the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a profound and transformative experience that empowers believers to live spiritually fulfilling lives and serve God with greater effectiveness. It is a gift from God that should be sought with open hearts and unwavering commitment

I believe Paul left this for you. The whole chapter is gold, and it comes as a whole. I couldn't pick any "part" to share, I tried, but Paul answers this question for you in 1 Cor 12.

12 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.

4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

One Body with Many Members
12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.

14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.

21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the higher gifts.

And I will show you a still more excellent way.

You need to be baptised in the Holy Spirit. Some believe this happens when you are saved. If you believe that, then you have it. I had a blockage. I was so focused on the gift that I neglected the Giver, Jesus. I'd read books, been to meetings, been prayed for and got nowhere. When I saw the problem, I had an instant release and I spoke in tongues. I was on my own, about 10.30 at night. All we have to do is ask for the gift. But don't forget who it is that baptises us in the Holy Spirit and why we need His power.

I just have to say this to all readers if reading the words of The Scriptures in the comments of what God is doing in the lives of believers causes you to weep uncontrollably and speaking tongues just as I have done just a few moments ago by the spirit of God it's for real and everyone on this Earth can have it a free gift from God.