I'll bite the bullet on this one!
I confess to being a Cessationist, that is, I believe the sign and revelational gifts ceased with the death of the Apostles.
I have not always held this view.
I spent 20 years in the Pentecostal Movement, 7 of those years as a pastor. I have seen and experienced it all!
I left in disgust around the time of the Toronto Blessing. I just could not reconcile people rolling around the floor laughing and barking like dogs as being a 'move of God'.
From a study of Scripture I came to see that New Testament Tongues were in fact Human Languages ( Acts 2) not what
was on offer in Pentecostal Churches. I had to examine my own experience of speaking in tongues and came to the realisation that it was not the NT gift but rather a psychological imitation.
So for better or worse, I am now a Cessationist.
Peace
The Lord has blessed you in this revelation.
Indeed, it is unfortunate, that the 1611 English word "tongue or tongues" is so misunderstood today. However, the word "tongue", as understood in those days, was any form of human language. This word is still employed today in some cultures and in literature. The KJV made the problem worse by adding in the word "
unknown" before "tongue".
In the following verse, which is often used as a prooftext for heavenly tongues today:
1Co 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. (KJV)
It was translated as a "First Class Conditional" statement - when in fact it is a "Third Class Conditional" statement in the Greek. Therefore the (ASB) is a better translation:
1Co_13:1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal.
The purpose the Apostle Paul had in mind, was to contrast "Love" with exaggerated hypothetical arguments, to better exalt the importance of love. Thus:
1Co 13:1
If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels - Then Paul goes to a even more extreme hypothetical:
1Co 13:2
And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains
Certainly, the Apostle did not expect anyone to believe that he knew "ALL" mysteries and had "ALL" knowledge nor could he remove mountains.