Speaking In Tongues

The subject of speaking in tongues remains controversial today and is a subject deserving of some close attention. I have found unless you truly understand something it can b freighting.

This post is short and is not designed to argue that tongues is a valid gift but it simply attempts to describe the nature and function of speaking in tongues.

The “tongues” spoken on the Day of Pentecost were real human language.

The variety of nations represented in Acts would certainly confirm this. Every heard in their own language and dialect. Can this phenomenon still occur today? Absolutely, yes. While it’s not common today. Some feel it’s the language of the Holy Spirit.

The gift of speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift. It meaning speaking with words or in a language one doesn’t know in order to edify yourself and others.

Jesus foretold of speaking in tongues, “And these signs will follow those who believe… they will speak in new tongues.” ( Mark 16:17). The first time anyone spoke in tongues was on the day of Pentecost; when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the apostles, in Acts. The apostles spoke the gospel to the crowds in Jerusalem, and what they said could be understood by people speaking many different languages… we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God (Acts 2:11).

Later the apostle Paul also writes about the gift of speaking in tongues, in 1 Corinthians 12 and 14. However, he writes that the person speaking in tongues doesn’t speak in an understandable language: “no one understands them, however in his spirit he speaks mysteries.’ (1 Corinthians 14:2). Yet this gift that has been given to believers can be of benefit to the recipients and used to edify others in Christian gatherings.

What Does The Bible Say About Speaking In Tongues?

Much of what is written in the Bible about this gift is written by Paul to the Corinthians church. Apparently many of them had received this gift but did not understand the proper use of it in their gatherings.

Paul attempted to help them understand it’s purpose: “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all; for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of Sprits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues “ (1 Corinthians 12:4-10.

The gift of speaking In tongues was one of many given to believers to aid in the building of the body of Christ, which is the church.

Speaking In Tongues For Edification

Speaking In tongues in itself can benefit a person. Paul states: “He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself.” (1 Corinthians 14:4). Speaking in tongues can help you express what your spirit and which you cannot express with words. Paul makes it clear that the best way to edify the church is to speak prophetically, with “plain” words that build faith and understanding for all who hear the message (1 Corinthians 14: 18-19).

However,speaking in tongues can also be of “profit to all” in a Christian assembly if it is interpreted to a common language of those in the gathering.

How is it then brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching , has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification, if anyone speaks in the tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret.

1 Corinthians 14:26

When used this way, the gift of tongues should be used to empathize and support the spiritual message, and not because you feel strongly moved in your emotions. In this way, others besides the one speaking in tongues will be edified,

Speaking In Tongues As A Sign For Unbelievers

There is another reason the gift of tongues is given. “In the law it is written:’ With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people, And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me, says the Lord. Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers” (1 Corinthians 14:21-22). In this way it could benefit those who attend a gathering but have not yet committed their life to Christ.

Who Receives This Spiritual Gift?

It is e pressed in the Bible that not all believers will receive this gift: “God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrators, varieties of tongues. Are all apostles! Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all interpret?” (1 Corinthians 12:28-30). We see here that only some will receive the gift to speak in tongues, just as some are only called to be prophets, etc,,,

As with all gifts of the Spirit, the speaking in tongues is not necessarily a sign of spiritual maturity. Many of the Corinthians spoke in tongues but Paul states that they were “babes of Christ “ (1 Corinthians 3:1). However, when used in an orderly and appropriate manner, it can be used to build up the individual and other members of the body of Christ.

How Does Satan Keep Unbelievers In Spiritual Darkness?

According to scripture. Satan does the following things to keep those who have not believed in Christ in spiritual darkness.

Deny His Existence

One of the favorite ways in which Satan operates is to get people to deny that he exists. He seems to be most effective when people do not believe there is such a creature as the Devil. If he can get people to doubt his existence, then he can do much of his work without them knowing.

Disguise

We find from the Bible that Satan had often approached people in disguise. For example, in the Garden of Eden he came in the form of a snake (serpent) to Adam and Eve (Genesis 3). The Apostle Paul warned the Corinthians that he appears as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14).

To His Advantage

This unbelief in his existence works to Satan’s advantage. When people are either uninformed or misinformed about the existence of the devil, they become like the Sadducees in Jesus’s day, who did not believe in angels or spirits. When someone rejects the idea of Satan’s existence they are an easy target for him to manipulate.

Blinds People To God’s Truth

The truth of the gospel is what sets people free. Satan attempts to blind people from that truth.

And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this age had blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the Glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

2 Corinthians 4:3-4

Energizes His Own Ministerss

Satan gives power to his own ministers.

It is no great thing therefore if his ministers fashion themselves as ministers of righteousness, whose and shall be according to their works.

2 Corinthians 11:15

Controls People’s Heart And Minds

Satan has the ability to control hearts and minds. (He did mine for years).

And Satan entered into Judas who was called Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.

Luke 22:3

Hinders The Gospel

The message of the gospel is hindered by the devil.

When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path

Matthew 13:19

Prevents People From Hearing The Gospel

Satan’s main goal is to prevent people from hearing the good news about Jesus. The message about forgiveness offered through Jesus that sets people free.

So, if the Son makes you free you will be free indeed.

John 8:36

Misrepresents The Truth

Satan lies, denies, and misrepresents the truth. To Eve he said

And the serpent said to the woman, You shall not truly die

Genesis 3:4

Takes Away Gospel

He also takes away that which the unbeliever has heard.

And those by the way side are they that have heard, then comes the devil, and takes away the word from their heart, that they may not believe and be saved.

Luke 8:46

Satan attempts to get people to falsely place their trust in themselves, religion, or good works. He wants people to feel religiously satisfied, but without having a saving knowledge of Christ. The Bible says.

There is a way which seems right unto a person, but the end there of are the ways of people.

Proverbs 16:25

Goal Is Destruction

His ultimate goal is the destruction of people

And be not afraid of them that kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul, but rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Matthew 10;28

Hope For Escape

Fortunately, there is hope for unbelievers to escape the traps of the devil.

And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition. If God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

2 Timothy 2:24-26

Satan has his methods with unbelievers. He wants to keep them from hearing the good news about Christ- the forgiveness of sins. To accomplish this he prevents people from hearing, blinds them to the good news, takes away the good news once they’ve heard it, and has them falsely trust in something apart from Christ and His gospel. This is his strategy to keep people from hearing and believing the truth about Christ.

Satan Only Comes To Steal, Kill And Destroy But Christ Comes To Give A Rich And Satisfying Life. – John 10:10

Why Does God Answer Some Prayers And Not Others.

There are several places in the Word of God that simply say that under certain circumstances, God will not answer our prayers. First sometimes our prayers are not answered because we haven’t brought our requests to God. James 4:2 says. “You do not have because you do not ask.” God is not going to answer your request unless you are Him through prayer. Second, our prayers might not be answers because of unconfessed sin.

Proverbs 15;28 says, “The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayers of the righteous,” There are times as followers of Christ, our prayers go unanswered because we are harboring unconfessed sin I our lives.

Third, on occasion our prayer are not answered because of our doubt. James 1:6-8 tells us to “ask in faith, with no doubting” because the one who doubts is double-minded.” To be double-minded is not to let the request go, but to give the request to God and then take it back. Instead of trusting God, we try to work out the solution ourselves.

Fourth, our prayers may not be answered because of unrighteous motives. James 4:3 says, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.” God refused to listen to people who eagerly pursue selfish pleasures. The key to understanding this verse is the word “spend,” which means praying for something just because you want it. It has nothing to do with the will of Go’s or the purpose of God. It’s just a selfish prayer.

Fifth, sometimes our prayers are not answered because of unresolvable conflicts. Mark 11:25-26 says, “Whenever you stand praying, forgive him, that your Father in Heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in Heaven forgive your trespasses.’ If I have offended my brother (or sister ), I must go to them and make that right, or my prayers will be hindered. The responsibility is mine, in either case, to make things right with my brother or sister, and then come to the Lord with my prayers. If you are harboring resentment, an unforgiving spirit, or anger in your heart toward another brother or sister, it may not shut down your prayer life, but it will hinder it.

Sixth, our prayers might not be answered because we lack compassion. Proverbs 21:13 says, “Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poirwill also cry himself and not be heard.” The Bible says than when you harbor a compassionate spirit, when you don’t ask God to make you sensitive to people you can help, then it will be hard for you to have the relationship in prayer that you desire.

How To Stay Uplifted During Hard Times

Hard times always come. But there are things we can do to make them a little more bearable.

Whether you see life is a roller coaster or a box of chocolates, we can all agree that while there have been beautiful moments there are times when Hope seems so far away. It’s during those challenging times when we should be open more opportunities for king and refinement.

It’s so easy to become upset these days, but here’s a few ways to keep a smile on your face.

Say “For” Instead Of “To”

We’ve all had some sort of rendition of “why this is happening to me?” at one point. And still try saying “Why is this happening for me?”

Life happens for us. One word can change your perspective for the challenge you’re facing. Because those moments are hardship can be your greatest teachers.

Here’s something I’ve stopped doing and I need to begin again.

Keep A Gratitude Jounal

Practicing gratitude can be an antidote to sadness and negativity. And it’s been proven that practicing gratitude can rewire your brain to improve your happiness level in the long run.

Treat Yourself

Makes self-care a priority you’re in calendars. Speak kindly to yourself, Rita self-help book even if it’s a few chapters, start a new hobby, get plenty of sleep and exercise, oh and make time for that bubble bath and a glass of wine. Do what you love.

Keep An Open Mind And Perspective

Sometimes our rock-bottom moment can act as a springboard to launch a towards self improvement. Whatever you are going through, You can watch it has taught you. Every time I go through a tough time I always stop ask God “what do you want me to learn from this?” How can I transform this challenge into an opportunity? Sure, it may take a while, but with the right mindset, you’ll be amazed at the discovery you’ll.

Surround Yourself With Loved Ones

Your family and friends can be beacons of light you need in your life. Reaching out to them for support or even just laugh together and provide the endurance you need and helps keep you going. If you are alone cried reading a book, opening up my Bible and looking up uplifting scriptures, or something as simple as taking a walk around your neighborhood.

Allow Yourself To Have Bad Days

Washing yourself to be positive all the time and build up negative emotions and backfire on time. Allow yourself to feel all your emotions and make space for them. Crying is actually a great emotional release, so proud that he shoebox and left it here slow if that was helpful for you. But remember don’t have a pity party very often. A pity party every day trains your brain that sad can happen every day and can make you depressed. Everyone has trigger days. Sometimes someone will say something to me and it’s like my emotions go into overdrive I let it ruin my entire day, but then there’s a time I have to adult up and move on.

Make A List Of Things You Can Manage

If your thoughts are often focused on the things you can’t control until the point that you’re exhausted stop and take a breath. And share, except but you cannot control and make a list of what you can. Even if all you can control your attitude and your effort, if you important to acknowledge what you are capable of doing.

Spend Time In Nature

Unplug from your video streaming and smartphone and take a walk outside. Spending time in nature kind improve your mood and your mental health and it allows a good opportunity to practice mindfulness Which can produce many positive effects in your life and naturally uplifts us.

Uplift Someone Else Every Day

Every time the world is struck by disaster, millions of people rally around those affected to show their support. Service is a powerful and life-changing tool especially in the midst of our own challenges. Selfishness can give us purpose hope and strength to carry on. Every day try to uplift someone. I make a point to say or do something positive for someone every day.

Call a family member or friend you know is having a tough time, say hello to a stranger at the store. Help someone get something off the top shelf that they can’t reach, If someone needs help don’t just walk on by help them, or at least offer to assist them.

Uplifting others every day helps us feel uplifted and feel more positive in our daily lives.

It’s a simple biblical principal: Love God – Love People

Love God enough to follow his commandments and love people enough to give them a little joy, and we will learn to love ourselves a little more.

God Bless You