Do You Pray And Sing In Tongues ?

Experience is a poor measuring stick of theology.

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Well,,,, (when I was 19, and suffering some sort of mental breakdown)

My wife and I went to a "church". I view it more cult like. As soon as the sermon started everyone swarmed me and my wife. The women grabbed my wife and a few of the men grabbed me. They all held on to us as if we were literally falling into the abyss. They were all "speaking in tongues". Me, in a panic state started uttering gibberish. My wife on the other hand said that she actually started speaking in tongues. She was crying from fear, and I was in tears from confusion, and frustration, and fear.

As soon as "both" of us showed some sign of "tongues" the hord released us and were all smiling. The couple that brought us asked me, "Do you know what this means?" Instantly, wisdom and calm set in, and I said what they wanted to hear. "Yes, we're saved now."

We never went back. A few times I tried this tongue speaking deal, and wondered if I was just mumbling gibberish. After a couple months, I decided, yes, I'm making it all up. I asked my wife about her experience. She said, she hasn't done it since, and has had no desire to either. She told me, that the only reason that she did anything resembling tongues is because God was saving her from these cultists.

These people referred to the Holy Spirit as, "It" meaning, (the way they explained to me) "It's more like team spirit" it's not really God's spirit. Oddly, at this time, I was under extreme durrest because of OCD, and thinking that I did, or would commit the unpardonable sin. On top of it, suffering PTSD because of the OCD and the Unpardonable sin LOL, and then dealing with this! I wish I were where I am now back then,,,, Man what a night that would've been. I wont go into the other details of this place, but the "tongue speaking" is just the tip of the Iceberg.

We went to another church for a couple years that was "Charismatic". People spoke in tongues, and sang in tongues. When someone spoke in tongues they did it in order, no more than 2 at a time, and the preacher would shout, "Somebody obey God right now!" and someone would give some sort of interpretation.

However, I noticed something. The people in both churches didn't seem to be speaking any language I've ever heard. Not that I've heard all languages in the world. But, it had several things in common. The same repetetive sounds, and both sounded more like, Sha la la la la, Shama lalla etc etc. This was the last church we went to regularly, and consequently helped us give up church altogether.

What puzzled me wasn't that these people seemed to be doing the same thing. What puzzled me was the story of Pentecost where the Apostles were said to be speaking in tongues, and the people of different languages heard them speaking their languages. Then, the explaination from the people that speak in tongues is, "Well, it's God's language" Hmmmm, but, the Bible never said anything about speaking in God's language. However, Paul did say, "If I speak in the tongues of man, or the tongues of angels...." Ah, so that explains it.

Now, that I'm stronger, more experienced, and have since by the Grace of God, overcome my prior inflictions, I have been able to think and study clearly.

My thoughts,,,,,, And, I do leave open the possiblity that I'm wrong, which leads to my seemingly undecicive thoughts and opinions. At this time, I don't believe anyone speaks in tongues of angels, nor have they at any other time. What Paul was doing was showing, that, even speaking the language of angels doesn't make it more special than something else. Such as people would say, "Not even the President.......". So, the point is, It doesn't matter what language you speak, if someone doesn't understand, then keep quiet. And, then some say, pray in tongues, meh. What Paul means by, "If they don't understand, then you are speaking to God" Yes, because God understands, but, also meaning, you're not edifying God, and you aren't edifying yourself because you don't understand. So, it's just like saying, "You're speaking to the wind" except, that the wind doesn't listen. God does.

Evidence in the Bible shows that speaking in tongues is not a "language of God" nor is it a "language of angels". It's a language known to man, from mans language, and was meant as a sign for unbelievers, and to help spread the Gospel to those who don't speak the same language.

Not that man has overcome God, but, with all the new technologies, and abilities to communicate, and translate, there is no reason for speaking in tongues these days. As far as I can tell, it doesn't happen anymore. Is it possible? Yes absolutely.

What bothers me most about the whole issue of speaking in tongues is the condemnation that flys around. If you don't believe in it, then somehow you are damned. If you don't do it, somehow you're damned. Well, Damned if you do, damned if you don't. None of this matters in salvation, and none of it means you're holier than another, and none of it means you're saved or damned.

Let's face it. Even if tongues are for today, even if tongues are the "language of God or angels", It's not given to everyone to have it, or even believe in it. There are other gifts, and others that are better than tongues. After all these things are gone, the Bible says, Faith Hope and Love remain, and the greatest is Love.

So, those of you upset about anothers view of your "gift" made up or not, If you don't have love, your tongues are a resounding gong. Same to those of you who are upset about another claiming this "gift". If you don't have love,, Bong Bong Bong! The reason someone should be concerned are two fold,,,,, 1:- you're against it, and are genuinely concerned a fellow believer may be on the wrong path, 2:- you're for it, and are genuinely concerned a fellow believer may be on the wrong path.

In both scenarios, Love and respect should be shown to the other. That's the biggest issue.

THE GIFT OF TONGUES AND PRAYER LANGUAGE

Here is my explanation about the gift of Tongues and the Prayer Language. I gleaned it from a website, which I can no longer find…which is what we believe in our church and what I have been taught all my life.

There is a difference between the Gift of Tongues and the Prayer Language:

The gift of tongues is a “MINISTRY GIFT”---given to an individual for the primary purpose of encouraging others. This gift must always be accompanied by the Gift of Interpretation. (1 Corinthians 14:13, 28)

It manifests in worship services with a distinct sound, a clear call, evident to everyone in the whole Body that it IS a message FROM God TO us. These gifts of tongues and interpretation are the equivalent of prophecy. (1 Corinthians 14:5)

Prayer Language is a ““GRACE GIFT”---not one that is utilized to deliver messages from God to the Church. It is utilized by the Holy Spirit to benefit the individual believer and deliver messages from the spirit of man to the heart of God:

1 Corinthians 14:4
Jude 1:20
Isaiah 28:11-12

We do not all have the ministry gift of tongues, as in 1 Corinthians 12: 29-30, but we all have the grace gift within us to pray in tongues—but as with all things that God blesses us with, we want to CHOOSE to avail ourselves of that gift which he has made available to us and YIELD our vocal cords to those sounds welling up from our spirits!

PRAYING IN TONGUES:

1) Evidence of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit:
Acts 2:4
Acts 9:10-12
Acts 17 along with 1 Cor 14:18
Acts 10:44-46
Acts 19: 1-6

2) Refreshes and edifies the believer—draws up out of the wells of Salvation!:
Isaiah 12:3
Isaiah 28:11-12
John 4:14
John 7: 37-38
Luke 6:45
Hebrews 2:4

3) Helps us to pray for that which is unrevealed (mysteries):
---God’s way of “bubbling up” answers into our souls:
1 Corinthians 14:2
1 Corinthians 14:14
---unknown needs:
Proverbs 18:21
Mark 11:23-24
Romans 8:26-27

4) Adds new dimension to worship:
1 Corinthians 14:15
---spiritual songs—singing in tongues!

5) Builds faith: Jude 1:20

6) I believe that it is also an effective weapon that is used against the evil one, as he is confounded by the heavenly language.

Public Gift of Tongues

*Spoken with interpretation to the church (Equal to prophecy-1 Corinthians 14:5)
*To be interpreted (1 Corinthians 14:5)
*Edifies the church (when interpreted-1 Corinthians 14:4-5)
*A sign to unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:22)

Personal Prayer Tongues

*Spoken privately to God (1 Corinthians 14:2)
*No interpretation necessary (1 Corinthians 14:28)
*Edifies the individual believer (1 Corinthians 14:4)
*Can be manifested when no unbelievers are present (Acts 10:46; 19:6)
*Should be desired and practiced by all Christians (Mark 16:17; 1 Corinthians 14:5; Ephesians 6:18; Jude 20)

Thank you Lively stone and white knuckle. I am interested because I need to know right away about this on a personal level. I am being discipled by some one who told me to start speaking syllables and that the spirit would take over. I do not feel comfortable doing that. Does anyone have advice on this?

White knuckle I am so sorry that you went through that awful experience!

I am saying sorry to all for my little tantrum in an earlier post. I'm just frustrated.

I remember the Apostle Paul said to the Corinthians (I think?) I am coming over there to see you and i will not be looking for fancy speeches but will be looking for power!

then I heard somewhere that the early Christians were tested to see if they were God's by having to raise up a sick person.

Looks to me like the least gift was tongues. looks to me like there were different kinds and uses. I already know satan kingdom uses this. Even in catholic and protestant churches the both kingdoms are represented as they are everywhere.
Well I am interested in what you all have to say! I have heard tongues from Satan and from the Holy Spirit and I can tell the difference , when the Spirit opens my eyes, but so far I have not this gift.

Sorry again about my being upset!

Outstanding post Lively Stone.

An excellent reminder of what is available to those who wish to press further into Jesus and an excellent post to show the silliness of someone who calls it an abomination or says these gifts have ceased.

More ad hominem attacks... but to her post. All of those evidences listed are benefits IF tongues was extant, none of that goes to the question ARE they extant.

Foreigner said:

Outstanding post Lively Stone.

An excellent reminder of what is available to those who wish to press further into Jesus and an excellent post to show the silliness of someone who calls it an abomination or says these gifts have ceased.

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Thank you. I appreciate that very much.

Foreigner said:

Outstanding post Lively Stone.

An excellent reminder of what is available to those who wish to press further into Jesus and an excellent post to show the silliness of someone who calls it an abomination or says these gifts have ceased.

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Yes I agree very good post.

I speak and pray in tongues. I have received the baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire with the power to witness effectively for Jesus Christ.

Paul was not willing to call the Babblers names or say that their babble was not from God.


What he did say however was good for doctrine.


If the language is not spoken in the world and there is no interpreter it is to be silenced in public. Period.


If you are convinced that the babble that you made up is a heavenly language then it is for you and God in private only.


This is how God through Paul put an end to the spread of that iniquity in the church.










P

Son of Man said:

Paul was not willing to call the Babblers names or say that their babble was not from God.


What he did say however was good for doctrine.


If the language is not spoken in the world and there is no interpreter it is to be silenced in public. Period.

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No. The only time we are to be silent when we are given a message in tongues is ont he occasion that there is no unction for interpretation given, or sadly, the one with the gift of interpretation is not willing to speak up.

If you are convinced that the babble that you made up is a heavenly language then it is for you and God in private only.

This is how God through Paul put an end to the spread of that iniquity in the church.

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This is a bit of a bait, isn't it? Be careful how you frame your comments, for the gift of tongues is very real and the one you disparage isn't the giftee but the Giver. However, you are right that those of us who know that our gift is not a prophetic gift for the congregation know also that it is a gift for use in prayer.

One is God talking to His people and the other is His people talking to Him via Holy Ghost. None of us calls it 'babble'.

Yes! And I repeat Yes every word is true. For those who have eyes to see and ears to hear.

Paul was not willing to call the Babblers names or say that their babble was not from God.

What he did say however was good for doctrine.

If the language is not spoken in the world and there is no interpreter it is to be silenced in public. Period.

If you are convinced that the babble that you made up is a heavenly language then it is for you and God in private only.

This is how God through Paul put an end to the spread of that iniquity in the church.

And what has changed today except that people love their own vanity more than God.

If you don't have any real Gifts of the Spirit and if you Can't display the Power of God as a witness to you then you choose a precept that you can mock.

You may be able to fit in with the crowd you run with but no one is bamboozling God or His elect.

Watch out Son of Man, she will start stalking you and try to get you banned on other websites. It is good to be persecuted for His sake and Lord knows the rabble here are expert at persecuting the Lord's loved messengers.

Son of Man said:

Yes! And I repeat Yes every word is true. For those who have eyes to see and ears to hear.

Paul was not willing to call the Babblers names or say that their babble was not from God.

What he did say however was good for doctrine.

If the language is not spoken in the world and there is no interpreter it is to be silenced in public. Period.

If you are convinced that the babble that you made up is a heavenly language then it is for you and God in private only.

This is how God through Paul put an end to the spread of that iniquity in the church.

And what has changed today except that people love their own vanity more than God.

If you don't have any real Gifts of the Spirit and if you Can't display the Power of God as a witness to you then you choose a precept that you can mock.

You may be able to fit in with the crowd you run with but no one is bamboozling God or His elect.

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Of course it is nonsense to assume that people are so shallow as to make up some nonsensical sounds and call it tongues. That is just an accusation made from thin air to hurt and denigrate people and the word of God concerning this gift that you misunderstand and/or reject.

I went to a church once, it was large. It was a converted Catholic building to non denominational. It was rather charismatic. Near the end of the service, the pastor said if you want the gift of tongues to come to the altar. They moved us to another room, and lined us up in a line, there was maybe eight or ten of us. There may have been a prayer said before, I don't remember. We were told, "Just say whatever comes into your mind." And the first in line started and we all took a turn. I felt obligated to say something, so I did. Then a gentleman said, "Now you can speak in tongues." I remember feeling almost violated; the best way I know how to describe.

I know Acts speaks of the apostles laying on of hands, and in truth the Spirt of God did not leave the Earth. Meaning the same Spirt passed through the apostles to the saved is here today. This I think to be a bit different. As mentioned in another post, when the Spirt came in the form of a flaming tongue, people knew what was said in their tongue. I assume revelation is what is we strive for as a Church, hence the blessing of the interpreter. Now if one among us can interpret the language of angels, a blessing indeed is among us, only if it is of truth and not of pride or vanity.

biggandyy said:

Watch out Son of Man, she will start stalking you and try to get you banned on other websites. It is good to be persecuted for His sake and Lord knows the rabble here are expert at persecuting the Lord's loved messengers.

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Love?? I thought you rejected the idea of love?

Son of Man said:

Paul was not willing to call the Babblers names or say that their babble was not from God.


What he did say however was good for doctrine.


If the language is not spoken in the world and there is no interpreter it is to be silenced in public. Period.


If you are convinced that the babble that you made up is a heavenly language then it is for you and God in private only.


This is how God through Paul put an end to the spread of that iniquity in the church.










P

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"Iniquity", you obviously misunderstand what Paul was saying and should read down towards the end of the chapter.
39 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and don’t forbid speaking in tongues.
1 Cor 14:39 (NLT)

biggandyy said:

Experience is a poor measuring stick of theology.

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What would you call theology without experience?

justaname said:

I went to a church once, it was large. It was a converted Catholic building to non denominational. It was rather charismatic. Near the end of the service, the pastor said if you want the gift of tongues to come to the altar. They moved us to another room, and lined us up in a line, there was maybe eight or ten of us. There may have been a prayer said before, I don't remember. We were told, "Just say whatever comes into your mind." And the first in line started and we all took a turn. I felt obligated to say something, so I did. Then a gentleman said, "Now you can speak in tongues." I remember feeling almost violated; the best way I know how to describe.

I know Acts speaks of the apostles laying on of hands, and in truth the Spirt of God did not leave the Earth. Meaning the same Spirt passed through the apostles to the saved is here today. This I think to be a bit different. As mentioned in another post, when the Spirt came in the form of a flaming tongue, people knew what was said in their tongue. I assume revelation is what is we strive for as a Church, hence the blessing of the interpreter. Now if one among us can interpret the language of angels, a blessing indeed is among us, only if it is of truth and not of pride or vanity.

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Agreed, no doubt there have been many who have had similar experiences and it is sad but when it comes to the carnal man-made religious system shouldn't this be expected?
The problem is that many make judgement on what is and is not of God by what the flesh is doing. There have been many false conversions in the same manner where people are asked to come up front and say a prayer and then they are "saved". But because of these false conversions should we conclude that God no longer saves? Should we let those who have never experienced salvation or those who have only experienced the "false conversion" teach us what a true conversion is or that it no longer exist? Yet there are many who claim to know the truth concerning the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues and what it is and/or no longer exists who have never experienced the actual gift(s).

Should we take marital advice from someone who has never married, driving lessons from someone who has never driven a vehicle, or how about parental advice from a child?