Being a Christian is hard :(

Isaiah 55:8"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD."God's silence in life can be hard. I dont understand why he doesnt just come down from heaven and talk to me like a father does to their son sometimes. It's hard to understand sometimes but his ways are not our ways.I have found myself in your shoes so many times. In my opinion the answer is in ushering in his presence with praise and thanksgiving. Worshipining him with sincerity leaves me with a tangible feeling that he is there. As long as I can feel him, i'm fine. It's hard to just let worship flow from your heart when you feel like that though. I can relate. Sometimes it takes a good worship song or reading a few "power" scriptures about his love to stir me up. When I am stirred, I can usher in his presence with worship.Sometimes God withdraws from us when we are in a testing period I have been told.Here is something from Psalms I think is appropraite.Psalm 13 1How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? 2How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? 3Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; 4Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved. 5But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. 6I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.David was so close to the Lord in his life. Notice how he voices his complaint to the Lord about him being so distant. People were trying to kill him all around him and the Lord was distant. Notice how David still trusted in the Lord and remembered all the Lord has done for him. I'm sure you know how the story ended. The Lord protected David and continued on in an intimate loving relationship with him until David died of old age.May the Lord bless you and you are in my prayers.

I admire your honesty Wakka,You are right, it is not easy to follow Jesus because He tells us to be holy as He is Holy. It seems that you are in a testing time like Ryan is saying. Hang in there, my friend. I pray for your too.Jesus' servant, hitomi

Christianity never pretends to offer an easy ride, here's a piece I wrote on the theme -GOLD BERET by MickJust as Army Regiments award the beige beret (SAS), tan beret (US Rangers) and red beret (Paras), so does God award us a gold beret if we pass his test.The only success that matters is getting through the Life Selection Process and its tough! :-"All creation groans in pain from the beginning til now" (Rom 8:22)And it sorts the men from the boys:-"We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22)Jesus welcomes anybody into his squad:-"Whoever comes to me I'll never turn away" (John 6:37)And he'll lead by example:-"To follow me you must carry your own cross daily" (Luke 9:23)The C.O. shows no favouritism:-"God didn't spare his own son" (Rom 8:32)So if he can hack it so can we:-"We share in Jesus's sufferings in order to share in his glory" (Rom 8:17)And others have stayed the course too:-"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith" (2 Tim 4:7) Then if we qualify we win the Gold Beret:-"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life.." (James 1:12)But for those who want a soft, easy religion, Christianity's not for them - "They prefer teachers who only tell them what they want to hear" (2 Tim 4:3)

(Wakka;15250)
After the honeymoon period wares off, it's much harder because you're confronted by sinful desires. I have to constantly revive myself. And I'm beginning to loose the desire to read the Bible. But I make myself read it. I'm getting random atheistic thoughts like "who am I praying to?" and I immediately drop everything and pray to God to clear my mind. I often wish God to do a sign or something to revolutionize me. Pray for me .
Oh dear, Dear brother Wakka, I understand what you are saying. I'll admit being a Christian is not easy and it's never will be an easy ride. Ryangrom is correct to use these verses.Isaiah 55:8-9 - For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.Since we get random thoughts whether "Who are you praying to", "Is there a God" etc...these thoughts are our flesh thoughts...Our flesh thoughts are Satanic, and since when did the nature of flesh becomes nice and obedience to Father...NEVER.Wakka, stand up and listen to God...not yours or any our flesh thinking. I'll pray for you. That's all I can do. Lovest thou in Christ Jesus (Yahshua) our Lord and Saviour.P.S. I sometimes get Satanic thoughts, and it is disgusting.

(Wakka;15250)
. . . I often wish God to do a sign or something to revolutionize me.
He will give you a sign, more than a sign . . ."ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me . . . And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance . . . the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call" (Acts 1:8, 2:4, 39)- that means you and me.I and [url="http://www.revivalusa.org]all my friends[/url] have received this power and the sign of tongues by which you draw on God's powerful love.Have you received the same Wakka?-

Not everyone can speak in tongues...God doesn't give everyone the same gift...Just clarifying that...we can't speak in foreign tongue without the Holy Ghost, but there is not in the Word that says that "we need to speak in that tongue to receive the Holy Ghost...I Corinthians 12:30 - Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

(thesuperjag;15312)
Not everyone can speak in tongues...God doesn't give everyone the same gift... . .
You don't understand what "the gifts of the Holy Spirit" are."The gift of tongues" is ONLY mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12 & 14, along with gifts of interpretation, faith, words of knowledge etc and refers specifically to the meetings-use of what ALL Christians have for private use. That's why it says "to one is given .. . to another" (12:8-10)- only one should be speaking at once, otherwise there is confusion.Would you say that only some christians have faith, only some have knowledge ?Of course not !They all have these things - you cannot have Jesus without his mind, strength and other attributes!It is precisely because of this that there needs to be limitation and order when all meet, which is what "the gifts" passage is about.If, as you suggest, only some christians can speak in tongues, the problem of all doing so when they meet could never have arisen and this passage is largely redundant!Acts detains becoming christian - here we never read of some getting the gift of tongues, we only read of all speaking in tongues and this is how it wasknown precisely when people became christians / received God's Spirit.

I take the fact that speaking in tongues is a requirement to get the Holy Ghost in your opinion no? I have understanding that the word tongues means languages. Do you not speak English?I Corinthians 12:29-30 - Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?I Corinthians 14:2 - For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.Lowercase s...is your spirit...speaketh mysteries.I Corinthians 14:4 - He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.When you speak another language to yourself, you edify yourself...but if you prohesy the unknown tongue, you edified the church.I Corinthians 14:9 - So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.You/Everyone shall speak into the air if the church doesn't receive edification (interpreting tongue)I Corinthians 14:13-15 - Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.I Corinthians 14:19 - 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.Lovest thou in Christ Jesus (Yahshua) our Lord and Saviour.

(thesuperjag;15327)
I take the fact that speaking in tongues is a requirement to get the Holy Ghost in your opinion no?
No, other way round, you need to get the Holy Spirit, then you will speak in tongues.That's why when the apostles heard people speak in tonguyes they were able toi say that those people had *just received* the Spirit. There was no suggestion that maybe they already had the Spirit but had just "received tongues" as some teach today.(thesuperjag;15327)
I have understanding that the word tongues means languages. Do you not speak English?
Yes, but "speaking in tongues" or "speaking in new tongues" as Jesus put it in Mark 16:17 is an UNLEARNED language for speaking to God.(thesuperjag;15327)
I Corinthians 12:29-30 - Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
Since chap. 11 Paul has been talking about what should happen in meetings.If you take a text out of context you are left with a con.This passage also says "to one is given . . wisdom . . knowledge . . faith" (vv8-10) - are you going to say that only some christians have faith and only some have knowledge?

(Tallman)
(thesuperjag)
I take the fact that speaking in tongues is a requirement to get the Holy Ghost in your opinion no?
No, other way round, you need to get the Holy Spirit, then you will speak in tongues.That's why when the apostles heard people speak in tonguyes they were able toi say that those people had *just received* the Spirit. There was no suggestion that maybe they already had the Spirit but had just "received tongues" as some teach today.Yes, like I said God does not give everyone the same gift. Some who studies the Word can not even speak another language...I Corinthians 12:30 - Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?Yet the Holy Ghost will teach truth when one reads His truth with sincereity, humbleness, etc (Whether Hebrew, whether Greek, whether English etc)(Tallman)
(thesuperjag)
I have understanding that the word tongues means languages. Do you not speak English?
Yes, but "speaking in tongues" or "speaking in new tongues" as Jesus put it in Mark 16:17 is an UNLEARNED language for speaking to God.I got no problem with that...but I think God would rather want us to speak to Him with understanding, not an unknown tongue.(Tallman)
(thesuperjag)
I Corinthians 12:29-30 - Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
Since chap. 11 Paul has been talking about what should happen in meetings.If you take a text out of context you are left with a con.This passage also says "to one is given . . wisdom . . knowledge . . faith" (vv8-10) - are you going to say that only some christians have faith and only some have knowledge?I'm not the Judge, God is, and I'll leave that to God.Proverbs 2:6 - For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.Proverbs 2:10 - When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;Lovest thou in Christ Jesus (Yahshua) our Lord and Saviour.

(Wakka;15250)
After the honeymoon period wares off, it's much harder because you're confronted by sinful desires. I have to constantly revive myself. And I'm beginning to loose the desire to read the Bible. But I make myself read it. I'm getting random atheistic thoughts like "who am I praying to?" and I immediately drop everything and pray to God to clear my mind. I often wish God to do a sign or something to revolutionize me. Pray for me .
Remember, the Spirit seacrhes all things. So don't be afraid of your questions and thoughts because God answers them in scripture. Asking questions always leads to deeper understanding of scripture. I always read the Psalms when I don't udnerstand what God is doing or I'm angry at him. Then when I see David ask God why he's forsaken David, (which even Jesus did on the cross), God always answers us, not always at that moment, but soon thereafter. So don't forget, God already knows your doubts and confusion so it doesn't do any good to try to make them go away. Just be honest about them with God and He will bring you to a closer understanding of Him.

(thesuperjag;15337)
I'm not the Judge, God is, and I'll leave that to God.
If only you would! God has judged!Ac:15:8: And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;(referring to what happened in Acts 2:4 & 10:44-46)The apostles didn't judge believers to have received the Spirit until they spoke in tongues. They left it to God, the new tongue signifies the new heart "for from the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks", you ignore God's judgement on the matter

Wakka
After the honeymoon period wares off, it's much harder because you're confronted by sinful desires. I have to constantly revive myself. And I'm beginning to loose the desire to read the Bible. But I make myself read it. I'm getting random atheistic thoughts like "who am I praying to?" and I immediately drop everything and pray to God to clear my mind. I often wish God to do a sign or something to revolutionize me. Pray for me
"Lord, high and low, meek and lowly, let me learn by paradox that the way down is the way up, that to be low is to be high, that the broken heart is the healed heart, that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit, that the repenting soul is the victorious soul, that to have nothing is to possess everything, that to bear the cross is to wear the crown, that to give is to receive. Let me find thy light in my darkness, thy joy in my sorrow, thy grace in my sin, thy riches in my poverty, thy glory in my valley, thy life in my death." (unknown Puritan)"if anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it." (Matt. 16:24-25)Peace

(Wakka;15250)
After the honeymoon period wares off, it's much harder because you're confronted by sinful desires. I have to constantly revive myself. And I'm beginning to loose the desire to read the Bible. But I make myself read it. I'm getting random atheistic thoughts like "who am I praying to?" and I immediately drop everything and pray to God to clear my mind. I often wish God to do a sign or something to revolutionize me. Pray for me .
Often when you are a new Christian one will go through things like this, but as you yield to the Nature of God in you, the New Nature will become more and more dominant, until your will and desires will be one with God's. Remember also, Satan does not want you to have what God is and has given you....He is envious of your destiny; which is to share in a relationship, that has existed before God created space and time, a relationship that only the Father and the Son shared. Not even the faithful angels in heaven share in the personal and intimate relationship that the Father and the Son has, which He is bring us/Christians/human beings into. You see God is replacing our human nature, with His, God's Nature. But we will still struggle from time to time, with our human nature as long as we are in this weak and un-glorified body. But when Jesus returns, we will be given a glorified body, like His, which will not have our human nature, but God's total Nature. We will then be as God is, completely righteous, perfect and possessing eternal life just like God.

Acts 2:1-8 (King James Version) 1.And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2.And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3.And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4.And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5.And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6.Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7.And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8.And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?1 Corinthians 13:8 (King James Version)8.Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.Tongues were a sign for non-believers hence every person heard the apostles speak in their own tongue. Today we have people in every nation, language and tongue able to speak the truth of Gods words. And we see also the bible printed in every language under the sun.The fruit of the Spirit is for every believer but the gifts are given according to the works God had planned for us from before the foundation of the world.If believers believe speaking in tongues is for every believer then they are removing the truth of the Spirits ability to give us what we need for the work God has planned for us. Speaking in tongues were a blessed and planned way for the body of believers at the time the Spirit first came upon them.What I see the greatest lack is for every believer to see they are as equally important in their own little corner as being a light for the world.It is highly unlikely we will ever be a tv evangelist but we have the power of God on the inside of us to witness to those around us in our normal daily life.The truth is not about being in a position of importance, look at Christ he by his life alone is the most talked about and the most famous person whoever walked the face of the earth. The power to impact others lifes is not in how great we may be here in the eyes of the world. It is about how you let the power of God on the inside, direct your life on the outside, just where you are. To be effective you only need to submit to God and the power of the Holy Spirit to bring the fruit and give you the gifts for the work God will do in you and through you.Don't be fooled, your life where you are can have greater effect than you think.Love Faithful.xx:angel9:

(Faithful;15367)
Acts 2:1-8 . . . 8.And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
.. .:12: And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?If I walk down the Champs Elyses in Paris and over-hear 2 people talking in English, I will recognize the language, but I won't know who they are talking about and I certainly will not assume they are talking to me!!People that use Acts 2 to teach that tongues was for preaching to men are completely wrong.Peter realised they were in confusion, that's why he stood up, they all STOPPED speaking in tongues (to God) and he spoke TO the crowd in the common learned language - THEN they understood the gospel message.(Faithful;15367)
1 Corinthians 13:8 (King James Version)8.Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
Again, why stop at that verse?1Co:13:10: But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. . . .12: For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.So, there are 2 time periods, "now" and "then"."Then" is when tongues, prophecy and partial understanding will cease, "then" christians will see "face to face" and know even as they are known!!We are not there yet!Therefore we are still at the "now" stage, so tongues have NOT CEASED.(Faithful;15367)
Tongues were a sign for non-believers hence every person heard the apostles speak in their own tongue.
Hang on!When Peter went to the gentile non-christians in Acts 10, or when Paul met 12 greeks in Acts 19:1-6 it wasn't Peter or Paul that spoke in tongues to those people - it was those people that spoke in tongues!Who were they speaking to?In Acts 10:44-46, they interrupted Peter's speaking by speaking in tongues!(Faithful;15367)
Today we have people in every nation, language and tongue able to speak the truth of Gods words. And we see also the bible printed in every language under the sun.
Are you speaking the truth, or mis-using God's word.Anyone can quote the bible, but they don't have the salvation it describes unless they have got the receiving of God's Spirit right!(Faithful;15367)
The fruit of the Spirit is for every believer but the gifts are given according to the works God had planned for us from before the foundation of the world.
"The gifts" are the ministries to the church.All christians have faith, but not all use the gift of faith, all have knowledge but not all use the word of knowledge . . .tongues . ..prophesy .. .(Faithful;15367)
If believers believe speaking in tongues is for every believer then they are removing the truth of the Spirits ability to give us what we need for the work God has planned for us.
Nonsense, the Spirit knows, and tells us that we don't know God's perfect will for us (Romans 8:26, 1 Cor. 2, John 3:3 etc) therefore we all need Him to lead us in prayer in tongues - that's why ALL speak in tongues when they receive him - Acts 2:4, 10:44-46, 19:6, Romans 8:15-16, John 3:8

Quote:TallMan Originally Posted by Faithful Acts 2:1-8 . . .8.And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? .. .:12: And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?If I walk down the Champs Elyses in Paris and over-hear 2 people talking in English, I will recognize the language, but I won't know who they are talking about and I certainly will not assume they are talking to me!!People that use Acts 2 to teach that tongues was for preaching to men are completely wrong.Peter realised they were in confusion, that's why he stood up, they all STOPPED speaking in tongues (to God) and he spoke TO the crowd in the common learned language - THEN they understood the gospel message.
You miss the understanding of what you are saying about the scripture you read.They could not understand what it meant that they all heard it in their own native tongue. This is proved when Peter later says, they are not drunk but rather.Joel 2:28 (King James Version)28.And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:Tell me was it the Spirit speaking through Peter about our Lord Jesus Christ or was it Peter????? Was he not the author of all things the apostles spoke about.1 John 2:27 (King James Version) 27.But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.What were the men speaking that the people heard and recognised in their own tongue?Luke 24: 46-49.46.And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47.And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48.And ye are witnesses of these things. 49.And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. The real power to preach the gospel is not born of man.Jeremiah 31:33-34 (King James Version) 33.But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34.And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.Our Lord Jesus taught, "The words I speak they are Spirit and this is life."
Quote:Originally Posted by Faithful 1 Corinthians 13:8 (King James Version)8.Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. Again, why stop at that verse?1Co:13:10: But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. . . .12: For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.So, there are 2 time periods, "now" and "then"."Then" is when tongues, prophecy and partial understanding will cease, "then" christians will see "face to face" and know even as they are known!!We are not there yet!Therefore we are still at the "now" stage, so tongues have NOT CEASED.
the word whether is used showing that Paul was not relying on these things being for eternity but that Love is the only sure way we can be sure of existing for eternity and that in relation to all these things including tongues, that love is the greatest of the gifts a person could have.Tell me one man whom you can understand anothers tongues or one man who can discern them. Tongues ceased a long time ago in its true form and definition because men can no longer listen to them as unbelievers of every race do not understand the utterer in their own language.If someone is speaking in the tongues of acts 2 every man listening should know what they are saying.If you know no one who speaks so all understand then you cannot say they have not ceased.
Quote:Originally Posted by Faithful Tongues were a sign for non-believers hence every person heard the apostles speak in their own tongue. Hang on!When Peter went to the gentile non-christians in Acts 10, or when Paul met 12 greeks in Acts 19:1-6 it wasn't Peter or Paul that spoke in tongues to those people - it was those people that spoke in tongues!Who were they speaking to?In Acts 10:44-46, they interrupted Peter's speaking by speaking in tongues!
1 Corinthians 13:1 (King James Version)King James Version (KJV)Public Domain 1 Corinthians 13 1Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.Clearly the tongues of men and angels are two different types of tongues.The tongues of men acts 2 have ceased, the tongues of angels used to praise God and discerned only by those who have the gift. So one is for praising God and intercession personally or to relay with an interpretor in the latter acts. And the other is the tongues of men no longer discerned or needed but not to say the Spirit cannot or won't supply when needed. So clearly tongues of men and angels known to the apostles and those in the Spirit. Acts 2 for non-believers.
Quote:Originally Posted by Faithful Today we have people in every nation, language and tongue able to speak the truth of Gods words. And we see also the bible printed in every language under the sun. Are you speaking the truth, or mis-using God's word.Anyone can quote the bible, but they don't have the salvation it describes unless they have got the receiving of God's Spirit right!
To have Gods Spirit one must understand that only by loving Jesus can you receive the Holy Spirit. And he said, " If you love me, you will keep my commandments." The ones who do not know Christ or have the Spirit are the ones who do not love.Does that answer your questioning? Can filthy and clean water flow in the same stream?
Quote:Originally Posted by Faithful The fruit of the Spirit is for every believer but the gifts are given according to the works God had planned for us from before the foundation of the world. "The gifts" are the ministries to the church.All christians have faith, but not all use the gift of faith, all have knowledge but not all use the word of knowledge . . .tongues . ..prophesy .. .
Demons believe in God too, and they tremble for their faith will not save them.Faith is the willingness to think and act on the basis of what we know of God (which may be very little) and to trust him, that he will not let us down.How can we act on our faith if we do not use that which he has given us. Furthermore how can we have it if we never use it? All things are possible for the one who has faith.Like the demons, faith that is never used, never grows. A bit like the 10 virgins who some actively responded and were refilled with the oil trimming their lamps whilst waiting for the Lord. 5 foolishly not keeping their lamps alight and trimming them ready for the return of the Lord. Use it or loose it.
Quote:Originally Posted by Faithful If believers believe speaking in tongues is for every believer then they are removing the truth of the Spirits ability to give us what we need for the work God has planned for us. Nonsense, the Spirit knows, and tells us that we don't know God's perfect will for us (Romans 8:26, 1 Cor. 2, John 3:3 etc) therefore we all need Him to lead us in prayer in tongues - that's why ALL speak in tongues when they receive him - Acts 2:4, 10:44-46, 19:6, Romans 8:15-16, John 3:8
Romans 8:26 (King James Version)King James Version (KJV)Public Domain 26Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.talks about what we should pray for.John 3:3 (King James Version) 3.Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.The kingdom of God does not come in a such a way as to be seen with the human eye.For the Kingdom of God is within you. (Jeremiah 31:31-34)What is flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God.Again the Lord Jesus says, Matthew 6:6-13 (King James Version) 6.But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 7.But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8.Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. 9.After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10.Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11.Give us this day our daily bread. 12.And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13.And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.1 Corinthians 12:4-10 (King James Version)King James Version (KJV)Public Domain 4Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 7But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9.To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10.To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:There is much to learn but it is the same Spirit that gives according to each person that gift which he will. Love faithful. :angel9:

I received the Holy Spirit on May 18, 1963 when I accepted Jesus Christ as my Saviour. I have never spoken in tongues and don't consider it necessary. It certainly isn't necessary in order for one to be saved or in order to have the Holy Spirit within them. EVERYONE who is born again has the Holy Spirit dwelling within them from the instant they accept Him as Saviour.In 1 Cor. 14 Paul is speaking about tongues and says that it's better to speak 5 words that can be understood than to speak 10,000 words that no one understands. Also, one requirement is that there must be an interpreter. If there is none, then the person must remain silent. The majority of "tongues" used these days are for the glorification of the person doing it, because no one has any idea what that person is saying--if anything. I'm sure that most (if not all) so-called "tongues" is like the woman I heard once who kept repeating something like "AH ditty, ah ditty, ah ditty, ah ditty" over and over and over. It was pure gibberish, and no one interpreted it. So by what God's word says, she should have remained silent since there was no one to interpret.