Tongues?

[GraceDK]

Dear brother.

If I were you I would not pay attention to anyone whom, out of ignorance, makes fun of the gift of speaking in tongues.
Jesus is the same today, yesterday and forever… the same goes for the baptism in the Holy Spirit with the often initial sign of speaking in new tongues.
In the Bible it is written that these can be both languages that are understood and languages that are secret and meant only to edify the person who speaks them in his own room.

I know numerous people who speak in tongues (just like I know some who have the prophetic gift which is more important according to Scripture). I know people both of the Catholic and Evangelical tradition who have been given this charismatic gift.
My two favourite Catholic priests in my country, whom people normally travel for hours to talk to and listen to, both practice this gift… I have heard them speak in tongues, heard their testimony as to how it came about and I always wonder with amazement and joy… I do believe in my heart that the “personal pentecost experience” leaves a Christian transformed in a way that is solely done by the Holy Spirit and not true any hierarchal gifts that are passed on though ordination. This is a free sovereign act of the Spirit and He baptizes whom He wills, much to our humility.

Brother, I honestly would challenge you to pick up some reading material about the charismatic gifts. My favourite book of testimony is written by the pentecostal leader David du Plessis, who loved his Catholic brethren… he was also among the witnesses at second Vatican Council. His testimony is awesome… it will leave you praying for revival and acceptance of everything the Holy Spirit wants to give us.
If you want, you can also read Catholic testimonies about this gift.

As du Plessis said once when asked if it was not true that the gift of tonues was the least of all gifts. “Yes, sir, and that is why we should start with that”.

The Apostolic Church must always be Charismatic.

 

[water]

In other words, it allows the Holy Spirit to pray for what we need. You don’t necessarily have to have the gift of tongues to recieve the other gifts, but it frees the Spirit to use us in other ways.

I had the gift of discernment before I had the gift of tongues. I just had a hard time yeilding to tongues. So, I can relate to anyone who is having a hard time with tongues.

I understand your reply here but it seems to contradict to your previous reply where the gift of tongues was like a prerequisite

Thanks!

 

[Mary_ann_R]

I understand your reply here but it seems to contradict to your previous reply where the gift of tongues was like a prerequisite

Thanks!

I meant it in the sense of paving the way for other things, not as a means to an end. Sorry if I caused confusion.

 

[wjj2001]

I also agree that Paul gave very clear instructions about using the gift so I guess maybe I dont believe someone is speaking in tongues unless there is an intrepreter

Paul describes two different uses of tongues. One is speaking in tongues, where an interpreter is needed so those listening can understand. The other is praying in tongues. Here the listener is God, who doesn’t need our interpreter. Most of what has been described here is praying in tongues, not speaking in tongues. Of course, the terms are often loosely used interchangeably.

 

[BostonMyrtleBea]

I’m not sure I’d believe someone if they said they spoke in tongues. I’ve only sen that stuff in the the movie the Exorcist (of course, I think speaking in tongues is supposed to be a good thing). I was invited to a Charismatic Catholic Church, but never went b/c it just sounded too freaky to me.

 

[Mary_ann_R]

Here is a summary of a lengthy article on tongues by Robert Sungenis:

Bubble,

Robert Sungenis is as anti-Charismatic as they come!

 

[sauce]

Dear brother.

If I were you I would not pay attention to anyone whom, out of ignorance, makes fun of the gift of speaking in tongues.
Jesus is the same today, yesterday and forever… the same goes for the baptism in the Holy Spirit with the often initial sign of speaking in new tongues.
In the Bible it is written that these can be both languages that are understood and languages that are secret and meant only to edify the person who speaks them in his own room.

I know numerous people who speak in tongues (just like I know some who have the prophetic gift which is more important according to Scripture). I know people both of the Catholic and Evangelical tradition who have been given this charismatic gift.
My two favourite Catholic priests in my country, whom people normally travel for hours to talk to and listen to, both practice this gift… I have heard them speak in tongues, heard their testimony as to how it came about and I always wonder with amazement and joy… I do believe in my heart that the “personal pentecost experience” leaves a Christian transformed in a way that is solely done by the Holy Spirit and not true any hierarchal gifts that are passed on though ordination. This is a free sovereign act of the Spirit and He baptizes whom He wills, much to our humility.

Brother, I honestly would challenge you to pick up some reading material about the charismatic gifts. My favourite book of testimony is written by the pentecostal leader David du Plessis, who loved his Catholic brethren… he was also among the witnesses at second Vatican Council. His testimony is awesome… it will leave you praying for revival and acceptance of everything the Holy Spirit wants to give us.
If you want, you can also read Catholic testimonies about this gift.

As du Plessis said once when asked if it was not true that the gift of tonues was the least of all gifts. “Yes, sir, and that is why we should start with that”.

The Apostolic Church must always be Charismatic.

I am surprised that so many people seem to be in the dark about “tongues” and even the other gifts of the Spirit. It is normal Christianity to experience these gifts. To practice these gifts. I think that you are right. The Apostolic Church must always be Charismatic.
If only people would be open to it. It is not gymnastics as some have said. How up tight
so many are. I would question the up tightness. People are embarrassed to open up and let go of their tongue. I guess I’m saying that they are unable to “yield.” It’s all in the
yielding. I highly recommend seeking the Holy Spirit and waiting upon Him. He always comes through.

 

[sauce]

Then what is the gift of “Interpretation of Tongues” mentioned by St. Paul in 1 Cor. Chapter 12 if it is not interpreting something that is not intelligible?

And what is praying in tongues in 1 Cor. Chapter 14 which St. Paul explicitely says that by design it is not intelligible?

The gift of the interpretation of tongues, as you must know being a member of the Assembly of God church, comes only after a tongue comes forth for those present as a word to those present. That tongue is like a “knock on the door” to come to attention, wake up, God has a word for you. Then the person speaking in tongues can have the interpretation or another who is present has the interpretation. Others present may even be able to “confirm” that word or prophecy. Interpretation of tongues does not mean a translation of a tongue.

I think praying in tongues is for the prayer. It is a prayer tongue lifted up to God alone.
The important thing is that the prayer is yielding to the Holy Ghost, who prays within us what is good for us.

Peace

 

[Anna_Scott]

.
One wonders how is it that those of Mormon faith experience speaking in tongues and angelic singing etc.?
.
An Address to All Believers in Christ, by David Whitmer, p. 33, 1887: The Holy Ghost was with us in more power during the eight months previous to April 6, 1830, than ever at any time thereafter. Almost everyone who was baptized received the Holy Ghost in power, some prophesying, some speaking in tongues, the heavens were opened to some andall the signs which Christ promised should follow the believers were with us abundantly.
History of the Church 4:485, Footnotes, spring 1831: “Soon after he [Alpheus Gifford] went to Kirtland, Ohio, to see the Prophet Joseph Smith and the brethren, when he was ordained an Elder; he was accompanied by his brother Levi Elial Strong, Eleazar Miller, Enos Curtis and Abraham Brown, who were baptized on returning to Pennsylvania he preached and baptized many, among whom was Heber C. Kimball. The gifts of the Gospel were enjoyed by many; signs following those that believed, devils were cast out; the sick were healed;** many prophesied;** some spake with new tongues; whileothers interpreted the same.”
He [Joseph Smith] told them it was the pure Adamic language. Some said to him they expected he would condemn the gift Brother Brigham had, but he said** “No, it is of God.” **
History of the Church 1:323, January, 1833: "On the 23rd of January, we again assembled in conference; when, after much speaking, singing praying, and praising God, all in tongues, we proceeded to the washing of feet (according to the practice recorded in the 13th chapter of John’s Gospel), as commanded of the Lord.
Prescindia Huntington autobiography, (1836-1839) in Women of Mormondom (1877), pages 207-209: "When the brethren and sisters came home in the evening, they told of the power of God manifested in the temple [Kirtland temple] that day, and of the prophesying and** speaking in tongues**. It was also said, in the interpretation of tongues, That the angels were resting down upon the house...At another time a cousin of ours came to visit us at Kirtland. She wanted to go to one of the saints' fast meetings, to hear someone **sing **or** speak in tongues**, but she said she expected to have a hearty laugh. Accordingly we went with our cousin to the meeting, during which a Brother McCarter rose and **sang a song of Zion in tongues**; I arose and sang simultaneously with him the same tune and words, beginning and ending each verse **in perfect unison**, without varying a word. It was just as though we had sung it together a thousand times. After we came out of meeting, our cousin observed, Instead of laughing,** I never felt so solemn in my life.**
History of the Church 2:376, January 1836: “President Rigdon then arose and observed that instead of preaching the time would be occupied by the Presidency and Twelve, in speaking each in his turn until they had all spoken. The Lord poured out His Spirit upon us, and the brethren began to confess their faults one to the other, and **the congregation was soon overwhelmed in tears, **and some of our hearts were too big for utterance. The gift of tongues came on us also, like the rushing of a mighty wind, and **my soul was filled with the glory of God.” **


Taken from Speaking In Tongues and the** Mormon Religion:**
http://www.frontiernet.net/~bcmmin/tongue1.htm
.

​

This is an interesting question. I believe that power can come from God, or another source-imitating God.

We know that Brigham Young taught that Adam is god, and that god is an exalted man; and men become gods through exaltation.

So, I really don’t know the source of the Mormon experiences in tongues.

 

[PhiJ]

People have been saying things like God gives the gifts to whoever he wants, and although this is absolutely correct, it sounds rather defeatist. I’m probably reading too far in between the lines, but I think my point needs making anyway.

“Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But eagerly desire the greater gifts.” - 1 Cor 12:29

and

“Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.” - 1 Cor 14:1

It’s our job to eagerly desire the gifts. God will give the gifts to whoever he wants to, but we should be like ‘God, I’m well up for that’.

 

[Anna_Scott]

People have been saying things like God gives the gifts to whoever he wants, and although this is absolutely correct, it sounds rather defeatist. I’m probably reading too far in between the lines, but I think my point needs making anyway.

“Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But eagerly desire the greater gifts.” - 1 Cor 12:29

and

“Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.” - 1 Cor 14:1

It’s our job to eagerly desire the gifts. God will give the gifts to whoever he wants to, but we should be like ‘God, I’m well up for that’.

PhiJ:

Welcome to CAF. I see you are from England. I visited London several times-beautiful city.

I understand what you are saying about the spiritual gifts. I believe in the gift of tongues, miracles, prophecy; however I do not have these gifts.

I did have a rather awkward experience with a friend of mine, who does claim to speak in tongues, and I have heard her pray in tongues. The awkward part came, when she tried to push me to speak in tongues. I could not and did not like the pressure.

I have always wondered how to know that a person really is speaking in a spiritual tongue, speaking the mysteries of God; and not just faking it or convincing themselves they can do it and speaking nothing of God at all. How can one know if it is real? Maybe someone who has this gift could answer this question.

I will accept the gifts that God gives to me, but I will not try to force these gifts. I don’t think it works that way.

Anna

 

[PhiJ]

Anna: Goodness that sounds awkward. I don’t mean to imply that you should force the gifts, I’m not sure exactly how it works, as I don’t know what scripture says on the matter.
Do you eagerly desire the gifts though? Do you desire them enough to keep asking God for them? That’s the important bit. How it happens is… well I suppose if I desired the gifts more (I have spoken in tounges but that’s it) I would know what scripture says on the subject. So maybe how it happens is important.

 

[a_priori]

Hi All,

I was wondering if anyone here believes that tongues are still used today and if so where in the bible do you find back up for it?

If you do not believe tongues still exist today same as above why not and where is there bible back up?

Thanks in advance:thumbsup:

Been there. Done that. Felt really spiritual at first and then weird. I moved on but I don’t judge those who do it. Not my call for others.

 

[Reuben_J]

Tongue is a private gift given to individuals. It should not be made a big deal; much less trying to make the church prescribing it. This will anger many people in the Church especially Catholics who do not have Charismatic Renewal experience. The element of jealousy is there especially if Charismatics carry themselves as if they are more holy, more endowed with God’s gift and better Christians than ordinary Christians who are not Charismatics. Charismatics have to more mature and considerate on this - like they say, preaching the Gospel is even more effective not because you are a good preacher and an expert at the Bible but more so if you are actually living the life of the Gospel.

There is no use irritating those who do not have or even do not believe in the gift of tongue by discussing this subject. It is a subject not for discussion. You will only get fruitful discussion if it is discussed among those who believe in this gift or more appropriately in the Charistmatics circle, not among the non-Charismatics. Get them ‘Charismatized’ first, if ever that should happen, and discuss the topic with them on how to really appropriate the gift as the Lord intended.

God bless.

 

[Reuben_J]

Tongue, like any other Charismatic gifts is not taught but caught.

Similarly experiencing the Holy Spirit and the Lord’s touch and action in one’s life.

 

[Vimy_Ridge]

I went to a church many years ago where people spoke in “tongues” and I did it too. We all sounded the same and it is just babbling nonsense, to be honest.

Now snake handlers in the appalachian mountains are people I do respect, if anyone could speak in real tongues its gotta be them.

 

[guanophore]

PhiJ:

Welcome to CAF. I see you are from England. I visited London several times-beautiful city.

I understand what you are saying about the spiritual gifts. I believe in the gift of tongues, miracles, prophecy; however I do not have these gifts.

I did have a rather awkward experience with a friend of mine, who does claim to speak in tongues, and I have heard her pray in tongues. The awkward part came, when she tried to push me to speak in tongues. I could not and did not like the pressure.

I have always wondered how to know that a person really is speaking in a spiritual tongue, speaking the mysteries of God; and not just faking it or convincing themselves they can do it and speaking nothing of God at all. How can one know if it is real? Maybe someone who has this gift could answer this question.

I will accept the gifts that God gives to me, but I will not try to force these gifts. I don’t think it works that way.

Anna

No, it does not work to “force” but one must bre willing to yield. Jesus instructed that no one can call Him Lord except by the HS. So this is a good way to start. Many Catholics have not learned how to pray spontaneously out loud, so it is awkward just to start saying His praises. Sometimes it helps to use the psalms, but one must get one’s mouth in motion.

 

[yankee_doodle]

Some people are gifted to speak tongues.

yes … they’re called insane

 

[Janechantal53]

Hi All,

I was wondering if anyone here believes that tongues are still used today and if so where in the bible do you find back up for it?

If you do not believe tongues still exist today same as above why not and where is there bible back up?

Thanks in advance:thumbsup:

Hi ALLFORHIM. I do not have the gift of tongues but it is mentioned in the Bible at Penetecost. What I do have is a story regarding it though.

A few years ago I was trying to help a homeless woman named Denise who was in her 50’s, dying from brain cancer and suffering from schizophrenia. She “lived” in the church parking lot. I had known her for eight years and as she degenerated physically she could no longer care for herself. She had open sores, smelled of urine and had flies plaguing her. I had asked her to allow me to take her to the hospital but she refused. As she grew sicker I began to call Adult Protective Services in an attempt to have her hospitalized despite her wishes because she could not mentally make an informed decision. They always refused to take her because they said that she had to agree to treatment.

One day the church office called me and said that Denise was worse than usual and could I come and find a way to help her. I hit my knees in despair and begged Jesus to send someone to be his “arms and legs…” ( You probably know the prayer. It is supposed to be “hands and feet…”) I then called Adult Protective Services and waited with my friend. The nurses came out after several hours and in the dark of night decided to hopitalize her. As the ambulance pulled away a charismatic prayer group had ended their prayer meeting at the church and a friend came over to me knowing nothing of what had just happened. He was crying and said that he felt compelled to tell me that during the prayer meeting one of the ladies started speaking in tongues and that the deacon from our church had come in and interpreted what she had said. What was reported to me by my friend was that the deacon had interpreted the following: “You are my arms and my legs…” It was my whole prayer with the exact same mistakes that I had made while praying it, with the exception of when I had asked Jesus to send someone the prayer had said, “You…”

It made me cry then and still has the power to make me cry now. I miss my friend. She taught me many lessons in the eight years I knew her. One of them is that without a doubt God hears our prayers. Another is that speaking in tongues has its purpose. And that purpose is for God to decide.

 

[Anna_Scott]

. . .A few years ago I was trying to help a homeless woman named Denise who was in her 50’s, dying from brain cancer and suffering from schizophrenia. She “lived” in the church parking lot. I had known her for eight years and as she degenerated physically she could no longer care for herself. She had open sores, smelled of urine and had flies plaguing her. I had asked her to allow me to take her to the hospital but she refused. As she grew sicker I began to call Adult Protective Services in an attempt to have her hospitalized despite her wishes because she could not mentally make an informed decision. They always refused to take her because they said that she had to agree to treatment.

One day the church office called me and said that Denise was worse than usual and could I come and find a way to help her. I hit my knees in despair and begged Jesus to send someone to be his “arms and legs…” ( You probably know the prayer. It is supposed to be “hands and feet…”) I then called Adult Protective Services and waited with my friend. The nurses came out after several hours and in the dark of night decided to hopitalize her.

As the ambulance pulled away a charismatic prayer group had ended their prayer meeting at the church and a friend came over to me knowing nothing of what had just happened. He was crying and said that he felt compelled to tell me that during the prayer meeting one of the ladies started speaking in tongues and that the deacon from our church had come in and interpreted what she had said. What was reported to me by my friend was that the deacon had interpreted the following: “You are my arms and my legs…” It was my whole prayer with the exact same mistakes that I had made while praying it, with the exception of when I had asked Jesus to send someone the prayer had said, “You…”

Janechantal53:

That is such a powerful and inspiring testimony. You have the gifts of love, mercy, and service. God provided those with the gift of tongues and interpretation of tongues; and brought you all together to work a miracle that helped your friend. God’s Name will be glorified every time your story is told.

These are some Scripture passages that speak of the spiritual gifts. I do not have the gift of tongues. I do have the gift of “discerning spirits.”

Romans Chapter 12 (ESV):
4 **For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. **6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

1 Corinthians Chapter 12:
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.

1 Corinthians Chapter 12:
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.

1 Corinthians Chapter 14:
1 Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. 2 For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. 3 On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. 4 The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. 5 Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.

1 Corinthians Chapter 14:
13 Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray for the power to interpret. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. 15 What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also.

16 Otherwise, if you give thanks with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an outsider say “Amen” to your thanksgiving when he does not know what you are saying? 17 For you may be giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not being built up. 18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

May God continue to bless you and your friend,
Anna