tongues

Ive been a Christian for 11 years. I dont know what really to make of tongues. However I "think" Ive spoken it twice or three times in prayers. These were during times of very very high stress - sibling dying and other tinmes, suspect of cancer in myself. I dont know if what I had were tongues or just confusion, though I thanked the Lord for them nevertheless. Ive not really asked for this particular gift, remembering the Lord saying, My love is sufficient for thee. Can anyone enlighten me please?

there's alot of disagreement on this issue...but here's my take on it:1- always remember to seek the truth first. Jesus is the truth (John 14:6). then, experiences (like tongues, etc) come OUT of the truth. never seek an experience first and truth second. always truth first and experience second.2- i personally DO believe the gifts (like tongues) are still here and available today. therefore, God's spirit can come and feel you and strengthen you during the times you cry out to Him.3- if the words that you heard that came from your mouth were a clear form of another language that you didn't know, then you probably spoke in tongues. if the words were simply la-la-la-la, then that probably wasn't tongues.just my thoughts. continue to seek God during all times of your life!may the lord bless you- dennis

Believe on the word and in the word. The word says that greater things will you do. did Jesus talk in tongues? well the ones who followed did, Jesus was the one who not only used water but also the spirit. It is in use, believe, have faith ask for the filling. we ask others but it is God who fills the believer.

free, I would think that you probably did speak in tongues. It would make sense to me that this particular gift would come forth in your life when you're going through a hard time. Paul told us to earnestly desire spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 14:1), and clearly these gifts are known by experience. Paul also told us that this particular gift edifies the believer. The actual Greek word often translated "edify" in 1 Cor. 14:4 is "Oikodomeo." It literally means "to build a house." Possible translations are "To build a house, tower, town, etc., to build in a spiritual sense, to profit spiritually, the act of building..." It seems clear that speaking in tongues builds up your inner man or perhaps your spirit. It builds up the spiritual part of your being. It strengthens and profits you spiritually. It's a supernatural source of spiritual building and strengthening (I think of it like muscles). No wonder Paul wished that everyone spoke in tongues and it's no wonder that he himself did it more than anyone else. (1 Cor. 14) I encourage you to simply step out in faith and start using this gift regularly. Go with the Spirit and whatever phrases (utterances) you have. It may be only one phrase, one unknown word, but just continue to use it in faith and more will probabaly come. It may seem fake or awkward at times but the Bible doesn't say that you will always feel edified, it simply states it as a fact that you will be edified. Go ahead and start building. It could only do you good.

Thank you all for your edifying responses. I go to one of the few English speaking churches here. Once I told my small group that we need to be born again, everyone looked at me like I was from another planete. I dont like to enter into an arguement on Spiritual matters given the 45 mins that we meet. So, imagine my joy to have found a platform here where my spiritual concerns are received by thoughtful Christians.Concerning tongues, I went over my spiritual journal (which Ive kept for 11 years) and here is what I wrote of the last time I had the tongues -Tears and tongue!! I learned to speak in a new language today. How loving my Father is. I spoke for more than half an hour. During all that time, it was a mixture of the Lord speaking and my own thoughts - all mixed into one. The message is clear. He seems to say "Fear Not". It was truly an unforgetable experience. God is alive and inside me!!In light of what Todd said, I indeed have had that gift even though it has occured only one other time and this has been a while ago now. O God, help my unbelief!! I was busy praying for the Truth but when Truth revealed itself to me I did not recognise Him. Or I did and then doubted.Todd, I dont know what it is to "start using this gift regularly...." Its not that I have much control in this. I dont really "know" the language. Im afraid to get into a situation of self-hypnosis. I believe my spiritual life is strong and healthy but still, there is a longing for more of the Lord that cannot seemed to be filled by the tons of reading and listening that I do. How do you think I should proceed in my spiritual life to stop this restlessness, even if it is restlessness for the Lord. Am I alone in this?Thanks for listening

For an awsomely comprehensive study of the subject and an excellent way to help you discern the truth of God's word, I would recommend the following... A Theology of the Holy Spirit by Frederick D. Bruner [Amazon.com] It is one of the most involved and accurate and intricate studies of each and every scripture reference for all of the 'Miracle" gifts including speaking in tongues I've ever come across.Use the personal study of God's TRUTH to determine for yourself what is HIS truth on this subject...do not rely on the teaching of man, uninterpreted personal experience or the explained expereinces of others.DIVE DEEP and bring up his treasures for your personal ministry!God Bless,FreedbyJC

Wow Lahry,Ever have a thought just precede your reading of it? Backtracking through these replies, was wondering to myself precisely this:Yes, I do believe God blesses us with a prayer language that qualifies as an unknown tongue. Sometimes it is groanings too deep to utter.Had never really stopped to think of it in this way and by it's own nature and description it is quite paradoxical. Quite familiar with it though it goes through and past my... fleshly senses? It's felt more than expressed, a foreign language to the mind while still allowing intercession for others to mix in and out as well as the personal needs, the spiritual hunger and thirst to be filled, to be...taken, to give up everything for His sake...Ah, here I am describing what I thought was indescribable.It seems that it finds it's expression more after the fact, that the bringing to mind of verses out of the depths rather than measuring up to them;2Co 4:10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. Rom 8:23 However, not only creation groans, but we who have the first fruits of the Spirit also groan inwardly as we eagerly wait for our adoption, the redemption of our bodies. It usually get's expressed by that word that is not a word that I know of."Oh"Ah, found just what I was looking for in this regards:Vital ConnectivityA very different and interesting perspective here Lahry, more so that it came just prior to your mention, it brings to mind another old quote, with a slight twist in intent: Do I met you praying?" ;-)

Hi Lahry,Im from that part of the planet called France.I read with interest and deep deep empathy your entry "Vital Connectivity.Many many years ago, I read a book by Parker who said something about deception in either the speaking of tongues or the interpretation of it. I also understand that there is no deception so big or so sinful as that of self-deception. So, may the Lord forgive me for harboring this scepticism mixed with fear in regard to tongues. Along with that is probably the prideful belief that we can love God or know that He loves us without needing to be shown these outward signs. Somehow God chose to love me in another way and instead of rejoicing, I doubted. Even as I write this, there is this reservation in some part of me that I may be wrong and refuse to enter into this mystery. O, what a wretched man I am...On all other fronts, Im not as confused as I sound concerning tongues. I see the work of God in my life and in the lives of all my loved ones. Inspite of the tremendous sufferings in my family of late, the blessings have also been awesome. Im coming to that spot where I can see, even the sufferings were meant for good though I wouldnt dare share this with the family. Not everyone can be at the same spot at the same time and I have to be sensitive to their feelings.Indeed there are no quick answers to deep deep questions.

Quote:"Todd, I dont know what it is to "start using this gift regularly...." Its not that I have much control in this. I dont really "know" the language. Im afraid to get into a situation of self-hypnosis."That's totally understandable. I once felt the very same way. I suppose it's how you think about the gift. Do you see it as a gift that just comes upon you at times, or a gift that you have? I think that if you've ever spoken in tongues you have that gift and can use it whenever you choose to. Just like if you got a weight lifting set for Christmas from your earthly father. Now the set is yours and you can go and lift whenever you choose to. But maybe that is not a totally accurate understanding. But it has been my experience. Could it be that you have more control over it than you think?

Todd, you wroteDo you see it as a gift that just comes upon you at times, or a gift that you have? Thats a neat question I never thought of asking myself. Are tongues a once and for all gift, like Salvation? Or is it one that is given for a certain purpose (edification) for a certain time (in times of great need). Is there anything in the Bible that can enlighten us on this? On the occasions its been given me, it was at times of special needs. I guess God wanted to impress upon me of His presence in my particular circumstance at those particular times. It was important for me to know that in a real way, as I was immobilised by fear. If the giving and the receiving of a gift is within my control, how much can I account for it being "me" rather than Him.I hope Im not splitting hair here. I tend to want to err on the side of caution but I guess thats too pragmatic. I dont want to make light of a gift given by God.

free, Again you raise some good questions to consider. Here's some Scriptures that I think are relevant.Romans 11:29"for the gifts and callings of God are irrevocable."It seems clear from this verse that if God gives you a gift then that's that. You have it. Acts 3:6"But Peter said, 'I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene- walk!' And seizing him by the right hand, he raised him up; and immediately his feet and his ankles were strengthened." Peter had something that was able to make a lame man well. Peter, a man with flesh, had something supernatural, and he used it. What did he have? Perhaps a gift of healing, perhaps a gift of faith, but for sure power. Peter had power to heal sick people. The trick is that it didn't simply come from himself. He didn't create it. It was given to him by God (see v. 12). It's God's power, given to Peter. I see it like a weapon given by God to his son. God gives his son a weapon and then the son has it to use whenever he chooses to. It seems that in this case (Peter healing the beggar) the weapon was simply the name of Jesus and the trigger was pulled by faith (see v. 16).Acts 28:8"And it came about that the father of Publius was lying in bed afflicted with recurrent fever and dysentery; and Paul went in to see him and after he had prayed, he laid his hands on him and healed him."Who healed him? Paul did. Paul healed this sick man. But it was God's power which Paul had. But Paul had to cooperate with God and step out in faith for the power to flow.It seems that functioning in the gifts always involves cooperating with God. And we can be sure that our loving and patient Father wants us, His children, to grow strong and be built up. If He has given us a special gift that makes us stronger, why not use it anytime?1 Cor. 12:7 "But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good...."One of these manifestations is tongues (see v. 10). Even tongues is for the common good. Because the stronger and more blessed you are, the more you will strengthen and be a blessing to others. I think that the gift might come forth stronger when you're in a time of great need because you might need more urgent building up if your inner parts are being broken down.

God bless you Todd. Your highlighting of Romans 11:29"for the gifts and callings of God are irrevocable."is powerful and open up a whole new understanding of the Lord's work in my life for me. And thanks also for clarifying what the gift was for. you said: Even tongues is for the common good. Because the stronger and more blessed you are, the more you will strengthen and be a blessing to others.Since "gifts and calling" in Romans 11:29 are said in one breath, I take it that the gift given me has a calling. And the calling is to be strong for others. Yes, I truly believe that Christians are best not seen to fall into deep despair. When the world is falling apart, we shouldnt.Thanks for your support.

free,You're very welcome.Glad I could be of help to you about this.Interesting insight you bring on Romans 11:29. I had never thought of that. But I think you might be right. Blessings on your adventure in God.

todd writesRomans 11:29"for the gifts and callings of God are irrevocable."It seems clear from this verse that if God gives you a gift then that's that. You have it. mmm? but is 'tongues' this kind of gift? I Corinthians 12:1 does not have the word 'gift' in its original, and the list is preceded by the phrase 'the manifestation of the Spirit'. Now Romans 11:29 does not say that the 'gifts and callings of God are without repentace' but that that 'gifts and calling (singular) are without repentance.You will be aware the 'being married' or 'being single' is referred to as a charisma earlier in 1 Corinthians. (1 Cor 7:7) In your scenario how would this play out? If the 'charisma of singleness' is 'without repentance' what happens to it when the person marries?

Lahry, you have moved the conversation a bit from tongues to obedience to the Father. I do, absolutely agree with you BTW, on everything you said about the necessity to spend more time with the Father. Please elaborate on how that has to do with tongues. Unless you are meaning that we should not seek "gifts" but the relationship.I have to add that I was a little troubled with my own experience on account of my earlier feeling about tongues. I was once living in a city (wont give name) in which practically every church I went to, had people loudly speaking in tongues. I felt that even as it unsettled me somewhat, as a new believer, how much more would it to unbelievers. Some of the visitors tell me that they are downright repulsed by it and never went back. I once brought this up with a church leader who completely shut me off by saying that I should not talk about things I do not know. I guess because of my earlier scepticism, I had wondered if I actually spoke in tongues and needed clarification. The mind is a very dangerous place, you see. Anyway, when in doubt, be conservative, as they say. If I have any control over the use of tongues at all, I will try not to speak it in company so as not to stumble anyone. Didnt Paul say that we should in fact not use it in church?

Quote:"mmm? but is 'tongues' this kind of gift?"I believe it is. All throughout 1 Cor. 12 (verses 4, 9, 28, 30, 31) this same exact word (charisma) is used.Are you implying that speaking in tongues is not a "gift" (charisma) but it is a "manifestation" of the Spirit? After mentioning each of the "manifestations" of the Spirit, in 1 Cor. 12:31 Paul says, "But earnestly desire the greater gifts (charismas)." Doesn't that make it clear that all the "manifestations" he just mentioned are gifts (charismas)? Tongues is mentioned in the verse right before. Look at Romans 12:6-7:"And since we have gifts (charismas) that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, accoriding to the proportion of his faith, if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching..."Now sure, tongues is not specifically mentioned here, but these are the same types of "manifestations" that are listed in 1 Cor. 12 and here they are clearly distinguished as "gifts" (charismas). As a side note, I think that tongues is a lot like prophecy in how it can be exercised. That is, according to the proportion of your faith. As far as 1 Cor. 7, I have never thought of that before, but I don't see the dilemma. For one thing, I'd like to point out that Paul does not say that "being married" or "being single" is a gift. You can infer that, but it is not stated. Regardless, if someone has such a gift, I suppose it means that they have the grace/ability to live pure without being married. If they then choos to get married, that doesn't mean God took the gift away or repented of it, but perhaps that the individual who had the gift forfeited it. They still may have had that ability to remain single and pure but they chose marriage anyway. In fact, I suppose it's possible that a married person could still have this gift. They still have the ability and grace to live pure without a wife but they have one anyway. They don't need one, but they happen to have one.Does that work? Also, thanks for correcting me on Romans 11:29. You're right, "calling" is singular, I just made a mistake.

only God can give us a prayer language, that the devil will never understand. we go to that secret place, that's only Gods and our place. It's that one on one relationship that belongs only to God and us. It will pass away as the word says, because we will not need it later as we will be with God and walk with him in the cool of the day as before in the garden