Speaking In Tongues (Part 2)

Okay, I know I've already hit this topic. But I've recently come across more scripture to lead unbelievers of this type of thing to hear what scripture has to say. I'm not here to convince anyone one way or the other, but I only ask that you read scripture and base your theories from the Word itself.

The following verses definitely prove that there is, in fact, the ability to speak in tongues. However it does give rules and guidelines to doing so. There are times to speak it, and times to not speak it. Read further.

Lets start off with that fact that the Bible clearly tells us that there will be "gifts" given to certain people on the Earth. I'm not neccessarily talking about the "gift" to draw a pretty picture. I mean deeper "gifts."

1 Cor 12:4-11

When the scripture mentions "divers tongues" the word "divers" according to the KJV Dictionary means "different" or "various."

Now, digging deeper into the guidelines of speaking in tongues.

1 Cor 14:1-5

This verse tells us that speaking in tongues can be a wonderful thing as long as there is an interpreter that can interpret what is being said in order to "edify" the church. Edify (according to the KJV dictionary) means to "construct, build up or establish." If the tongues spoken is not interpreted then it was nothing but jibberish to others.

I think by reading this and comparing it to today... there are many people that may have the "gift" of speaking in tongues, but people are too prideful and embarrassed to try and interpret. The Bible clearly states that some people have the "gift" to interpret and that a powerful message can be delivered but in todays time, people are being held back from their "gifts" because others aren't following what they are supposed to do (like interpreting).

Moving on...

1 Cor 14:6-19

These verses state that it is pointless to speak in tongues if no one is there to interpret. My question is, how do you know if someone is there to interpret? Should someone who speaks in tongues bite their tongue because they are afraid no one there has the gift to interpret? Would the Holy Spirit even come into a place and cause tongues to be spoken if there wasn't someone there to interpret?

Moving on...

1 Cor 14:20-25

These verses state the scenario of an unbeliever that comes into the church and hears someone speaking in tongues. It states that if someone speaks in tongues and there is no interpreter, the unbeliever will think you're crazy people and leave. If it is interpreted, you can instantly make that person a believer on the spot and he'll spread the news. So, speaking in tongues is chancy from what it sounds like. This is why we must all do what we're lead to do. Because so many people through time have avoided their gifts... a gift such as speaking in tongues is dissolving as people bite their tongues because they are afraid someone like an interpreter will not follow through with their gift.

Moving on...

1 Cor 14:26-33

This states the rules. There can be 2 to 3 people speaking in tongues at once. No more should jump in. There is only supposed to be 1 interpreter allowed to speak at a time. If there are more than one interpreter present, then the first interpreter should finish before the next begins to speak. If someone is speaking in tongues and realizes there is no interpreter, they are supposed to stop and remain silent.

Finally...

1 Cor 14:34-40

Do not forbid speaking in tongues. Just speak it in a decent and orderly way.

Other Bible references for speaking in tongues (if you're interested):

1 Cor 12:8-11

1 Cor 12:28-30

Acts 2:3

Mark 16:17

Acts 2:4

Dig deeper. Answers are out there. Here's my final take on everything. I believe in speaking in tongues (as long as followed by the guidelines). What good is music if we cover our ears? What good is art if we close our eyes? In relation to today's topic... what good is speaking in tongues if there is no interpreter? Music can move and change us. Art in this sense, can move and change us. Speaking in tongues can move and change us. But all of these things are no good without its working counterpart.

Thoughts?