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?

Speaking in Tongues

Now here's an on-going debate. Is speaking in "tongues" wrong? Is it real?

For many Christians, this is an ordinary, spiritual, touching part of a prayer meeting. For others, it's scary, strange and puts off a bad vibe.

So how should we feel when we hear someone speak in tongues?

Well I believe this all depends on your comfort level and what you're used to. Now, there are people out there who fraudulently speak in tongues. These people are ones that just do this at any request. This is hard for me to take in and believe. I don't think any of us on this Earth have learned the language of the Holy Spirit by memory to speak it instantly.

But is it "all" fake? I don't think so. Even though I have never spoken in tongues (not even the urge), I cannot completely put down it's possibility of being genuine. The Bible does mention these events (speaking in tongues) taking place.

Acts 2:2-4 KJV Suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Based on this scripture, this allows me to believe that when one is in deep (I mean deep) prayer, that the Holy Ghost can enter the room and take over and move the congregation with the Spirit.

As we all know, one unforgivable sin is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Now if the Bible claims that the Holy Spirit (Ghost) can enter a room and cause one to speak in tongues, I'm not going to be the one to mock it and accuse it of being wicked or strange. In fear of the unforgiving sin, I have to just mind my business and hope that person is really being lead by the spirit.

I've often wondered if when someone speaks in tongues, if they are giving a message to someone in the church. Maybe there is one person (or more) that can actually understand what was said. Maybe the Lord intended to directly give a message and used a human speaker to transmit.

Have you ever been to a church where someone randomly stands up and begins to speak as if they are the Lord talking? For example, a man or woman may stand and say "and the Lord sayeth unto you, fear not for I am beside you, you've called on me and I will be there for you. Have faith and I will support thee, etc..."? This is not an actual saying, I'm just using this as an example of what one might stand and say.

Maybe you've understood a powerful, random message like this but to others... maybe it was tongues.

I don't know. My over all question was... "Is it real?"

My answer: Yes.

Have I spoken tongues? No.

Am I against it? No. I can't be against something that the Bible says exists. Especially if being against it may be considered blasphemy.

I will just mind my business and continue my personal journey with Christ. If He allows me to speak in tongues, I believe it will happen naturally... I don't believe in training.

There's my opinion.

What do you think?