Bible Question:
What is tongues. Please explain this to me in plain English, and give me some passages from the new testament. God has not taught me this yet, but I am curious about it. Enlighten me in this so I won't be afraid next time someones says the word "Tongues" |
Bible Answer: Welcome Martha- First of all, tongues is nothing to be afraid of. 1Cor. 14 gives a good description of the use of tongues. Different denominations have different ideas about tongues as to whether it was for the early church or if it is for the present time also. I am Pentecostal and do believe that it is for here and now. I believe it is a gift available to anyone who is saved and asks. I believe it is not for indiscriminate use. Tongues are for private use only, in your own prayer life, and is speaking words that have no meaning to the speaker, and because of this unknowing, the Holy Spirit uses it to communicate to God prayer that is not influenced by what the "prayee" would have. As the passage in Corinthians states, the only time it should be used in a group setting is when there is one who can interpret what is being spoken. This is not to be done just randomly whenever you feel like it no matter what is going on in the service, no one takes control of you, you are in control of when the gift is used, and it should be used when the time is called for. Again, I stress the fact that you do not have to speak in tongues to be saved. Anyone who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ and has accepted His as their personal Savior, repenting of their sins, is just as saved as the one who speaks in tongues, no more and no less. God Bless you in the name the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit. Debbie |