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: Acts 10 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, 47 "Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have." 1 Corinthians 12 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. 1 Corinthians 12 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 1 Corinthians 14 38 If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored. 39 Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way. Speaking in tongues is a gift from God. A gift of the Spirit. There are some who believe nonsensical babbling is "tongues" but this is not so. When one speaks in tongues it is a language - a real language. (However, you won't know that language.) If it frightens you, then you won't see it as a gift so it wouldn't likely be given. Maybe you'd be given another "charism" such as interpretation, or knowledge. Something you would embrace and give thanks to God for, rather than being fearful of. I used to be fearful of the whole Charismatic Christian movement. Then I attended one of their services. Fantastic! Take care, Lisa |