Subject: Speaking in tongues? |
Bible Note: Grace and Peace Bob Please understand what I was saying. I’m not saying tongues cannot be an earthly language, I’m just saying there is plenty of scriptural evidence that indicate it is not a known language, or at least not always (1Co 13:1. 1Co 14:2,1Co 14:14-19). If I go by the Strongs definition, as you have presented, I would agree that defines tongues as a known language, but I can’t see any scripture that supports that view. Also, how could the gift of interpretation be a Spiritual gift if the ones interpreting were interpreting a known language? That would seem to be a natural gift obtained from study, not a supernatural gift given by the Holy Spirit. The problem most people have with tongues is misunderstanding (on both sides). The gift of tongues is unlike other Spiritual gifts in the fact that it is a gift to strengthen the individual believer instead of edifying the church. Some try to make this out to be wrong. The opposition usually comes from other believers who try to discredit them, along with God’s gift. If the gift is used outside scriptural guidelines, it creates strife fueled by a have / have-not attitude. I won’t defend speaking in tongues as a requirement for evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit. I will say that it does happen, and is supported by scriptural example (Acts 2:4, 10:46, 19:6), tho never presented as a requirement. I want all the gifts God wants for me to have! I praise Jesus He gave the gift of tongues! I would pray that all believers would seek all the Spiritual gifts God has for them, and not cull any, but whoever gets a “look what God gave me and not you” attitude, is sinning. 1Cor 12:11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. Thanks bro, retxar |