Bible Question: thank you very much for your recommendation :) i appreciate it, but i have already read parts of that. and i disagree with alot of it, because, i suppose, charismatics may do that, but i know other people who speak in tongues by the Holy Spirit. i really just need some help knowing if speaking in tongues is the initial evidence of the infilling of the Holy Spirit, because, in the Bible,out of the 3 (i think) times it said what people did when they got the Holy Spirit, at least one of the mentioned things was speaking in tongues. But, it doesnt say outright "when you get the Holy Spirit you will speak in tongues" or anything such as that. And i know that the living evidences are the Fruits of the Spirit, and the Gifts of the Spirit. But, what i am wondering is this; are there 2 different aspects to speaking in tongues? one, as the initial "sign" of the Holy Spirit, and the other; the "gift" of tongues and interpretation? in Joel it profesies about how God would speak to His people in another tongue and stammering lips. i'm not at all believing the charismatic thing where they 'teach' people to do this, i know the real thing is from God. i just dont know how it works. please help me, if you can...anyone |
Bible Answer: I don't have this gift, but I know many in my church who speak in tongues as a prayer language. (I have yet to see anyone speak in tongues to the congregation and have another interpret.) I find it beautiful and comforting to hear during group prayer. When I hear it from those around me at my church, I believe it reflects their relationship with the Spirit because I know more about them than just that they speak in tongues. Also, I am quite comfortable not speaking in tongues and have no desire for this gift. Why? Because we are in Christ and He is in us, the Holy Spirit is already upon us, evidence or no. There are many other ways besides tongues we can know of His indwelling and outpouring. Regarding tongues itself, studies by linguists confirm that the sounds spoken conform to the patterns of true language, and in blind-trials they can readily identify efforts to fake it; the structure and rythms just aren't the same. Speaking in tongues is real, but without the love of Christ, means nothing. I sense that you may be dealing with something larger than tongues. If I may speculate, be cautious of those who would try to convince you of anything by virtue of their speaking in tongues. The Holy Spirit needs no introduction! |