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NASB | 1 Corinthians 14:19 however, in the church I desire to speak five words with my mind so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Corinthians 14:19 nevertheless, in public worship I would rather say five understandable words in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue [which others cannot understand]. |
Bible Question: If I cannot speak in tongues, does this mean that the Holy Spirit is not in me? |
Bible Answer: Greetings Bobbie! There are two important passages to consider in answer to your question. 1) Romans 8:9-11 says, "9 You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you." This passage makes it very clear that the Holy Spirit dwells in every believer. 2) 1 Cor. 12:30 says, "Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?" The context of this passage makes it clear that not all Christians will speak in tongues. So, in answer to your question, all Christians are filled with the Holy Spirit, but not all Christians speak in tongues. There is nothing wrong with speaking in tongues. If God gives you that gift, rejoice in it. But, do not think that you are a sub-par Christian because you don't have that particular gift. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |