Subject: speaking with the tongue? |
Bible Note: Hi lilies, I want to reassure you that you have indeed found a Christian forum, at least, as much as any can be while still being an open forum! :-) I equally want to reassure you that I, as do the majority of posters on this forum, have faith in the Bible's teachings. I truly appreciate the conciliatory tone of your note, and I also wish to express to you that we of this forum represent a variety of denominations, we are not all Baptists, or Pentacostals, or, as I am, non-denominational. Personally, I believe from reading the Bible that God uses the members of the Body of Christ to minister to each other, not in their own strength, but through the spiritual gifts He gives according to His choosing. I believe these gifts are present and active in the church today, at least as much as His children will allow themselves to be used in this way. I believe, as others on this forum do, that the gift of tongues is also present and active today, according to what the Bible teaches. While I have some disagreement with what you have written regarding tongues, for the most part I agree with you. Your goal as you have stated it is the same as mine - to share with others what I have received. And that is what this forum is about. Where the difficulty arises when, as we are discussing these things with others who believe differently, our discussion turns to debate, and debate becomes divisive. Because of the history of this forum, there are certain topics that are more likely for this to happen with, and tongues is one of them. Are the gifts for today? Pre-Trib, Mid-Trib, No-Trib? Calvinism/Arminianism? These are topics that come up regularly, and in my opinion, should be answered, as Scripture contains the answers. But these topics, as well as others from time to time, will very often precipitate an argument. I do not believe in avoiding a question because I expect someone who disagrees with me will argue about it, but there is a certain advisability of simply answering the question, then not being drawn into a debate over it. For me, the best thing to do is to make a Scriptural presentation of what I believe, and when it becomes argumentative, let it go. I would suggest, should you wish to continue on this forum after this bit of a rough start, that you just get to know us a little better. Or, you may be better ministered to by another forum. I pray that God will direct you to where He wants you to be. I am looking forward to reading your profile. Should you wish to contact me directly, please feel free to do so at markdseyler(at)yahoo.com May the LORD bless you! Love in Christ, Mark |