Subject: A church that does not practice tongues |
Bible Note: Hi John, While I have a great appreciation for what you are saying, I'm not sure that we should forsake part of what God gives due to the abuses of some. Consider for a moment another example. Shall we stop teaching and receiving communion because of the false and distorted teachings and practices of many within the professing church? I would say not. And there are distorted teachings and practices of many aspects of Biblical Christianity. And if we were to have a different segment of the population on this forum, there would be less controversy over speaking in tongues, but greater controversy over other matters, such as communion. But I don't believe we should discard a Biblically taught practice because of abuses. We do need to make sure we are grounded in the Scripture, that we practice all that we do in a Scriptural fashion, and that we do all in love for Christ, and love for each other. I have heard many times what I believed to be a false "speaking in tongues". I have heard what I believe to be a true "speaking in tongues. My wife speaks in tongues, but I have never heard her do so. For her, it is strictly personal between her and God. I never wish to argue with someone who does not believe in the gifts for today. But I will always proclaim the truth of the Bible, which I think Tim did earlier. It saddens me to see the church, the true church, failing to use the gifts God has given for its building up. Without His "spiritual gifts", the empowering of the Holy Spirit that enables us to powerfully act, how are we able to minister to each other as we ought? Love in Christ, Mark |