Question for Christians?

Question

I went to a Pentecostal Church this Sunday since I am trying to find me a home church. Well they scared. Some fell on the floor and was jerking badly, and some was talking in what I assume to be called tongues. Is that scriptual? I read some and what I found was confusing at moment. Can anyone help me understand what they was doing?

Answer 1

Their claim is that they are being touched by the Holy Spirit. However, many of the things that they are doing are not even found in the bible.

"Slain in the Spirit" --> falling on the floor because the Holy Spirit touches you. (not in the bible...except for pagan worship)

"Holy Laughter" -->uncontrolable laughter supposedly caused by the spirit (not found in the bible).

"Speaking in Tongues" --> Read chapter 2 of Acts and you will find that the gift of tongues is speaking in a way that many who know other languages understand. What they are doing is gibberish that can be faked by anyone.

Many of these people are middle to lower class and have been conned into beliving that this "exciting" experience is the presence of God. However, much of what they do is very much like ancient pagan cultic behavior. Some theologians belive that it is directly linked to occultic religions and demonic activity.

The true way to see the Spirit of God in a church like that is their confession of Christ and activity in ministry outside of the church. What kind of good are they doing for Christ in the church and the community. Stay away from churches like these. They will break your heart (not to mention scare you silly!)

I suggest you read "Charasmatic Chaos" by John F. MacArthur for a more in-depth look at the history and faulty theology of these folks (I especially like the cry of one of their own, Benny Hinn, who said that he wished that he had a "Holy Ghost machine gun," so that he could "Blow [the] head[s] off" of those who oppose or question him"!

Answer 2

It sounds like you went to a Charismatic service. The people there are really "into" being "possessed" (although they would not use that term) by the Holy Spirit. The things you witnessed: seizures, fainting, speaking in "tongues", are all supposed to be ecstatic experiences that come from being filled with the HS.

Personally, I'm not impressed with such displays. The mark of the Holy Spirit in someones life should show 24/7, in their character, life, speech, kindness, love, etc. If somebody is a total jerk 6 days a week, and has a "holy swoon" once a week, then all I see is a poser or worse, not the Holy Ghost in action!

If the displays bother you, then don't go back. You may be more comfortable in a Methodist or Wesleyan body, or you can try a more mainline denomination of Pentecostalism.

Answer 3

I am not sure if you have a Strongs Concordance, but if ya dont get one. I use mine alot. I studied tongues one time and what these folks are doing in church is unscriptual. Tongues each time mentioned is a known language, which would be like spanish, german, etc... Paul said he spoke more tongues than us all. He could speak 7 languages. This falling on the floor like a dead fish out of water is not scriptual for sure. Start in Mark 16, then go to Acts 1 and chapter 2 and read, then go to 1 Corinthians 13-15. The Concordance will help you know what tongues means in the orginal language of greek. Hope you have a great study. God Bless.

Answer 4

The idea of "speaking in tongues" is controversial and poorly understood. The only place in the Bible where the subject of speaking in tongues is addressed in detail is in 1 Corinthians chapter 14. Note that Paul is trying to get the Corinthians to STOP misusing this gift. Since Paul called for "orderly worship", not confusing, I would assume that we you are seeing is not entirely Biblical. But don't be scared, these people are mostly harmless.

Only Pentecostal or Charismatic churches actually speak in tongues. Most other churches assume that speaking in tongues was a "sign" gift given to demonstrate that the Apostles were really from God, so that people would accept the New Testament (i.e.: Apostles teaching) as really being from God. God seems to send miracles whenever he is adding to scripture (like the miracles Moses performed).

Most churches believe that the real speaking in tongues is a miracle which is rare today, and do not practice it.

Answer 5

Indeed it is not scriptual. It a show, entertainment. It is a person(s) acting out as if God is doing such to them. And "speaking in tongues" today, garbage. It isn't speaking in tongues, it's gibberish. Back when the apostles were alive and preaching, the gift of speaking in tongues was simple speaking a different language (ie. the people heard and understood what was being said, for it was their birth tongue-the day of Penecost in Acts 2).

Answer 6

I am a faithful Catholic, and charismatic- but I don't "do" tongues....I think the lord knows how I feel about it....but we also have charismatics who 'speak in tongues.' So I have seen this both in Catholic and protestant churches.

I am not going to deny that the Holy Spirit can and does work in any way He chooses. But I have seen too many people say," OK- I'm goping to speak in tongues now." As thought they can turn the Holy Spirit on and off like a light switch!

My feeling is...on the day of Pentecost the miracle wasn't that the apostles were SPEAKING other languages...look at the scriptures...the miracle was that EVERYONE UNDERSTOOD THEM, REGARDLESS OF HIS OWN NATIVE LANGUAGE.

It would be very easy for Satan to slip in and have people start praising him in some language no one understands....I've heard of that happening. too.

remember- speaking a language you have no knowledge of is a sign of posession by the devil.

Answer 7

Tongues is scriptural. Read Acts chapter 2. there are some denominations that say that the age of the gifts of the Spirit has past, but this is not true. The church was born in Acts chapter 2, and the spiritual gifts shall remain as long as the church remains. When people fall sown in a spirit-filled service, this is known as being slain in the Spirit. None of this is to be feared, but it is to be welcomed. When you see people speaking in tongues and being slain in the spirit, then you know that you are in the presence of the Holy Spirit and this is a blessed experience. Always seek out a spirit-filled church and you will always be able to celebrate th4e beauty of our Lord's resurrection. Jesus loves you and God bless you for wanting to fellowship with him in a house of God.

Answer 8

This is a big division within the Christian community.

The first incidence of "speaking in tongues" is recorded in Acts. Peter and the apostles started doing it out of the blue one day. This day is referred to as Pentecost.

But if you read the story, it is very clear that they were given the supernatural ability to speak in other people's languages that they had never learned.

That's what I think speaking in tongues is. Paul if very specific as well about how it is to be done. One at a time and always with an interpreter to avoid chaos and confusion.

What goes on in services you are describing is something that kind of scares me too. But, I guess peoples all have their own way of looking at it.

Answer 9

That stuff is okay! Don't worry, it's when the Holy Spirit takes over someone and they can't control it anymore. They are just so filled that sometimes they start doing things like that. Yes, it happened in the Bible too. If you like the church go back, go back with the new perspective and you might feel different about them. Or find another church! But in the end listen to God and let him guide you to the right and perfect church for you.

Answer 10

there are some passages in the bible concerning speaking in tongues and being filled with the spirit....the problem is interpretation....the bible is specific that those who speak in tongues can only be 'validated' by those that can translate. pentecostal churches are typically very harsh in their interpretations of the scriptures especially concerning clothes, tattoos, rings, earrings etc., i am certainly not saying they are wrong just different than most, whether their doctrine appeals to you is a personal preference. i would suggest first you look in your bible in the back and look up speaking in tongues and being filled with the spirit....there should be scripture references for each, if not do a web search. also concerning you trying to find a church home...part of that is background, what denomination were your family members a part of? what are you used to? if you have no background or basis for finding a church then it might be best if you do a websearch for different denominations and their beliefs then visit the ones in your area that are bible/scripture based (not judgmentally based) first then that meets your personal beliefs and personality. most churches are now online and will have a website that you can access and read their mission statement or statement of beliefs before you attend services.....