Speaking in Tongues?

Question

Do you believe that the Pentecostl and the Charismatic movement concerning speaking in tongues is the true speaking in tongues? Even though in Acts 2:4-9 it says that everyone could hear them in the their own tongue and nobody understands the modern tongues movement. Holy Spirit, or Demon Posession?

Answer 1

Oh, good grief.

Answer 2

What you describe on the Day of Pentecost is the true definition of speaking in tongues (that's why it's plural, because you speaking more than one language). The speaking of tongues today is gibberish, made by well-meaning Charismatics. In fact, there is no evidence that speaking in tongues was present in the early church, except for by one man, who was deemed a heretic along with his followers. Speaking in tongues was a gift for the New Testament apostles, so that people knew that what they were preaching was coming directly from God. Now that we have the Scriptures and canon is closed, tongues is no longer a necessary gift.

Answer 3

The tongues you hear spoken are real languages, not gibberish or "demon possession". What makes them unique is the fact that the SPEAKER of the tongues isn't educated in that language. It would be as if you were being indwelt by a move of God's spirit to deliver a spiritual message or simply to praise God in a high manner. God would enable your tongue with no prior knowledge of the language He would gift you with being able to speak. It would be like me delivering a message in Chinese, knowing that I've never been familiar with the language! The Scripture teaches that there should be and "interpreter" present in order that others can know that the tongues message/praise was real and not "babbled" in an attempt to imitate the spirit of God. The interpreter would have to be spiritually charged as well, otherwise he/she would be able to edify/clarify the message.

Answer 4

The translation of the word "tongues" is literally "languages". That was the reason for the need of an interpreter. So everyone could understand. This was interpreted into Koine Greek, which was the universal language instituted by Alexander the Great.
On the day of Pentecost, the apostles began speaking in "tongues". That served as a sign from God to heed what was being said. But, Peter went on to speak to everyone. Hence, there was a language which all could understand.
Paul also wrote to the church at Corinth that speaking in tongues and prophesying would be done away with when the "perfect" arrives. Here, he is referring to the Scripture. We now have the written word of God for teaching, which is what the context of Paul's meaning was, and no longer have need of the partial teachings of tongues and prophesies.

Answer 5

I believe some Christians really do speak in tongues. My father did when I was young. He is very conservative and not prone to outbursts. While at a bible study at church, we all started to try to sing in tongues. My dad suddenly started talking very clearly and with deep conviction, but in a language none of us could understand. I was younger then, but I don't remember if we had an interpreter. After he finished, he kinda shook himself, and looked really shocked like, "What just happened?" It was pretty intense. I believe it is the Holy Spirit.

Answer 6

There are two types of Speaking in tongues.

1) the initial gift when a person receives the Holy Ghost. This gift is to help edify (strenghten) the person who received it.

2) this gift is usually to be interpreted by some one else (or the same person) who has the gift of interpretation (it is alot like the gift of prophecy.

On the day of Pentecost there were gathered in Jerusalem men from about a dozen countries. When Peter spoke to them it was as with the 2nd gift, and each man understood it in the language of his own country (they each interpreted it for them selves).

Answer 7

Gifts of the Spirit. In the first century C.E. miraculous gifts attended the baptism with holy spirit. These served as signs that God was no longer using the Jewish congregation in his service but that his approval rested on the Christian congregation established by his Son. (Heb 2:2-4) On the day of Pentecost, miraculous gifts accompanied the outpouring of the holy spirit, and in each case mentioned thereafter in the Scriptures where the miraculous gifts of the spirit were transmitted, at least one of the 12 apostles or Paul, who was directly chosen by Jesus, was present. (Ac 2:1, 4, 14; 8:9-20; 10:44-46; 19:6) Evidently, with the death of the apostles, the transmittal of the gifts of the spirit ended, and the miraculous gifts of the spirit ceased altogether as those who had received these gifts passed off the earthly scene.

Performing apparently miraculous works would not in itself prove divine authorization, nor would the inability of God’s servants to perform miracles with the help of God’s spirit cast doubt on the fact that they were being used by him. (Mt 7:21-23) Not every first-century Christian could perform powerful works, heal, speak in tongues, and translate. Paul, and doubtless some others, had by God’s undeserved kindness been granted a number of these gifts of the spirit. However, these miraculous gifts marked the infancy of the Christian congregation and were foretold to cease. In fact, even Jesus indicated that his followers would be identified, not by their performance of powerful works, but by their love for one another.—1Co 12:29, 30; 13:2, 8-13; Joh 13:35.

Answer 8

Tongues is something that I believe the apostles did and Paul spoke of I have not done so to my knowledge, however my wife says that she has heard me do so many times during our marriage, It is - in my opinion - a blessing that god bestows on his faithful but not one that everyone should expect we are all given talents to help others and these are the ones that we should use to the best of our abilities. As for speaking in tongues those that do so are not always aware that they have been given this blessing. AMEN!

Answer 9

We must be careful that we do not blaspheme the Holy Spirit. Paul speaks of both kinds of tongues: understood by others and not understood by others. Just because you can't understand the tongues does not make it demonic.

Answer 10

i imagine God nevertheless shows people issues (prophesy) and that i imagine there are those who communicate in tongues (languages) at the same time as lower than the impression of the Holy Spirit. the priority I have consisting of your mom, from what you let us know, is that she brags about this stuff. pride is a sin. and she or he sounds prideful or probably she needs interest, i do not recognize. If she is interpreting your diary and observing you in church (at the same time as she should be focusing on worshiping God) then she is likewise incorrect and manipulative. speaking in tongues and prophesy/visions were a number of the presents of the Spirit Jesus promised we would have. regrettably, this stuff were misused by utilising people till they have a detrimental connotation for most individuals. yet there are those with organic motives and hearts close to to God who nevertheless have those presents!! Thank God for that....((Hugs))

Answer 11

I am a Catholic; a very devout and very traditional old-fashioned Catholic. So I believed for years that people who prayed in tongues were crazy. And that Catholics who prayed in tongues were even crazier. I did not believe that anyone could be a true and devout Catholic and still claim to pray in tongues. The last thing I ever would have considered was praying in tongues myself!

But God decided to set me straight, so three years ago in prayer, He gave me the gift of tongues.

I have learned so much during these past three years, and have truly tried to be open to the charisms of the Holy Spirit. Though I find myself unworthy, still God is using my acceptance and openness to change not only my life, but He's using me to change the lives of others. (For that sweet Lord I praise You and thank You!)

When we pray in tongues, it is a special language of love between God and us. Who would not want a gift like that?

This quote says it better than I ever could.

"The gift of tongues is a prayer language and a means of growing in union with God. Tongues can also be a form of prayer for deliverance from evil for others or oneself. If you have received the gift of praying in tongues, you will find it a very effective weapon against evil spirits. When the Holy Spirit prays through you in tongues, you are allowing him to intercede through you." -Peter Mason, SFO