find in the bible the speaking in tongues on a mass scale (i.e. the book of Acts), we know there are provisions for it's usage that way: however, another part instructs us to refrain from the speaking in tongues so we don't sound life a bunch of dweeblacky idiots to those who may not understand, unless there is interpretation. Still another part of the bible tells us to seek after the ability of prophecy more so than that of tongues because prophecy edifies the group (or many) more so, while tongues edifies the one (or self) more often. In view of the afore, can you tell me why is the utterance of tongues so widely utilized and embraced while the undertaking of prophecy seems to be deafeningly silenced in your services, meetings, etc. After reading all that, I hope only serious and knowledgable members address this...thanks...
2007-08-21 15:12:27 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
"Churches" love to do unbiblical things. It sounds blunt, but it's so true. If "churches" followed what the Bible said, then they wouldn't make the same errors that Corinth was making.
Nothing changes, though. It typically gets worse, not better.
Prophecy edifies the whole group. But modern "pastors" don't allow anyone to speak but themselves, so that's another heretical problem in "churches" today, and why more and more Christians get away and do their own things in the Lord.
The modern "pastor" is taking a power position that doesn't biblically belong to him, and silences all opposition like a mafia. But the NT gatherings had people sharing prophecies, psalms, and even tongues, without having to check with the "pastor" first.
It turns some "churches" into cults of personality centered around the "pastor".
Jesus calls it the "deeds of the Nicolaitans", and says He hates it.
2007-08-21 15:16:27 · answer #1 · answered by CJ 6 · 4⤊ 2⤋
whew, where do I start? I was raised catholic and attended southern baptist churches before my son had me attend his non-denominational church. He said I would hear some things I didn't understand, and I did. The woman beside me went right into tongues and it was a message of prophecy for the church members, interpreted by our minister. Though I was confused about the tongues, I continued with the church and learned more as I read the bible. Corinthians states that people receive the gift of prophecy and teaching and tongues should be used only when there is an interpretor. The part about using tongues to edify the self is using it as a prayer language to connect with the holy spirit inside you. Some people are filled with the holy spirit very dramatically in their churches as you might have seen on tv. I was filled very quietly at home during a very emotional prayer at a hard time in my ending marriage. I didn't shake, scream or fall on the floor. I did, however, feel a warm, peaceful feeling inside me as if someone (the holy spirit) had taken over the pain I was feeling) and I knew I was a different person from there on. I also could now speak in a prayer language that I use only when I am praying in a quiet place in my home. When I am finished praying that starts out in english and ends in the prayer language, I am at peace. This may not make sense to you, but it is what being filled with the Holy Spirit and a Christian is to me.
2007-08-21 15:49:53 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
You've clearly studied this more than I have. When I received the gift of tongues, I was taught that unless you could also speak in toungues and interpret (have one present who can do this) that it was best to use your prayer language in private - as a form of communication between the Holy Spirit and you - precisely because your own speaking in tongues edifies only you and often scares others! I do find that speaking in tongues is a very personal thing and I have never used it in public (i.e. church) to "prove" that I am spirit filled. I know MANY Christians who do not speak in tongues who I think have much more of the Holy Spirit - or at least are hearing it more - than I do.
There are also scientific studies which have shown that non-believers - non-Christians can speak in tongues and in the world of science it is called gollasasilia - or some such word.
2007-08-21 15:37:23 · answer #3 · answered by Marvelissa VT 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The bible speaks of divers (diverse) kinds of tongues. In Acts the hearers heard their languages being spoken by the disciples. They did not speak unknown tongues, but languages previously unknown to them. It is clear in I Corinthians the 14th chapter that to speak in an unknown tongue edifies the speaker only and is only understood by God. The bible speaks of an interpreter when it is in a known language, not unknown. So when you hear someone speaking in a tongue unknown to them, there should be an interpreter (sent by God) to interpret. I have never witnessed this in the church. I have heard tongues that are unknown, but they cannot be interpreted.
2007-08-21 15:29:24 · answer #4 · answered by Capri 1230 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hello Ezel.. :)
When someone speak in an unknown tongue in church..then it is interpreted by two or three others..the interpretation is the Prophecy.. :)
Scripture also says: forbid not to speak in tongues..but let all things be done in order..
I attend the Milton Assemblies of God..which is a Pentecostal denomination..
Though we do not call our selves Pentecostal..we are children of the Most High God.. :)
In Jesus Most Precious Name..
With Love..your sister..In Christ.. :)
2007-08-21 15:27:38 · answer #5 · answered by EyeLovesJesus 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
If The Holy Spirit is in Charge of the Service (meeting)
and the People Follow HIS Leadership and Guidance, then EveryThing would be In Order and Balance.
2007-08-21 15:48:16 · answer #6 · answered by maguyver727 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
First of all the meaning of the term you are refering to as prophecy in the New Testament is actually used to refer to as preaching and teaching God's word. It is more of an instruction gift. The people that believe the gift of tongues is heavenly, non-human languages that Christians are supposed to speak, do not understand the history of the 1st Century. If you go back and study the city of Corinth and the rituals of paganism you would understand that these Chrisians were mixing pagan practices of ecstatic rambling with Christian worship and Paul was speaking against that in his letter to them.
2007-08-21 15:20:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
What evidence have you see that prophesy is being deafeningly silenced?
How many charismatic or Pentecostal services have you attended?
I've been attending charismatic or pentecostal services from more than a dozen denominations since I was in high school and I've never observed prophesy being silenced.
Pastor Art
2007-08-21 15:41:56 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 4⤋
Ghets, htusodb gdh jrgrg jdbh bdskjyhgk!
Frevbsa hjks wkc lsjryv jropfbn, shrgr aid fdhgrf fj dfgf fki fpoeb jfb gj fpoe ifb.
Selah.
2007-08-21 15:17:29 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋
speaking on toungues is basically talking to GOD with help on Holy Spirit.
2007-08-21 15:49:24 · answer #10 · answered by steven25t 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋