Speaking in tongues????

[KnowingYouNow]

I am currently being called back into church. I for many years have not been a part of any organized church. I was raised Southern Baptist.

I attended a church Sunday, A non-denominational church, that my life-long Best friend attends. I enjoyed the service, singing, and sermon, very much. But, people there do occasionally speak in tongues.

Being raised Southern Baptist, I was raised that this practice is unholy and is of Satan. But I have watched the blessings my friend has recieved since attending this church. And the tremendous positive changes in her. So I prayed about it and asked God to give some direction in finding a spiritual home, for myself and my family.

Sunday when there, I was very much feeling the genuine spirit of the Lord in this place of worship. But each time I was very deep into prayer, someone would begin to speak in tongues, and it would totally distract me.

After leaving and speaking with my husband, we had decided, we would find another place to worship. Well tonight, the pastor called me. I was struck by his candor and genuine concern for our welfare, and for my search. He asked me to do my own search of the the scriptures, and even online, for my answers on this practice.

What is y'alls understanding of speaking in tongues? And where are some scriptures that speak of this practice?

[Tall Timbers]

I don't have the bible handy at the moment to look for verses, but I speak/sing in tongues, and thus of course believe it's from the Lord. The Assemblies of God and most Pentecostal churches are participants in tongues. The pro-tongue and anti-tongue folks on this board are probably pretty evenly divided, and you're sure to get an earful. You might search this site on the topic as it is frequently discussed.

[Tenbear2808]

Hi Knowing You Now,

In my daily readings a couple of days ago I was in I Corinthians - please refer to I corinthians 12-14 in regards to Paul's teachings on this.

I also recommend that you read it in the KJV and in the AMP as the AMP provides insights that sometimes are confusing in the KJV.

I was raised Southern Baptist - the old hardliners - just as you were. Same teachings as you, NOW

I am a tongue talking full gospel Christian - but BEWARE, there are many churches who play to the gifts and not to the Scriptures. They have corrupted the teachings of God, IMO - and thus we have such divisions and splits over these things.

That pastor is one that is truly hard to find. Most dont follow up with those who visit - they just care about numbers and not truth.

Read the scriptures and perhaps attend a few more services. Be candid with the pastor as well, and see how he guides you in this matter. Continue praying for God's wisdom in this matter and opening up the eyes of your understanding.

Another thing to remember is that no one should force speaking in tongues either. It sounds as perhaps this church might be grounded in truth but only your attendance, the Pastor's devotion to his flock and the Holy Spirit can determine that.

:pray :thumb

[DJHere]

1 Cor. 14 notes Pauls instruction about speaking in tongues in church:

26What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. 27If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. 28If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.

Does the church you attended follow these instructions?

[Tenbear2808]

Yes, there should be order. When a word is spoken for the Church there should be an interpretation and actually the Pastor himself should also have that interpretation as he is the head of the flock, even though he may allow someone else to give it.

This is when the word is spoken for edification of the Church body itself.

However during worship service, what usually happens, unfortunately, is that many around you are speaking in tongues to themselves for their own edification and rather than being quiet with it and under their breath so to speak they are vocal. Some more so for show than for true edification. So rather than edifying anybody it causes visitors who dont understand this to be uncomfortable.

If this does happen, you should talk with the Pastor about it. If this continues and you are still uncomfortable, then you should not stay, because it is hindering your walk with God.

:)

[Lazarus01]

Yes, there should be order. When a word is spoken for the Church there should be an interpretation and actually the Pastor himself should also have that interpretation as he is the head of the flock, even though he may allow someone else to give it.

This is when the word is spoken for edification of the Church body itself.

However during worship service, what usually happens, unfortunately, is that many around you are speaking in tongues to themselves for their own edification and rather than being quiet with it and under their breath so to speak they are vocal. Some more so for show than for true edification. So rather than edifying anybody it causes visitors who dont understand this to be uncomfortable.

If this does happen, you should talk with the Pastor about it. If this continues and you are still uncomfortable, then you should not stay, because it is hindering your walk with God.

:)

Where did you get the idea that the pastor is the head of the flock? The title is a gift not an office. There are only two offices (elder and deacon) and the NT requires a plurality of these in the local church. There is nothing in the NT that indicates any "authority" is vested in a single person in the local church. This is a denominational belief that is not Biblical.

[Kliska]

Where did you get the idea that the pastor is the head of the flock? The title is a gift not an office. There are only two offices (elder and deacon) and the NT requires a plurality of these in the local church. There is nothing in the NT that indicates any "authority" is vested in a single person in the local church. This is a denominational belief that is not Biblical.

Ultimate authority is invested in Christ, but biblically it is shown that there are those that could be phrased "under-shepherds." For example: 1 Peter 5:1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Notice Christ is not just referred to as the "Shepherd" which would be apporpriate too of course, but in Peter, the title "chief" Shepherd intimates underling shepherds.

And in Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Will return when I have time to try to find an earlier post of mine about speaking in tongues...

[Chula]

There is also a "tongue" that is a prayer language and not the type where there is interpretation. When deep in worship sometimes a believer will just start speaking in a tongue unaware that he/she is even doing it.

You say you really felt the spirit of the Lord at your new church during the worship service. Please enjoy the spirit and allow yourself to be emersed in the joy and blessings that can be yours as you worship in this environment.

Nothing against what the Baptists teach but most Baptists do not believe in miracles either. God is not limited by what we think He can or can not do.

[Lazarus01]

Ultimate authority is invested in Christ, but biblically it is shown that there are those that could be phrased "under-shepherds." For example: 1 Peter 5:1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Notice Christ is not just referred to as the "Shepherd" which would be apporpriate too of course, but in Peter, the title "chief" Shepherd intimates underling shepherds.

And in Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Will return when I have time to try to find an earlier post of mine about speaking in tongues...

Your quote made my point - "elders" (plural). The church is to be lead by a group of Godly leaders. Nowhere is authority vested in a single person office. Timothy and Titus appointed elders but they individually were not considered the "head" of the church. No such person apart from Christ is ever mentioned in scripture. And a shepherd is to lead, not "lord" over. This can also be shown easily. I just don't have time now.

[raptureshoes]

I speak in tongues. I am visited by the Holy Spirit. My physical body has been moved by the Holy Spirit.

This site needs to start accepting that part of Chrisitanity instead of closing threads that discuss it. It is Biblical.