Speaking in Tongues

Speaking in tongues is a gift available to all. All do not do it, and it has nothing to do with spirituality or salvation. Paul's letter to Corinth was a scolding because the equated it, and other gifts, with spiritual maturity and spiritual-ness. Paul reminded them that love and a good testimony were far more important. Do not overlook the value of it, though. Paul stated that when he spoke in a tongue, his spirit was edified, not necessarily his mind. He stated that he wasn't talking to man, but rather to God. Other writers spoke of its benefits, as well. Jesus said that we being evil know how to give our children good gifts, so then, how much more will God give the Spirit to those who ask. It's just a matter of asking, believing, and receiving. For some it comes quicker, and some never receive. Only God knows why, but the important thing is to not put too much stress on oneself if it takes a while or even never happens.

Let me explain something. God gave his disciples the gift of tongues because he comissioned them to go into all the world and preach the gospel. They did not have time to go to language school and learn a language. He gave them the give to speak in tongues so his message could go out. This idea of speaking in a language between you and God is rubish. God doesn't need a special language to speak to you. He already knows you heart. This mostly has come about because a misunderstanding of 1 Corinthians 14:2. "For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries." If I was to speak or write in a language you do not understand what is it going to benefit you unless you were able to interpret it. Nothing. Only me and God would understand what I am saying. I would be speaking mysteries because you would not know what I am saying. If you continue to read through 1 Corinthians 14, you see how important to interpret what is spoken in a unknown tongue. If it is not interpreted then it remains a mystery and only edifies the speaker, but no one else, is edified

I have spoke in tongues before, you call out jeues name long enough you will speak in tongues.

The gift of tongues was temporarily, given to the apostles and the first Christians because they did not have the New Testament, and to witness to the gentiles, that is the non Jewish believers who did not understand Hebrew. God gave the apostles and the first believers the ability to speak to the non-believer in his own language even though they could not understand it and needed someone else who could understand the non believer's language to interpret it for the congregation. So if you were a Hebrew and someone came to the meetings who was a Persian, you could talk to him in Persian, but when it came for a sermon, then you had to find someone who spoke Persian and Hebrew to speak to the congregation about what you said and to you because it was God who gave the gift. Tongues is another word for language. It is not speaking some sort of gobbedly g-k or angel talk. You may have the gift of learning languages. But we no longer need the gift of tongues because the Bible has been set down in most languages.

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!!! NO!! It is a "gift"! But not for all! You don't have to be able to speak in tongues! And if you don't, it does not mean that you are not worthy a christian! There is no way to really estimate your worth as a christian because it is through salvation that you have become a christian... the next closest thing that could somewhat estimate ur 'worth' is your lifestyle and relationship with Christ! But speaking in tongues is not requirement for Christians... good thing you asked cuz we had a whole discussion on this in bible study and we went to SCRIPTURE - I encourage you to read 1 Corinthians 12 and if you want 1 Corintians 14 also. Some people have focused on how Paul wrote, "He who speaks in tongues edifies himself...I would like every one of you to speak in tongues" (1 Corinthians 14:4,5). Yes he said, but you must read it's context - meaning you must read everything around the verse to fully understand what he meant. Paul went on to speak about how he who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. He would like everyone of them to speak in tongues, but he'd rather have you prophesy. Why did he say this? Because when someone speaks in tongues, if it is not interpreted, then the church will not be edified! Edifying a church is greater than edifying yourself. A more direct answer from the Bible can be found in 1 Corinthians 12. Here Paul speaks about spiritual gifts. Verse 4 - 'There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Verse 27 - Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a part of it. 28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? DO ALL SPEAK IN TONGUES? Do all interpret? 31 But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way. My point..... speaking in tongues, is a gift. Just like healing is a gift, and preaching is a gift! Not everyone is going to do everything! Do not worry yourself my friend if you cannot speak in tongues!! (I've written everything on here by hand so if there is a typo please do excuse me!)

I agree with the previous responses...refer to 1 Corinthians 12-14 KJV. Yes it's a spiritual gift but not every one would probably have it. Paul says when you speak in tongues, you speak to God. He said he'd rather speak in few understandable words which can strengthen his fellow christians than speak in tongues unless somebody interprets. If anyone wants to do so, do it privately. Honestly I don't speak in tongues. I was raised with evangelicals but i encountered this with the pentecostals (christian denomination which believes in the spiritual gifts, signs & wonders are in effect today). I'm involved in a pentecostal charismatic church for 7 years now and i've seen a lot who do this in the midst of the congregation..specially pastors. I think your mentor is referring to the book of Acts, accounts where those (new converts)filled with the Holy Ghost spake in tongues. Some groups are very extreme about this. I don't force myself to do that too or i'd end up faking it. and i'm not really bothered. I'm much more bothered by people like you getting confused because of these issues. Don't be scared if you don't speak in tongues..for this gift also came from God..as well as other gifts. It's not the only indication of the presence Holy Spirit. Never mind your mentor if he insists, your greatest mentor is GOD of the Bible. Read it more often. As long as you have your stand you'll have peace.