(1 Corinthians 14:21a) “In the Law it is written: Through men of strange tongues and through the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me,” says the Lord. Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however is for believers, not unbelievers.”
Introduction:
Historically and for many years now in the Church there has been an unrelenting dispute and much confusion concerning this grace gift. What does the Bible really teach? Should every believer speak in tongues or only some? Is it really the evidence of the Baptism with the Holy Spirit? Can anyone speak in a tongue at any time they wish to speak? Are there tongues of angels as well as men? Today many ask these questions and more. There were many problems at Corinth and one of these was the misuse of spiritual gifts especially in meetings. We must not assume that every person who speaks in a tongue is speaking by the Holy Spirit. Some Mormons speak in tongues; Buddhists and Taoists speak in tongues. African witch doctors speak in tongues and even prophesy. You have Catholic nuns and priests speaking in tongues to Mary.
A tongue can come from a number of sources.
Firstly, it can be a physically manipulated tongue. In meetings there are those who try to get people to speak in tongues by massaging their jaws or by suggesting they make certain sounds and even copy the sounds of others. Secondly, it can be psychological. The person is speaking a language they have made up themselves and activated when in a state of emotional euphoria. Thirdly, it can be demonic. A person can be speaking in a tongue and actually blaspheming and cursing the Lord. Fourthly, it can be by the direct control of the Holy Spirit. How then can we know that when we are speaking in a tongue we are speaking by the Holy Spirit? There are four basic tests…
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