So, what's the deal with tongues? I know what the book of Acts says but do you feel that tongues are for everyone or just the select few? Or are they totally bogus?

JesusRocks- 2/21/2008 8:13:13 PM

And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people and they will get well." Mark 16:17-18

No, tongues are not bogus. It is given freely to believers as a means of communication with God. It is our spiritual prayer language. Our spirit communes with God when we pray in tongues (Holy Spirit). We are encouraged in Jude 20, to pray this way to build up our faith. Paul prayed this way and he was not in the Upper Room on the day of Pentecost.

Also, Ephesians 6:18 says we should pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.

mrspiggy- 2/22/2008 1:03:24 PM

I have prayed in toungues on several occasions. Before I start I always ask Our Lord Jeus to send his Holy spirit upon me to enable me to speak from the Spirit-basically to say what my hearts feels. Every time it is like a wave fills me and I just speak without understanding what I am saying but knowing exactly what I am saying through feeling it-or by the spirit. It is amazing, and sometimes a little frightning, but I never have done it, more than a minute or so. I am going to keep praying for the Spirit to lead me in prayer with our Father.

Bar-Yehoshua- 2/22/2008 5:18:54 PM

Greetings,

Well first it is important to understand that there are two distinctions in speaking in tongues. Xenoglossy and Glossolalia. Xenoglossy is when the Holy Spirit lets a person speak in a foreign language that they have never heard before, the language is coherent and can be understood by non believers who speak that language. Glossolalia on the other hand is the speaking of an incoherent speech-like utterances. When the Bible talks about speaking in tongues it is referring to Xenoglossy. Glossolalia only recently appeared in churches starting in 1900 AD.

Here is a good link to start studding this topic:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossolalia

Wind Blown Leaf- 2/26/2008 5:55:20 PM

I think I have spoke in tongues several times but have neevr been church directed in it. I find a lot of it when I visit huge churches like more than 10,000 . I think some people are insincere about it which is really disappointing. But I don't know there hearts so let God be the judge. However one issues i do have is many penocostal churches belive if you are a believer you WILL speak in tounges if you don't your not saved. I know the bible mentions you will know belivers by this however it is by no means a requirment for salvation.

Nxaxtxe777- 6/5/2008 5:50:32 PM