Speaking in Tongues and Gifts of the Spirit Still available???

[Sower]

2 hours ago, First and the Last said:

Anyone who has repented of their sin who truly desire (without doubt, without any denominational or man theological thought, clear mind) to receive the Baptism of the Holy Ghost and speak in tongues will.

Thanks for allowing everyone, including the viewers and seekers, to hear this above.
Everyone knows tongues is a gift, and not conjured up by man. Scriptures verify.
Also, would you not better desire the gift of Prophesy if you could get it, a better gift?
Or if it so easy, what about the other 'gifts' that furthers the gospel, and not our self?

             Why try to put our focus so much on tongues, F&L...

                      How about we focus on Jesus Christ!.....

                            A gift is given, not taken.

                    "For God so loved the world He gave"...

Thanks, F&L...Interesting/challenging..

[Stewardofthemystery]

Not ALL who receive the Holy Spirit are given the same gifts of the Spirit…

1 Corinthians 12:9

“To another” faith by the same Spirit; “to another” the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

1 Corinthians 12:10

“To another” the working of miracles; “to another”prophecy; “to another” discerning of spirits; “to another” divers kinds of tongues; “to another” the interpretation of tongues:

[PATrobas]

28 minutes ago, First and the Last said:

In matters of faith and doctrine, it's essential to ground our beliefs firmly in the authoritative Word of God rather than relying solely on personal experiences. The Bible serves as our ultimate guide, revealing God's will and His plan for our lives.

Amen.

29 minutes ago, First and the Last said:

This biblical pattern continues throughout Acts and in the epistles, demonstrating that the Baptism of the Holy Ghost, evidenced by speaking in tongues, is a consistent experience for believers.

Negative. Acts, not always. Epistles, no. Acts was a recording of what took place at that time, not a doctrinal proof text.

 

34 minutes ago, First and the Last said:

While personal experiences can vary, the biblical truth remains constant and reliable. My view concerning the Baptism of the Holy Ghost is not shaped by personal preferences or denominational traditions but by the clear teachings of Scripture. Therefore, it is our responsibility to align our beliefs with the Word of God, allowing Scripture to guide and shape our understanding of spiritual matters. As believers, we must encourage others to seek God earnestly, according to His Word, trusting that He will fulfill His promises to those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6)

Ah, but Scripture does not prove that we will have the same experience, though some Scripture may seem to prove we will. I am a good example. You don't know me, but assuming I am who I say, why does my experience not line up with your understanding of Scripture? "Do all speak with tongues?" (I know how you answer this, but what if this means what it literally says? I'll bet you hold to a literal interpretation when possible, why not here?) There are some things hard to be understood and this may be one of them. Don't discount a multitude of brothers and sisters as not being saved because they don't or have never spoken in tongues. One last thing; if tongues be a sign of salvation, would not that sign be a work to be done in order to be saved? God saves by faith. I walk in the Spirit. I have never spoken in a tongue other than English and Spanish. Don't tell me that because of that I'm not saved.

[First and the Last]

14 minutes ago, PATrobas said:

Negative. Acts, not always. Epistles, no. Acts was a recording of what took place at that time, not a doctrinal proof text.

while Acts provides historical narratives of the Spirit's manifestations at specific moments in the early church's history, the epistles offer doctrinal teachings that affirm the enduring role of the Holy Spirit in the church today. The consistency lies not only in the historical accounts but in the timeless truth that the Holy Spirit continues to empower believers, fulfilling Jesus's promise to baptize His followers with the Holy Spirit and fire (Matthew 3:11; Acts 1:5). As pastors and believers, it is our privilege to embrace both the historical accounts and the doctrinal teachings, seeking the Spirit's guidance as we live out our faith and minister to others in His power.

17 minutes ago, PATrobas said:

"Do all speak with tongues?" (I know how you answer this, but what if this means what it literally says? I'll bet you hold to a literal interpretation when possible, why not here?) There are some things hard to be understood and this may be one of them.

1 Corinthians 12:29-30, "Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?"

Addresses the diversity of spiritual gifts within the body of Christ, emphasizing that not every believer will have the same role or gift. The church is likened to a body, with each member having a distinct function, and all are necessary for the health and growth of the church. This diversity ensures that the church operates effectively, with apostles, prophets, teachers, miracle workers, those with gifts of healing, and others each contributing uniquely to the mission of the church.

It is important to distinguish between the different types of speaking in tongues mentioned in the New Testament. The Bible teaches that speaking in tongues serves different purposes and contexts. First, there is speaking in tongues as the initial evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit, which is a private and personal experience for every believer baptized in the Holy Ghost. This experience is a sign of the New Birth and is distinct from the spiritual gifts described in 1 Corinthians 12.

The passage in 1 Corinthians 12 refers to the specific gift of tongues used in a public worship setting. This gift, meant for the edification of the church, typically occurs during quiet spiritual moments and requires interpretation. Not all believers will possess this particular gift, just as not all are apostles, prophets, or teachers. This public exercise of the gift of tongues, accompanied by interpretation, is different from the personal prayer language experienced by individuals when they receive the Holy Spirit.

In summary, while every believer is encouraged to seek and receive the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues as a personal experience, the specific gift of tongues used in church settings for communal edification and requiring interpretation is given according to God’s sovereign will and purpose. This distinction clarifies the different roles of speaking in tongues within the body of Christ, both for individual spiritual growth and for the edification of the church.

20 minutes ago, PATrobas said:

One last thing; if tongues be a sign of salvation, would not that sign be a work to be done in order to be saved?

Tongues are a gift given by God's grace to believers for edification, prayer, and worship (1 Corinthians 14:4, 14-15). They serve to build up the individual believer and the church body, but they do not constitute a necessary condition for salvation itself. Not a work.

While tongues serve as a sign or manifestation of the Holy Spirit's presence and work in a believer's life, they are not a work but a gift. The Holy Spirit's gifts, including tongues, are given freely to believers to empower them for service and to glorify God. Therefore, tongues as a sign of salvation should be understood within the broader framework of God's grace and the transformative work of the Spirit in the lives of those who believe in Him.

24 minutes ago, PATrobas said:

I have never spoken in a tongue other than English and Spanish. Don't tell me that because of that I'm not saved.

If you have never experienced speaking in tongues I find it hard pressed for you to talk on this topic.

[PATrobas]

1 hour ago, First and the Last said:

If you have never experienced speaking in tongues I find it hard pressed for you to talk on this topic.

I've never seen Jesus. I've never been to heaven. I've never spoken in tongues. I guess I have nothing to say on those subjects then. It's too bad that given your gifting of teaching, you aren't open to being taught or at least entertain thoughts different from yours. Nevertheless, still, blessings brother.

[First and the Last]

12 minutes ago, PATrobas said:

I've never seen Jesus. I've never been to heaven. I've never spoken in tongues. I guess I have nothing to say on those subjects then. It's too bad that given your gifting of teaching, you aren't open to being taught or at least entertain thoughts different from yours. Nevertheless, still, blessings brother.

I appreciate your response and understand where you’re coming from. My intention wasn’t to diminish your perspective or imply that you have nothing valuable to contribute to the discussion. Rather, I wanted to emphasize the importance of personal experience, especially when discussing something as profound and personal as speaking in tongues. Just as firsthand experience with Jesus and heaven would offer a deeper understanding, experiencing the baptism of the Holy Ghost and speaking in tongues provides a unique, firsthand insight into this spiritual phenomenon.

When we discuss spiritual experiences, it's often challenging to fully convey their depth and impact to someone who hasn't personally encountered them. Speaking in tongues, for instance, is not just an intellectual concept but a deeply transformative and personal encounter with God's Spirit. It is akin to trying to describe the beauty of a sunset to someone who has never seen one; words can capture only so much.

I certainly did not mean to suggest that your lack of experience in this particular area invalidates your insights or your ability to contribute meaningfully to our conversation. Your thoughts and questions are incredibly valuable, and they help us all to think more deeply and articulate our faith more clearly. My point was simply to highlight that experiencing something firsthand often brings a depth of understanding that goes beyond theoretical knowledge.

We all have different journeys and experiences with God, and I am always open to learning from your insights as well. Our shared goal is to grow in our understanding and relationship with God, and that requires both sharing our own experiences and being open to the experiences of others. Thank you for engaging in this discussion, and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow together. Blessings to you, my brother.

[PATrobas]

35 minutes ago, First and the Last said:

I appreciate your response and understand where you’re coming from. My intention wasn’t to diminish your perspective or imply that you have nothing valuable to contribute to the discussion. Rather, I wanted to emphasize the importance of personal experience, especially when discussing something as profound and personal as speaking in tongues. Just as firsthand experience with Jesus and heaven would offer a deeper understanding, experiencing the baptism of the Holy Ghost and speaking in tongues provides a unique, firsthand insight into this spiritual phenomenon.

When we discuss spiritual experiences, it's often challenging to fully convey their depth and impact to someone who hasn't personally encountered them. Speaking in tongues, for instance, is not just an intellectual concept but a deeply transformative and personal encounter with God's Spirit. It is akin to trying to describe the beauty of a sunset to someone who has never seen one; words can capture only so much.

I certainly did not mean to suggest that your lack of experience in this particular area invalidates your insights or your ability to contribute meaningfully to our conversation. Your thoughts and questions are incredibly valuable, and they help us all to think more deeply and articulate our faith more clearly. My point was simply to highlight that experiencing something firsthand often brings a depth of understanding that goes beyond theoretical knowledge.

We all have different journeys and experiences with God, and I am always open to learning from your insights as well. Our shared goal is to grow in our understanding and relationship with God, and that requires both sharing our own experiences and being open to the experiences of others. Thank you for engaging in this discussion, and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow together. Blessings to you, my brother.

Good and humble answer. I appreciate that. As to your reference to experience, I couldn't agree more. Paul and John both could not express the full wonders of what they saw and heard in heaven.  ( 2 Cor.12:1-5) However, Paul said these things he saw and heard weren't as glorious as what he experienced in his suffering in the flesh because he saw God's power and grace manifested in his spirit overcoming the infirmities of his flesh. We each may have experiences that elevate us to great spiritual heights, but it is the working together with the body of Christ that a fuller picture of Jesus is seen. I use the illustration of an orchestra under the direction of a conductor. Each instrument was designed to make a  beautiful sound and playing together they harmonize to make a masterpiece work of art, but only under the explicit direction of the conductor. One instrument playing out of tune or out of order even (playing when he shouldn't or not playing when he should) can spoil the whole show. And each instrument, though sounding glorious in his own ears, sounds pitiful alone. He must not think his instrument is the most important. Each instrument has its own particular sheet music with the conductor having the full score, so he directs everyone so that they blend together at the right times and places. I don't need to teach others or even expect others to know how to play my instrument. They need to know how to play theirs and likewise not try to teach me how to read their music or play their instrument. Nevertheless, I can appreciate how and when they play because they compliment me and my playing when following the conductor.

My experience (or lack thereof) does not negate your experience and vice versa. We must learn to not think more highly of ourselves because we have a particular gift or ministry or experience. Paul said 1Co 4:7  "For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? " Teaching or inferring that those who do not speak in tongues lack the HS, or lack a certain blessing or gift from Him automatically makes me feel inferior and elevates the self perception of the one teaching (not that you are doing that intentionally.)

Thanks for the banter. I'll continue to consider what you have said and will let you know if I am ever blessed to speak in tongues. For now, I am content to be satisfied with what He has blessed me with. Blessings.

[First and the Last]

19 minutes ago, PATrobas said:

Good and humble answer. I appreciate that. As to your reference to experience, I couldn't agree more. Paul and John both could not express the full wonders of what they saw and heard in heaven.  ( 2 Cor.12:1-5) However, Paul said these things he saw and heard weren't as glorious as what he experienced in his suffering in the flesh because he saw God's power and grace manifested in his spirit overcoming the infirmities of his flesh. We each may have experiences that elevate us to great spiritual heights, but it is the working together with the body of Christ that a fuller picture of Jesus is seen. I use the illustration of an orchestra under the direction of a conductor. Each instrument was designed to make a  beautiful sound and playing together they harmonize to make a masterpiece work of art, but only under the explicit direction of the conductor. One instrument playing out of tune or out of order even (playing when he shouldn't or not playing when he should) can spoil the whole show. And each instrument, though sounding glorious in his own ears, sounds pitiful alone. He must not think his instrument is the most important. Each instrument has its own particular sheet music with the conductor having the full score, so he directs everyone so that they blend together at the right times and places. I don't need to teach others or even expect others to know how to play my instrument. They need to know how to play theirs and likewise not try to teach me how to read their music or play their instrument. Nevertheless, I can appreciate how and when they play because they compliment me and my playing when following the conductor.

My experience (or lack thereof) does not negate your experience and vice versa. We must learn to not think more highly of ourselves because we have a particular gift or ministry or experience. Paul said 1Co 4:7  "For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? " Teaching or inferring that those who do not speak in tongues lack the HS, or lack a certain blessing or gift from Him automatically makes me feel inferior and elevates the self perception of the one teaching (not that you are doing that intentionally.)

Thanks for the banter. I'll continue to consider what you have said and will let you know if I am ever blessed to speak in tongues. For now, I am content to be satisfied with what He has blessed me with. Blessings.

It's wonderful that you are considering what has been shared, and it's important to cherish the blessings you have received from the Lord. Being content with His blessings is a beautiful attitude. However, it's also good to remain open to all that God has for you, including the gift of speaking in tongues. Sometimes, stepping out in faith and seeking more of His presence can lead to new and profound experiences. Remember, God desires to pour out His Spirit abundantly on all His children. Continue to seek Him with an open heart, and trust that He will guide you into all that He has prepared for you.

[Marathoner]

16 hours ago, Stewardofthemystery said:

Not ALL who receive the Holy Spirit are given the same gifts of the Spirit…

1 Corinthians 12:9

“To another” faith by the same Spirit; “to another” the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

1 Corinthians 12:10

“To another” the working of miracles; “to another”prophecy; “to another” discerning of spirits; “to another” divers kinds of tongues; “to another” the interpretation of tongues:

Indeed, and well said. Let us all be wary of doctrines drawn from proof texts for the harmony of the scriptures does not bear witness to the assertion that we all serve the same purpose in the Body. We most assuredly don't.

For a number of years, starting from that day when the Lord restored me, He would send me to a certain place according to His purpose and will. After I arrived, it pleased the Lord to display His power in me --- not for my benefit alone, but for the benefit of those who witnessed His display. This was certainly not of my own devising, for I couldn't possibly do what only the Lord is capable of doing. Witnesses knew that it was the power of God. 

I have explained to those who suffer greatly that this is according to His purpose, but this matter cannot be grasped by the mind of flesh (the natural man). I myself was ignorant of the truth until my restoration, when I understood that the Lord chose to display His power in me. This was why I suffered grievously.

The Spirit gives gifts according to His good pleasure, and His alone.  

[warrior12]

In my early days of warring with spiritual things, beings or whatever the unseen world of active entities that is in this world, that I had to war in  the spirt with, caused me to believe that tongues were demonic.  In the church I had very bad experience with I being open to this gift, it did not turn out to be the experience that the OP has being stating.  In fact , was hurt physically, though not external injuries, but felt pain.  That is another episode by itself.

So , then I started to investigate the scripture text about this gift and was not sure about it's authentic practice as I witness in the church [Pentecostal] .  I wanted to be impartial about its existence and practice and felt, if it for me, then I would not be able to resist the Holy spirit invitation to it.  

My sister who I know very well of course, said she spoke in tongues in private and I held those thoughts in high esteem .  She and my other sister who is in heaven , I understand also spoke in tongues.  I was confused about their testimony and my experience with the spiritual realm and I prayed that the Lord would reveal to me the truths about the speaking in tongues and gifts.

Because I had so much trauma and turmoil in warring with spirits that try to seduce me with things coming into my taste buds and also smells, I  was very cautious about letting anything into my very being.  As I matured and the spiritual warfare situations continued, I gained much insight into how the world, business and the spirit world operates.  It is difficult to describe as to the  reader grasping the details and thus being able to see the truths as I reveal it from my daily goings. 

As I watched videos, read articles and books relating to tongues, I see it as scriptural, but not practiced as to the biblical wording. The exception of course has to be the person speaking in his private session, as there is not interpretation there to others.

I have come to the conclusion that , each has to be truthful about his experience and how the holy spirit and a person inner man sees the acceptance and reception of this gift as to living a holy life pleasing to God. I also think, if God deems it necessary to impart this to a person, then it will surely be sent in a manner that cannot be resisted.