New Policy: Southern Baptist Missionary Candidates

[nebula]

I, too, believe "private prayer tongues" is at best a shaky idea and at worst a complete sham.

if your only exposure to tongues is from the telly, I can understand why you would believe this.

What you are missing is how those of us who use this actually use it. It's not something I use lightly, and most definantly not something I use for show.

Yes, I do use this often when I pray - especially times when there is a need and I just don't have the words to express the cry of my heart. I will pray in tongue during corporate prayer times - but not to override anyone, more like participating with the prayer. Now, I know some people pray too loud with this, but often that is because they are praying with intensity. Shouold they work at controlling their volume? Maybe. But none of us mind too much. We are all sending our prayers to the Lord - so it matters not what we hear, and I am sure the Lord can sort out the "noise"!

I know it's hard for you to understand. I mean, what is the use?

But I can tell you this. There was a time in my life when things were so hard on my faith that I questioned God's existance (for me, that's saying a lot!). But what helped me? It was this:

If God wasn't real, how is it that I could speak in tongues? (I'm not the kind of person who could fake it if I tried. And when I do pray with my tongue, I can tell it is something that comes form my "depths" if you will, not my cranium.)

So, yeah, I thank the Lord for this gift! It really has helped me in my spiritual walk.

[WayneB]

So, yeah, I thank the Lord for this gift! It really has helped me in my spiritual walk.

Exactly what my wife would say as well Nebula. Well spoken.

[Marnie]

See what I mean? There is no clear cut doctrine out there. Oy vey.

[WayneB]

See what I mean? There is no clear cut doctrine out there. Oy vey.

...which is why a closer study of God's Word is ALWAYS warranted when a difference in understanding surfaces. Too often we "debate our position" rather than "seek the TRUTH" in God's Word as the Holy Spirit gives understanding. It comes down to motive.

[Catsmeow]

My own personal belief is that if a charismatic missionary is sponsored, there must be a corresponding "interpreter" with them...since scripture is specific about having someone to edify the Body with an interpreter...

You have keen insights into the darker regions that threatens the church, which is why I listen when you speak, but I believe we risk more when we quench the Holy Spirit by attempting to legislate what is acceptable and what is not in God's eyes. It is always best to rely on God's Holy Spirit to reveal the wicked among us and ensure that we are not deceived into a false gospel. We cannot be deceived if we hold onto God's Word with pure motive.

Wyane

I think it's a delicate balance. I guess I've read too many books from believers coming out of Satanic congregations, confessing their former endeavors to cause harm and damage to Christian churches.

For instance, I remember reading how practicing witches would infiltrate churches by attempting to seduce pastors in private counseling sessions...or pray in demonic tongues during worship service...or create distractions during prayer (by displaying 'odd manifestations')...

Things like this.....Whatever it takes to be a diversion, distraction or to create division in general.

It may be the SBC has had this kind of experience in their past. I don't really know. Again, I'm just making this assumption.

[WayneB]

My own personal belief is that if a charismatic missionary is sponsored, there must be a corresponding "interpreter" with them...since scripture is specific about having someone to edify the Body with an interpreter...

You have keen insights into the darker regions that threatens the church, which is why I listen when you speak, but I believe we risk more when we quench the Holy Spirit by attempting to legislate what is acceptable and what is not in God's eyes. It is always best to rely on God's Holy Spirit to reveal the wicked among us and ensure that we are not deceived into a false gospel. We cannot be deceived if we hold onto God's Word with pure motive.

Wyane

I think it's a delicate balance. I guess I've read too many books from believers coming out of Satanic congregations, confessing their former endeavors to cause harm and damage to Christian churches.

For instance, I remember reading how practicing witches would infiltrate churches by attempting to seduce pastors in private counseling sessions...or pray in demonic tongues during worship service...or create distractions during prayer (by displaying 'odd manifestations')...

Things like this.....Whatever it takes to be a diversion, distraction or to create division in general.

It may be the SBC has had this kind of experience in their past. I don't really know. Again, I'm just making this assumption.

I understand your concern Cats, regarding the deceiving spirits that are so prevalent today. I really believe that this is just another tactic used by Satan though to confuse the followers of Jesus Christ. Good people of faith are being led to fear the manifestations of the Holy Spirit. Once again, I emphasize that their FRUIT will reveal their heart.

My belief though is that these decisions are not the result of pure motive but a fear of anything spiritual, even if it is Holy.