Speaking in Tongues

[resolute]

(11-04-2010 09:33 AM)sheep wrecked Wrote:  

(11-03-2010 10:02 PM)resolute Wrote:  resolute

I was one of those people who sought after tongues. I was prayed over, had hands laid on me, tongues prayed over me, but nothing happened. So besides pleading my heart out to God for them, and because I was taught to sort of "practice" - finally after 3 months, BINGO! So I became a tongue babbler for about 7 years.

The hype and the desire for tongues was many fold - it was the "gateway" for other spiritual gifts and experiences, so one is taught that without it, you do not have the Holy Spirit and can do nothing for God that is worth much unless you speak in tongues. You cannot operate in the gifts and your prayers are inhibited by your lack of spirituality. Certainly, what I experienced may not be to the depth of others, but I sought after any teaching I could find on it and bent the knee to every last vestige of it. The "threat", therefore; is palatable to the point of a strange mix of absolute fear and desire. The fear should have warned me, but I was unprepared and did not have a good foundation in the Word.

What I find so interesting in what you describe is that not only did the onset of tongues get my heart beating faster, but the anticipation of going to church to see and experience other manifestations of the "spirit" also caused that reaction. There definitely was a level of fear. Fear that I would not personally experience all that "God had for me". Again, that should have been a warning, because God's grace and blessings are not dependent on me, but on Him.

During the "performances" of these meetings, I often experienced "goose bumps" and a racing heart, which I instantly related to something "spiritual". So thank you for pointing out that what I was actually experiencing was revulsion. I also experienced periods of a mild shaking/tremoring in which either my legs would "quiver" or my eyes would jump/shake in their sockets [I know it's creepy]. Of course I believed at the time that I was actually being "rewarded" for my "faith" and it was the "spirit" "on" me, so I never recognized that it was demonic, not God.

I am always amazed at how God has continued to solve the equations during that part of my life [now long gone since 2002] and so you have provided another piece to that the puzzle. Thank you

Thank you for sharing. The thing that really jumped out at me from your post was what you called 'racing of the heart'. I've experienced this many times and it's not something that should not be ignored. Sometimes the enemy has a way of downplaying things and it makes you question the validity of your experience... but a jacked heart rate is a very reliable warning signal to fall back on... like I said, the body knows.

resolute

[Lois]

I wanted to bump this thread.

I believe that tongues were a sign to the unbelieving people of the time that God had removed the enmity between Israel and other nationalities. God showed that he was no longer just the God of Israel by pouring His Spirit out on all flesh and indeed reconciling all men to Him, all meaning all types of people from every nation and race not just Israel would be accepted into the sheep fold through believing in the life, death and resurrection of God's Son, Jesus Christ.

Eph 2:11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Acts 10:28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?
30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.
34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all
37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.Then answered Peter,
47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

1Co 14:20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

I would like to share a little bit of my background on this issue. I spoke in unbiblical tongues for almost 30 years.In the Assembly Of God churches that I went to I was constantly told many things about tongues that I trusted were true so didn't bother to look into any of the claims.
I was repeatedly taught that if you didn't know how to pray you should pray in tongues.
If you didn't want to pray amiss you should pray in tongues.
I was taught that praying in tongues was perfect prayer.
I was taught that speaking in tongues was the Holy Spirit interceding for me.
I am sure there are many other things that had been said to me over the years that I'm not remembering at the moment.

All of theses things are a lie.
All of the falsehood I was taught made me feel to inadequate and insecure to speak to God in my own words so I incoherently babbled in gibberish for about 30 years, which severely hindered my learning how to be able to openly communicate with God in my own voice, with my own thoughts and feelings.
I believe my babbling in gibberish was a crutch that severely stunted my spiritual growth and understanding.
I hadn't realized all this until I stopped speaking gibberish in 2011. I had never looked into speaking in tongues until then and that is how I ended up at Seek God.

I was searching for the truth and not just what I wanted to hear. I settled it in my mind that I was not going to ever speak gibberish again in 2011..just because you can do something doesn't necessarily mean you should. I think I even wrote Vic and told her about it.
It's been almost 2 years and I'm still learning how to pray and feel insecure about it. I had no idea how much I was in bondage to it until I stopped.
I could not even speak to God at first. I would just sit queitly and cry, terrified of saying the wrong thing. I know this probably sounds extreme and may not be the case for everyone but this is how it was for me.
There was a time when I was about 16 years old that I actually sat and prayed in gibberish for 4 hours straight. It saddens me some to think about how much I was hurting then and how much I needed help from God and prayers to be answered. I thought I must be praying for what I truly need and in agreement with the will of God this way. I was not praying at all but babbling incoherently. I wasted so much of my time and effort but I am so tremendously blessed to have been delivered from theses lies.
I pray to God that I may be used to help someone that is like I was, God willing.

[Lois]

I wanted to add a few more things to this thread.I might add more as I remember them.

The tongues of the Bible were always a known language and not the incoherent janglings that are done today.

Acts 2:5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

1 Corinthians 14:27-28 is often used as a means to gloss over the use of babbling in gibberish.

1Co 14:27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

Interpreter
G1329

diermeneuo
dee-er-main-yoo'-o
From G1223 and G2059; to explain thoroughly; by implication to translate: - expound, interpret (-ation).

In Acts 2:5-11 known languages were spoken. There were no interpreters there. There was no need for an interpreter in Acts 2:5-11 because when one of the unlearned Galilaeans spoke in the Elamites language(tongue) there was an Elamite there that understood it.
When one of the Galilaeans spoke in the Parthians languages(tongue), there was a Parthian there that understood it.

Acts 2:12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:
21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:
26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:
27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.
29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.
30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool.
36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

These people that heard the Galilaeans speak of the wonderful works of God in their native languages, I believe, had not yet accepted Jesus for who he was, or had not yet received the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

They heard in their languages the wonderful works of God,"And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?"--Then Peter expounded to them from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah and then a lot believed,repented and were saved.

An interpreter knows the language being spoken and is not just speaking off the cuff or whatever pops into their heads, which I know is what happens in charismatic churches because I have participated in the activity myself.
If someone stood up and spoke the Elamites language in a congregation that only spoke and understood Greek how could it edify that congregation unless there were 2 or 3 people there that spoke the Elamite's language and could translate it and also keep each other in check and truthful as to what was being spoken and translated into Greek, so all could learn and be edified.
If there were no Elamites in the congregation or no one there that understood what was being spoken then they needed to stay quiet until there was an interpreter there that knew the language.

1Co 14:1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
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.
3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.
10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.
11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.
12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

1Co 14:23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

There seemed to be some concern about unlearned men not being able to understand, an unlearned person was an ignorant person and would not have known many languages.They didn't have Rosetta Stone and things like that back then to help people learn languages quickly.
God is pretty smart and Awesome.
God fulfilled prophecy and got the message of salvation and reconciliation through His Son, Jesus Christ out quickly to many nationalities that spoke many different languages all at the same time.