The subject of tongues

There have been, over the years, many arguments over the controversial topic of speaking or praying in tongues. What is it? Is it right or wrong? Jesus said the Word of God is truth. What does God say about speaking in tongues?

Jesus said in Mark 16:17, "And these signs will follow those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues" Jesus said those who believe would speak with new tongues. In John 16:7, Jesus said, "It is to your advantage that I go away; for if i do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if i depart I will send him to you." Before Jesus ascended to heaven in Acts 1:5, He said, "For John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." Not many days after that, the Day of Pentecost came. Acts 2:1-4 says, "When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place, and suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."

What does this all mean? Well, let's put two and two together. Jesus said those who believe will speak with new tongues, that after He departs, or ascends into heaven, He would send a Helper, that they would be baptized not with water, but with the Holy Spirit.

On the Day of Pentecost, they were baptized in the Holy Spirit, and spoke in tongues unknown to the speaker, as a result of the Holy Spirit (having been sent to them) giving them the ability.

Some say that speaking in tongues passed away long ago; that it was for a certain time and purpose, specifically the Day of Pentecost. However, there is absolutely no biblical evidence to support these claims. In fact, later on in Acts 10:44-46, after the Day of Pentecost, "While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God." Why were they astonished? Because the gentiles received the baptism in the Holy Ghost. How did they know? "For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God." They knew they had received the Holy Spirit because they spoke in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Then, in Acts 19:5-6, "When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied."

No matter what people say, you can't argue with the Word of God. The bible says that the Word is sharper than any two-edged sword. The Word says that those who believe will speak in new tongues, which is evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
In 1 Corinthians 14:2, Paul said that "He who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries." in verse 5 he said, "I wish you all spoke with tongues," and in verse 18, " I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all." In verse 39, Paul said, "Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues."

There are those who argue against these truths. No matter what any person may say, it is the Word of God. Until my next post, let my parting words be the words that Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 16:13-14, "Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love."