TONGUES GIVEN AS A SIGN (ACTS 2) - PART 31

Tongues are given as a sign. Note that tongues were not given as a sign to believers. They had already experienced the grace and goodness of God. Rather, tongues were given to believers so that the non-believers, the observers of the gathering in Acts II, understood the tongues as an expression of an occurring audible and visible manifestation. Some might say that the tongues were of a peculiar happening. Did the Lord not say that one of the signs that would occur in a believer's new birth experience is that believers would speak with a new tongue? Of course. Believers have been adopted into the family of God.

To some extent, this heavenly language, recognized as tongues may be surprising to Adam’s offspring but they are quite the norm to members of the family of God  Indeed, through the manifestation of tongues God's  endeavoured to prompt the attention of unbelievers. Yet in spite of all that they hear and see, God declares their unbelieving eyes and ears are still closed.

There are in this world a vast diversity of different languages (tongues). And in case you are wondering, apparently, angels have their own kind of tongues. That is how earthly humans communicate. God has a language too. How else would He have been able to counsel with Himself in the beginning? Indeed, it is recorded that in the beginning was the Word. Wisdom! God framed the world with His own Word.God said, let there be and be there was.

 In the upper room where the 120 believers gathered together as instructed by Jesus, all of a sudden a sound appeared, like that of a mighty rushing wind. This sound filling all the room where the people were gathered. In some ways, if one needs an analogy, the sound might be compared to today's surround sound. Here, in this room, suddenly there appeared unto them tongues like as a uncontrollable fire (purifying) and it "sat." How else could one describe this experience that tongues plain and simply "sat" on each one of them.

Just like God's plan of salvation, the gift of tongues was personally delivered to each believer. And as detailed in the scriptures, they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Speaking as the Holy Spirit gave them utterance in a new language. A Holy Spirit language. To those of you who ask why a new language? The response is simple.  The people were being reborn. The people were now born of God, not by the will of the flesh nor by the will of man but born of God. Born by the blood of the Holy Spirit.

Each person in the midst was purchased, redeemed and justified... they are now the children of the second Adam, who is the Lord Himself, a brand new spiritual people indwelt by the Spirit of their Father have been born into the Kingdom of God. our heavenly Father who gave up His own life as a Son, thereby grafting us into Himself causing us to become partakers of His free gift of salvation. He is the one who loves us with an everlasting love. It cost the Lord His life as a Son to redeem us as His people,Redeeming (bringing us back) to the place where we could walk and talk and fellowship with God. (as friend with friend) 

He brought us back so that we could fellowship with Him. Remember,Adam did not originally hide from God. Adam started His hiding when sin showed up. The old covenant no longer applies Jesus redeemed us, and now because of redemption and God's ultimate sacrifice of sacrifices (God Himself as a son willingly committed Himself as a living sacrifice) we can be saved. Jesus allowed Adam’s fallen sinful race to pursue Him to an agonizing, brutal animalistic, inhumane torture, that culminated in crucifixion, we have been given salvation. Jesus paid the price in full.

Imagine a love this true. Love beyond man's wildest dreams. Undoubtedly, both heaven and earth in its entirety was His inheritance. Jesus, being the only begotten Son of God, bequeathed all of His inheritance to us. As a gift. All of this inheritance was bequeathed to us, while we were still His enemies. Think of this. Indeed, if that be the case, just imagine the treasures that lie yet in store for us. The scriptures state that eye has not seen, neither has ear heard the things that God has in store for all the offspring of Jesus. The same Jesus, who Himself seeded us in his death.

Except a seed of wheat fall into the ground and die. It will only be one wheat, but if it dies it brings forth much wheat. Jesus is the seed and like the wheat example, He wants us to multiply. He wants us to accept the gift of His salvation - His sacrifice on the cross. Further, He wants us to become His people - the Jesus People. If any man or woman be the offspring of Jesus he or she is now a new creation in God. And yes, as a consequence, we do speak in Holy Spirit tongues as His Spirit gives us utterance.  

Like the apostles in Acts II, we do not forbid the speaking in tongues. For he that speaks in an unknown tongue is not speaking to man. He is speaking to God. And in the spirit he speaks mysteries. Stand in the Offering Plate. Our obedience is better than sacrifice. Peace to all who are in Jesus.