In previous posts, we saw that through the laying on of hands by Apostles Peter and John, the gift of the Holy Ghost was given to the believing Samaritans. Although the scriptural record does not explicitly state that the Samaritans spoke in tongues when they received the Holy Ghost, we are able to assume that because of the number of other examples cited in the Bible (whereby tongues accompanied the entrance of the Holy Ghost into believers), that the same gift was given to the Samarians too.
We should also note that this was both a momentous and eventful occasion. If we read the scriptures we note that Simon, a sorcerer was compelled to offer the apostles money, hoping to obtain the same gift as was being manifest around him. In response to Simon's request, the apostles told Simon that his money should perish with him if he thinks for a moment that money could buy the gift of the Holy Ghost.
As a sidebar to this conversation, the gifts of the Holy Ghost include the indwelling presence of the holy Spirit of Jesus, wherein He says, "I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you." But in relation to the gift of tongues, it is a topic that has admittedly been much debated among religious institutions. Questions have come forward including whether it is reasonable in the 21st century to assume that born again believers today could still speak in tongues. Thus, become recipients of the gift of the Holy Ghost.
[As an fyi, one of the favoured verses used by institutions for opposing the gift of tongues is the scripture that states tongues will cease.]
Unfortunately, it is only this portion of the verse that they rely on. In so doing, they withhold the rest of the verse which of course mentions ‘when” tongues will cease. That is, "when that which is perfect is come." These institutions also forget that tongues were given as a sign. Not to them that believe but tongues were given as a sign to those that don’t believe.
Sadly, these neither distinguish between the tongues of men and the tongues of angels in their discussions. To many, tongues is simply another language. This may be, in part, because the modern day religious community does not want their congregations to know what occurred on the day of Pentecost. But I digress.
Continuing, it is important to recognize that he or she who speaks in an unknown tongue (whether it be tongues of men or angels, or a completely unknown tongue) is not conversing with men. No, they are speaking directly to God. The person praying is praying to God in a Spirit language. Although his or her understanding of what he or she is praying is unfruitful to them personally, or at least in their natural mind, speaking in tongues represents a pouring out of one's heart to the Lord. And, as the scriptures declare, a person who speaks in tongues will be edified; strengthened.
Put another way, in the Spirit one is speaking mysteries. Still, even though the praying believers' understanding may seem unfruitful, the praying believers are edified in spirit. For assuredly the believer rightly knows that God knows what is on their mind and in their heart when they pray. Often, the believer quietly prays in spirit and at times he or she prays also with her natural tongue of understanding.
What then is the teaching that believers who the Lord Himself has given the gift of tongues should cease? Indeed, believers ought to continue praying quietly in the Spirit until the need of the spirit rests. For God who hears and sees in secret shall reward openly. At the same time, the gifted believer should pray to receive the gift of interpretation that accompanies the gift of tongues, in order that the believer’s understanding will be nourished.
For in the Spirit, the believer speaks mysteries. Paul the apostle to the Gentiles expressed that he spoke with / in tongues more than all the ones he was addressing.
"I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue." (I Corinthians 14: 16-17)
As a crescendo, the scriptures also state that believers should not be forbidden to speak in tongues. How do the scriptures put it? Desire spiritual gifts because every good and perfect gift comes from Jesus, the true God as a son. The same God who Himself fathered us at Calvary.
God as a son sacrificed Himself for His children, shedding His precious holy blood so that we might know personally our Creator. The same God who became our Saviour, and who willingly bestows His gifts upon His beloved body of Christ Church. From I Corinthians 12:
"Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
For to one is given by the Spirit the Word of wisdom; to another the Word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 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:
But all these work that One and the Selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will.
For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by One Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." (I Corinthians 12:1-13)
Meditate on these scriptures for your edification, desirous of spiritual gifts, knowing that we are all baptized into one body, and that the Lord makes us all to drink into One Spirit -- in one accord, as were the first 3,000 souls saved on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:36-47)
Stand in the offering plate!
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