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D W
Supporter
No, we don't. In the New Testament or Covenant, in those letters written by the Apostle Paul, the gift of "tongues" is noted. It is the Holy Spirit that determines how "tongues" are to be received and utilized. Every person who has received Jesus as Savior receives instantly the Holy Spirit. Why? He alone is the great interpreter and applier of God's Word. Those without Him are found in 1 Corinthians 2:14. Those with Him are in 1 Corinthians 2:15-16. Even so, not every Believer receives all of the gifts the Holy Spirit provides. Read this slowly, carefully, after prayer!
The Greek word "glossolalia" means "speaking a language." It has nothing to do with making sounds that may sound like language to some. It has everything to do with everyday human speech, including that which is dialectical. Usage is language-literal. Somewhat figurative usage is found in Acts 2:26: "My tongue was glad"; however, this can also be confidently interpreted as "I was so happy," or "My speech reflected happiness."
According to Mark, who was writing his letter to the Romans in Rome, Jesus predicted the use of "tongues" in Mark 16:17. Read that now. He was teaching His Apostles and disciples in view of His fulfillment of the promise of a Messiah to the Jews. THEY would have the ability to speak to and/or be heard in the language of anyone they encountered. None of it would be unintelligible to the listener; no interpreter would be needed. The Romans, whose empire covered countless language groups, would have laughed at that.... until they overheard one of more of the 12 Apostles plus the 70 or so disciples!
What do the listeners say in Acts 2:4-8? "They were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans? And how hear we every man in our own 'dialectos', wherein we were born?” The word used here is the Greek word for "dialect." They even heard in their own local dialects!
When "unknown" appears in 1 Corinthians chapters 12-14 is that proof that these were unknown "tongues," speech outside of known languages? No. The word "unknown" in these chapters was inserted by translators --- not there in the original document! The Holy Spirit did not instruct Paul to write that a 'tongue' was "unknown!" It simply conveys the meaning that a listener heard someone else speak in his or her language.
Now that you understand "tongues," read this in 1 Corinthians 14:9: “If each and all of you speak without words easy to understand, how shall anyone know what you are saying?" (Dynamic Equivalent Translation). It would be senseless babble.
The Greek word 'laleo' means “I speak.” It is NEVER used to indicate sound or noise! It is NEVER used for mumbling or muttering unintelligible "tongues," otherwise unintelligible languages. Speaking in multiple languages was obviously for the ministry of the 12 Apostles, the 70 or so disciples, and then those who gathered in Jerusalem at Pentecost. Those Jews in the 18 language groups did not at that point believe that Jesus was the Messiah. Most had probably never heard of Him! They came from villages, cities, city-states, nation-states, kingdoms and other various hierarchies speaking 18 different languages! Turn to John 20:30-31. The Divine signs were miracles intended for the Jews in that day. They communicated a Divine message that Jesus wanted everyone to hear; thus, God gifted certain of his ministers to minister in whatever language they encountered as they shared the news that "Messiah is come, and He is Jesus!"
Speaking in languages not their own, a fulfillment of Isaiah 28:11, was obviously an evangelistic tool to reach the Jews in that day. There was no need for the Apostles / disciples to learn at least 18 different languages before they could communicate.
Acts 10:44-46 --- Obviously, to communicate the Word of God, the great, grand good news that "Messiah is come, and He is Jesus," every Jew needed to understand what was being spoken.
Acts 19:6 --- Paul came to Ephesus where he encountered twelve disciples of John the Baptist. Remember, John the Baptist was a Jew, heralding the arrival of Jesus as the Jewish Messiah, NOT as the Savior of everyone by grace through faith! Paul asked them if they received the Holy Spirit when they "converted." Read their response. They were still in the mindset of Judaism. Paul told them that John "baptized" for repentance; that is, the Hebrew Bible washing that was an indication of the RETURN of those Jews to their covenants, followers of Messiah! Jesus had fulfilled ALL the Law and Covenants. In RETURNING they would identify with Jesus as the promised Messiah! They needed to recognize and accept Jesus, resulting in RESTORATION to the covenants! Once having done so, they would be SAVED for eternity, after death entering into the promised Messianic Kingdom, the Kingdom of God on earth, in Jerusalem, with Jesus seated on the Throne of David! That hasn't happened yet, BUT IT WILL!
Today everyone on earth, Jew and non-Jew, is saved by grace through faith, the magnificent GIFT of God (Romans 10:8-13). The transition from the "Old" to the "New" comes into view in and after Acts 9! Paul strives with the Jews until Acts 13, then heads out to the Gentiles!
What did Paul introduce? Paul presented 1. Grace 2. Eternal Security, and 3. the Rapture, hitherto unknown, now revealed as "the Mystery kept secret since the world began; hidden from ages and generations" (Romans 16:25, Colossians 1:26), to everyone, Jew and non-Jew alike!
What happened to 'tongues?' "Tongues" were the transitional ability between Law and Grace, permitting one to speak and be heard in any of the languages that the Apostles / disciples encountered during their missionary travels in what is now Israel, Judea, Samaria, Jordan, and points north, announcing the arrival of the promised Jewish Messiah. "Tongues" was one of the sign gifts given by the Holy Spirit before and during the time the New Covenant (Jewish and Christian) was being written. After the completion of the transition, they ceased. They are no longer applicable and are not found in the Christian Covenant written by Paul!
Who had the signs been for in that day? Jews. The 12 plus the 70 or so disciples were not to go the way of the Gentiles (Matthew 7:6; Matthew 10:5; Matthew 15:26)("dogs" and "swine"were terms used by Jews to identify non-Jews).
In 1 Corinthians 12:1 translators inserted in italics an entry that should not be there, "gifts." The passage correctly reads, "I don't want each and all of you to be ignorant about things Spiritual." He was in no wise speaking about "tongues" beyond the ability of the 12 plus the 70. Just what are the essential "things Spiritual" for a Christian? Read Galatians 5:22-23, Ephesians 3:1-9, and Ephesians 4:11.
The "baptism" of or by the Holy Spirit (Spiritual acceptance and confirmation into the Body of Christ) happens the very split-second of Christian salvation. It is not something one asks for, later. Any Christian can pray daily, nightly, to be "filled" by and with the Holy Spirit. The latter is not again asking Him to come in for the first time. It is a prayer that one will walk in the Footprints of Jesus 24/7/365. What are the evidences of being Spirit-filled? That's the point in Ephesians 5:18-21. Read that now.
Do not attempt to blend Jewish scripture with Christian scripture and expect to come up with a Spiritual interpretation and application! Anything less than the Holy Spirit provided the latter is mental gymnastics, not Spiritual insight!
Do not seek on your own or when prompted by someone else to receive the blessing of speaking in a foreign language. If God wants you to be a linguist, he'll let you know. He'll guide you to the appropriate college or university, or to a study you can conduct for yourself at home. Far, far better to associate with the folks who speak the language(s) God leads you to learn on a regular basis! Listen! Say! Listen! Form a sentence! Listen! Be blessed as you witness to others in their language.
William Mckeen
Supporter
Yes we still do! For if we did not Jesus Christ would be a liar because it is written: Joh 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. Joh 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. Joh 14:14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. Joh 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. Joh 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Joh 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. Joh 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Joh 14:19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. Joh 14:20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. Joh 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Josef Svenningsson
Supporter
Yes. People are healed in the name of Jesus Christ and speak in tongues to this day. I have seen it and experienced it myself.
Mark Galinsky
Supporter
There is nothing in Scripture that says that the gifts have ceased. The problem is that the Hyper-Charismatics of the Word of Faith crowd have made it hard on the rest of those who seek to see them Biblically.
Penelope H
Supporter
As long as we have the in dwelling Holy Spirit, then I believe we will have gifts of the Spirit. These gifts are given to us to further the kingdom. As long as we are in this world, we are to further the kingdom.
Faith Buckner
Supporter
Rather than create division over this arguable/argumentative point... It would be much better to follow the advice of Paul and just speak the Word of God in truth, in your own language that others may hear and come to know the One about whom you speak. Whenever the word is proclaimed, the Spirit is at work in the hearts and minds of those within hearing...even infants and the deaf. It is always the Spirit doing the work, bringing understanding, and saving the souls of the lost...we humans can only read/speak the Truth that has been given to us...and that from a state of lowly, thankful, service.
Don Whitley
Supporter
No, we do not today. These gifts were primarily to prove the power of Christ and that He was who He claimed to be, the son of God. They did not have the written word at that time and God used men to reveal His word to them. They then were able to speak this word, but not all present and maybe none present spoke the same language, so an interpreter was sometimes needed. The tongue had no value if there was no interpreter because the message would not be understood by those present. Acts 2:1-15. There were those that were frauds that attempted to speak in tongues for their own personal reasons of self elevation in the church. And if prophecy was made then they were judged by whether or not it came to pass. A legitimate prophet would always be correct, but any other would be exposed as a fraud if his prophecy failed even one time. Deuteronomy 18:21-22 Other miraculous gifts such as healing the lame and the sick were not so much for the physical healings, but again, as proof that Christ was who He claimed to be. The apostles had one additional gift. They could pass gifts to others, but the receiver of that gift or gifts could not pass it on to others. Therefore, these miraculous gifts served their purposes and would cease when this generation died. There are lots more that could be said, but sufficient for this question is: 1 Cor. 13:8 Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away.
Robert Beaulieu
Supporter
1 Corinthians 14:23 KJV (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? The tongue is spiritual in nature Paul addresses the church about speaking in many tongues when together, it is not frowned upon and it is not just one discernible language. He is saying to do it decently as to not scare away the catch. 1 Corinthians 14:27 KJV (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. the word uknown was added its true, but the message is still clear it is a spiritual language. 1 Corinthians 14:39 KJV (39) Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. I would follow Paul's example of tongues....1 Corinthians 14:18-19 KJV (18) I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: (19) 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. IN THE CHURCH words of understanding. Those who forbid it go head to head against Paul. If I had to choose them or Paul I will go with Paul.
Harley Serafini
Supporter
Hmmm, this is a very misunderstood subject. All I can say to the asker of the question is to fast, pray, and seek God for clarity. Personally I have had an upper room experience. After reading the book of Acts I came to the conclusion that if Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever; then the gifts, calling, and offices have not changed either. I just want to add that I find it so dis-hearting that we have such a division in the church over this very subject... Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. (1 Corinthians 1:10 KJV) God Bless!
Stan Simons
Supporter
If you really want to know if tongues are for today, don't ask men. Ask God and trust him to reveal the truth to you in his timing. All the opposition I hear always comes from people who haven't experienced it. Just trust God. He will give this gift to you if you live for him and ask him for it.
Anonymous
I experienced it by myself. Awesome experienced. I pray in the Spirit in my prayer time.1 Cor 14: 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. Pursue love but desire the gifts. When you experience it, you will be amazed. Impossible to men is possible with God. God bless
Gene Bacon
Supporter
John 14:12 explains it incredibly simple. What Jesus said still applies to "them that believe."
Gene Bacon
Supporter
If the gifts of the Spirit have ceased to function in the Church today, PLEASE provide some scriptures that say they did. Many scriptures can be shown that validate the gifts of the Spirit for believers in Christ. We can only agree with what the Holy Spirit reveals in the Word. We must be careful not to add to or take away from it. Man's intellect is contrary to the Word. The carnal man can not receive the things of the Spirit because they are foolishness to him. The Word of God is precious and is forever settled in heaven. We cannot change it simply by not believing it. Let God be true and every man a liar.
Sandra Vandyke
Supporter
Yes the gifts of the Holy Spirit are still in operation today. To say they are not would make the scripture to none effect. We have to take the word for what it says, and if we are to believe the word we have to take all. So according to 1 Corinthians 12 verse 8-11 these gifts are very much still in operation. These verses not only let us know they are in operation, but also that a person can have and sometimes has more than just one of these gifts: 8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.[b] 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
James Chacko
Supporter
What language did man speak in the garden. Genesis 1 details everything God created yet it says nothing about language. Languages were created in Gen 11 when man began building the Tower of Babel. Upto then man spoke the language of heaven or spoke in a heavenly language. In order to scatter man God created languages. And when God began to gather all back into one in the body of Christ, He gave them back the heavenly language when the Holy Spirit was given. Rom 8/26 speaks about groans which cannot be uttered. The gift of tongues is a powerful prayer weapon which we must use in worship and spiritual warfare. The word of God did not come into existence when this codified Bible saw the light of day. Jesus is the word of God . In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God. He was in the beginning with God. Jn 1/1-2
Brian Stewart
Supporter
For simplicity's sake I will say that speaking in tounges is happening in the world today in 2 ways. 1st as the sign of the holy spirit coming into a person. 2nd in the gift of tounges which is always coupled with interpretation. Everyone wants to jump straight to verse 16 of John 3, but what led to that verse. Jesus talking to a man told him you must be born again of water and spirit to see or enter the kingdom. Now, to be born of water is quite obvious it means to be baptized. The question then lies on being born of the spirit. John3:8 says ( words of Jesus ) "The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. " This simply means that there will be a sound when you are filled with the Spirit. Acts 2 begins with " 1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. " The spirit gave them the utterance to make a sound that sound was speaking in tounges. Also in Acts 10 the first Gentiles received the Holy Ghost. Many Jews believed the holy ghost was only for them. How did they know the Gentiles received it. "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?" Speaking in tounges is the sign that you are born of the Spirit. Yes it is still happening today. I have experienced it myself and seen many others as well. How do you receive the holy ghost by speaking in tounges. Obey acts 2:38 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.
Gert Jansen van Vuuren
Supporter
We are talking about Holy Sirit gifts.The Holy Spirit has not changed in his funktion on the earth and in every born again believer.All the Holy Spirit gifts are still for today.
Derrick Parker
Supporter
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forevermore. If tongues ceased, if healings, miracles, signs and wonders ceased, then Holy Spirit wouldn't be necessary. Every perfect gift comes from God. Therefore, these gifts are necessary TODAY. The real problem is some of this new age group of Christians are lacking faith to believe the words of Jesus in John 14:12: “The one who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I am going to the Father.” Jesus is at the right hand of the Father, and until He comes back to get His Church (those of us who are born again) these gifts will always be necessary.
Justin Hale
Supporter
When we speak of 'Christians,' we should bear in mind that there are two very distinctive groups: those on earth, (the 'terrestrial' Church); and those in heaven, (the 'celestial' Church). So when you ask this question, you should bear this in mind because scripture addresses us as One Body. For example: "And He Himself gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the full knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ." (Ephesians 4:11-13). Have we 'all' attained to this 'measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ?' No. If this were true, we would ALL be of one mind, not 'tossed to and fro by various winds and waves of doctrine,' (Ephesians 4:14). That would strongly imply to us that every single one of these 'positions' in the Church, (defined clearly in scripture by their specific use of particular spiritual gifts), MUST continue to be operating. However, the next question is, WHERE are they operating? Only in 'heaven' or also on 'earth?' Do we have any scriptural reason to believe that they might not be operating here on earth? "Let no one in any way deceive you, for it has not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction...And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way." (2 Thessalonians 2:3, 6-7). This scripture speaks of an era when the 'spirit of antichrist,' (1 John 4:3), will take the terrestrial 'seat of authority' being then occupied by the apostles who are being described here as 'in the middle' between evil and men. I know this because the above verses use the same Greek word 'katecho' also used by Jesus in Luke 14:8-9 when He describes a man being 'taken out of the honored seat' at a wedding banquet and disgraced, made to sit in the least honorable seat after presuming the best position first. The Greek word translated 'restrains' (Biblical Greek: 'mesos'), literally means, 'to be in the middle.' So we know that someone or something quite powerful will be intentionally removed so 'antichrist' can take its seat of authority. This 'son of destruction' (the same title also given to Judas by Christ in John 17:12), must refer to an entire 'nation' of people who similarly 'betrayed' Christ, (that is what 'apostasy' actually means). 'Antichrist' formed from out of 'many antichrists' (1 John 2:18), further indicating that we are not waiting for an individual comic book 'super villain,' (as Satan has popularized), but a unified global movement or 'wandering nation' coalescing from out of many 'antichrist movements.' The 'two witnesses' of Revelation 11 are clearly the 'terrestrial' Church, (both Jewish and Gentile, John 10:16), called the 'two olive trees and lampstands,' (Revelation 11:4, Romans 11:17, Revelation 1:20). "And when they have finished their witness, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will make war with them and overcome them and kill them." (Revelation 11:7). Their 'bodies' will not be 'buried.' Then we see them suddenly being 'resurrected' and restoring reverence for GOD to the world after a period of open mockery, (Revelation 11:8-11). Shortly afterwards, we see them 'raptured' (Revelation 11:12-13). So we see structurally functioning 'Churches' lacking authority and conspicuous inspiration, (as if 'dead'). Yet, we also read of a sudden restoration of this same life, authority and power. In effect, a latter day 'revival' of all of the spiritual gifts once equally shared between the Celestial and Terrestrial Church. This 'revival' has already begun and ends with the 'Mature Man.'
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