Living From Within

[beloved]

by T.L. Bench (and me since I add some things myself and can't remember everything he said)

Philemon 1:6
That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

We have good things within our born again spirit. These things are of God and given to us at the new birth. That's why they are, "every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus."

This is not talking about our goodness, but a goodness from God that lies within us. Acknowledge every good thing that is within you, and learn to live in that. Learn to release what is within you.

John 20: 20-22
And when he had so said, he showed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus unto them; Receive you the Holy Ghost.

What happened here was Jesus' disciples became born again. They had already believed on Jesus as their Messiah and Jesus breathed his Spirit upon them and actually moved inside their human spirits; just as he does when we are born again.
You may ask, but I thought Jesus comes to live on the inside of you when you get born again. Same person; same God. You can't separate God into three persons. God is one person in three parts; a three part being.

So, the disciples were born again and when the Holy Spirit comes to live on the inside of you, you receive all the power of God and his anointing to accomplish what He wants done on the earth. It's all a free gift that comes with salvation; when we come into covenant with God through the Son.

II. Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new, And all things are of God, who has reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation.

So, here we can see that not only has God given us spiritual gifts, but we receive them at salvation and they are for the work of the ministry; which IS the ministry of reconciliation. All the gifts that God has given us are ultimately for the ministry of reconciliation. All ministries should be about the winning souls; directly AND indirectly.

We have to learn to walk in the gifts God has given us. How do we walk in them? Well, first we must come to the revelation of the truth that we have them inside of us and that they are for our use for the accomplishing of the ministry of reconciliation.
Revelation brings revolution.

On the day of Pentecost the disciples spoke with other tongues. For them this was the initial evidence to them that they had been filled with the Holy Ghost. On the day of Pentecost they released what was already within them.

Acts 2:1- 4
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all in one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

The Spirit already resided within them, as we read from John chapter 20. So what the disciples experienced was actually coming from within them, "as the Spirit gave them utterance".

Our heavenly language of "tongues" is one of the gifts God has given to all believers. Our born again spirit person already has "everything that pertains unto life and godliness" within us. All things within us are new and all things within us are of God; in our spirits. So, on the day of Pentecost, the disciples were really releasing what was already within them. They just didn't know until that time that it was within them. They also didn't have anyone before them have this gift. So, they just had to trust that this gift was from God because Jesus had told them before he ascended into heaven to wait there until they had been endowed with power from on high. It's not that the power had come down from on high. It's that the power technically is from on high, but God lives within us so it also resides within us. God is in us.

How do we release the gifts that are within us? We take the lid off of what's inside of us by faith in the knowledge that we have.

Speaking in tongues is just another help to us in our lives. It is not a spooky thing and it is not of the devil. Tongues did not pass away. The gifts are a part of what happens to us at salvation and the ultimate purpose is for the furthering of the gospel. When we pray in tongues we release God's perfect will upon the earth so that He can accomplish everything that needs accomplished. Praying in tongues builds us up in our faith, helps us, helps others, helps God do what needs done in the earth.
We speak in tongues as the Spirit gives us the utterance.

Acts 8: 5-22 (this takes place about 8 years after the day of Pentecost so we can see it didn't pass away. It is still God's desire that we use the gifts that He gave us at the new birth. It is the devil who fights this so hard through other people).

Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in the city. But there was a certain man, called Simon, which BEFORE TIME in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. And to him they had regard, because that of long time he has bewitched them with sorceries. But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them; only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with you, because you have thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. You have no part nor lot in this matter; for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven you.

OK, that was a bit long but there are some points that need to be made.

1st- This passage is clear that speaking in tongues is a gift of God.

2nd- Even though Simon was such a good sorcerer before he got saved, he had NEVER spoken in other tongues AND he had never helped anyone else do so. After he got born again he saw Peter and John laying hands on people and praying for them to receive this gift of fire baptism, and thought that this was some spell that he could purchase from them. Peter made it clear that it is a gift of God that cannot be purchased.

3rd- The miracles that Philip and other disciples performed when Simon got saved, even though he was considered a GREAT sorcerer (remember the people had followed him before believing him to be of God), had never done anything close to what was happening to the people in Samaria through the disciples.

4th- It was Simon's perception that the laying on of the disciples hands actually gave them the Holy Spirit, but in actuality, they were just laying their hands on them as they agreed with them for the gift that already belonged to them through salvation. This gift already resided inside of them (where the Holy Spirit dwells) but by hearing of the gift, believing it, and releasing that faith through prayer, they received what was already theirs. This is similar to salvation. Salvation is a free gift to the whole world. Yet they don't get the gift unless they first hear, believe, and then receive on their behalf what provided by Jesus on the cross.

So everyone that is saved already has the Holy Ghost. We just release his utterance when we speak in tongues.

10 years after the day of Pentecost:
Acts 10:44-48
Whole Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 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. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.

1. This time, as on the day of Pentecost, no hands were laid on them, they just received God's gift.

2.The fact that they spoke with other tongues was a sign to the other Jewish disciples that the plan of salvation was not just for the Jews, but also the Gentiles. Speaking in tongues was actually an outward sign of their conversion.

Speaking in tongues does many things for us as believers. It is a gift of God along with our salvation. Don't refuse the gift of God.

[beloved]

Many Christians in the body of Christ believe that Speaking in tongues is nothing but babbling; it's not babbling, it's for certain purposes ordained by God.

Acts 2:4-8
And they were all filled with he Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the SPIRIT GAVE THEM THE UTTERANCE.

(the Holy Spirit doesn't babble. He gives us what to speak.)

(5-8) And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heart them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marveled, saying on to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?

One reason for speaking in tongues is for the salvation of others whom we cannot speak their language. We can preach the gospel and declare God's works unto them by speaking in tongues.

But verse 4 clearly shows that we speak in tongues as the Holy Spirit gives us what to say (in our spirit man). It may sound like babbling, but it is not.

[beloved]

Sometimes when we speak in tongues we understand what we are saying, sometimes we don't- as told in scripture. Paul said that we ask for interpretation of our own prayers in tongues. Other times, when someone gives a word to a congregation of believers in tongues, God might give the interpretation to that person or to someone else in the congregation. If it's of God, which is where your verse about trying every spirit comes in, the word given will glorify Jesus according to scripture. The devil is not going to glorify Jesus.

Now if you've been told that the gifts have passed away. They have not. Paul said that we (the church) should desire spiritual gifts.

I. Corinthians 14:1
Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that you may prophesy.

You can also see in this verse that prophets haven't passed away either.

As to if its from God any person listening will always understand what is being said:

I. Corinthians 14: 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.

(Normally when we speak in tongues, as I said, we are praying out the will of God by the Spirits utterance given to our spirit man. This is the kind of tongues we (all believers) receive at the baptism of th Holy Spirit. It is for prayer mostly and building us up in our faith.)

I. Corinthians 14:3
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
(There we see what the result of true prophesy should bring to us.)

I. Corinthians 14:4
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
(speaking in tongues brings edification to us. We all could use that.)

Now listen to what Paul says here:

I. Corinthians 14: 5
I would that YE ALL spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh in tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

(here Paul says that speaking in tongues and prophesying is for edification; one for personal and one for corporate; unless you speak in tongues and interpret for all corporately. He wished that everyone would be baptized in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues because he KNEW that it was for EVERY believer for their good but not all had, or would, receive it; even though it is for all of us!)

I. Corinthians 14:12-19
Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

(Paul is telling the church at Corinth here that as good as speaking in tongues is for us individually, it isn't any use for the church as a whole if we don't also pray for an interpretation because no one can understand what we are saying otherwise.)

(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 thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
(As I said before, sometimes our speaking in tongues is praise and worship to God.)
(17) For thou verily givest thanks well, (in tongues) but the other (person standing by) is not edified. (unless we also give
an interpretation.)
(18) I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than you all: (19) Yet IN THE CHURCH I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, (because they'll be able to understand) than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

I. Corinthians 14:21
In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I (God) speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
(Paul shows the church how tongues are from God and are His words. That the law foretold of this.)

I. Corinthians 14:22
WHEREFORE, TONGUES ARE FOR A SIGN, BUT NOT TO THEM THAT BELIEVE, BUT TO THEM THAT BELIEVE NOT: BUT PROPHESYING SERVETH NOT FOR THEM HAT BELEIVETH NOT, BUT FOR THEM WHICH BELIEVE.

Are there still unbelievers? Then speaking in tongues is still a sign for them. Are there still believers? Then prophesying is still for them!

(This verse speaks of believers who don't believe in speaking in tongues, and unbelievers)

(verse 23)
If therefore the whole church (notice the whole church is implicated with speaking in tongues, not just certain apostles or early disciples) be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in (to the church while they are speaking in tongues) THOSE THAT ARE UNLEARNED, (ignorant concerning God's will about speaking in tongues) or unbelievers, will they not say that you are mad? (Won't many unbelievers and believers who are unlearned concerning these things say you are mad?)

Then Paul continues on to say that if someone prophecies to the unlearned believers and unbelievers, than surely they will believe in these things and fall down and worship God for His words to them.

Then in verse 26 Paul says that when we come together in church that we should have many spiritual gifts in operation along with our teachings and worshiping; but that all these things are for, and to be for, the whole congregation's edifying.

(26) "How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, EVERY ONE OF YOU hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, HATH A TONGUE, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying."

Verse 26 says that speaking in tongues is for every believer! It hasn't passed away, and you can't find ANYWHERE that says so.

[beloved]

Understanding Spiritual Gifts

By Dr. Dale A. Robbins


The ministry of Spiritual Gifts originates in the New Testament, commissioned by our Lord Jesus Christ. After He established His church on the earth and ascended to Heaven, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to equip His church with power and spiritual gifts (Greek -- charismata) so that His disciples could continue to carry out His ministry objectives. While there are certain gifts of a spectacular nature that are often given greater attention, the New Testament mentions at least 21 that are provided to the church. These gifts are listed in Eph. 4:11, Rom. 12:3-7, and 1 Cor. 12:1-12,28, and are generally assigned to one of three categories, as listed below:


Ministry (office) gifts: Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher.
Motivational (practical) gifts: Service, Exhortation, Giving, Leadership, Mercy, Helps and Administration.
Charismatic (spiritual) gifts: Wisdom, Knowledge, Discernment, Prophecy, Tongues, Interpretation, Faith, Healing and Miracles.

Most churches and denominations accept some variation of the "motivational " and "ministry" gifts (perhaps with controversy over the office of apostle and prophet). However others completely reject the modern day operation of the 9 charismatic gifts listed in 1 Cor. 12:1-12. In brief, their view is taken from an interpretation of 1 Cor. 13:8-10, claiming that such spectacular gifts were only intended as a short-lived, supernatural lift to help the early church get started -- that they vanished after the last Apostles of Jesus died, when the scriptures took their place.


Charismatic Gifts in History


Church History clearly refutes any notion that charismatic gifts faded away after the apostolic era. Other than diminishing somewhat during the middle ages (probably due to the inaccessibility to scripture by the common people), it is obvious that spiritual gifts were never completely absent from the church. Scores of statements to this effect were recorded by church leaders such as Irenaeus, who wrote around A.D. 150 "...we hear many of the brethren in the church who have prophetic gifts, and who speak in tongues through the spirit, and who also bring to light the secret things of men for their benefit [word of knowledge]..." Elsewhere he said, "When God saw it necessary, and the church prayed and fasted much, they did miraculous things, even of bringing back the spirit to a dead man." (Refutation and Overthrow of False Doctrine, Pg. 174). Near the close of the second century, Tertullian cited similar incidents, describing the operation of prophecies, healings and tongues, and in 210, Origen reported many healings and other charismatic gifts, as did later writers such as Eusebius, Firmilian, Chrysostom and others throughout many centuries.


The Encyclopedia Britannica says that spiritual gifts such as glossalalia (speaking in tongues) has occurred in Christian revivals of every age. In the same vein, Souer's History of the Christian Church (Vol 3, Page 406) cites a reference to the famed leader of the protestant reformation of the 16th century, stating, "Dr. Martin Luther was a prophet, evangelist, speaker in tongues, and interpreter, in one person, endowed with all the gifts of the Spirit."


In recent years, a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit brought about what was called the "Pentecostal movement" in the early 1900's, where many churches experienced a revival of the Holy Spirit's power and spiritual gifts. Later in the 1960's, spiritual gifts began to emerge in all kinds of churches and mainline denominations throughout the world, in what was called the "charismatic renewal." Spiritual gifts were suddenly manifested wherever believers or congregations were receptive and opened themselves to the inner workings of the Holy Spirit.


Today, the charismatic gifts remain available as a part of God's plan for His church, and are increasingly being manifested within fellowships and believers around the world. They are sometimes called God's "power tools," given to the body of Christ as valuable helps to accomplish works of ministry.


The 9 Charismatic Gifts


1 Cor. 12:7 "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:
12:8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,
12:9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,
12:10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
12:11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills."


These gifts might be well defined as "A temporary, supernatural intervention of natural laws, bestowed by the Holy Spirit where His presence is invited and accommodated." Individually, each gift is defined as follows:


(1) Word of Wisdom -- A Word refers to "a supernaturally imparted fragment," while wisdom, which generally means prudence, decision making.


(2) Word of Knowledge -- A supernaturally inspired utterance of facts.


(3) Faith -- A supernatural impartation of assurance in God.


(4) Gifts of Healings -- Supernaturally ministering health to the sick.


(5) Working of Miracles -- A supernatural intervention of natural laws. The Greek describes it as "works of power" and implies instantaneous results.


(6) Prophecy -- A supernaturally inspired utterance from God. A genuine prophetic utterance never contradicts, neither is equal to, the written Word of God. To forthtell or foretell. To speak from the mind of God. Prophecies are to be judged (1 Cor. 14:29, 1 Thes. 5:20-21).


(7) Discerning of Spirits -- This is a supernatural ability to discern a person's spiritual character and the source of his actions and messages, such as from the Holy Spirit, demon spirits, the human spirit or from the flesh.


(8) Different Kinds of Tongues -- A supernaturally imparted utterance in an unlearned language which is interpreted as a prophecy to the body for their edification. (This is distinguished from "praying" in tongues, which is intended to edify one's own spirit -- 1 Cor. 14:14.) A message in tongues to the body is always to be interpreted (by another gift), and is limited to three within a gathering (1 Cor. 14:27).


(9) Interpretation of Tongues -- This is the supernatural interpretation of a message in tongues into the understandable language of the hearers. It is not a "translation" but an interpretation.


The Application of the 9 Gifts


It should always be remembered that the purpose of all the gifts are to edify the church, and their distribution within the body is completely dependent upon the discretion of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:11). The scriptures imply that it's appropriate to seek specific gifts, however, one's motive must be for the building up of the church, not for self gratification. "...since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel" (1 Cor. 14:12).


There is a difference between spiritual gifts and fruit. Gifts are the Spirit's manifestation through a vessel, but fruit is the offspring of one's spiritual character. Spirituality cannot be measured by gifts, but by fruit (Gal. 5:22-24). Love is the predominate feature of spirituality (1 Cor. 13:13), without which, charismatic gifts cannot function effectively (1 Cor. 13:1-2). Paul expressed that the church should have a desire for spiritual gifts, but it should follow the foremost pursuit of love. "Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts," (1 Cor. 14:1).


The service where spiritual gifts function may likely take on a less structured, more spontaneous environment that may seem peculiar to some. But in 1 Corinthians 14, the Apostle Paul established specific guidelines for their use so to remove the potential for confusion and disorder. Rather than banishing the operation of these gifts entirely as some churches have done in fear of mayhem, they should seek to understand and implement the prescribed order, as the Apostle admonished: "Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order" (1 Cor. 14:39-40).


Sources:
Victor Bible Sourcebook
Gifts of the Spirit, Gordon Linsey
Souer's History of the Christian Church
Deeper Experiences of Famous Christians, Lawson

[beloved]

We test spirits to see if they are of God by:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Gal 5:22-23

We must also remember that Satan will counterfeit the gifts. There are those in the churches passing as servants of God in order to cause confusion and lead others astray.

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matt 7:22-23 (This is speaking of unbelievers).

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns or figs of thistles? Matt 7:15-16

Beloved, Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1

Remember, every word coming forth must line up with the Word of God, and the Holy Spirit will always give a witness to us supporting what He has given

[beloved]

Religion says: Tongue speaking today is a counterfeit gift, whether by a Catholic, a Buddhist or a Christian in delusion, unless they are speaking in a known, discernible language, and there is present a person (interpreter) who knows and understands and speaks the language being spoken, and it is the gospel being spoken. That is not what is happening in the Tongue movement today.

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Let's look at the real purposes of speaking in tongues:

I. Cor. 14:2,4,13
(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...
(4) He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but the that prophesieth edifieth the church.........
(13) Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

Yes, tongues can be for the benefit of preaching the gospel to someone in their natural language that you do not know intellectually how to speak. This still happens today. People of different nations come to church and hear the gospel being spoken in their language by someone who does not intellectually know their language (by someone who is speaking in tongues; by someone who speaks in tongues both in church and out for different reasons). Do you think that they tongue talking in once instance (preaching gospel to an unbeliever) is of God, but their tongue speaking in their prayer time at home is not of God? That can't be true because sometimes, as in verse 2, speaking in tongues is prayer to God.

But in verse 4 we see that tongues is for edifying of ourselves, and sometimes of the church body. "He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself." The word edifieth means to build oneself up. Greek scholars tell us that we have a word in our modern vernacular which is much closer to the original meaning that the word "edify". That word is "charge" in connection with charging a battery. So a more literal translation would be, "He that speaks in an unknown tongue edifies, charges or builds himself up like a battery."

In I. Cor. 14:2
"For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him...

Here Paul isn't talking about diversities of tongues, or ministering tongues in a public assembly; he is talking about the individual Spirit filled believer employing his use of tongues in his prayer life...... "howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries."

Another purpose of speaking in tongues is the magnification of God. Acts 10: 46 (speaking of Cornelius, a gentile, and his family when they spoke with other tongues) "....they heard them speak with tongues, and Magnify God".

Finally Jesus told the disciples (over 400 of them) to wait there until the "be endued with power from on high". He was talking about the receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit (with evidence of such baptism being speaking in tongues.) Baptism of the Holy Spirit is for power from God to do what Jesus commanded us to do on the earth; the ministry of reconciliation.

[beloved]

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Religion says: Speaking in tongues is not evidence of being baptized by the Holy Spirit today in this age of grace. Tongue talkers are saying that if someone does not speak in tongues, they do not believe they have been born again of God.
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Paul was not living in the age of grace? The early church was no living in the age of grace? They spoke in tongues. Did we go from age of grace, to no age of grace, to age of grace again? Where in the bible does it say that speaking in tongues is no longer for today or a sign of being filled with the Holy Spirit? And now after I showed you in my last post that tongues is for many purposes, have those needs vanished too, and if not then why would tongues pass away?

Are their still unbelievers, including unbelieving Jews? Yes, so why would tongues pass away when we still need it for unbelievers who speak other languages than us to hear the gospel?

Do people still pray to God? Then why would tongues pass away since it is our perfect prayer language, speaking perfect prayers for God's will in our lives and in the lives of those around us?

Do people still praise God? Then why would tongues pass away since it is also for the purpose of praising God?

Do people still need to be edified so they can be ready for their service to God? Then why would tongues pass away since they are used for this purpose too?

Do people still need power to accomplish God's will and do God's works in the earth? Than why would tongues pass away?

Answer- tongues hasn't passed away because we still live on this earth in the age of grace and we need this gift of God here and now, just as the early church needed it. Tongues are for a purpose (many actually) and those needs still exist as do tongues for those needs.

Those who say tongues have been done away with, because the bible says that tongues have ceased, say we no longer need spiritual gifts, but that is a lie. However that which is perfect has not come so tongues have not been done away with yet.

The Bible says:

I. Cor. 13:8-12
Charity never faileth; but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, THEN that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake like a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

When will perfection come? Answer: after we are all in heaven. That is the "But when that which is perfect is come, THEN that which is in part will be done away.

The gifts are and will remain in operation until the age of grace is over and they are no longer needed to help imperfect people in a fallen world. Until then all the gifts are real, purposeful, meaningful, and precious. And we should do as Paul exhorted us to and, "covet earnestly the gifts."

[beloved]

Religion says:
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Speaking in tongues is not an evidence you have been born again at all, it was and always was a sign to the Jews, and to UNBELIEVERS, not believers.
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The Bible says:


No, speaking in tongues is evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit after being born again. So, when the disciples saw that Cornelius had received the baptism of the Holy Spirit just as they had, then it was an evidence to them that he also must really have been saved when he believed on Jesus. Because they knew that the baptism of the Holy Ghost with evidence of speaking in other tongues followed being saved. This made it evident to them that God must have shed Jesus blood for all mankind and not just the Jews. Until then they believed outsiders of God's first covenant (non-Jews) to be unclean and unable to share in the covenants of God. But when Cornelius prayed and received Jesus as Savior, they did not see into his spirit to know if he were really born again, but the fact that immediately following his conversion he was also speaking in tongues, showed them that he also was able to be born again and that he indeed had the Holy Spirit in order to speak in other tongues. So, in this case it was a sign to believers, not to unbelievers of another man's conversion.



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Your speaking a "heavenly" language, is gibberish, meaning not understandable?
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A heavenly language means it comes from God; also meaning tongues that only angels know intellectually sometimes. It is the Holy Spirit that gives the utterance according to Acts chapter 2, but we open our mouths and speak it out. Sometimes it is understandable because the Spirit shows me what I am praying, and sometimes I do not understand it. Just because I, or someone near me doesn't always understand it, doesn't mean its gibberish. I am speaking a tongue, I just don't know that tongue with my intellect; i.e. I've never studied it. Do I pray aloud? Of course I do, so did the disciples on the day of Pentecost and the body of Christ in the early church ever since Jesus left earth for heaven.

I. Cor. 13:1
THOUGH I SPEAK WITH TONGUES OF MEN AND OF ANGELS, and have not charity, I am become as a sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

I. Cor. 12:4
Now there ARE diversities of gifts, but the same SPIRIT.

I. Cor. 14:2,4,13
(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...
(4) He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.........
(13) Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

I. Cor. 12:10
....to another the interpretation of tongues....

[beloved]

Religion says:

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Paul is only specifically speaking to the Corinthian church in Corinthians; not all believers. Scripture does not say we are to ask for interpretation of our own prayers.
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The Bible Says:

I. Cor. 14:13
Wherefore let him that speaks in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

I. Cor. 12:7
The Spirit is given to EVERY MAN to prophecy withal.

Religion says:
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Tongues were never, ever used to "give a word to the congregation".
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I. Cor. 14:12
Even so ye, forsasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

I. Cor. 14:27
If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two (in church he's speaking of) or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

I. Cor. 14:4,5,13
(4) He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but the that prophesieth edifieth the church.........
(5) I wold that ye all speak with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
(13) Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

Religion says:
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People in the bible that spoke in tongues always understood what they were saying. People now days are just babbling.
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I. Cor. 14:2
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.

I. Cor. 14:13
Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

I. Cor. 14:14-15
For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
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.


I. Cor. 14:4,5,13
(4) He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but the that prophesieth edifieth the church.........
(5) I wold that ye all speak with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
(13) Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.


Religion says:
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Interpretation of tongues is like a medium and giving an untestable message that has nothing to do with the spread of the gospel. Which all of this is wholly unscriptural.
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What the Bible is speaking of is a gift from God, what religion is speaking of is the counterfeit of the devil. A medium is someone who is spiritually dead and able to be possessed spirit, body, and soul by a demon. That demon takes them completely over and speaks through them.

The Holy Spirit gives believers the utterance, but we do the speaking. Yet we do not pray from our understanding in tongues, we pray from our spirits through our physical mouths, but the words are given to us of the Holy Ghost.

I. Cor. 14:14-15
For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
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.

However, another gift of the Spirit is the interpretation of what our spirits are praying through us by the Holy Spirit; i.e. tongues. If God gives us the interpretation of our tongues, then we have understanding in our minds of what we just prayed or simultaneously as we pray in tongues with our mouths, our minds also comprehend what is being said. Paul said we should pray for interpretation. I've never personally had to do that. The Spirit gives me interpretation whether I pray for it or not at certain times when He feels I need to know.

There are also times, as most tongue speakers know, that God will burden our hearts to pray but we don't know why, so we pray in tongues until we feel peace. Sometimes I know who I'm praying for, what I'm praying for, and what is going on with them at that moment that they desperately need prayer. An example would be my brother. There have been many times that I would feel an urgent need to pray for him, and once I started praying in tongues I would know by the Spirit that he was in physical danger, even sometimes knowing how he was in physical danger. So, although I didn't know my exact words while praying in that instance, I knew why I needed to pray in tongues. I knew he was in danger of being shot by a man he didn't know. Later I called him and he confirmed this. He went to the post office to mail something and when he got out of his car, he saw a young woman being harrassed by some thuggish looking young men. They men were threatening her as she tried to quickly walk into the post office and away from them. My brother almost interfered to protect the girl but felt God tug at his heart to not do it. The more he would start to go help, the more the Spirit tugged, no! He listened finally and just watched. Later inside he asked the girl what that was all about and she said she passed them on the road because they were going slow and they followed her to the post office, pulled a gun on her (which my brother couldn't see from where he was) and threatened her. She didn't even know them, so she rushed inside hoping they wouldn't shoot her while she went. My brother and I now know that if he would have tried to confront them about harassing her, he would have been shot.

The devil wanted him dead. It is the Spirit that helped him live through the prayers He gave me in tongues for my brother who was a state away.

[beloved]

by T.L. Bench

Philemon 1:6
That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.


Ephesians 5:16-21
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore by ye not unwise but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves to one another in the fear of God.

~ Living from within is not just about speaking in tongues. It is also about learning to walk in the fruit of the Spirit which produces every good thing in our lives.

~ God has held nothing back from us. He has given us everything in Christ Jesus.

I. John 4:4
You are of God little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.

~ The greater ONE lives in us and it is his spiritual gifts and fruit that need to flow out of us to be over-comers in our lives.

John 14:16-17
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it sees him not, neither knows him: but you know him; for he dwells with you, and will be in you.

~ The Holy Ghost is our comforter. The world cannot receive him (or His spiritual gifts unless and until they get saved.) The disciples at the time Jesus said that were anointed from the outside the by the Holy Spirit because they were not yet saved, but later Jesus breathed on them and told them to receive the Holy Ghost after he was resurrected and they believed on him.

~ The Holy Spirit dwells in us now and so Jesus wants us to be inside minded; to be sensitive to the leading (gifts) of the Spirit within us, so that we can produce God's will upon the earth through His anointing.