Questions and answers
What is Speaking in Tongues?
Speaking in Tongues is Supernatural UTTERANCE given by the Holy Spirit in a language that is unknown to the speaker. Speaking in Tongues is God speaking through Believers.
How do I begin to Speak in Tongues?
There is a long answer to this question and a short one. The Lord is leading me here to present the short one. Repent of your sins, received Jesus Christ the Resurrected Son of God as your Lord and Savior. Join a Church where Speaking in Tongues is part of the Doctrine. Be Baptized in Water. Have the Elders (Leaders) of the Church pray with you and lay hands on you for Baptism by the Holy Spirit. Praying in Tongues will happen at the time of Baptism by the Spirit as you yield your tongue to the Lord.
If your desire to be filled by the Holy Spirit with the evidence of Speaking in Tongues does not happen immediately, just stay in Faith for God to fill you with His Spirit with the evidence of Speaking in Tongues and He will lead you on to Higher Spiritual Levels forthwith as you earnestly desire.
How do I Interpret Tongues?
Interpretation of Tongues is a Supernatural operation done by God manifesting through a Believer interpreting Divers Kinds of Tongues previously presented either through another Believer or the Believer revealing the interpretation. So, you do not. He does.
What are the benefits of Speaking in Tongues?
Speaking in Tongues serves to strengthen the believer Spiritually. Speaking in Tongues is the Gateway to operating in the Spiritual Gifts. “He that speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself” (1 Corinthians 14:4).
Is Speaking in Tongues a Spiritual Gift?
No, speaking in tongues is not a Spiritual Gift in the sense normally thought of.
The twelve Spiritual gifts of 1 Corinthians chapter 12 are: The Word of Wisdom, The Word of Knowledge, Prophecy, Decerning of Spirits, Diverse Kinds of Tongues, Working of Miracles, Gifts of Healing, and Interpretation of Tongues. Divers Kinds of Tongues and Interpretation of Tongues are Spiritual Gifts.
Speaking in Tongues is the sign or evidence of having received the Holy Spirit.
How are Speaking in Tongues, Divers Kinds of Tongues, and Interpretation of Tongues different?
Divers Kinds of Tongues and The Interpretation of Tongues are Spiritual Gifts or more accurately, Supernatural Manifestations of The Holy Spirit (actions taken by the Holy Spirit) and is for Ministry. Speaking in Tongues is a prayer language for Exalting God and edifying the Believer.
Is Speaking in Tongues of the devil?
No. The devil does, as with most things of God, offer a counterfeit operation.
Does Speaking in Tongues make me more spiritually powerful?
Yes. Speaking in Tongues edifies the Believer. UTTERANCE renders Revelation. “And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel” (Ephesians 6:19). But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost (Jude 1:20).
Is it okay for me to Speak in Tongues in Church?
This is the $64,000 question. The answer is mostly no. Speaking in Tongues is for private prayer and the Exalting of and Communing with God. Divers Kinds of Tongues with the Interpretation of Tongues are for Ministry in the Church Open Assembly.
Should there be an Interpretation of Tongues every time I hear them?
Yes, when in the Church Open Assembly. This process must be effectively managed by the Leader in the Pulpit to assure that there is no confusion. “If any man speaks in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God” (1 Corinthians 14:27-28).
Is there absolutely no time when Speaking in Tongues other than Divers Kinds of Tongues is permissible in the Local Assembly?
The Bible does not speak to this, but I have observed in Church Assemblies where there had been obvious solid instructions pertaining to Speaking in Tongues and Spiritual Manifestations thus: sometimes during the Altar Call the Congregants would all pray softly in the Spirit to undergird the Prayer that was coming from the pulpit. This is done with the hope that those unsaved persons would be convicted in their hearts to come forward for Salvation. I have also observed that during Healing and Deliverance Ministry the quiet orderly Praying in The Spirit from the pews to be quite aggravating to the demons. Yep, said it, demons!
Such prayer was always done within the space of the individual member and without any disturbance whatsoever. In other words, decently and in order. These are immensely powerful times of prayer.
When should I Speak in Tongues?
Pray always, day and night. Common sense applies. “But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditates day and night” (Psalms 1:2). “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:18).
What is the best place for me to Speak in Tongues?
Anywhere where you are not intruding into the privacy of someone else.
What is the difference between Talking in Tongues, Praying in Tongues, and Speaking in Tongues?
These terms are interchangeable.
Should all Christians Speak in Tongues?
Yes. “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues” (Mark 16:17).
Did Speaking in Tongues cease?
No. “For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts 2:39). Here Peter Utters Revelation regarding The Infilling of the Holy Ghost and Speaking in Tongues.
Tongues of Men and Angels, what does that mean?
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:1). The word charity is translated from the Greek word agape which is also translated as love.
This scriptural passage is used by some to make a case against the validity of the use of Tongues by the Church today.
If we more closely examine the meaning of the word “though” as used in this passage, we see that it is translated from the Greek word “ean” which means if. So, does not indicate that Paul speaks with the tongues of men or angels, but means if that were the case, that absent love, it would be of no effect.
I found no other reference to “Tongues of Angels” in the Bible.
Was there speaking in Tongues before Pentecost?
No. There is no evidence of Speaking in Tongues prior to the time of the Church or the Dispensation of Grace.
Does praying in the Spirit mean Praying in Tongues?
Yes, generally when a Saint speaks of praying in the Spirit he is referring to Praying in tongues.
What Should I do if Speaking in Tongues is not Taught in my Church?
Pray to the Lord for instructions. This matter must be Prayed through.
Is it scriptural for my Pastor, Praise Team Leader, or other Leader in the Church, to pray in Tongues during an Open Assembly where no Interpretation is offered?
No. Nowhere in scripture can such a demonstration be found. We are told in 1 Corinthians Chapter 14 that Interpretation of Tongues should accompany the Speaking of Tongues (Divers Kinds of Tongues) in the Assembly and absent such Interpretation that the Saints should remain quiet. We are told that all things should be done decently and in order. No exceptions are made for the Leaders in the Church. Disobedience of this rule is the greatest cause of confusion regarding Speaking in Tongues. Speaking in Tongues in the Assembly is not supposed to be soulish utterances from someone in the Pulpit but an UTTERANCE from God through the Spirit Filled Saint for the Exhortation, Edification and Comfort of the Church.
Must I be water baptized to Speak (Pray) in Tongues?
Yes. The scriptural pattern indicates the necessity for Water Baptism.
“And he said unto them, go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:15-16). “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men, and brethren, what shall we do? 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” (Acts 2:37-38). Here Peter, after preaching the apparent first post Pentecost sermon admonishes new converts to Repent, be Baptized and be Filled with the Holy Ghost (which would have been evidenced by their Speaking in Tongues). There are several occasions cited in the Book of Acts where the writer made it a point to point out that there was Water Baptism prior to the Baptism with the Holy Spirit.
Paul was Baptized immediately after having Received the Holy Ghost. “And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou came, hath sent me, that thou might receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized” (Acts 9: 17-18).
Here is what happened to the Gentiles at Cornelius’ house when Peter preached the Gospel to them – “While Peter yet spoke these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all of 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. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days” (Acts 10:44-48).
And while there was no apparent reason for Jesus to Speak in Tongues, we see that even He was Baptized (by John in the Jordan) before receiving the Anointing of the Holy Spirit. “And it happened in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Mark 1:9-11).
What spiritual attributes should I exhibit to know that I am ready to be Filled with the Holy Spirit to Speak with Tongues?
Having a fervent desire for the things of God; to know Him and to obey His Statutes is required. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).
Love and Faith are necessary. The Fruit of the Spirit that are imparted to new Believers are foundational for those who wish to learn to live in the spirit before God. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23).
At what age is it ok for a child to Speak with Tongues?
I do not know. Urgent prayer petitioning the Lord for clarity is in order where you are disturbed in your spirit about the youthful age of someone who is Praying in Tongues.
What are the dynamics of Speaking in Tongues?
“He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spoke he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)” This passage from the book of John 7:38-39 speaks of rivers of living water flowing out of the belly of Believers. This is no more than a description of a Believer Speaking in Tongues. The river (UTTERANCES) is flowing being poured out by the Lord. “Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear” (Acts 2:33 NIV).
Believers may immerse themselves into this flow at will. When to start and stop the Speaking in Tongues is controlled by the Believer. Believers may sometime feel a burden to Pray in Tongues because of a dream, intuition, or a word of knowledge. The Believer will co-labor with the Lord Praying in the Spirit until the burden is lifted. This exercise of Praying in The Spirit (Speaking in Tongues) is to be done in private.
As mentioned before, Divers Kinds of Tongues is a so-called Spiritual Gift. This UTTERANCE is by the Manifestation (Anointing) of God as the Holy Spirit comes upon the Believer. Authority and Power upon the Words will be in evidence. Interpretation of Tongues must follow with the same level of intensity as Ministry for Exhortation, Edification and Comfort of the Church and usually during the Church Assembly.
What should I do if I find myself in a situation where there is much speaking in tongues and no interpretation?
You should leave.
How can I be sure that when I am Speaking in Tongues that it is of God?
These two scriptures verses should help you with that. If you proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord, it will be Him that Speaks through your spirit. “Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost” (1 Corinthians 12:3). “Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesses not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God” (1 John 4:2-3).
“Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” (Matthew 7:9-11).