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Wednesday, 6 November 2019
Speaking in tongues

Question of the day: What is the manifestation of speaking in tongues? Is there something called "speaking in tongues" that is for today?

Answer: My simple answer is, "Yes." And you can quote me on that. I can also answer, yes, to the question, "Is there a counterfeit from the devil to God's authentic reality of speaking in tongues?"

Oh, and just so you know that I know, I just touched the third rail of Christianity. Also, this answer to the question of the day is intentionally brief on a subject that has already received volumes of attention.

My simple amplified answer is in 3 parts.

Manifestation 1: We have in Acts 2 (the reading for today) one manifestation of speaking in a tongue (language) which the speaker has never known. This has also happened in modern times. The other two manifestations are detailed in 1 Corinthians 14.

Manifestation 2: There is a personal (private) prayer language (not for the public). When a person does not know how or what to pray, the Holy Spirit will give utterance. Romans 8:26 "In the same way, the Ruach helps in our weakness. For we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Ruach Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words."

Manifestation 3: Finally, there is a public declaration of an unknown tongue that requires an interpretation. It could be a message for an individual or a community, but it must always be interpreted. 1 Corinthians 14:27-28 "If someone speaks in a tongue, let it be by two or at most three, and each in turn; and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in the community but speak to himself and to God."

Do you have a prayer language? Do you want one? I've seen all kinds of false manipulation (all of which is very destructive) to encourage speaking in tongues. Speaking in tongues is called a gift of the spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:10) The Bible tells us how to receive any gift from God. Just ask. Jacob 4:2b "You do not have because you do not ask."

It is possible that the laying on of hands is helpful (certainly helpful at some point), but not necessary. If you pray, follow the leading of the Holy Spirit on this (and everything else). And that, my friends, should be considered wisdom.

Posted By Rabbi Michael Weiner, 11:10am Comment Comments: 0