Pentacostal--speaking in tongues

[Reneemomto5]

I hope I am wording this question properly, if not I apologize, I mean no ill will.

My husband, children, and I are currently Lutheran, but have been attending a wonderful, uplifting Pentacostal church the past month. I grew up Catholic, than becoming Lutheran in marriage together. The services are quite different in a Pentacostal church. There is much we truely enjoy about the Pentacostal services and are interested.

I am curious about speaking in tongues. Could someone help clarify this meaning and importance this has in the Pentacostal church/belief. This took my husband and I by suprise a bit when we heard this during a service. Much of the traditional Lutheran practices are not done and it seems quite different yet most importantly the message is the same.

We are meeting with the pastor soon, hopefully this week to discuss various aspects of Pentacostal but I was wondering if anyone here could help me before hand. I have researched also on the internet but knew if I asked here I could be a little more direct/personal in my questions.

Thanks,

[rachel]

There are some moms here who have the gift of speaking in tongues, or desire it and have knowledge about it, so hopefully they see your Q.

I want to add if anyone feels the need to debate, please start a new thread in controversial topics. This thread can stay Q&A that way:). Thanks!:-D

[EvaS]

1Co 12:4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
1Co 12:5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
1Co 12:6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
1Co 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
1Co 12:8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
1Co 12:9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
1Co 12:10 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:


1Co 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.
1Co 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
1Co 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
1Co 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, with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

1Co 14:13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
1Co 14:14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
1Co 14:15 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.

1Co 14:27 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.
1Co 14:28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.


Biblically, speaking in tongues is for the edifying of ones self. If a tongue is given during a church service, most times there is an interpretation thus meaning the tongue was for the edification of the church. If there be no interpreter in the church, then one must keep the tongue to himself and let it be his spirit's communication with God as no one would understand it unless there be an interpetation. Hope that helps. If you have any more questions, please ask.

[JeanineAnne]

Eva had an amazing response :)

I did the same thing, grew up Lutheran and the first church I went to was a Pentacostal. WOW :shock: What a difference ;)
It took about 6 months for me to start to grasp and even start to understand it all, but I knew in my spirit I was where the Lord wanted me. I truly love and appreciate my Lutheran upbring. It gave me a solid Biblical background. I also love the freedom in Christ I found in a spirit-filled church.

I am currently not in a Pentacostal church, but in a non-denominational. Tongues have for the most part been used as personal prayer languages in our current church. In order for it to be a word from the Lord in the corporate sense (the church) then there must be an interpetation.

[Reneemomto5]

Thank you Eva and Jeanine. I appreciate your replies and helping me try to understand some of this. Can I ask how or what you mean by "edifying" self or church. I understand you are saying it is a gift from the Holy Spirit to speak to God, is that right but why in tongues?

The biblical quotes Eva, do they also incorporate the belief in "divine healing" that we are hearing a lot about through this church?

This is all so new to me, I apologize for my ignorance and mean no disrespect. I am really interested and want to just understand better.

[EvaS]

Thank you Eva and Jeanine. I appreciate your replies and helping me try to understand some of this. Can I ask how or what you mean by "edifying" self or church. I understand you are saying it is a gift from the Holy Spirit to speak to God, is that right but why in tongues?

The biblical quotes Eva, do they also incorporate the belief in "divine healing" that we are hearing a lot about through this church?

This is all so new to me, I apologize for my ignorance and mean no disrespect. I am really interested and want to just understand better.

Don't apologize for asking questions girl, it's good:-D Edifying basically means "to build up or encourage". So by praying in tongues you are building up your spirit and by giving a tongue in a church/group setting and there is an interpretation, then the tongue is for the purpose of building up or encouraging the congregation.

Yes, speaking in tongues is a gift from God and to be honest, I don't have a clue why He chose tongues. I don't see anything in the Bible explaining why God chose to use tongues in particular as a gift.

The biblical quotes I used don't really pertain to the belief of "divine healing" except for the verses in 1 Cor. 12 where it says that the gifts of healing is one of the gifts of the Spirit. Divine healing would fall under the heading of working of miracles as well, divine healing just means the healing comes from God. Personally, my beliefs on that are, that if it's God's will that a person be healed, then they will be. Not everyone who seeks healing will be healed, cuz if that were true then we would all live forever (physically speaking). God is all powerful and could heal anyone but he doesn't and we just have to trust that He knows what's best.

I hope I explained that well, I'm really bad at explaining things sometimes. And keep the questions coming! I'm sure between all us ladies on this site we could answer them. [loveyou]

[tobikay]

I also grew up Luthern/Methodist, hubby took me to a Pentecostal church and before I knew it I was a part of the craziness, and I love it. That was nearly 10 years ago, I still don't understand how, or when the spirit moves, but I know that I love it. I also know that the more prayed up I am the more I feel the spirit and the more clear it all is.

I know that I didn't answer any questions, just wanted to share that I am in the same boat.

[Cheeseburger]

I don't speak in tongues (yet). But, from what I understand, there are a couple different types of tongues that are miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit. Some pentecostals believe that tongues is the only evidence of being baptized in the Holy Spirit, but some aren't sure. I am one of those who is not sure. I mean, i would like to think I have been baptized, but, perhaps I haven't, so who knows, that is something I am praying about.

But anyway tongues can be an actual foreign language God gives you as a miracle when you need it... or it can be a private prayer language (most tongues I have heard are this), it can also be a public prayer/prophetic language that requires an interpreter (interpretation of tongues is another gift). Those are the three common types that I understand exist.

The most common type of testimony I have heard (I am always asking people about when they got baptized because I am seeking the Lord on this also), is either someone laid hands on them to receive it and they did, or they were praying alone with the Lord one night and they either felt immense joy for the Lord, or immense painful prayer, like a groaning, and either that joy or groaning was something they could not express in their own language, and something bubbled up out of their Spirit and they began to speak in tongues. I hope I am explaining that well, anyway, those are the most common type of testimonies I have heard anyway. I'm sure someone who has actually experienced it would be better at explaining it LOL.

Some people receive it at salvation and some people receive it later. I don't know why that is, who can question God? But all things in His timing I guess.

What tongues is NOT is someone teaching you what to say and having you repeat it. People have tried to do this to me and I just say no thanks, I will wait for God to give it to me. It is not something man can give you that is for sure.

[Reneemomto5]

Thank you ladies. We met with the pastor for 2 hours, and he is such a down to earth, wonderful minister. What he stated was exactly as you all stated above, specifically you Cheese. We had many questions answered. We are welcomed with such open arms and hearts into this church its just beautiful. Even with our travels they are more than willing to help us in our new frontier of faith, and that of our children.

Each church is different he said, each is of their own and its up to us to find one that fits, not give up because one isn't fitting to search, to grow, and to find that place we feel the most comfortable in our walk with and towards the Lord. I am shy so the pentacostal way of prayer is new but always so joyous. We feel like we have come home and hoping to become a part of this wonderful body of Christians. Still not sure of the tongues aspect yet, its new, but in time, prayer and bible devotion we will see where God desires us to be regarding this belief.

I hope I can continue to come to all of you with questions. This thread has been very helpful, thank you.

[JeanineAnne]

Renee, I'm glad you had a great visit with the Pastor.

The only thing I love the most about spirit-filled churches is the feeling of love and welcome I receive when I enter them. There is just a sweeter atmosphere there. Can't explain it but can't deny it either.

Praying that the Lord continue to give you His direction and insight. That He would fill your cups overflowing with His love and with the Spirit.

[Phoebe]

I was born and raised in a pentecostal church and speaking tounges is a beautiful experience.