The practice of speaking in tongues is a lightning rod for controversy. The matter of glossolalia ranks high among the topics that divide the body of Christ. The top 10 divisive issues I’ve encountered include eternal salvation, water baptism, the trinity, universal priesthood, women in ministry, present-day apostles, tithing, prophecy/charismata, and the rapture – among others. In our post-modern era, it has become increasingly uncool to take a definitive stance on any of these themes. The fashionable response to any doctrinal dilemma is “Who can know for sure?” I find this troubling. Our post-modern ponderings should stir us to press into rather than abandon the quest for truth.
Some things can be known. As we enter this reformative time in the church age, prepare to revisit everything. Father is lifting us out of despondency and ineffectiveness to new heights of revelation in even the most basic matters of faith. Tongues are one such matter. Everything we knew about tongues is about to change – for the better. There’s so much more to this spiritual gift than we (Pentecostals / Charismatics) ever dreamed. The new light that Father is shining on this topic offers great hope for the tongue-weary saint. Dearest post-modern believer, don’t trade your glossolality in just yet… You’re just about to get an upgrade to HG 2.0 (Holy Ghost).
It is possible to understand tongues on a scientific level. During the next few posts, we’ll establish a groundwork for understanding the age-old mystery that has been revealed (Christ in us.) Jesus told his disciples in Mark 16:17-18, “And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues...” Only those who believe in tongues receive them. Doubters and haters miss out. A Heavenly language is only available to the saint who believes that tongues are a spiritual gift from Christ. Our faith must be awakened through Jesus to receive and maximize this most precious “second blessing.” Jesus activated his disciples’ faith to receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit in John 20:22. After his resurrection, he appeared to the disciples who were hiding behind closed doors. After having showed them his hands and side, he sent them forth with a peculiar blessing. “He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” His breath was a foreshadowing of the soon-to-manifest mighty rushing wind. Friend, if you are hungry for an infilling of the Holy Spirit and His most precious gift of a heavenly prayer language, just ask for it. He can fill you as you read this post.
In order to awaken your faith, watch this most interesting study. In the coming days we’ll continue to examine glossolalia for a keener understanding of the workings of the Spirit of God within the spirit of man. Enjoy!
Read Part 2 Accessing the Inner Man
Read Part 3 Reducing Tongues to Hypnosis
Read Part 4 Tongues: The Key to Revealing the Mysteries of God
Read Part 5 Participating with Angels
Samuel Polis
August 19, 2010 at 11:14
Excellent, a more “relevant” topic does not exist as the growth factor of the church (corporately, individually) is based on this…the disciples were to WAIT until Acts 1 happened. Without the Spirit activated and having preminence the body remains anemic and introverted. I am stoked for the follow up to this.
definingwords
August 19, 2010 at 19:20
Sam… thanks for adding this sentiment. I should make you and adjunct contributor to defining words!!!
Patrick
August 19, 2010 at 16:14
Extend forth your (lightning) rod for the ensuing storm will bring about action. We will either be prodded to examine, reexamine, change, pursue, move, search, yield and grow or hold fast, defend, fight, shelter, protect, remain comfortable in our position or continue in complacency. You have set forth a provocative list, one which I have been revisiting over the past 2 years to search the Word for what it actually says regarding these topics and foundational elements.
In your reference to the passage in Mark, there is a word that I believe is a key to unlocking revelation on these topics. The word is believe. When we examine our position regarding that word, we find our a glimpse of our current state. The word believe by definition runs from acknowledging something to be true to being so true and real that it causes every fiber of our being to live walk and breathe the very essence of that truth. Biblically consistently it is the latter the the Word admonishes us to. To the degree that we believe reveals what we can receive. In examining “these signs and wonders will follow…”, we find that if they aren’t following, we might need to examine our position in “believe” for if the inspired Word of God is all Truth and that Truth is not being made manifest then there seems to be a disconnect.
Some need to see to believe and Paul comments on this aspect of tongues for the unbeliever (not to mention the many other purposes), and yet even when some see they continue in unbelief. Jesus, on a number of occasions, referenced this to His disciples as “Having eyes you cannot see, having ears you cannot hear”. It also is not surprising to find that the secular community is observing the reality of Biblical truth in their house. The question to them is “what will you do with it?” Will it be treated as an interesting phenomenon or a call to change. Sadly, most will adhere to the former, i suspect. I recall my first encounter with this “glossolalia” as an atheist sitting amongst some some 200+ students in a lecture hall awaiting a video presentation in a physical diagnosis class where the projection device was receiving video feed from a televised Pentecostal Charismatic preacher exhibiting this gift. Ironically, some 3 odd years later, I, too, exhibited this gift as the Spirit gave me utterance.
Somewhat disheartening is the necessity of exploring the topic of tongues among “believers” from this perspective, but if it yields fruit and causes growth then to God be the Glory and welcome aboard.
Though we are examining the vocal aspect of glossolalia, I often find myself being cognisant of the background internal dialog in tongues occurring in the midst of normal activities and conversation that is unapparent to others, but that I expect is for another time…
Great post… looking forward to the follow up.
definingwords
August 19, 2010 at 19:19
“Though we are examining the vocal aspect of glossolalia, I often find myself being cognisant of the background internal dialog in tongues occurring in the midst of normal activities and conversation that is unapparent to others, but that I expect is for another time…”
This, precisely, is where we are going
Patrick
August 19, 2010 at 19:43
WoooHooo!!!!!!! Press on My Sister, Higher Heights and Deeper Depths await! Did someone say somethin’ ’bout divin’ in a River? I think I hear the sound of an abundance of Rain.