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Question: My question is about the gift of tongues. I have been baptized in the Holy Spirit and our church believes that all will give a form of utterance during this process. I do recall giving a partial utterance, however I have second-guessed this gift since the event. I have encountered times where I truly felt that I have received this gift, and I have encountered times where I felt nothing. Of most importance, I want to be pleasing to God in this. I have read several criticisms regarding this gift, and it has seriously confused me. Some believe this is actually harmful spiritually. I am praying that you may bring me some sort of help to a peace of mind.

Answer:

Unfortunately the subject of the gift of tongues is often misunderstood and an unnecessary cause of controversy.

First - the gift of tongues is a supernatural, God given ability for a believer to speak in a language he has not learned. This may be an earthly or heavenly language.

Secondly - it is a gift of God. As a gift of God it is important, good, and to be received through faith. Although it is a gift of God it is expressed through faith. Although it is a gift of God it is expressed through the believer as he yields through faith.

Thirdly - the believer's initial experience with the gift of tongues comes at the time he is baptized in the Holy Spirit. Read Acts chapters 2, 8, 9, 10 & 19 to see where the baptism of the Spirit was accompanied by speaking in tongues.

Fourthly - the use of this gift is something to seek and covet after. It is an experience you will grow in through desire and yielding.

In conclusion I have a few comments on your question.

1. Your church has a strong Bible basis for believing the baptism of the Holy Spirit is accompanied by speaking in tongues.

2. A second-guessing of the gift seems to be a faltering faith. It can be re-experienced time and time again and should be.

3. The use of this gift is not dependent upon feeling but on God's promises and our faith and yieldedness.

4. To seek after spiritual gifts is a direct response to God's will for us.

5. When a believer speaks in a language given by the Spirit, his soul is communicating with God and that is spiritually healthy.

For further reference - read more of what the Bible says than what other books have to say about the Bible. Devour the Book of Acts along with 1 Corinthians chapters 12-16 and Romans chapter 8.

A Bible study course that would be helpful is "Spiritual Gifts" of the International Correspondence Institute (ICI). Check an Assembly of God church about it.

Another reference would be "What the Bible Says About the Holy Spirit" written by Stanley M. Horton and published by Gospel Publishing House.


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