Background To The Gifts of Tongues

[Galaen]

And with some of the bitterness you come out with is it any wonder that Christians get a bad name? We are meant to be building each other up and furthering God's Kingdom not destroying it. Is there no room in your faith for those of other denominations? Can you not see that there are different viewpoints to your own which can be just as valid? Can you not see the harm you are doing to the Church of God? It does not matter which denomination we belong to as long as the Gospel is being taught and we are living according to the scriptures and accepting Jesus as Lord and saviour of our lives. For goodness sake Dan lighten up, there is more than one way to do many things just as there are many different personalities. We often worship in different ways but that does not make one way of worshipping better than another - just different. Sometimes from some of the things you say I actually wonder if you know Jesus at all because you show very little understanding of His new commandment to us - love one another as I have loved you - He loves us unconditionally Dan, unconditionally, and this is what we should be doing not pulling each other to bits because we think a bit differently. We are all human and we ALL make mistakes, at some point we all get it wrong but at the time we usually think we are right. Sometimes we just have to agree to disagree but in so doing we do not tell the other person they are telling lies because they interpret scripture a different way. Get a grip and look at the way Jesus deals with us, He does it with love and example. Try putting the whip away and see what a difference it makes, you might just be surprised.

[Bloodbought]

I have not posted this story but feel that I must now tell it.

A friend of mine went with a missionary to a meeting where people were speaking in tongues. The language being used was the language of the area where the missionary worked and he could interpret what was being said.

THE PERSONS SPEAKING IN TONGUES WERE BLASPHEMING GOD.

The spirits of evil can enter into persons and give them false gifts.

Mt 24:24 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible.

[Chuckt]

The Permanent Spiritual Gifts

These spiritual gifts edify the body of Christ for all time:


SPIRITUAL GIFTS

(PERMANENT SPIRITUAL GIFTS)

(1Co 12:8-10, 28-30; Rom 12:6-8; Eph 4:11; 1Pe 4:10-11)

Grace Bible Church, Gillette, Wyoming

Pastor Daryl Hilbert

I. THE GIFT OF FAITH (1Co 12:9)

A. Some have suggested that the spiritual gift of faith is one of the Temporary Spiritual Gifts. Yet many who hold to the concept of Temporal Gifts consider this a Permanent Gift.

B. Faith (pístis) can mean trust, belief, the Christian faith, or conviction.

C. As a Permanent Gift, faith could be defined as a special ability to lay claim on the promises of God in regard to God's provisions and purposes. It is distinct from a believer's saving faith.

. We see biblical examples in Paul's faith when he exhibited extraordinary confidence in God (Phil 2:22-25) and in Stephen's faith, which was fixed upon God (Act 6:15).

E. Historical examples of the gift of faith are George Mueller and Hudson Taylor.

F. All believers are exhorted to have faith in prayer (Mat 21:22; Jam 5:16-18), faith that comes by hearing the Word of God (Rom 10:17), and faith to walk the Christian life (Col 2:6).

II. THE GIFT OF HELPS OR SERVING (1Co 12:28; Rom 12:7)

A. In 1Co 12:28 it is the gift of "helps" (antílêmpsis- to take a burden on oneself for another). In Rom 12:7, the gift is called the gift of "service" (diakonía - to "run errands" and means to serve or minister, especially to those in need).

B. McRae defines "helps" as the special ability to serve faithfully behind the scenes, in practical ways, to assist in the work of the Lord, encourage, and strengthen others spiritually.

C. Biblical examples of helps or service are seen in the first Deacons (Acts 6:1-4), Stephanas who opened his home in hospitality and worship (1 Cor 16:15-18), and Phoebe (Rom 16:1).

. All believers are exhorted to serve and be servants (Mar 10:45; Mat 20:26-27; Phil 2:5-8).

III. THE GIFT OF ADMINISTRATION (1Co 12:28; Rom 12:8)

A. In 1Co 12:28 the word (kubérnêsis) lit. means "the skill with which a pilot guides a ship." In Rom 12:8, the word is proístêmi, and means to set before or in front of, put oneself at the head, to influence others to follow a recommended course of action.

B. Administration or Leading is the God-given capacity to organize and administer with such efficiency and spirituality that not only is the project brought to a satisfactory conclusion but it is done harmoniously and with evident blessing. (McRae)

C. A biblical example of administration would include Titus who was exhorted to "straighten out" the church in Crete by appointing spiritual leaders (Tit 1:5).

. All believers are exhorted to be diligent over the areas and individuals that God has placed in their sphere of ministry (Pr 6:6-11; Eph 5:16; 2Ti 2:2; Ac 20:28; 1Ti 3:4-5, 12).

IV. THE GIFT OF MERCY (Rom 12:8)

A. Mercy (eleéō) means to feel sympathy with the misery of another, to show kindness or concern for someone in need, to take pity, showing mercy.

B. The gift of mercy is the spiritual ability to see the needs of all kinds of sickness and afflictions and be internally and externally moved to compassionate action.

C. Jesus exemplified the gift of mercy when he was moved by a shepherdless people (Mt 9:36), felt compassion towards huge crowds needing to be cured (Mat 14:14), and moved with compassion by the hungry masses (Mat 15:32).

. All believers are exhorted to exemplify mercy and comfort (2Co 1:3-4), possess compassion (Col 3:12), and not grow weary in ministering to the needs of others (Gal 6:9-10).

V. THE GIFT OF GIVING (Rom 12:8)

A. This gift is only found in Rom 12:8. The word for "gives" is metadídōmi and means to share with, or transfer something to another (LXX Pr 11:26 of not hoard but impart).

B. A believer with the gift of giving has the capacity to give of his substance to the work of the Lord or to the people of God consistently, liberally, sacrificially, and with such wisdom and cheerfulness that others are encouraged and blessed (McRae).

C. Barnabas perhaps had the gift of giving (Act 4:35-37) but Ananias was the antithesis (Act 5:1-11) of the gift of giving.

. All believers are exhorted to give regularly (1Co 16:2a), proportionately (1Co 16:2b), generously (2Co 9:6), purposefully, not grudgingly, and cheerfully (2Co 9:7-8).

VI. THE GIFT OF EXHORTATION (Rom 12:8)

A. "Exhortation" from parakaléō, lit. means to "call" (kaléō) "alongside" (pará), or encourage (Act 15:31), comfort (2Co 1:3-4 cp. Joh 14:16), and appeal (Rom 12:1; 2Ti 4:2; Tit 1:9).

B. Differing from teaching in that it is an appeal for action, exhortation is the practical aspect of a preaching [or teaching] ministry. Some are given a special gift in this work, enabling them to lead Christians into the active realization of the will of God (Walvoord). [Italicized mine.]

C. Exhorting involves encouraging, comforting, and admonishing people...teaching may or may not involve exhortation, and contra wise exhortation may or may not involve teaching (Ryrie).

. Barnabas, "Son of Encouragement" (Act 4:36 - paráklêsis), had the gift of "exhortation" (cp. Act 15:35-41; 2Ti 4:11). All are believers are to encourage one another (1Th 5:11; Heb 10:25).

VII. THE GIFT OF EVANGELISM (Eph 4:11)

A. The gift of evangelism, from euaggelizō, means to announce the good news.

B. The evangelist has the capacity to present the gospel with exceptional clarity and an overwhelming burden (McRae).

C. The evangelist is the special proclaimer of the good news that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself (Billy Graham).

. Paul had the heart of an evangelist (Rom 1:16; 15:20) and Philip was an evangelist (Act 21:8).

E. All believers are commissioned to Evangelism (Mt 28:19-20), ambassadors of Evangelism (2Co 5:18-20), and co-laborers in the church's ministry of Evangelism (Acts 2:47).


VIII. THE GIFT OF TEACHING (Rom 12:7; 1Co 12:28; Eph 4:11)

A. The Greek word "teacher" is didaskalos and means one who teaches, but also is a title for "Master/Teacher", the Jewish equivalent being "rabbi" ("my great one" Joh 1:38).

B. A person with the gift of teaching will ...have a keen interest in the personal study of the Word... [and will] have the capacity to communicate clearly the truths and applications of the Word so others may learn and profit (McRae).

C. Apollos is one of the greatest examples of the gift of teaching (Act 18:24-28), being "mighty in the Scriptures" teaching them "accurately", "boldly", polemically, and "powerfully".

. All believers are to teach in one way or another through discipleship (Mat 28:19-20 cp. Tit 2:1-5) and spiritual leadership (1Ti 3:2). It is a sign of maturity (Heb 5:12) and the Holy Spirit's ministry (Joh 14:26; 1Jo 2:27).

IX. THE GIFT OF PASTOR-TEACHER (Eph 4:11)

A. Pastor-teacher is a combined gift ("teacher" is anarthrous and without the conjunction de).

B. The Pastor-teacher is a "shepherd" (poimen) and a "teacher" (didaskalos). He is one who tends the flock of God through teaching the Word of God.

C. One with the gift of pastor-teacher has the God-given ability to feed, lead, and give heed to the flock of God. One may be a gifted teacher without being a pastor, but one may not be a pastor without being a teacher. These are two aspects of one gift (McRae).

. Jesus is the Great Shepherd (Heb 13:20; Mar 6:34). Paul was the great example (1Th 2:7-13).

A. It would be someone whose passion, emphasis, and ministry are to study and expositionally teach God's Word in the local church in order to equip and edify the saints (Eph 4:11-16; Joh 21:15-17).

[iamowen]

1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. 2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. 3 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. 4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 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: 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. 1 Cor 12:1-11 (KJV)
It seems to me to be something of a mystery as to why many do not beleive that THE HOLY SPIRIT gives gifts, because as quoted above it is clear from scripture that they do exist ! Why do some insist that they don't exist because they have witnessed a counterfeit gift ?
If they must insist in unbeleif, which is a sin, then why try to drag others downto their level and cause them to sin as well ? Not to mention helping to make them inneffective. The gifts are given to help us to do what HE has given us to do in this sinfull and unbeleiving world.
If you do not beleive, perhaps that is why you do not have them and why you have not seen the real thing, instead of wittnessing to the truth of scripture and giving your AMEN to HIS Word.,
I pray that all would come to see the truth and beleive ALL that HE has revealed and accept the gifts that HE has given to HIS Church, AMEN

[DeaconDan]

And with some of the bitterness you come out with is it any wonder that Christians get a bad name?

What I am saying is such a tiny amount of what the public hears about Christianity from Christians that it could not have a significant impact on the public's perception of Christianity. But, Pentecostals do have a great impact on the public's perception of Christianity. The Public's perception of Christianity is worse than it has been in centuries, maybe even since the first cenutry.

[DeaconDan]

It seems to me to be something of a mystery as to why many do not beleive that THE HOLY SPIRIT gives gifts, because as quoted above it is clear from scripture that they do exist ! Why do some insist that they don't exist because they have witnessed a counterfeit gift ?

I have witnessed a counterfit gift?

When was the last time you witnessed the gift of interpretation (at any time other than in response to someone speaking in tongues)? Never? Why never? Have you ever seen someone in a wheelchair without legs grow legs? Never? Why never? Have you ever witnessed someone speak in tongues and have a non-Christian understand? Never? Why never? Have you ever seen tongues of fire come down on people as they were baptized in the holy spirit? Never? Why never?

Have you ever heard someone speak in tongues by speaking sounds that you did not understand? Have you ever seen healed in church even though you could not see any visible change? Have you ever heard someone tell a story about someone being brought back to life? The only "miracles" you have ever "witnessed" in a Pentecostal church depends on someone's belief or claim. You have never seen in a Pentecostal church something you yourself could see is a miracle.

Does no one in the Pentecostal Churches get revelation to help us understand the Bible better? How about an example? On the contrary, Pentecostal leaders spread bad and stupid doctrine. The popularity of the Prosperity Gospel is an example you might accept. Another example is that the state of Israel is God's Israel. Or that the Bible teaches that there is a prayer language.

If they must insist in unbeleif, which is a sin, then why try to drag others downto their level and cause them to sin as well ?

Who is the one guilty of unbelief? Do you believe Jesus that a wicked generation demands a miraculous sign?

Nothing in the Bible says anyone today is speaking in tongues. On the contrary, Paul points out the common sense reasoning that when something is no longer needed it is done away with. Tongues is no longer needed because language is no longer an obstacle to the church spreading the Gospel.

I pray that all would come to see the truth and beleive ALL that HE has revealed and accept the gifts that HE has given to HIS Church, AMEN

When I watch Pentecostals, they look to me as relatives of a man who pulls rabbits out of a hat. I recognize their tricks and how they perform them. If you watch them on TV heal people in wheelchairs, you can see that those chairs are non-electric, meaning that these people walked in and were offered the chairs at the door. If you believe they were healed, you are a sucker, not someone with faith in God. Why do you need to see someone healed? Where is your faith? Go to youtube and search for videos of people in wheelchairs healed. BTW, none of these people would have been healed in biblical times either, because these healing are not done for the reason Jesus and the Apostles performed healing. Pentecostals seem to know nothing about biblical healing.

[iamowen]

As I said, the couterfeit is not the real thing ! by telling us of the counterfeit does not mean that the real is false. Scripture tells us clearly that the gifts are given from God.
I am from a pentecostal background, and I see the false as well as the real. The TV is full of the false and is spoilt as a result, but there is the real thing as well ! Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater Dan.

[canny]

I am curious as to what the whole point is ? God knows what we are saying no matter what language we speak ! why tongues, I cant get my head around why

[Lily]

I am curious as to what the whole point is ? God knows what we are saying no matter what language we speak ! why tongues, I cant get my head around why

I agree Canny.

While I am not about to contest that it is not from God in some cases, I do very often think, as you have asked, what is the point of it if only one or two other people in the congregation can understand. What I mean is, if God wants us all to know something, wouldn't he speak in a language that we " all " understood ?

Surely, wasn't that the very point of it in Acts 2:1-14 ?
For Christians to speak to unbelievers in the unbelievers native tongues ? And further more, " unbelievers " being the important word there ? Wasn't it a way for the unbelievers to hear the Gospel ? To convince the unbelievers that the power of God was present ?

1 Corinthians 14:22

"Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not "

Help me out here someone please, because if that's not Paul saying that tongues aren't for believers, what is he saying ?

1 Corinthians 13:8-10

8Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

9For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

10But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

Has not God's will and truth been revealed or am I living under a grave mishaprehension that we have a completed New Testament ?

I started off this post with the words, "While I am not about to contest that it is not from God in some cases " but you know, I do sometimes wonder ( I say wonder ) if people like Canny and I are being duped by some people ( not here ) into saying those words out of fear. Fear of maybe committing blasphemy. Afterall, isn't a man who has the " ear " of God a very powerful man indeed ?
We know it to be fact that there are many, many charlatans out there who want to rule with fear. To have power over people and claim that their " gift " of tongues is almost like a "high badge of honor." We do know it to be fact that many are fooled into thinking that. Fooled into thinking that should some leader or minsiter speak in toungues is somehow a better Christian than us.
How can one not think, that making people feel that way isn't a perversion ?

I witnessed something once, something I do consider a perversion. I won't go into it in depth again because it's in a thread started by Pariah on this very subject but, in a nutshell, it came from an all nations church that I visited in the course of my studies and was the subject of a BBC documentary. This " so called " man of God of a minister had the whole congregation convinced that if they didn't have this gift, they weren't of God.
Result ?
Unintelligible jabbering, mass hysterical laughing and screeching, people on the floor like they were having siezures ( and believe me, I have epilepsy, they didn't do a very convincing job of it ) and more disturbing, animal noises.
Why on EARTH would the Holy Spirit make animal noises ?

The only thing I know for SURE that day was, the hairs on the back of my neck literally stood up on end, I was out of there faster than I went in and even the memory of it gives me goosebumps.
That man had those people totally under his thumb and to me, it was nothing short of mocking !

Nonetheless, I do still wonder why I can't find it in me to go no further than to say, " While I am not about to contest that it is not from God in some cases ".

Who put that fear in me ?

[iamowen]

Lily you saw and witnessed "Unintelligible jabbering, mass hysterical laughing and screeching, people on the floor like they were having siezures ( and believe me, I have epilepsy, they didn't do a very convincing job of it ) and more disturbing, animal noises."
I can say that most of that was definately not of GOD, for HE is not a God of confusion. A lot of what is seen on television and preported to be of God is not ! For various reasons the pentecostal movement has been plagued with false along with the real. Satan hates the pentecostal movement because the real power of God is is at work against him when the real gifts of God are in opperation, so he does all in his power to discredit it.
Tongues are not meant to be translated but interpreted ! Have you ever met someone whose language you did not know, but was glad to see you, expressed their joy in seeing you ? You may not understand but may interpret their good intentions. There is a difference. When as a sign to unbeleivers, one is able to undestand the spoken language, it is a sign that real languages are used and that it is a work of God.
A while ago a man who was speaking in tongues, kept repeating the same word over and over again. The pastor thought that it was not real but that the man was faking it. Then a new tribe was found whose language consisted of only one word, but the meaning was conveyed with different accents and emphasis on the same word. This man was speaking their language !
As I said in an earlier post there are many false signs and wonders. We all need the gift of discerning of spirits to correctly discern the true from the false. I attend a pentecostal church and there are many things that are done that I do not agree with, but I still am pentecostal in beleif ie i beleive in the gifts of The Holy Spirit. I do speak in tongues, it is not hysterical or out of control, I am in command of my fauculties at all times when I use the gifts and HE would not have it any other way. If you see the gifts used any other way, they are false. If you see them used apart from LOVE they are false. If you see them used to tear down, they are false. The gifts convey the character of God as they come from HIM. Do not be duped into accepting false gifts, do not be duped into rejecting the real iether.