the basic message #E44
1 Corinthians 14:18-19
I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.
I have no problem admitting I’m a skeptical person. I was raised by two skeptical parents in a skeptical home. Don’t get me wrong, being a skeptic has probably saved me thousands of dollars and much grief in my life since I’m not likely to fall for a scam. I’m skeptical about people speaking in tongues, but I’m also open for truths to be revealed. What else does scripture say?
1 Corinthians 14:22
Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.
Where can you most likely hear people speaking in tongues? It would seem like “spirit-filled” churches are the best shot, but why? If tongues are for unbelievers, why would a “spirit-filled” church be a place where tongues are commonly heard? Do I think tongues are phony? Not at all. I have trustworthy friends who have either spoken in tongues or have witnessed someone who has. I believe them, but I still don’t see scriptural reasons for the practice.
1 Corinthians 14:27-28
If anyone speaks in a tongue, two-or at the most three- should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.
I listen to radio preachers every day. I like to listen to Jimmy Swaggart, and that might surprise some people. “Is this the same Jimmy Swaggart that’s a pervert”? Friends, it’s time to give the man a break. “The Fall” has been over ten years ago, and the man has done much good work, but he’s branded for life for his indiscretions. Have you removed the plank from your own eye? Back to the subject. I like Swaggart, but he has a habit that I don’t understand. Frequently at the end of a sermon, during the altar call, he will begin a segment of praising God. No problem with that. But strangely enough, he will almost on cue begin speaking in tongues. I’ve heard this dozens of times, yet I’ve never heard anyone step up and interpret what he said. Seems to me that if it was important enough to utter in tongue, it’s important enough to interpret. What does the passage above say? “If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet…”. Am I missing something?
1 Corinthians 14:12
Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.
I’m open for any gifts that God chooses to give me. I would prefer, however, to receive gifts that will benefit and give glory to the kingdom. I will trust God with that decision. Are you a skeptical person that has had a personal experience with tongues? I’d like to hear from you.