Tongues?

TONGUES
The Great Meekness Test
By Jim Searcy

Zep 2:3 Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD'S anger.

Everybody know what a meekness test is? Meekness is the ability to endure insult without retaliation. All of you have had some pretty good meekness tests and passed them well. If you had not passed some meekness tests I think I would ask you to go somewhere else just for tonight. Are y'all ready to have at a big meekness test? I would like to give you a biggie that nobody should fail, and yet more people of God have failed this particular meekness test in the last 100 years than any other meekness test. I believe you can pass it with flying colors. Do you want to try it?

So what is this meekness test that more people of God have failed in the last 100 years than any other? In one word it is Tongues.

1 Cor 12:7-11 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 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: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

Tongues is the biggest unity buster of the century. Perhaps no doctrine or practice has divided so many who have so much in common and united so many who have so little in common, as has the matter of tongues. Yet whatever our approach in this discussion of the issue of tongues, we should write at the head of all our reasoning, debating and disagreeing, two things:

(1) We must always begin our discussions of tongues, not at 1 Cors 12:10, but at 1 Cor 13:1-3

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

(2) Whatever our feelings may be toward tongues, we must obey what scripture commands and it very clearly declares in 1 Cor 14:39

Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

Any examination of the Bible's teaching on tongues must begin with these FIVE truths in mind:

One, Jesus prophesied it - Mark 16:17, "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues

Two, the God is not hard of hearing - His ear is NOT heavy that it cannot hear - Isa 59:1 Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:

Three, the Holy Spirit enabled it -- Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 1 Cor 12:10-11 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: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

Four, the New Testament Church received it -- Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Five, the Unity of the Body of Christ should not be broken by any gift of the Holy Spirit - Eph 4:2-6 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

There are three basic views concerning the gift of tongues. Some require great forbearance so that the unity of the spirit is not broken by a gift of the spirit. Brethren we are talking about a gift of the Holy Spirit who is calling us to show we are disciples by our love. Any gift of the Holy Spirit should cause the Body of Messiah to be built up, united, and NOT divided. We also need to consider all of the scriptures related to this gift and pay special attention to the order or use or exercise of the gift.

1. The first widely held position on tongues is one with which I do strongly disagree. Yet we know that we are called by the Holy Spirit to forbear. with those who would say there is no spiritual gift of tongues in operation today. It may require great forbearance with those who would say all tongue-speaking is either psychological or demonic; yet, forbear we must.

Many of the main-line denominations today believe that the gift of tongues was an apostolic gift and that it was only necessary in the church during the time of the apostles to get the church off to a good start. They will often reason that 1 Cors. 13:8-10 teaches that tongues would cease when the perfect is come in. Many people will contend that the perfect, refers to the completion of the Bible. Indeed the KJV Holy Bible is the perfect Bible in English; but, we will not likely see a perfect Church until the Lord returns. It is lala land to think we have a state of perfection this side of glory, or the Lord's return, or at least until the sealing angel puts the seal of God on the people of God. However, we need to forbear with the many who reason, that with the completion of the Bible, and the death of the apostles, tongues and most of the gifts in 1 Cors. 12:7-10 were no longer needed. Because of this faulty reasoning, such forms of religion, come very close to just having a form of godliness while denying the power of God. There are many denominations which do not promote the gift of tongues, because they deny its existence for today. Some may go so far as to Forbid the gift, which in itself is forbidden by the word of God in 1 Cor 14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

Yet, brethren we are to FORBEAR with these weaker brethren. Brethren, we do not earnestly contend about things like tongues. We earnestly contend about the doctrine of Christ. Who the Lord Jesus Christ IS, and what He accomplished. We earnestly contend about that and forbear regarding the rest.

2. Another position with which I disagree but know that I am called to forbear is with those who believe that tongues is the evidence of being baptized in the Holy Spirit. I do disagree with those who would say no tongues speaking - no baptism in the Spirit. I disagree but will forbear and will NOT contend regarding this position.

This is the classic Pentecostal position. However, even many Pentecostals are changing there adamant insistence on tongues as the only evidence of the baptism of the Holy spirit. God has not called us to tell people whether or not the Lord Jesus Christ has baptized them with the Holy Spirit! God has rather called us to forbear one another for the sake of unity. There is a fulness in Christ. God gives different measures of that fulness. It is God who gives the gifts. We are NOT to question the wisdom of the giver of the gifts. In effect that is what some do. However, they do not see it that way. We are to let those who are ignorant be ignorant. Brethren, remember this, that we never come to the perfect measure till we get to glory. God's children are growing, as long as they are in this world; and the Christian's growth should contribute to the glory of Christ. The glory of the Lord, not the glory of self. FORBEAR Eph 4:13-15 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

I do urge believers in Christ to welcome the Holy Spirit's fullness to follow Jesus in His life and power! I do hope and pray they will be open to, and become functional, in the spiritual language available to them. But, I believe it is very wrong to make this a doctrinal issue of contention. This is a gift of the HOLY Ghost to equip us for the more excellent way which is LOVE, not contention. It is just plain wrong to strongly push any doctrinal issue on someone other than the doctrine of Christ, justification by FAITH, and the obedience to God, and Love of the brethren, which is the proof of genuine faith. Don't push such side issue doctrinal positions on anyone. It is just as wrong to require a 'tongues' experience, as it is to forbid to speak with tongues. It is just plain wrong, and violates the command of Love, to REQUIRE tongues as proof of anything to anyone. Tongues has NOTHING to do with validating anything regarding our place in Christ, or our walk with Him. When someone audibly uses their tongue without an interpretation, they are not showing their spirituality, but their IGNORANCE of the word of God. If their demonstration to impress the church folk goes far enough to disrupt the service, the duty of the man of God is to order them to stop, in such a way they will learn to use the gift rightly, and not ignorantly, or hypocritically.

The beauty of spiritual language can only be clearly seen and received when our eyes are not clouded and blinded by either debate or demands. The simple evidence in God's Word is that He never intended spiritual language as a proof of anything. The Lord by His Holy Spirit offers this precious gift as a resource for readiness in prayer and praise. It is a blessing that you can have by asking for it and receiving it by faith. One should study to know how to use it correctly before you ask for the gift. People may be much more likely to receive this gift if they would study its proper use, place, and order. If you know what the gift is all about and how it is to be used, then it would seem that you are more likely to receive it by faith when you ask. God knows some need this gift and some do not. It is up to God and no one else. It is His gift to give to those who ask, and He will give it if, and when, He will. Temper tantrums or whining when asking God for spiritual gifts probably is not the right approach. Faith and studying to show yourself approved unto God as a workman that needs not to be ashamed, would seem to be better. Also, do NOT let anybody "teach" you how to get or receive the gift. God is the giver of His gifts.

3. Tongues is one of the spiritual gifts, therefore some receive this gift and others don't.

There is nothing Biblically wrong with this position. This is what the Bible clearly teaches. One who has the gift and does speak in tongues, should know that particular gift is between the person and God. You are very unlikely to ever hear, unless God says otherwise. The people who receive the gift should try at all cost to avoid creating an impression that those who don't speak in tongues are in any spiritually inferior. To have, or not have, the gift of tongues means NOTHING regarding spiritual maturity, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. There are multitudes of devout Christians down through the centuries and into the present, who didn't, haven't and won't, for various reasons, ever speak in tongues. The gift is for personal edification. It is between you and God. It is not for showing out that you are spiritual. The gift is available and may be received from God by faith. It is God's gift. It is way out of order if someone claims they can teach you how, because it is God's gift, not any man's. NOBODY must speak in tongues to prove anything.

This gift is precious and practical and is wonderful to have any time, ESPECIALLY in great tribulation, or trials. Most would gladly bear any reproach for having this gift. However, when the gift of tongues is audibly demonstrated, in assembly, and there is no interpretation, one should bear a reproach. BIBLICAL ORDER BEING FOLLOWED WILL STOP THE ABUSE AND COUNTERFEIT DEMONIC MANIFESTATIONS. THE ELDERS DO NOT NECESSARILY HAVE TO BE NICE WHEN TELLING SOMEONE THEY ARE OUT OF BIBLICAL ORDER. THE ELDERS HAVE A DUTY TO REPROVE ANYONE ABUSING THE TONGUES GIFT. If the Body is to be protected from disruptive work of counterfeit spirits, there MUST be biblical order followed when the gift of tongues is audible in assembly. It is right and proper to insist on the interpretation being given, and if the interpretation is not forthcoming, watch out for the necessary reproach. Reproving the abuse of the tongues gift is a duty of the elders. The speaker of the tongue without interpretation, needs to be told, in no uncertain terms, to exercise the self control fruit of the Spirit. The use of the tongue is to be done silently in the assembly if there be no interpretation. 1 Cor 14:27-28 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. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

Let's look into the problem that had developed in the Church at Corinth concerning the use and abuse of the gift of tongues by considering first:

First Look at the Abuse of Tongues in Assembly

First the Abuse was confusing the church's worship -- I Cor 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

Notice that although the abuse of the gifts of the Spirit was confusing the church's worship, Paul didn't write them and command them to cease and desist from the use of these gifts. Instead he admonishes them to learn how to operate in these power tools of the Spirit powerfully and constructively, instead of in confusion.

Second the Abuse was clouding the church's witness -- 14:9,11,16,23b So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

Due to the manner in which the whole assembled church was trying to vie with one another by all simultaneously speaking in tongues without pause or interpretation, visitors to the church would conclude that they had mistakenly entered and insane house of lunatics, rather than the house of God. The witness of the church was being nullified in the meeting and negatively publicized throughout the city, and God was certainly not being glorified, nor was the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ being advanced.

Third the Abuse was corrupting the church's warfare -12:3, 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.

It appears from the implications of this warning that some of the church members had, in the process of speaking in tongues, actually had been cursing Jesus instead of blessing Him. Religious spirits were apparently having a field day in some of the worship services. Thus the Church's effectiveness in spiritual warfare was being corrupted. In fact, the enemy was using the Christian's own weapons of warfare to aid and abet the cause of the kingdom of darkness!

Now Look at Proper Biblical Order in the Use of Tongues and that it is Affirmed

Why did God ever give the gift of tongues in the first place?

Of all the spiritual gifts, tongues is the most controversial. God has a reason for this: Tongues is the only gift deliberately designed to attack man's ego and pride. No other gift achieves the humbling purpose of God like the gift of tongues. To the public, tongues is abnormal. It denotes mental incompetence, social inferiority, and ignorance. The mere mention of the gift arouses man's religious intolerance.

Look at how the Gift is Defined - The gift of tongues is a supernatural utterance in a language or languages (earthly or heavenly) often where the one which is doing the speaking does not understand, unless they are given the interpretation. It is a vocal miracle. It is a miracle of speech (Acts 2:4-8; Acts 10:46; Acts 19:1-6; 1Cor 12-14).

Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Notice these are the apostles speaking in divers languages

Acts 2:5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

Acts 2:6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

Acts 2:7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?

Acts 2:8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?

Acts 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.

Acts 19:1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

Acts 19:2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

Acts 19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.

Acts 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

Acts 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Brethren, no discussion of how the Gift of Tongues is defined would be complete without ALL 3 Chapters of First Corinthians chapters 12, 13, and 14 and the emphasis should be on Chapters 13 and 14.

1 Cor 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

1 Cor 12:2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.

1 Cor 12:3 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.

1 Cor 12:4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

1 Cor 12:5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.

1 Cor 12:6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

1 Cor 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

1 Cor 12:8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

1 Cor 12:9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

1 Cor 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:

1 Cor 12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

In the human body every member has its place and use

1 Cor 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

1 Cor 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

1 Cor 12:14 For the body is not one member, but many.

1 Cor 12:15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

1 Cor 12:16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

1 Cor 12:17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?

1 Cor 12:18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

1 Cor 12:19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?

1 Cor 12:20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.

1 Cor 12:21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

1 Cor 12:22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:

1 Cor 12:23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.

1 Cor 12:24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:

1 Cor 12:25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

1 Cor 12:26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

This is applied to the church of Christ

1 Cor 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

1 Cor 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

1 Cor 12:29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

1 Cor 12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

And there is something more excellent than spiritual gifts

1 Cor 12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.

The necessity and advantage of the grace of love

1 Cor 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

1 Cor 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

1 Cor 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

Its excellency represented by its properties and effects;

1 Cor 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

1 Cor 13:5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

1 Cor 13:6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

1 Cor 13:7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

And by its abiding, and its superiority

1 Cor 13:8 Charity 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.

1 Cor 13:9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

1 Cor 13:10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

1 Cor 13:11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

1 Cor 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

1 Cor 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Prophecy preferred to the gift of tongues

1 Cor 14:1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

1 Cor 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.

1 Cor 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

1 Cor 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

1 Cor 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.

The unprofitableness of speaking in unknown languages

1 Cor 14:6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

1 Cor 14:7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?

1 Cor 14:8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?

1 Cor 14:9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.

1 Cor 14:10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.

1 Cor 14:11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.

1 Cor 14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

1 Cor 14:13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

1 Cor 14:14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

Exhortations to worship that can be understood

1 Cor 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.

1 Cor 14:16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?

1 Cor 14:17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

1 Cor 14:18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:

1 Cor 14:19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

1 Cor 14:20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

1 Cor 14:21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.

1 Cor 14:22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

1 Cor 14:23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

1 Cor 14:24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

1 Cor 14:25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

Disorders from vain display of gifts;

1 Cor 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

1 Cor 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.

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

1 Cor 14:29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.

1 Cor 14:30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.

1 Cor 14:31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

1 Cor 14:32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

1 Cor 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

And from women speaking in the church

1 Cor 14:34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

1 Cor 14:35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

1 Cor 14:36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

1 Cor 14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

1 Cor 14:38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

1 Cor 14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

1 Cor 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

Tongues declares the works of God in ways transcending all human ability. The purpose of tongues enables the recipient to pray to God from the depths of his being and not merely from the conscious levels of his mind.

Tongues gives a voice to our spirits. Tongues has nothing whatever to do with linguistic ability, nor with the mind or intellect of man. It is a manifestation of the mind of the Spirit of God, which may use human speech vocal chords and tongue, when the Spirit of God will be bringing an interpretation. Otherwise it is in the mind, between your spirit and the Spirit of God. Please let me say this again, so you do not miss it. The Gift of Tongues is a manifestation of the mind of the Spirit of God, which may use human speech, vocal chords and tongue when the Spirit of God will be bringing an interpretation. Otherwise it is in the mind, between your spirit and the Spirit of God.

William Branham probably had more documented miracles of healing by Faith in Jesus' Name, than perhaps all other people of all time. Yet he was given a 2 part commission by God. As successful as he was at the first part of his call, he was such a failure at the 2nd part of his call that most people do not even know God had called him to do 2 equally important jobs. Indeed he was called to restore the gift of healing by Faith in the Name of Jesus. Everybody would acknowledge he was the most remarkably successful man in that call ever. However, he was given the equally important job of communicating the IMPORTANT SIMPLE MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE OF GOD. HE WAS TO TELL THE PEOPLE OF GOD THAT THEIR THOUGHTS SPEAK LOUDER IN HEAVEN THAN THEIR WORDS. Brethren, God is not hard of hearing. His ear is not heavy that it can not hear.

We must never forget that the gift of tongues was God's idea, not man's. He gave this gift to the church no less than the gifts of teaching, mercy, exhortation, and evangelism. Brethren we should not ridicule something precious in God's sight. God graciously, as a loving Heavenly Father, gives only good gifts to His children. It is also important that we keep our sense of perspective, and respect the Giver of the Gift, by following His instructions for the proper use of the gift in the MORE SURE word which is written in the KJV Holy Bible. Tongues is NOT God's greatest gift to His most highly favored children. Let me say that again. Tongues is NOT God's greatest gift to His most highly favored children. Tongues is NOT the devil's most sinister tool of deceit. Let me say that again. Tongues is NOT the devil's most sinister tool of deceit. I hope you get the picture that Tongues is just like any other gift of the Spirit. It is NOT a sign of God's special love. It is NOT a sign of heightened maturity in Christ. It is NOT a sign of superior zeal or commitment. It is NOT a sign that one has 'more' of the Holy Spirit than others. In fact, tongues is NOT a sign of anything. It is simply just one among many of what the apostle Paul calls "'manifestations of the Spirit' (1 Cor. 12:7) given to believers for the common good of the church.

Look now at How the Gift is to be Used

The "gift of tongues" may be used for edification of the assembly. Usually it is done quietly between the person and God. However it may be done audibly if there is an interpretation. Otherwise the audible tongue is out of biblical order in assembly. The gift is used for devotional and intercessional prayer and praise. It has a place in both the assembly of the church and privately in the church of the saints scattered abroad. The tongues gift is useful for a number of things:

First - Tongues can expand praise and worship, (not only speaking but singing with the Spirit--14:15 1 Cor 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.

The spiritual gift of tongues enhances our ability to give thanks to God and to worship Him for the good He has done. The manifestation of tongues is a way to let out pent-up praise or emotion too deep, too intense, for words. It is a very precious way in private devotion. It relaxes and releases the soul for praising and worshiping God.

Sometimes what God has done and is doing will so overwhelm a person that words fail to be adequate in expressing the joy and love and worship we have for the Lord. Speaking and praising God in tongues can be a very wonderful part of our need to worship the LORD.

Second - Tongues can empower us in spiritual warfare - Sometimes in the ministry of deliverance, we have come to an impasse and not knowing what to do, say, or pray. At such a time if we will pray in tongues we may find that the demons indwelling the person will immediately be stirred into manifestations and demand that we cease such activity.

Once there was a deliverance team that had reached an impasse and needed help. They got on the telephone with the person still being restrained by the other members of the deliverance team. They asked if I would pray and command while they kept the person restrained. They held the phone to her ear of the person in deliverance. In praying it seemed that nothing was happening and the situation remained the same. These people did not have a good view regarding tongues, and had been strictly taught that tongues are not for today. Nothing was happeing so, even though reluctant, since it was a critical point in deliverance of this person, the gift of tongues was used. After praying in the tongue for just a short time, it went back into normal English prayer and commands. Then a voice came on the line and said "You better go back to that other language. That seemed to be doing some good. Going back into the tongues for a few minutes and the deliverance team member came back on the phone and said the person being delivered was quiet and all was well.

Third - Tongues can be a powerful witness - There was a gathering in a conference room at a large hotel. The hotel rules dictated that the bar in the rear of the conference room remain open whenever the room was in use. A bartender tended the bar while the word was being ministered. Close to the end of the meeting a person stood up and spoke in tongues. The group waited silently for the interpretation of the word spoken in tongues. When no apparent interpretation was given, it was simply announced that "We thank the LORD for the utterance, but since there is no interpretation flowing here tonight, that will be our only public utterance in tongues." Yes sometimes we can do it NICELY. As the meeting closed the bartender, with tears streaming down his face, came us and said, "I must talk to that man who stood up and prayed. How does he know my tongue? I'm Iranian, and he worshipped the True and Living God in perfect Farsi!" That night the bartender gave his heart to Jesus Christ. Brethren, I do hope you see from this why the Word of God says FORBID NOT TO SPEAK IN TONGUES. Tongues are a sign to unbelievers.

Fourth - Tongues can edify the soul -- Brethren, spiritual edification can take place in ways other than through the mind. Paul believed in an immediate communing with God by means of the Holy Spirit and the human spirit that sometimes bypassed the mind. This is made very clear in 1 Cor 14:14-15 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 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. Paul tells us clearly that for his own edification he will have both. But in assembly he will have only that which can also communicate with and be understood by other believers through their minds.

Fifth - Tongues can express things we just don't know how to say to God - Rom 8:26-27 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

The expression "groanings which cannot be uttered" simply means that there are times when we are so pressed out of measure that words are woefully inadequate for our travailing insomuch that the Holy Spirit interprets our groanings to the Father for us. However, I am convinced that the passage also allows for the employment of the gift of tongues to pray when words fail us.

So lets Just Summarize Biblical Truths about Tongues

Before going through these things, UNDERSTAND that the number of words in the tongue has NO Relationship to the number of words or syllables in the interpretation. The Bible is absolutely clear on this.

Dan 5:25 And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.

Dan 5:26 This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.

Dan 5:27 TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.

Dan 5:28 PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.

Mene = 1 Word with 4 letters

interpretation = 7 Words with 38 letters

Tekel = 1 Word with 5 letters

interpretation = 10 Words with 45 letters

Peres = 1 Word with 5 letters

interpretation = 11 Words with 48 letters

The number of words or syllables in a Tongue has NO Relationship to the number of words in the interpretation. It can be longer.

Tongues speech is directed to God and not men (Tongues is NOT irrational speech, but trans-rational, By that we mean that it it transcends the rationale of the mind) -- 1 Cor 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.

Tongues speech "is speaking mysteries in the Spirit"-- Paul says that in or by the Holy Spirit he speaks mysteries. Do we understand what is meant by 'mysteries?' It may be one of two things. 'Mysteries' may refer to those truths relating to our salvation in Christ that were not previously revealed during the era of the OT, but now have been made known by an act of revelation. Or then again he may be referring to anything that lies outside the understanding of both the speaker and the hearer. In other words, he speaks 'mysteries' in the sense that no one understands. Tongues-speech, when NOT interpreted, is simply a 'mystery' to everyone. And without the interpretation the tongue in assembly is out of order and will generally do more harm than good. The uninterpreted audible tongue speaker in assembly, should be called to biblical order, AND be disciplined to stop.

Speaking in tongues edifies the person -- 1 Cor 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.

Is the desire to edify one's self wrong or selfish? No! It's for this reason that believers study the Bible, listen to teaching and preaching. It is the reason you are here right now.

Paul prefers prophecy to tongues in the assembly of the saints -- 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.

Tongues plus interpretation does edify the entire Body -- 14:5

When the gift of tongues with interpretation is employed, it actually becomes another form of prophesying.

When a person prays in the Spirit the mind is unfruitful -- 14:14 1 Cor 14:14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. Unfruitful means that the mind neither produces nor understands the speech.

There is a praying with the spirit (tongues 1 Cors 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.), AND THERE IS A PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT (Eph 6:18; Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; or like in Jude 20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,)

Praying in the Spirit isn't necessarily praying in tongues, but praying in tongues should always be praying in the Spirit.

Tongues speech is NOT ecstatic or out-of-control?

The spirit of the prophet is subject to the prophet. Brethren, people find out why I am called BOOM when they come and tell me that God FORCED them to do something or that God MADE them do something. I will be quick to tell them that is NOT the TRUE GOD, who forces people to do anything. The True God SETS FREE from bondage. Every false god is a control freak and only false gods FORCE or MAKE people do things.

Tongues should NOT be a highly emotional, out-of-control type of action. To say that would be to deny the self control or temperance fruit of the spirit. KNOW and remember that the NT never uses the term "ecstatic" to describe speaking in tongues. That word "ecstatic" may be found in some perversion version English non holy bibles, but you will not find it in a KJV Holy Bible. In fact there is another reason to use the Holy Bible, and avoid the non holy bibles, if you are having ears to hear.

No such word as ecstatic is to be found in any way associated with the manuscripts in the Greek or any other language. Many define ecstatic as a mental or emotional state in which the person is more or less oblivious to the external world. The individual is perceived as losing self-control, perhaps lapsing into a frenzied condition in which self-consciousness and the power for rational thinking are lost. Brethren, those who speak in tongues that lose self-control can NOT be speaking by the Holy Spirit and must be speaking by some other spirit. The person speaking by the Holy Spirit will NOT become unaware of their surroundings. The reason that elders need to be so hard on people who claim that God MADE THEM DO IT, OR FORCED THEM TO DO, IT IS BECAUSE THAT IS PROOF THAT IT IS NOT THE HOLY SPIRIT who is always a perfect Gentleman. If some spirit is FORCING you or TAKING CONTROL AWAY FROM THE CONTROL OF YOUR WILL IT IS NOT THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Paul insists that the one speaking in tongues can start and stop at will (1 Cor. 14:15-19; 14:27-28; 14:40; 14:32).

1 Cor 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.

1 Cor 14:16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?

1 Cor 14:17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

1 Cor 14:18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:

1 Cor 14:19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

1 Cor 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.

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

1 Cor 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

Brethren, the only time things might get a bit out of control is in a deliverance service. There we know we are dealing with demons. If it is out of control it is NOT the HOLY GHOST who gives us the Self Control or Temperance fruit of the Spirit, that we are ALWAYS TO MANIFEST in Assembly, It should be clear what an out of control spirit is all about.

1 Cor 14:32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

There is a vast difference between an experience being "ecstatic" and it being "emotional". Tongues is often highly emotional and exhilarating, bringing peace, joy, etc., but that does not mean it is ecstatic or out of control or out of Biblical order.

Paul admits to being a tongues talker -- 14:18, "I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all;"

Brethren, if Paul speaks so much in tongues, but didn't do so when the Body was assembled, where did he exercise this gift? The obvious answer, in private devotion and intercession!

Tongues is a gift to the body and a sign to unbelievers -- Did you hear UNBELIEVERS?

1 Cor 14:21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.

1 Cor 14:22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

1 Cor 14:23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

1 Cor 14:24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

1 Cor 14:25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

Tongues for public use needs the complimentary gift of interpretation -

1 Cor 14:13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

1 Cor 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.

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

The spiritual gift of interpretation of tongues works through the spirit of man as enabled by the Holy Spirit, and not his mind. Mental ability is no more employed in interpretation of tongues than medical science was used when Paul said, 'stand up right on your feet,' and the man leaped and walked.

Interpretation of tongues isn't the ability to translate various known languages. One without the Spirit of God can have the natural talent of translating languages. Also we must understand that one interprets and doesn't translate the message. This gift does not always quote the exact words as translators; for interpretation is not translation. It tells the meaning of a message as one may tell the meaning of a dream, a parable, sign, or an action.

There are Rules and Biblical Regulations of the Gift of Tongues for public use:

1. Let all things be done to edify -- 14:26

2. There should be no more than three uses of the gift in a single service -- 14:27

3. There is to be only one person at a time giving the word -- 14:27

4. There must be an interpretation at one time or another -- 27,28

5. Everything must be done decently and in order -- 14:40

6. We are to covet to prophesy and forbid not to speak in tongues -- 14:39

Potential Abuses of the Gift of Tongues Should be Noted - I am simply going to say this again and move on. Potential Abuses of the Gift of Tongues Should be Noted

It is sad how Tongues, in many places, and by many people, is Misinterpreted as being a Mark of Spiritual Superiority and/or Spiritual Maturity. Brethren that is SAD. It is WRONG.

Tongues may be the primary evidence. But NO WAY is Tongues THE ONLY or exclusive or even the best evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Tongues may be the normal or common evidence, but certainly NOT the demanded, or the commanded, or the required evidence. Brethren, try to forbear with those caught in that particular trap of ignorance. Tongues are NOT the evidence of a Spirit-filled life. The Bible reveals that being filled with the Holy Spirit brings about a radical change in ones life called HOLINESS not Tongues. The evidence is NEVER limited to speaking with other tongues.

Praise is an evidence

Acts 10:45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.

Eph 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

Eph 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Prophecy is an evidence

Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Boldness in witness in witnessing is an evidence

Acts 4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, most conclusively,

Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

Fruit of the Spirit is the primary evidence

Gals 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Brethren, I hope you see that the other fruits of the spirit are indicators of THE Fruit of the Spirit, which is LOVE, and that you know is what the 10 Commandments is all about. Jesus said, John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

John 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

Tongues can be Abused by Psychological Manipulation

The genuine gift of tongues will need no priming of the pump type activity to initiate it's use. No one needs to be told to say 'tie-my-bow-tie' rapidly and repetitively. The true gift doesn't require a certain type of environment or a working of one's self into some highly emotional state. Beware of any psychological manipulation.

Tongues can be an Avenue for Demonic Counterfeits

We must understand that speaking in tongues isn't unique to Christianity. Hindu's speak in tongues. Many pagan religions use tongues in their religious rituals. All tongues should be tested, because demons mimic all the "power tool" spiritual gifts, especially tongues.

Strange as it may seem, in some instances we have found a mixture of the true and the false. One person had two distinctly different tongues. One proved to be demonic in source. When the wicked spirit was removed, that particular tongue could no longer be produced. The other tongue, which was very clearly of a different nature, passed every test as the Lord Jesus Christ was honored and glorified. One person with whom we had occasion to work over a considerable period of time had eight different demons giving tongues. After these had all been removed, it was found that there was also the genuine gift which repeatedly passed every test. It was also found that the use of the genuine gift in the presence of demonic spirits in manifestation, often seems to cause them great distress and gets them out more quickly. One person had a wicked spirit whose work was to interfere with the exercise of what was proven to be a true gift of tongues.

Brethren here are some questions we should consider about Tongues. Are you fearful of this gift of the Spirit? If so why? Do you despise the gift of tongues? Would you gladly receive this gift if Jesus offered it to you? Would you be willing to pray for the Lord to make you willing to receive this gift? Would you be willing for this gift to be released from within you by the indwelling, infilling Holy Spirit? Although you may not have the gift yourself, would you be willing to allow its use in church if biblical procedure was followed?

If you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, you have the Holy Spirit living in you (Romans 8:9). Because He is in you, all the power and gifts of the Spirit are potentially in you as well. Jesus gave the Holy Spirit to indwell believers. At Pentecost, believers were filled from within and the gifts and power of the Spirit were released. Many Christians today have The Holy Spirit in them, but the gifts and power need to be released. It is right that we pray that the gifts and power of the Holy Spirit be released in our life. Our ignorance, self will, pride, and lack of obedience, holiness, and in some cases demons, hinder the release of this power of the Holy Spirit to glorify God in the Name of Jesus Christ. Brethren, if we are not in ignorance, pride, self will or demonic hindrance then it can only be LACK of FAITH.

Luke 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Some people believe that because Jesus told the disciples to 'tarry' at Jerusalem.

Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

Acts 1:4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.

Acts 1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

Some believe we must 'tarry' in prayer a long time, too, before the Spirit will be released in our lives. But that instruction was given before Pentecost. The Holy Spirit came at Pentecost and never left. He is here. We do not need to wait for Him. PASSIVITY IS THE FIRST SIN, PASSIVITY IS STILL SIN, AND PASSIVITY IS THE MAIN WAY THE DEVIL BUILDS DEMONIC STRONGHOLDS IN US.

After praying, go in faith seeking and expecting the gifts and power to be released in your life. Pray for the sick and the demon possessed. Seek to manifest other gifts. The first one likely to come to you is tongues. Ask the Spirit to take control of your mind and drive out all spirits that are not of Jesus. Then ask the Lord to give you words in an unknown tongue by which you can praise Him. Focus on the Lord, open your mouth and IN FAITH, praise Him with whatever words He gives you. Do not pay too much attention to the words and do not be self-conscious. Just praise Him with whatever words He places in your mind and heart.

I Corinthians Chapter 14

The ignorance of this chapter of scripture has caused the loss of unity and schisms to form in many churches where God's power is manifest through the Holy Spirit. In times past, churches may have been able to survive without the power gifts of the Holy Spirit being manifest. This is not God's best or perfect will for any Congregation. A Congregation without the manifest power of the Holy Spirit is anemic in its outreach, especially to the Jews, and also the Gentiles.

Order in prayer and worship is required. If someone ever says that the Lord told them to do thus and so or to speak audibly in an assembly in an unknown tongue - the truth is they are ignorant. They may be ignorant as long as the decent order of the prayer or worship is not jeopardized. Being children in malice requires that we not forbid to speak in tongues as long as the scriptural order is not jeopardized. Praying audibly in an unknown tongue in an assembly is not an expression of spirituality but of ignorance.

The reason this is important is that powerful manifestations of the Holy Spirit will bring crowds. All believers delight to witness Yeshua being glorified through the manifestation of the power of the Holy Spirit. Part of the crowd which will be drawn will have tongue talkers who are ignorant of these principles and hopefully unsaved Jews. For the sake of the unsaved and new believers order must be maintained. To say one cannot control what one says is to deny having the self-control fruit of the Spirit and the respect of the Spirit regarding free will. The Holy Spirit is a perfect gentleman. He does not force us to do what we would not agree with Him to do. A schism will develop in any body of believers between the tongue talkers and the non audible tongue talkers if the ignorance of unknown audible tongues is allowed to represent spiritual maturity to new believers. Basic knowledge of the principles expressed in 1 Corinthians 14 can eliminate many possible schisms and quenching of the Spirit, and maintain the unity of the body of believers.

The only proper place for audible, unknown tongues, without interpretation, is the prayer closet. As the least of all spiritual gifts, every believer should ask for this wonderful and personally edifying gift. It can be a source of Great Joy in Great Tribulation. Just do it in biblical order.

No man in history had the genuine manifest gift of healing in the Name of Jesus Christ as did William Branham. William Branham was given 2 commissions. As great a success as he was at the one, he was that great a failure at the other. He was to restore divine healing in the name of Jesus. No one ever was as great a success at that as was Branham. #2, was just as important. God did send him to the Pentecostal people, who were among the few who still had regard for the necessity of holiness. #2 Job that William Branham was to accomplish, was to tell the Pentecostal and all Christian people, that THEIR THOUGHTS SPEAK LOUDER IN HEAVEN THAN THEIR WORDS. BRANHAM FAILED COMPLETELY AT THAT 2ND PART OF HIS MISSION. He was to get the tongue talking abuses cleaned up in the Pentecostal churches that he was sent to. As great a success as he was at #1 that is how great he failed at #2. However, if you ever run into a Branhamite, be careful and prayed up regarding if you should and HOW you should share that TRUTH with the Branhamites.

IT WOULD BE WONDERFUL, IF IN THESE LAST DAYS, THE GIFT OF TONGUES COULD BRING UNITY TO THE BODY OF CHRIST INSTEAD OF THE IGNORANCE REGARDING THE GIFT AND ITS PROPER BIBLICAL ORDER CONTINUE TO GIVE THE ENEMY A WAY OF DESTROYING THE UNITY OF THE BODY OF CHRIST.

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