FILLED WITH THE HOLY GHOST

WORD OF WISDDOM
GIFT OF TONGUES ~ Granted on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:4), in fulfilment of a promise Christ had made to his disciples (Mark 16:17). What this gift actually was has been a subject of much discussion. Some have argued that it was merely an outward sign of the presence of the Holy Spirit among the disciples, typifying his manifold gifts, and showing that salvation was to be extended to all nations. But the words of Luke (Acts 2:9) clearly show that the various peoples in Jerusalem at the time of Pentecost did really hear themselves addressed in their own special language with which they were naturally acquainted (Comp. Joel 2:28, 29).
Among the gifts of the Spirit the apostle enumerates in 1 Corinthians 12:10-14:30, "divers kinds of tongues" and the "interpretation of tongues." This "gift" was a different manifestation of the Spirit from that on Pentecost, although it resembled it in many particulars. Tongues were to be "a sign to them that believe not."


Act 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.

I have an uncle who would get slain in the spirit all the time. Yet he never spoke in tongues. Is he saved? Of course he is. Is it recorded anywhere that the man on the cross beside Jesus spoke in tongues? [Luk 23:42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom] No.

I could site case after case of people who never once spoke in tongues and they were filled the Holy Ghost. The evidence is speaking in tongues. Do we have solid evidence that we can see and touch that lets us know that Jesus Himself is the Saviour? What we do have is a Bible passed down through the years. What we do have is the believe in what we do not see, Hbr 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

The Bible tells us it is by faith that we are saved, Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. I wish that all should speak in tongues, 1Cr 14:5A Now I want you all to speak in tongues. It is the heavenly language that is understood by only the Lord. It is our direct line to Him. Do all do so? No, but it has nothing to do with being saved.

Tongues are a gift, just as there are many gifts of the Spirit. All do not have all gifts, 1 Cr 12:30 Do all posses gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? The gift of tongues is to all that ask, James 4:2B yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Then how do we receive this gift?

One problem I have with this is people will tell someone they should be filled but will not walk them through the process. Tongues can be received when one is alone, you do not need someone to hold your hand. For others is easier to have someone with you.

Praying through is the term used for praying that leads to speaking in tongues. There are different reactions for different people, but basically it is all the same. Prepare, yes LJG's favorite word and mine. Take some time to yourself, so you will not be interrupted.

One man I know got on his knees told the Lord, Your Word says and waited a few minutes, without saying another word. Then he got up and said it is not for man in this day and age because he didn’t speak in tongues. Oh, what he is missing.

Are you ready? Go before the Lord with His Word,[1 Sa 1:17 Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant [thee] thy petition that thou hast asked of him;] make your request by offering the Lord your petition, which is to speak in tongues. Then start praising the Lord. Continue to praise Him and as you do you will begin to feel the present of the Lord. Do not be alarmed or stop. Usually when the Spirit of the Lord comes on a person they will feel a warmness coming over them. As they are speaking the words they are saying might slur. Do not stop. Let the words come out. This is your heavenly language let it continue until it stops. You have now prayed through. If for some reason it doesn’t happen, don’t give up. Ask someone you know and trust to pray with you.

This is a gift that everyone should desire and have.

Now that we are Saved, Spirit Filled, and Speaking in Tongues, what else do we need to do? Get baptized? That question we will address tomorrow.

God Bless,
rECj/LJG