Is speaking in tongues the language of God?
The New Testament describes tongues largely as speech addressed to God, but also as something that can potentially be interpreted into human language, thereby "edifying the hearers" (1 Cor 14:5, 13).
The Bible says, “Building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost” —Jude 20. Speaking in tongues stimulates faith and helps us learn how to trust God more fully. For example, faith must be exercised to speak with tongues because the Holy Spirit specifically directs the words we speak.
For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.
The Bible specifically teaches that not everyone is given the gift of tongues (I Corinthians 12:29-30). That is why it's dangerous to teach that tongues are the only signifying proof of the work of God's Spirit in a person's life.
God's plan in this case, was for each of the 12 disciples of John, after they received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, to also receive the gift of speaking in tongues. God the Holy Spirit distributes this gift to whomsoever he wills.
First, Southern Baptists cannot permit its missionaries to pray in tongues because what the latter claim is the biblical gift is not. The biblical gift of tongues was always “a legitimate language of some people group,” so the policy declares.
“Glossolalia brain function appears to be more similar to other trance-like states in which the frontal lobe activity diminishes as the person loses their sense of purposely performing the practice,” said Newberg, in an interview for this article.
He did not speak of a future prayer model that would supplant this. The apostolic injunction to “pray in the Holy Spirit” does not vary, modify or cancel out this model prayer as that would violate the unity of Scripture. “Praying in tongues” exists but it is distinct from “praying in the Holy Spirit.”
Glossolalia is very common in Pentecostal Christian worship services, but it has also occurred in other sects of Christianity, as well as in other religions (and cults), such as paganism, shamanism and Japan's God Light Association.
Clearly, Paul's devotional life was characterized by praying and singing and praising in tongues, and he was profoundly grateful to God for this gift.
What type of Christians believe in speaking in tongues?
She says in modern day, speaking in tongues is a practice popular in the Pentecostal church; one that started in 1905. "It was a badge of honor for Pentecostals to be set apart. They wanted to be different from the majority Christian denominations," she said.
But in 1 Corinthians 14:4 Paul says, “Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy”. Later in the same chapter he speaks of the possibility of all speaking in tongues (14:23) and of all prophesying (14:31).
glossolalia, also called speaking in tongues, (from Greek glōssa, “tongue,” and lalia, “talking”), utterances approximating words and speech, usually produced during states of intense religious experience.
3) Praying in tongues edifies you.
The Holy Spirit resides in your spirit and edifies you from within. The word 'edify' means to improve, build up (like building a house), strengthen, encourage, activate or stir up. It also means to charge.
Praying in tongues is a gift that's available to every believer. It allows you to pray God's will to Him. It keeps you in tune with the Holy Spirit and strengthens your spirit as you stand against the work of the devil. Don't discount this powerful gift from God.
3) Praying in tongues edifies you.
The Holy Spirit resides in your spirit and edifies you from within. The word 'edify' means to improve, build up (like building a house), strengthen, encourage, activate or stir up. It also means to charge.
According to 14:16, prayer in tongues is a perfectly legitimate way in which to express heartfelt gratitude to God. Speaking in tongues is also a means for edifying oneself (1 Cor. 14:4), which contrary to what some say, is not a bad thing.
When you are seeking guidance from the Lord, intercede in tongues and then listen to what the Spirit seems to be saying. Try singing in the Spirit, letting the Lord supply the melody as well as the words. Ask the Lord to give you the interpretation of what you are praying in tongues.