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Old Dec 31, 2007, 07:26 PM
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(JD) (JD) is offline
Legendary Wise Elder
 
Member Since: Dec 2003
Location: Coram Deo
Posts: 35,474
"Speaking in tongues" does occur. Medical science has proven that anyone can become riled enough to totally confuse the speech system and out will pour babbling.

However, true "speaking in tongues" also does occur: it is speaking in a language one has not studied: a miracle. It is "required" to have an interpreter within the body of believers so that the person speaking isn't edified, but God. It is also required that it be only by 2 or 3 at a time, also to avoid confusion and to allow for interpretation, especially for someone who is without knowledge, and certainly also for the new believer.

In a study of the times written for our understanding, when the "gift" of tongues is given, there are only two explanations/interpretations, true to the Greek language. Study shows that he gift the disciples were to remain in Jerusalem for was the Holy Spirit. (Prior to this time, the Holy Spirit did not indwell believers. During OT times, the act of making the sin atonement offering was secured by their faith that God WOULD send the Messiah, during the time of Christ's life also, and once He resurrected He was still with mankind. After Christ left the earth, then the Holy Spirit was sent to do His work.)

With Him, The Holy Spirit, also came the ability to speak in the languages of all the other people they were commanded to go preach the gospel to. (Clever thinking of God, eh?) One time, one of the miracles of "tongues" is really a miracle of hearing. Some miss that when studying, but is a cool aspect imo. (They all heard in their own language!)

Unfortunately, there are some today who do this for show only, and also defraud others at times. One very good friend of mine was a missionary and spoke many languages. He happened upon a particular church where they suddenly began speaking in unknown sounds, and then someone jumped up to "interpret." Another would babble something and another person yet would jump up and interpret. My friend, discerning the deception, stood and spoke in Russian actually, and someone popped up and "interpreted." Well, not really, they didn't say a thing that he had really said, but then he preached to them for real.

The Bible is clear in that if someone is really, truly, leading others to Christ, regardless of their methods, we are not to bother with them, but let God deal with them. This is the same for "healers." (Before I will address any healer for today, I will wait for them to go to all the children's hospitals and heal them there, as we know this truly would be God's will.) [This is not to say I don't believe that God heals today, for I do know He does.]

So, whether I would "call out" someone whom I thought was working by the devil's hand, unless I discern an evil spirit, I wouldn't, because especially in these last days, there will be things we have never known before.
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