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TONGUES

  "While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message.  And all the circumcised believers who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out upon the Gentiles also.  For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God,"  Acts 10:44-48

  "And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking with tongues and prophesying."  Acts 19:6

  "But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

For to one is given:

1)  the word of wisdom                            through the Spirit, and to another

2)  the word of knowledge            according to the same Spirit; to another

3)  faith                                                     by the same Spirit, and to another

4)  gifts of healing                                     by the one Spirit,  and to another

5)  the effecting of miracles,                                                    and to another

6)  prophecy,                                                                             and to another

7)  the distinguishing of spirits,                                                      to another

8 ) various kinds of tongues,                                                    and to another

9)  the interpretation of tongues."            I Corinthians 12:7-10

TONGUES

  "And God has appointed in the church,

          first                      apostles,

          second                 prophets    

          third                     teachers,

          then                      miracles,

          then                      gifts of healings,

                                      helps,

                                      administrations,

                                      various kinds of tongues.

29     All are not                    apostles, are they?

          All are not                              prophets, are they?

          All are not                     teachers, are they?

          All are not           workers of  miracles, are they?

30     All do not have          gifts of healings, do they?

          All do not              speak with tongues, do they?

          All do not                               interpret, do they?

But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you a still more excellent way."

TONGUES

  20 "Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be babes, but in your thinking be mature.  21  In the Law it is written, ‘By men of strange tongues and by the lips of strangers I will speak to this people, and even so they will not listen to Me,' says the Lord.  22  So then tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe, but to unbelievers; but prophecy is for a sign, not to unbelievers, but to those who believe.  23  If therefore the whole church should assemble together and all speak in tongues, and ungifted men or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are mad?  24  But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an ungifted man enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all;  25  the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you.  26  What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.  27  If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or at the most three, and each in turn, and let one interpret;  28 but if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in the church; and let him speak to himself and to God.  29  And let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment.  30  But if a revelation is made to another who is seated, let the first keep silent.  31  For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted;  32  and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets;  33  for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.  34  Let the women keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but let them subject themselves, just as the Law also says.  35  And if they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church.  36  Was it from you that the word of God first went forth?  Or has it come to you only?  37 If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord's commandment.  38  But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.  39  Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues.  40.   But let all things be done properly and in an orderly manner."  I Corinthians 14:1-40

  Let's take a positive approach!  So very many people have two motives or mentalities when the subject of tongues is approached.  They either;   1.  Start by trying to prove that the Gift of Tongues is no longer for today or for, us, and   2.  By trying to point out all of the negative aspects of tongues.

  What would happen if we took the approach that first of all, this gift - is a gift from God!!!   Let's take a positive approach and consider some of the positive things God has to say about His gift of tongues.  Otherwise, we can be like a grumpy person who is given a precious and costly gift from a very important and loving and special Person - but when we receive the gift, we only grumble, and murmur, complain and criticize.

  Before we consider these positive attributes, let us first deal with several lies, fallacies or misconceptions about the "Gift of Tongues".