IHOP - an eyewitness account

[mfblume]

Originally Posted by Esaias

Yes, however, when people speak in tongues (myself, for example) unless it's a message for the church we usually try not to 'be heard'. After all, Paul said if one has not the interpretation and there is no interpreter, then let the tongue-speaker 'keep silent and speak to God'. The recordings I put online are only a part of what is recorded each sabbath. I usually do not put our prayers online because I don't really think that's appropriate under most circumstances - that is to say, I am not too interested in 'hey, listen to us pray, aren't we spiritual?'.

Speaking in tongues, unless is an interpreted message for the church, is according to the apostle private prayer between the individual and God. It does occur in our meetings, we do not however emphasise it (unless someone was getting the Holy Ghost, or someone was bringing a message to the church).

Also, keep in mind the only recording equipment we use is a cell phone. I have noticed that if there is a din of people praying or worshipping some people simply cannot be heard on the recording due to the mic quality.

There have been some serious 'altar service' times that will never be put online, because, again, I do not see much value in public broadcasting of prayers. But short answer, yes, we do speak in tongues - although I would also say the incidence of speaking in tongues is far greater in individual prayer times than in corporate meetings.

I myself, if tongues start coming forth in my prayer or worship, will intentionally quiet down so as not to be heard unless I know the Lord is giving a message to the church.

I agree perfectly. This is not taught enough, but Paul distinctly related that in 1 Cor 14.

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by mfblume

I agree perfectly. This is not taught enough, but Paul distinctly related that in 1 Cor 14.

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 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.
(1 Corinthians 12:4-11)

Speaking in tongues and interpretation of tongues is last on the list. It's far more edifying and useful when the Spirit of God gives words of knowledge and wisdom, faith, miracles, healings, prophesying, discernment, etc than if everybody is just speaking in tongues. I do not denigrate tongues at all (I am after all thoroughly Pentecostal in experience and belief!) but again, it's at the bottom of the list, not the top.

I also notice Paul says it is the Spirit of God doing these things, dividing to who he will as he wills. We can want to hear tongues all day long, but if God has something else in mind, we better get on board with his program.