How many times did you ask God for the Holy Ghost?

[Isaiah]

GIFT OF TONGUES IN THE CHURCH

"For by ONE SPIRIT are we ALL BAPTIZED into one body." I Cor. 12:13. “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit." I Cor. 12:4. The gifts of the Spirit are as follows: the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, faith, the gifts of healing, the working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, divers kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues. But by one and the selfsame Spirit, God divides these gifts severally to every man as He will. I Cor. 12:8-11.

Since the gift of tongues is a manifestation of the Spirit (I Cor. 12:7,11), it cannot operate in a person without the Holy Ghost being resident within him. Therefore this gift is only given to believers who have been baptized into the body of Christ by the Holy Spirit evidenced by Tongue-speaking. The gift of tongues is different from the tongues as the initial evidence of the Holy Spirit baptism. Compare the following:

1. These tongues differ in purpose. The gift of tongues, along with the gift of interpretation of tongues, has been given to some in the church to convey a message from God to the congregation as the need requires. I Cor. 12:7, 27,28. But the tongues, as evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost, is the believer’s personal experience with God, and is not designed to convey a message to the church.

2. Also these tongues differ in operation. The gift of tongues in the church is limited to two or three messages, and that by course; and one must interpret. I Cor. 14:27. But the tongues as evidence of the Holy Spirit baptism is an unlimited manifestation and requires no interpretation. Paul said, "He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, EXCEPT he interpret, that the church may receive edifying." I Cor. 14:4,5. Certainly the apostle did not try to discredit or do away with the importance of tongues. Because, in comparison, he illustrated that the less honorable members of the body are necessary, and receive more abundant honor. I Cor. 12:22,23. Each gift of the Spirit has its proper time and place in the church, and when tongues are interpreted they become as important as prophecy! So Paul emphasized, "...Let all things be done unto edifying." I Cor. 14:26. To edify the church, the gift of tongues must be coupled with the gift of interpretation of tongues. To avoid confusion, Paul gave instructions to follow for the use of tongues and interpretation of tongues in the church. (See I Cor. 14:27.) He said, "If there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church: and let him speak to himself, and to God." I Cor. 14:28. Also he said, "IN THE CHURCH I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue." I Cor. 14:19. It is better for the edification of the church to speak five words of understanding than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue without a divinely inspired interpretation. However, lest anyone misunderstand the importance of tongues, Paul concluded, "Wherefore brethern, covet to prophesy, and FORBID NOT TO SPEAK WITH TONGUES." I Cor. 14:39.

"Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not..." I Cor. 14:22. This Scripture deals with God’s speaking to man. (See I Cor. 14:21.) Of course, the believer should know when the Lord speaks, whether by tongues or not. But as a proof to the unbeliever, or anyone who doubts the Word of God, tongues are manifested for a miraculous sign of His presence.

Paul asked the question, "Do all speak with tongues" I Cor. 12:30. The context of this Scripture requires a negative answer, because Paul is discussing tongues as a gift of the Spirit only, and not as the evidence of the Holy Spirit baptism. (See I Cor. 12:28.) The gift of tongues is in addition to the tongues experienced with the baptism of the Holy Ghost. (By the same rule, the gift of faith is in addition to the measure of faith given a person to be saved. Compare Ram. 12:3, I Cor. 12:9.) So everyone may not receive the gift of tongues. But in every case, where the initial evidence of the Holy Spirit baptism is recorded, "ALL" spoke in tongues. (For examples see Acts 2:4, 10:44, 19:7.)

[Isaiah]

PERSONAL DEVOTION TO GOD

Tongues are also manifested in a believer’s personal life of prayer and worship. They serve as a means of his secret communication with God in the Spirit. These tongues are not meant to be understood by men; therefore, they need no interpretation. "He that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the Spirit he speaketh mysteries." I Cor. 14:2. "The Spirit itself maketh intercession far us with groanings which cannot be uttered." Rom. 8:26. Paul said, "If I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also." I Cor.14:14,15.

These devotional tongues are also for the personal edification of the believer. They are for self-encouragement and uplifting of his spirit. Paul said, "He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself..." I Cor. 14:4. So the apostle gladly stated, "I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all." I Cor. 14:18.

How long will tongues continue to be manifested? "Whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away." I Cor. 13:8-10. The phrase, "when that which is perfect is come," is translated from the Greek phrase "to teleion". The word "teleion" is a singular neuter term which refers to Jesus Christ. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon, p.618, defines the phrase “to teleion” as used in I Cor. 13:10: "The perfect state of all things, to be ushered in by the return of Christ from heaven." Paul said, "Now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then (when that which is perfect is come) shall I know even as also I am known." I Cor. 13:12. When the church, having reached her state of perfection, stands face to face in the presence of God, there will be no need for prophecies, tongues and knowledge. But until that which is perfect (Jesus Christ) is come, that which is in part will remain. And as long as there remains prophecies and knowledge, tongues shall not cease. So Paul instructed the church to COME BEHIND IN NO GIFT, WAITING FOR THE COMING OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. I Cor. 1:7.

And I'm done....

[easter]

Originally Posted by jfrog

I believe in God but I have no idea who that God is or what he is like...

As far as your analysis of Acts 19, I would like to offer one critique. They had to believe before they were baptized and they were baptized before they received the Holy Ghost. In fact, I don't think they could have immediately received the Holy Ghost because there had to have been a brief moment between the time they were baptized and the time Paul laid his hands on them. I think that brief moment between baptism and Paul laying his hands on them is enough to show that the Holy Ghost in Acts 19 was received post belief.

Thank You jfrog!As far as the book of Acts goes I'm still studying that book.Your right belief plays into this but I am still studying the part out about how the Holy Spirit draws a man to Christ.

jfrog you know the four gospels shows us a clear picture of God.He must love us more then anything to die for us.
jfrog do you have children?You know I seen a real good picture of God one night back in 2008 I lost my 19 year old son very sudden and unexpectly.This boy was my world and if it were possible,if I could have done this I would have gave my life up without even thinking about if my son could have gotten his life back.That is real love.A love without condition.
Well anyways that is how God loves us.He died so that we could live with him in eternity.So if your not sure who God is I can tell you God is Love and I hope you meet him.

[Isaiah]

To not stray the originality of this post I recived the Holy Spirit when I was 16, I was not seeking it, but I walked up to an altar convicted of my sins and broken before God. As I kneeled down with tears streaming upon my face, their the Lord met me and filled me confirming his presence within me, through tongues. the Spirit speaking through me bringing edification to a broken man. All I have to say who wouldnt want God praying through them to the edification of themselves... "For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:20). God Bless

[Isaiah]

Originally Posted by easter

Thank You jfrog!As far as the book of Acts goes I'm still studying that book.Your right belief plays into this but I am still studying the part out about how the Holy Spirit draws a man to Christ.

jfrog you know the four gospels shows us a clear picture of God.He must love us more then anything to die for us.
jfrog do you have children?You know I seen a real good picture of God one night back in 2008 I lost my 19 year old son very sudden and unexpectly.This boy was my world and if it were possible,if I could have done this I would have gave my life up without even thinking about if my son could have gotten his life back.That is real love.A love without condition.
Well anyways that is how God loves us.He died so that we could live with him in eternity.So if your not sure who God is I can tell you God is Love and I hope you meet him.

Truthfuly incredible sister, the Lord bless abundantly as he already has. Appreciate your strong words.

[mfblume]

Originally Posted by jfrog

Oh, one other thing blume. I'm not sure how biblical it is to seek the Holy Ghost, at least by how seeking is practiced in many Pentecostal services. I know its biblical and even reasonable to ask God for it and even to desire it, however, I'm not sure the bible teaches its something that should be sought after in the manner that Pentecostal churches encourage people to seek. What are your thoughts?

I agree many pentecostal circles are off the wall at times. MANY, not all. I have never stood upon what a church may do as though it was the epitome of example just because they said they were, but always look to the Word to validate everything.

[jfrog]

Originally Posted by easter

Thank You jfrog!As far as the book of Acts goes I'm still studying that book.Your right belief plays into this but I am still studying the part out about how the Holy Spirit draws a man to Christ.

jfrog you know the four gospels shows us a clear picture of God.He must love us more then anything to die for us.
jfrog do you have children?You know I seen a real good picture of God one night back in 2008 I lost my 19 year old son very sudden and unexpectly.This boy was my world and if it were possible,if I could have done this I would have gave my life up without even thinking about if my son could have gotten his life back.That is real love.A love without condition.
Well anyways that is how God loves us.He died so that we could live with him in eternity.So if your not sure who God is I can tell you God is Love and I hope you meet him.

I don't have any children. I'm only 23. I'm not sure what to make of the bible or how it portrays God. I do see love in the story of Christ, but I think for different reasons than you. However in the end, I'm not sure if the story of Christ is anything more than a story.

[Isaiah]

Originally Posted by mfblume

I agree many pentecostal circles are off the wall at times. MANY, not all. I have never stood upon what a church may do as though it was the epitome of example just because they said they were, but always look to the Word to validate everything.

Amen we must always look to the Word. "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that thye recieved the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so" (Acts 17:11). Good point

[jfrog]

easter, there are a couple of other puzzle pieces regarding Acts that I would like you to consider.

The third puzzle piece is that signs such as tongues and prophecy sometimes occurred upon receiving an being filled with the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2, 10, 19)

The fourth puzzle piece is this:

Acts 2:38-39

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.

Peter promised the Holy Ghost to everyone that has repented and been baptized. It seems to me to be speaking of the Holy Ghost that CAN come post belief (the same Holy Ghost that came post belief in Acts 8).

[mfblume]

Originally Posted by jfrog

I don't have any children. I'm only 23. I'm not sure what to make of the bible or how it portrays God. I do see love in the story of Christ, but I think for different reasons than you. However in the end, I'm not sure if the story of Christ is anything more than a story.

I recommend getting into the TYPOLOGY of the Bible for awesome and solid evidence that all that is of Christ is vitally true.