06.09.2020

Must all Christians speak in tongues?

Bible passages:
1Corinthians 12:6-11, Ephesians 4:7, 1Corinthians 14:4-6, 1Corinthians 12:27-31, Mark 16:17, 1Corinthians 14:4, Acts 2:4-12, Romans 8:26-27

Discussion:
Acts 2:1-12 showed the demonstration of Holy Spirit after the disciples saw something like flames of fire stood on each person. The disciples started to speak in different languages by the power given to them by the Holy Spirit.
Verse 5 some of religious Jews from every country of the world were surprised because each one heard them speaking in his own language.
The passage gave us an insight into what the Holy Spirit does and some of the manifestation is speaking in tongues. According to the passage, speaking in tongues is speaking in a different language that has not been taught or learnt.
Apostle Paul acknowledged that speaking in tongues is good but we should desire gifts of prophecy which is the interpretation of tongues. 1Corinthians 14:4-6 stated that “the ones who speak in different languages are helping only themselves, but those who prophesy are helping the whole Church. I wish all of you had the gifts of speaking in different kinds of languages but more I wish you would prophesy”.
In a nutshell, Apostle Paul encourages speaking in tongues and the desire of being able to prophesy.
In 1Corinthians 13:1-2 Apostle Paul elaborated further that even though we might be speaking in tongues, and have a gift of prophecy but there is no love all sounds is like a noisy bell or a crashing cymbal.
Verse 2 “I may understand all the secret things of God and have all knowledge, and I may have faith so great to move a mountain. But even with all these things, if I do not have love, then I am nothing”.
Apostle Paul wants us to continue to grow in Christ and to continue to desire gifts that will glorify God and help us in our spiritual journey as a child of God.
In conclusion, each individual were encouraged to ask God for the gift of speaking in tongues. Matthew 7:7 stated that we should ask and it shall be given…..
General Overseer (Pastor Janet Matti)added that when we are seeking God’s face for spiritual gift - speaking in tongues we should surrender ourselves to God and release ourselves to receive directly from God. Romans 8:26 Holy Spirit helps us with our weakness as we do not know how to pray as we should. But the Spirit Himself speaks to God for us, even begs God for us with deep feelings that words cannot explain. 

Praise God 🙏🏽