The answers we need when it comes to speaking in tongues in church or not comes from the Bible, not from any one person. For there to not be confusion, God’s Word is clear that speaking of tongues in church should only be done if there is an interpreter. If not, it should not be done. So who benefits from the speaking of tongues, since we know it is a gift from God? The unbelievers do. All this is taught in 1 Corinthians 14. Paul said, “therefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?” (1 Corinthians 14:22,23) We do not want unbelievers leaving the church and going back into their old ways because they heard a lot of people speaking of tongues with no interpreter. This would be absolutely terrible. Christ’s church is for anyone who is desiring to know Jesus, even the unbeliever. Therefore, we do not want to stop them from believing in the Lord because of our own desires of how to run a church and God. Now, as I was saying earlier about the gift of tongues, there is much more to address on this topic, but know that God is serious when it comes to the proper use of tongues.
Paul continued and said, “but if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.” (1 Corinthians 14:24-28) The unbelievers that come to church will be amazed and overwhelmed by any form of prophesy that they hear, but not the same for tongues without interpretation. Many of these unbelievers will be convicted by God that these teachings are His and fall down and worship Jesus. Praise God. Therefore, everything we do in church should be down for the edifying of the saints of God. This includes every form of doctrine. It should be of God and His Word and not man. So to conclude on this topic of the gift of tongues, it is fine to speak this way in a group where people can interpret and on your own. God wants to speak to us in these in these tongues also in prayer.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that we will all learn from You and Your Word, the Bible. That we will not get wrapped up with what our church teaches, especially if it goes against Your Words. As for me, I do not wish any church teachings to conflict with what You have already taught me in scripture. It doesn’t matter what I have learned on my own, but if the teachings go against Your holy words I have a problem with that. Confusion should never set in people’s hearts when it comes to Your doctrines, oh Lord. Therefore, I pray that we will be in tune with You more often in prayer and in Your Word. So many people would be following You and not being led astray if they simply picked up to read the Bible for themselves daily. It has been an amazing journey these many years for me. I left things behind to know and follow You completely, and it has been amazing. I have learned so much, God. Even today, Your Word has emphasized the need for an interpreter when it comes to the gift of tongues in a church setting. I know the importance of this gift, but confusion should never be set in people’s hearts just because people decide to speak in tongues in the masses. I know I have been one of these people who was witnessed this in the past, and am still when this happens now. Every sacred thing that comes from Your hand should never be desecrated. I wish to lead people to know You and not have them leave You. I love You, Lord. I trust in You above all things. Amen.
