Expert: Brian Thompson - 1/30/2006

Question
Well, yes I have a question- which is the higher authority for you? The Bible or your own feelings and emotions?


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Followup To
Question -
So, in other words you can't justify it Biblically, right? Yes, you're certainly free from "legalism", if by "legalism" you mean the Bible. Hallelujah, let's worship our emotions! And actually, professional linguists have observed and studied Pentecostal so-called glossalalia and declared it to be mere babble, not any real language. I suggest you repent from your false Gospel and apologize to God and your fellow man for your ungodly arrogance.

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Followup To
Question -
How does the Pentecostal church justify the practice of speaking in tongues? It is quite clear from the New Testament that the gift of tongues involved speaking miraculously in actual foreign languages, not the babble heard in charismatic churches today. In any case, even if were accepted that charismatic churches today do experience the gift of tongues, they are violating every single rule laid down by Paul to the Corinthians pertaining to the exercise of that gift: namely, it is a sign for unbelievers- not believers (so why do Pentecostal churches speak in tongues when there are no unbelievers around), only 2 or 3 should speak at a time, there must be someone to interpret, and women should be silent? How does the Pentecostal church reconcile their practice with those rules?
Answer -
Johann

Let me first say; isn't legalism a wonderful thing?

Speaking in tongues is a gift, one of the Gifts of the Spirit, however if Paul is to be taken seriously it is a lesser gifting, if there is such a thing. What is not generally understood is Tongues is a prayer language and who are you to say it isn't a known language, are you an expert in all languages? I know that when I speak in tongues there are recognisable words such as Shah for example. Churches develop traditions and the Pentacostal church no less than any other, so in one church singing in tongues might be the norm, I do it frequently intrepreting the hymms and songs into tongues, in other cases a prophesy might be given in tongues and intrepreted, while tongues is often used in prayer. To suggest it ought not be used at all, or that I should speak to a non believer in another tongue without valid reason is phantasy and total misintrepretation of what Paul suggested to maintain good order in the Church services. The same can be said for your demand that my every prayer in tongues be intrepreted

Do you know any Christian church in which women are silent as you demand, perhaps the Catholic but then that is only one expression of the Christian faith. You have a very immature understanding of Scripture and have used it to attack what you don't understand. I suggest you dilligently seek God on this one and seek the Baptism of the Holy Spirit without which you cannot intrepret Scripture. The Pentacostal Church is free from legalism. Whom the Son sets free are free indeed.
Answer -
did you have a question? or is this just an opportunity for an anti pentacostal tirade. I know what was, I know what is and if you will keep an open mind I will share what I know with you, but if all you want to do is tear down then I say
vaya con Dios

Answer
The Bible is the higher authority but there is a higher authority still. Do you worship the Bible or the one who inspired it.

You fail to realise that He who makes the rules can change the rules. Christianity isn't a system of rigid laws. That was abandoned at the coming of Christ. As the Bible tells us; the Law as until John. We are heirs to a New Covenant, a covenant of Grace. There is no Condemnation in Christ Jesus. Any person who attempts to heap condemnation on a Christian is out of line. If I speak in tongues, what is that to you? The gift is available to you also. The Word tells us those who speak in tongues edify themselves, so be edified, it is better than being ignorant.

I find it strange that tongues is a stumbling block to many, and it is only that they have not matured and sought the gifts. If my Father gives me gifts, I greatfully accept them and put them to use. I don't say to him, no I'm better off without your gifts, I have my own beliefs. What did I have before receiving the Baptism of the Spirit, nothing, I was blind to so much of the Scripture.

Let me ask you a question.
can you see the three fold blessing in 2 Corinthians 9?

don't be like the pharasees who constructed a system of their own righteousness and held everyone else to that standard. Accept that the Pentacostals have an experence in God available to all, it's just that some don't believe. It's a choice. I have many charasmatic friends of all Christian persuasions and I will not allow you to diminish them