A ministry of the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church

Lee Swor, Pastor

Dr. Joseph Speciale, Instructor

The Bible Truth

Speaking In Tongues

Speaking In TonguesIntroduction

• Speaking in tongues (Gr. glossa laleo or Glossolalia) is apractice espoused by CHARISMATIC Christians

• The word CHARISMATIC is derived from thetransliteration of the Greek word charisma meaning"gifted"

• For about 1,800 years of church history, instances of people“speaking in tongues” were extremely rare unless a personwas accused of being demon-possessed

• Demoniacs often exhibit the ability to speak in unknowntongues (i.e.- a language they do not know and their hearersdo not understand); often in ANCIENT (e.g.- Sumerian;Old Egyptian) or alleged ANGELIC (e.g.- Enochian)languages

• The Charismatic doctrine of “speaking in tongues”originated with Charles Fox Parham (1873-1929) in the late19th century

• Parham is called “the father of the modern Pentecostalmovement” and was the first to associate glossololia(“speaking in tongues”) with the baptism of the Holy Spirit

Speaking In Tongueso He gave his students an assignment to research what

it meant to “receive the gift of the Holy Ghost”(Acts 2:38) and what the evidence was that this giftwas received

o The unanimous conclusion was that “speaking intongues” was the evidence of the baptism of the HolyGhost

• The first person in the USA to speak in tongues isAgnes Ozmano On New Year’s Eve 1900, Parham and his students

gathered to pray for the gift of the Holy Ghost withinitial evidence of speaking in tongues

o After midnight on January 1, 1901, one of Parham’sstudents Agnes Ozman, asked him to prayspecifically for her to be baptized with the HolyGhost through laying on of hands, so that she mightspeak in tongues

o Ozman’s fellow students reported that a halosurrounded her head and face as she began speakingin tongues, specifically Chinese

o Not long thereafter, Parham and 34 of his otherstudents also began speaking in tonuges

Speaking In Tongues

• Out of this experience, Parham established theHouston Bible School (1905) in Houston, Texaswhere two of his students were black Holinesspreachers Lucy Farrow and William J. Seymour(1870-1922)o Farrow was born into slavery and was the niece of

Frederick Douglasso She was “pastor” of a small Holiness church in

Houston when she met Charles Parham and went towork for him, first as a governess and then as a cook atthe College

o While working for Parham, she asked her friendWilliam Seymour to pastor the church

o While attending meetings conducted by Parham,Farrow became the first African-American to speak intongues

o Farrow shared her experiences with Seymour andconvinced him to enroll at Parham’s college in 1906

o While Seymour rejected Parham’s support of “BritishIsraelism” he did embrace his teachings on the baptismof the Holy Ghost and speaking in tongues

• Seymour spent just six weeks at the school becausehe was asked to pastor a church in Los Angeles, CA

Lucy F. Farrow

Speaking In Tongues• The church expelled Seymour in less than two weeks and padlocked the

door due to outrage over his teaching on speaking in tongues• Seymour began conducting a prayer group at the house of a man named

Edward Lee and when the group grew too large, it was moved to the homeof Richard Asberry

• It was there during a meeting in April 1906 that Lee spoke in tongues afterSeymour laid hands on him signifying the beginning of what wouldbecome the “Azusa Street Revival”

• Later in April 1906, the prayer group moved from Asberry’s house to anold African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church building on Azusa Streetand organized as the Azusa Street Mission

• Seymour preached his doctrines during the revival meetings at the Missionand people from all races and stations experienced speaking in tongues,including Charles Mason, the founder of the Church of God in Christ

• Seymour rejected the racial barriers that existed at the time as well as thebarriers against women holding leadership positions in the church (e.g.-pastors and deacons), on the basis that “the Spirit” was bringing peopletogether across all social lines and boundaries

• The “Azusa Street Revival” meetings would run from 1906-1909(although many Pentecostals believe the revival is still going today)

Speaking In Tongues

• Seymour sent for Lucy Farrow to join him in Los Angeles to assist him-Farrow would become known as the “anointed handmaiden” who laid herhands on many who received the Holy Ghost and the gift of speaking intongues

• The leaders of the revival began publishing the Apostolic Faith newsletterin September 1906

• The movement came under scrutiny and investigation by mainstreamProtestants who believed that Seymour’s teachings were heresy

Speaking In Tongues

• Parham believed that the gift of tongues had to be RECOGNIZABLEHUMAN language but Seymour’s doctrine allowed for language that could notbe understood (i.e.- gibberish; babble)

• Seymour refused to back down from his beliefs so Parham denounced theAzusa Street revival as false, which led to his prompt dismissal from therevival

• Shortly thereafter, Parham accused Seymour and the Azusa Street revival asbeing FROM THE DEVIL

• In October 1906, CharlesParham came to preach at theAzusa Street revival

• Parham became disgusted bythe state of revival as heobserved the form of worship,particularly the ecstaticpractice of speaking in tongues

• Parham even went to the pulpitand began to preach that Godwas disgusted with what wastaking place

Speaking In Tongues

• While issues and challenges would come to Seymour and the Azusa StreetMission, many missions were established across the country (and the world)that modeled themselves after Azusa’s doctrines and practices

• In spite of the SCRUTINY placed on the Charismatic/Tongues movement itrapidly SPREAD throughout the USA and world during the 20th century

• Many notable “preachers” arose spreading the Charismatic “gospel”, thatincluded receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost with initial evidence ofspeaking in tongues- Aimee Semple McPherson (founder of the FoursquareChurch), Kathryn Kuhlman, Marilyn Hickey, Benny Hinn, Creflo Dollar,Frederick Price, Jesse Duplantis, Jim Bakker, Jimmy Swaggart, JohnAvanzini, Joyce Meyer, Kenneth & Gloria Copeland, Kenneth Hagin,Morris Cerullo, Oral Roberts, Pat Robertson, Paul Crouch, Perry Stone,Rod Parsley, Rodney Howard-Browne, RW Schambach, etc.

• Many Charismatic denominations formed based on the belief that the giftsof speaking in tongues and healing by laying on of hands were available tothose who prayerfully sought them from God, most notably the Assembliesof God, Pentecostal (Holiness), Apostolic, Church of God, and Church ofGod in Christ

Speaking In Tongues

• The explosive growth of the Charismatic movement since the 1970s ismostly due to dominant media access and global communication

• The Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) and the Christian BroadcastingNetwork (CBN), founded by Paul Crouch and Pat Robertson respectively,has preached the Charismatic version of speaking in tongues and healingby laying of hands for decades and reached hundreds of millions ofviewers (if not billions) across the world

• The 10 largest church memberships in the world are Charismatic churches• Charismatic Christianity has become mainstream Christianity, and this is

reflected by the books sold in Christian bookstores, the music played onChristian radio stations, and the programming presented on Christiantelevision

• One renowned statistician estimated that 80% of all “conversions” toChristianity are Charismatic and that approximately 372,000,000 peoplein the world identify themselves as “Charismatic Christians”

• The Azusa Street Mission, where it all began, continues to this day underthe leadership of “Apostle” Fred & Wilma Berry

Speaking In Tongues

Speaking In Tongues

Speaking In Tongues

• The Charismatic movement is very appealing because it is based on asensational EXPERIENCE; it is ecumenical because it often interprets theBible in light of these experiences instead of interpreting theseexperiences in light of the Bible (i.e.- if there is a conflict between “theSpirit” and the Bible, “the Spirit” trumps the Bible)

• There is no doubt that many Charismatic Christians and those who speakin tongues are true born again believers who love the Lord and want tolive for him

• But the essential question is, with all feelings, experiences, and sincerityaside- Are Charismatic tongues BIBLICAL tongues?

• We need to understand what the Bible says about tongues and thencompare what the Bible says with what is believed and practiced byCharismatic Christians

• The issue is not trivial or preferential because the ramifications are mostserious- either the Baptists or the Charismatics are teaching false doctrineregarding the Holy Spirit and tongues; either the Baptists are missing outon an integral part of the ministry of the Holy Spirit or the Charismaticsare following the lead of a false Holy Spirit

Speaking In Tongues• TONGUES appears 36x (6 x 6= # of MAN)• SPEAK and TONGUES appear together in the same verse 11x (# of

CONFUSION)• The first appearance of TONGUES is associated with the division of

humanity into NATIONS at Babel cf. (Gen 10:5)

Gen 10:20,3120 These are the sons of Ham, after their families, after their tongues, in their countries, and intheir nations.31 These are the sons of Shem, after their families, after their tongues, in their lands, after theirnations.

WHAT TONGUES ARE ASSOCIATED WITH1) Nations and peoples (Gen 10:20,31; Isa 66:15; Rev 7:9; 10:11; 11:9; 13:7; 17:15)2) Strife and pride (Psa 31:20)3) Violence and strife (Psa 55:9)4) Lying (Psa 78:36; Jer 9:3)5) A serpent and his poison (Psa 140:3)6) False prophets (Jer 23:31)7) Deceit (Rom 3:13)

Speaking In Tongues• It is no coincidence that TONGUES are directly associated with THE PRIDE

OF MAN because the entire tongues movement is fueled by spiritual pride

Psa 31:20Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretlyin a pavilion from the strife of tongues.

• It is no coincidence that the USE of TONGUES is directly associated withFALSE PROPHETS who steal the word of God (preach from a false Bible),preach false dreams, and preach LIES and practice LIGHTNESS (i.e.- levity;lacking in dignity) that cause God’s people to ERR because this describes the“ministry” of the contemporary tongues preacher

Jer 23:30-3230 Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that steal my words every onefrom his neighbour.31 Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith.32 Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, andcause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commandedthem: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD.

Speaking In Tongues

• The first occurrence of speaking in tongues is not Pentecost in Acts 2, butBabel in Genesis 11

• The Lord confounded their language so that they went from ONE languageto MANY and could NOT UNDERSTAND one another- they werespeaking in UNKNOWN TONGUES to each other

• Babel is the opposite of Pentecost- the tongues given at Babel were part ofdivine JUDGMENT but the tongues given at Pentecost were part of divineGIFTS

Gen 11:6-96 And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this theybegin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.7 Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand oneanother’s speech.8 So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off tobuild the city.9 Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language ofall the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.

Speaking In TonguesI. The Reality Of Tongues

1. Tongues are a spiritual GIFT

1 Cor 12:1,8-11,13,301 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by thesame Spirit;9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; toanother divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as hewill.13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whetherwe be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

1 Cor 14:1-21 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no manunderstandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries

Speaking In Tongues1) All spiritual gifts are bestowed by the Holy Spirit as he determines

(12:8), rather than learned or attained by the will or skill of the individual(Acts 2:7; 4:13), and are given at the moment of salvation

2) No spiritual gift, including speaking in tongues, is given to ALL bornagain believers (12:10,30) even though all are baptized with the HolySpirit (12:13)

• This contradicts the doctrine of Charismatic churches that teach thatEVERY Christian should seek and pray for the gift of speaking in tonguesbecause it is the initial evidence of being baptized with the Holy Ghosto Some of these churches even offer classes on how to learn your tongueo In order to support the teaching that every true Christian should speak in

tongues, verses like 1 Corinthians 14:5,39 are taken out of context andmisinterpreted

1 Cor 14:5,395 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he thatprophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receiveedifying.39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

o Who wouldn’t want EVERY Christian to be given EVERY spiritual gift? But itis not for us to determine how spiritual gifts are dispensed

Speaking In Tongues2. Tongues are LANGUAGES

Acts 2:1-111 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all thehouse where they were sitting.3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as theSpirit gave them utterance.5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, becausethat every man heard them speak in his own language.7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these whichspeak Galilæans?8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judæa, andCappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers ofRome, Jews and proselytes,11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

Speaking In Tongues1) Tongues are always EARTHLY languages (not heavenly or angelic)

• The word TONGUES (v.4,8,11) is defined as LANGUAGES (v.6)• The tongues spoken in Acts 2 are called “HIS OWN language” (v.6), “OUR

OWN tongue” (v.8), and “OUR tongues” (v.11)• Numerous specific examples of these tongues are given (e.g.- Parthians,

Medes, Elamites, etc.) and they are all languages spoken by men on the earth(v.9-11)

• The argument that tongues are a HEAVENLY language spoken by ANGELScomes from a misinterpretation of 1 Corinthians 13:1

1 Cor 13:1Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become assounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

o First, the word THOUGH indicates that 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 is hypothetical- even ifthere is a separate language for angels, it does not mean that anyone can speak it,any more than anyone can understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and have allfaith (v.2)

o Second, the word AND may not be used to separate the tongues of men from thetongues of angels but used to join them as the same- the word AND is used this wayin Titus 2:13 where it refers to Jesus Christ as “the great God AND our Saviour”

Speaking In Tongueso Last, there is no example in the Bible where an angel speaks in a tongue that

only God and fellow angels can understand- every time an angel speaks,whether it be on earth or in heaven, men understand what is said

Lot heard and understood what the two angels said to himGen 19:1-31 And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lotseeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant’s house, and tarry allnight, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay;but we will abide in the street all night.3 And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house;and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.

John heard and understood what an angel said to himRev 10:10-1110 And I took the little book out of the angel’s hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouthsweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.11 And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, andtongues, and kings.

Speaking In TonguesJohn heard and understood what angels said to the LordRev 5:11-1211 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts andthe elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands ofthousands;12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches,and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

John heard and understood what an angel said to four other angelsRev 7:2-42 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and hecried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of ourGod in their foreheads.4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred andforty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

o The idea that there is a secret angelic or “Enochian” language that only themost gifted and blessed can speak has no basis in the Bible but originated in themystery religions

Speaking In Tongues2) Tongues are always UNDERSTANDABLE languages (not gibberish)

• The Lord gave the gift of tongues so hearers could UNDERSTAND; incontrast to the judgment of tongues at Babel

Gen 11:7Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand oneanother’s speech.

• Speaking in tongues occurs 3x (Acts 2:4; 10:46; 19:6) and in everyinstance the tongues spoken were naturally UNDERSTOOD by thehearer(s)

• Even in instances of UNKNOWN TONGUES (1 Cor 14:2,4,13-14,19,27),where an (earthly) language is spoken that no hearer present naturallyunderstands (except God), there was a scriptural requirement that someonewith the gift of INTERPRETATION (i.e.- translation) OF TONGUES bepresent to interpret so it could be UNDERSTOOD

• If there was no interpreter present, then no unknown tongues were to bespoken otherwise, confusion would reign, the speaker would be like abarbarian, and the church would be like a mad house to any visitors

Speaking In Tongues1 Cor 14:2,4-5,11,13,23,27-28,332 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for noman understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth thechurch.5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he thatprophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receiveedifying.11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh abarbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, andthere come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that bycourse; and let one interpret.28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak tohimself, and to God.33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

• This means that the indiscernible gibberish and babble that passes for“speaking in tongues” in Charismatic churches is unscriptural- they arenot BIBLICAL tongues

Speaking In TonguesII. The Reason For Tongues

1. To CONVEY the word of God

• Speaking in tongues was a REVELATION gift• The revelation gifts (i.e.- knowledge, prophesying, and speaking in

tongues) served the purpose of PROCLAIMING the word of God (i.e.-the gospel of Jesus Christ) until the revelation of the NT scriptures wascompleted (1 Cor 13:8-10)

Note: Unlike the gift of tongues, the gifts of knowledge and prophecy did not entirely cease with thecompletion of the NT scriptures but ended IN PART (1 Cor 13:9-10). The revelation aspect of these giftsceased, but the non-revelation aspect continues to this day. The gift of knowledge (1 Cor 12:8) enables aperson to have insight and illumination of the word of God (it is the gift of the TEACHER). The gift ofprophecy enables a man to effectively and powerfully proclaim the word of God (it is the gift of thePREACHER).

1 Cor 13:8Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues,they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

1 Cor 14:6Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except Ishall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

Speaking In Tongues

• Speaking in tongues for purposes other than revelation was not profitable• Speaking in tongues served the specific purpose enabling a preacher to

proclaim the word of God to people in a language they could understandeven though he did not know it

• This is exactly what happened on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2

Acts 2:11,21-2411 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you bymiracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves alsoknow:23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken,and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible thathe should be holden of it.36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus,whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Speaking In Tongues

• How could someone in 40 AD who could only speak Arabic hear therevelation of the gospel of Jesus Christ in his language except by the giftof tongues since the NT was not completed

• The gift of tongues and the interpretation (translation) of tongues provesthat it was the Lord’s intention from the beginning to give his pure,infallible, inerrant word to all the world in a language they can understand

Speaking In Tongues2. To CONFIRM the word of God

• Speaking in tongues was a SIGN gift• The sign gifts (i.e.- casting out devils, speaking in tongues, taking up

serpents, drinking deadly things, and healing by laying on of hands)served the purpose of PROVING that the apostolic ministry was of Godand that their message was the word of God

Mark 16:17-18,2017 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; theyshall speak with new tongues;18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shalllay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirmingthe word with signs following. Amen.

o NEW= “not before used; strange; unknown; one not of the same form;different”

o The tongues were languages the disciples did not know and could not speako The disciples who spoke in tongues were GALILEANS (Acts 2:7) and

Galileans were perceived as UNLEARNED and IGNORANT men (Acts 4:13)

Speaking In Tongueso Since those speaking in tongues did not learn the language and yet were

speaking it fluently like a native language, it was served as evidence they weredoing so by divine enablement

• Sign gifts are specifically for JEWS because Jews require a sign and willnot believe without a sign

Matt 12:38-4038 Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a signfrom thee.39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign;and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of manbe three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

John 4:48Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.

1 Cor 1:22For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

1 Cor 14:22aWherefore tongues are for a sign...

Speaking In Tongues• The Jews have required a SIGN from the very beginning of their national

historyo The Lord gave Moses the revelation of his word by speaking from a burning

bush at Mt. Horeb (Sinai)o The revelation was that the Lord had seen the affliction of his people in Egypt

and heard their cries, and was sending Moses to deliver them out of Egypt tothe promised land

o The Lord directed Moses to go to Egypt and preach this “good news” to thechildren of Israel in their bondage

Exo 3:7-8,16-177 And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and haveheard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;8 And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up outof that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the placeof the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and theJebusites.16 Go, and gather the elders of Israel together, and say unto them, The LORD God of your fathers,the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared unto me, saying, I have surely visited you,and seen that which is done to you in Egypt:17 And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of theCanaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and theJebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey.

Speaking In Tongueso Moses contended that the Jews would not believe that he and his message were

of God so the Lord gave him SIGN GIFTSo Moses’ first sign gift was TAKING UP A SERPENT and his second sign gift

was HEALING BY LAYING ON OF HANDS cf. (Mark 16:18)

Exo 4:1-8,171 And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto myvoice: for they will say, The LORD hath not appeared unto thee.2 And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.3 And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; andMoses fled from before it.4 And the LORD said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forthhis hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand:5 That they may believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God ofIsaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee.6 And the LORD said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put hishand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow.7 And he said, Put thine hand into thy bosom again. And he put his hand into his bosom again;and plucked it out of his bosom, and, behold, it was turned again as his other flesh.8 And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the firstsign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign.17 And thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs.

Speaking In Tongueso When the “ good news” was preached to the elders of the Jews AND the signs

were done in their sight, then they believed

Exo 4:29-3129 And Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel:30 And Aaron spake all the words which the LORD had spoken unto Moses, and did the signsin the sight of the people.31 And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children ofIsrael, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.

• In all three instances where tongues are spoken in the Bible there wereJEWS present

Acts 2:4-54 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as theSpirit gave them utterance.5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

Speaking In TonguesActs 10:23,39,40,43-46

23 Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them,and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem;whom they slew and hanged on a tree:

40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;

43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shallreceive remission of sins.

44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter,because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

• In Acts 10:45-46, speaking in tongues served as a sign (evidence; fruit) tothe Jews present that Cornelius and his company had been baptized withthe Holy Ghost; otherwise, they would not have believed that the Lordwas giving the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles also

Speaking In Tongues• Charismatics believe that speaking in tongues is the evidence of the

baptism of the Holy Ghost but the Bible truth is, EVERY true believer isbaptized with the Holy Ghost but speaking in tongues was never meant tobe given to every believer

• With the completion of the NT, we do not need signs because the Bibleitself confirms if a man’s ministry and message are of God (Isa 8:20)

• The Bible also provides numerous evidences of salvation and speaking intongues IS NOT one of them cf. (Rom 8:16; 1 John 3:14)

Acts 19:6-86 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spakewith tongues, and prophesied.7 And all the men were about twelve.8 And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing andpersuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.

• The disciples at Ephesus spoke in tongues in Acts 19:5-6 after they werebaptized in the name of Jesus Christ and Paul laid hands on them as a signthat Paul’s message was the divine truth (i.e.- as true Jewish believers theyshould now be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ)

Speaking In Tongues

• TONGUES are also a SIGN for UNBELIEVERS not for believers

1 Cor 14:22-2322 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: butprophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.23 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?

• This further highlights the fact that Bible tongues are eathly languages thatcan be UNDERSTOOD, because if unbelievers came to a church servicewhere everyone was speaking in gibberish and no interpreters werepresent, they would think they walked into a mad house

• The gift of tongues was given to PROCLAIM the word of God to peoplein their language and as PROOF to others that what was proclaimed wasthe word of God

• There is no scripture supporting the teaching that the gift of tongues wasgiven to be a personal PRAYER language

Speaking In Tongues• Charismatics misinterpret the following scriptures to support the false

doctrine that speaking in tongues is a heavenly, angelic, prayer languagethat sounds like gibberish, but is a gift given to them to profit thereby

1 Cor 12:7But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

1 Cor 13:1Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become assounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

o The correct interpretation was previously provided for 1 Corinthians 12:7; 13:1

Rom 8:26Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as weought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

o Charismatics believe that when they speak in tongues it is the Holy Spiritspeaking through them in their prayer (angel) language

o The problem with this interpretation is that the verse states that the groanings ofthe Spirit CANNOT BE UTTERED, so how could Charismatic tongues be thesame?

Speaking In Tongues1 Cor 14:2,42 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for noman understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth thechurch.

o The context of 1 Corinthians 14 clearly indicates that the person speakingor praying in an unknown tongue should do so with theirUNDERSTANDING, either by the Lord giving them the ability to interpretwhat they are saying or by another person with the gift of interpretation oftongues

o This contradicts the Charismatic belief that Christians can have the gift ofspeaking in tongues, use that gift as their “prayer language” to God, but nothave any idea what they are saying

1 Cor 14:13-1513 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding isunfruitful.15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: Iwill sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

Speaking In TonguesIII. The Restriction Of Tongues

1. The CESSATION of tongues

1 Cor 13:8-108 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there betongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

• The gift of tongues as well as the gifts of knowledge and prophecy weretemporary and were to CEASE when that which is PERFECT is come

• PERFECT= “finished; complete; consummate”• THAT WHICH IS PERFECT is the WORD OF GOD

Psa 19:7The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, makingwise the simple.

Speaking In Tongues• While Jesus Christ is perfect, THAT WHICH IS PERFECT is something

that replaces the gifts of prophesying, knowledge, and tongues• What do these gifts all have in common? They were REVELATION gifts-

the means of preaching the revelation of the gospel of Jesus Christ and whatwould become NT doctrine until the NT was completed

• The scriptures (OT and NT) are the COMPLETE revelation of God (2 Pet1:3,19) so with the inspiration of Revelation in 96 AD, there was no furtherneed to reveal the word of God through prophesying, knowledge, or tongues

• With divine preservation of the scriptures through copying andTRANSLATION, the world has access to the word of God in a languagethey can understand

• The gift of tongues is also a SIGN gift (Mark 16:17-18)• The SIGN gifts are also the SIGNS OF AN APOSTLE (i.e.- the apostolic

gifts)

2 Cor 12:12Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, andmighty deeds.

• An APOSTLE is an EYEWITNESS of the resurrected Christ

Speaking In TonguesActs 1:22Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one beordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

Acts 4:33And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and greatgrace was upon them all.

1 Cor 9:1Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work inthe Lord?

• The last one to see the Lord Jesus Christ in his flesh and bone resurrectionbody was Paul, making him the last apostle

1 Cor 15:5-85 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remainunto this present, but some are fallen asleep.7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

Speaking In Tongueso That means everyone since then professing to be an “apostle” is a FALSE

APOSTLE regardless of their sincerity and ignoranceo This false profession places them in a very dangerous position

2 Cor 11:13-1513 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles ofChrist.14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers ofrighteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Rev 2:2I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil:and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

• Since tongues is a sign (apostolic) gift, its cessation coincides with thecessation of the apostolic ministry

• As the revelation of the NT progresses, it is evident that the sign giftsgradually cease

Speaking In Tongues

• For example, all of the sign gifts are demonstrated in the book of Acts whichrecords events that took place from approximately 33 AD to 62 AD, andPaul mentions tongues, healing, and miracles in 1 Corinthians because it wasinspired relatively early (59 AD)

• In contrast, there is NO mention of speaking in tongues, casting out devils,or laying hands on the sick for healing in any of the Paul’s Prison epistles(i.e.- Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon) (64 AD) or Pastoralepistles (i.e.- 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus) (65-66 AD)

• The only books inspired after the death of Paul in 66 AD are by the apostleJohn (John, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Revelation) and none of them mentionthe sign gifts outside of the miracles of Jesus recorded in John

• If the apostolic signs did not cease with the death of Paul, the last apostle tobe called, then they certainly ceased with the death of the apostle John, thelast living apostle about 96 AD

• The end of the apostolic ministry coincides with the completion of the NTscriptures, which is the only “witness of his resurrection” we need

Speaking In Tongues2. The COMMANDMENTS for tongues

• The church at Corinth was a carnal church guilty of many incorrect beliefsand inappropriate behaviors that Paul addresses in 1 Corinthians

• 1 Corinthians 14 addresses the abuse of speaking in tongues• Paul gives five rules for speaking in tongues to ensure decency and order

are maintained in the church• Paul further states that if a man thinks himself to be a prophet (preacher)

or a spiritual man, he will acknowledge that what he has written(including these rules on speaking in tongues) are theCOMMANDMENTS of the Lord

1 Cor 14:27-28,33-34,37-4027 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and thatby course; and let one interpret.28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak tohimself, and to God.33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; butthey are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things thatI write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

Speaking In TonguesThe Five Commandments For Speaking In Tongues (1 Cor 14:27-28,34)1) No more than two or three can speak in tongues in the church (v.27)2) Those who speak in tongues must do so one at a time (v.27)3) Everything spoken in tongues must be interpreted (v.27)4) If there is no interpreter present, no one can speak in tongues (v.28)5) Woman can not speak in tongues in the church (v.34)

• The commandments of the Lord cf. (Exo 20:2-17) are to be obeyed 100%of the time with no exceptions, yet Charismatic churches all over theworld consistently break all five of these commandments proving that thespirit leading them to do so (and filling them) is NOT the Holy Spirit

• No true prophet (preacher) or spiritual man would deny that these are thecommandments of the Lord or ever deem it acceptable to break themunder any circumstances, yet Charismatic preachers (including WOMENpreachers) all over the world, not only permit it to happen but oftenpropagate it

• What does this say about these preachers?- they are FALSE PROPHETS

Speaking In TonguesIsa 8:18-2018 Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion.19 And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

Isa 59:1-31 Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that itcannot hear:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his facefrom you, that he will not hear.3 For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies,your tongue hath muttered perverseness.

• By deliberately disobeying the word of God and teaching contrary to it,they are no different than wizards and those that have familiar spirits (e.g.-a spirit that calls itself the “Holy Spirit”) who speak contrary to the wordof God and mutter (“obscure utterance”) perverseness

Speaking In TonguesIV. The Ramification Of Today’s False Tongues

1. Receiving ANOTHER SPIRIT

2 Cor 11:3-43 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your mindsshould be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receiveanother spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye mightwell bear with him.

• The “Holy Ghost” imparting the Charismatic version of tongues all over theworld IS NOT the true Holy Spirit but a FALSE and LYING SPIRITo It imparts tongues in direct contradiction to the five commandments (1 Cor 14:27-

34)o It brings attention and glory to itself far more than to the Lord Jesus Christ

John 16:13-1413 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall notspeak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things tocome.14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

Speaking In Tongues• There are NO examples in the Bible of any believer filled with the Holy Spirit

behaving like those who are filled with the “Holy Spirit” of the Charismaticmovemento No Spirit-filled believer is “SLAIN” by the Spirit but QUICKENED by the Spirito No Spirit-filled believer FALLS downo No Spirit-filled believer starts WALLOWING like they are having a seizureo No Spirit-filled believer starts talking in GIBBERISHo No Spirit-filled believer starts CRYING or LAUGHING uncontrollably and

incessantlyo No Spirit-filled believer starts CRAWLING like a animal or making animal

NOISES• The Bible does give an example of a person that acts like an animal, falls down,

and begins wallowing because they are possessed with an UNCLEAN SPIRIT

Mark 9:17-18,2017 And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath adumb spirit;18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, andpineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.20 And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fellon the ground, and wallowed foaming.

Speaking In Tongues

• History also provides an example- the Oracle ofDelphio The Oracle of Delphi was a young virgin selected

to be the mouthpiece for the god Apollo cf. (Rev9:11), the god of PROPHECY (see definition ofVATICAN) and the high priestess of his temple

o She was also called the PYTHIA, after theSERPENT that once dwelt in the region and wasslain by Apollo (hence our word PYTHON) andburied beneath the OMPHALOS (“navel”) stone

o People came from all over the world and paidmuch money to receive prophetic consultationfrom the Oracle

o The Oracle removed her purple veil and mounted atripod seat, holding laurel leaves and a bowl of“holy water” into which she gazed

o Next to her was the Omphalos stone and a cleft inthe earth from which emerged the “sacred pneuma”(i.e.- the "holy spirit”)

Speaking In Tongueso The “sacred pneuma” was also believed to be

the fumes of the rotting corpse of the serpentkilled by Apollo

o Petitioners would ask their question and theOracle would inhale the toxic fumes in order tobe “filled with the spirit” of Apollo

o As she inhaled the vapors, she fell into anecstatic trance accompanied by a number ofphysical manifestations: her figure seemed toenlarge, her hair stood up on end, hercomplexion changed, her heart rate raced, herbosom swelled, and her body began to convulseas if having seizures

o When the Oracle began to prophesy, she spokein unintelligible utterings (i.e.- gibberish) andher voice seemed more than human

o The rise of the Oracle at Delphi in the 8th

century BC is associated with the rise ofimportance of the city of CORINTH

Speaking In Tongues• The spirit behind the Charismatic perversion of speaking in tongues, as well

as other false signs, miracles, and wonders is the spirit of ANTICHRIST• This spirit is preparing the world for the ministry of the Antichrist and will

facilitate a global APOSTASY after the Rapture• All who have RECEIVED the truth and REJECTED it will be DECEIVED

1 John 4:3And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is thatspirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in theworld.

2 The 2:7-107 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be takenout of the way.8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of hismouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lyingwonders,10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not thelove of the truth, that they might be saved.

Speaking In Tongues2. Receiving divine JUDGMENT

• The Lord sent a FIERCE nation against his people, a nation that spoke withstammering lips and another tongue that they could not understand (i.e.- anUNKNOWN TONGUE), as a form of JUDGMENT for not hearkening to theword of God

Isa 28:11-13,1511 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is therefreshing: yet they would not hear.13 But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line uponline, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and bebroken, and snared, and taken.15 Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we atagreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we havemade lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves:

Isa 33:19Thou shalt not see a fierce people, a people of a deeper speech than thou canst perceive; of astammering tongue, that thou canst not understand.

Speaking In TonguesDeu 28:49-5049 The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, as swift as theeagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand;50 A nation of fierce countenance, which shall not regard the person of the old, nor shew favour tothe young:

• The Lord often gives people what they want and ask for when they refuse tobelieve and obey the word of God

• The Lord used false prophets to prove or test his people whether they wouldhearken to the word of God

Deu 13:3-43 Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for theLORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart andwith all your soul.4 Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey hisvoice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.

• The tongues movement and the preachers who advance it may be part ofdivine testing to see if Christians will obey the word of the Lord, or they maybe part of divine judgment because Christians would rather believe insensational EXPERIENCES and ecstatic FEELINGS than the word of God

Speaking In Tongues• The “speaking in tongues” taking place in Charismatic churches is NOT

Biblical tongues and the “Holy Spirit” enabling them to do it is NOT the trueHoly Spirit

• The Charismatic perversion of speaking in tongues, as well as other falsesigns, miracles, and wonders, may play a role in prophetic events since thatsame nation speaking in another tongue is associated with a FALLING BACK(i.e.- apostasy) and a COVENANT with death and hell cf. (Dan 9:27)

Isa 28:10-1510 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little,and there a little:11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is therefreshing: yet they would not hear.13 But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line uponline, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and bebroken, and snared, and taken.14 Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is inJerusalem.15 Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we atagreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we havemade lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves:

Speaking In Tongues

Bible Tongues Charismatic TonguesEarthly languages Heavenly or angelic language

Not gibberish or babble Always gibberish or babble

For preaching the word of God For praise and prayer

Not a gift for every Christian A gift every Christian should seek and have

A sign for unbelievers/Jews A sign for believers

Ceased with the completion of the NT scriptures

Continued throughout church history

No more than two or three speak in a single church service

Multitudes speak in a single church service

Only one speaks at a time in a church service Multitudes speak at the same time

If no interpreter (translator) is present to let the church know what is being said, then no one should speak

Speaking goes on without interpreters (translators)

Women not permitted to speak in the church Women speak in the church and have been the primary proponents of the movement

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