Have you ever been to a church where people spoke in tongues? What was that experience like? Was someone able to interpret what was being spoken? Were you and others encouraged and built up?
Monday, July 27, 2009
The Gift of Tongues
We've certainly been moving through some challenging passages in 1 Corinthians in recent weeks, and this past Sunday's message on the gift of tongues was no exception. And while I realize we tackled a lot regarding what Paul says about tongues in chapter 14, I'm curious to hear what, if any, observations or experiences you've had with this gift. Specifically...
tags:
church,
Corinthians
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I have had two experiences with it. One that was completely organized, and one that was 'THAT' church. Laur and I attended a church in California that I liked to categorize as 'Controlled charismatic' and they did have someone that spoke up in tounges once. It was actually in the middle of the sermon, which was an unlikely place for it to occur (as normally it might occur in music worship time). The preacher stopped everything, educated everybody on what is happening and then he said that he would just wait until someone had an interpretation. After about 5 min, someone did stand up and interpret, and the message was about not being stagnant in our faith. It was pretty awesome, and for being the first occurance of tounges, I am glad that it was so well handled. The second one was actually a church in NW denver (some might already know where I am talking about). They had peeps sprinting up and down the isles, jumpers, flag wavers, etc. There was several around us that were speaking in tounges, but it was a bit more personal in their own zone. I wasn't weirded out by it just cause I might consider that there own personal worship time, but I will admit that it was a bit distracting for some first timers, and I am sure, those who know nothing of the faith.
I've had both life-giving and not so much giving but more like "look at me" whoo hoo experiences too. It seems like the people who use the gift of tongues for either their own personal edification or to hear from God to encourage others (when they can't seem to get past their own brain)...it can be amazing and very much a gift. I've seen the other way too and I end up feeling a little confused which I know isn't from God (confusion that is). Seems like all gifts are like that though...if our motives aren't to glorify our God but to receive glory ourselves the gift doesn't get taken away but it falls flat. But if our motives are surrendered to HIM, the gift feels just that way...like a gift not something we manufacture. I love that we don't have to be in charge. Whew!
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