What Does Speaking in Tongues Have to do With the Holy Spirit?

 

Many teachers, theologians and ministers endeavor to explain away Holy Spirit the need for Tongues and they are like the blind leading the blind – because they have NO knowledge of what they speak.

They meekly admit they have never experienced the fire or the experience according to the scriptures but boldly teach against it, saying “Let’s not get too emotional.”

 

Their explanation of the Holy Spirit reminds me of the story of the blind men explaining what an elephant is like.  Each blind person had not actually seen an elephant and their varied opinions were different for each person - -and there we are today! Assuming without experience will not get you to the truth.

Being saved (born again) and being Spirit filled are two separate events.  Most Christians assume that they mean the same thing, or that they happen in a single occasion.  But that is an incorrect assumption. The Bible clearly distinguishes between them as two separate acts.

It’s no wonder so many hearts cry out from the depths of unfulfilled spiritual hunger.

Now you may already know that speaking in tongues is probably the most controversial issue surrounding the baptism in the Holy Spirit. If it weren’t for this unique expression and gift of the Spirit, this baptism would probably be much more readily accepted by the overall Christian community.

The words above in Italics and in red are taken from Craig Tanner’s blog “Just One Touch from the King.”

I agree whole heartedly with the above comments – but differ just a bit in how easy it is to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

In the Bible, those who received this gift of endowment of power were earnestly seeking and desiring for God to fill them to overflowing.  There was a hunger and thirst with yearning and craving after what was being offered. 

Their hearts were open to receive from God and there was NO fear that He would give them a false gift.  Although faith was necessary, there was also a willingness to be used of God and to follow Him with almost blind obedience.

The New Testament saints expected those who were baptized with the Holy Spirit to speak in tongues, as this was a sign that the believer had received. 

Acts 8:44-47 While Peter yet spoke these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.  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.  For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

The gift of tongues becomes a powerful prayer language that will enable the believer to keep built up on their most Holy faith; (Jude 1:20) and to be able to pray according to God’s will.  (Romans 8:26)

I trust R.T. Kendall and you might find more answers you seek in his book.  HOLY FIRE  Available from Amazon.com

The debate about the Holy Spirit has been around for a long time. In Holy Fire, best-selling author and respected theologian R. T. Kendall sets the record straight about the Holy Spirit’s role in our lives and in the life of the church.

May we not settle for less when there is more of God available for seeking believers.