SPEAKING IN TONGUES

Speaking in unknown languages was the experience of the first Christian believers and occurred on the day of Pentecost, Acts 2:4 NIV. Jesus had told His disciples to wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit, which He also referred to as a baptism with the Holy Spirit. What happened on that special occasion was a fulfilment of Old Testament prophesy, Isaiah 28:11, Joel 2:28 NIV. Glossolalia is the term used to describe this manifestation of the Holy Spirit and comes from the Greek words: glossa -tongue & lalia -talking. So, let’s talk about this experience in simple everyday language.

As a young Christian I was enjoying my new found personal faith in God and discovering the Bible. I had confessed Christ in water baptism, but had then learnt about another baptism, a baptism in the Holy Ghost. At the time I was a student at Agricultural College and as an extra curricular activity had chosen debating. Quite strange really, because I was petrified of public speaking, but I recall thinking that the Holy Spirit could overcome my fears. Around this time I had been praying to receive the Spirit and I did experience a closeness of God’s presence, although I did not speak in any unknown language. Anyway to my surprise my debating was successful; and to this day I still believe it was the Spirit of God that enabled me to speak confidently!
Jesus had told His disciples to wait until they were impowered by the Holy Spirit before telling the world about the Gospel. In due course they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to preach the good news about Jesus with supernatural boldness. The Baptism with the Holy Spirit gives a Christian power to witness in telling others about Christ. This baptism is available to all believers and opens the door into a spiritual world. It also encompasses so much more, not only teaching the believer, but also bestowing ministry gifts and giving guidance.
Do I personally speak in tongues? The short answer is yes! But I preface my comments by saying that speaking in tongues makes no difference to a persons standing in God’s sight. We are justified by faith in Christ alone! It is He, who makes us righteous, having died to sin on our behalf. However, speaking in tongues is a Holy Spirit inspired language. It is like living water, which wells up from within, and also results in praise flowing from our lips in worship to God and His Son.

Ref. John 7:38-39 NIV.